Abstract:
A column alternatively supports one of a plurality of arrays of different pluralities candles in different configurations. A plurality of donation or payment mechanisms are mounted on the column for alternative modes of receiving diverse monetary transactions elements, such as cash, credit card and debit card, with resultant automated actuation of the at least one of the electronic candles upon receipt of one of the monetary transaction elements. The column includes jimmy-proof, pilfer-proof and tamper-proof features for securing cash collected in an authorized accessibly collection box. A replaceable paperboard collection box is removably disposed in the secured column.

Description:
PRIOR RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/254,428, filed Oct. 20, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/666,731, filed Sep. 19, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,011,426, which claims priority to Ser. No. 60/453,611, filed Mar. 11, 2003; and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/846,946 filed Aug. 29, 2007, to which applications priority is claimed and are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference thereto. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of Use 
   This invention relates to electronic candles. This invention also relates to a universal assembly for diverse arrays of electronic candles. This invention also relates to a universal construction for diverse payment modes for electronic candles for prescribed periods of time. This invention also relates to an electronic candles array that provides for universal modes for collecting payments for illuminating electronic candles for prescribed periods of time. This invention also relates to individualized payment or collection models for diverse users and customers, particularly diverse religious institutions, funerary businesses, cemeteries and memorial establishments. 
   2. Discussion of the Background and Prior Art 
   Traditionally, wax candles, such as votive candles and tapers, have been used for memorialized and devotional purposes. Religious institutions generally provide for the purchase and lighting of the wax candles. Purchasers of the candles would make a donation of a desired or recommended amount, which amount is usually deposited as cash in a collection box in order to acquire and light the wax candle. 
   Wax candles produce pollutants and soot, are a fire hazard. Insurance is costly where wax candles are in general use. The candle art turned to electronic candles, in which the user would touch or turn-on a candle to illuminate the electronic candle. Examples of electronic candles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,924, U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,139, U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,108, U.S. Pat. No. 4,617,614 and U.S. Publication No. 2004/0179355 to Gabor Lederer, the inventor of the present invention. 
   The art directed to user-purchaser illumination provides the improvement of placing a motion sensor in the collection box. The motion sensor senses any object deposited into the collection box. A user, by merely inserting a coin, bill, or piece of paper or any object in the collection box can effect actuation of a selected electronic candle for illumination. The cash collected in the prior art construction is subject to pilfering. This prior art collection does not adequately control the payment for the illumination, and was unsatisfactory as a practical business for the religious or like institution. The prior art collection construction is not cost-effective to the manufacturer, particularly for diverse religious institutions, funerary business, cemeteries and memorial establishments 
   The prior art cash collection or donation constructions were not sufficiently tamper-proof or pilfer-proof. 
   The art directed to the commercial illumination of electronic candles desires a universal and yet practical cost-effective system for providing diverse arrays of electronic candles to accommodate diverse locales, modes, diverse payments for diverse religious institutions, funerary businesses and internment and memorial establishments. The foregoing institutions, establishments, and businesses also desire a secured construction for the collected cash. 
   The art related to the manufacture of electronic candle assemblies is desirous of minimizing manufacturing costs, and yet provide assemblies to diverse religious, funerary and memorial customers. The manufacturer thus desires a cost-effective readily customizable electronic candle assembly. 
   It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an universal assembly for diverse electronic candle arrays. 
   It is a principal object of the present invention to provide an assembly as aforesaid for diversely configured electronic candle arrays. 
   It is another principal object of the present invention to provide an assembly as aforesaid having one or more diverse monetary transaction modes. 
   It is another principal object of the present invention to provide a cash collection assembly having anti-jimmy, anti-pilfer and anti-tamper features. 
   It is still a further object of the present invention to provide for the accumulation and removal of collected cash which cash is securely disposed in the aforesaid assembly. 
   It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an electronic candle and payment collection assembly as aforesaid which is readily manufactured and selectively assembled, and yet is of practical design and construction. 
   The present invention achieves the foregoing objects and provides a practical cost-effective solution to the aforesaid needs for the commercial illumination of electronic candles art as well as for the electronic candle assembly manufacturing art. 
