US2228894A - Switch operating mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Jan.

F. J. HAYES SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed May 1.939

INVENTOR FRANK 1. HAYES ATTORNEY Jan. 14, 1941. F. J. HAYES 2,228,894

SWITCH OPERATING MECHANI SM Filed-May 3, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR FRANK HAYES W ATTORNEY Jan. 14, 1941. F. J. HAYES 2,228,894

SWITCH OPERATING MEGHANI SM Filed May 5, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR FRANK d. HAYES 515- 4 BY a ia 3E) Jam-14, 1941. F. J. HAYES 2,228,894

SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM INVENTOR FRANK 1. HAYES BY W5 4 8% ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 14, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Frank J. Hayes, Brooklyn, N. Y., assignor of onefifth to Benjamin Webster, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application May 3, 1939, Serial No. 271,588

2 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful im-' provements in a coin operated electric time switch.

The invention has for an object the construction of a coin operated electric time switch which is adapted to turn on the controlling circuit of a radio receiving set, or other apparatus for a limited time, for each coin inserted.

More particularly the invention contemplates the provision of a coin control mechanism, a time switch, and a novel arrangement whereby the coin control mechanism may operate the time switch upon the proper insertion of a coin so as to close the circuit for a predetermined time in association with an arrangement whereby persons cannot cheat by holding the coin control mechanism in a position in which the time switch can be repeatedly actuated.

In particular it is proposed to provide a circuit switch in series with the time switch and associated mechanism between the circuit switch, the time switch and the coin control mechanism, to return certain parts to their original positions in which they have retained the coin and in which they are ready to receive a new coin before the circuit is actually closed so that the purchaser may avail himself of the radio, if the object being controlled by the' circuit is radio. Of course this invention can be applied to control any other mechanism in which a control circuit is provided.

The invention relates particularly to the associated mechanism with the particular type of time switch and coin control so that an operator may not cheat the arrangement.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a coin operated electric time switch constructed according to this invention.

Fig. 2 is an elevational View of the rear of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the device looking in the direction of the line 33 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of a portion of the device, this view being similar to Fig. 2 except that the time switch and certain parts of the coin control mechanism have been removed.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but showing the parts in different positions.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 66 of Fig. 5.

Fig 7 is an elevational view of the device on line 'l-| of Fig. 3 but showing additional parts removed, this view being substantially identical with Fig. 2 except the parts shown in Fig. 4 have been removed.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 but showing the parts in a different position.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of Fig. 7 seen as though looking in the direction of the line 99 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view as though taken on the line lfl--l0 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a front elevational view of the parts shown in Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line |2l2 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a section taken on the line l3l3 of Fig. 3 showing more of the parts removed.

Fig. 14 is a front elevational view of the parts shown in Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a section taken on the line l5l5 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 16 is a front elevational view of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken on' the line ll-'l'l of Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken on the line l8-l8 of Fig. 13.

Fig. 19 is a fragmentary elevational view looking in the direction of the line l9l9 of Fig. 13.

Fig. 20 is a sectional view taken on the line 20-40 of Fig. 13.

Fig. 21 is a front elevational view of a radio receiving thereon.

Fig. 22 is a plan view of Fig. 21.

The coin operated electric time switch according to this invention comprises a coin control mechanism including a handle 10 normally restrained from moving to switch actuating position, as hereinafter set forth, and associated with a coin control to release said restraining means and with a rotatable member ll Figs. 2 and 4 to move along with said handle, said handle being movable when released into one position to cause the coin mechanism to retain an inserted coin and back to an original position to set the mechanism for receiving another coin. The coin is released shortly after the beginning of the return movement of the handle. In conjunction with the coin control mechanism there is a time switch which includes a pivotal handle l2 Figs. 2 and 3 movable in one direction to wind the time mechanism thereof and to close an electric circuit and turnable to a normal position without affecting the circuit and time mechanism, the time mechanism opening the circuit after a predetermined time.

A circuit switch I3 (Fig. 3) is arranged in series withthe time switch and has a movable handle M for moving into one position to turn it on and into another position to turn it off. The coin control mechanism, details of the time set, showing the device mounted switch, and details of the circuit switch form no part of this invention. The invention resides in a novel means connected with the rotatable member I I for simultaneously moving the handle I2 of the time switch to wind the time mechanism and the handle IQ of the circuit switch to cause the circuit switch to break the circuit when the handle I2 of the time switch is moved to wind and close the time switch mechanism. This arrangement is of importance in that then the device cannot be cheated by holding the handle ID in a position in which the handle I2 of the time switch would be held in position in which the circuit is held closed, since when the handle I2 is in the latter mentioned position the handle I4 of the switch I3 will hold the switch open and consequently it is necessary that the handle Ill be returned to its initial position before the circuit is actually closed. The details of construction, the operation of the parts, and the objects of the invention will be more fully understood as this description proceeds.

In order to fully understand the invention the construction of the coin control mechanism will now be given in detail. This coin control mechanism comprises a front panel I5 which'is formed with a coin insertion opening I6 (Figs. 16 and 1'7). A coin I! may be inserted into the opening it and assumes a position within a receiving cutout It of a coin moving disc I9 which is supported rotatively immediately behind the panel 55. The coin is held in this position by reason of the bottom of the opening It being formed of a shape so that portions of the panel I5 extend over the cutout I8 (Fig. 1'7). The coin is restrained from moving rearwards by a plate 20 (Fig. 3) which is secured upon the rear of the panel. A pair of opposed guide plates 2| (Fig. l) is mounted between the panel I5 and the plate 20 and serve to rotatively guide the disc I9. The disc I9 is also rotatively held by reason of an opening 22 with a flat side arranged at its center (Fig. 15) and engaged upon a similarly shaped shaft 23 (Fig. 10) connected with the handle III.

This shaft passes through an outturned flange 24 (Fig. 1) formed by turning the metal of the panel I5 outwards. A lug 25 (Fig. 15) projects from the edge of the disc I9 for the purpose hereinafter described and also moves within cutouts arranged in the plates 2|. The dot and dash lines 25 indicate a completely turned position of the disc I9 in the direction of the arrow 21 in which position the lug 25 restrains the disc I9 from further rotation. A slight surface groove 28 is formed upon the rear face of the disc I9 for the purpose hereinafter further described. The periphery of the disc !9 is also formed with several cutout portions 29 for the purpose hereinafter to be described. Another plate 30 (Fig. 17) is also mounted between the panel I5 and the plate 2".) and serves to hold the coin I! when the disc i9 has been rotated to a position in which the coin tends to fall downwards. A plurality of bolts and nuts I3I (Fig. 1) serves to attach the plate 20 upon the panel I5.

A transverse bar 3! (Fig. 13) is movably mounted upon the rear of the plate 23 and has a conical projection 32* which passes through an opening in the plate 23 (Fig. 18) and engages normally into the face groove 23 in disc I9. The arrangement is such that when the disc I!) is turned the conical projection 32 relatively travels along the groove 28 until the end of the groove is reached when the disc is. stopped, but if there is a proper coin II within the coin receiving opening I8 then the lever 3i will be pushed rearwards, being camrned by the coin, to remove the projection 32 from the groove and to allow further rotation of the disc I9. The lever 3i is pivotally supported for horizontal motion at the elbowed end 33 by a spring 34 which is mounted on the plate 29. This spring urges the lever 3i rearwards against an adjustment screw 35 threadedly engaged in a bracket 35 mounted on the plate 29 and transversely engaging over the end of the lever 39. The screw 35 acts as a pivot for one end of the arm 3i when the coin engages the conical projectionv 32 to push the opposite end of the arm 3i back out of a cut-out 29.

The other end of the lever 3I is located immediately over an opening 31 (Figs. 7, 8, and 13) in the plate 20 and is adapted to extend through this opening and, after the disc I9 is rotated, to engage the cutouts 29 of the disc I9 because the plate 23 lies snugly against the disc I9, as is clear from Figs. 3 and 15 to prevent rotation of the disc unless there is a proper coin I? in the coin opening I3 to push the lever 3i rearwards. Then rotation of the disc I9 is possible. A spring 38 is mounted upon the plate 23 and urges the free bent end of the lever 3| (Fig. 18) frontwards through the opening 31. A member 39 is attached upon the rear of the plate 26 and has portions 39 thereof extending at right angles through an opening t0 (Fig. 14) so as to engage against the side of the disc l9 to act against the edge of the coin and prevent turning of the disc in the event that the coin is too thick and consequently a counterfeit or slug.

A lever GI (Figs. 7, 8, and 13) is pivotally mounted by a stud 42 upon the plate 23 and has a pawl portion 43 for the purpose hereinafter explained. The lever A l has a downturned end M, which engages through the opening 45 (Fig. 13) in the plate 29 and is adapted to be engaged and moved by the coin I1 (Fig. 15) as the coin passes so as to move the pawl 43 to a releasing position as hereinafter explained. A spring 46 (Figs. 7, 8, and 13) connects with the lever AI and with the bracket 36 for urging the pawl 53 of the lever into an operative position by rota ing the lever 4| on the stud 42.

A pair of hexagonal posts 57 (Fig. 9) are mounted upon the plate 29 for the purpose of supporting parts of the coin mechanism. A bracket 48 is also secured upon the plate 29 for the same purpose. The bracket 48 is provided with front lugs 69, see Fig. 3, by which it is attached upon the plate 2%] and rear lugs 59 Which are adapted to receive holding screws to hold other parts of the coin mechanism in place. A stop 5| (Fig. 7) projects from the bracket 48 for engaging a stop 53 and limiting rotation of a drum 52 which is mounted upon the shaft 23.

The drum 52 is provided with a projecting arm 53 (Figs. 10 and 11) which is adapted to act against the stop 5!. A spring 5 5 acts between 2. lug projecting from the side of the drum 52 and the plate 29 for normally urging the drum 52 into the position in which the stop 53 engages the lug 5| (Fig. 9). The drum 52 is formed with a circular opening 55 (Fig. 10) having a flat side so as to engage upon the corresponding part of the shaft 23 and consequently to turn as the shaft 23 turns. A washer 55 (Fig. 12) is disposed within the drum 52 upon a reduced end 51 of the shaft 23. A nut 53 (Fig. 11) threadedly engages upon the reduced end 57 and holds the drum upon the shaft. A peg 59 (Fig. 12) projects from the arm 53 of the drum 52 and serves as a pivot for supporting a cam lever having a pair of arms 60 and GI. This cam lever also has a finger 62 provided with a pawl portion 63 (Figs. 7 and 8). A spring 64 (Fig. 11) acts between the cam lever and a lug stamped from the inside of the drum 52 so as to normally urge the cam lever into a certain neutral position.

A ratchet plate 65 (Figs. 7 and 8) is formed with a hub portion 66 having a rectangular rear opening 61. The ratchet plate 65 has an edge cutout 68 in which the pawl 63 engages so as to turn the ratchet plate as the drum 52 turns. The ratchet plate 65 is formed with a second edge cutout 68 and several .teeth 69 which are adapted to be engaged by a pawl 43 of the lever 4I. When the cam lever is turned from the position shown in Fig. '7 to the position shown in Fig. 8 the arm 6| passes under the pawl 43, which is held in the cutout 68 by the spring 46, to cam the pawl portion 63 out of the cutout 68. In Fig. 7 the parts are shown in their normal position, that is, a position in which the disc I9 is in the position illustrated in Fig. 15. When the coin has been inserted into the device and the handle I0 turned as far as the projection 25 of the disc I9 allows turning, that is to the position 26 then the parts will be in the position illustrated in Fig. 8. It should be noticed that the pawl portion 43 engages the teeth 69 as the ratchet disc 65 is turned into the position shown in Fig. 8, thereby preventing the reverse turning. Therefore when a coin has been inserted the handle I0 must be completely turned. The rotatable member II is formed with a rectangular projection III which engages into the opening 61 in the hub 66 so that the rotatable member turns along with the ratchet disc 65. A support plate H (Fig. 6) has a hub portion I2 engaging over the hub portion 66 of disc 65. The plate II has portions resting upon the lugs 50 and the front ends of the posts 41 (Fig. 3) and is provided with openings so that screws I6 (Fig. 1) may pass therethrough to attach the plate in place. Another plate I3 (Fig. 6) is engaged immediately adjacent the plate II and has a circular opening I4 through which a portion of the rotatable member II may be seen (Fig. 5). The plate I3 is provided with an annular raised section 15 which serves in conjunction with the plate II vto prevent other than rotative movement of the member I I. The plate I3 is held in place by screws I6 which also engage through the openings of the plate II and threadedly engage the lugs 50 and the hexagonal members 41 (Fig. 3).

The time switch illustrated on the drawings is one generally known upon the market. It is very similar to the time switch illustrated and described in the patent to Marcus H. Rhodes #1,773,69'7 dated August 19, 1930. The only distinction between the switch of the patent and the switch illustrated is that the patent discloses an additional handle known as the time control handle which may be operated to turn on the timing mechanism or turn off the timing mechanism. If the time handle is moved to the on position then the circuit handle may be moved to the on position and the switch maintain the circuit closed according to the predetermined setting of the switch even though the circuit handle is immediately moved to the off position. If the time handle is moved to the off position then the switch will be opened and closed according to the position into which the circuit handle is moved. The details of the time switch illustrated on the drawings will not be gone into since its construction is identical to that of Rhodes except for the distinctions mentioned. The circuit handle I2 corresponds with the circuit handle of Rhodes patent. If the circuit handle I2 is turned to move the link 94 from the position shown in full lines in Figs. 1-3 of the drawings to the position indicated by the dot and dash lines the timing switch will be wound and ready for operation even though the handle I2 is immediately moved back to its original position. The exact switch of Rhodes could be used in the present invention but in that event the time handle should always be turned on since it is desired that the time mechanism work continuously.

On the drawings the casing for the time switch is indicated by reference numeral 11 (Figs. 2 and 3). It is shown provided with a binding post I8 to which one lead of the circuit may connect. Another binding post 79 constitutes the other terminal of the switch. A lead 80 connects the terminal I9 with the terminal 8| of the switch I3. The radio circuit is completed by connection of the lead 82 (Fig. 1) with the other terminal 83 of the switch I3 and to one terminal of the radio chassis, the other terminal of the chassis being connected with the terminal I9.

The present invention comprises merely the provision of a means connected from the rotatable member II for simultaneously moving the handle I2 of the time switch and the handle I4 of the circuit switch to cause the circuit switch to break the circuit when the handle of the time switch is moved to close the circuit. This means comprises a crank member 85 having one of its ends 86 engaged in a central opening formed in a hub piece 81 upon the rotatable member I I. The central portion of the crank 85 engages between a pair of pegs 83 and 89 (Figs. 4 and 5) projecting from the rotatable member II. The crank 85 has its other end 90 engaging against one side of the handle I2 (Fig. 1) of the time switch so as to be capable of moving the time switch into its on position. A pair of supporting brackets 9| switch I3 is attached upon the body ll of the time switch. A link 94 has one of its ends pivotally mounted by a screw 95 to the control handle I4 of the switch I3. The other end of this link is formed with an elongated slot 96 (Fig. 2) which engages over the crank 85.

In Figs. 21 and 22 the device is shown to be mounted to the panel board IE5 of a radio receiving set I06. The back III'I of the radio set is hinged at I38 and locked with a key I09. A second key lock III) is provided for locking the hinged L shape cover I II for safe guarding the coins inserted in opening IS.

The operation of the device may be understood by considering a practical installation for the coin operated electric time switch. This mechanism may be installed to control the circuit of a radio set. It allows purchasers to insert specified coins into the coin control mechanism and turn on the current for a specified length of time depending upon the time switch. After this length of time the circuit is automatically broken. To obtain additional service it is necessary that another coin be inserted.

The coin is inserted through the opening I6.

Then the handle I0 is turned. The coin, for ex- 75 ample coin I'i, will engage beneath the conical extension 32 of portion 32 of the lever 3I so as to push the free end of the lever rearwards to prevent it from engaging the cutouts 29 and allowing rotation of the disc I9. The handle IE3 is then further turned so that motion from the shaft 23 is communicated to rotate the drum 52. The pawl portion 63 upon the cam lever 62 moves along with the drum 52 and consequently moves the ratchet disc 65 with it from the position shown in Fig. 7 to that shown in Fig. 8. During this motion the pawl 33 will engage the ratchet teeth 69 of the ratchet disc 65 so as to prevent reverse rotation once the coin has been inserted and the handle turned a sufiicient distance.

