Patent ID: 7469779
Filing Date: 2008-12-30
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. A coin mechanism for a vending machine requiring at least one coin before a selected product will be dispensed, comprising: a support member; a channel member movably connected to the support member, wherein the channel member moves relative to the support member between a first and a second position, wherein a portion of said channel member is in contact with a portion of said support member when in the first position and is spaced apart from said portion of said support member when in the second position, wherein the channel member has a contoured channel formed thereon, wherein the channel member is configured to define a coin slot along with the support member when in the first position, wherein the channel member defines a first surface of the slot and wherein the support member defines a second surface of the slot opposite the first surface, the coin slot configured to receive and guide the at least one coin to a desired location, wherein a first actuator opening is formed on the support member and a second actuator opening is formed on said channel member, and wherein said channel member is moved to the second position upon actuation of said coin mechanism; a coin return actuator connected to the support member, the return actuator comprising at least one protrusion protruding through the support member, the protrusion configured to hold the at least one coin at least in part against a wall of the contoured channel when the channel member is in the first position relative to the support member, the protrusion further configured to travel in a third actuator opening formed on the support member to release the at least one coin into a coin return receptacle upon actuation of the coin return actuator; an actuator configured to be actuated by the user, comprising: