US2481423A - Parking meter and coin slot therefor - Google Patents

Description

SW3@ @9 @49 w. J. HERSQHELDE ETT/L 294%9423 IARKING METER NDCOIN SLGT THEREFOR @riginal Filed May 27, 3,938

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PARKING METER AND COIN SLOT THEREFOR original Filed May 27, 1938 4 lSheets-Sheet 2 .fa/ wwf ffl @9 1%@ w. J. Hamm-MDE ET AL 2943394323 PARKING' METER AND COIN SLOT THEREFOR original Filed may 27, 195s v Smets-sheet s //74 Y /79 5d/77 ffm! THE/K A ORNEY.

Sept 6, 1949 w. J. HERscHEDE ET AL 2,481,423

PARKING METER AND COIN SLOT THEREFOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed May 27. 1938 gmc/WWU W/LL/AM For HERscf-/EDE WALTER J HERscH/fne W/LL/AM N. WOODRUFF Patented Sept. 6, 1949 PARKING METER AND COIN SLOT THEREFOR Walter J. Herschedc, Cincinnati, William Foy Herschede, Forestville, and William N. Woodrul, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignors to International Vehicular Parking, Ltd., a corporation of Delaware Application March 10, 1942, Serial No. 434,138, now Patent No. 2,433,453, dated December 30, 1947, which is a division of application ySerial No. 210,504, May 27, 1938, now Patent No. 2,289,838, dated July 14, 1942. Divided and this application May 1, 1945, Serial No. 591,306

Claims. (Cl. 161-15) This application for patent is a division of our copending application Serial No. 434,138, filed March 10, 1942, now Patent No. 2,433,453, dated December 30, 1947, entitled Parking meter and coin slot therefor, which in turn is a division of Patent 2,289,838 of July 14, 1942, and the invention relates to parking meters of the general character adapted for mounting or positioning at intervals along roadways or streets, and which include timing mechanism and coin-controlled apparatus cooperating with the timing mechanism, for initiating operation of the timing mechanism oi the parking meter.

An object of the invention is to provide timing mechanism in conjunction with a coin slot, of such character and structure that same may be handled as a unit in mounting and demounting same in a suitable housing provided for receiving and protecting the said mechanisms from the elements and the curious persons who might otherwise tamper therewith.

Another object is to provide a device of the character indicated, in which the various parts, when inactive, are relieved of all stress or strain attributable to the use of a clock spring or the equivalent therewith, for use as motive power.

These and other objects may be attained by the means described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view showing one side of a device embodying the invention and mounted on a customary standard.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmental sectional view on line 2-2 of Fig. 1, showing the front wall only.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged iragmental sectional view of the device showing the rear wall only.

Fig. 4 is an elevational view of the clock mechanism disposed Within the casing, and showing that side 'thereof that is exposed at that portion of the housing shown in Fig. 1, when the detachable door or panel, shown in Fig. l is removed.

Fig. 5 is a view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 4, but observed from the rear thereof, part of the coin slot mechanism having been removed.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the device shown in Fig. 5, parts being omitted.

Fig. 7 is a fragmental end elevational view of parts shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the mechanism shown in Fig. 6, parts being omitted.

Like reference characters denote like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Considering now more particularly a device in accordance with our invention, attention is directed to the drawings. In referring to parts of the device (see Figs. 1, 2 and 3), reference will be made to the face 30 of the casing or housing 3i as the front of the device and the opposite outer face 32 thereof will be referred to as the rear of the device. Such terminology is used merely for facilitating description and not for the purpose of limitation, particularly so because to some persons it might appear that the face .3 should properly be called the rear or back of the device. Y

A large opening 33 (Fig. 1) is provided in the front face or wall 30, for which a removable door or panel `34 is provided. Access to the interior of the casing, by way of the said large opening 33, permits access to the instrumentalities that control attachment and detachment of a coin slot cover plate 35 (see Fig. 3) which serves as a detachable closure or panel for the opening 35 in the rear face or Wall 32 of the housing 3l. The detachable pane1 or plate 35 permits ready access, to authorized persons, to the coin slot mechanism 'for servicing same as may be necese sary from time to time by reason of introduction of articles and substances, other than coins, into the coin slot mechanism and which may interfere with proper functioning of the coin slot mechanism. A detailed explanation of the mounting of the coin slot cover plate will be given later.

