초록 ▼

A cigarette dispenser provides user access to cigarettes therein only after a user preset time interval to permit the user to later reconsider the decision to smoke and allow the initial urge for a cigarette to subside. A manually selected switch on the dispenser is engaged by the user when a cigare

A cigarette dispenser provides user access to cigarettes therein only after a user preset time interval to permit the user to later reconsider the decision to smoke and allow the initial urge for a cigarette to subside. A manually selected switch on the dispenser is engaged by the user when a cigarette is desired and is coupled to and triggers a timer preset to a predetermined time interval. A latch mechanism coupled to an audio alarm prevents the dispenser from being opened prior to running and expiration of the predetermined time interval without an embarrassing, user nondefeatable sound being emitted. Means are provided within the dispenser for changing the length of the predetermined time interval when the dispenser is open. A visual signal is provided to indicate when the predetermined time interval has expired and the dispenser may be opened without sounding the alarm. Various other timers measure a second time period during which an embarrassing alarm sounds when the lid is opened in an unauthorized manner and how long the dispenser is open and trigger the audio alarm if the dispenser is open longer than a third predetermined time period. Counters count the total number of times the dispenser is opened, the number of times the dispenser was not opened following countdown of the predetermined time interval, the number of times the dispenser was opened without setting or waiting for the running of the predetermined time interval, and maintain running totals of these numbers.

대표청구항 ▼

A cigarette dispenser comprising: a rectangularly-shaped case having an open end for receiving and storing a plurality of cigarettes; a lid pivotally coupled to said case adjacent the open end thereof for enclosing said cigarettes within said case; latch means coupled to said case and to said lid fo

A cigarette dispenser comprising: a rectangularly-shaped case having an open end for receiving and storing a plurality of cigarettes; a lid pivotally coupled to said case adjacent the open end thereof for enclosing said cigarettes within said case; latch means coupled to said case and to said lid for sensing when said lid is in a closed position; alarm means coupled to said latch means and responsive to the state of said latch means for generating an audio signal when said latch means is opened; first user selectable switch means; first timer means coupled to said first switch means and responsive to the selection of said first switch means for initiating the countdown of a first time period and for generating an output signal following said countdown; and override means coupled to said alarm means and to said first timer means and responsive to said output signal for defeating said alarm means and eliminating said audio signal if said latch means is opened following the countdown of said first time period.