Abstract:
A universal, convertible coin receiving mechanism for a coin-operated bulk vending machine has an insert removably attached to the coin wheel. The insert alters the coin compatibility of the coin receiving mechanism by permitting dimensional modification of the coin channel.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention is directed to coin-actuated machines. More particularly, the invention is directed to coin-actuated bulk vending machines and coin receiving mechanisms in such machines, which mechanisms are adapted to receive a coin to allow operation of the machine. The invention enables acceptance of coins of different denominations. In this context, the invention further contemplates coin receiving mechanisms of the type including one or more coin discrimination features. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Flexibility is a principal objective in the design of machines and mechanisms. One key advantage is the reduction of costs associated with both the design and manufacture of a mechanism. One technique for achieving a flexible design comprises the standardization of both component parts and whole assemblies in a device. Standardization allows a single device, or slight variations thereof, to be used in a variety of applications thus avoiding expenses in the design and manufacture of a separate mechanism. Standardization also promotes labor savings and reduces the cost of replacement parts while increasing their interchangeability and availability. 
     In coin receipt mechanisms incorporated in bulk vending machines, for example, a universal design is desirable which can be repeatedly adjusted to accept a selected coin from various possible denominations. The monetary value of each of various coin denominations in a given currency is indicated by the physical size and shape of the coin. In the currency of the United States, for instance, the assorted coin denominations include the penny, nickel, dime, quarter, the fifty cents piece and the dollar. All of these coins are annular in configuration. However, each of these denominations comprises a unique diameter and thickness. Canada employs substantially corresponding denominations but its coins are of different sizes compared to each other and to the currency of the United States. Thus, a coin mechanism design capable of universal adaptation, as for example, to both sets of currencies, is desirable. 
     Inserting the appropriate coin denomination in the coin mechanism of a bulk vending machine allows a buyer to rotate a crank handle to operate the machine and dispense a product. The product may be a measured amount of a commodity, for instance, candy or discrete containers, e.g. capsules. 
     As a general rule, vending machine coin receipt mechanisms include one or more discrimination or rejection features. The purpose of these features is to distinguish between coin denominations and allow the mechanism to reject incorrect denominations. This prevents a machine from being cheated by operating upon receipt of a coin of an incorrect denomination of lesser value, or upon receipt of a &#34;slug&#34; (a counterfeit coin comprising a piece of ordinary metal, for example, machined or molded with dimensions near those of a legitimate coin). 
     The discrimination function may be effected by means of a variety of mechanical devices in a coin receiving mechanism designed to exploit the correspondence between a coin denomination and its physical attributes, e.g. size, shape or thickness. As an example, a slot in a coin receiving mechanism tightly dimensioned, in width or thickness, for accepting dimes would preclude insertion of a penny or nickel. This is because the dime has a smaller diameter and thickness when compared to other coins. 
     Thus, in a coin-operated machine using a coin-mechanism with discrimination features, the ability to &#34;accept&#34; a particular coin size is determined by the ability of the coin to pass through the discrimination devices. Consequently, coin receiving mechanisms equipped with rejection features inherently tend to preclude universal designs accepting different denominations. 
     A universal design would afford the advantages of flexibility outlined above. Additionally, there are several more specific reasons, from the perspectives of a vending machine manufacturer and users, that make a universal coin receiving design desirable. 
     As noted, a universal design would enable a single coin mechanism model to be used in different applications. A single vending machine could use the same model coin mechanism with simple modification to sell separate products at different prices if the coin mechanism was adapted to receive only the corresponding distinct denomination. 
     Also, when the price of a particular commodity changes, the coin receipt mechanism in a given vending machine could be reconfigured to require coin denominations corresponding to the new price without the need to replace the entire coin mechanism or substantial components thereof. Finally, in employing a given model of coin mechanism in most countries, a universal design would allow adapting the mechanism to the local currency comprising a whole new set of denominations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Thus, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the problems in the prior art and provide the advantages of a universal coin mechanism specified above. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide, in a coin-actuated machine, a universal coin receiving mechanism configured to accept a predetermined one of any of several distinct coin denominations of a variety of different currencies. 
     Still another object of this invention is to provide a universal coin receiving mechanism which may accommodate a range of coin sizes. 
     Yet another object of this invention is to provide a universal coin receiving mechanism which may be conveniently, efficiently, and inexpensively reconfigured to accommodate a new denomination. 
     A further object of this invention is to provide a universal coin receiving mechanism which is capable of both discriminating a coin from one predetermined denomination and of being modified to discriminate from a different denomination. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a universal coin receiving mechanism adapted to accept any predetermined one of several coin denominations, and which controls passage of a coin through the mechanism by adjustably defining therein a coin channel corresponding to the predetermined denomination. 
     These and other objects are satisfied by a universal coin receiving mechanism according to the present invention comprising: 
     means for operating the machine, said means including a coin carrier connected to the machine; and 
     convertible discriminating means, connected to said coin carrier, for discriminating a coin from a first predetermined denomination of a first diameter and first thickness and for converting to discriminate from a second predetermined denomination of a second diameter and second thickness, said convertible discriminating means including a calibrated coin receiving insert for accepting a coin of one of said predetermined denominations. 
     Further objects of the present invention are satisfied by a coin operated bulk vending machine including a universal coin receiving mechanism comprising: 
     a) a base; 
     b) a merchandise container, set on and above said base; 
     c) a merchandise wheel disposed between said base and said container for selecting a discrete quantity of merchandise to be dispensed upon operation of said machine; 
     d) a merchandise dispensing passage for communicating said discrete quantity of merchandise to an opening disposed in said base; and 
     e) a coin receiving mechanism disposed on said base and operably connected to said merchandise wheel to rotate said wheel to dispense merchandise into said passage, said coin operating mechanism including a coin carrier, convertible discriminating means, connected to said coin carrier, for discriminating a coin from a first predetermined denomination of a first diameter and first thickness and for converting to discriminate from a second predetermined denomination of a second diameter and second thickness, said convertible discriminating means including a calibrated coin receiving insert for accepting a coin of one of said predetermined denominations. 
     Given the following enabling description of the drawings, the inventive coin receiving mechanism, bulk vending machines incorporating the coin receiving mechanism, and the scope of the invention should become evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical bulk vending machine utilizing a universal coin receiving mechanism according to the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the front plate assembly of a coin receiving mechanism according to the invention, partially broken away and exposing the coin carrier wheel and the upper coin dog. 
     FIG. 3 is another front view of the front plate assembly, partially broken away, and illustrating a loaded coin deflecting the upper coin dog. 
     FIG. 4 is a front view of the front plate assembly, partially broken away, and illustrating the upper coin dog catching the replaceable coin insert. 
     FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view, as seen from the front, of the front plate assembly, the coin carrier member, and the back plate assembly. 
     FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the coin carrier member. 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view, as seen from the rear, of the back plate assembly. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a coin-actuated machine according to the present invention comprising a bulk vending machine 10. The vending machine 10 includes a container 11 storing merchandise and mounted on a base 13. According to the invention, the vending machine 10 further comprises a novel universal coin receiving mechanism 20. Merchandise is discharged through a merchandise wheel and into a chute 12 when a valid coin is inserted into the coin receiving mechanism 20 allowing a crank handle 51 to turn. 
     FIGS. 5-7 illustrate exploded views of the coin mechanism 20 in greater detail. The coin receiving mechanism 20 depicted comprises three major assemblies including a front plate assembly 30, a coin carrier member 50, and a back plate assembly 86. 
     One primary purpose of the coin carrier member 50 is to connect the handle 51 to a conventional vending machine merchandise wheel (not shown) to rotate the latter and dispense merchandise. Primary to this connection is a coin carrier wheel described below. 
     A sprocket 54, engaged with the merchandise wheel, is rotatably connected and responsive to the crank handle 51. Hence, in the illustrated embodiment, a coin carrier wheel 52 directly couples the handle 51 and sprocket 54 to revolve synchronously, thus rotatably fixing the handle 51 and sprocket 54 together. The sprocket is disclosed only by way of example. It may be replaced by a variety of actuators, including other types of gears or other assembly engaged with the merchandise wheel for operating the latter. 
     The handle 51, coin wheel 52 and sprocket 54 may be directly coupled in a variety of ways. In the embodiment depicted, the handle 51 and coin wheel 52 are rotatably connected by an input shaft 56. The coin wheel 52 and sprocket 54 are coupled through an output shaft 58. Both the input and output shafts 56, 58 are fixed to the coin wheel 52. As illustrated particularly in FIGS. 5 and 6, these shafts 56, 58 are further molded or machined from a single piece with the coin wheel 52. 
     The handle 51 is mounted onto the input shaft 56 to rotate therewith as follows. The input shaft 56 is formed with a chamfer 60 in an otherwise cylindrical exterior surface. This chamfer 60, acting as a key, engages a reciprocally contoured surface of an internal bore 63 defined in a hollow rotary coupling 62. This prevents relative rotation between the coupling 62 and shaft 56 when assembled. These parts are positionally maintained by a screw 62a, for example, passing through the internal bore 63 of the coupling 62 and into a threaded bore 64 in the shaft 56. 
     The rotary coupling 62 further includes a hub 66 machined or formed to act as a key between itself and the handle 51. Consequently, the hub 66 has beveled teeth 68 on the outer surface thereof. The handle 51 is hollow defining an interior cylinder (not shown) adapted to receive the hub 66. Further, the blind end of this internal cylinder is reciprocally formed with camming notches which engage the teeth 68 of the hub 66 preventing relative rotation between the rotary coupling 62 and handle 51 until sufficient rotary force is applied to overcome the spring bias and frictional forces maintaining engagement of the teeth to the notches. This is conveniently referred to as a &#34;slip-clutch&#34; handle. The coupling 62 and handle 51 are urged together by a spring 70. Thus, an arrangement is provided including a flanged grommet 72 secured to the handle 51 by screws 51a, 51b and sandwiching the spring 70 and coupling 62 therebetween. 
     Similarly, the output shaft 58 has a cross section having an oblong profile. The sprocket 54 is mounted onto the output shaft 58 and secured by a screw 54a received in a threaded bore 59 in the shaft 58. The external surface of the shaft 58 thus keys with a reciprocally contoured center hole 55 of the sprocket 54 such that the shaft 58 and sprocket 54 rotate together. 
     The coin carrier member is adapted to receive and pass an authorized coin through a channel in the coin receiving mechanism. On the other hand, the front plate assembly, the coin carrier member and the back plate assembly cooperate to define a coin carrying assembly and include discrimination devices for selectively preventing passage of unauthorized coins. These elements also include additional devices for otherwise controlling coin passage through the mechanism. In this context, the coin carrier member 50 of the present invention further includes a novel replaceable coin insert illustrated at 74 in FIGS. 5-7. 
     The insert is calibrated such that only an authorized, valid coin of a predetermined denomination is received in and successfully passed through the coin mechanism 20. Because several lines or collections of replaceable inserts may be manufactured, inventoried, and installed inexpensively, a multiplicity of different currencies may be accommodated by the same coin mechanism 20. Accordingly, the inventive coin receipt mechanism is conveniently converted to accommodate a new denomination or currency by replacing the insert 74 as follows. 
     In general terms, when the coin receiving mechanism 20 is assembled, the insert 74 is sandwiched between the coin wheel 52 and a back plate 88 of the back plate assembly 86. The back plate 88 is secured by screws 88c-88e to a front plate 32 of the front plate assembly 30 capturing the coin wheel 52 therebetween. 
     The insert is formed from synthetic resins or metal, for example, by machining or molding. The insert 74 comprises a configuration generally defining a pocket between the coin wheel 52 and the back plate 88. This pocket comprises part of a coin channel adjustably defined by replacement of the removable insert. 
     In the embodiment of FIGS. 5-7 particularly, the coin insert 74 is mounted on the coin carrier wheel 52 by screws 74a-74d. The front plate includes a slot cut 32a as depicted particularly in FIG. 5. This slot 32a exposes the pocket defined by the insert 74 to facilitate insertion and removal of a coin. However, the width of the slot 32a is narrow enough to hide the insert screws 74a-74d behind the front plate 32. 
     A slight clockwise rotation of the handle 51 turns the coin wheel 52 enough to expose the two insert screws 74a and 74b on the left. To replace the insert 74, these are removed first. A valid coin is then placed in the insert 74 to trip the discrimination devices allowing the handle 51 to rotate. The handle is turned almost, but not quite a full revolution to reveal, through the slot 32a, the two right insert screws 74c and 74d. When these are removed the coin receiving mechanism 20 is converted by removing the old insert 74 and mounting a new insert calibrated to a new denomination. 
     The novel universal coin mechanism of the present invention affords several significant advantages to the user. In typical prior art coin mechanisms, the entire coin wheel is replaced. In addition to the complexity involved in the required disassembly of the entire mechanism, an inventory of relatively expensive coin wheels must be purchased and stored. 
     With the present invention, the labor involved in converting the mechanism is minor requiring a minimum of time and a minimum degree of mechanical sophistication on the part of the user. Also, only one relatively inexpensive tool is required (typically a screw driver or allen wrench). Additionally, the costs associated with accumulating and storing the inventory of replaceable parts, and particularly, entire coin mechanisms and/or coin wheels, are essentially eliminated. 
     Regarding the form of the insert in the illustrated embodiment more particularly, the coin receiving insert 74 comprises a receded surface 76 defined by lateral walls of embossments or banks 78a, 78b. When pressed against the back plate 88, the sunken surface 76, banks 78a and 78b, and plate 88 define a pocket into which a coin of selected denomination is received. 
