US3206111A - Tamper-proof cover for coin boxes - Google Patents

Tamper-proof cover for coin boxes Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3206111A
US3206111A US331262A US33126263A US3206111A US 3206111 A US3206111 A US 3206111A US 331262 A US331262 A US 331262A US 33126263 A US33126263 A US 33126263A US 3206111 A US3206111 A US 3206111A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
pin
cover
coin
opening
frangible
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US331262A
Inventor
Louis A Labe
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US331262A priority Critical patent/US3206111A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3206111A publication Critical patent/US3206111A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/06Coin boxes

Definitions

  • This invention relates to coin receptacles and more particularly to tamper-proof coin receptacles having a frangible opening over a coin release to show the unauthorized opening thereof, particularly the opening of a coin collecting receptacle by persons authorized to handle such receptacles.
  • the coin operated vending machines are spread throughout various stores and other establishments in and around populated areas.
  • the servicemen of the machines are assigned routes and generally such a route takes several hours or the most of a working day to cover.
  • Such a time lapse allows a dishonest serviceman to remove coins from the boxes in many different ways, eg., making keys to t the locks, etc.
  • new locks and keys are devised, however, new ways to clandestinely penetrate a lock are immediately devised and the losses are only temporarily stopped.
  • the keys are immediately made available for the serviceman so that there is no break in the loss.
  • the owners My invention broadly is to provide a frangible cover for the coin boxes of coin operated machines so that While it is easy to break the cover and have access to the interior of the coin box, entry into the coin box is immediately and always known.
  • the invention provides a cover which prevents the accidental removal of coins from the coin box, and prevents entrance into the coin box through the cover Without physically showing such an entry has occurred.
  • the device of the invention involves the use of a plastic cover of a non-circular configuration which tightly fits over the opening of a coin box and which is held in place by a spring latch which is only removable by the turning of the cover holder; the turning of the cover holder, however, fractures the cover, making such turning immediately discernible.
  • a cover for a coin receptacle which cannot be removed without fracturing a portion of the cover, making the removal of it discernible.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive cover for a coin box which does not require a key for the removal but is only removed by fracturing and thereby breaking a portion of the cover.
  • a still further object of the invention is to provide a cover for the coin removal opening of a coin receptacle which is easily broken for removal of the coins therein, but is not removable Without such a breaking.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a cross section of a portion of the device of FIG. 1 taken along section lines 2 2;
  • FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional View of a modified form of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a still further modiiied form of the invention with a metal closure covering the opening of a coin box;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cover device of FIG. 4 in assembled position
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforced cover according to the invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one form of frangible coin box cover according to the invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional View of the device of FIG. 7 taken along section line 8 8.
  • the coin receptacles of most coin operated vending machines are metal. These are, generally, provided with a coin receiving sl-ot Vand a larger opening for removal of coins.
  • the coin slot of the box automatically closes when the Ibox is removed from the machine. This prevents inadvertent removal of the coins as well as deliberate removal through the slot.
  • the boxes ygene-rally have a locked cover closing the coin removal slot.
  • the coin operated machine itself normally, has a locked covering back which encloses the box completely internally of the device.
  • the present invention in general provides a plastic cover for the coin opening of such boxes which is arranged so that it cannot be removed without breaking the holding mechanism which immediately makes entry -intlo the coin box known.
  • a box or receptacle 10 is provided with a .closab'le coin chute 1l1 which has a mechanism (not shown) for closing lthe chute as the devi-ce is withdrawn from the vending machine, and a .plastic frangible cover shown in ⁇ general by the numeral ,12.
  • the coin box is provided with la front 15, a side 16, and a top 17.
  • the front of the box is provided with a coin release opening 18 having a recessed lip 19 (FIG. 2) extending around the opening.
  • yA tubular holder 20 is secured to the inside back ofthe box by any conventional means, as by spot welding, and extends c'anftilevered toward ⁇ the openin-g.
  • 'Ihe frangible cover for the opening includes a planar member 2S having a pin secured to and extending therethrough including square :outer port-ion 26 and an inner portion 27 on opposite sides secured centrally therein.
  • the inner portion 27 is a circular extension of and depends from the square portion 26 for positioning interiorly :of the box to telescope into the tube 20.
  • the round section 27 has a pair of opposed notches 28 in the tip, which fare notched only on opposed sides of the round projection.
  • the cover includes a peripheral side wall 30 having a reversed Lip 31 for mating into the groove 19 around the opening edge, to prevent prying underneaththe cover.
  • the tubular member 20 is provided with a spring catch 33 which snaps into one of the notches in the pin through the cover.
  • the pair of notches are on opposite sides so that the cover can be placed over the opening in either direction, but being oblong, obviously, cannot be placed in all four directions. rI'fhe spring clip is secured by screws 34 -and 35 to the tube
  • planar member 25 is joined to the square outer portion 26 through a weakened area 37 which surrounds the pin and joins the planar member to the square.
  • the plastic of the cover should be brittle and readily frangi-ble so that Lon turning the pin the weakened area 37 therearound will break for access to the box.
  • a cover wi-t-h the locking mechanism in place is positioned over Ithe opening lof the coin box.
  • the pin is pressed inwardly ⁇ so that its yinner end telescopes in the tube and the spring snaps into one of the notches in the round end of the holder.
  • the reverse lip of the cover seats into the groove 19 around the opening and prevents pry up of the cover for entrance around the edge.
  • the reverse lip in the groove also prevents movement of the ⁇ cover when the pin is turned, thus preventing removal of the cover with the pin intact.
  • the shape of the cover be such that it will only lit in one or two ways; the rectangular shape shown Will t in -two different ways.
  • the purpose of the cover is only to prevent the entrance into the box by persons who have authority to lhandle the boxes but ⁇ do not have authority to enter the boxes.
  • the covers -for the boxes may :be coded as to date, etc., so that the probability of compromising the system is virtually nil.
  • the box 40 is provided with front side 41, sides 42, a bottom (not shown) and a top 43.
