Sciacero, Rinaldo (Arlington Heights, IL)
Weber, Leonard J. (Broadview, IL)

05/444293

08/05/1975

02/21/1974

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Qonaar Corporation (Elk Grove Village, IL)

194/205

194/335, 194/333

G07F17/24; G07F17/00; G07F5/02

194/99,102,DIG.21,DIG.22,74

Tollberg, Stanley H.

McDougall, Hersh & Scott

That which is claimed is

1. In a construction wherein checks are adapted to be received in a coin slot and held for determining eligibility for things vended by the construction, the improvement comprising check holding means adapted to hold proper checks in a vertical position at a location while allowing passage of slugs beyond the location, said holding means comprising a first engaging means positioned adjacent the bottom of said slot and adapted to engage each vertically disposed check at a first point on the edge of check, said point being located below a line extending horizontally through the center of the check, a check receiving element situated behind said slot, and a second engaging means formed on said element and positioned to engage each vertically disposed check at a second point on the edge of the check on the opposite side of the check, said second point being located above said first point whereby any slug having a diameter less than the distance between said points will not be held by said engaging means.

2. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said second point is located at approximately the level of said line.

3. In a construction wherein checks are adapted to be received and held for determining eligibility for things vended by the construction, the improvement comprising check holding means adapted to hold proper checks in a vertical position at a location while allowing passage of slugs beyond the location, said holding means comprising a first engaging means positioned to engage each vertically disposed check at a first point on the edge of the check, said point being located below a line extending horizontally through the center of the check, a second engaging means positioned to engage each vertically disposed check at a second point on the edge of the check on the opposite side of the check, said second point being located above said first point at approximately the level of said line whereby any slug having a diameter less than the distance between said points will not be held by said engaging means, a third engaging means positioned beneath said second engaging means, means for moving said check to release said check from engagement with said second engaging means so that said check drops into engagement with said third engaging means, said third engaging means being located the same distance from said first engaging means as said second engaging means whereby a slug having a diameter less than the distance between said second and third engaging means cannot be held by said second and third engaging means.

4. A construction in accordance with claim 3 wherein the position of at least one of said engaging means is adjustable.

5. A construction in accordance with claim 3 comprising a parking meter having a meter housing, a check carrier adapted to hold checks deposited in the parking meter in a vertically disposed position, said first engaging means being supported on said meter housing, said second and third engaging means being supported on said check carrier.

6. A construction in accordance with claim 5 wherein said check carrier is adapted to be moved after the deposit of a check for purposes of purchasing time, the presence of a check in the moving check carrier being required for operation of the time purchasing mechanisms whereby slugs not held by the check carrier cannot result in the purchase of time.

7. A construction in accordance with claim 6 including detecting means carried by the check carrier, said detecting means having protrusions for sensing holes in washers and for sensing thin slugs positioned in the check carrier, and including means for normally holding said protrusions out of sensing position until after movement of said check carrier.

8. A construction in accordance with claim 7 wherein said check carrier supports pawl means adapted to engage time purchasing mechanisms, entry of said protrusions into said holes upon movement of the check carrier holding said pawl means out of position for a time purchasing operation.

9. A construction in accordance with claim 8 wherein said detecting means carrying said protrusions includes a bearing surface adapted to be engaged by a bearing member when the check carrier is in position to receive checks, said bearing member moving out of engagement with the bearing surface after movement of the check carrier to thereby free said detecting means for entry of said protrusions into said holes.

10. A construction in accordance with claim 9 including a second bearing surface positioned adjacent the end of said check carrier travel, said bearing member engaging said second bearing surface to insure release of checks from the check carrier at the end of its travel.

11. In a parking meter construction having a meter housing, a check carrier adapted to hold checks deposited in the parking meter, said check carrier being movable after the deposit of a check for purposes of purchasing time, and detecting means carried by the check carrier, said detecting means having protrusions for sensing slugs including washers and thin slugs positioned in the check carrier, said check carrier supporting pawl means adapted to engage time purchasing mechanisms, sensing of a slug holding said pawl means out of position for a time purchasing operation, the improvement comprising means for normally holding said protrusions out of sensing position until after movement of said check carrier, said holding means comprising a bearing member on said detecting means, a bearing surface adapted to be engaged by said bearing member when the check carrier is in position to receive checks, said bearing member moving out of engagement with the bearing surface after movement of the check carrier to thereby free said detecting means for movement into sensing position.

