Time-lock box

• US 6,825,753 B2
• Filed: 01/11/1999
• Issued: 11/30/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/11/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Salvatore J. Cardinale
• Original Assignee: Salvatore J. Cardinale
• Inventors: Morse, Richard, Cardinale, Salvatore J.
• Primary Examiner(s): ZIMMERMAN, BRIAN A
• Application Number:
  US09/228,194
• Publication Number:
  US 20030090364A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,150 Days
• Field of Search: 340/5.28, 340/5.32, 340/5.33, 340/5.54, 340/5.7, 340/5.73, 340/636, 702/781
• US Class Current: 340/5.73
• 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 box, comprising:

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

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;

a main battery, accessible only from the container interior, and an auxiliary battery, accessible from the exterior of the container; and

a programmable closure utility for controlling the mechanical locking means, comprising a micro processor for controlling operation of the mechanical locking means, 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 actuating the mechanical locking means, and means for providing instructions supplied by a user to the micro processor to prevent access to the container interior for a period of time.

2. The time-lock box 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.

3. The time-lock box described in claim 1, wherein the programmable closure utility may only be reprogrammed upon entry of a user defined password.

4. The time-lock box 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 box described in claim 1, further comprising a means for generating special effects.

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

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

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

9. The time-lock box described in claim 1, further comprising a means for indicating the status of charge on the main battery.

10. The time-lock box described in claim 1, wherein the container is formed in the shape of a pyramid.

11. The time-lock box described in claim 1, further comprising a slot formed in the door of the container for placing a deposit within the container.

12. The time-lock box described in claim 1, further comprising a slot formed in one wall of the container for placing a deposit within the container.

13. A time-lock box, comprising:

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

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

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

a main battery, accessible only from the container interior, and an auxiliary battery, accessible from the exterior of the container; and

a programmable closure utility for controlling the mechanical locking means, comprising a micro processor for controlling operation of the mechanical locking means, means for controlling operation of the micro processor, means for keeping time, means for actuating the mechanical locking means, programming for locking the door using the mechanical locking means to prevent access to the container, and programming for unlocking the door using the mechanical locking means.

14. The time-look box described in claim 13, further comprising means for placing a deposit within the looked container without first opening the movable door.

15. A processing control method in a programmably lockable container having a main battery, accessible only from the container interior, and an auxiliary battery, accessible from the exterior of the container comprising the following steps:

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

providing an automated means to progress the first clock date to keep the clock date current;

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

locking the container by a latch mechanism;

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

activating the latch mechanism only in response to the automated means when the current clock date is equal to the target clock date, to unlock the lockable container.

16. The processing control method of claim 15, further comprising generating an audible or visual signal upon unlocking the latch mechanism.

17. The processing control method of claim 15, 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. The processing control method of claim 17, further comprising displaying the status of the current clock date and the target clock date.

19. The processing control method of claim 15, further comprising displaying the difference between the current clock date and the target clock date.