US2220175A - Newspaper and magazine vending machine - Google Patents

Description

Filed March 11, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 h 79 F: 2:51 :T: 7y Inn/Q1551:

2o (or w. c. RICEI 2,220,175

Filed March 11, 1938 3 SheetsSheet 2 i l l l I \l v I l u l I l I F 1 .u -11= Nov. 5, 1940.

NEWSPAPER AND MAGAZINE VENDING MACHINE Nov. 5, 1940. w ,R,' E 2,220,175

NEWSPAPER AND MAGAZINE VENDING MACHINE Filed March 11, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Nov. 5, 1940 'UNITED STATES PATENT orrlcr.

NEWSPAPER AND MAGAZINE VENDING MACHINE Wallace 0. Rice, Bridgeton, N. J. j Application March 11, 1938, Serial-No.195,246 Claims. (01. 312-57 My invention relates to a machine more espein the plane of one ofthe slotways which is posicially adapted for vending newspapers and magationed to receive a coin.

zines through the operation of a lever operable FigureQ is a similar view showing the slotway upon the insertion of a proper coin or coins; that closed. v a 5 is to say, the machine preferably involves a num- The machine may consist of a single unit or 5 ber of units for newspapers and for different of any desired number of units as illustrated in sized magazines, each unit being adapted or ad- Figure 1 with each unit adapted to vend a difjusted to newspapers, or to magazines, of subferent sized newspaper and/or magazine and the n stantially equal size and salable at the same (a coin receiving and operating mechanisms adlo given) price.

One object of the invention is the provision of The mechanisms in each unit are identical and coin controlled mechanism which may be readily their operations are similanso that description adjusted by the vender to merely receive a coin of a single unit (which constitutes a complete or coins of a preselected size and which may be machine) will sufliceT 1? easily regulated to move into lever releasing posi The machine may be made of metal, Wood, or

tion upon the introduction of a coin or coins of any other suitable rigid material, and of crosspred'etermined weight; said mechanism involvsectional configuration suited to the newspapers ing a number of regulable coin receiving slots and or magazines to be vended; the respective units an adjustable oounterpoise whereby the same unit I0,Iin Figure L'being arranged in superposed and -30 may be readily adapted to different priced newsback-to-back relation and each unit preferably papers or magazines. provided at the forward end with a hinged lid I I Another object of the invention is the provision provided: with glass panels; suitable locking of mechanism whereby the newspapers or magameans being, provided to prevent improper access.

zines are forced toward the delivery opening and The front wall of the unit preferably is arranged the foremost newspaper or magazine is separated at a slope as shown to accommodate the verticalfrom the remainder and released through the ly arranged newspapersor magazineswhich are delivery opening. arranged with the folded or bound edges down- The invention also has for its object the prowardly, as shown at A in Figure 3--and alsosprovision of a machine which is comparatively simple vide for a discharge opening adjacent the front so in construction and positive in operation and of the casing and controlled by a downwardly atthe same time not expensive in manufacture. opening door l2.

The objects and advantages of my invention The bottom of the casing is preferably prowill all be more readily comprehended from the vided with a pair of laterally spaced paper supdetailed description of the accompanying drawporting brackets l3, 13 adapted to present smooth ings, wherein: and comparatively narrow surfaces to the edges Figure 1 is a perspective view of the upper porof the newspapers or magazines to eliminate frictic-n of the machine, illustrating a number of tion and allow the pap Slide ye superposed units: and units arranged in back to newspapers or magazines, as previously stated,

