Installation tool for coin box drop

#This invention relates generally to the field of specialized tools, and more particularly to an improved tool for installing an improved coin acceptor in a coin-operated device such as a commercial laundering machine, dryer, or the like.

#Such devices are traditionally provided with a coin acceptor of the coin slide type in which coins are positioned upon the slide to permit the slide to be moved inwardly to commence operation. At an innermost point on the path of travel, the coins are dropped into a chute, following which the slide returns to its initial position. More recently, there have been developed improved electronic devices which perform the same function in the absence of a coin slide and which allow more flexibility in the ability to accept large numbers of coins for the commencement of each cycle.

#The replacement of the coin slide with the electronic device can be accomplished without great difficulty, but in such replacement, the location of the coin chute or slot leading to a collection box is displaced relative to the former location, and the opening in a plate supporting the device and disposed above the coin box must be either enlarged, or a new slot-like opening formed. Where large numbers of such coin-operated machines are converted, it is desirable to provide a specialised simple tool which will conveniently enlarge the coin slot opening without excess cutting, and with minimum effort on the part of the installer.

#In the drawings, to which reference will be made in the specification, similar reference characters have been employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

#FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an internal frame element forming part of a coin box.

#FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof.

#In accordance with the invention, and with reference to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an existing form of coin box housing, generally indicated by reference character 10 normally provided for a coin slide type of coin receiver. It includes a forward facing wall 11 which is vertically oriented, a horizontal wall 12 disposed inwardly thereof to provide an upper recess 13 in which the coin slide is disposed, and a lower recess 14 which contains a coin box (the coin slide and coin box being conventional, and not illustrated).

#The forwardly facing wall 11 includes a peripheral flange 20. An upper portion 21 includes first and second circular openings 22 and 23, a larger irregularly shaped opening 24, and a third circular opening 25 which are already present to enable mounting of the existing coin slide structure (not shown). A lower portion 26 forms a large rectangular opening 27 through which the coin box may be withdrawn.

#The horizontal wall 12 is preferably welded at a forward edge thereof to the wall 11, and includes an upper surface enclosing a rectangular pre-existing opening 31, which must be enlarged to include the area 32 indicated in dashed lines, in order to accommodate the electronic coin acceptor.