  • the top includes side ilanges 44 and 45 which are arranged to t into an adapter or holder in the vending machine.
  • the box includes a coin chute or slot 46 and an opening 47 for removal of the coins.
  • a coverlock mechanism 48 is arranged at one side of the opening, and a cocking lever 49 for cocking the mechanism which automatically closes the coin chute 46 on removal of the box from the machine, is provided internally of the box.
  • the cocking mechanism for the coin slot is not a 4v v part of the invention and will not be described in detail.
  • a metal cover 5G is provided for the opening 47 and it includes a'metal insert 51 under a peripheral flange 52 which extends all the way around the box. The edge of the opening of the box slips between the ange 52 and the lip 51 to secure that side of the cover in the opening.
  • the cover is provided with a central ⁇ planar area 54 which is recessed from the flange 52 by a short wall 55 extending around the planar area.
  • the circular opening 56 provides means for inserting the lock mechanism of a frangible plastic cover which is arranged to t in the recessed area of the cover. The opening 56 is arranged to register with the locking tube 48.
  • the frangible cover portion includes a slightly bowed, thin planar member 60 having a short side wall 61 extending therearound'and a lock mechanism which includes a square stud 62 extending through the plastic to a rounded portion 63 having a pair of opposed notches 64 and 65.
  • the area 60a adjacent to stud 62 provides a weakened junction for breaking the stud from the member 60a on turning the stud relative to the planar member.
  • a rounded end 66 is arranged for inserting the device into the locking tube 48 easily.
  • a safety pin type of catch 67 is mounted on the tube which is notched to accommodate the safety pin so that the sides of the pin are inside the opening of the tube in position to mate with the notches 64 and 65.
  • This cover is used in the same manner as the above described cover except that the metal cover is initially placed over the opening by placing the insert and ange around the side of the box opposite the locking mechanism and then pushing the metal cover into position over the opening 47. The plastic cover is then inserted into the recessed area and the locking stud 62 is pushed into the tube 48 where the end 66 passes between the legs of the safety pin 67 so that they drop into the notches 64 and 65, securely locking the mechanism in the tube.
  • a pair of pliers or other tool grasps the square stud, turning the same more or less to break the stud 62 from the plastic cover 60 and to provide a release of the pin from the safety pin holder.
  • the plastic cover is discarded and the metal cover withdrawn from the opening.
  • the cover and pin both are discarded.
  • the coins may now be removed from the box.
  • a modified cover is shown in FIG. 6 wherein a locking stud 70 is provided with a square end 71 and a rounded end 72.
  • the point 73 is rounded for penetration into the tubular member and is provided with opposed notches 74.
  • 'Ihe cover includes a planar area 75 and side walls 76 therearound.
  • the cover is provided with a reverse lip 77 for fitting a groove around the opening.
  • the area around the pin 70 is weakened at 78 so that the pin may be easily broken from the cover for removal from the coin box.
  • a second piece of plastic 79 is welded to the round portion of the pin and prevents the coins from directly striking the cover, nwhich might accidentally break the cover from the pin.
  • the member 79 being securely attached to the pin 70 does not break from the pin and is removed with the pin as it is withdrawn from the tube. This provides a reinforcement for the cover to prevent accidental breakage.
  • FIGS. 7 and 8 A further modified cover is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, which provides a cover for the opening of a ⁇ coin box and the cover itself is reinforced to prevent accidental breaking of the cover.
  • the cover is provided with a planar portion 25a attached to a pin 26a.
  • the pin includes a round portion 27a with notches 28a therein.
  • Side walls 30a extend around the periphery of the planar member 25a and terminates in a reverse lip 31a arranged for seating in the groove around the opening.
  • radially directed embossed grooves 39 extend from adjacent the pin to each corner.
  • the cover is provided with a weakened area 37a around the square portion of the pin 26a.
  • a box 80 is provided with a back 81, top 82 and a front cover 83, and, of course, a bottom cover which is not shown.
  • the front includes an opening 94 closable by a cover.
  • a tube 85 for securing the cover in place is provided internally of the box.
  • the top of the inside of the box is provided with an arcuate insert 86 which aids in the emptying of the coins from the box in inverted position.
  • a coin slot 87 is arranged to be covered with a slide 89 which is operated by a rack and pinion arrangement 90, the pinion of which is turned by a knob 91.
  • a cocking lever 92 is provided which permits cocking the mechanism so the slide 89 opens the coin chute, but as the box is inserted into the machine, a lever trips the mechanism to automatically close the coin slot as the box is withdrawn from the machine. The coin chute cannot be opened again until the cover is removed and the lever cocked.
  • the cover arrangement of FIG. 3 is similar to that of FIG. 4 and includes a metal cover 54 having a flange 50.
  • the ange 50 is arranged to seat in the recessed opening 94 of the coin box 89. utilized in the same manner, and its locking pin end 66 is inserted into the tube 8S.
  • the safety pin 67 secures the pin in position. When it is desired to open the box the pin 62 is turned, breaking it from the frangible cover so that the metal cover may be removed.
  • the plastic planar area 60 is shown to be slightly bowed so as to press against the cover.
  • the bowed cover maintains the plastic cover in contact with the metal cover and prevents any unauthorized entrance into the box.
  • box or container e.g., safety deposit boxes, etc.
  • a receptacle comprising a hollow member having enclosing walls and at least one opening, cover means for said opening including a thin frangible member, a pin secured to said frangible member and extending beyond both sides thereof, one end of said pin arranged to extend internally of said hollow member, means in said hollow member for gripping said inner end of said pin in at least one position holding said frangible member in place, there being a weakened area at the juncture of said pin and said cover means, and the outer end of said pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said frangible member for rupturing the juncture between the pin and the frangible member for removal of the frangible member from said receptacle.
  • a receptacle comprising a hollow member having enclosing walls and at least one opening, cover means enclosing said opening, said cover means being a thin frangible planar member, a pin secured through said frangible planar member and extending beyond both sides thereof, one end of said pin arranged to extend internally of said hollow member, means in said hollow member for gripping said inner end of said pin in at least one position holding said frangible member in place, there being a weakened area at the juncture of said pin and said cover means, and the outer end of said pin arranged for turning Vsaid pin in relation to said frangible mem-
  • the plastic insert is ber ⁇ for rupturing the juncture between the pin and the frangible member for removal of the frangible member from said receptacle.
  • a lreceptacle comprising a hollow member having enclosing walls and at least one non-circular opening, a thin frangible member covering said opening, a pin secured through said frangible member and extending beyond both sides thereof, one end of said pin arranged to extend internally of said hollow member, means in said hollow member for gripping said inner end of said pin holding said frangible member in place, there being a weakened area at the juncture of said pin and said frangible member, and the outer end of said pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said frangible member for rupturing the juncture between the pin and the frangible member for removal of the frangible member from said receptacle.
  • a receptacle comprising a hollow member having enclosing walls and at least one quadrangular opening, cover means for said opening including a thin frangible quadrangular member, a pin secured to said quadrangular rnember and extending ⁇ beyond ⁇ both sides thereof, one end of said pin arranged to extend internally of said hollow member, means in said hollow member for gripping said inner end of said pin holding said quadrangular member in place, there being a weakened area at the juncture of said pin and said quadrangular member, and the outer end of said pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said quadrangular member for rupturing the juncture between the pinand vthe quadrangular member for removal of the quadrangular member from said receptacle.
  • a receptacle according to claim 4 in which said end of said pin extending into said hollow member has at least one notch and said means for gripping includes a spring catch for registering in said notch.
  • a coin receiving receptacle comprising a hollow member having enclosing walls and at least one coin dispensing opening and a coin receiving opening, cover means for said Icoin dispensing opening including a frangible member, a pin secured through said frangible member and extending beyond both sides thereof, means internally, of said hollow member for a gripping engagement 4with the inner end of said pin in at least one position, the 1 ⁇ inner end of said pin arranged for engagement with said gripping engagement means in said receptacle for holding said frangible member in place covering the opening, there being a weakened area adjacent the juncture of said pin and said frangible member, and the outer end of said pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said frangible member for rupturing the connection between said pin and said frangible member thereby releasing the gripping engagement of the inner end of the pin with said gripping engagement means.
  • a coin receiving receptacle comprising a hollow member having enclosing walls and at least one noncircular coin dispensing opening and a coin receiving opening, cover means for said coin dispensing opening including a planar frangible member, a pin secured through said frangible member and extending beyond both sides thereof, means internally of said hollow member for a gripping engagement with the inner end of said pin in at least one position of rotation, the inner end of said pin being circular in cross section and arranged for engagement with said gripping engagement means in said receptacle for holding said frangible member in place covering the opening, there being a weakened area adjacent the juncture of said pin and said frangible means, and the outer end of said pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said cover for rupturing the connection between said pin and said frangible means and releasing the gripping engagement of the inner end of the pin with said gripping engagement means.
  • a coin receiving receptacle comprising a hollow member having enclosing walls and at least one quadrangular coin dispensing opening and a coin receiving opening, frangible plastic cover means for said coin dispensing opening, a pin secured through said cover means and extending beyond both sides thereof, tubular means internally of said hollow member for telescoping engagement with the inner end of said pin, lock means associated with said tubular means for locking said inner end of said pin in at least one position, there being a weakened area adjacent the juncture of said pin and said cover means, and the other end of said pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said cover for rupturing the junctureibetween said pin and said cover means and releasing the locking engagement of the inner end of the pin.
  • a coin receptacle comprising a hollow member having a coin receiving open-ing and a coin dispensing opening, cover means for said coin dispensing opening including a metal cover arranged to close the opening, there lbeing a small opening in said cover, a planar frangible member arranged to seat against said cover, a pin secured through said frangible member and extending on both sides thereof, the inner end -of said lpin arranged to pass through the opening in said cover and interiorly of said hollow member, means in said hollow member for gripping engagement with said inner end of the pin for holding the frangible member and cover in place, there being a weakened area at the juncture of said pin and said frangible member, and the outer end of saidV pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said frangible member for rupturing the juncture therebetween for removal of said cover means from said receptaclevand the pin from said grip engaging means.
  • a coin receptacle comprising a hollow member having a coin receiving opening and a quadrangular coin vdispensing opening, cover means for said coin dispensing opening including a metal cover arranged to close the opening, there being a small opening in said cover, a planar frangible member arranged to seat against said cover, a pin secured through said frangible member and extending on both sides thereof, the inner end of said pin being cylindrical and arranged to pass through the opening in said cover and interiorly of said hollow member, means in said hollow member forgripping engagement with said inner end of the pin for holding the cover in place in at least one position, there being a weakened area at the juncture of said pin and said frangible means, and the outer end of said pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said cover for rupturing the juncture between said pin and said cover means for removal of said cover means from said receptacle and the pin from said grip engaging means.
  • Cover means for a coin receptacle having a coin dispensing opening comprising a frangible planar member having a peripheral side wall, a pin secured through said frangible member and extending on both sides thereof, the inner end of said pin being cylindrical and arranged for engagement with a locking means internally of a receptacle for holding said frangible member in place covering the opening, there being an area weakened adjacent the juncture of said pin and said frangible planar member, and the outer end of said pin being non-cylindrical for turning said pin in relation to said frangible planar member for rupturing the juncture therebetween.
  • Cover means for a coin receptacle having a coin dispensing opening ocmprising a quadrangular planar frangible member having a peripheral side wall arranged t0 cover said opening, a pin secured through said frangible member and extending on both sides thereof, the inner end of said pin being cylindrical and having opposed notches adjacent its end, said pin being non-circular at its connection with said frangible member, there being a weakened area at the juncture of said pin and said frangible member, and the outer end of said pin being non-circular and arranged for turning said pin in relation to said frangible member for rupturing the juncture therebetween.

Description

sept. 14, 1965 Filed Dec. 17, 1963 A. LABE 3,206,111
TAMPER-PROOF COVER FOR COIN BOXES 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Louis A. Lobe ATTORNEYS SePt- 14, 1965 Y L. A. LABE 3,206,111
TAMPER-PROOF COVER FOR COIN BOXES Filed Deo. 17, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Louis A. Lube lg 8 BY ATTURNEYS United States Patent O 3,206,111 TANIPER-PROOF COVER FOR COIN BOXES Louis A. Labe, 3076 Magnolia St., Denver, Colo. Filed Dec. 17, 1963, Ser. No. 331,262 14 Claims. (Cl. 232--15) This invention relates to coin receptacles and more particularly to tamper-proof coin receptacles having a frangible opening over a coin release to show the unauthorized opening thereof, particularly the opening of a coin collecting receptacle by persons authorized to handle such receptacles.
The increased use of coin operated vending machines has greatly increased the hazards of theft of coins from the machines. Thieves who break into the machines to remove the coins, however, are not always a major source of loss to the machine owners. Also, the economics of the vending machine business prevents the use of coin boxes built like safes to thereby prevent the actual break-in by thieves. In the early history of coin operated vending machines, a serviceman was dispatched to rell the depleted goods and to remove the coins from the coin collection receptacle which was generally an open box internally of the machine. Sophistication of the system saw the introduction of locked coin collection boxes which were intended to be physically removed from the machine and be replaced by a similar locked empty coin box. The lled boxes were then taken to a central location for emptying and relocking for subsequent reuse.
The coin operated vending machines are spread throughout various stores and other establishments in and around populated areas. For efficiency, the servicemen of the machines are assigned routes and generally such a route takes several hours or the most of a working day to cover. Such a time lapse allows a dishonest serviceman to remove coins from the boxes in many different ways, eg., making keys to t the locks, etc. As new locks and keys are devised, however, new ways to clandestinely penetrate a lock are immediately devised and the losses are only temporarily stopped. In instances it has been found that persons working in the coin collecting department of such a coin operated machine company the working in conjunction with a serviceman so that as new locks are devised, the keys are immediately made available for the serviceman so that there is no break in the loss.
Another problem occurs where the owners of the establishment having the machines installed therein shares in the income produced by the machine. generally are insistent on an honest measure, and usually to insure themselves of an honest share had to physically count the take of each machine prior to the coins being removed from the premises. This not only creates a demand on the time of the owner to count the coins, but requires a bookkeeping system to account for the coins that leave the premises so that the actual receipts from the machine are known. This is not only unsatisfactory due to the forced Waiting for the serviceman by the owner, but the bookkeeping takes time and money to prepare. Where a great many machines are involved in one particular establishment, the problem is proportionately magnied. Logically the coin boxes are best handled and the coins counted at those places equipped to handle them, such as the machine owners establishment since such an owner generally services many times the number of machines vfound in any one establishment. Applicants invention prevents clandestine entry of the coin boxes and gives the establishments owner a better chance for a full count at the machine owners establishment.
The owners My invention broadly is to provide a frangible cover for the coin boxes of coin operated machines so that While it is easy to break the cover and have access to the interior of the coin box, entry into the coin box is immediately and always known. The invention provides a cover which prevents the accidental removal of coins from the coin box, and prevents entrance into the coin box through the cover Without physically showing such an entry has occurred. The device of the invention involves the use of a plastic cover of a non-circular configuration which tightly fits over the opening of a coin box and which is held in place by a spring latch which is only removable by the turning of the cover holder; the turning of the cover holder, however, fractures the cover, making such turning immediately discernible.
Included among the objects and advantages of the invention is a cover for a coin receptacle which cannot be removed without fracturing a portion of the cover, making the removal of it discernible.
A further object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive cover for a coin box which does not require a key for the removal but is only removed by fracturing and thereby breaking a portion of the cover.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a cover for the coin removal opening of a coin receptacle which is easily broken for removal of the coins therein, but is not removable Without such a breaking.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention may be readily ascertained by referring to the following description and appended illustrations, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of the invention; i
FIG. 2 is a cross section of a portion of the device of FIG. 1 taken along section lines 2 2;
FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional View of a modified form of the invention;
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a still further modiiied form of the invention with a metal closure covering the opening of a coin box;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cover device of FIG. 4 in assembled position;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforced cover according to the invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one form of frangible coin box cover according to the invention; and
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional View of the device of FIG. 7 taken along section line 8 8.
The coin receptacles of most coin operated vending machines are metal. These are, generally, provided with a coin receiving sl-ot Vand a larger opening for removal of coins. In the systems where the coin box is physical- =ly .removed from the machine and .an empty box placed in the machine, the coin slot of the box automatically closes when the Ibox is removed from the machine. This prevents inadvertent removal of the coins as well as deliberate removal through the slot. Further, the boxes ygene-rally have a locked cover closing the coin removal slot. The coin operated machine itself, normally, has a locked covering back which encloses the box completely internally of the device.
The present invention in general provides a plastic cover for the coin opening of such boxes which is arranged so that it cannot be removed without breaking the holding mechanism which immediately makes entry -intlo the coin box known.
-ln the device shown in FIG. 1 a box or receptacle 10 is provided with a .closab'le coin chute 1l1 which has a mechanism (not shown) for closing lthe chute as the devi-ce is withdrawn from the vending machine, and a .plastic frangible cover shown in `general by the numeral ,12. The coin box is provided with la front 15, a side 16, and a top 17. The front of the box is provided with a coin release opening 18 having a recessed lip 19 (FIG. 2) extending around the opening. yA tubular holder 20 is secured to the inside back ofthe box by any conventional means, as by spot welding, and extends c'anftilevered toward `the openin-g.
'Ihe frangible cover for the opening includes a planar member 2S having a pin secured to and extending therethrough including square :outer port-ion 26 and an inner portion 27 on opposite sides secured centrally therein. The inner portion 27 is a circular extension of and depends from the square portion 26 for positioning interiorly :of the box to telescope into the tube 20. The round section 27 has a pair of opposed notches 28 in the tip, which fare notched only on opposed sides of the round projection. The cover includes a peripheral side wall 30 having a reversed Lip 31 for mating into the groove 19 around the opening edge, to prevent prying underneaththe cover. The tubular member 20 is provided with a spring catch 33 which snaps into one of the notches in the pin through the cover. The pair of notches are on opposite sides so that the cover can be placed over the opening in either direction, but being oblong, obviously, cannot be placed in all four directions. rI'fhe spring clip is secured by screws 34 -and 35 to the tube 20,
'Ihe planar member 25 is joined to the square outer portion 26 through a weakened area 37 which surrounds the pin and joins the planar member to the square. The plastic of the cover should be brittle and readily frangi-ble so that Lon turning the pin the weakened area 37 therearound will break for access to the box.
For actual use, a cover wi-t-h the locking mechanism in place is positioned over Ithe opening lof the coin box. The pin is pressed inwardly `so that its yinner end telescopes in the tube and the spring snaps into one of the notches in the round end of the holder. In this position the reverse lip of the cover seats into the groove 19 around the opening and prevents pry up of the cover for entrance around the edge. The reverse lip in the groove also prevents movement of the `cover when the pin is turned, thus preventing removal of the cover with the pin intact. It is preferable that the shape of the cover be such that it will only lit in one or two ways; the rectangular shape shown Will t in -two different ways. Once the cover is seated in the opening `and the lock mechanism is secured, the only way that the cover may be removed is to turn the square shank so that it breaks the frangible attachment to the cover. This, also, turns the notches away from the spring so that the pin may be removed from ythe tube. Once the lock mechanism has been broken away from the ycover and the pin turned to be rer leased from the tube, the cover is then discarded, .and the coins may then be removed from the box. For reuse, a new unbroken cover is snapped into posi-tion on the box.
As explained above, the purpose of the cover is only to prevent the entrance into the box by persons who have authority to lhandle the boxes but `do not have authority to enter the boxes. By using different colors, etc. in the plastic, the covers -for the boxes may :be coded as to date, etc., so that the probability of compromising the system is virtually nil. The actual use of the cover system is inexpensive ;and the cost is justied since the added expense =of the expendible cover is more than made up by a single loss which could -occur without the system.
In the modification shown in FIG. 4, the box 40 is provided with front side 41, sides 42, a bottom (not shown) and a top 43. The top includes side ilanges 44 and 45 which are arranged to t into an adapter or holder in the vending machine. The box includes a coin chute or slot 46 and an opening 47 for removal of the coins. A coverlock mechanism 48 is arranged at one side of the opening, and a cocking lever 49 for cocking the mechanism which automatically closes the coin chute 46 on removal of the box from the machine, is provided internally of the box. The cocking mechanism for the coin slot is not a 4v v part of the invention and will not be described in detail.
A metal cover 5G is provided for the opening 47 and it includes a'metal insert 51 under a peripheral flange 52 which extends all the way around the box. The edge of the opening of the box slips between the ange 52 and the lip 51 to secure that side of the cover in the opening. The cover is provided with a central `planar area 54 which is recessed from the flange 52 by a short wall 55 extending around the planar area. The circular opening 56 provides means for inserting the lock mechanism of a frangible plastic cover which is arranged to t in the recessed area of the cover. The opening 56 is arranged to register with the locking tube 48.
The frangible cover portion includes a slightly bowed, thin planar member 60 having a short side wall 61 extending therearound'and a lock mechanism which includes a square stud 62 extending through the plastic to a rounded portion 63 having a pair of opposed notches 64 and 65. The area 60a adjacent to stud 62 provides a weakened junction for breaking the stud from the member 60a on turning the stud relative to the planar member. A rounded end 66 is arranged for inserting the device into the locking tube 48 easily. A safety pin type of catch 67 is mounted on the tube which is notched to accommodate the safety pin so that the sides of the pin are inside the opening of the tube in position to mate with the notches 64 and 65.
This cover is used in the same manner as the above described cover except that the metal cover is initially placed over the opening by placing the insert and ange around the side of the box opposite the locking mechanism and then pushing the metal cover into position over the opening 47. The plastic cover is then inserted into the recessed area and the locking stud 62 is pushed into the tube 48 where the end 66 passes between the legs of the safety pin 67 so that they drop into the notches 64 and 65, securely locking the mechanism in the tube.
To open the box, a pair of pliers or other tool grasps the square stud, turning the same more or less to break the stud 62 from the plastic cover 60 and to provide a release of the pin from the safety pin holder. The plastic cover is discarded and the metal cover withdrawn from the opening. The cover and pin both are discarded. The coins may now be removed from the box.
