US766728A - Vending-machine. - Google Patents

Description

PATBNTED AUG. 2, 1904.

w. H. PUMPHREY.

VENDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 27, 1904.

s SHEETS-SHEET 1.

"Z7 avwowtoz N0 MODEL.

PATENTBD AUG. 2, 1904.

W. H. PUMPHREY.

VENDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 27, 1904.

s an: S-SHBET 2.

no MODQEL.

No. 766,728. PATBNTED AUG. 2, 1904. W. H. PUMPHREY.

VENDING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 27. 1904.

no MODEL. 3 SHEETS-SHEET a;

Patented August 2, 1904.

WALTER H. PUMPHREY, OF NETV YORK,

N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO GUM AND SWVEETMEAT COMPANY, OF W'HITEPLAINS, NEV YORK, A CORPORA- TION OF NEW YORK.

VENDING-MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 766,728, dated August 2, 1904,

Application filed February 27, 1904. Serial No. 195,542. (No model.)

To all whom it TIL/Ly concern.-

Be it known that I, TVALTER H. PUMIHR EY, a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of the borough of Manhattan, city, county, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Vending-Machines, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates generally to vendingmachines, and more particularly to delivery mechanism for the same adapted to be manually operated through the agency of a coin, as in machines of this class now in common use.

\Vhile the invention is not limited in its application as herein embodied, it is specially adapted for use in connection with a type of machine for vending small packages or boxes containing gum, candy, matches. or the like.

Primarily the object of the invention is to avoid complication and high cost in the production of a machine and at the same time prevent loss through fraudulent manipulation, as frequently practiced, by means of counterfeit coins, washers, disks, and strips of paper and other material, &c.

\Vith this object in view the invention consists in a delivery mechanism employing a minimum number of parts arranged to cooperate in rendering a machine of this class practically fraud-proof.

The invention consists, further, in a coinchamber of peculiar form which, while serving to positively support the coin for a time sufficient to insure the delivery of the article from the magazine, will be practically nonclogging and automatically cleared of any material, no matter what the form, that may be inserted therein in an effort to beat the machine.

The invention consists, further, in means for automatically locking the delivery mechanism against movement and closing the entrance to the coin-chamber when the magazine is empty as a protection to patrons against the loss of coins.

The invention consists, further, in various other features, which will be hereinafter described.

The preferred forms embodying my invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawing-s; but it will be understood that I do not limit myself to the same, as various modifications may be employed without departing from the principle of operation, result, &c.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a sectional view of a vending-machine constructed in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 is a detail view of the moving parts thereof, shown in position about to deliver an article from the magazine. Fig. 3 is a detail cross-sectional view taken on the lines x of Fig. 1. Figs. & and 5 are detail views of the ejector and its spring retaining-dogs. Fig. 6 is a detail perspective view of a modified form of the springdogs. Fig. 7 is a detail view of the followerweight and the notched end of the ejector with which it cooperates. Fig. 8 is asectional view of a modification. Fig. 9 is a similar view of the moving parts representing the operation in delivering an article from the magazine, and Fig. 10 is a detail View showing the engaging end of the ejector in connection with the magazine.

Referring now to the drawings, 1 represents the outer casing of the machine, which may be given any size, form, &c., desired. As shown, it consists of a box-like base portion 2 suitable for containing the delivery mechanism, money-receptacle 3, &c. A column t, rising from the base, incloses the stack or magazine 5, containing the articles to be vended. A delivery-chute 6 is provided, leading from the rear of the magazine to an opening 7 in the front of the casing.

Only one movement is illustrated in the drawings; but it will be understood that the machine may contain any desired number, each having a separate magazine or magazinecompartment. Access to the magazine is provided for by way of a removable door 8, projections on the lower end of which (not shown) may serve to lock the movement in the casing in the usual manner. The movement and magazine are preferablyremovable for convenience in repairing, cleaning, 86C.

The delivery mechanism comprises, essena tubular guide 14:.

tially, two moving members, one an ejector 0 and the other an actuating device therefor or coin-finder 10, such members being so relatively arranged as to be operatively connected by an interposed coin.

The ejector consists, preferably, of a plate mounted to have a reciprocating movement relatively to the magazine, the travel of the ejector being such that on the forward stroke or when advanced toward the magazine its free end will engage, preferably, the lowermost article 11 therein and force the same into the delivery-chute. To effect this result, the movement of the ejector may be less, equal to, or greater than the length of the article delivered, depending upon the construction of the magazine. when the ejector is withdrawn from the magazine the article removed will be replaced by another11, for examplethrough the action of a suitable device, such as the followerweight 12. Other forms of magazine may be employed, if desired, in connection with other feed devices, the type illustrated being well klnown and in general use in machines of this 0 ass.

