EP0879451B1

EP0879451B1 - Improved apparatus for programmed collection and delivery of money, particularly an electronic moneybox

Info

Publication number: EP0879451B1
Application number: EP96921074A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ermes Riet
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-02-09
Filing date: 1996-06-26
Publication date: 2001-01-24
Anticipated expiration: 2016-06-26
Also published as: WO1997029461A1; EP0879451A1; ITTV960017A1; ATE198948T1; IT1288575B1; ITTV960017A0; DE69611698D1; AU6240996A

Abstract

Improved apparatus for programmed collection and delivery, particularly of money, of the type including: a structure (1) perpendicularly erected, provided with a door (2) on the back, with limited access, said structure being able to contain at least one computer (4) programmed for supplying the wins at the achievement of a preset combination; optionally a keyboard (14) for the programming of a control-timer of at least one coffer (6, 7), making itself openable to supply the coins therein contained at a certain hour and date; a collection and delivery coffer group for the coins introduced through a coin dispenser (5) characterised in that: the structure, equipped with an entrance with limited access, includes a logic unit (4) that interacts with a main computer, provided with acoustic boxes (11) externally placed regarding said structure, to supply the wins obtained at the achievement of a preset combination in the programming phase of the working software; the collection and delivery coffer group of the coins introduced through a coin dispenser is composed of one or more coffers each one equipped with means for the controlled delivery of coins that interact with the main computer and/or the control logic unit.

Description

Technical Field

This invention has as object an improved apparatus for programmed collection and delivery of money, such as an electronic money-box.

The innovation, finds particular even if not exclusive application in a house, in relation to small savings made up of coin collection, but also as means for promoting the amusement of the individual person in the public surroundings.

Background Art

In prior art money-boxes and safes in general are known.

The first regard traditional receptacles in porcelain, ceramic and also plastic material, introduced for a long time on the market in different dimensions and shapes, generally provided of a fissure and if necessary in the part below of an opening somewhat wide of the closable type.

The fissure, as known, has the main purpose to allow the introduction of coins and also paper money, until the partial or total, filling of the container realizing the accumulated saving. The user, to have access to the accumulated saving, can according to the case, determine the breakage of the container and therefore lose the object, or alternatively allow the depletion carrying out the removing of an underlying small cap, to then reset the container.

The drawbacks present in the said solutions, are different.

Firstly a diffusion somewhat limited, as the traditional money-box is directed to a public decidedly young, excluding adults who as a consequence must address the attention to other ways of small saving.

Secondly, that extra which allows concretely also to the youngest of becoming active in saving is lacking, an operation that usually is done unwillingly, without being deprived of satisfactions that go beyond the economical accumulation perceivable exclusively by the older, as for example the amusement.

In the section of adults, dedicated to the collection of small sums of money, we can distinguish essentially two categories, a first that utilizes common containers, such as cups, vases, coffee containers and the like, a second more perceived that enjoys instead the safe.

In the first obviously, as in the second, logistic problems are noticeable, but also a concrete possibility to lose the attention in saving, due to the fact that the content is always easily accessible. The safes additionally, are penalized also by the costs both of purchase and tied to the installation, and do not allow the involvement of the collectivity on the inside of a family nucleus. Another aspect no less negligible, is given by the use of money-boxes, which like the preceding, do not offer, simultaneously to the collection of coins, any active form of amusement, not tempting the saver.

Finally, there is also present a third category of persons, moreover the most diffused.

It may be singled out in that which regarding the daily expenses, with little attention never knows where to place the coins, which generally get lost in clothing, left in the car or in other places, all being situations that, even when one allows the collection, then create not few difficulties tied to the elimination.

DE-A-324289 discloses practically a slot machine not a money-box, as per the scope of this invention.

In the case de quo, the existing technology, making a short reference as prior art, would concern also a slot-machine, which is essentially made up of:

a body generally metallic;
a lever placed to the side of the apparatus and relative movement mechanical group;
one or more fissures placed on the upper part to said body, able to allow the tokens introduction and/or coins;
a single container able to contain the coins as introduced, inside said structure and extractable by traditional access, through the front or the back;
an electro-mechanical group, quantifying the coins received for each play and to supply on the basis of certain standard parameters set by said logic unit of the apparatus;
a display, with three or more sectors, in which are shown the different combinations obtained interacting with the movement of the lever, not excluding if necessary also the score;
some selectors, able to exclude probabilities by means of pushbuttons;

and finally, in the under part a collection tank by fall of the coins in the case of the object of a win .

There exists, an ever growing number of people, of the most humble social scale, (pensioners, housewives, workmen, students, and so on..) that go with periodicity to the casino to play at the slot-machines, which generally allow modest wins, but that obviously fascinate the players tempting them to spend always more.

After some frequentation, the purpose of these people becomes that to recover the losses, but, carrying on playing, increase the deficit, distancing the possibility to recover one's losses.

Lost therefore is the small fortune that could have been used for this purpose, the wiser completely stop frequenting the casino or reduce the frequentations, the displeasure of the money wasted and an insane love for slot-machines remaining however, which also having robbed them, had known how to fascinate them.

Amongst other things it is known that a good part of these people is fascinated by a certain slot-machine, and the type of game that it offers, finding it relaxing and thought-diverting.

The same applicant with a preceding Patent Application n.TV94A000142, not public to date, has intuited a better way to solve the said drawbacks by means of an apparatus for the programmed collection and delivery particularly of money, of the type including an aid feeder group and essentially made up of:

a perpendicularly erected metallic structure, provided with a door on the back, with limited access, said structure being able to contain a computer programmed for supplying at least the win made up of the total amount of the values contained in the coffer, at the achievement of a preset combination;
an automatic coin receiving device, provided with the starting of said control logic unit and with means able to identify the value introduced;
acoustic boxes;
a mechanical lever for the activation of the apparatus, preferably placed at the side of the structure;
a fissure for the introduction of a programmed card, being connectable to the control logic unit through a comb connection;
at least one joystick grip;
a visualizer device of the system messages;
a keyboard for programming of a control-timer of at least one coffer, making itself openable for supplying the coins therein contained at a certain hour and date;
a collection coffer group and delivery of the introduced coins through an automatic coin receiving device, being made up of at least two adjacent coffers, and an under collector of the values distributed by said coffers which interact with the control logic unit.

In the above solution however, some drawbacks have been verified, therefore it was necessary to proceed with the optimization of the apparatus.

The aim of this invention is also that to avoid the above-mentioned drawbacks.

This and other aims are reached with this innovation, according to the characteristics as in the included claims, solving the arising problems, by means of an apparatus for programmed collection and delivery of money, to operate as a money-box, of the type including:

a structure perpendicularly erected, provided with a door on the back, with limited access, said structure being able to contain at least one computer programmed to supply the wins at the achievement of a preset combination;
a coin receiving device provided with start of a control logic unit of said computer and of means able to identify the value introduced;
acoustic boxes;
a lever for the activation of the apparatus, placed on the side of the structure;
a fissure for the introduction of a programmed card, being connectable to said control logic unit through a comb connection;
at least one joystick grip;
a monitor visualizer device of system messages;
a keyboard connection for the programming of a control-timer of at least one coffer, making itself openable to supply the coins therein contained at a certain hour and date;
a collection and delivery coffer group for the coins introduced through a coin receiving device,
said control logic unit being made to interact with said main computer, that provides wins voice to said acoustic boxes;
said collection and delivery coffer group of the coins introduced through a coin receiving device, is composed of one or more coffers each one equipped with means for the controlled delivery of coins that interact with the said main computer and/or the control logic unit and wherein said coffer is composed of at least one container in said delivery coffer group, characterised in that the destination of the coins, introduced through said coin receiving device is established on the basis of the amount present in at least one container, wherein on the bottom of at least one of said containers the selection of the coins so collected is provided with a disc mechanism, operated by a ratiomotor, able to collect, mix, and exit down one coin at a time, into an underlying electromechanical container device provided with coin meter sensor device, able to communicate such event to said computer; said disc mechanism operating as a vibrating selector group including a short tilted plane essentially of conical feature.

