Programmable, user interactive cigarette dispenser and method therefor

Abstract

A cigarette dispenser provides user access to cigarettes therein only after a 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 can be engaged by the user when a cigarette is desired and is coupled to and triggers a timer preset to a predetermined time interval. A switch 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 by the dispenser. Programmable control means are provided for regulating cigarette access times, cigarette puffing delays, etc., as a function of the individual user's smoking pattern. 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 as well as a third time period for triggering the audio alarm if the dispenser remains open beyond this third 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.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.