12. A construction in accordance with claim 11 including a second bearing surface positioned adjacent the end of said check carrier travel, said bearing member engaging said second bearing surface to insure release of checks from the check carrier at the end of its travel.

13. A construction in accordance with claim 12 wherein said bearing member comprises a roller, said bearing surfaces being formed on walls positioned adjacent said check carrier.

14. A construction in accordance with claim 13 comprising a parking meter, said check carrier defining a plurality of check slots for supporting checks of different denominations, said detecting means comprising a thin sheet member extending into the check carrier with a protrusion being positioned adjacent each check slot, said sheet member defining an extension beyond said check carrier with said roller being mounted on said extension.

15. In a parking meter device wherein checks are adapted to be inserted in a check carrier, and including a time winding means adapted to be moved to achieve the position of time on the meter, the time winding means having a starting position at which no time is on the meter, the improvement comprising abutment means on said time winding means for engagement by said check carrier, said abutment means being in the path of movement of said check carrier when said winding means is at said starting position, and for a predetermined distance of movement of the winding means away from said starting position so that time can be provided on the meter by moving the check carrier into driving engagement with the abutment means and associated time winding means without the insertion of a check into the check carrier.

16. In a parking meter device wherein checks are adapted to be inserted in a check carrier, and including a time winding means adapted to be moved to achieve the position of time on the meter, the time winding means having a starting position at which no time is on the meter, the improvement comprising abutment means on said time winding means, a drive element movably supported on said time winding means for engagement by said check carrier, said abutment means being in the path of movement of said drive element when said winding means is at said starting position and for a predetermined distance of movement of the winding means away from said starting position so that time can be provided on the meter by moving the check carrier into engagement with the drive element and thereby moving the drive element into driving engagement with the abutment means and associated time winding means without the insertion of a check into the check carrier.

17. A construction in accordance with claim 16 wherein said drive element, said check carrier and said time winding means are mounted for rotation on a common axis.

18. A construction in accordance with claim 17 including a post formed on said check carrier for engagement with said drive element.

19. A construction in accordance with claim 16 wherein said drive element moves said winding means to said predetermined distance whereby said drive element cannot move the winding means on a subsequent movement of the check carrier until the winding means has moved back within said predetermined distance.

This invention relates to a construction of the type used for receiving checks whereby articles or services can be purchased. The invention finds particular application in parking meters and like devices designed for the purchase of time and the concepts of the invention will be described with respect to such devices although these same concepts are applicable to other vending operations.

In the utilization of parking meters, coins or tokens are ordinarily deposited, and these checks function to achieve the operation of time purchasing mechanisms. In such meter designs, the insertion of a check may automatically instigate the time purchasing operation whereas in other meters, a manual operation, for example the turning of an operating handle, is involved.

In meters and other check receiving mechanisms, it is desirable to provide means for detecting slugs, to the greatest practical extent, so that unfair receipt of goods or services will not result. Particularly in the case of parking meters and other structures which are necessarily limited in size and must be economically produced, check detecting means of a complex nature are unsuitable. For cost purposes and to avoid a mass of parts, attempts have been made to develop uncomplicated detecting means; however, the screening of spurious checks with prior art arrangements is still limited.

It is a general object of this invention to provide a mechanism for detecting slugs inserted in vending structures so that improper utilization of the structures can be substantially avoided.

It is a more specific object of this invention to provide a detecting means which is particularly suitable for use in parking meters whereby the deposit of a proper check will result in the purchase of time whereas the use of spurious checks such as washers or checks of improper diameter and thickness will be substantially avoided.

These and other objects of this invention will appear hereinafter and for purposes of illustration but not of limitation, specific embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a parking meter structure suitable for the incorporation of the mechanisms of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken about the line 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the check carrier structure and associated parts utilized in the construction;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the front mechanism frame section of the meter taken about the line 4--4 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken about the line 5--5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a check;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a washer which is adapted to be detected in the event of use in the construction;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged detail view illustrating the detecting means utilized in the construction;

FIG. 8a is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of an alternative design for the check receiving slots;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a detecting structure and associated pawl means adapted to be used in combination with the structure of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a winding ring and check carrier means adapted to provide for the purchase of free time on the meter shown in phantom;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken about the line 11--11 of FIG. 10; and,

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a free time winding member utilized in the construction.

The construction of this invention relates to means for detecting coins, tokens or other checks when they are inserted in a parking meter, vending machine or any similar structure which is adapted to provide articles or services. The detecting means are designed so that the insertion of proper checks will result in the desired operation of the machine whereas the insertion of slugs will avoid the desired operation.

The construction of the invention more particularly involves a means for holding checks inserted with the checks being substantially vertically disposed. First and second engaging surfaces are provided with the span between these surfaces being such that slugs of less than a predetermined diameter will drop through while proper checks will be supported. Movement of the check holding means in order to initiate operation of the machine will result in the dropping of proper checks and a third engaging surface is preferably adapted to engage the checks at that time so that the checks will again be supported. The span between the first and third engaging surfaces is such that fraudulent checks of lesser diameter cannot be supported at this position.

The invention finds particular application in parking meters wherein the third engaging surface may comprise an element in a position to operate the time winding pawl. A further detecting means is associated with the pawl structure comprising feelers adapted to sense the presence of a hole in a washer as well as slugs of reduced thickness whereby the time winding pawl will not operate. Such an arrangement is described in Sollenberger, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,262,540 entitled "Slug Detector for Parking Meters," and in accordance with this invention, means are employed for developing the operation of this feeler arrangement subsequent to the operation of the aforementioned diameter detecting means. More specifically, the concepts of this invention provide for the use of a bearing surface defined by the feeler adapted to engage a bearing member. Upon movement of the check carrier, this bearing surface is disengaged from the bearing member to free the detecting means for movement of the feeler for sensing the presence of holes in washers and reduced thickness of slugs thereby disabling the time winding pawl. At the end of the carrier movement, the bearing surface is again engaged, so that the feeler will release any slugs or coins. This feature prevents any "hang-up" of checks in the coin carrier, for example, as might occur if a feeler catches on a rough coin surface.

The structure of this invention is also ideally suited for use in combination with means for achieving free time on a parking meter. More specifically, the check carrier is provided with means for engaging an abutment means with the abutment means being operatively connected to a time winding means. When the time winding means is at a zero position, engagement of the check carrier with the abutment means will operate to move the time winding means for a set amount even without the presence of a coin or token in the check carrier. This arrangement is ideally suited for shopping areas or the like where short term parking is prevalent. Thus, the merchants in such areas can be provided with a means for serving customers on a free parking basis as long as the customers use only the short period of time available with the arrangement described. For persons needing the parking spaces for extended periods, the time winding operations must be initiated through the use of checks in the standard fashion.

FIG. 1 illustrates the front mechanism frame portion 10 of a parking meter construction. The meter carries a handle 12 and an indicator dial 16 is mounted on the meter with pointer 18 serving to indicate the amount of time purchased. Coin slots 20 are defined by the meter for purposes of receiving coins of different denominations. In some instances, a token will be utilized with the construction, and a slot separate from a coin slot could be employed. In other instances, a meter or other device may simply be designed for the insertion of a single check.

The slots 20 terminate behind the wall 10 and checks passing therethrough are inserted in openings 23 in a carrier 22. The carrier is adapted to be rotated by means of a handle 12 and a time winding ring 24 is adapted to be moved by the carrier. As explained in the aforementioned patent, a winding pawl 42 is associated with the carrier for engaging teeth 31 on the winding ring when a proper check is held by the carrier. A ratchet 26 defines ratchet teeth 28 which are engageable by a separate pawl 56 to prevent return movement of the carrier. The mechanism for operating the pawls carried by the check carrier includes cam segments 30 which are mounted on the inner surface of the wall 10.

The carrier 22 is normally urged against post 25 by means of a spring (not shown). A shield 27 is attached to or formed integrally as a part of the carrier so that access through slots 20 is blocked when the carrier is moved away from the post. Thus, the shield functions to prevent entry of any tool which might be used in an attempt to cause the meter to malfunction.

Checks inserted through the openings 20 are vertically positioned, and the structure of the invention calls for engagement of these checks with one of the set screws 32, 34 or 36. As best shown in FIG. 2, these set screws are mounted on the check carrier 22 at the back of the openings 23, and as shown in FIG. 8, a point on the edge of a check is adapted to engage one of the set screws.

A pin 38 is located in position with respect to each check slot 20. These pins are positioned on the bottom of each slot whereby a point on the edge of each check will engage the edge of a pin 38 at the same time as the edge is engaged with one of the set screws. Instead of pins 38, the as-cast bottom surfaces of the slots may be utilized.

