US1137897A - Store-service apparatus and the like. - Google Patents

Description

F. D. POWELL.

STORE SERVICE APPARATUS AND THE LIKE.

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GEQENORRISPETERS co., PHorc-LITHQ, WASHINGTON. D. c

F. D. POWELL. STORE SERVICE APPARATUS AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN-20, 1913;

Patented May 4, 1915.

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STORE SERYICE APPARATUS AND THE LIKE. APPLICATION FILED JAN-20, 1913- 3 SHEETS-SHEET s.

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WflK 2M2. am z C; .59 QZ MQQM A Horne-y THE NORRIS FH'ERS 00.. FHOWLITHOU WASHINGTON, U4 u UNTE S PAH FE FRANK 1'). POWELL, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO THE LAMSON COMPANY, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, A CORPORATION OF NEW' JERSEY.

STORE-SERVICE APPARATUS AND THE LIKE.

Application filed January 20, 1913.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK D. POWELL, of Boston, in the county of Sufiolk and Commonwealth of Massachuetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Store-Service Apparatus and the like, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to elevated carriers such, for example, as wire line carriers and has for its object the provision of improved apparatus of this description which shall be positive in its action substantially throughout, and which furthermore shall be compact and attractive in appearance.

One of the subsidiary objects of the present invention is to'so construct the latch and follower parts of such apparatus as to particularly adapt them for co-action with each other.

Another of said objects is to provide means for returning the follower to an initial or starting position, such means being compact and so adj acently disposed with respect to the hanger or supporting bracket as to be effectively supported thereby while being rendered less conspicuous by reason of such adjacency to the-hanger than if materially spaced apart therefrom.

I have also aimed to dispose substantially all operative parts in front of said hanger rather than both to the front and rear of this support.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved means for locking the car or carriage proper and receptacle, and the stirrup or lifting device and receptacle respectively together, as required, such means further being rendered more easily operable by reason of the provision of improved coacting elements which are associated with the lifting or elevating parts of the apparatus.

Novel means, co-acting with certain of the locking parts of the apparatus, for locking the car or carriage at a station under. prescribed conditions, has also been incorporated in my improved mechanism.

These and other objects of my invention will be hereinafter referred to and the combinations of elements whereby such objects may be attained will be hereinafter exemplified, and more particularly set forth in the claims appended hereto.

1 am aware that various changes and Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 4, 1915.

Serial No. 743,074.

modifications may be made in my improved construction without departing from the spirit of my invention and I hence desire to be limited only by the scope of said claims.

In the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and in which like reference characters have been used to designate like parts throughout the several views, I have exemplified a preferred construction.

Referring to said drawings: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a preferred basket carrier construction. Fig. 2 is a vertical median longitudinal section of the car or carriage, showing the latching construction in full, in connection therewith. Fig. 3 is a detailed section of the primary lock; the receptacle being detached therefrom. Fig. 4 is a plan of the receptacle frame with its attached secondary lock. Fig. 5 is a fragmentary section. taken on line V-V of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a detailed elevation of the secondary lock. Fig. 7 is an end elevation of the carriage latch. Fig. 8 is a partial plan view of the follower or pusher. Fig. 9 is a sec tion taken on line IXIX of Fig. 1. Fig. 10 is a section taken on line XX of Fig. 1. Fig. 11 is a detailed section taken on line XI--X1 of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the elevator stirrup. Fig. 13 is a view of the stirrup showing its pivoted supporting hooks folded, preparatory to shipment. Fig. 14 is a detail of the elevator bracket at the rear end of the walking beam or elevator lever. Fig. 15 is a fragmentary detail showing the auxiliary lock engaging part of the carriage. Fig. 16 is a detail of a track-wire clip.

A suitable support or hanger 1 carries a frame 2, preferably at its lower extremity, the frame being yoked, if desired, as at 3 for the reception of a stay rod bracket 4. The frame 2 is clamped in alinement with the track wire 5 by means of a set screw 6, and provides a fulcrum 7 for a walking beam or lever 8. This frame also has journaled therein a removably mounted shaft 9 which carries a drum 10.

The track wire 5 and auxiliary or guide safety wire 11, are secured in any suitable fashion to the bracket 2, respectively at 12 ient distance from the hanger. In the pres-' ent instance, a bolt '15 clamps the guide on:

lower wire 11 to the bracket 14 in a known manner, while the track wire is detachably secured to said bracket by a clip 16 and pin l7,'the extremities passing through the up standing arms 18 of the bracket 14, and the body thereof passing through the space formed by the upturned edge 19 of the clip 16. .This' construction permits of readily disengaging the track wire from bracket 14 While at the same time if one of the wires should elongate, as for example, the track 'wire, the'slack may be taken up without disturbing the bracket 14. This bracket carries a pulley 20 in aknown manner around which passes the propelling cord 21. One extremity of this cord passes upwardly and in part around thedrum 10 being secured to the peripheral surface thereof at 22. The other end of the propelling cord passes around a pulley 23 mounted upon the frame 2 and thence upwardly and completely around the drum 10 in a reverse direction to.

the other end of said propelling cord; being in turn fastened at this extremity. to the drum surface at 24.

