Slat for enhancing coin distribution in coin bin and security grate incorporating same

• US 20060196754A1
• Filed: 11/04/2005
• Published: 09/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: John Blake, Mark C. Munro, Steve Bochonok
• Original Assignee: John Blake, Mark C. Munro, Steve Bochonok
• Inventors: Blake, John R., Munro, Mark C., Bochonok, Steve
• Granted Patent: US 8,616,359 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 194/347
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 1/02 giving change coin-actuated mechanisms in general G07F
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 9/00 Counting coins in combination with coin-sorting G07D3/16; Handling of coins not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 1/04 Coin chutes

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a security grate for limiting access to a coin bin is disclosed. The security grate comprises a plurality of generally parallel upper slats and a plurality of generally parallel slats disposed below the upper slats. The plurality of first slats receives coins and directs coins moving under the force of gravity in a first direction. The plurality of lower slats receive coins from the upper slats and direct the coins moving under the force of gravity in a second direction.

Claims

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44. A security feature for a coin bin having a plurality of slats extending downwardly from a coin input area toward an interior volume of an associated coin bin, comprising:

a slat having a base portion extending downwardly in a first direction and an elongated portion extending downwardly in a second direction different than the first direction,

wherein a length of the elongated portion is greater than a length of the base portion.

45. A security feature for a coin bin according to claim 44, wherein the elongated portion of the slat extends downwardly at an angle with respect to the horizontal between about 0-24°

.

46. A security feature for a coin bin according to claim 44, wherein the elongated portion of the slat extends downwardly at an angle with respect to the horizontal between about 18-24°

.

47. A security feature for a coin bin according to claim 44, wherein a lateral portion of the elongated portion of the slat extends downwardly at an angle with respect to the elongated portion between about 8-10°

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48. A security feature for a coin bin according to claim 44, wherein lateral portions of the elongated portion of the slat extend downwardly at an angle with respect to the elongated portion between about 8-10°

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49. A security feature for a coin bin according to claim 44, wherein an end portion of the elongated portion of the slat extends downwardly at an angle with respect to the elongated portion between about 0-10°

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50. A security feature for a coin bin according to claim 45, wherein a lateral portion of the elongated portion of the slat extends downwardly at an angle with respect to the elongated portion between about 8-10°

.

51. A security feature for a coin bin according to claim 45, wherein lateral portions of the elongated portion of the slat extend downwardly at an angle with respect to the elongated portion between about 8-10°

.

52. A security feature for a coin bin according to claim 45, wherein an end portion of the elongated portion of the slat extends downwardly at an angle with respect to the elongated portion between about 0-10°

.

53. A security feature for a coin bin according to claim 46, wherein a lateral portion of the elongated portion of the slat extends downwardly at an angle with respect to the elongated portion between about 8-10°

.

54. A security feature for a coin bin according to claim 46, wherein lateral portions of the elongated portion of the slat extend downwardly at an angle with respect to the elongated portion between about 8-10°

.

55. A security feature for a coin bin according to claim 46, wherein an end portion of the elongated portion of the slat extends downwardly at an angle with respect to the elongated portion between about 0-10°

.