US3945228A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coin-receiving mechanism for vending machines
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-02-21
•
Granted: 1976-03-23
•
Expires: 1995-02-21
Abstract
Abstract An improved coin-receiving apparatus for vending machines is described which provides a tamper-proof locking mechanism in combination with a pivotally-detachable front panel for easy access to the coin-receiving station.
Inventors
- 👤 H. Carl Voegeli
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 01:07
CPC Classifications
E; E05; E05B; E05B67/00; E05B67/38; E05B67/383; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T70/00; Y10T70/40; Y10T70/413; Y10T70/437; Y10T70/446; Y10T70/452; Y10T70/454; Y10T70/50; Y10T70/5093; Y10T70/5097; Y10T70/5102; Y10T70/5106
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
In a coin-operated vending machine including a coin-receiving enclosure having a front panel attached thereto allowing access to said enclosure and provided with a locking mechanism, the improvement comprising: a. locking means having a lock body member including at least one axial aperture therein extending at least partially through said body member, and a cooperating lock shaft member adapted for insertion into said aperture for locking engagement therewith; b. recess means having side walls and a bottom wall formed in said front panel receiving said lock body member and including apertures in said bottom wall corresponding with said aperture in said lock body member, said recess means receiving said lock body member in cooperating relationship whereby only the outer end face of said lock body member is presented for access; and c. means disposed interiorly said enclosure securely affixing said lock shaft member therein with said lock shaft member extending outwardly through said apertures in said recess into locking relationship with said lock body member, thereby securely affixing said front panel to said coin-receiving enclosure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
In a coin-operated vending machine including a coin-receiving enclosure having a front panel attached thereto allowing access to said enclosure and provided with a locking mechanism, the improvement comprising: a. locking means having a lock body member including at least one axial aperture therein extending at least partially through said body member, and a cooperating lock shaft member adapted for insertion into said aperture for locking engagement therewith; b. recess means having side walls and a bottom wall formed in said front panel receiving said lock body member and including apertures in said bottom wall corresponding with said aperture in said lock body member, said recess means receiving said lock body member in cooperating relationship whereby only the outer end face of said lock body member is presented for access; and c. means disposed interiorly said enclosure securely affixing said lock shaft member therein with said lock shaft member extending outwardly through said apertures in said recess into locking relationship with said lock body member, thereby securely affixing said front panel to said coin-receiving enclosure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
In a vending machine as defined in claim 1, further including spring means affixed to said bottom wall biasing said lock body member outwardly relatively to said front panel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
In a vending machine as defined in claim 1, wherein said lock body member has two axial apertures and said lock shaft member is U-shaped.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
65 words
In a vending machine as defined in claim 3, wherein said affixing means includes: a. an offset bracket fastened to the interior of said enclosure; b. a first guide member fastened to said bracket; and c. a second guide member fastened to said bracket, exteriorly concentric with said first guide member to define a U-shaped annular guide for receiving and affixing said lock shaft member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
In a vending machine as defined in claim 1, wherein: a. said front panel has a tongue formed at its lower peripheral edge; and, b. said coin-receiving enclosure has a slot formed at its lower peripheral edge for receiving said tongue, whereby said front panel is capable of being both pivoted and detached.
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) | 1979-03-23 | 1979-09-22 | 1980-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-23 | 1983-09-22 | 1984-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-23 | 1987-09-22 | 1988-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |