FR3020744A1 - CONTROLLED STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR CIGARETTES - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a controlled storage and dispensing system for cigarettes, comprising a housing device (1) consisting of a body closed by a cover (3) movable from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa. , means (6) for locking said cover (3) in the closed position and means (13) for controlling said locking means (6), characterized in that it comprises means (24) for controlling said control means (13), embedded on a terminal (25,26) separate from the housing (1), means of communication with said control means (24) of said termina, said control means (24) comprising configuration means by a user of control parameters of the opening of said cover (3), transmitted from said terminal (25,26) and recorded and executed at said control means (13).

Description

The present invention is in the field of storage and distribution of food, cigarettes type. The invention relates to a system for the controlled storage and distribution of cigarettes through a device 5 of the housing type. The invention aims to limit access for a user who wants to smoke cigarettes by controlling their distribution. In a known manner, systems make it possible to control the distribution of cigarettes held by a smoker, wishing to reduce or stop his consumption. A known system is based on the sole will of the smoker and consists in establishing a schedule, which the smoker must follow. The lack caused by this decrease, as well as the various constraints, such as stress, makes it difficult to strictly follow this schedule. It is therefore necessary to coerce the smoker by preventing him from having free access to his cigarettes. To do this, it has been imagined housings sized to internally receive cigarettes or a whole package 20 and whose opening is controlled according to different parameters. To do this, a cover lock is performed and unlocking is controlled by electronic means, embedded within said housing. These means allow the user to set the conditions for opening the lid to access the cigarettes. A common solution is to configure time ranges, periods or time intervals, between two successive openings. Thus, the opening of the lid can not be done twice in succession, before a duration 30 predefined by the smoker has elapsed. Such housings are described in particular in the documents US 2005/146419, FR 2 829 675 or FR 2 819 383. An alternative solution, described in document FR 2 950 785, consists in defining a maximum number of openings 35 given time range. Such a device for helping to control the consumption of cigarettes, is in the form of a box-shaped device, with an opening valve for inserting a cigarette pack into it, which flap is equipped with an internal lock controlled by an electronic system by which the user can set the maximum number of possible openings for the current day. In addition, at any time during the day, pressing an opening button triggers the unlocking of the damper only if the maximum number of openings configured for the current day is not reached.

A more advanced solution is to provide the user the ability to extract only one cigarette at a time. An example of such a device is described in EP 1 797 781. The opening is reduced to an orifice, the dimensions of which allow only the passage of a single cigarette at a time, without the possibility for the smoker. access to the inside of the case. This opening is closed by a sliding valve. The extraction of the cigarette is effected by means of a push button, mounted in longitudinal translation at one of the side walls of the housing. When actuated, the button pushes a cigarette upward, partially out through the hole. An internal system makes it possible to supply the charging system of said button with one cigarette at a time. Furthermore, this housing incorporates electronic means 25 for setting the opening conditions. These means make it possible to temporally configure the ranges or the number of openings. They include various buttons for selecting values, as well as a screen for viewing selected values. If such boxes make it easy to configure and control access to cigarettes, they are complex, incorporating distribution means difficult and expensive to implement. In addition, they carry electronic components, especially in the case of a screen, whose life is limited, because of the use that makes the case as a pack of conventional cigarettes. Conversely, in the case of a box without a screen, the configuration becomes difficult, without being able to display the selected data. Another important point lies in the fact that these 5 boxes do not make it possible to monitor consumption, in particular its decrease. From this observation, it has been imagined to simplify the housing device, to reduce the size and bulk, while facilitating its setting, to give it better strength and increase its life. To do this, the invention has dissociated the parameterization to deport to a separate device, more easily configurable by the user, in particular a personal terminal, such as a cell phone. Thus, the housing according to the invention integrates only means for controlling the locking of its cover and means of communication with remote control and parameterization means. These control means are then in the form of a software application, easier to install, update and run on said terminal. Moreover, from this terminal, the user can more easily configure the parameters of the box, in particular thanks to the improved ergonomics provided by said terminal, such as its touch screen. In addition, it is possible to cross-check the various information on the use of said housing, to track the consumption actually made by the smoker. To do this, the present invention relates to a controlled storage and dispensing system for cigarettes, comprising a housing device consisting of a body open at the top and closed by a lid, said lid being movable from a closed position towards an opening position, and vice versa, said device further comprising means for locking said lid in the closed position and means for controlling said locking means.

Such a system is characterized in that it comprises software means for controlling said control means, said control means being on board and executing on a terminal separate from the box device, said device comprising means of communication with said device. terminal and with said control means. It is also characterized by the fact that said control means comprise means for configuring a user of at least control parameters for opening said lid, said parameters being transmitted from said terminal and then recorded and executed at said means. control. In addition, according to other additional nonlimiting features, said parameters may comprise at least 15 in a direct unlocking action command of said locking means. The parameters may include at least one configured number of unlocking action commands for a given time range. Said parameters may comprise at least two action commands separated by at least one period configured for a given time range. Said control means may comprise means for displaying information relating to said locking means, said information being transmitted from said control means to said terminal. Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended figures, in which: FIG. 1 schematically represents a perspective view of an embodiment of the housing device, in the closed position; FIG. 2 diagrammatically shows a view similar to the figure, showing said casing in the open position; - Figure 3 shows schematically an exploded view of the housing device, showing a portion of the various elements constituting it; - Figure 4 shows schematically a sectional view along a vertical median plane; - Figure 5 schematically shows a view of Figure 4 in section along the axis A-A '; and FIG. 6 schematically represents an exemplary communication architecture of the housing device according to the invention.

The present invention relates to a controlled storage and dispensing system for cigarettes. Such a system firstly comprises a housing device 1. Such a housing 1 consists of a body. The latter has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. It is hollow, forming an interior space for the reception of several cigarettes, or even a whole pack of cigarettes. Said body is open at the top. The opening 2 allows a user, namely a smoker, to have access to the interior of said housing 1 and to extract the cigarettes stored therein. The body is closed by a lid 3. The latter is movable from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa. According to the preferred embodiment, the cover 3 is articulated in rotation around the upper edge of the rear wall 4 of said body. This rotation can be effected by means of a hinge 5. The latter can be a separate mechanical part, assembling the cover on said rear wall, or a connecting line made of a flexible material, flexible or semi -rigid, allowing its deformation to allow the pivoting of said cover 3. Preferably, said hinge 5 is in the form of at least one rod, preferably two rods, passing longitudinally housing formed within the edges of the rear wall 4 and cover 3. In addition, these edges are complementarily shaped to fit and form an assembly of said cover 3 with said rear wall 4. The rods are free to rotate within said housing, allowing rotation of the lid 3 relative to the rear wall 4. It will be noted that the casing 1 can integrate automatic return means of said cover 3 to the open position. e, as visible in Figure 2. These return means may be constituted by said hinge 5 in the form of a mechanical part equipped with an elastic member, such as a spring, in particular torsion, or by the elasticity of the material ensuring the rotational articulation and the junction of the cover 3 with said rear wall 4. As shown in Figure 1, the housing device 1 further comprises means 6 for locking said cover 3 in the closed position. These means 6 ensure the holding and locking of the cover 3 in the closed position, preventing access to the interior of the housing through the opening 2 and closed. These means 6 thus act as a lock.

Said locking means 6 comprise a locking member 7, cooperating with a portion of the cover 3, to block its rotation. According to the preferred embodiment, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 to 5, said cover 3 comprises internally a projecting element 8. The latter extends from the upper face of the cover 3, along a lateral wall. The end 9 of said projecting element 8 is bevelled, preferably rounded, so as to cooperate by insertion in front of a housing 10, which is provided with the body facing said projecting element 8. Said housing 10 receives internally said blocking member 7. A rounded intermediate wall 14, integral with the body, closes the upper housing 10, to limit access and protect the elements and components it contains.

In addition, said bevelled end 9 has a hole or a slot 11 for receiving said locking member 7. Thus, in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 5, the member 7 provided for movement within said housing 10 comes into accommodating within said orifice 11, preventing the rotation of said cover 3. It will be noted that within said orifice 11, the bottom of the latter can compress the end of said locking member 7. The latter passes in particular through the intermediate wall 14, by a hole in its thickness.

In addition, the housing 10 is delimited by an inner wall 15, separating it from the remainder of the rest of the interior of the body, in particular the space for receiving and storing cigarettes. According to the preferred embodiment, the locking member 7 is constituted by the axis of an electromagnet 12. This axis is actuated in translation, to move from an extended position to a retracted position, and vice versa. In particular, during the power supply of the electromagnet 12, the axis retracts, sliding out of the orifice 11 and releasing the cover 3 which can be opened or opens automatically. Note that the supply of said electromagnet 12 can be carried out for a short time, not exceeding a few seconds, preferably for three seconds. Conversely, if the electromagnet 12 is not energized, the axis deploys or remains deployed, then in the locked position, introduced into said orifice 11. This return to the deployed position is preferentially performed automatically, under the action of the electromagnet 12 or elastic return means 30. As mentioned above, the end of said axis of the electromagnet 12 can be compressed by the bottom of the orifice 11 into which it is inserted, in the closed position and locking the lid 3. Note that the electromagnet 12 is fixed inside the housing 10, preferably to said inner wall 15, in particular by screws 16 therethrough and cooperating in attachment with a side edge of said electromagnet 12. This internal wall 15 therefore has the role of ensuring the rigidity of the attachment of said electromagnet 12, ensuring the good opening and the good locking of said lid 3.

