Bayonet locking system and method for vending machines and the like

#The present invention relates generally to locking devices and, more particularly, to a bayonet locking system for vending machines and the like and a method for locking and unlocking the same.

#In various machines such as vending machines, food machines, candy machines, refrigerated drink machines, and the like, there is ordinarily provided a lock assembly to prevent unauthorized access to the contents thereof. For example, some vending machines are provided with a key-activated lock assembly such as a pop-out T-handle lock assembly which allows an authorized user to open the door of the vending machine with a properly-encoded key. Such T-handle lock assemblies are well known in the art, as evidenced by numerous patents including U.S. Pat. No. 3,089,330 (Kerr), U.S. Pat. No. 3,550,412 (Pitel et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 4,552,001 (Roop), U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,721 (Steinbach), U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,561 (Myers), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,982 (Rawling). With such lock assemblies, the door is initially closed in a loose manner to catch the locking components of the lock assembly. Next, the handle of the locking assembly is rotated to draw the door against the housing of the vending machine and to compress a seal between the door and the housing. Other, more modem, vending machines are provided with a keypad activated lock assembly which permits the door of the vending machine to be opened when a predetermined access code or combination is entered into the keypad. The prior art, however, failed to provide a lock assembly which automatically pulls the door of a vending machine into a completely closed position against the housing and/or a lock assembly which utilizes a remotely controlled electronic latching mechanism to lock and unlock the door. More recently, however, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,305 (Myers et al.) such a locking system was proposed. Further refinements, improvements and better, different and improved locking components and systems have been sought by users and manufacturers of the machines.

#Accordingly, a general object of the present invention is to provide an improved locking system capable of even being a key-less electronic operated lock for vending machines and the like.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative vending type machine A with a door B, gasket B1 and cabinet C in a closed position and showing a remote controller D;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the machine of FIG. 1 with the door opened partially;

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the machine of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the door opened and showing the locking devices;

#Between Item 2 and mounting plate Item 5 mounting plate there is a thin plate to allow for a sliding friction plate surface this allows for a lubrication area.

#In consideration of the electrical functions of the system the following description applies to the controller utilized. This controller features unique combination of sensing and control that differentiate it from controllers used in the public domain.

#Locked to Unlocked: