Improvements in and connected with Receptacles for Money, Pass- books, Coupons, and other Articles.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Dec., 1893-Accepted, 28th Apr., 1594
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and connected with Receptacles for Money, Pass-
books, Coupons, and other Articles.
1, WARREN FRANKLIN BECK, Manufacturer, a citizen of the United States,
residing at No. 415 West First Street, in the City of Elmira, County of Chemung,
and State of New York, U.S.A., do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
According to my invention, I combine a money till with drawers or receptacles
for holding pass-books, drawers or trays for holding coupons detached from pass-
books and a register on which itemized entries of sales, purchases, etc., are made.
My invention not only involves the combination of the till, the drawers or
receptacles for holding the pass-books of customers, the drawers or trays for the
detached coupons, and the frame or holder for the register-sheet, but also involves,
irrespective of this combination, a coupon drawer of an improved construction,
improved mechanism for locking and unlocking the money-drawer, and an improved
frame or holder for the register-sheet hereinafter fully explained and claimed.
In the accompanying drawings,
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cabinet embodying my improvements;
Fig. 2 is a vertical section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a transverse section on the line 3-3 of Figs. 1 and 2, with some of the
parts broken away to show the interior mechanism;
Fig. 4 is a detail view of part of the locking mechanism;
Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are detail views of mechanism whereby a pen is made to lock the
drawer, or prevent it from being opened until the pen is removed.
I provide a case A, of suitable construction, to hold the drawers, trays, receptacles
and register-sheets. The drawer B, is sub-divided by partitions b, into compart-
ments B', all of which are suitably indexed, as indicated. In these compartments
the customers' pass-books are held when they are left at the store for safe-keeping,
it being understood that in many instances, the customers retain their pass books in
their own custody. The drawer C, may be used for any desired purpose. Extra
pass-books may be kept in this drawer, and also slips of paper on which to make
due-bills, etc.
Above the drawers B and C, is the money drawer or till D, which is sub-divided
into compartments d, for separating money of different denominations. At the
back of the drawer is secured a bell E, and in the case or cabinet in rear of the
drawer is a tripping-finger e, which engages with a finger el, on the spring-
hammer E. When the drawer is opened, the hammer is tripped, and the bell is
caused to ring.
I also arrange in the back part of the drawer in a frame F, an inkstand G, which
is firmly held in place as shown in Fig. 2. It is immediately under an opening H,
in the cabinet frame, so that, when the drawer is closed, a pen I, may be passed
through the opening H, into the ink. Beneath the opening H, and secured to the
top of that part of the case or cabinet over the money drawer is a frame or block J,
having an opening J', registering with the opening H, and to the under side of this
block is secured a metallic frame or guide K, in which is a spring-controlled
slide L, having an opening 1, the spring 1, secured to the side of which, tends to
hold it closed or in such position as to cover the lower end of the opening J. This
slide is provided with a downwardly-projecting flange l', which is adapted to engage
with the rear end of the frame F, secured to the money drawer. The back

page_text: piece D', of the money drawer, is cut away at d¹, so that, when the drawer is
opened or pulled forward, the back D, may pass by the flange.
The organization is such that, when the drawer is closed, as shown in Fig. 2, the
slide L, is held back against the force of the spring 1, in such position that the
opening, in the slide, registers with the opening J, in the frame or block J, and
a pen may be inserted through the openings H, J, and 13, and caused to enter the
inkstand, but when the pen is removed and the drawer is opened, the frame F
moves away from the flange 1, and the spring 1, and causes the slide L to move
forward and close the opening J, and it remains closed until the drawer is fully
closed. It will thus be seen that when the drawer is closed, it cannot be opened
until the pen I, is withdrawn, and the pen cannot be inserted into the inkstand until
the drawer is closed.
Secured to the frame in rear of the drawer is a spring M, which is under
compression when the drawer is closed, and which forces the drawer open when it
is free to move forward. The drawer is locked by a dog N, engaging with a notch »,
in the side of the drawer, and pivoted at n', to the inner side of the casing, just
above the drawer.
A spring, tends to hold the rear end of the dog down in
position to engage with the notch n, this downward movement being limited by a
stop n. A lugn, on the front end of the dog extends laterally into a recess nº, in
the casing, into which projects the shank O, of the key O', the lower end of which
bears against the lug . The shank O, extends through a vertical opening O², in
the cabinet frame, and this opening is provided with a bushing or cylindrical guide O³.
A flange or stop 0, limits the upward movement of the key. Above the Hange is
an annular recess 0³.
