GB623325A - Improvements in and relating to containers - Google Patents

Abstract

623,325. Time locks. ROBINS, E. T. April 30, 1947, No. 11518. [Class 44] [Also in Groups XVII and XVIII] A container, such as a cigarette case has timing means associated with the lock whereby it is automatically locked when closed, remains locked for a variable set period and is @ automatically unlocked ready to be opened. The case is fastened by a pivoted hook-type catch 19 which is adapted to be released by pressing on the winding head 23 of a watch 15, Fig. 5. Axial movement of the winding spindle 22 is prevented when the case is locked by a lever 30, the other end of which cooperates with a spring- loaded locking finger 32 displaceable by the timing mechanism. The spring barrel 37 of the watch is adapted to drive a pinion 43 which is connected by a light spring friction clutch to another pinion 42 meshing with a setting gear wheel 48. The wheel 48 has a stop 71 adapted to displace the locking finger 32 from 'the locking position against the stop 73 to the unlocking position against the stop 34 after which the clutch on the pinion 42 slips. The setting gear wheel 48 is automatically set at the correct angle from the zero position (shown in Fig. 5) by a projection 27 on a sliding rod 26 adapted to move along the slot 28 when the lid is opened or closed. In its movement, the projection 27 engages a spring ratchet lever 64 mounted on a rotatable setting plate 50 which is thereby turned to engage the stop 34. The plate is connected by epicyclic gears to rotate the setting gear wheel 48 and the angle of this rotation depends on the initial angular displacement of the setting plate 50 which is set by a timing member 58, Fig. 3, mounted on a disc 54 connected to the setting plate 50. The watch face is visible from the front of the case and the period to pass before the lock opens is indicated by figures on the setting gear wheel 48 which are visible through a window 61, Fig. 5, in the watch dial. The winding head 23 is, as usual, pulled out to set the watch hands. That half of the case including the watch mechanism may also include a cigarette lighter.