     The banks 78a, 78b are separated at a radially outward portion of the insert 74, where a radial direction is defined relative to the coin wheel 52. This defines a mouth or entrance strait 75a to a drop-through coin channel. The drop-through channel comprises one of two coin channels defined through the coin receipt mechanism 20. The strait 75a permits insertion therein of a coin having a diameter equal to or less than the width of the strait 75a. Larger coins are precluded from entering and are thus discriminated. 
     The banks 78a, 78b are also separated at an opposite radially inward portion defining an exit strait 75b in the insert 74. The exit strait 75b is generally more narrow than the entrance strait 75a to cradle valid coins within the insert 74. However, the exit strait 75b provides a drop-through discrimination attribute. 
     Invalid coins and counterfeit slugs having diameters less than the width of the exit strait 75b fall directly through the insert 74 into the drop-through coin channel defined through the coin mechanism 20. Thus, the insert 74, being mounted on the coin wheel 52, defines the primary discrimination means of the coin carrying assembly connected with the coin carrier member. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a middle segment of this drop-through coin channel is defined through a hollowed hub 57. The hub 57 comprises opposite walls 57a, 57b disposed laterally of this channel. Coins are guided therethrough to a final discharge strait 53 defined in the coin wheel 52 emptying into a coin box in the vending machine base 13. 
     Calibration of each replaceable insert 74 may be achieved by adjusting different dimensions of the insert. The respective widths of the straits 75a, 75b are adjusted, for example, to the unique diameter of a valid predetermined coin denomination. Further, the thickness of the surface 76 can be adjusted. This provides a coin pocket with a predetermined thickness precluding insertion of a coin with a greater thickness. 
     The universal coin receipt mechanism according to this invention further utilizes one of several replaceable inserts to adjustably define a second or main coin channel through the mechanism. As revealed by cut-away FIGS. 2-4, a portion of this channel is defined, in part, by the insert 74, rotating with the coin wheel 52, and a race 39. This race 39 is defined by a rim formed in the front plate 32. This main coin channel is further defined by an upper coin dog or pawl 34 pivoted within the front plate 32 proximate the circumference of the coin wheel 52 in assembly. 
     The coin dog 34 is located in the coin path such that the range of pivotal motion is limited. On one end of this range, the coin dog 34 is biased against the coin wheel 52 by a spring 36. As the coin wheel 52 is rotated by turning the handle 51, a tip 34a of the coin dog 34 is correctly deflected only when a coin of the proper denomination (diameter) is loaded in the insert 74. Thus, this convertible channel discriminates from invalid coins. 
     Correct deflection is determined by the correlation between the insert 74 and the diameter of the corresponding coin denomination. The insert 74 is calibrated to critically position, in the radial direction, only the correct denomination. FIG. 3 depicts that the clearance between the tip 34a and the insert corner is very small. Also, an abutment 38 is located to engage the dog 34 precisely at maximum deflection with the correct denomination. This limits on the other end the range of pivotal motion of the coin dog 34. 
     If the coin is absent, the tip 34a catches a stop corner 73 formed in the insert 74, as represented particularly in FIG. 4, preventing further rotation of the coin wheel 52. The case is similar where a coin is loaded having a diameter smaller than that calibrated. The coin may be too large to be discriminated by dropping through the insert 74. However, the reduced diameter of the incorrect coin will not sufficiently deflect the tip 34a. 
     For coin diameters greater than that calibrated, the dog 34 prematurely engages abutment 38 also jamming the coin wheel 52. Thus, the coin dog 34 acts as a throttle disposed in the main coin channel. Accordingly, the coin dog 34, being biased against the coin wheel 52, comprises a second discrimination means of the coin carrier assembly. Also, the coin dog 34 comprises the first pawl controlling coin passage, in this instance by discrimination, through the main coin channel. 
     Correct insert calibration can be achieved by adjusting the radial depth of the pocket defined by the above described geometry of the insert 74. More particularly, the radial depth can be adjusted at which the banks 78a, 78b converge to cradle a valid coin. Alternatively, the adjustment may be made in the radial position on the coin wheel 52 at which the insert 74 is mounted. Thus, the critically calibrated positioning insert 74, in conjunction with the coin dog 34, acts as a discriminator of coins based on diameter. 
     In another feature for controlling coin passage through the mechanism 20, the race 39 closely circumscribes the coin wheel 52 as illustrated. In this case, each replaceable insert must correctly define this main coin channel such that its corresponding denomination clears the race 39. 
     This close proximity protects the mechanism from the introduction of debris and dirt between moving parts. Accumulation of foreign substances eventually wears parts or jams the mechanism. Another advantage of the race 39 intimately enveloping the coin wheel 52 is that it becomes difficult to introduce a tool to deflect the coin dog 34 and cheat the machine. 
     Turning to the back plate assembly 86, the back plate 88 is preferably formed from metal by machining or molding. The back plate 88 comprises a gib or fixture on which a variety of devices are mounted for controlling passage of a coin through the main channel of the coin receiving mechanism 20. Among these are devices which engage the coin including a washer pawl 90, comprising one discrimination mechanism, and a coin ejection pawl 100. 
     The washer pawl 90, in conjunction with another coin positioning attribute of the calibrated insert 74, comprises a coin discriminator based on thickness. Thus, the main coin channel is adjustable or convertibly defined in its thickness by one of several replaceable inserts cooperating with the washer pawl 90 as follows. 
     The pawl 90 is mounted on a fixture 92 which in turn, is mounted upon a rear surface 88a of the plate 88. The washer pawl 90 includes a pawl tip 90a. The tip 90a protrudes through an aperture 88b  formed in the plate 88 and is angled toward the coin wheel 52. More particularly, the pawl tip 90a is located at a radial position coincident with at least a portion of the pocket defined by the insert 74. 
     As illustrated, the washer pawl 90 is maintained on the fixture 92 by mounting thereon a keeper tab 94 disposed on a leaf spring 96. The tab 94 and spring 96 are secured to the fixture 92 by a screw 94a. The washer pawl 90 is caught, by the tab 94 and spring 96, in a groove provided in fixture 92 but is not secured by the screw 94a. This facilitates the spring biased pawl 90 to reciprocate in an axial direction of the coin receipt mechanism 20 (perpendicular to the radial direction and parallel with the input and output shafts 56, 58). Thus, the pawl tip 90a is urged into contact with the coin wheel 52. 
     When a coin is loaded in the insert 74 and the coin wheel 52 is rotated, the coin passes under and in contact with the pawl tip 90a. The thickness, in the axial direction, of the central insert surface 76 is calibrated such that only a valid coin presents the pawl tip 90a with a surface flush with insert banks 78a, 78b. Consequently, the tip 90a does not deflect and the coin wheel 52 continues to rotate. 
     On the other hand, when an invalid coin of improper thickness is inserted, the coin will not present itself flush within the insert 74. If the coin is too thin, the tip 90a of the spring biased washer pawl 90 will remain in contact with the coin and thus will drop, in the axial direction, within the banks 78a, 78b. When the second bank 78b rotates around to the tip 90a, its surface will present itself as elevated relative to the coin. Hence, the washer pawl tip 90a will catch on the edge presented by this surface. 
     Correspondingly, if the invalid coin is too thick relative to the calibrated insert 74, the coin will present the pawl tip 90a with an edge elevated over the first bank 78a. Again the tip 90a will jam further rotation of the coin wheel 52. The replaceable insert, thus calibrated in a thickness dimension, cooperates with the washer pawl 90 to control coin passage through the main channel and correctly position only coins of the predetermined denomination in the axial direction. The washer pawl 90, engaging the coin wheel 52, thus comprises a third discriminator in contact with the coin carrier member 50. Further, the washer pawl 90 comprises a second pawl controlling coin passage through the main channel, in this instance by discrimination. 
     Similarly, the coin ejection pawl 100 coacts with the calibrated insert. When a legitimate coin rotates about to the ejection pawl 100, the latter engages the coin ejecting it into a coin box. The insert positions the coin in the radial or axial directions to achieve this contact with the ejection pawl 100. If the insert 74 becomes contaminated with dirt or a sticky substance and the coin is not released with the force of gravity alone, the ejection pawl 100 advantageously urges the coin ensuring release. Also, if the coin receiving mechanism 20 is not oriented with respect to gravity the coin can still be reliably ejected. Hence, the ejection pawl 100 comprises a third pawl for controlling coin passage through the main channel, in this instance, by ejecting the coin. 
     The above described inserts are particularly useful in multiple coin arrangements by facilitating simple customization of the multiple coin mechanism. In a multiple coin adaptation, the coin mechanism generally requires two coins in order to be rendered operable and dispense the merchandise. This allows items to be sold from a bulk vending machine even when the value of a discrete unit of the merchandise does not correspond to a single coin denomination. In other words, multiple coins are required to dispense the merchandise (e.g. $0.26, $0.30, $0.35). As above, each coin pocket is defined by an insert which correctly positions its respective coin, in both the radial and axial directions, to permit the valid coins to pass through similar discrimination devices. 
     Given the foregoing, variations and modifications to the invention should now be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art. These variations and modifications are intended to fall within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.