In this way through the important creative contribution which effect realizes an immediate technical progress different advantages are achieved.

Firstly, for example inside a family, it is possible to stimulate the family nucleus in saving, not lacking to satisfy adults and children in the illusion of a game of chance that, in reality changes, in a considerable and involving form of collection, able to entertain.

Additionally, it provides the typical function of a money-box, but managing the saving with criteria, thanks to the possibility to supply at least one small part of the content, alternatively because of partial wins.

Regarding the illusion of the game of chance, we also point out that:

it is born from the circumstance that the apparatus works exclusively with small coins and it is impossible to open it without inhibiting the following working for recovering the money inserted;
it develops with partial wins, that allow to withdraw a limited number of coins or to proceed with the game;
increases with time because, probably, always greater will be the value of the coins inserted and to recover;
it is realized with the final win and therefore the fall of same, if necessary accompanied by festive sounds and flashing of lights.

In that case a prize at stake can be coupled to the win according to the Law, by the constructor, the supplier of the software or third parties concerned.

A purpose of the invention is also to educate the consumer not to lose the money in the traditional games of chance.

Not only, the invention could be utilized by prepayment systems, also with magnetic band card, tokens or other for stimulating more substantial forms of accumulation, respecting the dispositions in matters of organization of prize competitions and collection of saving.

In conclusion, this concerns a form of small saving that will induce to preserve a good part of the rest of the small daily expenses to use to this end.
With the passing of time the interest in the games is destined to increase because of the wish to win and for an ever increasing prize.

These and other advantages will appear from the following specific embodiments, with the help of the included schematic drawings whose details are not to be considered limitative but only illustrative.

Figure 1., represents a perspective view of an apparatus model.

Figure 2., still represents a perspective view and in particular of the coffer group and coin destination selector.

Figure 3., represents a side-view of the inside of the apparatus, relatively to a possible functioning scheme of a selector for filling a coffer.

Figures 4, 5 and 6, represent respectively three different elements that form a selector disc.

Figures 7, 8 and 9, represent operative sequences, relatively to a part of the selection and delivery device of the coins.

Figures 10, 11 and 12, represent sectional views according to the preceding figures 7, 8 and 9, of a part of the selection and delivery group of the coins.

Finally, figures 13 and 14, represent a whole view of the mixer selector group.

Referring also to the Figures, it is disclosed that an electronic money-box (A), is composed of a body (1), at the back of which a door (2) is possibly hinged sideways engaged by a lock, or equivalent, allowing the access to the inside for maintenance.

The upper part, of said body, can provide a series of lights (3), obtained by semi-transparent and coloured cubes, able to flash according to the instructions of the programming logic unit (4) contained in said apparatus (A) and accessible by means of said door (2).

On the front part, or on the upper part, obtained on a surface almost oblique, (1') a coin receiving device is provided (5), made up externally of a fissure through which one inserts the coins of any size.

The mechanism is able to automatically start the computer (4) and to recognize the value of the coin itself, attributing to the inserter corresponding possibility of play.

The coins, once introduced, fall by gravity in the under coffer.

In more detail said coffer is composed of one or two units respectively, the containers (6) and (7), placed one close to the other.

The destination of the coins, at the entrance introduced through the coin receiving device (5), is established on the basis of the amounts present in each container (6, 7).

In more detail, by means of the corresponding springs (6', 7'), the receptacles (6) and/or (7) are lowered, modifying, because of the lever mechanism (8) hinged to at least one of said receptacles (6, 7), the position of a selector made up essentially of a guide articulated arm (9).

Therefore at the filling of a first coffer, for example (6), the coins will fall by means of the second path in the adjacent coffer (7).