A modified cover is shown in FIG. 6 wherein a locking stud 70 is provided with a square end 71 and a rounded end 72. The point 73 is rounded for penetration into the tubular member and is provided with opposed notches 74. 'Ihe cover includes a planar area 75 and side walls 76 therearound. The cover is provided with a reverse lip 77 for fitting a groove around the opening. The area around the pin 70 is weakened at 78 so that the pin may be easily broken from the cover for removal from the coin box.
To protect the break-away cover a second piece of plastic 79 is welded to the round portion of the pin and prevents the coins from directly striking the cover, nwhich might accidentally break the cover from the pin. The member 79 being securely attached to the pin 70 does not break from the pin and is removed with the pin as it is withdrawn from the tube. This provides a reinforcement for the cover to prevent accidental breakage.
A further modified cover is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, which provides a cover for the opening of a `coin box and the cover itself is reinforced to prevent accidental breaking of the cover. In this case, the cover is provided with a planar portion 25a attached to a pin 26a. The pin includes a round portion 27a with notches 28a therein. Side walls 30a extend around the periphery of the planar member 25a and terminates in a reverse lip 31a arranged for seating in the groove around the opening. For reinforcement, radially directed embossed grooves 39 extend from adjacent the pin to each corner.
As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, the cover is provided with a weakened area 37a around the square portion of the pin 26a.
In the device shown in FIG. 3 a box 80 is provided with a back 81, top 82 and a front cover 83, and, of course, a bottom cover which is not shown. The front includes an opening 94 closable by a cover. A tube 85 for securing the cover in place is provided internally of the box. The top of the inside of the box is provided with an arcuate insert 86 which aids in the emptying of the coins from the box in inverted position. A coin slot 87 is arranged to be covered with a slide 89 which is operated by a rack and pinion arrangement 90, the pinion of which is turned by a knob 91. A cocking lever 92 is provided which permits cocking the mechanism so the slide 89 opens the coin chute, but as the box is inserted into the machine, a lever trips the mechanism to automatically close the coin slot as the box is withdrawn from the machine. The coin chute cannot be opened again until the cover is removed and the lever cocked.
The cover arrangement of FIG. 3 is similar to that of FIG. 4 and includes a metal cover 54 having a flange 50. The ange 50 is arranged to seat in the recessed opening 94 of the coin box 89. utilized in the same manner, and its locking pin end 66 is inserted into the tube 8S. The safety pin 67 secures the pin in position. When it is desired to open the box the pin 62 is turned, breaking it from the frangible cover so that the metal cover may be removed.
In the cross-sectional View of FIG. 5, the plastic planar area 60 is shown to be slightly bowed so as to press against the cover. The bowed cover maintains the plastic cover in contact with the metal cover and prevents any unauthorized entrance into the box.
It is, of course, recognized that the arrangement can be applied to any type of box in which unauthorized entry is wished to be detected. For most boxes it is virtually impossible to prevent breaking and entering. The plastic cover of this invention does not prevent entry but it prevents a clandestine entrance to the box by persons authorized to handle the boxes. It is, therefore, not limited strictly to coin boxes for vending machines,
but may be utilized for any other type of box or container, eg., safety deposit boxes, etc.
While the invention has been illustrated by reference to a particular device, there is no intention to limit the spirit and scope of the invention to the precise details so set forth except as defined in the following claims.
I claim:
1. A receptacle comprising a hollow member having enclosing walls and at least one opening, cover means for said opening including a thin frangible member, a pin secured to said frangible member and extending beyond both sides thereof, one end of said pin arranged to extend internally of said hollow member, means in said hollow member for gripping said inner end of said pin in at least one position holding said frangible member in place, there being a weakened area at the juncture of said pin and said cover means, and the outer end of said pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said frangible member for rupturing the juncture between the pin and the frangible member for removal of the frangible member from said receptacle.
2. A receptacle comprising a hollow member having enclosing walls and at least one opening, cover means enclosing said opening, said cover means being a thin frangible planar member, a pin secured through said frangible planar member and extending beyond both sides thereof, one end of said pin arranged to extend internally of said hollow member, means in said hollow member for gripping said inner end of said pin in at least one position holding said frangible member in place, there being a weakened area at the juncture of said pin and said cover means, and the outer end of said pin arranged for turning Vsaid pin in relation to said frangible mem- The plastic insert is ber` for rupturing the juncture between the pin and the frangible member for removal of the frangible member from said receptacle.
3. A lreceptacle comprising a hollow member having enclosing walls and at least one non-circular opening, a thin frangible member covering said opening, a pin secured through said frangible member and extending beyond both sides thereof, one end of said pin arranged to extend internally of said hollow member, means in said hollow member for gripping said inner end of said pin holding said frangible member in place, there being a weakened area at the juncture of said pin and said frangible member, and the outer end of said pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said frangible member for rupturing the juncture between the pin and the frangible member for removal of the frangible member from said receptacle.
4. A receptacle comprising a hollow member having enclosing walls and at least one quadrangular opening, cover means for said opening including a thin frangible quadrangular member, a pin secured to said quadrangular rnember and extending `beyond `both sides thereof, one end of said pin arranged to extend internally of said hollow member, means in said hollow member for gripping said inner end of said pin holding said quadrangular member in place, there being a weakened area at the juncture of said pin and said quadrangular member, and the outer end of said pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said quadrangular member for rupturing the juncture between the pinand vthe quadrangular member for removal of the quadrangular member from said receptacle.
