TIME-LOCK BOX

• US 20030090364A1
• Filed: 01/11/1999
• Published: 05/15/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/11/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Salvatore J. Cardinale
• Original Assignee: Salvatore J. Cardinale
• Inventors: CARDINALE, SALVATORE J., MORSE, RICHARD
• Granted Patent: US 6,825,753 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.54
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0472 of the count-down type, i.e. counting down a predetermined interval after each reset
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0481 working on a schedule basis
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 43/005 Timer devices controlling electrically operated locks
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7068 Actuated after correct combination recognized [e.g., numerical, alphabetical, or magnet[s] pattern]

Abstract

A lockable storage assembly, or lockbox container, is disclosed, with programmable opening utility, for providing access to the contents of the storage assembly at a time chosen by a user to suit an occasion. The lockbox includes non-volatile memory for holding current time and date, and opening time and date, and is assembled of integrated circuits and display, requiring very low power, such that the lockbox may retain function over extended periods of time, while locking mechanisms with higher power requirements are powered by a replaceable, externally accessible battery. The lockbox is assembled and programmed so that the interior is accessible only upon reaching a match date, whereupon the lockbox unlocks automatically, or upon entry of a password chosen by the user.

Claims

1. A time lock case, comprising:

a container having an opening through which access to the container interior may be had;

a moveable door adapted to cover the container opening when disposed in a closed position;

mechanical locking means for locking the movable door in a closed position over the container opening; and

a programmable closure utility for controlling the mechanical locking means, comprising a micro processor for controlling operation of the case, software means for controlling operation of the micro processor, means for keeping time, means for displaying the status of operation of the micro processor, means for mechanically actuating the mechanical locking means, a source of electric current, and means for providing instructions supplied by a user to the micro processor.

2. The time lock case described in claim 1, wherein the programmable closure utility may only be reprogrammed upon entry of a password.

3. The time lock case described in claim 1, wherein the programmable closure utility may be programmed to unlock the door at any future time or date chosen by the user.

4. The time lock case described in claim 1, wherein the means for displaying the status of operation of the micro processor comprises a LCD display.

5. The time lock case described in claim 1, further comprising a means for generating special effects.

6. The time lock case described in claim 5, wherein the means for generating special effects includes a means for generating an audible sound.

7. The time lock case described in claim 5, wherein the means for generating special effects includes a light.

8. The time lock case described in claim 1, wherein the source of electric current comprises a main battery, accessible only from the container interior, and an auxiliary battery, accessible from the exterior of the container.

9. The time lock case described in claim 8, further comprising a means for indicating the status of charge on the main battery.

10. The time lock case described in claim 1, further comprising means for connecting the time lock case to a computer.

11. The time lock case described in claim 1, further comprising means for opening the container after actuation of the locking means.

12. The time lock case described in claim 1, further comprising a slot formed in one wall of the container, or in the door of the container.

13. The time lock case described in claim 1, further comprising programming for opening the container on a set date.

17. A processing control method of claim 12, further comprising setting a password, only by use of which password may a user gain further access to reset the first clock date, the second clock date, and the password.

18. A processing control method of claim 13, further comprising displaying the status of the current date and the target date.

20. A processing control method of claim 13, further comprising generating an audible or visual signal upon unlocking the latch mechanism.

14. A time lock case, comprising:

a container having an opening through which access to the container interior may be had;

a moveable door adapted to cover the container opening when disposed in a closed position;

mechanical locking means for locking the door in the closed position; and

a programmable closure utility for controlling the mechanical locking means, comprising a micro processor for controlling operation of the case, software means for controlling operation of the micro processor, means for keeping time, means for actuating the mechanical locking means, a source of electric current, and programming for opening the container on a set date.

19. A processing control method of claim 14, further comprising displaying the difference between the current date and the target date.

15. The time lock case described in claim 15, further comprising means for displaying the status of operation of the micro processor.

16. A processing control method in a programmably lockable container comprising the following steps:

setting a first clock date to correspond to the current clock date;

setting a second clock date to correspond to a target clock date;

comparing the current clock date with the target clock date; and

activating a latch mechanism, when the current clock date is equal to the target clock date, to unlock the lockable container.