The front wall of the housing, in addition to said large opening 33, is provided with a smaller opening 31 for which a hinged door 38 is provided. The hinged door controls access to the lower portion of the internal chamber 45 in the housing and in which section of the internal chamber, the coins are collected and from which an authorized person may remove same, without disturbing any other parts of the device. Suitable lock controlled means are provided at 33v and 40 for controlling access by way of the panel 34 and door 38, to the interior of the housing or casing 3|. Suitable bolts 4| and 42, assoelated with customary drums of key controlled tumbler type locks, are provided for bolting or locking the panel and door to the casing wall adjacent such panel and door.

Windows 63 'and 64 (seeFigs. 1 and 3) are provided at the front and rear of the device, and through each of which a signal device or flag 65, t3 is observable. The one window is provided in the panel Silland the other is provided in the casing wall. y The signals are adapted to cooperate with various other parts of the meter mechanism in a manner, for purposes explained later.

A suitable shank 61 is formed at the lower end of the housing 3|, whereby to permit mounting of the device on a suitable standard, in any suitable manner.

The meter mechanism comprises a clock mechanism which may be of any suitable construction. Essentially, it comprises a spring motor, an escapement and a suitable gear train. Means are provided whereby the clock mechanism may be rendered operative upon introduction of a proper coin or token into the device and also for rendering the clock mechanism inoperative after a determinable period of time, as well as for actuating the signals and signal operating parts from the clock motor.

The front and rear plates (Fig. 6) are held in spaced relation by customary means, for example, suitable studs such as 83, with which suitable screws 840 cooperate, in accordance with customary practice. The upper ends of the plates, at the outer corners thereof are secured to in- Verted T-shaped brackets 84 and 85 (see Fig. 4). The brackets serve as supports for the shaft or axle 86 for the signals 65 and 66. Each signal comprises a white plate or panel and a red plate or panel. These panels are so related and connected that while the signals may move about the horizontal axle or axis 86, the signal panels of identical color are exposed at the windows at the front and back of the casing. The plates or panels 81, 88, 89 and 90, are graduated to indicate periods cf time, and are adapted to cooperate with an indicator 9| (see also Fig. 5), comprising a pair of lingers 92 and 93, for showing the elapsed time of meter operation (see Fig. 8). When the established period of parking time has elapsed, the red panels are moved to positions adjacent the fingers for visibly indicating that the parking time is being exceeded. At other times, during operation of the device, the white panels are positioned adjacent the fingers. This matter of two color signals and their operation, as generally related will be explained in more detail hereafter. It is in order, however, to state the movement of the signals on their axis is accomplished (see also Fig. 7) by means of linkage including a bracket 94 secured to axle or shaft 86 and link 95 having at its upper end a pivoted connection with bracket 94 in offset or eccentric relation to the axis of axle or shaft 86. The lower end of link 95 is connected with a lever |08, of suitable actuating mechanism, explained later (see Fig. 8), for synchronized operation of the signals with the other parts of the meter mechanism.

