US2146974A

US2146974A - Fare box

Info

Publication number: US2146974A
Application number: US117782A
Authority: US
Inventors: Arthur T Mitford; Frank O Brickman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1936-12-28
Filing date: 1936-12-28
Publication date: 1939-02-14
Anticipated expiration: 1956-02-14

Description

Feb. 14, 1939.

A. T. MITFORD El -AL FARE Box Filed Dec. 28, 1936 6 Sheets-Sheet l l N VENT 0R5 firiiur 702521-8223 BY 77-421)? 0. Brzc/Fmara I I ATT 5Y5.

Feb. 14, 1939. A, T. MITFORD ETIAL FARE BOX Filed Dec. 28, 19336 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 We)? 0. fricimar z Feb. 14, 1939. 'A T M TF ET AL 2,146,974

Feb. 14, 1939. A. T. MITFORD ET AL 2,146,974

FARE BOX Filed Dec. 28, 1936 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 w %NEY5.

Feb. 14, 1939. A. T. MITFORD El AL 2,146,974

FARE BOX Filed Dec. 28 1936 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 7 ma a0 10/ 53 1* r 1,

INVENTORS.

.5 A'ITORN Patented Feb. 14, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FARE BOX Arthur T. Mitford and Frank 0. Brickman,

Detroit, Mich.

This invention relates to fare boxes or recep- I tacles for the collection of fares such as coins,

- tickets. tokens or the like and particularly, al-

nil

though not necessarily, to boxes. of this character which are adapted for use upon street-cars, railway cars, busses and other transportation vehicles'.

Afare box embodying the present invention is rcferably of: the type in which the casing or cabinet proper is mounted upon a'standard or upon the floor of a vehicle and adapted to remain in the vehicle. 'llhe fare box or cabinet contains a. removable coin box. or vault which is locked in place within the cabinet and can only be removed by a person or persons authorized to do so. The top or closure of the removable coin vault or box is preferably provided with a tiltable lid which serves as an inspection plate permitting the: conductor or driver to inspect the coins or other medium of fare prior to their discharge into the coin receptacle or vault. When the removable coin receptacle is in place within the fare box cabinet its lid or inspection plate is supported beneath and adjacent an opening in the bottom of the depository unit or hopper of the fare box, which hopper is provided with a glass wall'or walls so that the inspection plate is visible.

An object of the invention is to provide the fare box or cabinet and coin receptacle or vault with a removable handle member for operating the lid or inspection plate, said handle having the combined function of releasing locking means carried by the lid for locking'the lid in closed position immediately the handle is partially or fully withdrawn from engagement with the coin receptacle.

Another object of the-invention is to provide a construction in which the handle may be replaced after removal or partial removalfrom engagement with the coin receptacle cover which handle; when replaced, cannot beused to unlock the lid.

A further object of the invention is to provide a coin receptacle cover which cannot be unlocked after removal: from the fare box except by a person having a key who must first unlock a door in a wall. of said receptacle, reach into the box and manually release the locking means and then replace the operating handle to its operative position within the coinreceptacle. Then and then only can the inspection plate or coin receptacle cover beopened. g

A further object of the invention is to provide meanswhich positively prevents the removal of the coin receptacle from the fare box while the receptacle cover or inspection plate is inunlocked position or is in a partially open or tilted position.

Another object of the invention is to provide hinge means 'for the inspection plate which contains concealed means for positively locking the hinge against swingingmovement except when the coin receptacle is in operative and locked position within the fare box.

Another objectoi the invention is to provide the inspection plate with concealed auxiliary locking means for maintaining it in closed and locked position even in the event of tampering with the main locking means for said plate.

Another object of the invention is to provide an inspection plate in which the locking means 10 for the plate is positively spring projected into locking position upon a partial or full withdrawal of the operating handle.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for concealing from view the locking mechanism carried by the inspection plate even though unauthorized access has been had to the interior of the coin receptacle.

A further object of the invention is to provide a fare box of the foregoing character with a hopper or depository unit having a coin chute therein provided with gravity actuated means to prevent the: removal of coins from the depository upon inverting the fare box.

Another object of the invention is to provide 30 an improved handle for operating the coin receptacle inspection plate with telltale means to indicate any unauthorized attempt to tilt the inspection plate when said plate is locked in closed position.

Another object of the invention is to provide releasable means for removably retaining the inspection plate operating handle in operative position,

The above and other objects of the invention 40 will appear from the following description and appended claims when considered in connection withthe accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification.

In said drawings: I I

Fig. l is a perspective view, partly broken away, of a complete fare box embodying the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary vertical section taken substantially along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 isa fragmentary vertical section taken substantially along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is aperspective view of a complete coin receptacle embodying the invention, said receptacle having been removed from the fare box or housing.

Fig, 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view taken substantially along the line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a horizontal section, on an enlarged scale, taken substantially along the line 66 of Fig, 2 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. '7 is a longitudinal section taken substantially along the line 'l-'| of Fig. 6 with the looking bolt for the inspection plate in unlocked position.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing the locking bolt in projected or looking position.

Fig, 9 is a bottom perspective view of the inspection plate and cover or frame for the coin receptacle, showing the inspection plate in locked position.

Fig. 10-is a view similar to Fig. 9 showing the inspection plate unlocked and in partially open and tilted position.

Fig. 11 is a transverse vertical section taken substantially along the line H-ll of Fig. 6, showing the handle in operative position and the inspection plate unlocked.

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing the operating handle partially removed with the looking bolt for the inspection plate in projected or looking position.

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Figs. 11 and 12 and illustrating the position of the parts with the handle removed and the inspection plate locking bolt in unlocked position.

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Figs. 11 to 13 inclusive, showing the operating handlereplaced but in position inefiective to open the inspection plate.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary vertical section taken substantially along the line l5--l5 of Fig. looking in the direction of the arrows and showing the handle shaft in operative position.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary side elevation, partly in section, illustrating the first operation of inserting the handle.

- Fig. 17 is a view similar to Fig. 16 illustrating the second position in the operation of inserting the handle.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary verticalsection taken substantially along the line l8-,-l8 of Fig. 16.

Fig. 19 is a section taken substantialy through the line l9-l9 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 20 is a vertical fragmentary detail, partly in section, illustrating the position of the parts when the hande is partially withdrawn from engagement with the inspection plate locking bolt.

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical section, similar to Fig. '7, showing a modified form of inspection plate locking means.

Fig. 22 is a bottom plan view of the inspection and cover frame as shown in Fig. 21 and embodying a modified form of the invention.

Fig. 23 is a fragmentary transverse vertical section showing concealed positive locking means for the inspection plate pivot or hinge, with the parts in locked position.

Fig. 24 is a view similar to Fig. 23 showing the parts in unlocked position; and

Fig. 25 is a fragmentary verticalsectional view, on an enlarged scale, showing one form of safety device embodying the invention, taken substantially along the line 25-25 of Fig. 6.

Before explaining in detail the present invention it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invenvention and a removable coin box or vault which is adapted to be supported within the fare box or casing and locked in place therein. In Fig. 1

the complete fare box is shown in which A represents the coin receptacle cabinet or casing of the fare box having a front door A which is adapted to be locked in closed position by a look A of any conventional type such, for example, as a lock known in the art as a four-way lock. The cabinet comprises three solid metal walls 25 and a top secured to the walls and comprising a base plate 26 having a preferably rectangular opening 21 formed therein. The base 26 provides means for supporting a depository unit or hopper shown as a whole at B. The depository comprises, as shown, four upright angle corner braces 210, which support glass panels 28 providing the four transparent walls for the depository unit. As seen in Fig. 2 the base 26 is preferably secured to the fare box unit 25 by screws or the like 29 which pass through horizontal flanges 25a extending inwardly from the walls 25 and engage in the base 26. The base 26 is inwardy extended on three sides at 26m and each inward extension is provided with a depending flange 2617, these flanges defining the substantially rectangular opening 21.

The top of the depository unit is closed by a metal cap 30 having formed therein a coin or fare slot 3|. Positioned within the depository and extending downwardly therein in zigzag formation is a coin chute shown as a whole at C. This chute includes a serrated top plate 32 supported by one wall of the metal cap and extending downwardly and inwardly at an angle so that its serrated lower edge 33 extends beyond the slot 3|. The lower end of the coin chute is'normally open when in upright position and is provided with one or a pair of pivotally mounted coin chute closure plates 34 and 35. These plates are pivoted at 34c and 35a respectively to the front and rear side walls of the lower section of the chute. These walls are provided with stop members 36 and 31 of strap-like formation which have their free ends projecting below the throat of the chute section and, as seen in Fig. 3, engage and provide stops or supports for the plates 34 and 35 and prevent them from being moved, by gravity, to open positions beyond that in which they are shown. As seen, these plates have serrated lower edges 34b and 3%, respectively. The purpose of the serrated pivoted plate or plates is to prevent theunauthorized removal or pilfering of coins by inverting the fare box. When the box or cabinet is inverted, the plates move about their pivots to closed positions, with the plate 35 overlapping the edge of the plate 34, thus closing the coin chute and preventing any coins which might be in the depository from being removed. The side walls, that is the wider walls 25, are provided adjacent their top edges or their inner faces with horizontally extending angle members 39 which have horizontal flanges projecting a short distance toward the center of the cabinet A. These angles or track members provide means I 6 2, these flanges all; depending from the rectanfor supporting insuspended relation, a removable till or vault to be described-below. The left wall 25 of the cabinet or housing A, see particularly Figs. 16 and 17, is providedwitha circular opening to receive an operating handle hereinafter described. A pair of opposed horizontal slots Ma extend inwardlyf'rom the side edges of the opening and a third or' angle slot 401) extends downwardlyfrom said central opening, this slot, as shown, being arranged-at anapproximately 45 angle with relationto the horizontal. slots i'fia. A preferably rectangular plate 4| is applied to the wall 25, see Figs. 1, 2 and 5, and secured thereto in any suitable manner as by means of rivets 42. Thisplate is provided with a circular opening 43 which exposes the central opening in wall 25 and covers a portion of the outer ends of the slots 40a and 40b. A-latch member 44- is pivotally mounted at 45 upon the plate 4| and is limited in its up and down movement by: means of a slot 46 through which a stud 41 projects. The handle portion 44a of the latch is provided with a thumb piece 446 and the latch member is normally maintained in its down or approximately horizontal position as shown in Figs. 1', 2 and 5 by means of an expansion spring mounted upon the plate at 48 and having fingers or

extensions

59 and 59" which engage, respectively, beneath the baseifi and the top edge of the latch M. The latch member at the juncture of its depending finger portion and its main body portion is provided with a notch which is adapted to engage the shank of the operating handle to be hereinafter referred to.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 2 and 4, the removable coin receptacle or vault embodying the; invention: is shown as a wholeat D. This vault comprises a bottom wall 51, side walls 52, a partial front. wall and a back wall 54; The front wall. 53- has a loop-like handle member or bail 55' mounted thereorrforr the. purpose of removing the coin receptacle and replacing it when the door A of the fare box cabinet is unlocked and open. The lower face portion of: the front end wall 53. of the coin receptacle: is provided with a hinged door or closure 56: having a. lock 5"! of conventional construction so as to lock and seal the receptacle against access to its contents except by a duly authorized person. The; top of the coin box or till D is closed by a cap member or cover which, as shown, is of rectangular shape to correspond to the cross sectional shape of the coin receptacle and comprises a. frame having. depending flanges which telescope over the upper edges or portions of the walls 25 of the coin receptacle. Ihe frame member is preferably secured to the coin receptacle walls by means of bolts and nuts 58. The heads of the bolts are countersunk and the nuts are located within the receptacle as clearly shown in Fig. 2'. When the removable. coin receptacle D is located within the fare box cabinet it will be seen (Fig. 2) that the bottom edges of the side. frame members of the cover portion of said receptacle or till rest upon the horizontal flanges of the tracks or angle members: 39. Thus the removable coin receptacle, as shown, is suspended within the cabinet Aand its: top is supported adjacent the opening 21 formed in the base plate 26 of the depository unit and in register therewith.

As shown, see particularly Figs. 4', 9 and 10, the frame of the coin receptacle top or cover comprises depending side flanges 59, an inner or rear end flange Gil and a front flange 6| which, as shown, is centrally cut away or notched out at gulartop-frame portion 63. The topframe of the cover member supports a. tiltable inspection. plate 64 which is. located within the opening surrounded by the. top flange: portions 6:3 and extends forwardily below the front section of the flange 63 and-engages the under face thereof, see Figs. 7 and The rear edge of the inspection-plate 84 is flared upwardly at 65: so as to provide a substantially. tightijoint with the adjacent horizontal top flange portion 631 The swinging. cover or inspection plate fidsis adapted to be supported in position by means of a hollow shaft or hinge member 66, this member being journalledin openings or= bearings formed in the: flanges 59 of the frame: member and having its outer ends flush with-the outer face of said flanges. Oneend of thetubular shaft 65' is provided with diametrically opposed slots or notches 61 which extend inwardly from. the outer end of the shaft, as best seen in Figs-.- 11 to 14 inclusive.

The inspection plate 64'is secured to the tubular hinge member 65 by meansof brackets or strap members 68 which in turn are attached to the under face of the plate by screws or the like 69-: To prevent any relative rotation or movement between the plate andthe hinge member, additional screws 10.- are providedto attach the central portions of the brackets. to thehinge member. Thus when the inspection plate is tilted from its horizontal or closed position of Fig. 9 to its partially open or tilted position of Fig. 10-, the hinge member, supporting straps and plate move together as: a unit; The under face? of the inspection plateis provided with a pairof opposed laterally extending pins Hv and L2,. these pins being fixed to the plate and having their free endsterminating adjacent the flanges 53. of the cover frame to serve as guides during the tilting. mcvementsof the plate .64: The plate 5 is maintained normally in closed position by means ofv a coiled spring 13 having one end 14 (see Fig. 6) engaging the under face of the frame 63. and its opposite end 15 engaging the guide pin 12..

As seenin Figs. 9 and: 10, the under side of the. frame. 63 in the rear portion thereof is thickened to. provide a depending block portion or projection 16. The under face of. this projection is insubstantially the same horizontal plane as that of the under face of the inspection plate 6.4.when. said plate is in closedposition. In accordance with the form of theinvention shown in Figs. 9 and 10, a. spring projected bolt or latch member 1?. is mounted for longitudinal sliding movement on. the under face of. the inspection plate 64. The bolt, as shown, is rectangular in cross section. and is provided at itsforward end with a depending hand grip or finger piece 18. The bolt is also provided in its under face adjacent its lead end 19,with a pair of transverse notches or grooves and 8 I, these grooves being slightly spaced apart and the groove 80 having a diameter somewhat greater than the diameter of the groove 8| for a purpose to be described hereinafter. The bolt H is mounted for sliding movement and guided in a substantially straight line path by means of a supporting bracket or strap 82 secured by screws or the like 83 to the inspection plate and extends through a transverse slot formed approximately midway between the ends of the tubular hinge member 66.. The lead end l9 of the bolt projects beyond the hinge member and when in projected position (Fig. 9), underliesthe lugor fixed projection 76 to lock the inspection plate in closed position and thus prevent its tilting movement. The means for projecting the bolt into locked position, in the present instance, comprises a coiled tension spring or springs 85, one end thereof being secured at 86 to the tubular hinge member and the other end having its hook-like portion engaging a lug 81 on or adjacent the finger piece. Normally the spring 85 maintains the bolt in its projected or looking position, that is with its lead end 19 underlying the lug I6 on the fixed frame member. When projected, the larger notch 80 of the bolt is revealed but when retracted against the action of the spring 85, the smaller notch 8| is exposed, see Fig. 10. When in the retracted position of Fig. the lead end I9 of the bolt has its end face disposed in approrimately the vertical plane of the flared portion 65 of the inspection plate, see particularly Fig. 7, so that the inspection plate may be tilted into open position. A stop screw or bolt 88 is threaded into the inspection plate to prevent the retraction of the bolt 11 beyond a predetermined position, as seen in Fig. 7.

Referring particularly to Figs. 6, 9, 10 and 25, there is shown one form of safety device embodying the present invention which prevents removal of the coin receptacle or vault D from the fare box or casing A at all times except when the inspection plate or cover 64 is in closed position. This is an important feature since if it were possible for an unauthorized person to gain access to the interior of the fare box casing A by opening the front door A, the coin receptacle D could be pulled or forced out and its contents removed through the unlocked inspection plate if it were not for the safety means embodying the invention which prevents such removal of the coin receptacle except and only in the event the inspection plate or lid thereof is closed and locked. For this purpose, and in accordance with the present disclosure, the rear edge of the inspection plate 64 at approximately the juncture of the plate proper and its flared end 65, and preferably adjacent one corner of the plate at its under side, a block or hump of metal 89 is attached to or formed integral with the plate and projection below it. The frame 63 adjacent the wall or flange 6B is provided with a vertically extending hole or aperture and, as shown, with a depending bored annular lug or boss 90. A preferably cylindrical housing or casing 9| having flanges 92 and a slot 93 in its front wall, houses a spring pressed pin or plug 94 which is normally urged upwardly by a coiled spring 95. The pin 94 carries a projecting arm or member 99 which extends through the slot 93 and underlies the lug 89. When the plug 94 is in its operative or upwardly projected position (broken lines, Fig. 25), it is located behind the depending inwardly spaced flange 25b of the fare box rear wall 25 so that any attempt to withdraw the removable coin receptacle D by grasping its handle 55 will be prevented so long as the inspection plate 64 of said receptacle is in tilted or open position. When, however, the inspection plate returns to its closed and locked position, the lug 89 depresses the finger 96 and moves the plug 94 downwardly against the action of the spring 95 to its full line position of Fig. 25, thus maintaining it out of engagement with the fare box cabinet or casing flange 25b.

The lock bolt or latch retaining and releasing mechanism and the removable operating handle for swinging the inspection plate to open and/or closed position will now be described:

The lock bolt or latch 11 of the above described embodiment of the present invention, when released, is projected rearwardly or to the left of Figs. 6 to 10 inclusive by means of the aforementioned tension spring 85 so as to position the lead end I9 of the latch bolt in looking position beneath and in engagement with the frame lug "I6 (Figs. 8 and 9). As previously explained, the bolt passes through a slot or notch in the tubular hinge member or housing 66 and is freely slidable therein.

The tube or housing 66 has a cylindrical bore 91 which, as shown, extends more than one-half the length of the tube and has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the bore 98 which extends through the remainder of the tubular hinge member. Located within the larger bore 98 and projecting into the adjacent portion of the smaller bore 91 is a cylindrical plug or plunger member I90, provided with an enlarged head I9I having a preferably centrally disposed stud or projection I92; The tube 66 has an additional portion or bore 99 of greater diameter than the bore portions 91 and 98. The bore 99 is preferably tapered and internally screw threaded to receive aremovable threaded plug member I94 which may be pinned in place within the'bore 99 to prevent tampering with the plug. A compression spring I03 is positioned within the bore 98 and is centered at its inner end by engagement with the locating stud I92. The opposite end of the spring engages the inner face of the plug I04. Thus the tendency of the plug is to remain normally projected inwardly under the action of the spring I93 when unobstructed by the bolt 11, in the position in which it is shown in Fig. 13. The plug I00 is prevented from being moved toward the left beyond its position of this figure by engagement of the enlarged head IDI with a shoulder at the adjacent end of the bore 91.

The operating handle for engagement with and oscillation of the inspection plate 64 comprises, as shown, a handle portion or finger piece I05, a shank portion I06 and an annular projection or ring-like stop I91. The diameter of the shank I96 is reduced at I98, the portions I96 and I09 being connected by a taper or bevel I09. The lead or front end of the shank is further reduced and provides, as shown, an eccentric cylindrical end portion I II], this last named portion and the shank portion I98 being connected by a gradual taper or beveled portion III. The end or face of the lead portion H9 is preferably fiat and in operation engages the adjacent preferably flat face of the plug or plunger I09, see Figs. 11 'and 14.

The shank portion I96 adjacent the stop ring In! is, as shown, provided with a pin having outwardly projecting diametrically opposed end portions I I2 which, when the handle is in operative position with the inspection plate in its closed or horizontal position, project beyond opposite sides of the handle shank in a common substantially horizontal plane. The shank I96 is also provided with another pin II3 which extends downwardly from the shank when the handle is in normal operative position at an angle to the ver tical and with relation to the position of the aforementioned pin II2. This pin is located between the pin I I2 and the stop ring I01 and serves as a stop for the handle when the shank thereof is inserted to its full operative position within thecylindrical hinge member 66, see Fig. 11. The

bolt TI.

pin I I2 is adapted to be brought into register with the corresponding slots 40a formed-in the casing wall 25 and the stop pin H3 is adapted to be brought into register with the angle slot 40b formed in said casing wall 25 (Figs. 16 and 17,) when the handle I05 is moved into a predetermined position at an angle toa vertical line passing through the fare box cabinet and corresponding to the angle of the'slot 4012.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 6., 7, 10, 11 and 15, the inspection plate and its associated operating and locking mechanism are shown in normal unlocked operative position with the handle shank extending to its full depth within the tubular hinge or housing member 66. In this position the reduced end I10 of the shank is in engagement with the plug or plunger I00, the pin .or pins II2 are located in the horizontal .slots .6] in the sleeve 60 and the reduced portion I08 of the handle shank is projected through and located within the larger notch 80 formed in the latch In thisposition the plunger is held out .of engagement with said notch and the handle is free to be actuated .to tilt the inspection plate into an open position such as shown in Fig. 10,

' by moving the handle from its normal substantially vertical position of Figs. 1, 2 and 5 toward the right to its dotted line position of Fig. 17. The handle has been placed in this operative position with the inspection plate unlocked by first inserting the handleshank 106 into the bore 91, lifting the latch member 44 upwardly against the action of its spring- 49, 50, alining the ends of the pin .I I2 with the slots 40a and pushing inwardly on the handle I05 until the angle pin II .3 engages the wal1.2 5, see Fig. 16. The handle I05 'is now turned .to the right until it assumes its dotted line position of Fig. 17 in which position the angle pin .3 is in register with the slot 4.01),. It may now-be pushed inwardly until the pin H3 engages the end face of .the tubular'hinge member 66, see Fig. 11, the pin acting as .a .stop .for the handle. The latch 44 is now releasedand the notch formed therein will engage the shank I06 between the thumb piece I05 and the stop ring I01 and .releasably lock the handle in its operative position. The inspection ,plate can now be tilted at will by operating the handle I05. When it becomes desirable to lock the inspection plate in its closed position as in Figs. 9 and 12, the latch 44 is again released and the handle pulledstraight outwardly.

Duringthis withdrawal movement of the handle the reduced shank portions I08 and M will be withdrawn from engagement .in the bolt notch 80 whereupon the tension spring 85 immediately projects the boltrearwardly or into its locked p0- sition as in Fig. 9. Upon withdrawal or partial withdrawal 0f the handle the compression spring I03 functions to force the plunger I00 forwardly into engagement with the adjacent face .or wall of the lock bolt 11, .see Fig. 12. With the bolt in locked position .the smaller of the two notches 8| is located within and in substantial axial alinement with the bore 91 ofthe hinge member but since the diameter .of the plug I 00 is somewhat greater than the diameter of the notch 8|, the plug cannot .enter said notch but engages the surrounding portions of the face or wall of the bolt, thereby preventing it from looking the bolt in its projected'position. When the parts I 08 .and I I0 of the handle shank 'have'been withdrawn from engagement with the bolt, the handle may be turned to aline the pin II3 with the slot 405 so that the shank can be farther withdrawn. Only an authorized person who has accessto the interior of the removable coin receptacle D through the door 51 may retract or withdraw the lock bolt from its locked position by grasping the finger piece 18 carried thereby. With the bolt in itsiretracted position as above described, the handle may again be pushed inwardly, whereupon the reduced portion 1080f its shank will enter the notch BI and its end III! will engage the adjacent face of the plunger I00. The plunger is thus pushed away from the bolt suificiently to allow the handle shank to be moved into the sleeve 66 until it assumes its position of Fig. 14, with the stop pin IQI3 in engagement with the outer face of the casing wall 25,. 'So long as the inspection plate 64 is maintained in locked position by the lock .bolt, the handle cannot be turned from its normal upright position so as to aline the pin H3 with the angle slot 40b formed in the wall 25. In other words, once the .handle shank is withdrawn from engagement with the larger bolt notch 80., .thuspermitting the spring 85 to project the bolt .to its lockingposition, it is impossible to tilt the inspection plate even though the handle maybe inserted into the smaller notch 8| and to its approximately full depth. Any attempt to tilt the inspection plate with the parts in their posiions in Fig. '14 will cause the ends of the pin IIZ .to shear off due to the fact that the pin is made .of softer metal than that of the shank and its engaging hinge member or tube. Such shearing off of the pin provides tangible evidence to the inspector, thus warning him that the fare box has'been tampered with.

Referring particularly to Fig. 20, the relative positions of the parts of the inspection plate, operating handle shank and lock bolt are shown after the bevel 1.09 on the handle shank has been moved outwardly from enga ement with the notch L00 during the initial part .of the operation to release the bolt. By reason of the diiference between the diameters of the reduced end :portion "I I0 .of the handle shank and that of the notch 1.80,the withdrawal of the shank portion 1 08 from the notchi80 permits the lockbolt 11 to move a short distance forwardly or toward its projected .position,.as shown 'in full lines in this figure, and .thus prevents thespring pressed plunger II 00 from .again entering .the notch 80 upon withdrawal of the shank which, if permitted, would again retain .the bolt in its retracted position and permit the inspection plate to be swung into open position .even though the handle shank had been fully withdrawn. As seen, :by reason of the present structure and the differential of the cooperating :parts, :once the *handle shank is even partially withdrawn, the Ebolt isimmediately subjected to -the direct action :of -the tension spring :85 which projects it into locked position asshown in Fig. 12. Once locked, the mechanism cannot be released to permit the *tilting movement or opening of the inspection plate. This can be accomplished only by-first gaining access to the interior of the removable-coin receptacle '13 through its locked door 56,-and then-retracting the'bolt manually through the medium of its handle or finger piece '18. When thus retracted, the larger notch .80 of the bolt is again brought substantially into axial alinement withthespring pressed plunger I00. The plunger .is moved .into engagement with said notch by its spring I03, the parts assuming the positions of Fig. .13. The handle shankmay now be inserted in the manner above described with its reduced portion I08located within the notch 80 and with its end I I0 holding the plunger I00 in its inefiective or retracted position against the action of the compression spring I 03. I

Figs. 11 to 14 inclusive, illustrate the various positions of the parts during the above described operations. InFig. 11 the handle is in its operative position ready to actuate the inspection plate. In Fig. 12 the handle has been partially withdrawn permitting the bolt to be projected by its spring or springs into locked position. Fig. 13 illustrates the position of the parts after an authorized inspector having access to the interior of the till D has withdrawn or retracted the bolt 11, and showing the spring pressed plunger I00 engaging the notch 80 to maintain the bolt in position to again receive the handle shank. Fig. 14 shows the positions of the parts with the handle shank portion I08 engaging the smaller notch iii in the bolt, the bolt being in locked position.

Figs. 18 and 19 illustrate the positions of the parts during the initialstep in the operation of inserting the operating handle when the inspection plate is closed and unlocked, Fig. 18- corresponding to Fig. 15 with the ends of pin II2 located in the slots BIand with the pin II3 engaging the outer face of the cabinet wall 25. Fig. 19 illustrates the second step in the operation of inserting the handle shank I00 and shows the parts with the handle I05 having been moved to'the right and in its dotted line position of Fig. 17. The stop or angle pin H3 is in register .with the slot 401) in the wall 25. From this position, the handle shank may be moved inwardly .until thestop pin I I3 engages the end of the tubular hinge 66, as seen in Fig. 11. The second step involves tilting of the inspection plate. Upon release of the handle I05, the spring I3 returns the plate to closed position.

If desired, the under side of the inspection plate may be provided with a casing formed of sheet metal for the purpose of enclosing and concealing the latch bolt releasing and operating mechanism of the invention. As shown in Fig. 6, this casing preferably comprises a bottom wall or cover H4 having a slot or opening I I5 formed therein through which the thumb or finger piece I8 projects. The casing is provided with side walls I I6, one only being shown, a front end wall I I1 and a rear end wall H8. The rear wall has a notch or cut-out portion through which the lead end I9 of the lock bolt projects. The cover may be secured to the inspection plate in any suitable and desirable manner. By thus enclosing the mechanism, even if'a person did gain access to the interior of the coin receptacle, he would be unable to see the working parts of the cover or inspection plate operating and locking mechanism. Thus an additional safety feature is added to the coin receptacle.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 23 and 24, where desirable, auxiliary automatically operated means may be provided for locking the inspection plate in closed position. Asshown, such means is adapted tocooperate with the hinge member of the removable coin receptacle to prevent rotation of the hinge member relative to its supportingframe.

As seen in these figures, the spring pressed plunger I00 has the usual enlargement or head portion IOI and an additional beveled portion IOIa. The face of the bevel is engaged by one end of a compression spring I03, the other end of the spring engaging the inner face of the screw threaded plug I04 in the same manner as in the preceding forms. The frame portion 63 of the coin receptacle cover is preferably provided with anger a recessed chamber or boss II 9. A coil spring I20 is located in the recess and at one end engages a sliding non-rotatable key or plug I2I which in turn engages a second slidable but nonrotatable key member or plug I22. The second plug has a tapered face I23 which corresponds to the bevel or taper on the plunger portion IOIa. The key member I22 is adapted to slide in an opening formed in the wall of the hinge 06, said opening having a cross sectional shape corresponding to that of the key I22. With the parts in the positions in which they are shown in Fig. 23, and with the reduced portion I08 of the operating handle located within the smaller diameter notch or groove 8| formed in the latch bolt 11, the slidable key or plug I22 has its tapered face in engagement with the bevel IOIa. and the key I2I has a portion which, in the present position of the parts, is located in the socket formed in the boss or member H9 and a portion extending into the opening formed in the hinge member wall. Thus it is impossible to rotate or oscillate the hinge member 66 relative to the frame 03. It will be understood that the lock bolt 11 is now in projected position and that the inspection plate cannot be opened while the bolt is thus projected for the reason that it is im possible to insert the shank of the handle member into the hinge beyond the point where it is shown in Fig. 23 since the pin or lug H3 carried by the shank is in contact with the outer face of the cabinet wall 25 and acts as a stop to prevent the full insertion of the handle shank to a point which would move the plunger I00 inwardly against the action of the spring I03. This would be necessary to shift the key members I2I and I22 into their releasing positions as shown in Fig. 24.

If the lock bolt I! has been tampered with so as to prevent its full projection into locking position upon being released by withdrawing the handle shank and has moved only part Way toward its locking position, the handle shank cannot be inserted to a sufiicient depth in the hinge member to move the plunger I00 inwardly to release the keys l2l and I22 since, upon insertion of the shank, the end IIO thereof will engage 'that portion of the bolt which is located between and separates the

notches

80 and 8|, since such portion, with the lock bolt 11 in partially projected position registers with the bore 91 and serves as a stop for the handle shank. It will be seen, therefore, that so long as the lock bolt 11 is fully projected into locking position with the smaller notch 8| registering with the hinge member bore, the handle shank cannot be inserted far enough to release the plunger and key members. This is true also in the event the lock bolt IT is only partially projected toward locking position.

In Fig. 24 the parts are shown in unlocked position. The bolt 11 has been manually retracted by engaging the finger piece I8. This cannot be done except by an authorized person who must first gain access to the interior of the cabinet, open the removable coin receptacle door and reach into the interior of said receptacle to grasp the finger piece carried by the bolt.

If the removable coin receptacle D has been withdrawn from its position within the cabinet A and the bolt 11 is in projected or locking position,

the auxiliary inspection plate locking keys. If for any reason the bolthas been only partially projected prior to withdrawal of the coin receptacle from the cabinet, the handle shank cannot be inserted to a suflicient depth to release the plunger and locking keys. In this case the auxiliary locking keys I2I and I22 are effective to prevent tilting of the inspection plate into open position, thereby preventing access to the contents of the receptacle.

With the parts as shown in Fig. 24, the shank of the operating handle has been inserted to its full depth to move the plunger I09 against the action of the spring I03 and thereby shift the keys I2I and I22 into their non-locking positions. Upon withdrawal of the handle shank from engagement with the plunger, the spring IE3 returns the parts to their position of Fig. 23.

In Figs. 21 and 22 there is shown a modified form of inspection plate locking mechanism embodying the present invention. In the present form, the latch bolt for locking the inspection plate in closed position is projected forwardly, or to the right of Fig. 21, by means of a spring or springs. The mechanism for retaining the lock bolt in its inoperative or unlocked position and for releasing it so that it can be projected into locked position is substantially the same as that described above.

The front portion '6I of the coin receptacle top or cover is provided with a recess 6Ia. which is adapted to receive the lead end portion I9 of the lock bolt TI when the same is in projected position. The bolt is supported against the under side of the inspection plate by means of a combined strap member and guide 82 secured by screws 83 to the plate 64. The bolt passes through a-transverse slot formed in the tubular hinge member or housing 66 in the same manner as in the preceding form of the invention. An auxiliary bolt member or latch I25 is provided to operate independently of or in conjunction with the bolt 11 and, as seen in Fig. 22, this latch member is pivotally mounted at I26 to the under side of the inspection plate and is normally maintained in its full line position by means of a tension spring I2I. The side wall 59 of the receptacle top frame, as shown, is provided with an arcua'te recess 59a and the wall 52 of the receptacle with a corresponding slot or opening 52a in register with the recess. Thus when the swinging latch member or bolt I25 is moved from its full line position to its dotted line position, the outer end I25a thereof engages in the recess 59a thus preventing the inspection plate '64 from being tilted even though the main bolt 11 is in retracted position. To effect this movement of the latch or bolt I25, there is provided an auxiliary slidable plate or member I28 having notches I88 and I8I corresponding, respectively, to the notches 89 and BI formed in the bolt 11. This slidable plate rests fiatwise against one face of the bolt 11 and is adapted to be guided in its reciprocal movement by the strap 82 and by the transverse slot formed in the hinge member '86. The side face of the plate I28 carries a laterally projecting lug I 29 which extends into the path of the inner end 1252) of the auxiliary latch or bolt. The plate I28 is normally urged forwardly or to the right of Figs. 21 and 22 by a tension spring I39 anchored at 'I3I to the under face of the inspection plate 64 and at the other end I32 to the slidable member 128. Thus as the shank of the handle I is withdrawn from its position within the tubular member *66 it'will successively release the bolt I9 and the plate I28. Upon clearing bolt I9 the springs 85 will function to project the bolt forwardly until its lead end 19 engages in the notch 6Ia. As soon as the handle shank clears plate I28 the spring I39 functions to move the plate I28 in the same direction causing the lug I 29 thereon to move the auxiliary latch or bolt member I25 about its pivot against the action of the spring I21 and project it into the recess 59a in the side wall in the receptacle frame. Since the movement of plate I28 is independent of the bolt 11 it will be apparent that the latch member I 25 functions independently of bolt TI to lock the inspection plate to the vault or coin box wall. Thus the inspection plate 54 upon the partial or complete withdrawal of the operating handle shank is operatively locked in two places. The plate or slide member I28 and the auxiliary latch I 25 with their associated parts function to provide locking means which are also independent of the main latch bolt 11 in the event the movement of said latch bolt into its keeper or recess 6Ia is prevented by unauthorized tampering with the bolt, such, for example, as by plugging the recess 6Ia to prevent the entry of the bolt thereinto.

Inasmuch as the bolt 11 and the slidable and cooperating plate I 28 are projected forwardly, these members are provided respectively with depending thumb pieces 11a and I 28a, see Figs. 21 and 22, which are located side by side and are adapted to be engaged by the thumb or finger of the inspector so as to push both members inwardly simultaneously to unlock the cover 84.

From the foregoing it will be seen that we have provided an improved fare box which is substantially proof against pilfering of the coins or other medium of fare and one in which the inspection plate carried by the removable coin receptacle is substantially locked in closed position against tilting movement except when a duly authorized person has manually retracted the bolt from its projected position and when the operating handle shank is in its proper and operative position to tilt the inspection plate; also one in which it is impossible to remove the coin receptacle or till from its position within the fare box cabinet or housing at any time except when the receptacle inspection plate or cover is in closed and locked position.

We claim:

1. A coin vault having a pivoted inspection plate, a lock bolt movable into locking position to lock the plate to the vault and into retracted position to permit pivotal movement of said plate, a plunger cooperable with the bolt to lock the same in retracted position, and an operating handle for said plate having a portion shiftable in one direction to move said plunger out of looking position and in another direction to permit movement of the bolt into locking position free of said plunger.

2. A coin vault having a pivoted inspection plate, a sliding lock bolt movable into locking position to lock the plate to the vault and into retracted position to permit pivotal movement of said plate, a plunger cooperable with the bolt to lock the same in retracted position, and an operating handle for said plate having a portion shiftable in one direction into the path of the bolt to move said plunger out of locking position and in another direction out of the path of the bolt to permit movement of the bolt into locking position free of said plunger.

3. A coin box having a pivoted inspection plate,

a sliding lock bolt movable into locking position to lock the plate to the box and into retracted position to permit pivotal movement of said plate,

a plunger cooperable with the bolt to lock the same in retracted position, an operating handle for said plate having a portion shiftable in one direction to move said plunger out of locking position and in another direction to permit movement of the bolt into locking position free of said plunger, and means whereby said handle portion is shiftable into the path of the bolt when in locking and retracted positions.

4. A coin box for a fare box cabinet having a pivoted inspection plate, a lock bolt movable into locking position to lock the plate to the box and into retracted position to permit pivotal movement of said plate, means cooperable with the bolt to hold the same in retracted position, an operating handle for said plate having a portion shiftable in one direction to move said means out of bolt holding position and in another direction to permit movement of the bolt into locking position free of said plunger, and means for locking said box to the cabinet when the inspection plate is in open position.

5. A coin vault comp-rising a pivoted inspection plate, a latch bolt carried by said plate and shiftable across the pivotal axis thereof into and out of position to lock the plate to the vault, and an operating handle for the plate shiftable into the path of the bolt for holding the same retracted and shiftable out of the path of the bolt to perrmt movement thereof to locking position.

. 6. A coin vault comprising a pivoted inspection plate, a latch bolt carried by said plate and shiftable into and out of position to lock the plate to the vault, and an operating handle for tilting the inspection plate and shiftable in one direction into the path of the bolt to hold the same in retracted position and shiftable in the opposite direction out of the path of the bolt to permit movement thereof to locking position.

'7. A coin vault comprising a pivoted inspection plate, a latch bolt carried by said plate and shiftable into and out of position to lock the plate to the vault, an operating handle for tilting the inspection plate and shiftable in one direction into the path of the bolt to hold the same in retracted position and shiftable in the opposite direction out of the path of the bolt to permit movement thereof to locking position, and spring means for shifting the bolt into locking position.

8. A removable coin receptacle for a fare box having a top provided with an opening, a pivoted inspection plate for closing said opening, a tubular hinge member for pivotally interconnecting the inspection plate and top, a lock bolt carried by the under face of the inspection plate and slidable through said tubular hinge member, a spring pressed plunger located in the hinge member and engageable with said bolt to maintain the same in retracted position at a predetermined time, and an operating handle for tilting the inspection plate when the bolt is in said retracted position, said handle having a shank insertable through said tubular hinge and into contact with the plunger to move the same out of engagement with said bolt.

9. A removable coin receptacle for a fare box having a top provided with an opening, a pivoted inspection plate for closing said opening, a tubular hinge member for pivotally interconnecting the inspection plate and top, a lock bolt carried by the under face of the inspection plate and slidable through said tubular hinge member, a

spring pressed plunger located in the hinge member and engageable with said bolt to maintain the same in retracted position at a predetermined time, an operating handle for tilting the inspec tion plate when the bolt is in said retracted position, said handle having a shank insertable through said tubular hinge and into contact with the plunger to move the same out of engagement with said bolt, and spring means for projecting said lock bolt into locking position upon withdrawal of said handle shank from engagement with said bolt.

10. A removable coin vault for a fare box having a top wall provided with an opening, a pivoted inspection plate for closing said opening, a tubular hinge member pivotally interconnecting the inspection plate and vault, a slidable locking bolt carried by the under face of the inspection plate and having its lead end projecting through a slot in the tubular hinge, said lock bolt having a notch formed therein adapted to register with said hinge member when the bolt is in retracted position, a spring pressed plunger located Within the tubular hinge and having a restricted movement longitudinally therein, said plunger being adapted to engage the bolt notch when the bolt is retraoted to maintain said bolt in its retracted position, an operating handle having a shank insertable in said tubular hinge member and through said bolt notch for tilting the inspection plate, said handle shank having a reduced end portion engageable with the plunger to move the latter out of engagement with said bolt notch, and spring means for projecting the bolt into locked position upon withdrawal of the handle shank from engagement with said bolt.

11. A removable coin vault for a fare box hav ing a top wall provided with a substantially rectangular opening, a pivoted inspection plate for closing said opening, a tubular hinge member pivotally interconnecting the inspection plate and vault, a slidable locking bolt carried by the under face of the inspection plate and having its lead end projecting through a slot in the tubular hinge, said lock bolt having a notch formed therein adapted to register with said hinge member when the bolt is in retracted position, a spring pressed plunger located within the tubular hinge and having a restrticted movement longitudinally therein, said plunger being adapted to engage the bolt notch when the bolt is retracted to maintain said bolt in its retracted position, an operating handle having a shank insertable through said tubular hinge member and through said bolt notch for tilting the inspection plate, said handle shank having a reduced end portion engageable with the plunger to move the latter out of engagement with said bolt notch, and spring means for projecting the bolt into locked position upon withdrawal of the handle shank from engagement with said bolt, said bolt having means accessible' only from the interior of the coin receptacle for moving the bolt into retracted position when the handle shank is out of engagement with the notch in said bolt.

12. A removable coin vault for a fare box having a top wall provided with a substantially rectangular opening, a pivoted inspection plate for closing, said opening, a tubular hinge member pivotally interconnecting the inspection plate and vault, a slidable locking bolt carried by the under face of the inspection plate and having its lead end projecting through a slot in the tubular hinge, said lock bolt having a pair of transverse notches adapted to successively register with the tubular hinge member upon reciprocation of the bolt, a spring pressed plunger reciprocable in said hinge member and adapted to engage one of said notches to retain the bolt in retractedposition,

an operating handle for tilting the inspection plate and having a shank provided with a reduced end portion insertable through said tubular hinge member into engagement with either of said notches and said plunger whereby to move said plunger out of engagement with said bolt, and spring means for projecting the bolt into locked position upon withdrawal of the reduced end of the handle shank from engagement with the bolt notch and said plunger to release said bolt, said handle shank being capable of being reinserted within said hinge member and into engagement with the other notch in the bolt but incapable of tilting the inspection plate while the bolt is in projected locking position.

13. A removable coin receptacle for a fare box having a top provided with an opening, a pivoted inspection plate for closing said opening, a tubular hinge member for pivotally interconnecting the inspection plate and receptacle, a spring projected lock bolt carried by the under face of the inspection plate and slidable through a slot formed in said tubular hinge member, a spring pressed plunger located in the hinge member and engageable with said bolt to maintain the same in retracted position, an operating handle for tilting the inspection plate when the bolt is in said retracted position, said handle having a shank insertable through said tubular hinge and into contact with the plunger to move the same out of engagement with said bolt, and means cooperating with the tubular hinge member and plunger and operated by the plunger for preventing rotation of the hinge member regardless of the position of the lock bolt, said means being released only when the handle shank is in engagement with the bolt while said bolt is in its retracted unlocked position.

14. A'removable coin receptacle for a fare box having a top provided with an opening, a pivoted inspection plate for closing said opening, a tubular hinge member for pivotally interconnecting the inspection plate and top, a lock bolt carriedby the -'under face of the inspection plate and slidable through said tubular hinge member, a spring pressed plunger located in the hinge memberand engageable with said bolt to maintain the same in retracted position at a predetermined time, an operating handle for tilting the inspection plate when the bolt is in said retracted position, said handle having a shank insertable through said tubular hinge and into contact with the plunger to move the same out of engagement with said bolt, and means carried by the lock bolt accessible only from the interior of the coin receptacle for manually retracting said bolt.

15. A removable coin receptacle for a fare box having a cover provided with an opening, a tiltable inspection plate for closing said opening, a tubular hinge 'member for pivotally interconnecting the inspection plate and cover, a spring projected lock bolt carried by the under face of the inspection plate and slidable through a slot formed'in'said tubular hinge member, a spring pressed plunger located within the hinge member and engageable with said bolt at a predetermined time to maintain the bolt in retracted position, andan operating handle for tilting the inspection plate when the bolt is in said retracted position, said handle having a shank insertable through said tubular hinge and bolt and into contactwith the plunger to move the same out of engagement with said bolt.