At the moment in which the latter will also be full, the introduced coins will fall directly in the under collector (10), placed in proximity to the base of the apparatus (A), and on the inside of which can also flow the coins freed by the coffers (6, 7). The management of the coffers (6, 7), and the control of the whole machine, is ensured by the computer (4), in which one part remains always supplied with the power in net, through a feeder group also of aid.

Said part, maintains the date and the current hour, set at the time of purchase and modifiable only to adjust to the legal time, adjusted by an internal watch reprogrammable only in the case of opening for a win or because of programmed date.

It similarly maintains the automatic reopening date of at least one of said coffers (6, 7) and the eventual counting of the coins inserted and of the credits.

To it are additionally connected the commands of the apparatus and the release device of the coffer, as well as of the acoustic boxes (11) of the type with adjustable volume, that reproduce characteristic sounds connected to the type of game and accompanying the different phases of the working.

In this case, on the side of the apparatus (A), a lever (12) is provided , that represents one of possible commands, utilizable for example, in the one that simulates the slot-machine.

In particular, the operation of the latter, allows to show, through a monitor (13) and relative circuit connecting to a computer also external, the system messages and the development of the game.

Together with the lever (12), and other accessories connectable with a convenient grip, a keyboard (14) is provided, that allows other than an interaction with the game, to program, when allowed by the computer (4), the watch and other mechanisms, as for example the eventual setting of a secret code of access reserved to the owner.

Among the accessories, a fissure (15) is additionally provided for the introduction of a card, programmed preferably in ROM or EPROM, that permits to change the game, connecting itself to the computer (4) by means of a connection of the comb type.

Finally, the apparatus (A), can provide at least one joystick grip (17), which allows the connection of auxiliary instruments to the working, as the joystick or the mouse.

Between the accessories, a fissure can finally be provided, in place or in addition to the preferable coin receiving device, which substituting the function of the latter allows the introduction of a pre-purchased magnetic card, also of the type with scalar amounts.

As a rule, the working of the apparatus (A), can provide that a coffer (6) and/or (7), opens only with a combination (or with the attainment of the final goal of a game of skill).

Said combination can also be noted, but its formation depends only on the case.

As an example, following the hypothesis in which only the combination 999 opens the coffer (6) and/or (7), but iit s not possible to form it intentionally. It is therefore necessary to introduce in the coin receiving device (5) a coin in order to have the possibility to search it (as many possibilities made to correspond to the value of the coin).

If to a coin of 500 Lira five possibilities correspond, the person will push the push-button or pull the lever (12) as many times.

To each possibility a result, will correspond that may be essentially of three types, a first that equals the loss, a second correspondent to a win obtained reaching a certain combination, different from 999, which allows a series of repetitions of the shots gratis, or without the introduction of any coin in the coin receiving device (5).

Finally, a third possibility is offered, at the attainment of the provided combination 999 that determines the fall issuance of the coins contained in both coffers (6, 7), up to the under collector (10).

A possible change to the electronic money-box (A), for the collection preferably of coins (c) of a single format, and prearranged to count the same allowing the partial or total exit through an electronic control, provides the use of a selector group of the type (B).

In more detail, the coins or equivalent (c), circular shaped and thicknesses defined, introduced in the apparatus through a fissure (5), are driven along a short chute, sufficiently tilted, to which is fixed an optical sensor, that detects and communicates to the electronic card the passing of a coin on the chute itself.
Detected the introduction, the coin arrives at a container and accumulates in a higgledy piggledy fashion with the other coins therein present.

On the bottom of said container the selection of the coins so collected occurs, and in particular a disc mechanism, operated by a ratiomotor, mixes, collects and allows the exit of one coin (c) at a time, giving to an underlying electromechanic device (18), the occurred exit of same communicating such event to the electronic card.

Later on, the coin (c) arrives by fall on the outside of the machine through a duct that does not consent to the user the attainment of the electromechanical parts, but only the collection of the coin or of the coins (c) in exit.