The spring motor Winding stem 46 (see Figs. 4 and 6) is associated with the customary clock spring barrel, ratchet, etc., whereby the wound spring within the barrel 96 operates a gear train indicated generally at 91, the last element 8| of which is any one of various customary escapements, shown in detail in Fig. 4. Coupled with the gear train (see also Fig. 8) is a pair of gears 98 and 99. These gears 98 and 99 are mounted cn the same shaft or axle and are identical, except that one gear is loose on the shaft and the other is xed to the shaft. The tWo gears 98 and 99 may be locked together and for that purpose there is provided an idler gear |0I. The idler gear |0| is rotatably mounted on a pivoted lever |02, and falls into engagement With gears 98 and 99 under the action of gravity, the positioning of gear |0| and its supporting lever being actuated from the motor train in a manner that will be explained. As exemplified herein, the gear 98 is xed to shaft |00, as is also the gear |93. The gear 99, integral with gear |04 is loose or freely revoluble upon shaft |00, except when the idler gear |0| is in mesh with it, and at which time the gears 98 and 99 are locked for movement together. The gear |04 receives power from gear |05 in power train 91. The gear |03 (see Fig. 8) and the gear 98 are fixed to shaft |00. Gears |84 and 99 are fixed together on a hollow shaft rotatable on shaft |0|. Gear |03 is engaged by the gear segment |06 carrying the indicator 9|. A pin |01 (see Fig. 8), carried by gear segment |06, is adapted to actuate a lever |08 (see also Fig. 6) which is pivoted on the axle or shaft |09 and on which shaft the segmental gear |06 is xedly mounted. The end of lever |08, remote from the end thereof that is adapted to contact pin |01, is pivotally connected to the link of the signal (Figs. 4, 6 and 7). The said pivotal connection is effected by means of a bearing pin ||0 carried by the angularly turned end of lever |08 and the bearing pin extends through a suitable aperture in the link 95 and a cotter pin or the like inserted in the transverse aperture I2 in bearing |0 prevents separation of the link 95 and lever |08. The signal is weighted so that it will return, under the influence of gravity, to its normal position, in which the red panels are disposed at the windows in the device, a position signalling improper parking of a vehicle. The pin |01 is so positioned on the segmental gear, that in setting the indicator to initial position in actuating the device, the pin will actuate the lever for moving the signals so the white signal panels are disposed adjacent the windows. A pin I3 on the lever will be received by a spring actuated catch ||4 to hold the white signal panels into position until released upon expiration of allotted parking time, as more particularly noted hereinafter, the catch then controlling release of the signals so they may move under the influence of the weight associated therewith, for returning the Signals to normal position.

The pin ||3 carried by lever |08 is angular in cross-section, and is adapted to cooperate with a hook-like catch or holding member ||4 (see also Figs. 6 and 8). The catch |4 is pivotally mounted between the front frame plate 1| and an intermediate plate ||5 carried by the meter mechanism frame. The catch |4 is secured to a shaft H6, loosely journaled in the frame plates 1| and ||5. Also secured to said shaft ||6 is an arm |1 carrying a pin I |8. The pin extends through an opening 300 in the frame plate 1| (see Fig. 4) and is acted upon by a lug ||9 of the time adjustment plate 20 upon the indicator 9| reaching a point denoting the expiration of an allotted parking period. The associated arm ||1 and catch ||4 are then lifted to release pin 3 and permit upward movement of arm ||0 and a consequent return of the red signals to signalling position, as appears more fully below. Plate |20 may be adjusted arcuately upon the shaft |09, to which shaft (Fig. 6) the indicator 9| and segmental gear |06 are fixed, in order to set the device for different parking periods, twenty minutes, as in front of banks, or one hour, as in most places where the meters would be located. The adjustment of the plate |20 is effected by means of an arcuate slot |2| in the plate |20, through which a set screw |22 extends, the set screw being threaded into a collar |23 secured to shaft |09. Suitable graduations |24 on the frame plate, co-

52 operate withl pointer or index linger on the adjustment plate |20', to mark the setting of the time interval between movement of the signals from abnormal or operating position, v(prope: parking of a vehicle), at which time the White panels are disposed at the Windows, Ato normal or non-operating position (improper parking of Vthe vehicle), at. which time the red panels are so exposed or positioned.

