Integrated hanging device for parking meter

• US 6,116,403 A
• Filed: 12/16/1998
• Issued: 09/12/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 07/08/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: POM, Inc.
• Original Assignee: POM, Inc.
• Inventors: Kiehl, William C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Olszewski, Robert P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): JAKETIC, BRYAN J
• Application Number:
  US09/212,552
• Time in Patent Office: 636 Days
• Field of Search: 194/350, 194/217, 312/111, 312/198, 312/312
• US Class Current: 194/217
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/248 Housing construction casings for coin-freed apparatus G07F9/10

Abstract

A clip or protrusion which is built into the mechanism of a parking meter allows the mechanism to be attached outside the meter housing in an upright position so that it can be evaluated and simple repairs can be performed quickly without dropping the mechanism onto the pavement. By designing the clip with tapered notches, the mechanism can be attached to various thicknesses or styles of meter housings.

Claims

1. A parking device, comprising:

a mechanism for the operation of said parking device;

a mechanism housing which encloses said mechanism in a first position during normal operations of said parking meter;

wherein said mechanism comprises an integral hanger portion for attaching said mechanism to said meter housing in a second position such that said mechanism is essentially external to said meter housing.

2. The parking device of claim 1, wherein said mechanism for the operation of said parking device comprise a microprocessor, coin recognition circuitry, and display equipment.

3. The parking device of claim 1, wherein said integral hanger portion will hold said mechanism in an upright position for meter housing thicknesses that varies by as much as 40 percent.

4. A method of fabricating a parking device, comprising the steps of:

(a.) fabricating mechanisms to monitor payments received by said parking device and to provide an indication of parking time purchased;

(b.) mounting said mechanisms on a framework;

(c.) enclosing said framework and said mechanisms in a first position within a meter housing;

wherein said framework contains an integral mechanical support connection which permits said framework and said mechanism to be attached to said meter housing in a second position which is external to said meter housing.

5. The parking device of claim 4, wherein said mechanisms comprise a microprocessor, coin recognition circuitry, and display equipment.

6. The parking device of claim 4, wherein said integral hanger portion will hold said mechanism in an upright position for meter housing thicknesses that vary by as much as 40 percent.

7. A method of operating a parking device, comprising the steps of:

(a.) for normal operation of said parking device, enclosing a framework, to which are attached mechanisms for the operation of said parking device, within a protective case;

(b.) for testing and onsite repair of said parking device, attaching said framework to said protective case by a first portion of said framework, wherein said mechanisms for the operation of said parking device are held upright in a position exterior to said protective case.

8. The parking device of claim 7, wherein said mechanisms for the operation of said parking device comprise a microprocessor, coin recognition circuitry, and display equipment.

9. The parking device of claim 7, wherein said mechanisms are held in an upright position for meter housing thicknesses that vary by 40 percent.