Within the drum is a spiral spring 25 which normally tends to hold the propelling cord in the position shown in Fig. 1; the follower or pusher 26 which is secured to the lower portion ofsaid cord as best shown in Fig.2, being at such time in substantially or almost its rearmost position.

The preferred follower construction comprises a member, the rear end of which is coned or. tapered as at 27. The cord 21 passes directly through this follower, portions of which are disposed to form a bight 28 in said cord as shown in Figs. 2 and 8.

To insure a proper disposition of the follower, a wire loop 28' is engaged therewith which loop passes around the track wire 5 and is connected to ears 29 which extend rearwardly from the head of the follower as shown in Figs. 2 and 8.

Below the wires 5 and 11 and in alinement therewith is a latch rod 30 which extends through a' lug 31 which depends from the frame 2; springs 32 and 33 being disposed respectively upon the forward and rear-sides of this lug to cushion the impingement of the carriage against the bumper 34 mounted upon the forward extremity of this red. Pivoted at 35 to this bumper is a'latch 36 adapted for engagement with a roller 37 one of which is disposed at each of the lower corners of the carriage frame 38.

The latch 36 has an upwardly extending arm 39 which, as viewed from the rear in Fig. 7, is apertured to receive the propelling cord 21. The upper portion of this aperture is somewhat larger than the lower which narrows down, preferably being provided with bumps or projections 40,as shown in Fig. 7, so that whenthe follower mounted on cord 21 is pulled toward the hanger by spring 25, its tapered rear end rides up upon the projections 40; the end of the follower passing freely through the enlarged part 41 of the aperture until the constricted 'or narrow median portion 42 of the follower has passed the projections 40. Thereafter the tension in cord 21 snaps the constricted portion 42 of the follower down into the space between the projections 40. When the follower 26 is thereafter pulled forwardly by the propelling cord the shoulders 43 upon the sides of the follower engage projections 40, and thereafter continued advance of the follower rocks the latch about its axis and frees the carriage therefrom. The carriage may then be freely propelled by the follower in the usual manner. V l

The outer end of the spiral spring 25 is connected to the drum 10 by a pin 44 and the inner end of this spring is connected to a sleeve 45, as best shown in Fig. 11. This sleeve is revolubly mounted upon the shaft 9 but is interiorly notched or recessed as at 46 for reception of a spring pressed key 47 which normally projects out of the side of shaft 9. Suitable means, such as the small pin 48 may be provided for normally retain ing key 47 in its recess in said shaft when the drum is removed therefrom; pin 48 engaging an extension 49 of the key 47.

By reason of this construction the spring 25 may obviously be given substantially any desired tension; while it is kept from unwinding by reason of the fact that the shaft 9 which is flattened as. at 50 cannotbe rotated while in its socket in thefranie 2. A further advantage in providing this ratchetlike connection between the spring 25 and the shaft 9, resides in the fact that if when the device is being assembled, the workman inadvertently places the drum in place wrongside to, or'if he places the spring therein so that it is disposed the reverse of what it should be, when the drum. is correctly mounted, a pull upon the operating cord will not injure the spring since the sleeve 45 will at such time merely turn idly upon the shaft 9. This feature was found of value as the result of practical experiences where such errors in assembling the parts occurred.-

The drum 10 is, in the present instance,

of the propelling cord 21 is wound upon the drum surface and the other end 24 is correspondingly unwound; the follower actuating the latch and propelling the carriage in the manner above described; while as soon as the handle is released the follower and handle are drawn back to their respective initial positions. Thusreliance on the momentum of the carriage to carry the follower back to its rearmost position is obviated, a feature of considerable advantage since it sometimes happens that, in certain known constructions, if the carriage approaching a station is moving at a slow speed the work of pulling back the follower and propelling cord is sufiicient to stop the carriage before it becomes latched. It will also be observed that there is a particular relationship in the present construction between the latch and the so operated follower, in that the shoulders 4:53 of said fol lower co-act with the latch operating arm 39 to depress the latch against the action of its light spring 5%, when the follower starts to move forward or outwardly.