The pin H8 (Figs. 6 and v8') is actuated by the lug H9 for turning the catch 'l i4 on its axis, for releasing the pin H3, thus freeing the lever and the signalsA to respond to the gravity influence of the weighted signals. The spring |25, yieldingly holds the catch in position to receive and hold the pin H3. The spring also yieldingly urges the pin H8 toward the lug H9. The pin H8 and catch H4 are so related to one another and to the pin H3 and the lug H9, that only a limited arcuate movement of the catch and pin H8 is possible before one or the other of said members' H4 and H8 contact either the pin H3 or lug H9. Movement of indicator 9| to an initial position is had through the action oi' the coil spring |21 and collar |28 mounted on shaft |539 to which indicator 9| and vits gear |06 are rigidly secured. This resetting of the indicator under spring action is permitted by the free turning of gears |63 and 99 when the idler gear [0| is lifted, incident to initiating operation of the meter mechanism. Any suitable arrangement for attaining the indicated function may be employed. As shown herein, the coil spring |21 has its one end secured to shaft |59 (see Fig. 6) and its other end is anchored to the frame plate 'H by means of a pin |39. The spring |21 is Wound or tensioned as the indicator is moved at timing rate under the 'influence of the main spring motor 96, acting through the gear train |93, |55 and gear segment |05.

The idler gear ||J| (see Figs. 6 and 8) is the instrumentality which locks or joins the spring motor power train and the various parts, including the indicator 9|', and which parts are interrelated and interdependent as previously explained. When the idler gear is released from its normal function of joining the gears 98 and 99, the indicator may be manually moved back and forth as desired in adjusting the device, and consequently, when, in the intended functioning of the device, the idler gear is moved to release or inoperative position, the indicator is free to respond to the action of the spring |2'l and to cause such coaction of the various other parts, that the clock mechanism is rendered operative, the signals are actuated, etc., wherefore, the meter is set in operation for its intended purpose or function of timing the parking period for which a person is obliged to insert a proper coin into the device.

Momentary release of the idler gear is sufficient to accomplish the indicated conditioning of the device.

The release of the idler is accomplished by releasing the lever |132 (see also Figs. 4 and 5), so the force of the spring motor, operating through gear 98, will force the idler gear away from the gears 98 and 99, thus freeing the gear 98 and permitting the spring l 21 to move the indicator and initiates operation of the escapement, as previously explained.

Returning now to a fuller discussion of the signals and 66 of our device, attention is directed to Fig. 7 in which is shown a view of parts observed when looking at the right hand end of the structure vshown in Fig. 4. The panels 88 and '9U of signals 65 and 66 .respectively are red, while panels 81 and i90 `are white, for example. White panels. 81 or Sli are disposed as shown in Fig. '1, when the partsare in abnormal or operating position, as the meter is operating for measuring the period vof parking time. As such time, it isfseen that these panels are disposed in vertical position adjacent the Windows v|53 and 64 respectively. Both red. and white panels have identical calibrations `for identical cooperation with the indicator fingers 92 and V93. The meter is preferably so set that `upon expiration of Vthe time limit, the red signal lpanels `83 and 89 `displace the panels 8'!v and 90, respectively, however, the clock mechanism continues. -to -operate for an additional period of time or allowed overtime period, for example, ten minutes, as shown herein. This arrangement defeats the complaint that the user of a parking space might offer to ,an arresting oiiicer to the effect that .the vtime limit had just expired and that the user had no opportunity of moving his vehicle or of purchasing more parking time.

The panels B5 and d!! are xedly mounted on a pair of spaced brackets 52d, xedly mounted on shaft or axle .86. The panels 8l and89 are pivotally attached to the lower edges of panels 38 and respectively. The lower edges of panels 81 and 89 are pivotally connected to the lower .ends of links 52| and 522 respectively. The upper ends of links 52| and 522'arepivotally attached to opposite ends of bracket '523, fixed to bracket 85 (see Fig. 4). A stop pin 524 (see Fig. 7), carried by bracket 523, serves as an abutment against one of the brackets 520 may contact, when the signal is released to respond to theaction oi gravity upon the weight 525 associated with the signal.

As Ypanel S8 is raised and panel El!) is lowered through tilting of support 52! by pulling of link 95, panel `8l is lifted into View in the position previously occupied by vpanel 88, and the panel 89 is swungout of View permitting its previous position to be occupied by panel Sil. Panels 8l and 89, of course, are directly moved by the rigidly supported panels 88 and 90, respectively, from which they hingedly depend. The lower edges of panels 81 and yare properly positioned through the supporting links 52| .and 522, respectively. Thusas support 52B is tilted back and forth under the action of the weight 525 .and link 55, panels 38 and 81 are brought Yinto and out of View on one side of the meter-and panels 89 and 9% are respectively brought into and out of view on the other side of the meter.