In order to control the actuation of the locking member 7 and the electromagnet 12, the device 1 comprises means 13 for controlling said locking means 6. These control means 13 may be constituted by an electronic circuit, positioned at the 10. This circuit comprises means for storing and recording data in digital form. They make it possible to receive, process and transmit electrical signals for the control of different elements of the housing device 1. Preferably, said control means 13 include a microcontroller, in order to drive various elements, such as the locking member 7, but also to control the sending and receiving of data, their registration and their possible erasure, especially in case of reinitialization of said housing. These non-limiting functions are provided by software, developed in a specific language, such as the C language, executed by said microcontroller, in cooperation with suitable electronic components included at said electronic circuit of said control means 13. Such software can be updated via a wired connection with a suitable terminal, such as a computer, or via a wireless connection with another terminal, such as a computer or a cell phone. These control means 13 comprise at least one actuating member consisting of a button 19. The latter passes through a wall of the body, such as a side wall 20, so as to be accessible by a user. Said button 19 is provided push or pressure, allowing the user to press it. A first function of the button 19 is to control the opening of the lid 3. To do this, the user presses on said button 19, which transmits a signal to the control means 13. These then actuate the electromagnet 12 to release the member 7 and allow the lid 3 to be opened. It will be noted that this pressing on the button 19 may be provided limited in time, namely briefly, in the form of a single pressure, in particular not exceeding one to two seconds, preferably of the order of one second. According to the preferred embodiment, the button 19 is held at the side wall 20 of the body of the housing 1. This maintenance can be effected by squeezing between two half-shells 21 and rear 22 whose assembly constitutes said body . This assembly of half-shells 21,22 can be made at the time of manufacture of the device 1 by any means: clipping, screwing, gluing or plastic welding. Various elements and components of the device 1 are introduced into the body before this assembly. Furthermore, said device 1 includes autonomous power supply means, in the form of batteries or a battery 23, provided rechargeable. Such a battery 23 is enclosed within said body, in particular within a space provided for this purpose, for example the housing 10 or another compartment 17. Such a compartment 17 may be provided internally in the lower part of the housing. body, separated by a transverse wall 18 from the rest of the internal storage volume of the cigarettes. This compartment can be provided accessible, through a removable or articulated wall, to allow replacement of the batteries or the battery 23. Preferably, this compartment is sealed, not accessible. Said battery 23 comprises connection means for its recharging, wired via a connector through one of the walls of said housing 1, or by induction. These connection means make it possible to connect the battery to a recharging apparatus, such as a terminal, or to an electrical supply network, in particular via a suitable electrical transformer. The electrical connection of said battery 23 can be carried out directly or via an internal wire link, connecting it to suitable means for managing its recharging and indicating its charge level. Such means may be included at said control means 13 within said electronic circuit. The battery 23 supplies electricity to the various internal components of the device 1, in particular the circuit and the electromagnet 12.

In order to limit access to cigarettes by the smoker, the invention provides for constraining the opening of the housing device 1. In other words, the control means 13 are controlled to prevent actuation of the electromagnet 12 and opening the lid 3.