The coin-finder consists of a rod mounted to have a reciprocating movement parallel with the movement of the ejector. One end, 13, of the coin-finder passes loosely through an opening 9 formed in the terminal lug 9 of the ejector, and extends outward through an alined opening in the casing to serve as a push-rod, being limited in its outward movement bya collar 9, fast thereon, which abuts against the inner face of the ejector-lug. The

opposite end, 14:, thereof is preferably pointed and lies in a sheath formed by the bore of A retractile spring 15, encircling that portion of the rod between the collar and tubular guide, serves to return and yieldingly' maintain the coin-finder in the position shown in Fig. 1. i

As above stated, the engaging end of the coin-finder is pointed and, as shown, is given a plain taper shape; but it will be understood that it may be of any other form desired, it being designed to readily puncture paper, cardboard, or like material, and thereby defeat attempts to operate the machine without first inserting the required coin.

Normally the coin-finder is movable inclependent of the ejector and has afree and unobstructed path of travel back and forth.cen trally through a coin-chamber 16 of preferably circular cross-section the diameter of which equals, approximately, the diameter of a predetermined coin, ordinarily a penny.

In order to prevent the coin-chamber from becoming clogged or choked by strips, disks, &c., of paper and other material, such as is frequently inserted therein in an attempt to fraudulently operate the machine, the side walls and bottom of the chamber are cut away, leaving only two side guides 17, which extend Upon the return stroke or' below the center sufficiently to provide support for a perfectly-formed coin, as shown in Fig. 3.

Entrance to the coin-chamber is protected 7 by a slotted plate 18, which serves as a gage in permitting the insertion of coins not exceeding the diameter and thickness of a penny, assuming the machine to be designed for vending penny articles.

As a further protection against the use of disks or odd-shaped pieces of the required diameter or less which would pass the gage above referred to asecond gage is formed by the side supports at the point within the chamber where the inserted coin-piece first lodges, such supports being entirely cut away, as at 19, for a distance slightly less than the thick ness'of a penny, leaving only'a small projection 20 on each side wall at the base of the arch. An unobstructed passage being thus provided, pieces less than the thickness of a penny would therefore pass entirely throughthe chamber and into the money-receptacle below.

The ejector-plate extends below the gageplate as one wall or the cover of the coinchamher and is cut away at 21 in line with the gageslot to provide passage for the coin, also to receive a cutting-blade 22, which is preferably secured at an angle to give a draw out as the ejector is advanced. The knife serves to cut a string attached to an inserted coin, a strip of paper, or if a strip of metal be inserted which is beyond the cutting power of the knife it will obviously check further movement of the ejector, and thereby prevent delivery of the article'from the magazine. 7

In order to operatively connect the coinfinder and the ejector through an interposed coin, the ejector is provided with oppositelydisposed projections 23 23, preferably shaped to conform to theside walls of the coin-chamber 16. These projections serve as a movable end wall of the chamber and are relatively arranged to provide a peripheral bearing for the coin throughout a portion of its circumference. When, therefore, the coin-finder is pushed in and engages the coin lodged in the chamber, the coinfinding a bearing on the depending projections of the ejector imparts mo- IIO ITS

tion to the latter and advances it, as shown in Fig. 2, to effect delivery of an article from the magazine. Upon releasing the coin-finder it is returned to normal position by the spring 15.

-It will be observed on referring to Fig. 2

that a full forward stroke of the coin-finder carries the coin through and beyond the coinchamber, in which position it is held bybeing pressed against the depending projections '23 23 of the ejector by the pointed end of the tively to the movement of the ejector at each end of its travel. As shown in Fig. 1, the coin-finder and coin are normally separated a suitable distance, and this intervening space must be traversed before'the pointed end of the finder engages the coin. Assuming this to have occurred, continued pressure on the push-rod carries the ejector forward, as above described, to the position represented in Fig. 2, and if now the push-rod be released it will have the same lead on the back stroke, while the ejector remains at rest. During the time interval thus created the coin, being free to fall, drops into the money-receptacle below, and thereafter the collar 9" on the coin-finder engages the lug 9 and returns the ejector to normal position.

\Vhile the mechanism would operate perfectly without a resistance opposing the movement of the ejector, it is found desirable to provide such resistance in order to prey'ent possible operation and delivery of articles by first pushing in the coin-finder and then jolting the machine to advance the ejector. A simple form of device for this purpose is illustrated in detail Figs. 4 and 5 and consists of a spring-pressed dog 24, arranged to enter a notch 25 in the ejector-plate and normally exert its pressure lengthwise of such plate. Two of these dogs are preferably employed, one on each side of the plate. As the ejector is advanced in the operation of the machine the dogs are forced out of the notches and thereafter exert a pressure transversely of the plate, thus reducing the resistance to its movement and requiring less effort on the part of the operator in completing the stroke. On the return of the ejector the dogs reengage the notches and assist more or less in completing such return movement.

The particular form of resistance device employed is unimportant. For example, in Fig. 6 I have shown a piece of spring-wire encircling the rod and having portions 21 bent up to cooperate with the notches of one or more ejector-plates. A further modification of this feature is illustrated in Figs. 8, 9, and 10. In this instance the ejector-plate is trunnioned at 26 and movable back and forth, supported by such trunnioned bearings. Normally the engaging end of the ejector, which is weighted or spring-pressed, is given an approximately T form and abuts solidly againstthe front face of the bottom wall 27 of the magazine, which is cut away centrally, as shown in Fig. 10, to allow the ejector-plate to pass readily therethrough while the T- head thereof engages and pushes the lowermost article out of the magazine. The opening in the terminal lug 9 at the opposite end of the ejector-plate is elongated to allow for the oscillation of the plate. In the operation of this movement continued pressure of the coin-finder after it has engaged a coin first rocks the ejector until the T-head thereof rises to the plane of the lowermost article in the magazine and thereafter advances it to deliver the same, as represented in Fig. 9.

As a protection to patrons against the loss of coins the follower-weight 12 in the magazine is designed to automatically lock the ejector-plate in an advanced position, closing the coin-gage slot as the last article is delivered, and for this purpose is provided with lugs 28 28, spaced and proportioned to enter the notches 25 25 thereof.

The coin-receptacle or money-box 3 herein employed is preferably scoop-shaped, it being mounted on pivot-bearings 30 immediately below the coin mechanism and inclined to form the upper wall of the delivery-chute. The receptacle is normally secured by links, hooks, or other suitable devices 31, with its free end above the chute-opening in the front wall of the casing, the inner side of which is curved to permit the receptacle to swing in the rear of the same and form a sufiiciently close joint to prevent the escape of coins. Thus arranged the receptacle discharges its contents into the chute when the hooks 31 are disengaged and in opening outward permits inspection of the interior thereof, also the ready removal of strips of paper or other material, such as are frequently inserted in machines of this class.

Having therefore described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to protect by Letters Patent, is

l. A vending-machine comprising in its construction, a gage controlling entrance of coins into the machine, a money-box, means providing a direct and unobstructed passage from the gage to the money-box for coins, strips or other inserted pieces of a width, diameter or thickness less than the dimensions of the gage, a second gage in the passage serving as a support for coins of predetermined diameter and thickness, and means for utilizing said lastmentioned coins to effect the delivery of goods from the machine.

2. A vending-machine comprisingin its construction, a coin-gage, a money-box, means providing a clear and unobstructed passage from the gage to the money-box for coins, strips or other inserted pieces of width, diameter or thickness less than the dimensions of the gage, an angularly-disposed branch from said passage for coins of predetermined size, said branch passage being open at the bottom and providing lateral support only for coins passing through the same, and means for utilizing such coins to effect the delivery of goods from the machine.

3. A vending-machine comprising in its construction, a coin-gage, a money-box, means providing a clear and unobstructed passage from the gage to the money-box for coins, strips or other inserted pieces of width, diameter or thickness less than the dimensions of the gage, means for retaining coins of the dimensions of the gage at an intermediate point in the passage, ejector means for delivering goods from the machine, means for actuating the ejector through the medium of said lastmentioned coins, and means for creating a time interval between the movement of the actuating means and the responsive movement of the ejector.

4. Avending-machine comprising in its construction, an ejector, means for actuating the ejector through the medium of a coin, means for creating a time interval between the movement of the actuating means and the responsive movement of the ejector, means providing passage for coins, strips or other inserted pieces of less than predetermined size from the exterior of the machine to a money-box, an angularly-disposed branch from the main passage for coins of predetermined size, said branch passage being open at the bottom and providing lateral support only for said coins.

5. A vending-machine comprising in its construction, the removable magazine, the follower-Weight in the magazine, the reciprocating ejector slotted for the passage of the coin and notched for engagement with the said follower-Weight, spring-pressed dogs normally engaging said notches, depending projections from the ejector providing peripheral support for an inserted coin, an open-bottom coinchamber, side lugs Within the chamber shaped to sustain only coins of determined thickness, a coin-gage, a spring-retracted coin-finder having a pointed end centered relatively to the coin-chamber, said finder being'mounted in the machine-casing and passing. loosely through an opening in the ejector, and a collar on the finder adapted to engage and return the ejector to its normal position.

6. A vending-machine comprising in its construction, an ejector, a spring-clog adapted to oppose the. advance of the ejector and return the same to its normal position, an ejector-actuating device, and means forgiving the actuating device a lead relatively to the movement of the ejector at each end of its travel.

7. A vending-machine comprising in its construction, a reciprocating ejector, a lockingdog Whose engaging end is movable through an arc intersecting the line of travel of the ejector, and a spring cooperating with the dog to oppose movement of the ejector in one direction.

8. A vending-machine comprising in its construction, a reciprocating ejector having shaped portions, a locking-dog normally engaging such shaped portions of the ejector, and a spring cooperating with the dog to oppose the advance of the ejector and return the same to its normal position.

Signed at New York, N. Y., this 6th day of February, 1904.

WALTER H. PUMPHREY.

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