The links (52| and 522, panels 81, 88, .89 and 9B, and the various parts cooperating therewith are so proportioned and related that all the panels may .assume vertical positions and the panels S1 and 89 may both assume horizontal positions in substantially the same plane, without interference with other parts of 'the device.

Summarizing the operation of our device, attention is particularly directed to Fig. 8, wherein is `illustrated the particular relationship of certain working .parts of the meter at the expiration of a predetermined parking period. It must be noted that indicator S2 is in extreme right position and with coil spring |21 wound tight on shaft its. The clocking mechanism is locked from' operation by lever |3l' pressing escapement 32 into engagement with one of the pallets of escapement wheel L33; lthe lever 13| at the same time holding pendulum |35 in unbalanced position. It is .to be noted 'further .that catch I Id, and pin l E3 on lever maare disengaged and the signalling mechanism attached to bearing pin .il t through link 75 (Fig. 7) 'hasiallen by gravity to .lift the link and rotate lever |08 in a clockwise direction about shaft |09. At this time, the red panels 88 and 89 of the signalling mechanism are exposed to view in windows 93 and 54 of the meter casing.

Clocking of a predetermined parking period is initiated from the meter position just described by inserting a suitable coin 203 in the meter' coin slot. As the coin is forced through coin slot |14 by the coin door mechanism, it contacts arm lili of floating trigger |82, causing the trigger to move rearwardly and upwardly against spring tension. While the coin door is open, lug 228 on the door is displaced to engage portion 221 of lever 225, thereby locking shaft |46 against rotation during upward movement of the trigger1 |82. During the rearward and upward trigger movement, trigger stud |91 contacts face 204 of pivotally mounted gate 20|, forcing catch member 298 into engagement with holding pawl 2|0 pivotally mounted on the rear wall of block |11. Chamfered lower arm 202 of gate 29| accordingly is held above the base |99 of coin chamber |15, thus providing a lateral abutment for preventing lateral discharge of the coin from thechamber. The coin finally passes in the space between trigger arms |88 and |9|. The trigger then moves forwardly under spring action, following the curvature of the coin. Meanwhile, the coin door closes and lug 228 accordingly is displaced over portion 226 of lever 225, thereby permitting limited rotation of shaft |46. At this time, stud |91 of the trigger raises arm 224 of lever fli to turn shaft |46 in a clockwise direction.

Upon rotation of shaft |46, sprinf pressed lever |45 loosely mounted on shaft |45, is depressed by lug |48 of arm |41. Pin |43 on lever 02, accordingly, is released, and idler gear 40E is moved back and out of engagement with gears 98 and 99 These two gears then are freed to relative movement and spring |21 drives pointer 9| to the left, as seen in the drawing, whereupon shaft segmental gear |06, gears |03 and 98, and shaft are rotated, while gear 99 and gear idle on the shaft.

As pointer 92 rotates to the left, arm 59 iizaed to shaft |09 strikes pin |55 of detent 2i2, thereby moving pawl 2| 0 and releasing catch 209 of gate The gate 20| then returns to normal position and the coin falls laterally from coin chamber |15 and into the coin chamber 333 to a position before window 33 The timing adjustment plate |29 (see also Fig. 4) also turns with shaft |09 and lug H9 moves away from pin I8 permitting catch l le to rotate in a clockwise direction, as seen in the drawing, under spring action to contact pin |53. When pointer 9| approaches its extreme left position, pin |01 on the segmental gear |96 strikes the right end of lever |08, causing the lever to rotate in a counterclockwise direction about shaft |93. By this movement, link 95 is pulled down (see Fig. 7) and the white panels 65 and 66 of the signalling mechanism are exposed to view in windows 63 and 64 of the meter casing, as more particularly indicated above. Latch I4 then moves over pin ||3 to lock the white signals in position.