When the handle has been completely turned as determined by the projection 25 on the disc i 9 reaching the position 26 (Fig. 15) then the coin I? can fall downwards by gravity and assume a position between the inturned end 44 of the lever AI and the plate 30. As the handle I is turned the ratchet disc 65 always turns along as just stated, and causes the rotatable member II through the connection 'H] to turn correspondingly. The rotatable member II during this turning causes the peg 89 to strike against the crank 85 (Fig. and pivot the crank about in an are so that the crank moves the handle I2 of the timing switch into its on position shown by the dot and dash lines in Fig. 2. Furthermore the crank 85 will draw upon the link 94 and move the switch I4 to its off position. It should be noticed that the circuit still is off even though the time switch is in the on position since now the switch I3 is off. Consequently before the radio may play, or other services be had, it is necessary that the handle I8 be rotated back to its original position.

The handle need only be released since the spring 56 (Figs. 10 and 11) will rotate the drum 52 and carry all of the parts together to the original position. As the disc I9 is moved past the position in which the coin I'I falls downwards one of the corners of the opening I8 in the disc I 9 will move the coin into the position shown by the dot and dash lines in Fig. 15 so that it is pried in between the cam end 44 of the lever 4| pivoting the lever on screw 42 so that the pawl portion 43 disengages from the teeth 69 and releases the ratchet disc 65 so that it may thereafter return to its original position under the influence of the spring 55. As the disc I9 moves back to its original position the projection 25 will strike the coin and dislocate the latter from its retained position dropping the coin into a cash box (not shown on the drawings).

As the handle moves back to its original position the rotatable member II will move back to the initial position and allow the pawl 43 to assume its original position (Fig. '7) under the action of the spring M as may be clearly seen from the Rhodes patent mentioned. When the handle It is completely back to its original position the switch I3 will be closed and the circuit remain closed until the time clock has run down. A conventional counter I9!) is attached upon the time switch and has its pivoted operating lever Iiil (Figs. 1 and 2) in the path of motion of the handle l2 and of the time switch so as to count each time that the device is used. A spring I02 is connected between the arm IIII and the body of the time switch so as to normally urge the arm iii! to follow motion of the handle E2 on the time switch. In this manner a record will be had of the number of times the device has been used.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise construction herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A mechanism for operating a time switch and a circuit switch connected in series in radio apparatus, comprising a rotatable shaft, a handle secured to said shaft, a member substantially parallel to the shaft and spaced from the axis thereof, means connecting said member to said shaft to move said member bodily around said shaft axis upon turning of said shaft, a pivoted circuit switch operating lever, a barpivotally connected tosaid lever movable forward and backward to move said lever to switch opening and closing positions, said bar having a Slot therein, said member extending through said slot, a pivoted time switch operating lever, said last lever having a portion extending into the path of movement of said member to be engaged and moved thereby, whereby movement of said handle in one direction moves said first lever to switch opening position and said second lever to winding and closing position, while movement in the opposite direction moves said first lever to switch closing position without afiecting the position of the second lever.

2. A mechanism for operating a time switch and a circuit switch connected in series in a radio apparatus comprising a rotatable shaft having a handle secured to one end of said shaft, said shaft having a hole in its other end, a circular disc secured on the second end of said shaft, two lugs extending from the outer face of said disc, a bent member having a portion substantially parallel to said shaft and spaced from the axis thereof, a second portion extending into said hole, and a third portion within the path of movement of said lugs whereby turning of said disc causes said bent member to move bodily around said shaft axis, a pivoted circuit switch operating lever, a bar pivotally connected to said lever movable forward and backward to move said lever to switch opening and closing positions, said bar having a slot therein, a portion of said member which is parallel to said shaft extending through said slot, a pivoted time switch operating lever, said last lever having a portion extending into the path of movement of the portion of said member which is parallel to the shaft, to be engaged and moved thereby, whereby movement of said handle in one direction moves said first lever to switch opening position and said second lever to winding and closing position, while movement of said handle in the opposite direction moves said first lever to closing position without affecting the position of said second lever.

FRANK J. HAYES.

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