   The terms “monetary transaction”, “payment transaction” or “donation transaction” refers to any means or element utilized to effect a transfer of a monetary value such as by cash, credit card, debit card or otherwise. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention, in one aspect, is a universal support column for selectively mounting one of a plurality of differently configured arrays of electronic candles. 
   The invention, in another aspect, is a support column for electronic candles having a plurality of modes for different transaction payment or collection mechanisms and in which cash collections are secured. The invention, in still a further aspect, provides for the illumination of one of the electronic candles for a time period commensurate with the making of a prescribed donation or payment. 
   The invention, in still another aspect, provides a pilfer-proof construction for the secure collection of cash and the then ready authorized removal of the secured accumulated cash from a readily replaceable collection box removably disposed in the support column. 
   The invention, in a more specific aspect, is a jimmy proof cash collection assembly that includes an elongate column comprising a front panel having opposed side walls, opposed side panels and a back panel, a paperboard collection box, and wherein the column includes a receptacle space for holding the collection box, and a movable front panel so that the front panel moves from an open position to a closed position with the collection box being removably disposed inside the column in the closed position. The collection box is removably disposed in the receptacle in the column. The front panel has side panels and side walls with elongate U-shaped channels that slidably engage oppositely disposed planar side portions to enclose the column with the collection box securely in place. A lock secures the front panel to the column. The lock is hidden to frustrate tampering. A jimmy-proof and tamper-proof construction is thereby provided. 
   The invention, in still another aspect, is a collection box formed of cardboard construction or other material e.g. plastic which is secured in and readily replaceably removable from the support column by a person authorized to unlock the column construction. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram of the system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a front perspective exploded view of the universal support column; 
       FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the universal support column as shown in  FIG. 5  in the closed position; 
       FIG. 7  shows the universal support column of  FIG. 6  with one candle array in the pre-assembly mode; 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged fragmentary front perspective of the upper rear portion of the universal support column; 
       FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the universal support column; 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged sectional view taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a further enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the cash receiving assembly as shown in  FIG. 10  with a broken line view showing the cash receiving assembly in the open position; 
       FIG. 12  is an enlarged perspective view of the pivot hinged dual lid anti-tampering construction  11 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective assembly view of the universal support column and collection box with the front panel pivoted open; 
       FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view of the front panel of the universal support column; 
       FIG. 15  is a top plan sectional view of the front panel enclosing the universal support column taken along the lines  15 - 15  of  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a rear perspective view of the universal support column; 
       FIG. 17  is a rear elevational view of the upper portion of the back of the universal support column; 
       FIG. 18  is a block diagram of the electronic circuitry for the operation of the electronic candle illumination and transaction payment actuation of the electronic candles; 
       FIG. 19  is an enlarged sectional side view of the support base for the column; and 
       FIG. 20  is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of the universal support column. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a first embodiment of the universal collection support column and electronic candle array  10 . Embodiment  10 , in general terms, includes a support column  11  fixedly mounted to support base  12 , and further includes a first electronic candle array  13  removably mounted to column  11 , as will be further discussed hereinafter. 
   Array  13  includes a plurality of electronic candles  14  (typical). Electronic candle  14  may be of the construction as shown and described in Ser. No. 11/846,946, filed Aug. 29, 2007, to Lederer, the inventor herein, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. Electronic candles  14  are mounted on transversely disposed support members  15 ,  16 ,  17  and  18 . The support members provide rows of electronic candles  14 , with decreasing numbers of candles in each row extending rearwardly from member  15  to member  18 . In this manner of construction, the electronic candles  14  and support members  15 - 18  are angularly disposed so as to subtend a rearwardly disposed 90° angle. Array  13 , in this 90° configuration, is particularly suitable for juxtaposition in a corner or alternatively against a planar wall. 
   Column  11  has a lower portion which is fixedly mounted to base  12 . Column  11  has an upper portion, which includes mounting slots  21  and holes  22  for disconnectably mounting candle array  13 , as at  13   a ,  13   b  as well as other differently configured arrays as will be more fully discussed hereinafter ( FIGS. 5 and 7 ). 
   Column  11  includes a front top  23  with a cash or bill receiving assembly  24 . Assembly  24  includes pivotally mounted hinged lid assembly  25 . Assembly  24  is of a tamper-proof or pilfer-proof or tamper-proof construction ( FIG. 5 ). A cash receiving lid assembly is disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2004/014596, published Aug. 5, 2004 to Lederer, the inventor herein, which published application, is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a second embodiment  200  of the universal collection and support column having candle array  30 . Embodiment  200  includes the column  11  and base  12  as in embodiment  10 , but has a different electronic candle array  30 . Candle array  30  includes transversely disposed members  31 ,  32 ,  33  and  34 . Electronic candles  14  are mounted on members  31 - 34 . Array  30  subtends a forwardly disposed 90° angle which is reverse to that in embodiment  10 . In this manner of construction, array  30  may be disposed on a planar wall, with more ready access to the rearwardly disposed candles, namely the candles mounted on members  33 - 34  than the rearwardly disposed candle of embodiment  10 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a third embodiment of the universal collection and support column and candle array  300 . Embodiment  300  includes support column  11 , base  12  and collection assembly  24  as in embodiments  10  and  200 . Embodiment  300  has electronic candle array  40 . Array  40  includes five transversely disposed members  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44  and  45  with candles  14  mounted thereon. There is the same number of candles  14  in each of the five members  41 - 45 . Array  40  is particularly suited to be mounted adjacent a planar wall, with back member  45  abutting the wall (not shown). Embodiment  300  provides a relatively large number of operable candles in one array  40 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is shown universal support column  11  with the modification of a religious symbol, namely a Cross  50  formed in or mounted on the front  52  panel  51 . It is to be understood that while panel  51  bears a Cross  50 , other religious symbols e.g. a Star of David, as well as other indicia of significance to end user are within the contemplation of the invention. Front door or panel  51  includes outer sides  53  and  54 , bottom  55  and top  56  ( FIGS. 4-14 ). Front panel  51  is pivotably hinged by pivot hinge  20  to column  11 . When panel  51  is pivoted to the open position, flanges  55  of panel  51  engage column door stop  55   a  and  55   b  ( FIGS. 5 and 14 ) Column  11  includes side panels  61  and  62 , and back panel  63 . Front panel  51  includes vertically disposed elongate L-shaped flanges or members  53   a  and  54   a  which form respective channels  53   b  and  54   b . In this manner of construction, front panel  51  pivots so that panel sides  53  and  54  and inner sides  53   a  and  54   b  slidable engage respective side panels or column sides  61  and  62  so that the sides  61  and  62  are disposed in channels  53   b  and  54   a  in the column enclosed position ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ) to enclose the column in a jimmy-proof construction. The channels  53   b  and  54   b  and sides  61  and  62  construction may be reversed from that as shown. Front panel top  53  including sides  56   a  and  56   b  cover the top edges  64  and  65  of respective column sides  61  and  63 , to further provide an enclosed column. Panel  51  extends forwardly of base  12  to provide clearance for the panel to be pivoted away from column  11  by pivot hinge  20 . Column assembly  11 , including front panel  51 , is formed of sheet metal construction by means well known in the metal construction arts. 
   Referring specifically to  FIG. 8 , there is shown the rearward top corner of column  11 . Column  11  sides  61  and  62  have slots  21 ,  21   a ,  21   b  and  21   c , and holes  22  (typical). Pins  221  (typical) slidably engage slots  21 - 21   c . Arrays  13 ,  30  and  40  have similar plate mounting features. 
   Referring to  FIG. 13 , front panel  51  is respectively shown pivoted rearwardly and forwardly from column  11 . A removable collection box  70  is disposed in column  11  when the column enclosed by front panel  51  and supported on its bottom by  51   a  holder. As best shown in  FIG. 13 , collection box  70  is readily available for removal from column  11  with the forward pivoting of front panel  51 . Front panel  51  is pivoted about 30° and is controlled by bracket)  55  and stops  55   a  and  55   b  in sides  61  and  62  ( FIG. 5 ). Collection box  70  includes a front  71 , back  72 , opposed sides  73  and  74  and bottom  75  of folded, extruded cardboard or fiber or plastic board construction. Collection box  70  is open at the top  75   a  for receiving cash, bills or notes through the cash receiving assembly  24 , as further described hereinafter. Front  71  of collection box  70  is formed with an upwardly extending flange or portion  76 , having transverse cut-out  77 . Cut-out  77  serves as a handle for lifting collection box  70  out from column  11 . Collection box  70 , when installed in the enclosed column  11 , is disposed below and in communication with the cash receiving assembly  24  and chute assembly  104 , as best shown in  FIGS. 10-12 . Chute assembly  104  includes photo sensor boards  105  and cash deflection plate  103 . In this manner of construction, cash receiving assembly  24  and particularly lid assembly  24 , and more particularly upper lid  76  is pivoted upwardly and the cash is deposited on lower lid  77 . Lower lid  77  in this position is surrounded by sleeve  24   p . Hinge  78  by the weight of lids  76  and  77  causes conjoined lids  76  and  77  to pivot downwardly so that the cash slides off lid  77  and falls freely into collection box  70 . Assembly  24  provides a pilfer-proof construction. Collection box  70  is then locked and secured within closed column  11 , as will be more fully explained hereinafter. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown the overall assembly and methodology of the present invention. Universal column  11  supports, in a like manner, one selected array  13 ,  30  and  40 . Universal column  11  also mountably includes one or more of the monetary transaction assemblies  24 ,  24   a  and/or  24   b , as well as electronic interface and control circuits  24   c . In this manner of construction, the manufacturer can cost-effectively manufacture an assembly customized for any particular religious, funerary, memorial or cemetery business. 
   Referring to FIGS.  5  and  10 - 12 , there is shown cash or bill receiving assembly  24  and sub assembly  25 . Sub-assembly  25  includes pivoted co-joined lids  76  and  77 . Hinge  78  includes legs  78   a  and  78   b , and interconnecting shaft or rod  78   c . Legs  78   a  and  78   b  are mounted on shaft or rod  78   c . Leg  78   a  is fixedly mounted to sleeve  24   p . Leg  78   b  is fixedly mounted to lid  77  as at  77   a . Legs  75   a  and  78   b  are U-shaped in sub-assembly  25  closed position and V-shape in the assembly  25  open position ( FIG. 10 ). Sleeve  24   p  and assembly  25  are mounted to the front panel  51  top position  23  at opening  101 . 
   In the aforesaid manner of construction, the user lifts lid  76  and in doing so extends hinge element  78   c . An opening or slot  24   a  is formed between the lifted lid  76  and the column  11 . The user deposits cash as a bill or coin through slot  24   a . The e.g. bill falls freely as shown by arrow A. A deflection plate  103  extends rearwardly from the front of the column. Deflection plate  103  is integral with assembly  104 . Deflection plate  103  causes the bill (not shown) to be directed and deposited into the collection box  70 . An electronic sensor  105  senses the movement of the bill (or other deposited item) and sends signals to the interface and electronic control unit  24   c  to actuate the unlit electronic candles. The user then depresses a selected electronic candle for illumination. The actuation and illumination mechanisms are more fully discussed in present applicant&#39;s U.S. Ser. No. 11/846,946, filed Aug. 29, 2007, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
   The user, after depositing the cash, releases lid  76 . Hinge  78  then moves with and causes lids  76  and  77  to pivot downwardly and return to the closed or rest position. It is important to note that the lifted upward disposition of lid  76  with the juxtaposition of lid  77  prevents or blocks the user or others from reaching downwardly with an elongate tool in an effort to pilfer the cash accumulated in collection box  70  ( FIG. 11 ). 
