| 摘要 |
A time-locking container to limit the compulsive overuse of objects and substances, such as but not limited to money, food, alcohol, and tobacco. The container locks until a future date and time of day set by the user. The container informs the user, before it locks, of the duration of locking. If the duration exceeds a user-selectable maximum, the container waits for user confirmation, otherwise it locks after a delay. This feature prevents an accidental prolonged lockout. While the container is locked, the user can extend, but not shorten, the duration of locking The user can request early access to the contents, while the container is locked, subject to an unlocking delay before access is granted, a relocking delay after which access is denied, and an inhibit delay limiting the frequency of use of the early open feature. The device provides a programmable schedule, and can relock itself after a programmable delay. |
| 主权项 |
1. A device to enable a user to self-limit access to one or more objects or substances, comprising:
(a) a container, (b) a door that denies access to the interior of said container when said door is closed, (c) a door locking means, which prevents said door from opening once said door has been closed, (d) a door releasing means, which permits said door to open upon receipt of an electrical signal, (e) an oscillator means suitable for timekeeping, (f) a control means, having electronic memory means to store a plurality of time intervals, having counter means to count the cycles of said timekeeping oscillator, and having power switching means to trigger said door releasing means, (g) a display means, receiving input from said control means, which is visible to the user while said door is closed, (h) a user input means, providing input to said control means, which is accessible to the user while said door is closed, (i) said control means containing instructions to:
accept, from said user input means, an unlocking delay time period, while said control means is in an unlocked state,store said unlocking delay time period in electronic memory,accept a relocking delay time period, while said control means is in said unlocked state,store said relocking delay time period in electronic memory, accept a command to enter a locked state,refuse a command to change said unlocking delay time period, while said control means is in said locked state,refuse a command to change said relocking delay time period, while said control means is in said locked state,accept a command to start an unlocking delay timer,count the cycles of said oscillator during said unlocking delay time period,enter said unlocked state, and start a relocking delay timer, when said unlocking delay timer elapses,count the cycles of said oscillator during said relocking delay time period,activate said power switching means to trigger said door releasing means, in response to a command to permit said door to open, when said unlocking delay timer has elapsed and said relocking delay timer has not elapsed,refuse a command to permit said door to open, when said unlocking delay timer has not elapsed,refuse a command to permit said door to open, when said relocking delay timer has elapsed,whereby the user may self-limit his or her access to one or more objects or substances for a predetermined period of time after he or she requests access to said objects or substances. |
