Abstract: A time-locking container to limit the compulsive overuse of objects and substances, such as but not limited to money, food, alcohol, and tobacco. The container locks until a future date and time of day set by the user. The unit displays the duration of locking, permits the user to cancel, and can require affirmative confirmation if locking exceeds a user-selected maximum duration. This feature prevents an accidental prolonged lockout. While the container is locked, the user can extend, but not shorten, the duration of locking. This feature permits the user, while experiencing guilt due to overindulgence, to further delay access without the temptation of an open door.

Abstract: Existing small and medium-sized solenoid-operated locking containers are vulnerable to undesired impact-induced opening. An impact-resistant solenoid-operated locking container is disclosed. The container is protected against impact by the use of two solenoids oriented 180 degrees opposite each other. The solenoids are further protected against binding in a retracted position by T-shaped end caps, affixed to their retractable plungers, engaging notches cut into a movable plate. A silent, or nearly silent, impact-resistant solenoid, for use in an impact-protected locking container, is also disclosed, having the motion of its retractable plunger slowed and quieted by a viscous fluid such as damping grease.

Abstract: A time-locking container to limit the compulsive overuse of objects and substances, such as but not limited to money, food, alcohol, and tobacco. The container locks until a future date and time of day set by the user. The unit displays the duration of locking, permits the user to cancel, and can require affirmative confirmation if locking exceeds a user-selected maximum duration. This feature prevents an accidental prolonged lockout. While the container is locked, the user can extend, but not shorten, the duration of locking. This feature permits the user, while experiencing guilt due to overindulgence, to further delay access without the temptation of an open door.

Abstract: A time-locking container to limit the compulsive overuse of objects and substances, such as but not limited to money, food, alcohol, and tobacco. The container locks until a future date and time of day set by the user. The container informs the user, before it locks, of the duration of locking. If the duration exceeds a user-selectable maximum, the container waits for user confirmation, otherwise it locks after a delay. This feature prevents an accidental prolonged lockout. While the container is locked, the user can extend, but not shorten, the duration of locking. The user can request early access to the contents, while the container is locked, subject to an unlocking delay before access is granted, a relocking delay after which access is denied, and an inhibit delay limiting the frequency of use of the early open feature. The device provides a programmable schedule, and can relock itself after a programmable delay.

Abstract: A time-locking container to limit the compulsive overuse of objects and substances, such as but not limited to money, food, alcohol, and tobacco. The container locks until a future date and time of day set by the user. The container informs the user, before it locks, of the duration of locking. If the duration exceeds a user-selectable maximum, the container waits for user confirmation, otherwise it locks after a delay. This feature prevents an accidental prolonged lockout. While the container is locked, the user can extend, but not shorten, the duration of locking The user can request early access to the contents, while the container is locked, subject to an unlocking delay before access is granted, a relocking delay after which access is denied, and an inhibit delay limiting the frequency of use of the early open feature. The device provides a programmable schedule, and can relock itself after a programmable delay.