   Referring to  FIGS. 5 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  13 ,  14  and  16 , there is shown security lock overall assembly  600  and particularly lock securing assembly  150  with padlock  151 . Padlock  151  is surrounded and hidden by hinged top door  153 , front panel  101   a , bottom panel  101   b , back or distal panel  101   c  of panel assembly  101  and column side panels  61  and  62 . Lock  150  cover  153  is pivotably disposed by hinge  153   a . Panel assembly  101  includes a proximately disposed top portion  155  having rectilinear slot  156  to receive fixedly connected sleeve  24  in which cash receiving assembly  25  is operably mounted. A thumb nut (not shown) secures front panel  51  to column back panel  63 . Vertically disposed slot  160  is formed in upright back portion  101   c . Back portion  101   c  is facingly disposed to the upper portion of column back or distal panel  63 . Panel  63  is formed with an inwardly disposed tongue or hasp  161  which is disposed at a right angle to back panel  63 . Tongue or hasp  161  includes circular hole  162 . Tongue  161  is sized to be slidably disposed in slot  160 . In this manner of construction, front panel  51  with assembly  101  is pivoted rearwardly so that tongue or hasp  161  engages slot  160 . Lock  151  prong then engages hole  162 . The front panel assembly and column are locked by lock  151 . This completes lock securing assembly  150 . This lock construction secures the column to further render the column tamper-proof. Cover  153  when closed provides a flush unitary construction appearance ( FIG. 20 ). Each array  13 ,  30  and  40  when mounted, the column is disposed on three sides of the cover to provide limited access to the cover. Cover  153  hides lock  151 . Lock  151  is disposed in a confined well or space  151 A ( FIG. 11 ). The confined space  151  A of lock  151  frustrates attempted use to break into the column. The hidden lock further frustrates attempts to locate a lock. In addition, front panel  51  sides and flanges  53 - 53   a  and  54 - 54   b  engage column sides  61  and  63  in the lock secured column. This construction prevents an attempted jimmying or tampering. The combination of the afore-discussed several security features provide a highly secure construction for cash accumulated in collection box  70 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 20 , there is shown a further embodiment  400  of column  11 . In this further embodiment  400 , the front panel assembly  51  at top  23   a  does not include a cut-out for and access to a collection box assembly. Embodiment  400  includes payment or collection transaction modes  24   a  and  24   b . Transaction mode unit  24   a  is a bill acknowledgement and value or denomination determination collection unit as is well known in vending machine usages. One such bill acceptor is the MEI AE2600 multi-wave optical bill validator, manufactured by MEI, West Chester, Pa. 19350. Transaction mode unit  24   a  is operably connected to the candle actuation assembly. Transaction mode unit  24   b  is a credit card swipe unit which is well known for making an automated payment or transaction by credit or debit card. The automated donation or payment in turn permits automated charitable donations and to the extent where appropriate. The use of a credit/charge card in an automated transaction to contribute to a selected charity are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,919, granted Mar. 14, 1995 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,273, granted Mar. 23, 1999, which patents are incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
   Referring to  FIG. 18 , there is a block diagram showing the electronic circuitry  500  that permits the user in selecting a transaction mode unit  24 ,  24   a  or  24   b  ( FIG. 20 ) to make a payment or donation and actuate at least on electronic candle  14  for selective illumination for a prescribed period of time. That is, when the user desires a memorial illumination for a prescribed extended period of time, the user can accordingly make the appropriate payment by one of the  24 ,  24   a  or  24   b  transaction mode units. Referring to  FIGS. 5 ,  18  and  20 , circuitry  500  is an integral component of assembly  501  and contains power supply  500   a , and is mounted in chassis panel  502 . Mode selector circuit and donation mode circuit are mounted as unit  503  ( FIG. 5 ). Chassis panel  502  and assembly  501  are disposed inside of back cover  505  and secured from tampering and further secures collection box  70 . Assembly  501  includes manual control knobs or switches to select the particularly monetary transaction mode. Back cover  505  covers the wiring connections and assembly openings on back panel  63  ( FIG. 17 ). 
     FIG. 19  shows the base  12  assembly with frame  82  holding counter weight  90 . Frame  82  includes front  83 , rear  84 , and sides  85 - 86 . Counter weight  90  is rearwardly fixedly disposed from column  11  and adjacent back wall  84 . Welded nuts connect frame  82  to base plate  19  column assembly. 
   The afore-discussed embodiments disclose an assembly in which diverse electronic candle arrays and transaction payment units are readily assembled to a universal support column for readily cost-effectively providing an assembly customized for a specific religious institution, funerary business and memorial institution. The foregoing preferred embodiments are to be considered as being merely illustrative of the invention and not limited by the foregoing description of the invention, which invention is defined by the adjoined claims.