CA1042752A - Parking meter with slug detecting mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

A construction adapted to receive coins, tokens and other checks for the purchase of articles or services, the construction including means for detecting fraudulent checks. The check carrier or other mechanism defining engaging surfaces also includes sensing means which detect the presence of a washer and thin slugs to disable the purchasing mechanisms. This detecting arrangement is held out of operating position until after a diameter check has been accomplished.

Description

104'~7S2 This application is divided from our application Serial No.
220,480 filed February 20, 1975.
The 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 ~mited.
The present invention provides in a parking meter construction having a meter housing, a check carrier adapted to hold checks deposited in the park-ing 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 holes in washers and for sensing thin slugs positioned in the check carrier, said check carrier support-ing pawl means adapted to engage time purchasing mechanisms, sensing of a hole or thin slug holding said pawl means out of position for a time purchasing .

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operation, the improvement comprising means for normally holding said pro-trusions 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.
Conveniently, the apparatus may include 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. The bearing member may comprise a roller, the bearing surfaces being formed on walls positioned adjacent the check carrier.
According to a feature of the invention, the apparatus may comprise a parking meter, the 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.
The following is a description by way of example of certain embodi-ments in accordance with the present invention, reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure 1 is a front elevation of a parking meter structure suitable for the incorporation of the mechanisms of the invention;
; Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken about the line

2-2 of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a rear elevational view of the check carrier structure and associated parts utilized in the construction;
Figure 4 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the front ' 30 mechanism frame section of the meter taken about the line 4-4 of Figure 5;

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Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken about the line 5-5 of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a check;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a washer which is adapted to be detected in the event of use in the construction;
Figure 8 is an enlarged detail view illustrating the detecting means utilized in the construction;
Figure 8a is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of an alternative design for the check receiving slots;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of a detecting structure and associat-ed pawl means adapted to be used in combination with the structure of Figure 8.
~; The construction hereinafter described in the drawings 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 described finds particular application in parking meters wherein detecting means is associated with the pawl structure compris-` ing 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. United States Patent No. 3,262,540 entitled "Slug Detector for Parking Meters", issued July 26, 1966. In the construction hereinafter described, means are employed for developing the operation of this feeler arrangement. More specifically, the described constructions 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 ~(~4~7~Z
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.
Figure 1 illustrates the front mechanism frame portion 10 of a park-ing 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 de-signed for the insertion of a single check.
The slots 20 terminate behind the wall 10 and checks passing there-through 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 described structure calls for engagement of these checks with one of :;

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the set screws 32, 34 or 36. As best showrl in Figure 2, these set screws are mounted on thc check carrier 22 at the back of the openings 23, and as shown in Figure 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 Figure 8a, the bottom surfaces of these slots may be c formed with slots 39 terminating in a V-shaped configuration so that an un-- usually 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 Figure 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 bc rejected, for example, if the user should accidentally place a dime in the nickel slot.
As shown in dotted lines in Figure 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 Figure 8, any suitable guide may be provided for directing the checks out-i wardly 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 Figure 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 .
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the detecting means toward the right side of Figure 3 whereby the protuberances 48 shown in Figure 9 can be moved toward openings in washers or sense reduced 1 thickness of slugs which might be inserted.

`~ An operating element 50 shown in Figure 9 is pivotally mounted on . . . ~
-~ 20 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 des-~. ;~ ' .
cription of the operation of the respective pawls is found in the afore-mentioned Sollenberger, et al. patent.

In the described construction, the element 40 defines engaging sur-~ faces 58, 60 and 62 whîch are aligned, respectively, with the set screws 32, ; j 34 and 36 as best shown in Figure 8. In the "at rest~' position of the element ~!
~ 50 shown in Figure 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 ~ 30 the handle 12, the checks are moved out of contact with the set screws and the ~' ' :1 .

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1~)4;i~7S2 checks then drop downwardly into contact with the engaging surfaces of element 50. Tlle 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 determina-tions of proper diameter made with respect to each check or slug inserted.
Each check is held between the lower spans defined between ~he 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 Figure 9 will prevent operation of the time winding mechanisms in the manner described in the aforementioned Sollenberger, et al. patent. When this detec-ting arrangement is used in combination with the diameter detecting means al-ready described, a mechanism is employed for holding the protuberances 48 out of contact with checks and slugs in the initial deposit stage. rhus, 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 ~04;~75Z
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 Figure 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 attach-ed 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 in-wardly in opposition to spring 46 whenever the check carrier is in the check receiving position shown in Figures 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 con-tinue to be held out of position with respect to the coin slots when the checks drop to the lower positiOn of Figure 8. Accordingly, these protuber-ances will not interfere with this dropping movement or with any continued movement in the case of a rejected slug.
As the ~ovement 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 engage-ment with the winding ring 24. Thus, the combination described provides the operating features uhich 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 , .

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(Figure 3~ is provided for collecting any check dropped from the coin carrier and a passage 75 will direct tllese 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 Figure 3, the protuberances are again backed out of the coin slots in the carrier 22 to insure release of ~ any check in the carrier.
: It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the construction described which provide the characteristics Gf this invention without departing from the spirit thereof particularly as defined in the following claims.

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Claims (4)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. In a parking meter construction having a meter housing, a check carrier adapted to hold checks deposited in the parking meter, said check car-rier 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 holes in washers and for sensing thin slugs positioned in the check carrier, said check carrier supporting pawl means adapted to engage time purchasing mechanisms, sensing of a hole or thin 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.

2. A construction in accordance with Claim 1 including a second bear-ing 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.

3. A construction in accordance with Claim 2,wherein said bearing mem-ber comprises a roller, said bearing surfaces being formed on walls position-ed adjacent said check carrier.

4. A construction in accordance with Claim 3 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 posi-tioned adjacent each check slot, said sheet member defining an extension beyond said check carrier with said roller being mounted on said extension.