The bumper 3a is preferably provided with an upwardly extending arm 55 the extremity of which loosely encircles a tube 56 mounted upon the wire 11. As shown in Fig. 2 the outer extremity of this tube is preferably coned as at 57. Arm 55 also has connected to the forward extremity thereof a rod 58 the extremity of which carries a bayonet like piece 59; the latter being loosely supported by a yoke like portion 60 thereof which encircles the tube 56. Thus when the roller 37 impinges against the bumper 3a and compresses spring 30, the latch, and also the bayonet part 59 are n10- mentarily driven rearwardly and are thereafter immediately returned to their normal positions by the action of said spring; spring 33 serving to cushion the return of the parts to their respective places by spring 30.

Fiber wearing pieces 61 are suitably secured within the frame of the carriage and by their engagement with the parts 58 and 59 serve to hold the carriage wheels 62 firmly in engagement with the track 5 at the instant that the latch is released and the carriage is started on its journey.

The function of the bayonet like part 59 will be hereinafter referred to in connection with the description of theprimary locking mechanism.

The receptacle 68 may be a basket or other suitable device adapted to the conveyance of bundles, papers or other articles and is provided with the usual bails 64: which are secured in a known manner to a frame 65 by means of clips 66, as best shown in Figs. 1 and at.

Frame 65 is apertured as at 67 and provided with a cross bar 68 extending across this place, transversely to the track wire.

An elevating stirrup shown in perspective in Fig. 12 is provided for raising and lowering the basket or receptacle; this stirrup in the present instance being formed of a plate which pass upwardly around the pulleys 7 2.

one of which is provided in the forward extremity of each of the walking beams or levers 8; the said extremities of the lever be ing preferably so formed as to house the cords'71 and prevent their inadvertent disengagement from the pulley 7 2. The cords 71 thence extend rearwardly and thence downwardly around pulleys 74; the latter being disposed at or adjacent to the rear ends of the walking beams or levers 8; the latter being each pivoted to the frame 2 at 7 intermediate the pulleys 72 and 74. The levers 8 are hence levers of the first class the fulcrum being intermediate the point of application of power and that of the load.

Levers 8 are preferably connected together at their rear ends by a transverse portion 75, as shown in Fig. 9, so that they are bound to move together and an upwardly extending lug 76 from this portion carries, pivotally mounted thereon, the frame 77 with in the respective sides of which the pulleys 7a are mounted. Thls construction permits of the cord 71 being drawn laterally downwardly to one side or the other as is apt to be the case in use and this pivotal mounting of the frame 77 hence co-acts with the jointed stirrup to insure a proper disposition of the cross bar 69 when moving upwardly into engagement with the finger 78, hereinafter referred to, substantially regardless of the line of pull upon the cords 71. The latter are oined together at their free extremities by a yoke 7 9 which in turn is connected to the cord 80 by means of which the receptacle is raised and lowered by the operator. In so raising and lowering the basket, should it be desired to suspend the same at some in determinate point it is merely necessary to pull rearwardly upon the cord 80 which will force the cords 71 into the respective apertured lateral extensions 81 which are attached to the bracket 77 upon either side thereof; and since the walls of the recesses in these extensions are inclined with respect to each other and serrated at an angle to the vertical, as shown in Fig. 1a, the cords 71 are effectively gripped when the cord 80 is allowed to move upwardly a short distance.

It will be observed that the distance from the fulcrum 7 of each lever 8 to the pulley 72 is preferably somewhat greater than the distance between said fulcrum and the rear pulley 74: so that, when the basket is being raised, at least until the upper extremities 82 of the hooked parts 70 engage the outer ends of the levers 8, said levers will remain.

substantially horizontal. Thereafter, continued upward movement of the stirruptilts designated 7 9. As a result, a considerably greater effort had to be exerted during the initial upward movement of the pulley carrying levers than is the case in the present construction. Herein an effective leverage is provided which is substatially constant so that the supporting frame of the recep tacle may be latched to the carriage with a minimum of effort and that'evenly applied.

The relative positions of the outer extremities of the levers 8, vertically, with re-,

spect to the line wire determines the position which the stirrup cross-bar 69 shall occupy with respect to the track when the cord 80 is not under stress and an adjustable stop 83 is provided at the rear of the yoked levers which, in the present instance, is a set screw, the point of which bears against a lug 84 upon the under side of the frame 2 whereby the position of the stirrup, when inopcrative below the track, may be determined to a nicety. It will be understood, of course, that the yoke 79 is weighted sufficiently to insure engagement of the upper extremities 82 of the members 70 with the ends of the levers 8.

Depending from the frame of the carriage are guide lugs 85, the opposed walls of which are inclined with respect to each other as shown in Fig. 1 to guide the'cross-bar 68 of the frame up into the recess 86, into which recess the prong 87 of the bar lock, broadly designated 88, normally extends when the frame 65 is disengaged from the carriage. The details of construction of this primary lock are best shown in Figs. 2 and 3; Fig. 3 showing the parts of the lock in the positions which they occupy when the receptacle supporting frame 65 is out of its locked position.

A small spring 89 normally urges the bar lock 88 into the position in which the latter is shown in Fig. 3. When so disposed the arcuate surface 90 of the lock supports the pivoted element 91; a depending lug 92 of the latter being pressed downwardly into engagement with this surface through the instrumentality of a spring 93 coiled around thepivot pin 94 of said element 91.

A lug 95 projects substantially vertically up from the forward end of the element 91 when the latter is disposed as shown in Fig. 3, so that should it be attempted to project the carriage from the station at such time,

the said lug 95 will engage the rear end of the part59 and thereby hold the carriage against displacement.

A suitable stop is provided for limiting the upward movement of the element 91. To this end, a portion 96 of the frame 97, which is inserted into the body of the carriage and which carries the locking parts, is made to serve as a stop by being adapted for engagement with the righthand wall of the element 91, as viewed in Fig. 3.

A preferably curved finger 78 depends from the free end of the element 91 being pivotally connected thereto at 99 and being normally held in definite relationship thereto by a flat spring 100 carried by said element. Said finger when the locking parts are exposed as shown in Fig. 3 being out of the path of the stirrup bar.

The upward movement of the crossbar 68 into engagement with the lock 88 causes the rotation of the latter clockwise as viewed in the figures, against the action of the spring 89 and the extremity 101 of the bar lock is thereby rotated into the position in which it is shown in Fig. 2. At the same time the rotation of the bar lock brings the shoulder 103 thereof around to a point where the lug 92 may clear the arcuate surface 90 whereupon the element 91 is rotated down \vardly by its spring 93, and the weight of the receptacle, assisted by the action of spring 89, forces the shoulder 103 into engagement with the opposed wall ofv lug 92 thereby holding the bar lock against further counter-clockwise rotation. The cross bar 68 is hence securely held in the recess 86; the extremity 101 of the bar lock supporting the weight of the receptacle and its contents. After the receptacle has been thus attached to the carriage, the cord 80 is released and the weight of the forward arms of the levers S forces the stirrup hooks and,

ofcourse, thereby, the cross-bar of the stirrup, downwardly so as to safely clear the lugs 85'. I

'Vv hen it is desired to lower the basket, cord 80 is again pulled, canting the levers 8, and again elevating the stirrup cross bar 69. The cup shaped depression 104; therein then receives the extremity of the depending finger 78 which at such time is disposed in the position in which it is shown in Fig. 2, and

at which time it also will be noted the lug 95 is removed from possible engagement with the rear end of the part 59. As the stirrup continues to rise, it elevates the element 91 through the intermediacy of this finger 78 until the bar lock is finally released from its engagement with the lug 92 3F whereupon said lock rotates counter-clockwise, as viewed in the figures, and releases the cross bar 68.

Referring to Figs. 4, 5 and 6, it will be noted that immediately adjoining the ex-':

tremities of the bar 68, secondary or auxiliary safety locks are provided. These locks preferably comprise spindles 105 which are journaled in the frame 65 and .which carry upon their upper extremities somewhat oval shaped plates 106. These plates are disposed as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 as long as the stirrup supports the frame 65, for reasons hereinafter given. A spring 107 upon each spindle 105 normally tends, however, when its action is not resisted, to rotate each of these plates into a position indicated by dotted lines 106, as shown in Fig. 4.

Each lock plate is provided with a depending lug 108 one flankof which is adapted for engagement with the extremity of the corresponding spring 109 and when a plate 106 has been rotated into the position in which it is shown in Fig. 4, the spring 109 is then free to snap up into the position in which it is shown in Fig. 5 where it engages the said flank of lug 108 and prevents clockwise rotation. of the lock plate.

Each spindle 105 carries upon its lower end a screw 110 which may be secured to its spindle by means of a pin 111 or in any other suitable manner.