When pointer 9| reaches its extreme lei t position as seen in Fig. 8, a portion of the pointer (see also Fig. 4) strikes lever |3| of the escapement looking mechanism moving the lower end |34 of the lever away from escapement member |32 and into the detent |36. Pendulum 35, which as previously noted was held off-center, starts the clockwork motor. At this time, gear |0| on arm |02 has moved by gravity to engage gears 98 and 99 and the clockwork mechanism operating through gears |04, 99, 0|, 98 and segmental gear |06, drives the pointer 9| to the right to commence the timing operation.

When the allotted timing period has expired, and pointer 9| again is at extreme right position, as shown in Fig. 8, lug ||9 rotating with shaft |09, contacts pin ||8 causing catch ||4 to release the pin ||3, whereupon the red signals 88 and 89 come to view in windows 63 and 64 of the meter casing, as explained hereinbefore. Lug |9 forces pin ||8 upward and detent |36 of lever |29 is raised, whereupon the lower end |34 of lever |3| moving under the tension of spring |31, forces escapement member |32 into engagement with one of the pallets of escapement wheel |33 to stop the clockwork, the pendulum |35 at the same time being locked in unbalanced position.

When the device is tripped by insertion of a coin into the coin slot during the clocking of a predetermined period, operation is the same as outlined above, except, of course. the white signals and their controlling lever |08, remain undisturbed and the clockwork continues to run while pointer 9| returns to initial left-hand position.

As many possible embod-iments may be made of our invention and as many changes may be made in the embodiment hereinbefore set forth, it is to be understood that all matter described herein, or shown in the accompanying drawings, is to be interpreted as illustrative and not as a limitation.

We claim:

1. In a parking meter, the combination with a. movably controlled indicator linger, of a pair of dissimilarly colored movable panels selectively movable adjacent the nger and having corresponding legends or factors for cooperating in similar manner with the indicator finger, Whereby the iinger may indicate identical factors on both panels, and metering means for operating the ringer along said panels and for controlling selective positioning of the panels adjacent the nger.

2. In a parking meter, a pointer movable at timing rate, a pair of horizontally hinged panels selectively movable adjacent said pointer, and means vertically moving said panels upon setting said pointer to its initial timing position and placing said pointer and one panel in cooperation and reversing movement of said panels and placing pointer and other panel in cooperation upon expiration of a prescribed timing period.

3. In a parking meter, a pointer movable at timing rate, a pair of horizontally hinged panels selectively movable adjacent said pointer, means vertically moving said panels upon setting said pointer to its initial timing position and placing pointer and one panel in cooperation, means latching said moving means, and means releasing said latching means and reversing movement of said panels and placing pointer and other panel in cooperation upon expiration of a predetermined timing period.

4. In a parking meter, pivotally mounted pointer means having a pin adjacent the pivot thereof and an adjustable auxiliary pointer coaxially therewith, a pair of horizontally mounted panels selectively movable adjacent the indicating end of said pointer means, means contacted by the pin of said pointer means in setting the same and rotating said panels about their axis and placing one panel in cooperation with the indicating end of the pointer means,

means latching said pin-contacted means, and means actuated by the adjustable auxiliary pointer releasing said latching means and reversing movement of said panels and placing the other panel in cooperation with the indicating end of the pointer means upon said pointer means having reached a predetermined position in its travel.

5. In a parking meter, forked pointer means movable at timing rate, two pair of panels horizontally mounted within the confines of the forked portion of said pointer means and with one pair selectively movable adjacent one forked prong and the other pair movable adjacent the other prong, and means lifting one pair of panels and dropping the other pair upon setting said pointer means to its initial position thereby placing the lower panel of the one pair in cooperation with one prong of said pointer means and placing the upper panel of the other pair in cooperation with the other prong of said pointer means,

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,739,285 Boyce Dec. 10, 1929 1,752,071 Doyle Mar. 25, 1930 1,757,949 Schlaich May 6, 1930 2,078,136 Gumm Apr. 20, 1937 2,088,300 Magee July 27, 1937 2,198,422 Woodruff et al Apr. 23, 1940

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