Referring to FIG. 8a, the bottom surfaces of these slots may be formed with slots 39 terminating in a V-shaped configuration so that an unusually thin slug will fail to bridge the span to the set screws even if the slug is of the same diameter as a coin which is to be inserted in a particular slot. The slots 20 are preferably dimensioned to prevent the entry of slugs which are too thick or of a diameter greater than a proper coin. The use of V-shaped notches is also possible with respect to either the set screws or the engaging surfaces 58, 60 and 62 to be described. Obviously these notches must be designed so that a coin of proper thickness will bridge a particular notch at a proper position so that the coin will extend across the spans and be suspended for proper meter operation.

The distance between a set screw and an oppositely disposed pin 38 is precisely determined by adjustment of the set screw so that a proper size check will automatically be suspended between a pin and screw with the check carrier in its normal check receiving position. On the other hand, if an attempt is made to utilize a slug having a diameter less than the diameter of a proper check, the check will not be suspended and will most past the position illustrated in FIG. 8 and into a reject accepting location. If desired, a rejected check may simply be collected in the regular collection box or means may be provided for returning rejected checks. The latter course is preferred from a public relations standpoint since, in some instances, a proper check may be rejected, for example, if the user should accidentally place a dime in the nickel slot.

As shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1, additional slots 40 may be employed for discharging rejected checks. These slots are shown in alignment with the slots 20, and if a check should fall down from the position shown in FIG. 8, any suitable guide may be provided for directing the checks outwardly through slots 40.

The mechanism employed for achieving the time winding operation is, as noted, described in greater detail in the aforementioned patent. As indicated therein, a time winding pawl 42 is provided with an engaging portion adapted to be moved into a position for driving engagement with winding ring 24. The pawl 42 is normally urged toward the teeth of the winding ring by means of a spring 44. The detecting means 47 shown in FIG. 9, does, however, include a portion (as will be more fully explained) for engaging the winding pawl to normally hold this pawl out of position. A spring 46 serves to urge the detecting means toward the right side of FIG. 3 whereby the protuberances 48 shown in FIG. 9 can be moved toward openings in washers or sense reduced thickness of slugs which might be inserted.

An operating element 50 shown in FIG. 9 is pivotally mounted on pin 52 which is supported between posts 54. The pin 52 also supports pawl 42 and a second pawl 56 which engages the ratchet wheel. A more thorough description of the operation of the respective pawls is found in the aforementioned Sollenberger, et al. patent.

In accordance with this invention, the element 50 defines engaging surfaces 58, 60 and 62 which are aligned, respectively, with the set screws 32, 34 and 36 as best shown in FIG. 8. In the "at rest" position of the element 50 shown in FIG. 8, the checks are suspended in the upper position shown by the pins 38 and the set screws. Upon upward movement of the check carrier 22 in the direction of the arrow 64 which occurs upon clockwise rotation of the handle 12, the checks are moved out of contact with the set screws and the checks then drop downwardly into contact with the engaging surfaces of element 50. The spans between the pins 38 and the surfaces 58, 60 and 62 correspond with the spans between the pins and the set screws. Accordingly, the checks are moved to a second suspended position. Furthermore, if a slug of reduced diameter is employed, the slug will drop downwardly past the check carrier. Thus, if for any reason a slug is inadvertently suspended between a pin and a set screw, the slug must then pass through a second gap between a pin and an engaging surface of the element 50 so that there are two determinations of proper diameter made with respect to each check or slug inserted.

Each check is held between the lower spans defined between the pins 38 and element 50, then this check will be carried with the check carrier for movement over the inner surface of the wall 10. This will eventually bring the section into engagement with one of the segments 30 thereby driving the check against the element 50 which will in turn move the pawl 42 into driving engagement with the teeth of winding ring 24. As further explained in the Sollenberger, et al. patent, the presence of a proper check in the carrier causes the pawl 56 to engage teeth 28 on ratchet 26 so that return movement of the check carrier cannot be accomplished until the check carrier has completed its rotation at which time, the check will drop out of the carrier.