Advantageously, the invention provides for separating this control from the housing 1, integrating it into a separate device. This control is then deported from said housing 1. To do this, the system comprises software means 20 for controlling said control means 13. In addition, said control means 24 are embedded, installed and run on a separate terminal. of the housing device 1. According to the preferred architecture shown in FIG. 6, a terminal may be a cellular telephone 25, of the "smartphone" type (for a smartphone). Another terminal may be a personal computer 26 or even any other type of terminal, such as a tablet or an electronic device called "connected". As such, in order to ensure the transfer of data between the terminal and the housing device 1, the latter comprises means of communication with said terminal and with said control means 24. Preferably, said communication means can be provided wireless, by radio transmission, of the radio frequency (RF) type. They can use a specific telecommunication protocol, especially according to the BLUETOOTH standard. Therefore, said terminal has complementary communication means to ensure the exchange of data. This type of wireless connection, at a short distance, is considered preferentially in the case of a mobile telephone type terminal 25. In this context, an apparatus procedure can be provided, through a prolonged pressure on the button 19. The duration of such a pressure may be greater than two seconds, preferably greater than five seconds, especially greater than ten seconds. It then triggers a recognition of the housing 1 with a near terminal 25, associating them and allowing the transmission of information between the devices. Such prolonged pressure also allows for a physical and voluntary restart of the housing, resetting it completely. Therefore, any data recorded, especially within the control means, is erased. It is then necessary to pair again said housing. According to another possibility, when the terminal is a computer 26, it is also possible to connect it directly, wired to said housing 1, in particular via a standard connection, including USB type for "Universal Serial Bus" (or Universal Bus in Series). Thus, it is possible to communicate data between the terminal 25,26 and the housing 1. In particular, parameters can be sent from the terminal 25,26 to be taken into consideration by the housing 1. Conversely, Case 1 information may be sent to the terminal 25,26.

Thus, said control means 24 comprise means for configuration by a user of at least control parameters of the opening of said cover 3, said parameters being transmitted from said terminal 25, 26 and recorded and then executed at said means of control. To this end, said circuit integrates an internal memory and suitable processing and execution means.

Said parameters may comprise at least a command 27 for direct unlocking action of said locking means 6. Such a direct command 27 allows the user to consider opening out any other programming, for example in case of emergency or an imponderable, especially during a stress or a feeling of intense lack. This direct action 27 can be activated or deactivated. It can be configured for a given period, ie 10 for a 24-hour day, with a specific value. This value then corresponds to the possible opening number, decremented at each opening. This setting can be changed only for the next period, preventing the user from changing it for the current period if he wants to smoke at a time he did not plan. The parameters may include at least one configured number of unlocking action commands for a given time range. It is then necessary to determine a limited number of openings over a defined period, for example 20 per day. Thus, the smoker will be able to smoke only a defined number of cigarettes during the period, limiting the amount of cigarettes smoked. Once this parameter sent to the box 1 and recorded there, the control means 13, which incorporate an internal clock, calculate the beginning 25 and the end of a cycle, and its launch. At each opening, a value can be incremented until the value of the parameter is reached. Said parameters may comprise at least two action commands separated by at least one period configured for a given time range 29. In this case, it is necessary to define a schedule with a minimum duration between two smoked cigarettes. This schedule allows to space the consumption of cigarettes. In this context, the parameter sent and stored by the control means 13 triggers a timer-type time count at the start of the cycle. Once arrived at zero or at the value defined by the parameter, the control means 13 release the opening of the cover 3 and / or sends a notification to the terminal 25,26 and / or actuates an alarm 32 at said housing 1 .

Said parameters may also include a precise program of distribution at fixed times and previously configured by the user, over a given time period, such as a day. Such a program may include specific times or schedules, defined at certain times of the day, such as after mealtimes, in the early evening with several openings at close intervals or at the end of the evening. Such a program can also be performed daily, but over a full week, allowing the user to define a higher consumption at the weekend rather than week, or vice versa. Other parameters can be configured, making it possible to choose different options for controlling the housing 1 and its opening.

This parameter setting may include, but not be limited to, the configuration of the connection of the terminal 25, 26 with the housing 1, such as the BLUETOOTH link and equipment synchronization. A setting may also be to reset the housing 1, erasing all data and prior uses. Furthermore, said control means 24 comprise information display means 30 relating to said locking means 6, said information being transmitted from said control means 13 to said terminal 25,26. The display means 30 may then be the screen of the telephone 25 or of the computer 26. An example of an item of information may be the charge level 31 of the battery 23, the number of openings already made, total and remaining, or the duration until the next authorized opening. Thus, it is possible for the user to view the number of total openings on the cycle, in particular their setting of their value, the number of openings remaining on the cycle and / or the time remaining before the next opening.

