Patent ID: 6598787
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
A coin receptacle assembly for a coin operated machine comprising:a) a funnel unit having an upper open end and a lower open discharge end adapted to be anchored on the interior of the machine in position to receive the coins through said upper open end which were inserted into the machine to activate the machine; b) a receptacle unit adapted to be removably assembled with the funnel unit in position to receive the coins passing into the funnel unit and discharged through the lower open end of the funnel unit; c) said receptacle unit including a storage container suspended therefrom in position to receive the coins discharged through said lower open discharge end of the funnel unit, the container having an interior compartment opening to said receptacle unit and into which the coins are received, and a lockable closure to prevent unauthorized access to said interior compartment; d) said funnel unit having an internal ledge opening to a lateral face of the funnel unit and said receptacle unit having a complementary wall adapted to be inserted into the funnel unit through said opening in a linear movement and engaged along said ledge for assembly of the receptacle unit with the funnel unit; e) said receptacle unit including a pivotal secure door installed in an upper end thereof including means operative to normally bias said secure door to a position closing-off said upper end, said funnel unit having cam means arranged to pivot said secure door to an open position when the receptacle unit is assembled with the funnel unit; f) a lock arm assembly pivotally mounted within said receptacle unit, said lock arm assembly being cooperatively engageable with said secure door to automatically lock said secure door in said position closing-off said upper end of the receptacle unit when the receptacle unit is removed from said funnel unit; and wherein the secure door has a top side and an underside facing the interior compartment of the storage container, said underside including an abutment surface, said lock arm assembly being engageable against said abutment surface when the receptacle unit is removed from the funnel unit.