As noted, a slug of less than proper diameter and thickness will be rejected and not moved along with the coin carrier. A slug of too great a diameter will not enter the slots 20. Where the slug is of proper diameter but constitutes a washer or an exceptionally thin piece, the detecting means of FIG. 9 will prevent operation of the time winding mechanisms in the manner described in the aforementioned Sollenberger, et al. patent. When this detecting arrangement is used in combination with the diameter detecting means already described, a mechanism is employed for holding the protuberances 48 out of contact with checks and slugs in the initial deposit stage. Thus, when these checks and slugs are inserted, the lesser diameter pieces must be free to fall for rejection of these pieces, and the protuberances 48 cannot be in a position such that the lesser diameter pieces will hang up in the check carrier.

In order to avoid interference by the protuberances, the detecting means 47 of FIG. 9 is provided with an extension 66 which carries a bearing member 68. This member may be a roller or other element adapted to move in engagement with the bearing surface defined by plate 70. This plate is attached by means of fasteners 72 to the housing wall 10 in the embodiment shown; however, the plate could be formed integrally if desired.

The extension 66 has a length such that the element 47 is forced inwardly in opposition to spring 46 whenever the check carrier is in the check receiving position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The curvature of the plate 70 is such that the element 47 will continue to be pressed inwardly during the initial movement of the check carrier so that the protuberances 48 will continue to be held out of position with respect to the coin slots when the checks drop to the lower position of FIG. 8. Accordingly, these protuberances will not interfere with this dropping movement or with any continued movement in the case of a rejected slug.

As the movement of the check carrier continues, the carrier bearing element 68 is moved away from the plate 70 in which case the spring 46 drives the element and the associated protuberances inwardly relative to the check carrier. In the event that a washer or thin slug is present in a coin slot, the element will move inwardly to the extent that the edge 73 will block the movement of a detent on pawl 42 (as explained in the Sollenberger, et al. patent) whereby the driving edge of the pawl 42 cannot be brought into engagement with the winding ring 24. Thus, the combination of the invention provides the operating features which are characteristic of the aforementioned Sollenberger, et al. patent with modifications accommodating that arrangement to the detection of slugs of reduced diameter.

When the coin carrier has been rotated sufficiently to achieve the desired winding, the coins or slugs held in the carrier are to be released before the coin carrier returns to the starting position. A coin chute 73 (FIG. 3) is provided for collecting any check dropped from the coin carrier and a passage 75 will direct these checks into a coin box located in the meter housing.

The illustrated structure provides a second plate 77 which provides a second bearing surface for engagement with the bearing member 68. When this bearing member engages the plate 77 as shown in FIG. 3, the protuberances are again backed out of the coin slots in the carrier 22 to insure release of any check in the carrier.

FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 provide an arrangement wherein the check carrier of the invention and winding ring are adapted for the purchase of free time in addition to the time which can be purchased upon the insertion of a proper coin or token. As noted, the presence of a proper coin or token in the check carrier will result in the driving of pawl 42 into position for achieving movement of the winding ring. The segments 30 shown in FIG. 10 determine the position of engagement of the winding ring by different coins. For example, where a quarter is inserted, the winding pawl will engage the winding ring in response to the engagement of a quarter with the inner segment 30. The shorter intermediate segment 30 may be engaged by a dime, and the shortest outer segment by a nickel. The size of the segments thus determines the degree of wind and, therefore, determines the amount of time purchased.

The arrangement of FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 comprises a drive element 74 which defines an opening 76 at one end for loose fitting around the shaft 78 which has the winding ring 24 attached thereto. A bent-up section 80 of the element 74 is rotated in the path of movement of a post 82 carried by the check carrier 22. A tab 84 is formed in the winding ring 24 for engagement by the edge 86 of the element 74.

It will be appreciated that with the winding ring 24 in the zero position shown, the check carrier 22 can be rotated until the post 82 engages the section 80 of element 74. This will in turn bring the edge 86 into driving engagement with tab 84 whereby the ring 24 can be rotated until the carrier 22 reaches the limit of rotation. This limit may be controlled by any suitable element blocking continued rotation and is conveniently provided by a formation on an intermediate wall. Obviously, the position of the tab 84 and the size of element 74 will also control the amount of free time available for purchase.

The free time may be limited to a short period, for example 10 minutes, so that it will be usable only by those persons intending to purchase a single item or the like whereby parking spaces will be continuously available for patrons of commercial establishments in the area. For any longer periods of use, the time must be paid for by inserting checks in which case the meter will operate in the conventional fashion.

It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the construction described which provide the characteristics of this invention without departing from the spirit thereof particularly as defined in the following claims.