5. A receptacle according to claim 4 in which said end of said pin extending into said hollow member has at least one notch and said means for gripping includes a spring catch for registering in said notch.
6. A coin receiving receptacle comprising a hollow member having enclosing walls and at least one coin dispensing opening and a coin receiving opening, cover means for said Icoin dispensing opening including a frangible member, a pin secured through said frangible member and extending beyond both sides thereof, means internally, of said hollow member for a gripping engagement 4with the inner end of said pin in at least one position, the 1` inner end of said pin arranged for engagement with said gripping engagement means in said receptacle for holding said frangible member in place covering the opening, there being a weakened area adjacent the juncture of said pin and said frangible member, and the outer end of said pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said frangible member for rupturing the connection between said pin and said frangible member thereby releasing the gripping engagement of the inner end of the pin with said gripping engagement means.
7. A coin receiving receptacle comprising a hollow member having enclosing walls and at least one noncircular coin dispensing opening and a coin receiving opening, cover means for said coin dispensing opening including a planar frangible member, a pin secured through said frangible member and extending beyond both sides thereof, means internally of said hollow member for a gripping engagement with the inner end of said pin in at least one position of rotation, the inner end of said pin being circular in cross section and arranged for engagement with said gripping engagement means in said receptacle for holding said frangible member in place covering the opening, there being a weakened area adjacent the juncture of said pin and said frangible means, and the outer end of said pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said cover for rupturing the connection between said pin and said frangible means and releasing the gripping engagement of the inner end of the pin with said gripping engagement means.
8. A coin receiving receptacle comprising a hollow member having enclosing walls and at least one quadrangular coin dispensing opening and a coin receiving opening, frangible plastic cover means for said coin dispensing opening, a pin secured through said cover means and extending beyond both sides thereof, tubular means internally of said hollow member for telescoping engagement with the inner end of said pin, lock means associated with said tubular means for locking said inner end of said pin in at least one position, there being a weakened area adjacent the juncture of said pin and said cover means, and the other end of said pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said cover for rupturing the junctureibetween said pin and said cover means and releasing the locking engagement of the inner end of the pin.
9. A receptacle according to claim 8 wherein said lock means is a spring fastener, and said inner end has at least one notch for engagement with said spring.
10. A receptacle according to claim 8 wherein said lock means is a safety pin type fastener associated with said tubular means and said inner end has a pair of opposed notches for engagement with said fastener.
11. A coin receptacle comprising a hollow member having a coin receiving open-ing and a coin dispensing opening, cover means for said coin dispensing opening including a metal cover arranged to close the opening, there lbeing a small opening in said cover, a planar frangible member arranged to seat against said cover, a pin secured through said frangible member and extending on both sides thereof, the inner end -of said lpin arranged to pass through the opening in said cover and interiorly of said hollow member, means in said hollow member for gripping engagement with said inner end of the pin for holding the frangible member and cover in place, there being a weakened area at the juncture of said pin and said frangible member, and the outer end of saidV pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said frangible member for rupturing the juncture therebetween for removal of said cover means from said receptaclevand the pin from said grip engaging means.
12. A coin receptacle comprisinga hollow member having a coin receiving opening and a quadrangular coin vdispensing opening, cover means for said coin dispensing opening including a metal cover arranged to close the opening, there being a small opening in said cover, a planar frangible member arranged to seat against said cover, a pin secured through said frangible member and extending on both sides thereof, the inner end of said pin being cylindrical and arranged to pass through the opening in said cover and interiorly of said hollow member, means in said hollow member forgripping engagement with said inner end of the pin for holding the cover in place in at least one position, there being a weakened area at the juncture of said pin and said frangible means, and the outer end of said pin arranged for turning said pin in relation to said cover for rupturing the juncture between said pin and said cover means for removal of said cover means from said receptacle and the pin from said grip engaging means.
13. Cover means for a coin receptacle having a coin dispensing opening comprising a frangible planar member having a peripheral side wall, a pin secured through said frangible member and extending on both sides thereof, the inner end of said pin being cylindrical and arranged for engagement with a locking means internally of a receptacle for holding said frangible member in place covering the opening, there being an area weakened adjacent the juncture of said pin and said frangible planar member, and the outer end of said pin being non-cylindrical for turning said pin in relation to said frangible planar member for rupturing the juncture therebetween.
14. Cover means for a coin receptacle having a coin dispensing opening ocmprising a quadrangular planar frangible member having a peripheral side wall arranged t0 cover said opening, a pin secured through said frangible member and extending on both sides thereof, the inner end of said pin being cylindrical and having opposed notches adjacent its end, said pin being non-circular at its connection with said frangible member, there being a weakened area at the juncture of said pin and said frangible member, and the outer end of said pin being non-circular and arranged for turning said pin in relation to said frangible member for rupturing the juncture therebetween.
References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,662,487 3/28 Briggs 70-422 1,964,528 6/34 Mills 232--15 2,371,114 3/45 Von Stoeser 232-15 2,420,125 5/ 47 Crist 220-27 2,571,542 10/51 Collins 220-27 l 2,856,122 10/58 Greenwald 232-15 3,028,992 4/ 62 Bucher et al 220-27 FRANK B. SHERRY, Primary Examiner.

Claims (1)

  1. 8. A COIN RECEIVING RECEPTACLE COMPRISING A HOLLOW MEMBER HAVING ENCLOSING WALLS AND AT THE LEAST ONE QUADRANDULAR COIN DISPENSING OPENING AND A COIN RECEIVING OPENING, FRANGIBLE PLASTIC COVER MENS FOR SAID COIN DISPENSING OPENING, A PIN SECURED THROUGH SAID COVER MEANS AND EXTENDING BEYOND BOTH SIDES THEREOF, TUBULAR MEANS INTERNALLY OF SAID HOLLOW MEMBER FOR TELESCOPING ENGAGEMENT WITH THE INNER END OF SAID PIN, LOCK MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID TUBULAR MEANS FOR LOCKING SAID INNER END OF SAID PIN IN AT LEAST ONE POSITION, THERE BEING A WEAKENED AREA ADJACENT THE JUNCTURE OF SAID PIN AND SAID COVER MEANS, AND THE OTHER END OF SAID PIN ARRANGED FOR TURNING SAID PIN IN RELATION OF SAID COVER FOR RUPTURING THE JUNCTURE BETWEEN SAID PIN AND SAID COVER MEANS AND RELEASING THE LOCKING ENGAGEMENT OF THE INNER END OF THE PIN.
US331262A 1963-12-17 1963-12-17 Tamper-proof cover for coin boxes Expired - Lifetime US3206111A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US331262A US3206111A (en) 1963-12-17 1963-12-17 Tamper-proof cover for coin boxes

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US331262A US3206111A (en) 1963-12-17 1963-12-17 Tamper-proof cover for coin boxes

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3206111A true US3206111A (en) 1965-09-14

Family

ID=23293240

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US331262A Expired - Lifetime US3206111A (en) 1963-12-17 1963-12-17 Tamper-proof cover for coin boxes

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US3206111A (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3645598A (en) * 1970-11-05 1972-02-29 Greenwald Ind Inc Reinforced coin drawer assembly
US4889279A (en) * 1988-08-24 1989-12-26 Mec-Prec Mecanica De Precisao Industria E Comercio Ltda. Safe for collecting public telephone tokens
US5009365A (en) * 1987-12-08 1991-04-23 Dominique Holtzer Removable coin storage receptacle for slot machines
USD637489S1 (en) 2010-12-10 2011-05-10 Pactiv Corporation Pull grip feature of a container lid
USD638704S1 (en) 2010-12-10 2011-05-31 Pactiv Corporation Container lid

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1662487A (en) * 1925-12-23 1928-03-13 Briggs & Stratton Corp Lock
US1964528A (en) * 1931-12-10 1934-06-26 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Coin receptacle cover
US2371114A (en) * 1945-03-06 Closure for coin-receiving
US2420125A (en) * 1945-07-06 1947-05-06 James J Crist Key guard
US2571542A (en) * 1947-12-10 1951-10-16 Arthur J Collins Closure for pouring spouts, connected thereto by a weakened, frangible element
US2856122A (en) * 1957-12-16 1958-10-14 Greenwald Co Inc H Theft-prevention coin collecting assembly
US3028992A (en) * 1959-08-24 1962-04-10 Clayton Corp Of Delaware Inc Reusable tamper-indicating container closure

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2371114A (en) * 1945-03-06 Closure for coin-receiving
US1662487A (en) * 1925-12-23 1928-03-13 Briggs & Stratton Corp Lock
US1964528A (en) * 1931-12-10 1934-06-26 Bell Telephone Labor Inc Coin receptacle cover
US2420125A (en) * 1945-07-06 1947-05-06 James J Crist Key guard
US2571542A (en) * 1947-12-10 1951-10-16 Arthur J Collins Closure for pouring spouts, connected thereto by a weakened, frangible element
US2856122A (en) * 1957-12-16 1958-10-14 Greenwald Co Inc H Theft-prevention coin collecting assembly
US3028992A (en) * 1959-08-24 1962-04-10 Clayton Corp Of Delaware Inc Reusable tamper-indicating container closure

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3645598A (en) * 1970-11-05 1972-02-29 Greenwald Ind Inc Reinforced coin drawer assembly
US5009365A (en) * 1987-12-08 1991-04-23 Dominique Holtzer Removable coin storage receptacle for slot machines
US4889279A (en) * 1988-08-24 1989-12-26 Mec-Prec Mecanica De Precisao Industria E Comercio Ltda. Safe for collecting public telephone tokens
USD637489S1 (en) 2010-12-10 2011-05-10 Pactiv Corporation Pull grip feature of a container lid
USD638704S1 (en) 2010-12-10 2011-05-31 Pactiv Corporation Container lid

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7631524B2 (en) Multi-shackle lock and method of using the multi-shackle lock
US2010877A (en) Safe box for motor vehicles
US5873457A (en) Anti-theft watch box
US3948376A (en) Coin-collecting receptacle for use in coin-operated devices
US3773252A (en) Self-locking cash box
US4784252A (en) Double door front locking newspaper vending machine
US2995025A (en) Key safe
US4641509A (en) Master keyboard
US4226102A (en) Meter lock
US3670955A (en) Exact fare system
US3206111A (en) Tamper-proof cover for coin boxes
EP0397303A2 (en) A self-locking bill accumulator
US3851942A (en) Meter box with vault latch
US5606883A (en) Display and dispensing device with lock securing structure
JPH0642244A (en) Storage device
US4267962A (en) Security system
US4370873A (en) Latch mechanism and vandal resistant housing
US4201333A (en) Fare collection apparatus
US3945228A (en) Coin-receiving mechanism for vending machines
US4372479A (en) Self-locking covered coin receptacle and automatic reset mechanism therefor
US4741454A (en) Protective enclosure for vending apparatus and the like
US3871284A (en) Coin box and lock mechanism
US4291831A (en) Security housing
US2319039A (en) Coin lock coat hanger
US4729509A (en) Coin collecting apparatus