Timer mechanism for rental equipment

• US 4,455,093 A
• Filed: 08/25/1982
• Issued: 06/19/1984
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1982
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Brenda R. Bowen, Gaylon D. Griffin
• Original Assignee: Brenda R. Bowen, Gaylon D. Griffin
• Inventors: Bowen, Brenda R., Griffin, Gaylon D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Roskoski, Bernard
• Application Number:
  US06/411,507
• Time in Patent Office: 664 Days
• Field of Search: 368/10, 368/98-101, 368/97, 368/102, 368/103-106, 368/107, 368/108, 70/267-273
• US Class Current: 368/10
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 3/00 Apparatus which can be set and started to measure-off predetermined or adjustably-fixed time intervals with driving mechanisms, e.g. dosimeters with clockwork

Abstract

A controlling device adapted particularly for use with rental equipment wherein it is desired to control or limit the time of operation of the rented equipment. The unit comprises a spring-wound motor which will wind down upon expiration of the rental time and cause a switch to open to thus cause a cessation of operation of the rented equipment. A key is employed for effecting the rotation of one of a plurality of arms which will in turn actuate an arm extending from a counting mechanism which will indicate the amount of time the rented equipment has been previously paid for by the rentor of the equipment.

Claims

1. A timer mechanism for rental equipment comprising a housing for said timer mechanism, a support plate mounted in said housing, a spring operated timer mechanism mounted on said support plate, a shaft extending from said timer mechanism, a rotor mounted for rotation on said shaft, a plurality of arms mounted for rotation with said rotor, an indicator mounted in said housing, a counter arm mounted on said indicator, a partially hollow key adapted to extend over said shaft, said rotor traveling downwardly along said shaft upon application of a downward force on said key, said arms on said rotor engaging said counter arm on said indicator when said rotor is in a depressed position and upon rotation of said key, said indicator will indicate the time interval for which the equipment has been rented.

2. The structure recited in claim 1 wherein a spring means is interposed between said spring operated timer mechanism and said rotor.

3. The structure recited in claim 1 wherein said housing is mounted within the casing surrounding some of the components of the rental equipment.

4. The structure recited in claim 1 wherein a detent is provided on said rotor.

5. The structure recited in claim 4 wherein said key is provided with a projection for engaging with said detent when said rotor is in a depressed position.