16. A removable coin receptacle for a fare box having a top wall provided with a rectangular opening, a pivoted inspection plate for closing said opening,'a tubular hinge member pivotally interconnecting the inspection plate and top wall and journalled in said wall, a slidable locking bolt carried by the inspection plate and having its lead end projecting through a slot in the tubular hinge, said lock bolt having a pair of transverse notches formed therein adapted to successively register with the tubular hinge member upon endwise movement of the bolt, a spring pressed plunger reciprocable in said hinge member and adapted to engage one of said notches to retain the bolt in retracted position, an operating handle for tilting the inspection plate and having a shank provided with a reduced end portion insertable through said tubular hinge member into' engagement with either of said notches .and said plunger whereby to move said plunger out of engagement with said bolt, and spring means for projecting the bolt into locked position upon withdrawal of the reduced end of the handle shank from engagement with one of the notches to release said bolt, said handle shank being capable of being reinserted within said hinge member and into engagement with the other notch in the bolt but incapable of tilting the inspection plate while the bolt is in projected locking position.

17. A removable coin receptacle for a fare box having a cover provided with an opening, a pivoted inspection plate for closing said opening, a tubular hinge member for pivotally interconnecting the inspection plate and cover, a spring projected lock bolt carried by the inspection plate and slidable through a slot formed in said tubular hinge member, a spring pressed plunger located within the hinge member and engageable with said bolt to maintain the same in retracted position at a predetermined time, an operating handle for tilting the inspection plate when the bolt is in said retracted position, said handle having a shank insertable through said tubular hinge and said bolt and into contact with the plunger to move the same out of engagement with said bolt, and means carried by the inspection plate for substantially concealing the hinge member and spring projected lock bolt.

18. In a fare box provided with a casing having a door in one Wall thereof, a depository unit mounted upon the casing, a removable coin receptacle located within the casing and having a tiltable inspection plate, a spring projected lock bolt for locking the inspection plate in closed position, a removable handle having a shank insertable through a wall of the casing and. into engagement with the inspection plate for tilting said plate when the lock bolt is in retracted position, and means carried by the coin receptacle and engageable with a part on said fare box casing to prevent removal of the coin receptacle while the inspection plate is in open or unlocked position.

19. In a fare box provided with a casing having a door in one wall thereof, a depository unit mounted upon the top of the casing, a removable coin receptacle mounted within the casing and having a tiltable inspection plate, a spring projected bolt for locking the inspection plate in closed position, a removable handle having a shank insertable through a wall of the casing and into engagement with the inspection plate for tilting said plate when the lock bolt is in retracted position, and means carried by the coin receptacle and engageable with a part on said fare box casing to prevent removal of the coin receptacle while the inspection plate is in open position, said plate cooperating with said means when in closed position to render said means inoperative.

20. A fare box comprising a casing having a door, a depository unit mounted upon said casing, a removable coin receptacle located within the casing and having a tiltable inspection plate, means carried by the coin receptacle and cooperating with a part on said casing to prevent removal of the coin receptacle when the inspection plate is in open'position, and a removable handle'for tilting said inspection plate.

21. A fare box comprising a casing having a door, a depository unit mounted upon said casing,

a removable coin receptacle located within the casing and having a tiltable inspection plate, and

spring projected means carried by said removable coin receptacle and engaging said casing to prevent withdrawal of the coin receptacle while the inspection plate is in open position, said inspection plate having a part movable into engagement with said means to retract the same when the plate is in closed position to permit withdrawal of the coin receptacle from the fare box casing.

22.- A fare box comprising a casing, a depository unit mounted upon the casing, a removable coin receptacle located within said casing, said coin receptacle having a tiltable inspection plate, a handle member for operating said plate and having a shank extending through an opening in the casing andinto engagement with the inspection plate, and a spring pressed latch member pivotally mounted upon an upright wall of the casing and engageable with said handle shank to releasably maintain said handle in operative position.

23. A fare box having in combination, a casing provided with a locked door in one wall thereof, a depository unit mounted upon said casing, a removable coin receptacle adapted to be sup-' ported within the casing, said coin receptacle having a top frame provided with an opening, an inspection plate for closing said opening, a tubular hinge member pivotally interconnecting the frame and inspection plate and journalled in the frame whereby said plate may be tilted into open or closed position, a spring projected bolt carried by the inspection plate for locking the same in closed position, said fare box casing having an I opening in a wall thereof adapted to register with said tubular hinge member when the coin receptacle is in position within the casing, said wall having a pair of diametrically opposed horizontal slots extending outwardly from said opening and a third slot extending downwardly from the opening at an acute angle to said first mentioned slots, the endof said tubular hinge member hav-' ing a pair of diametrically opposite notches formed therein adapted to register with the horizontal slots in said casing wall, and a handle having a shank insertable through said wall opening and into said tubular hinge member, said shank having a pin extending transversely therethrough adjacent the handle portion and a second pin projecting from the handle shank at an acute angle to the first named pin and interposed between the hand grip portion of the handle and said first named pin, whereby upon the initial insertion of the handle said first named pin passes through the horizontally disposed slots in the casto bring the second named pin on the shank into register with the acute angle slot in the casing Wall to permit the handle shank to be moved into its full operative position within the hinge member until the second pin engages the end face of the hinge member to prevent further insertion of the handle shank.

24. A removable till for a fare box having a cover provided with an opening, a tiltable inspection plate carried by the cover for closing said opening, a tubular hinge member attached to said inspection plate and journalled at opposite ends in said cover, said hinge member having a transverse slot extending therethrough, a spring projected lock bolt slidably mounted upon the under side of said inspection plate and extending through said transverse slot, said bolt having transverse notches formed therein adapted to register with said tubular hinge member at predetermined times, a tension spring connected to said bolt and to said inspection plate for normally projecting the bolt into engagement with said cover to lock the inspection plate in closed position, a slidable bar located at one side of said bolt and projecting through the transverse slot in said hinge member, said bar having transverse notches corresponding to and normally registering with the notches in said lock bolt, a lug carried by said bar, a tension spring for normally projecting the bar in the direction of projection of the lock bolt, a pivoted latch member carried by said inspection plate and normally maintained in inoperative position, one end of said latch projecting into the path of and being engaged by said lug, and an operating handle having a shank extending into said tubular hinge member and through a pair of said notches for tilting the inspection plate when the lock bolt is in retracted position, said lock bolt and latch being projected into engagement with said cover at different points to lock the inspection plate in closed position upon withdrawal of said handle shank from engagement with said pair of notches.

25. A removable till for a fare box having a cover provided with an opening, a tiltable inspection plate carried by the cover for closing said opening, a tubular hinge member carried by said inspection plate and journalled at opposite ends in said cover, said hinge member having a transverse slot extending therethrough, a slidable lock bolt carried by the under face of said plate extending through said slot and adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with a portion of said cover, a slidable bar engaging and extending along one face of said lock bolt and projecting through said transverse slot, said lock bolt and said bar having registering pairs of transverse notches formed therein, one pair of notches being of smaller diameter than the other pair of notches, said bar having a lug on th outer face thereof, a latch member pivotally mounted upon the under side of said inspection plate and having an end normally positioned in the path of and in contact with said lug, the other end of said latch member being adapted to be positively moved into engagement with a portion of said cover, a tension spring for maintaining said latch member normally out of engagement with said cover, an operaitng handle having a shank extending into said tubular hinge member and through the larger pair of notches for tilting the-inspection plate when the bolt and bar are in retracted position, and independent spring means for projecting the bolt and latch member into engagement with different portions of said cover upon withdrawal of the handle shank from engagement with said pair of larger notches.