More in particular the selector group is essentially made up of a ratiomotor, on which axis (19) are connected a selector disc (21) and a mixer (23).

In this case, the selector disc (21) is interposed between two planes, fixed in regard to the machine and to the container, called entrance plane (20) for the upper and exit plane (22) for the lower. On the selector disc (21) and on said entrance plane (20) and exit plane (22) holes (24) are made equidistant on the same circular path, of a diameter equal to the diameter of the coin (c) enlarged sufficiently to facilitate the passing by fall of the coin (c) itself.

The thickness of the selector disc (21) is equal to the thickness of a coin (c), while the distance between the planes is such to allow the rotation of the selector disc.

The number of the holes (24) present on the selector disc (21) must be even, while the number of holes (24) on the two planes of entrance (20) and of exit (22), odd.

It is possible to obtain an optimal working with a number of 2n and 2n + 1 holes (24); such numbers cannot be proportional between them.

Regarding the entrance (20) exit planes (22), constructively identical, are placed staggered or rotated by 180°, the one in respect to the other.

Finally, the mixer (23) is substantially given by a plane including an assembly of radial blades (23') that slide, under the weight of the coins (c), on the entrance plane (20) in such a way that same are invited to deposit themselves on the holes (24) of the entrance plane (20).

A conic shaped body (23") in axis with the selector disc (21) and the respective entrance (20) and exit planes (22) can also form part of the mixer (23), with a base that peripherically interferes with each hole (24) of the entrance plane (20).

With such device, to which in correspondence of the holes (24) the corners have been rounded off, one has the effect desired : thanks to the fact that the holes (24) of the entrance plane (20) do not never coincide simultaneously with those of the other elements, allowing only one coin at a time (c) present in a hole (24) of the entrance plane (20), to fall in the coinciding hole (24) of the selector disc (21). Here it rests at the exit plane (22), which does not have a hole (24) in the same position.

The consequent rotation of the selector disc (21), will subsequently transfer the coin (c) over a hole (24) immediately obtained following on the exit plane (22), and by gravity, it will then be free to proceed towards the exit meter (18).

The rotation of the selector disc (21) and of the mixer (23) must have an optimal compromise between the radial speed and the couple: or there must be sufficient pause between one fall and the other to allow the counting of the coins (c).

As the rotation direction is uninfluential for the correct working of the machine, a good contrivance, consists in the use of a motor able to reverse the rotation direction at the attainment of a couple definable critical, of the motor mechanism itself.

In fact it can happen that the small coins become blocked in particular situations, in which case, intervening the rotation inversion, one can provide both to removing the obstacle for the mixing and the taking up of the distribution in the shortest time possible.

An alternative, could also consist in providing vibrator means connected to the structure of the tank, such additional device would involve the positioning the coins (c) always in a horizontal sense favouring the extraction.

Regarding the exit meter (18) of the coins (c) is a plastic or metallic element conical shaped in axis with the elements of the selector group, whose slant from the exterior towards the interior allows the sliding by fall of the coins.

The dimension of the coins is such to be at least able to occupy the vertical projection of the holes of the exit plane (22), and additionally can operate as a damper, constituting a filter to the vibrations.

To this a piezoelectric sensor (18') is physically connected. Such sensor captures the vibrations of the piece and by means of an electronic convenient it is possible to establish if and how many coins pass from the exit plane of the selector, falling on the sensor itself.

The necessity of the mechanical isolation of such part from the rest of the machine appears obvious: the sensor must inform the fall of the coins only, not other vibrations present on the inside or the outside of the machine itself.

The combination of the sensitivity of the sensor with the elasticity of the systems to amortize allows to reach the objective.

Finally, the distance between the fall point and the exit plane (22) must be such that the fall time of the coin (c) must be lower than the exit time of the next coin; avoiding the overlapping of such events, one ensures the selection of a desired number of coins (c).