When the drawer is closed, a spring-controlled pivoted finger P, engages with
the shank in the annular recess 0. The finger P is pivoted at p, to the under
side of the top of the cabinet, above the money drawer, and is adapted to move
back and forth towards and from the shank O. When the finger is turned back on
its pivot against the force of the spring, the key is free to be moved up and down
and when pressed down, to a sufficient extent, it will act upon the dog N, to raise
it from the notch n, and the drawer will be opened by the spring M, it being
understood, of course, that at this time, the pen I is removed. Normally, however,
the finger P, engages with the shank O, in the groove or recess 0³, and in order
that the key may be depressed, it is necessary to move the finger away from the
shank. This may be done by manipulating the outer end p', of the lever which
extends through the side of the case. An additional safe-guard is thus provided.
An unauthorized person might open the cash drawer hurriedly, by pressing down
the key O', but it will require some little study to discover that it is necessary to
turn the catch-lever P before the key can be depressed. The pen catch above
referred to also provides an additional safe-guard, as an unauthorized person would
not observe readily that it was necessary to remove the pen before the drawer
could be opened.
The spring n', of the dog N, as before stated, holds the rear end of the dog
elevated, and this normally holds the key O', in an elevated position. When in its
normal position, the catch-lever P, engages with the shank of the key in the
groove O³, and it automatically assumes this position as the key rises.
The frame or cover R, above the cash-drawer, is provided with a slot Q, which
is directly over a compartment in the money drawer, designed to receive pennies
and other small change without opening the drawer. This provision is particularly
advantageous in my system where I design to enter as a rule the amount of each
sale as it is made. By providing the penny slot, the cash received for small sales
may be deposited in the drawer without opening it, and without making an entry.
The total of the small sales may be readily determined at the close of business, and
a single entry made therefor.
The frame or cover R, above the money drawer, is constructed to receive one or
more cash and credit register sheets S. Preferable, it is made to receive a
pad of such sheets, and the frame is made to neatly fit the edges of the pad.

page_text: It consists of a
The general outlines of the sheet are indicated in Figs. 1 and 3.
sheet divided into vertical columns which are marked to indicate different monetary
values, and the columns are sub-divided and marked in such manner that separate
entries of the sales may be made, and the totals of all the sales made and indicated
in the several columns, is indicated near the space where the last sale is entered in
each column,
In order that the sheets or pad may be held securely in place, I provide a frame,
grid or grating T, comprising a narrow top bar t, a wide, flat bottom bar t', and a
series of connecting bars, which are arranged at distances apart corresponding
with the widths of the vertical columns of the register-sheets. The bars t³ serve as
guides in order that the entries may be made in the right columns and may be
arranged symmetrically. The top bar t, is provided with projections t³, which
enter recesses t', in the frame S. One of these recesses is covered by a
permanently-attached cap t, while the other is covered by a cap to, which is
pivoted at t. When the caps are in the position shown in Fig. 1, the grating is
held in place and cannot be removed, but by turning the cap t, on its pivot, the
recess beneath it is opened and the grating may be removed.
At the rear of the register-sheet, and above it, is a frame, case or cabinet U,
containing the coupon drawers or trays Y. The frame may be constructed in any
suitable way to support the drawers, and permit them to slide in and out. As
shown, there are fifty drawers in the cabinet, but a greater or less number may be
employed.
The construction of the drawers is as follows-Each drawer is provided with a
lid, hinged at v¹, to the sides »³, below their upper edges, and a little in front of the
rear end. The front of the drawer has a knob or handle V, and is formed with
a label-holder V2, in which a label V³, bearing the name of a customer is inserted.
The drawers and the cover are preferably of sheet metal, such as tin, and the
label-holder may be made by simply cutting parallel horizontal slits in the front
piece, and pressing the material or stock between the slits back to such an extent
that the label may be slid in vertically between the strip 5, and the front piece of
the drawer. All the drawers are numbered consecutively at the front, as indicated
in Fig. 1. The lid, as before mentioned, is preferably made of sheet metal, and it
is provided with a finger W, and a tongue W. The tongue W', is formed by
cutting out from the stock of the lid a tongue-shaped portion thereof, which,
however, is attached at its rear end to the lid proper, and the finger W, is formed
by cutting out from the rear portion of the lid and from the tongue W', a long
narrow strip, which is attached at its rear end only to the lid proper, or to the
cross-piece or pivot thereof. The finger at its rear end is provided with a cut-
away portion or opening w, in order that, when the drawer is pulled out, and the
lid is raised, as shown in Fig. 1, it may not strike against the knob of the drawer
immediately above it, but as shown, the knob projects into the opening and part
way through it, and thus the lid may be raised to a sufficient extent to permit the
coupons X, to be deposited and removed conveniently.
