Patent GB-726207-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to coin-freed slot meters for automatically collecting rent for parking vehicles and cycles
IPC: G07F17/24
Filed: 1953-01-22
Abstract: 726,207. Coin-freed parking meters. DARK, J. W. Nov. 27, 1953 [Jan. 22, 1953], No. 1929/53. Class 27. Apparatus for collecting rent in coin for the temporary occupancy of a defined space by a vehicle or cycle comprises a plate or lever depressible by a wheel of the vehicle or cycle and associated with a coin-freed meter and means for preventing removal of the vehicle or cycle until rent in coin as indicated by the meter has been inserted to free the removal-preventing means temporarily while the plate remains depressed, the removal-preventing means subsequently re-imprisoning the vehicle or cycle if the latter is not removed within a few minutes. As applied to car parking, a space marked out by walls or posts has a depressible main plate a positioned at a corner of the space and a risable bar or barrier plate b positioned nearer the entrance end of the space; a wheel stop l prevents the car being driven forward off the plate. Within the meter case c, which is mounted on a post d, is a balance rod n pivoted at q and a slidable weight z on the rod is connected by a cord x to a drum w on a clock t having a scale of fees graduated on a dial v. On the outer side of the pivot q from the weight z, coin shoots e<SP>1</SP> are mounted so that the first coin in any one of them rests on edge on the top of the arm n and their distances from the pivot q are such that the moments about the pivot of coins of different value are the same. Each coin shoot is inclined and for rejecting undersized coins has a hole along its length slightly smaller than a standard coin. When the plate a is depressed, current is supplied through contacts e and f to energize a motor g which, through gearing h and a cam j raises plate b until when the plate is fully raised, the contacts e are broken. Preferably, the cam j makes one revolution in five minutes. At the same time, current is supplied to an electromagnet o which attracts a pivoted spring-loaded bar p into position over the balance rod n and, through a rod r engages a clutch between the clock t and the dial v and drum w. The winding- up of the cord x draws the weight z along the balance rod against the pull of a weight b<SP>1</SP> and also, if it is required to increase the charge for longer periods of parking, draws along one or more weights z<SP>1</SP>, z<SP>2</SP> attached to the main weight by lengths of cord c<SP>1</SP>. In order to lower the barrier plate, coins of the value indicated by the dial v must be inserted, their weight tilting the balance rod against the moment of the weight z and closing contacts m on the rod and bar p to energize the motor g so that the cam j is further rotated to allow the plate b to fall. If the car is then removed, the electromagnet o is de-energized, the bar p swings aside and the rod n tilts to allow the coins to fall into coin bins in a chamber closed by a lockable door f<SP>1</SP>; the bar p also disconnects the drum and dial from the clock and they are returned to zero position as the weight z is pulled back by the weight b<SP>1</SP>. If the car is not removed, the electromagnet o remains energized and bar p prevents the fall of the coins. The continued travel of weight z eventually breaks the contacts m but the motor remains energized through its other circuit and, after five minutes, the cam j again raises the plate b. In order to lower the bar again more coins as indicated by the dial must be inserted. Warning circuits leading to audible or visual warning apparatus at remote points may be provided. As applied to kerbside, head-to-tail parking, a hinged wheel plate a and barrier plate b are assembled in a framework k<SP>1</SP>, Fig. 3, which can be placed beside the kerb. The cam j operates the barrier plate through a push rod m<SP>1</SP> and wheel stops l and l<SP>1</SP> in front of and behind the car wheel are fitted on the framework. As applied to cycles, depression of a plate a between two plates for holding the cycle wheel moves a spring-loaded bar between the spokes of the wheel. The Provisional Specification describes also coin bins having self-locking lids, designed so that a warning light is operated by contacts on the coin chamber door, the coin bins and the coin chamber.