In addition to the cup shaped depression 104 in the bar 69 of the stirrup, additional depressions 112 are provided which, like that designated 104, do not extend through said bar; but in the case of depressions 112 the bottoms thereof are slotted as at 113 in such manner as to admit of the entrance thereinto of the lower extremities of the screws 110 when the frame 65 is attached to the carriage by the primary lock and when the stirrup is being elevated preparatory to disengaging said frame. The upward travel of the bar 69 effects a rotation of the spindles 105 by means of these screws 110 so that when the stirrup is in its uppermost position the lock plates 106 will at such time be disposed as shown in Fig. 4. Upon each side of the carriage and outwardly project ing from the bottom thereof are lugs 114 which are best shown in Figs. 1 and 9. These lugs are so disposed that when the frame 65 is in locking engagement with the carriage the said lugs will depress the flat springs 109. Assuming now that the frame 65 with its attached receptacle is being elevated; at such time the locking plates 106 will occupy the positions in which they are shown in Fig. 4 and hence when in such positions, are locked against rotation by their springs, by the flat springs 109. Under such conditions, the stirrup is securely attached to the frame 65 since the screws 110 cannot be rotated and as these pass through slots, merely in the stirrup cross bar the latter cannot be separated from the frame. When, however, the frame has been elevated so that it is locked to the car by the primary lock, then and only then, will the secondary locks which connect the stirrup to the receptacle frame be permitted to rotate to allow the stirrup to descend independently of the frame 65; such action being permitted by reason of the engagement of the lugs 114 with the springs 109. It is evident, however, that immediately the stirrup starts to descend under such conditions the screws will be rotated positively by the descent of the stirrup and also through the action of their springs 107 so that before the stirrup is free from the screws the looking plates 106 will respectively have been rotated around into the position indicated by dotted lines 106 above referred to, at which time the nose 115 of each locking plate will have been swung around into one of the recesses 116 disposed upon the respective outer sides of the carriage adjacent the lugs 114 but directly above the recess 86. The bottomwalls 117 of these recesses coact with the said locking plates at such time to prevent the separation of the frame 65 from the carriage. The frame and carriage are hence doubly locked together and it will be observed that there is a special co-action between the primary lock and the means for preventing the projection of the carriage over its track, while the secondary lock performs a double function in that it not alone serves to supplement the action of the primary lock in securing the receptacle frame to the carriage, but when not so doing, effectively serves to lock the stirrup and said frame together. Furthermore, it will be noted that the movable parts of the primary lock are carried by the carriage while the movable parts'of the secondary lock are carried by the receptacle frame, thus distributing the movable elements. Again it will be noted that the stirrup is the common medium for directly actuating the element which effects the release of the primary lock and the locking of the carriage at the" station, and that it also directly co-acts with the secondary lock. The latter, since its function is two-fold,-as stated above, may properly be designated a positive compound safety or auxiliary look.

In connection with the novel jointed stirrup which I have herein provided, it may be observed that this construction not only renders more certain the action of the apparatus in the manner hereinbefore described but also facilitates packing of this part of the apparatus for shipment since the jointed hook like parts can be folded down across each other as shown in Fig. 13, in which position the entire device occupies but little space. The jointing of this member also provides means for maintaining the basket substantially level since when the stirrup cross bar is in engagement with the receptacle frame, were it not for the jointed connection between the stirrups hook like elements and said cross bar, the basket would be canted through a considerable angle when swung laterally, as it is apt to be at times in practice.

It will be noted also that by reason of the construction employed in the carriage or car stop, the bayonet like part, by reason of itsbeing loosely mounted upon the sleeve or tube surrounding the lowerwire, is adapted in effect to follow up the hook or lug 95 of the element 91 which forms a part of the primary look, even though the spring of the latch may in time become weak and the latch, as a result, be more rearwardly disposed. y

In other words, no matter where the carriage may be, when latched at the station, the part 59 will be disposed immediately adjacent the locking lug 95. V

The general mode of operation of the mechanism may now be briefly discussed.

' Assuming that the receptacle 63 has been loaded, cord is pulled downwardly, thereby raising the stirrup to which the receptacle frame isat such time positively locked by the screws 110. After the bosses 82 of the stirrup engage the outer ends of the walking beam or lever 8, the latter may be rotated clockwise, as viewed in Fig.1, to guidedly move bar 68 of the receptacle frame up into engagement with the part8? of the primary lock. The clockwise rotation of this part ultimately permits the element 91 'to drop and this looks the receptacle frame fast to the carrier. The downward movement of element 91 lowers the stop until it can clear the bayonet member 59 to permit of the despatch of the carrier thereafter, whenever desired. At the same time that the primary lock is being operatively disposed, the lugs 11 i upon the sides of the carrier frame are being engaged with the spring catches 109 to release the secondary locks 115 which are rotated into their locking positions'by the screws 110 as the stirrup is lowered, which it can be after the screws have been released. To despatch the carrier with its now doubly locked receptacle, the cord 52 is'pulled which winds up one end of cord 21 upon the drum and unwinds the other. The follower 26 is-thereby moved forwardly, its rear end first tripping the latch 36 and then, when the latch has been rotated counter clockwise sufficiently, said rear end becomes free to pass the buffer springs 32 and 33 are brought into play, gently arresting the carrier. A reelevation of the stirrup causes its depression 104 to receive the free end of the member 78 whereby the latter may then be raised to release the primary lock, whereupon, since the secondary locks 115 have already been rotated out of engagement with the carrier frame by the stirrup in its ascent, the basket may be lowered.

