Coin handling system

A pay telephone comprising:

• a coin validator operable to validate coins inserted into the pay telephone;
• a coin chute for guiding coins into said coin validator, said chute comprising an exit end proximate the coin validator, said coin chute comprising a multi-directional shape so that objects passing through said coin chute are forced to change directions, thereby inhibiting movement of objects other than coins through said coin chute, said coin chute comprising first and second chute pieces pivotally coupled together at their ends to allow said chute pieces to divide, each of said chute pieces comprising an opposite sidewall of said coin chute;
• means for biasing said first and second chute pieces together to form said coin chute;
• a return chute;
• means for moving said exit end of said coin chute from a rest position proximate said coin validator to a second position proximate said return chute and dividing said first and second chute pieces after said coin chute reaches said second position to clear said coin chute of any objects lodged therein;
• and
• said biasing means maintaining said first and second chute pieces together to form said chute and hold foreign objects within said chute until said exit end has moved to said second position.

A coin operated machine, comprising:

• an electronic coin validator;
• a chute for guiding coins into said coin validator, said chute comprising an exit end proximate the coin validator, said chute comprising a multidirectional shape for forcing objects passing on a path through said chute to change directions as the objects move through said chute, said chute comprising first and second chute pieces pivotally coupled together at one end to allow said chute pieces to divide, each of said chute pieces comprising an opposite sidewall of said chute, said of said chute pieces comprising an opposite sidewall of said chute;
• a biasing spring for biasing said first and second chute pieces together to form said chute;
• a return chute;
• and
• a coin return lever operable to divide said first and second chute pieces and operable to move said exit end of said coin chute from a rest position proximate said coin validator to a second position proximate said return chute to clear said coin chute of any objects lodged therein.

A coin handling system for use in a coin operated machine having a coin validator, comprising:

• a chute for guiding coins into the coin validator, said chute comprising an exit end proximate the coin validator, said chute comprising a multidirectional shape for forcing objects passing on a path through said chute to change directions as the objects move through said chute, said chute comprising first and second chute pieces, each of said chute pieces comprising an opposite sidewall of said chute, said chute comprising a coin entry operable to receive coins in an orientation defining a first plane;
• first and second biasing means, said first biasing means operable to hold said first and second chute pieces together to form said chute and said second biasing means operable to position said exit of said chute proximate the coin validator;
• and
• a surface integral with one of said chute pieces, said chute pieces defining a plane askew with respect to said first plane such that said first and second chute pieces separate if said surface is forcibly impacted by a foreign object inside said chute, thereby forcing said foreign object to exit said chute between said separated chute pieces.