In the frame above each drawer, and in front thereof, is a cross-bar Y, so
located that the drawer may be moved in and out without being impeded, but
when the drawer is partly opened; the front end of the finger W, springs into
place above the rod, and, as the drawer is moved forward, to a further extent, the
fingers rise along the rod and cause the lid to be raised. The finger, it will be
observed, is inclined from its rear end upwardly, and thus facilitates the opening
of the lid, as the drawer is pulled out. There is sufficient elasticity or
"spring
in the material of which the finger is formed to cause it to yield when the drawer
is being closed, and to move into position above the rod Y, when the drawer is
opened. As shown in Fig. 2, the finger bears at all times, when the drawer is
closed, against the top of the case above the drawer, and slides along the top
while the drawer or tray is being opened or closed. When the drawer is being
closed, the front end of the finger is depressed and serves to hold the lid down and
keep the coupons in place. The tongue W, is for the purpose of holding due-bills
L

page_text: or memoranda slips 2, which are used when no coupons are deposited in the
drawer to correspond with a sale.
It should he understood that the cabinet is designed for use in connection with
coupon pass-books, furnished to the customers. Each customer is furnished with a
pass-book, and he is assigned a number. The pass-books are alphabetically
arranged in the drawer B, where the customer does not care to carry his own
pass-book. The items of the sales are entered on the leaves of the pass-book,
and the items are footed up at the end of the purchase. This gives a correct
figure to guide in removing the requisite number of coupons. After the coupons
are removed, the amount of the sale is entered on the register sheet S, and the
detached coupons are placed in one of the drawers V, assigned to the customer.
If a customer should not bring his book with him at the time of making his
purchase, a due-bill is made, which is placed under the tongue W', as indicated
in Fig. 1. When the book is brought, the items of the sale are transferred from
the due-bill to the pass-book, and the due-bill may be destroyed. At this time,
also, the proper number of coupons are removed from the pass-book, and the
amount of the purchase is entered on the register sheet. In sending out goods on
approval, a memorandum of them may be made on a slip of paper and placed under
the tongue W, and if a purchase results from this transaction, the memorandum
or bill is removed and the proper entries made on the register-sheet and in the
coupon book.
In depositing coupons in the drawers, they may be so arranged that
the figure on the margin of the last coupon may be in sight in order that the status
of the customer's account or the amount he owes may be determined.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is-
1. The combination with the case or cabinet, of a series of coupon drawers or
trays, a register sheet and its frame below the coupon trays, a money drawer below
the register sheet, and a drawer having compartments for arranging pass books,
substantially as described.
2. The combination of the case, the money drawer, the dog pivoted to the case
and engaging with the money drawer and the key engaging with the dog, for the
purpose specified.
3. The combination of the case, the money drawer, the dog pivoted to the case
and engaging with the money-drawer, the key engaging with the dog to operate it,
and the catch lever engaging with the key.
4. The combination of the case, the drawer, the dog pivoted to the case and
engaging with the drawer, the key engaging with the dog, and the spring-catch
engaging a groove in the key.
5. The combination of the sliding drawer, an inkstand in the drawer and adapted
to move back and forth therewith, a stationary cover above the drawer and having
an opening in it in line with the opening of the inkstand when the drawer is
closed, whereby a pen may be passed through the cover and into the inkstand to
lock the drawer, substantially as described.
6. The combination of the case, the drawer, an inkstand in the drawer, an
opening in the case above the drawer for the insertion of a peu, and means for
opening and closing said opening as the drawer is opened and closed.
7. The combination of the case, the drawer, an inkstand in the drawer, openings
in the case above the drawer, a slide for opening and closing said opening in the
case, and connections between the slide and the drawer.
8. The combination of the case, the money drawer, a register sheet, a frame
above the money drawer in which the register sheet is held, and a series of coupon
drawers arranged in a case above the register sheet and in rear thereof.
9. The combination of the case, the register sheet, the frame in which the
register sheet is held, and a removable frame or grid for holding the register sheet
in position.

page_text: 10. The combination of the case, the register sheet, the frame in which the
register sheet is held, and a removable frame or grid comprising top and bottom
pieces and a series of connecting bars.
11. The combination of the register sheet, its frame, the grid having the top and
bottom pieces and connecting bars, the lugs projecting laterally from the grid into
recesses in the frame, and the caps for covering the recesses.
12. The coupon drawer or tray herein described having a lid pivotally connected
to the side below the top thereof, said lid being provided with a tongue movable.
relatively to the body of the lid and with a finger movable relatively to the tongue.
13. The combination with the case of a drawer having a lid pivoted thereto and
provided with a finger projecting upwardly and engaging with a rod or guide
secured to the frame at the front of the drawer.
14. The combination with the frame of a horizontally arranged rod, a drawer
adapted to slide back and forth in the frame, and a lid pivoted to the drawer and
having a finger which passes over the rod and causes the lid to rise as the drawer
is opened.
15. The coupon drawer herein described having a lid formed with a tongue, and
a finger having an opening at its rear end to accommodate the knob of an adjacent.
drawer, substantially as described.
Dated this 11th day of December 1893.
WARREN FRANKLIN BECK,
415, West First Street, Elmira, N.Y.