26. A removable till for a fare box-having a cover provided with an opening, a tiltable inspection plate carried by the cover for closing said opening, a tubular hinge member carried by said inspection plate and journalled at opposite ends in said cover, said hinge member having a transverse slot extending therethrough, a slidable lock bolt carried by the under face of said plate extending through said slot and adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with a portion of said cover, a slidable bar engaging and extending along one face of said lock bolt and projecting through'said transverse slot, said lock bolt and said bar having registering pairs of transverse notches formed therein, one pair of notches being of smaller diameter than the other pair ofnotches, said bar having a lug on the outer face thereof, a latch member pivotally mounted upon the under side of said inspection plate and having an end normally positioned in the path of and in contact with said lug, the other end of said latch member being adapted to be positively moved into engagement with a portion of said cover, a tension spring for maintaining said latch member normally out of engagement with said cover, an operating handle having a shank extending into said tubular hinge member and through the larger pair of notches for tilting the inspection plate when the bolt and bar are in retracted position, independent spring means for projecting the bolt and latch member into engagement with different portions of said cover upon withdrawal of the handle shank from engagement with said pair of larger notches, and a spring pressed plunger located within the tubular hinge member and having a portion engaging the said larger pair of notches to maintain said bolt and bar in retracted position at predetermined times.

27. A removable till for a fare box having a cover provided with an opening, a tiltable inspection plate carried by the cover for closing said opening, a tubular hinge member carried by said inspection plate and journalled at opposite ends in said cover, said hinge member having a transverse slot extending therethrough, a slidable lock bolt carried by the under face of said plate extending through said slot and adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with a portion of said cover, a slidable bar engaging and extending along one face of said lock bolt and projecting through said transverse slot, said lock bolt and said bar having registering pairs of transverse notches formed therein, one pair of notches being of smaller diameter than the other pair of notches, said bar having a lug on the outer face thereof, a latch member pivotally mounted upon the under side of said inspection plate and having an end normally positioned in the path of and in contact with said lug, the other end of said latch member being adapted to be positively moved into engagement with a portion of said cover, a tension spring for maintaining said latch member normally out of engagement with said cover, an operating handle having a shank extending into said tubular hinge member and through the larger pair of notches for tilting the inspection plate when the bolt and bar are in retracted position, and independent spring means forprojecting the bolt and latch member into engagement with different portions of said cover upon withdrawal of the handle shank from engagement with said pair of larger notches, said smaller pair of notches being adapted to receive the handle shank upon its reinsertion into the hinge member.

28. A removable vault for a fare box having a cover provided with an opening, a tiltable inspection-plate carried by the cover for closing said opening, a tubular hinge member secured to said inspection plate and journalled at opposite ends insaid cover, said hingle member having a transverse slot extending therethrough, a lockbolt carried by the under face of said plate extending through said slot and adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with a portion of said cover, a bar extending along one face of said lock bolt and projecting through said transverse slot, said lock bolt and said bar having registering pairs of transverse notches formed therein, one pair of notches being of smaller diameter than the other pair of notches, a lateral projection on said bar, a latch member pivotally mounted upon the under side of said inspection plate having its inner end normally positioned in the path of and in contact with said projection, the outer end of said latch member being adapted to be positively moved into engagement with a portion of said cover, a tension spring for maintaining said latch member normally out of engagement with said cover, an operating handle having a shank extending into said tubular hinge member and through the larger pair of notches for, tilting the inspection plate when the bolt and bar are in retracted position, and separate spring means for projecting the bolt and latch member into engagement with different portions of said cover upon withdrawal of the handle shank from engagement with said pair of notches, said handle shank being capable of being reinserted to engage the pair of smaller notches but incapable of tilting the inspection plate into open position while so engaged.

29. A removable coin receptacle for a fare box having a cover provided with an opening, a tiltable inspection plate carried by the cover for closing said opening, a tubular hinge member secured to said inspection plate and journalled at opposite ends in said cover, said hinge member having a transverse slot extending therethrough, a spring projected lock bolt slidably mounted upon the under side of said inspection plate and extending through said transverse slot, said bolt having transverse notches formed therein adapted to register with said tubular hinge member at predetermined times, a tension spring connected to said bolt and to said inspection plate for normally projecting the bolt into engagement with said cover to lock the plate in closed position when the handle shank is withdrawn, and auxiliary locking means for the inspection plate cooperating with said bolt but operable independently thereof upon withdrawal of said handle shank to engage said receptacle cover.

30. A removable coin vault for a fare box cabinet, comprising a pivoted inspection plate, a plurality of latch members movable into positions transverse one to another to lock the inspection plate to the vault, means for holding said latch members in retracted non-locking positions, and an operating handle for said inspection plate having means shiftable to release said holding means and also to permit independentoperation or said latch members.

31. A removable coin vault for a fare box cabinet, comprising a pivoted inspection plate, a plurality of latch members movable into positions transverse one to another to lock the inspection plate to the vault, and an operating handle for said inspection plate having a portion shiftable in one direction to successively release said latch members.

32. A removable coin vault for a fare box cabinet, comprising a pivoted inspection plate, a plurality of latch members movable into positions transverse one to another to lock the inspection plate to the vault, an operating handle for said inspection plate having a portion shiftable in one direction to successively release said latch members, and spring means for independently shifting said latch members into locking positions.

33. A fare box comprising a cabinet, a removable coin vault mounted in said cabinet and having an opening and a tiltable inspection plate for closing the opening, a handle cooperable with the inspection plate for tilting the same, and spring projected means having a part engaging the plate when in closed condition and releasable 7 upon tilting said plate for locking the vault to the cabinet.

34. A fare box comprising a cabinet, a removable coin vault mounted in said cabinet and having an opening and a tiltable inspection plate for closing the opening, a handle cooperable with the inspection plate for tilting the same, and a latch member spring pressed into position to lock the vault against removal from the cabinet when the inspection plate is tilted, said latch member being moved out of locking position by the inspection plate when the inspection plate is disposed in position to close said opening.

35. A fare box having a movable inspection plate, a plurality of latch bolts for locking the plate to different sides of the box, and a removable handle for opening and closing the inspection plate and movable in one direction to hold the latch bolts in retracted positions and in the opposite direction to release said bolts.

36. A fare box having a movable inspection plate, a plurality of spring actuated latch bolts for locking the plate to different sides of the box, and a removable handle for opening and closing the inspection plate and movable in one direction to hold the latch bolts in retracted positions and in the opposite direction to release said bolts.

37. A fare box having a pivoted inspection plate, a handle having a shank mounted at the pivotal axis of the plate, a latch bolt shiftable across said axis to lock or unlock the plate with respect to the box, said handle shank being shiftable in one direction to hold the bolt retracted and in the opposite direction to release the bolt, and spring means for moving the bolt to locking position.

38. A fare box having a movable inspection plate, a plurality of latch bolts for locking the plate to the box, and a removable handle for opening and closing the inspection plate and movable in one direction to hold the latch bolts in retracted positions and in the opposite direction to release said bolts.

39. A fare box having a movable inspection plate, a plurality of spring actuated latch bolts for locking the plate to the box, and a removable handle for opening and closing the inspection plate and movable in one direction to hold the latch bolts in retracted positions and in the opposite direction to release said bolts.

40. A fare box comprising a cabinet, a removable coin vault mounted in said cabinet and having an opening and a tiltable inspection plate for closing the opening, a handle cooperable with the inspection plate for tilting the same, and normally retracted stop means carried by said vault and adapted to be projected into engagement with a part of said cabinet for locking the vault against removal from the cabinet when the inspection plate is tilted.

ARTHUR T. MI'I'FORD. FRANK O. BRICKMAN.