Patent ID: 7270225
Filing Date: 2007-09-18
Classification: G07D,G07F

Abstract:
1. A dual coin mechanism for a vending machine, said mechanism comprising: (a) a cover plate defining an axis and having a peripheral flange portion with first and second coin slots defined therein angularly and axially offset from one another about and along said axis; and (b) first and second coin carrier wheels mounted for rotation about said axis relative to said cover plate, said first and second carrier wheels correspondingly having first and second coin-receiving recesses angularly and axially offset from one another respectively about and along said axis such that said angularly and axially offset first and second recesses are correspondingly aligned with said angularly and axially offset first and second slots when said carrier wheels are disposed at initial home positions at which first and second coins can be deposited through said first and second slots into said corresponding first and second recesses, said axially offset relationships between said first and second slots, between said first and second recesses and consequently between first and second side-by-side paths taken by the first and second coins carried in said first and second recesses of said first and second carrier wheels, upon rotation of said first and second carrier wheels from said initial home positions to a discharge location, ensure that the first and second coins as they are carried along said corresponding first and second paths are not brought into alignment respectively with said second and first slots and thus are made inaccessible to a user during the travel of the first and second coins along said first and second paths.