Other information may be an indication of the possibility of opening the device 1, which will then be processed in the form of a notification, in particular a visual and / or audible notification, issued at said terminal 25, 26. This notification may also include information indicating that it is or is not the last authorized opening of the housing 1 for a given period, for example the last opening of the day. In addition, the invention provides for integration assistance to fill the housing 1, when empty. This assistance 15 allows the user to replace the package or fill it again, or to fill a predetermined number of cigarettes, this number may change, preferentially decrease, over time, particularly in relation to a monitoring tobacco provided for in advance. The housing device 1 may also include an alarm 32, sound and / or visual. This alarm 32 is connected to the control means 13, said circuit, and through a wall of said body. According to the preferred embodiment, the alarm 32 is visual, in the form of a diode, in particular an "LED" or "LED" (for "Electroluminescent Diode"). Its state makes it possible to transmit information visually, for example according to its color, or a continuous or discontinuous or flashing ignition. The information may indicate a low level of the charge of the battery, the possibility of controlling the opening (for example by a green ignition) or not (for example by a red ignition) the housing 1. The diode may also flash according to a particular frequency or color during the terminal fitting operation, becoming of another color and continuously lit when the apparatus has been successfully completed or remaining fully lit without discontinuity. According to the preferred embodiment, said diode is a single color. This is then state: off, on or blinking 5 which indicates a mode of operation or use. This diode may be preferentially positioned through the side wall 20 provided with the button 19. According to a specific embodiment, said diode may be included in said button 19, the latter comprising a specific recess for receiving it or consisting of a translucent or transparent material, said diode being included within it and its ignition illuminating said material of said button 19. In a subsidiary manner, each terminal 25, 26 may be connected, via a communication network, as Internet, to a remote server 33. This connection preferably authorizes the sending, but potentially also the reception, of data, for their processing, locally at the levels of said terminals 25,26 or remotely at the level of said server 33. The treatment may consist of statistics on the consumption by the smoker, as well as the use of the casing 1. In a nonlimiting way, this tr Optionally, it is possible to send back to the terminal 25, 26 information on the periodic consumption over a day, a week, a month and / or a year. It makes it possible to calculate and display the breakdown and the schedule of the cigarettes taken, to highlight the first and last cigarettes consumed, to calculate the saving made since the beginning of use of the casing 1. access to the remote server 33 provides advice and advice from specialized people, such as a tobacco expert. It is also possible to answer questionnaires to obtain a personalized follow-up, or to provide information useful or necessary for the proper functioning of the application and the proper monitoring of the user. It is also possible to display an explanation, a help or an interactive manual detailing the operation and use, in particular the setting of the housing 1 and the control software means 24 thereof. It should be noted that the sending of the personal data of consumption of the smoker to a tobaccologist can be done automatically, periodically, for example weekly and / or with the agreement of the user.

Thus, the system according to the invention greatly simplifies the manufacture of its housing device 1, limiting the components it encloses, while decreasing its dimensions. In addition, the unique possible interaction with the housing 1, through its button 19, greatly simplifies the use of said housing 1, whose configuration is reported to a separate terminal and different, offering a more ergonomic interface , easier to understand and configure. In addition, additional processing may be performed at the terminal 25,26, see a remote server 33. This treatment provides additional and additional monitoring of the user's consumption, or a therapeutic control by a specialist, such as a doctor or a tobacco specialist. This monitoring also allows the smoker to compare a target with his actual consumption. It makes it possible to propose objective milestones, but at the user's choice to apply it, to superimpose graphically several data relating to the consumption and its evolution, in the form of curves, making it possible to quickly compare the real consumption compared to that initially desired or targeted. Preferably, the management by a third party of the personal information to each user, at said remote server 33, can be performed anonymously.

Claims (5)

REVENDICATIONS1. A controlled storage and dispensing system for cigarettes, comprising a housing device (1) consisting of an open body at the top and closed by a cover (3), said cover (3) being movable from the closed position to a position of opening, conversely, said device (1) further comprising means (6) for locking said lid (3) in the closed position and means (13) for controlling said locking means (6), characterized in that it comprises control software means (24) for said control means (13), said control means (24) being on board and executing on a terminal (25, 26) distinct from the housing device (1), said device (1) comprising means of communication with said terminal (25,26) and with said control means (24), and in that said control means (24) comprises configuration means by a user of at least one 20 less parameters of c controlling the opening of said cover (3), said parameters being transmitted from said terminal (25,26) and recorded and executed at said control means (13). 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that said parameters comprise at least one direct unlocking action control (27) of said locking means (6). 3. System according to any preceding claim, characterized in that said parameters 30 comprise at least one configured number of unlocking action commands for a given time range. 4. System according to any preceding claim, characterized in that said parameters comprise at least two action commands separated by at least one period configured for a given time range. a one and 5. System according to any preceding claim, characterized in that said control means (24) comprise means (30) for displaying information relating to said locking means (6), said information being transmitted from said control means (13) to said terminal (25,26).