GB1399765A - Coin operated assembly utilising a nonreusable frangible coin- simulating element - Google Patents

Abstract

1399765 Token freed mechanism WALTER KIDDE & CO Inc 29 Aug 1972 40082/72 Heading G4V An operating mechanism for a vending machine or the like comprises a slide 14 reciprocably mounted in an assembly for movement to an operative position, the slide being freed for such movement by the presence of a frangible token 18 transported therewith, and means 52 for engaging and fragmenting the token on movement of the slide. In the embodiment shown the assembly includes a guide track 12 which supports the token, carried between abutments 64 on the slide 14, at a first level during initial movement of the slide, the token then falling down inclined ramp 13 to a lower second level (Fig. 7, not shown). At this level the edge of the token, Fig. 11, engages a pin 44 on a spring-urged latching lever 34 to pivot a finger 36 of the lever out of the path of a shoulder on the slide and thus permit full movement of the slide to its operative position. During such movement the token is engaged by curved end portion 60 of fragmenting means 52, Fig. 9, the token being bent and then broken, the pieces falling into a receptacle (Fig. 10, not shown). The token (Figs. 2A, 2B, not shown) is preferably formed of a plastics material and has a medial score line (54) or row of perforations (56). A magnet 27 may be provided to prevent spurious metallic tokens from engaging the latching lever and a full stroke of the slide is ensured by a rack and pawl mechanism.