Claims

An apparatus for programmed collection and delivery of money, to operate as a money-box, of the type including:

a structure perpendicularly erected (1), provided with a door on the back, with limited access, said structure being able to contain at least one computer (4) programmed for supplying the wins at the achievement of a preset combination;

a coin receiving device (5) provided with start of said control logic unit of said computer and of means able to identify the value introduced;

acoustic boxes (11);

a lever (12) for the activation of the apparatus, placed on the side of the structure (1);

a fissure for the introduction of a programmed card, being connectable to said control logic unit through a comb connection;

at least one joystick grip (17);

a monitor visualizer device (13) of system messages;

a keyboard connection for the programming of a control-timer of at least one coffer, making itself openable to supply the coins therein contained at a certain hour and date;

a collection and delivery coffer group (6-7) for the coins introduced through a coin receiving device,

said control logic unit being made to interact with said main computer (4), that provides wins voice to said acoustic boxes (11);

said collection and delivery coffer group (6-7) of the coins introduced through a coin receiving device (5), is composed of one or more coffers each one equipped with means for the controlled delivery of coins that interact with the said main computer and/or the control logic unit (4) and wherein said coffer is composed of at least one container in said delivery coffer group (6,7), characterised in that the destination of the coins (9), introduced through said coin receiving device (5) is established on the basis of the amount present in at least one container (6/7; 6',7'), wherein on the bottom of at least one of said containers (6) the selection of the coins so collected (c) is provided with a disc mechanism (20-21-22-B), operated by a ratiomotor (19), able to collect, mix, and to exit down one coin (c) at a time, into an underlying electromechanical container device (18) provided with coin meter sensor device (18'), able to communicate such event to said computer (4); said disc mechanism (20-21-22-B) operating as a vibrating selector group (B) including a short tilted plane essentially of conical feature (23).
Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that said selector group (B) is essentially made up of a ratiomotor, on which axis (19) is connected a selector holed disc (21) and an upper mixer (23) above it.
Apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the said selector disc (21) is interposed between two planes, stationary regarding the machine and the container, the upper one being a holed entrance plane (20) and the lower one being a holed exit plane (22); and in which on the said selector disc (21) and on said entrance plane (20) and exit plane (22), holes are made (24) equidistant placed on the same circular path, and of a diameter at least equal to the diameter of the coin (c).
Apparatus according to claim 3, characterised in that the thickness of the selector disc (21) is substantially equal to the thickness of a coin (c), while the distance between the planes is such to allow the turning of the said selector disc (21).
Apparatus according to claim 3, characterised in that the number of the holes (24) present on the said selector disc (21) is even, while the number of holes (24) on the two planes of said entrance (20) and exit (22), is odd.
Apparatus according to claim 3, characterised in that the said entrance and exit planes (20,22) are identical, and are placed staggered or rotated by 180°, one in respect to the other.
Apparatus according to the preceding claim 2, characterised in that the said mixer (23) is given by a plane including an assembly of radial blades (23') that slide, under the weight of the coins (c), on the said entrance plane (20), in order that same are invited to fall down on the holes (24) of the said entrance plane (20).
Apparatus according to claim 7, characterised in that a conical shaped body (23") in axis with the selector disc (21) form part of the mixer (23) and the respective entrance (20) and exit planes (22), with a base that peripherally interferes with each hole (24) of the said entrance plane (20).
Apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the motor that moves the said selector disc (21) by its turning motor axis (19) and contextually the said mixer (23) is of the inversion of the rotation direction type at the attainment of a definable critical couple, of the motor mechanism itself.
Apparatus according to the preceding claims, characterised in that said mixer selector group (B) is provided with vibrator means connected to the structure of the tank.
Apparatus according to the preceding claims, characterised in that the said exit meter sensor (18) of the coins (c) is essentially of conical shape, placed in axis with the said plates and disc (23'-20-21-22) of the said mixer selector group (B).
Apparatus according to the preceding claims, characterised in that the said coin meter sensor (18') is a piezoelectric device.