The first portion of its downward movement frees spring 109 from lugs 114 and the stirrup is thereby securely locked to the receptacle frame. Also, when the member 78 was raised in the manner described, it moved the lug 95 upwardly a sufficient distance to prevent'any inadvertent despatch of the car rier without its receptacle; the bayonet 59 lying directly in the path of said lug.

Having thus described my invention, I claim 1 a 1. In store service apparatus, the combination of a carriage, a track for said carriage, an obstruction along the line of said track, a receptacle having a supporting frame, a station having means for elevating said frame and receptacle, means for automatically lockin said frame to said carriage when elevated y said elevating means, means for propelling said carriage from said station, and means to engage said obstruction for preventing inadvertent displacement of said carriage when said frame is disconnected therefrom, a part of said last mentioned means being connected with a part of said locking means whereby when the latter is operative said obstruction engaging means is inoperatively disposed,

2. In store service apparatus, the combination of a carriage, a track for sa d carrlage, a receptacle having a snpportlng frame, a station having means for elevating said frame and receptacle, mechanism for automatically lock ng sa d frame to sand carriage when elevated by said elevating means,

means for propelling said carriage from said station, and means for preventmginadvertent displacement of said Gi rriag'e when said frame is disconnected therefrom, said mechanism including an element adapted for engagement with a part of said elevating means when said frame is locked to i said carriage, for releasing said frame from said carriage, said element also adapted to render said displacement preventing means operative as said frame is released.

3. In store service apparatus, the combinationof a carriage, a track forsaid carriage, a receptacle having a supporting frame, a station having means for elevating said frame and receptacle, mechanism for antomatically locking said frame to said carriage when elevated by said elevating means, said mechanism having a lock releasing element, means for propelling said carriage from said station, means for preventing inadvertent displacement of said carriage when said frame is disconnected therefrom, a safety locking device, comprising two members each mounted for rotation about a vertical axis, for locking said frame and carriage together at two separate points even should said mechanism become inoperative, said members each having an operating member, and said elevating means having a part adapted for engagement with said lock releasing element when said frame and carriage are being connected together, said part also being adapted for engagement at substantially the same time, with said operating parts of the safety locking device to cause said parts to rotate their respective members about their vertical axis into their operative positions.

4. A store service apparatus having in combination a way having a station at an end thereof, a carrier adapted to travel along said way, a receptacle, means for attaching said receptacle to said carrier, a latch to hold said carrier at said station, and means, independent of said latch, for holding said car rier against inadvertent despatch from said station when said receptacle attaching means are inoperative.

5. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a carriage, a. track for said carriage, a receptacle having a supporting frame, a station having means including a stirrup for elevating said frame and receptacle, a double acting locking device for holding said frame and carriage together when the receptacle is in substantially its uppermost position, and at other times for positively holding said stirrup and frame together, a part of said locking device being screw-shaped and rotatably connected to said frame and said stirrup having means to engage said screw shaped part and rotate the same in one direction or the other according to the direction of movement of said stirrup with respect to said locking device.

6. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a carriage, a track for said carriage, a receptacle having a supporting frame, a station having means including a lifting member for elevating said frame and receptacle, and a double acting locking device, a part at least of which is pivoted for movement about a substantially vertical axis for holding said frame and carriage together I when the receptacle is in substantially its uppermost position, and at other times for positively holding said member and frame together, said lifting member being engageable with said pivoted part to cause rotary movement of the latter when moved therealong in the direction of said axis, said look ing device having means to prevent said r0- tary movement when said frame is separated from said carriage.

7. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a carriage, a track for said carriage, a receptacle having a supporting frame, a station having means including a lifting member for elevating said frame and receptacle, and a double acting locking device for holding said frame and carriage together when the receptacle is in substantially its uppermost position, and at other times for positively holding said member and frame together, said locking device comprising a screw having means to positively resist movement thereof to release the lifting member therefrom when said frame is out of a determined relationship with respect to said carriage and said lifting member comprising means for engaging and rotating said screw as said member is moved into engagement with said frame.

8. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a carriage, a track for said carriage, a receptacle having a supporting frame, a station having means including a lifting member for elevating said frame and receptacle, and a double acting locking device for holding said frame and carriage together when the receptacle is in substantially its uppermost position, and at other times for positively holding said member and frame together, said locking device comprising a pair of depending screws With latching means for said screws and said lifting member comprising means for en gaging and rotating said screws substantially simultaneously as said member is moved into engagement with said frame.

9. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a carriage, a track for said carriage, a receptacle having a supporting frame, a station having means including a lifting member for elevating said frame and receptacle, and a double acting locking de' vice for holding said frame and carriage together when the receptacle is in substantially its uppermost position, and at other times for holding said member and frame together, said locking device comprising a rotatable member and means for positively locking said rotatable member in a given position when said frame is disconnected from said carriage, and means for unlocking said rotatable member when said frame is being connected to said carriage.

10. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a carriage, a track for said carriage, a receptacle having a supporting frame, a station having means including a lifting member for elevating said frame and receptacle, and a double acting locking device for holding said frame and carriage together when, the receptacle is in substantially its uppermost position, and at other times for holding said member and frame together, said locking device comprising elements movable from determined positions into other determined positions for locking said lifting member and frame together, positive means for locking said elements in said other determined positions, and means for unlocking said elements when said frame is substantially in engagement with said carriage.

11. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a station, a carriage, a track wire for said carriage, a safety Wire parallel to said track wire, a receptacle, means for attaching said receptacle to said carriage, a latch for holding said carriage at said station, and auxiliary means for holding said carriage against inadvertent displacement from said station when said receptacle is unattached to said carriage, a portion of said auxiliary means being carried by one of said wires.

12. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a carriage, a track for said carriage, a receptacle having a supporting frame, a station having means, including a lifting member, for elevating said frame and receptacle, a locking device for holding said frame and member together, said locking device comprising two rotatable screws, means for holding said screws against rotation and in locked engagement with said lifting member, and means for freeing said screws from the action of said holding means when said frame is being connected to said carriage.

13. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a carriage, a track for said carriage, a receptacle having a supporting" frame, a station having means for elevating said frame and receptacle together, locking mechanism for holding said frame and carriage together, means, co-acting with said locking mechanism'for preventing inadvertent displacement of said carriage when said locking mechanism is inoperative, and a displaceably mounted latch for retaining said carriageat said station, a part of said last mentioned means being connected to said latch and displaceable therewith.

1a. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a carriage, a track for said carriage, a station, a displaceable latch for holding said carriage at said station, auxiliary means for preventing inadventent displacement of said carriage from said station, a part of said auxiliary means being connected to said latch and displaceable therewith, a receptacle, means for connecting said receptacle and carriage together,

and means for rendering said auxiliary means inoperative when said receptacle and carriage are connected together.

15. In a store service apparatus, the combination of astation, a carriage, a w1re track for said carriage, a safety wire parallel to said track wire, a receptacle, means for attaching said receptacle to said carriage, a displaceable latch for holding said carriage at said station, auxiliary means for holding said carriageagainst inadvertent displacement from said station when said receptacle is unattached to said carriage, a portion of said auxiliary means being carried by said F safety wire, and connections between said portion and said latch whereby displacement of the latter will substantially correspondingly displace said portion.

16. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a station, a carriage, a wire track for said carriage, a safety wire parallel to said track wire, a receptacle, means for attaching said receptacle to said carriage, a latch for holding said carriage at said station, and auxiliary means for holding said carriage against inadvertent displacement from said station when said receptacle is unattached to said carriage, a portion of said auxiliary means being carried by said safety wire.

17 In a store service apparatus, the combination of a station, a-carriage, a wire track for said carriage, a safety wire parallel to said track wire, a receptacle, means for attaching said receptacle to said carriage, a latch for holding said carriage at said station, auxiliary means for holding said carriage against inadvertent displacement from said station when said receptacle is unattached to said carriage, a portion of said auxiliary means being carried by said safety wire, connections between said portion and said latch, said latch having means for engaging said wire to hold said latch substantially in the plane of said wires and said connections co-acting with said latch to hold said portion of said auxiliary means in operative position. I

18. In a store service apparatus, the com bination of a station, a carriage, a wire track for said carriage, a safety wire parallel to said track wire, a receptacle, means for attaching said receptacle to said carriage, a latch for holding said carriage at said station, said latch having a part apertured to receive and engage said safet wire to hold said latch substantially in t e plane of said wires, a propelling cord also extending through the aperture in said part, and means carried by said cord for engaging said latch whereby to release said carriage therefrom when the cord is pulled.

19. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a station, a carriage, a track for said carriage, a latch for holding said carriage at said station, a propelling cord, and a device mounted on said cord for engaging said latch whereby to release said carriage therefrom when said cord is pulled, a portion of said device being adapted for engagement with said carriage to thereafter propel the latter from said station;

20. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a station, a carriage, .a track for said carriage, a latch for holding saidcarriage at said station, a propelling cord, a device mounted on said cord for engaging said latch whereby to release said carriage therefrom when said cord is pulled, a portion of said device. being adapted for engagement with said carriage to thereafter propel the latter from said station, and

means for normally holding said device in engagement with said latch.

21. In a store service apparatus the combination of a station, a carriage, a track for said carriage, a latch for holding said carriage at said station, a propelling cord, a device mounted on said cord for engaging said latch whereby to release said carriage therefrom when said cord is pulled, a portion of said device being adapted for engagement with said carriage to thereafter propel the latter from said station, and means for normally holding said device in engagement with said latch, said last mentioned means including a spring actuated drum about which said cord is wound.

22. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a station, a carriage, a track for the latter, means for propelling said carriage along said track, said means including a propelling cord, a drum to which both ends of said cord are attached, a follower affixed to said cord, and a spring for returning said drum, cord and follower to determincd positions after said carriage has been propelled by said follower.

23. In a store service apparatus, the com bination of a station comprising a hanger and a frame carried thereby, a carriage, a track for the latter, a receptacle, means for automatically connecting said carriage and receptacle, means for propelling said carriage along said track, said means including a propelling cord, a drum to which both ends of said cord are attached, said drum being mounted on said frame adjacent said hanger, a follower affixed to said cord, and a spring for returning said drum, cord and follower to determined positions after said carriage has been propelled by said follower.

2a. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a station comprising a hanger and a frame carried thereby, a carriage, a track for the latter, a receptacle, means for automatically connecting said carriage and receptacle when the latter is elevated toward the former, means for propelling said carriage along said track, said means including a propelling cord, a drum to which both ends of said cord are attached, said drum being mounted on said frame adjacent said hanger, a follower afliXed to said cord, a

spring for actuating said drum in one direction, and means for elevating said receptacle comprising a lever of the first class pivoted to said frame adjacent said drum.

25. In a store service apparatus, the comthe former, means for propelling said car riage along said track, and meansfor elevating said receptacle comprising a lever of the first class pivoted to said frame, a flexible element connected to said lever but movable longitudinally thereof and means carried by said flexible element for engaging a part of said receptacle.

26. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a station, a carriage, a'track for the latter, a receptacle, means for automatically connecting the said carriage and receptacle when the latter is elevated toward the former, and means for elevating said receptacle comprising a lever of the first class pivoted to a part of said station, a flexible element connected to said lever but movable longitudinally thereof, means carried by said flexible element for engaging a part of said receptacle, said lever being normally substantially stationary when said receptacle is being elevated until the latter is spaced a determined. distance belowv said carriage, and means, co-acting with said flexible element for rotating said lever thereafter about its pivotal axis during the continued ascent of said receptacle.

27. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a station, a carriage, a track for the latter, a receptacle, means for automatically connecting said carriage and receptacle when the latter is elevated toward said frame, means for elevating said receptacle comprising a lever of the first class pivoted to a part of said station, a flexible element connected to said lever but movable longitudinally thereof, means carried by said flexible element for engaging a part of said receptacle, said lever being normally substantially stationary when said receptacle is being elevated until the latter is spaced a determined distance below said carriage, and means, pivotally connected to that last mentioned and co-acting with said flexible element, for rotating said lever thereafter about its pivotal axis during the continued ascent of said receptacle.

28. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a station, a carrier, a stationary track for said carrier, a latch for holding said carrier at said station, and a propelling cord for said carrier having latch actuating means to engage and move in a determined direction an operating part of said latch, to move the latter to its open position, said latch actuating means being adapted to clear said operating part of said latch and travel on in said direction away from said latch, after actuating said part to move said latch to its open position.

29. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a station, a carriage, a track for the latter, a receptacle, means for connecting said carriage and receptacle and means for elevating said receptacle, including a stirrup having substantially rigid lateral portions pivoted to a rigid transverse portion, said portions adapted to be folded up into compact form preparatory for shipment, when desired.

30. In a store service apparatus, the combination of a carriage,'a track for said carriage, a receptacle having a supporting frame, a station having means including a lifting member for elevating said frame and receptacle, and a double acting locking device for holding said frame and carriage together when the receptacle is in substantially its uppermost position, andiat' other times for holding said member an'dframe together, said locking device comprising 'ele ments movable from determined positions into other determined positions for locking said lifting member and frame together,

In testimony whereof I have afiixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses' FRANK VD. POWELL.

Witnesses: V

EDITH L. WELLINGTON, S. B. PITMAN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

' Washington, D. G.

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