An idea

Here's a possible solution to The Problem of The Forgotten Purse:

Create a device composed of two components. The first is a small, low-power radio transmitter, about the size or smaller of the anti-theft devices that stores use to keep people from stealing clothes. This device would be embedded in the purse.

The second device would be a small radio receiver cleverly disguised as some accoutrement such as a bracelet. This device would be worn by the owner of the purse in question. It would communicate with the transmitter on a regular basis and when the transmitter is farther than a set distance away, say 50 feet, the bracelet would begin some form of polite notification, reminding the owner of the purse that she has quite possibly forgotten her purse.

I personally think this is an absolutely brilliant idea. This would provide women, who may be quite wonderful in every other area of life, but occasionally forgetful of a purse, with a simple tool to consistently keep track of an easy to lose, yet vitally important object.

It's really a shame I'm too lazy to do anything about this. If anyone takes this idea and becomes a multi-millionaire with it, though, then I expect at least dinner at a nice restaurant.

January 8, 2004 11:26 AM
4 Comments

That is awesome. I am a frequent purse forgetter.

Pondered by peninah at January 8, 2004 11:56 AM

maphets, we had a great time with y'all last night! Be careful on your way back up north.

Pondered by gosey at January 8, 2004 01:17 PM

Sounds like you are speaking from personal experience? ;)

Just to critique your idea a bit, wouldnt this make the purse constantly beep? I wouldnt want something beeping all the time, even if it was a polite beep. I would want something that I could press that would make it beep.

here is my solution. By a $7 cordless phone, and when you walk in the door, put it on your purse. Then, when you are looking for it, go to the base, and push the page button.

Voila.

Pondered by Greg at January 8, 2004 02:48 PM

We'll say the idea is based on an "aggregate" of personal experiences. :)

As for making the purse constantly beep, I'd make it so that the range was configurable. 100ft should be more than enough to allow someone to leave their purse anywhere in the house and not be beeped at, but still reminded if they begin driving off.

The cordless phone idea would work, but a difficulty would come if someone left their purse at someone else's house and, say, didn't remember it until they were 40 miles away.

Pondered by maphet at January 8, 2004 03:53 PM