US3773158A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coin locker
Assignee: Alpha Corp
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Filing: 1971-08-02
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Granted: 1973-11-20
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Expires: 1991-08-02
Abstract
Abstract An improved lock mechanism adapted for locking each of a number of locker compartments of a coin locker. The improvement resides in the provision of such means that by the introduction of a first coin, a lock-check means is positioned for bringing a latch for locking position, and by introducing a second coin an unlock-check means is brought into its ready-for-unlocking position.
Inventors
- 👤 T Wada
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 21:07
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/10; G07F17/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
356 words
A lock mechanism for use in a coin operated compartmented locker of the type including a box-like stationary frame, a coin inlet means provided on the frame, means defining a coin passageway within the frame communicating with the coin inlet means, a first key operated lock unit mounted on the frame, a latch member mounted in the frame for horizontal movement to locking and lock releasing positions, a lock check means mounted within the frame, a lock release check means mounted within the frame, said lock check means and lock release check means being independent of each other yet being operably linked with the lock unit, a slide means mounted in the frame for establishing a predetermined basic rental unit, said first key operated lock unit including a latch plate, means operative upon a first introduction of a coin into the coin passageway via the coin inlet means to move the latch plate into its ready-for-locking position, the lock release check means being released from its lock-release checking position upon a lapse of the basic rental time unit and an introduction of at least a second coin into the coin inlet means, a second key operated lock unit mounted on the frame, a cam operably related to the second key operated lock unit and said slide means for reestablishing an additional rental time unti in a cumulative manner to the basic rental time unit, the lock check means being provided with a first coin feeler effecting the release of the lock check means by engagement of a coin during the passage thereof along the coin passage way, said lock release check means being provided with a second coin feeler effecting release of the lock release check means only after a lapse of the basic rental time unit and by engagement of a coin during the passage thereof along the coin passage-way, the lock release check means including a ratchet wheel, means operably coupling the second coin feeler to the ratchet wheel to drive the ratchet wheel to count additional rental time units over the basic time units, and a return means for the second coin feeler.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
356 words
A lock mechanism for use in a coin operated compartmented locker of the type including a box-like stationary frame, a coin inlet means provided on the frame, means defining a coin passageway within the frame communicating with the coin inlet means, a first key operated lock unit mounted on the frame, a latch member mounted in the frame for horizontal movement to locking and lock releasing positions, a lock check means mounted within the frame, a lock release check means mounted within the frame, said lock check means and lock release check means being independent of each other yet being operably linked with the lock unit, a slide means mounted in the frame for establishing a predetermined basic rental unit, said first key operated lock unit including a latch plate, means operative upon a first introduction of a coin into the coin passageway via the coin inlet means to move the latch plate into its ready-for-locking position, the lock release check means being released from its lock-release checking position upon a lapse of the basic rental time unit and an introduction of at least a second coin into the coin inlet means, a second key operated lock unit mounted on the frame, a cam operably related to the second key operated lock unit and said slide means for reestablishing an additional rental time unti in a cumulative manner to the basic rental time unit, the lock check means being provided with a first coin feeler effecting the release of the lock check means by engagement of a coin during the passage thereof along the coin passage way, said lock release check means being provided with a second coin feeler effecting release of the lock release check means only after a lapse of the basic rental time unit and by engagement of a coin during the passage thereof along the coin passage-way, the lock release check means including a ratchet wheel, means operably coupling the second coin feeler to the ratchet wheel to drive the ratchet wheel to count additional rental time units over the basic time units, and a return means for the second coin feeler.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A lock mechanism as claimed in claim 1 in which said return means for the second coin feeler is a spring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
A lock mechanism as claimed in claim 2 in which said lock release check means includes a lock release plate having an arm extending perpendicularly thereto and said ratchet wheel having an eccentric pin maintained in contact with said arm.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-11-19 | 1977-05-21 | 1977-11-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-19 | 1981-05-21 | 1981-11-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-19 | 1985-05-21 | 1985-11-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |