Currency Mechanism Retention
AssigneeMEI, Inc.
InventorEvan J. Cost
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system is disclosed for mounting currency mechanisms of various sizes and shapes in vending machines or the like. The system may allow for relatively simple installation and removal of currency mechanisms without the use of mounting screws. The system includes a mounting surface, a portion of which is adapted to mate with a first surface of a currency mechanism. A tab is extended from the mounting surface to engage an opening in the first surface of the currency mechanism. A retention device is coupled to the mounting surface and is manipulable to engage a second surface of the currency mechanism and to cooperate with the tab to grip the currency mechanism.
Claims49
A currency mechanism retention system comprising:
- a mounting surface, a portion of which is adapted to receive a first surface of a currency mechanism;
- a tab extended from the mounting surface to engage an opening in the first surface of the currency mechanism;
- and
- a retention device coupled to the mounting surface;
- wherein the retention device comprises a surface whose position is adjustable to engage a second surface of the currency mechanism and to cooperate with the tab to grip the currency mechanism.
A currency mechanism retention device comprising:
- a housing for mounting to a mounting surface;
- a rack coupled to the housing, wherein the rack is extendable an adjustable distance from the housing to contact a surface of the currency mechanism and to cooperate with a tab to grip the currency mechanism;
- and
- a rotatable drive gear within the housing and positionable to engage the rack;
- wherein the rotatable drive gear is adapted, upon rotation, to displace the rack linearly.
A currency mechanism retention device comprising:
- a lever that is pivotally attachable to a mounting surface near an aperture in the mounting surface, wherein the lever comprises an engagement section adapted to engage a surface of the currency mechanism and to cooperate with a tab to grip the currency mechanism;
- and
- a return spring attachable to the mounting surface and to the lever, the return spring attachable to bias the lever toward a currency mechanism retaining position.
An apparatus for mounting a currency mechanism in a vending or gaming machine wherein the apparatus comprises a mounting mechanism including a stepped cam.
An apparatus for mounting a currency mechanism in a vending or gaming machine wherein the apparatus comprises a rotatable drive gear and a rack with a base.
A method of mounting a currency mechanism having one of various sizes, the method comprising using a serration on a stepped cam to engage a surface of the currency mechanism.
A method of mounting a currency mechanism having one of various sizes, the method comprising:
- providing a housing with a rack whose position relative to the housing is adjustable;
- and
- adjusting the rack to engage a surface of the currency mechanism.
A method of mounting a currency mechanism, the method comprising:
- coupling a retention device to a mounting surface at a position that is adjacent to a currency mechanism holding area;
- positioning a currency mechanism in the currency mechanism holding area so that a tab extending from a mounting surface mates with an opening at a first surface of the currency mechanism;
- and
- manipulating the retention device to engage a second surface of the currency mechanism and to cooperate with the tab to grip the currency mechanism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.