GB2199016A

GB2199016A - Anti-smoking devices

Info

Publication number: GB2199016A
Application number: GB08630523A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pandora Vaughan Melly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-12-22
Filing date: 1986-12-22
Publication date: 1988-06-29
Also published as: GB8630523D0

Abstract

An anti-smoking device consists of a container for cigarettes which contains a time-lock, to prevent the removal of cigarettes from the container except at times permitted by such time-lock. An indicator may be visible through a hole 1 to indicate whether the container is locked or unlocked. The time-lock preferably includes a mechanical clock mechanism. <IMAGE>

Description

ANTI-SMCRING DEVICE AND METHOD The present invention is concerned with the prevention or reduction of the smoking habit.

It is not easy for smokers to break completely with the habit of smoking, and the present invention is intended to enable them gradually to reduce their habit with the possibility of giving it up altogether.

The e device consists of a container for cigarettes which contains a time-lock, to prevent the removal of cigarettes from the container except at times permitted by such time-lock.

The time-lock can be set only while the container is open, and it may be set to keep the container shut for varying lengths of time, adjusted according to the smoker's progress with his cure.

Preferably, the time lock is completely hidden inside the container so that there' is no possibility of cheating.

Preferably, visible means are provided to enable it to be readily determined whether the container is in a locked or unlocked state.

In one embodiment, the time lock's clock mechanism is visible fran the outside to enable the smoker to assess how long he must wait until his next cigarettet; in another, the clock mechanism is completely hidden except when the container is open.

The clock mechanism may be of any kind, but preferably it is mechanical, because it is easier to incorporate a locking and unlocking mechanism into a mechanical clock mechanism, and because there is no need to replace batteries every so often.

My invention will now be described in greater detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows the outside of a container according to my invention.

Figure 2 is a cut-away drawing showing a side view of the mechanism inside the container illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 illustrates that part of the mechanism which is inside the lid of the container.

Figure 4 is a cut-away drawing showing an end view of certain components of the mechanism.

Figure 5 is a view of the main body of the container, from which the lid has been removed.

Figure 6 is a view of the lid.

The device illustrated comprises a body section A hinged by hinge 19 to a lid section B. Within the lid section B there is provided a simple timer mechanism.9 having a dial 7 and setting knob 8, similar to timers commonly used in the kitchen, in which the dial is turned away from its rest position by means of the setting knob to any desired position. Upon release of the setting knob, by the action of a clockwork mechanism beneath the dial, the dial is gradually returned to its rest position. The timer shown in the figures is further provided with an arm 6, which turns with the dial, in such a way as to be capable of actuating the bolt member 3.The bolt member 3 is pivoted about the pivot 14, and in its locked position it is pulled by the spring 17 in such a manner that its bolt pin 22 is located in bolt holes 16 in the two locking plates 10 and 11 respectively connected to the lid A and the body section B of the container. It will be appreciated that in this condition it is impossible to open the container. As the dial of the timing device reverts to its rest position, however, the arm 6 urges the bolt plate 3 in such a manner as to cause the bolt pin 22 to retract at least from the bolt hole 16 in locking plate 11, so as to enable the box to be opened.The bolt plate 3 in the device shown is also provided with indicators 4, which are preferably of different colours, for example red and green, and which are variously visible through the spy hole 1 in the body A of the container to indicate whether the container is in a locked or unlocked state. The locking plates 10 and 11 are also respectively provided with a projection 18 and a dimple 20 which so relate to one another as to hold the container gently shut even when the container is in an unlocked state.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the end of the bolt pin 22 is bevelled to allow the container to snap shut (by temporarily displacing the bolt plate 3 against the force of the spring 17) even when the timing mechanism is set so that the bolt pin 22 is projecting beyond locking plate 10.

The body of the container is also provided with a door 15 to prevent the contents of the container interfering with the operation of the locking mechanism.

As can be seen in Figure 6, the dial plate is provided with an arrow 13, whereby the dial plate may be turned so as to select a desired time interval (indicated on a plate 23 forming part of and fixed to the lid of the container) until the container is next in an unlocked state.

By the use of my invention, a smoker may gradually wean himself off cigarettes by storing his cigarettes in the container and setting increasingly long intervals before the container will permit another cigarette to be smoked. Because the relevant timing may be set while the smoker is in possession of a cigarette and is therefore in a relatively content frame of mind, he is likely to set a rather longer time before his next cigarette than would be the case if he had to set the device at the beginning of the day, or every week, with the relevant time.

Although my invention has been described with particular reference to the problem of stopping smoking, it will be appreciated that it is also of value to other persons subject to cravings habits or addictions who need to be weaned from the object of their longing.

It is also valuable for schoolchildren's lunch boxes, to ensure that they are opened only at the proper time.

Claims

WHAT I CLAIM IS: 1. A device for delaying the consumption of cigarettes food or the like by a predetermined time, comprising an openable container for such cigarettes or food provided with a time lock adapted to prevent the container being opened until after the expiry of a predetermined length of time.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the container is suitable for being carried around in the pocket of clothing or in a handbag.
3. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the container is provided with visible means for indicating whether the same is in a locked or unlocked state.
4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the time lock may be set only when the container is in an unlocked state.
5. A device as claimed in claim 4 in which the time lock can not be reset once the container has been locked.
6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the time lock is completely contained within the container when the same is in a locked state.
7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim comprising viewing means enabling the user to determine the time due to elapse before the container will again be in an unlocked state.
8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the time lock is controlled by a mechanical time keeping mechanism.
9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the time lock comprises a timing mechanism cooperating with a bolt, in such a manner that the bolt keeps the container locked until the expiry of a time interval preset into the timing mechanism.
10. A device as claimed in claim 9 in which said timing device comprises a cam which urges or retains said bolt into or in a locking position during a preset time interval and urges or permits said bolt to withdraw into an unlocked position at the expiry of such time interval.
11. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the container is provided with auxillary closing means to keep it gently shut even when not in a locked state.
12. A container substantially as described and illustrated herein.
13. A method of stopping smoking consisting of the use of a container of the kind claimed in any preceding claim to contain all or a substantial proportion of the cigarettes consumed by a person seeking to give up smoking, and progressively setting and resetting the time lock on such container to in such a manner as gradually to increase the time interval between the smoking of each cigarette.