backrelation. I are arranged with the folded or bound edges Figure 2 is a sectional elevation of one unit of resting on the slideways or brackets l3; the 40 the machine with thefront wall removed. new p p rs or magazines being p ed f rw rdly Figure 3 is a verticalsectional view taken subthrough h action of a follower p at M w ich stantially on the line 3 3 of Figure 2, looking i supported and Controlled y a p i of pr n in the direction of the arrows. l5, IS. The springs l5, iii are preferably of the Figure 4 is a cross sectional view taken sublong arm type shown in Figure 2 so as to exert 45 stantially on the line 4-4 of Figure 2, looking substantially equal pressure at all timesyone arm downwardly, p I M of each spring I5 being secured to the rear wall Figure 5 is a perspective view of one of the of the casing by suitable brackets as at l6, while control fingers shown in Figure 4. the other arm of each spring is secured to the Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view taken on rear face of the follower or pressure plate l4 by 50 the line B-6 of Figure 2, looking in the direction suitable brackets as at l1, see Figure 3; the brackof the arrows. ets l6 and I1 being such that a wide bearing for Figure 7 is a perspective View, partly in section, the ends of the springs is provided to prevent imof the coin receiving slotways. proper twisting.

figure; Saisalcrossesectionaliviewl of. same taken Arranged intermediate of the slideways or sup- 55 justed to the required sizes and weights of coins. l0

with a supporting plate or bracket 2|, provided with upstanding lobes 22, 22, to which fingers l8, l8 are pivotally secured intermediate of their ends as shown at 23, 23 in Figure 4, so as to permit the fingers to rock vertically. The bracket 2| is also provided with an upstanding lobe 24 to which a rocker bar 25 is pivotally secured intermediate of its ends as shown in Figure 4by bearing 26. The rocker bar 25 is controlled by an arm 28, fixedly secured to'the drop door I2 the arm 28 preferably having slot and pinconnection with one end of rocker bar 25, see Figure 3. It is apparent from this construction, that when door I2 is swung downwardly, arm 28 will tilt the adjacent end of the rocker bar 25 upwardly and move the opposite end of bar 25 downwardly; the rocker bar 25 tilting about the pin or screw 26. l

i The ends of the horizontally disposed rocker bar 25 are' each provided with a pair of-laterally disposed spherical extensions 29, see Figure 4, which are adapted to extend into suitable slots or sockets 30, formed at the inner ends of the fingers I8, I 8 and '|9, I9; the construction of these fingersbeing substantially identical and more clearly disclosed in Figure 5.

Arranged adjacent the rocker bar 25 and the fingers l8 and I9 are a pair of arcuate adjusting arms or curved members 3|, 3| pivotally secured, intermediate of their ends at 32, to the plate or bracket 2|, so as to permit these arms to be oscillated in a horizontal direction. The outer ends of these arms 3|, 3| are shown provided with a 45 pair of parallel ears 33, spaced to receive the fingers |9, |9 therebetween; the fingers 9, l9 being pivotally secured to the ears 33 at 34 so as to permit the fingers l9 to oscillate in a vertical direction; the arms 3| and fingers I9 being sufficiently spaced to permit the desired oscillation. The inner ends of the arms 3|, 3| are arranged in lapping'relation and each provided with a slot as shown in Figure 4 to receive a pin 35 carried by angle plate 36, which in turn is controlled by thumb-screw 31 secured in the rear wall of the housing 2|]. Upon rotating thumb-screw 37, angle plate'36 is caused to ridelengthwise of the thumb-screw and by reason of pin 35 the arms 3 3| will both be simultaneously oscillated on their pivot'points 32, 32 so as either to move their outer ends (and hence fingers l9, l9) nearer to or farther away from fingers l8, l8, depending on the direction of rotation of the thumb-screw 31. As is apparent from the construction just described, the spacing between the outer upstanding ends of the fingers l8 and I9 may be regulated to the thickness of the newspapers or magazines to be dispensed.

Assuming that the spacing between the fingers l8 and |9 as shown in Figure 4 is just suifioient for passage of the usual weekly newspaper, in order to adapt the machine to the bulkier Sunday newspaper, the operator will turn the thumbscrew 31 in the direction which causes angle plate 36 to ridetoward the end of the thumb-screw 3 ing controlled by downwardly swinging door |2 when the latter has been opened by the mechanism later to be described.

One side of the main casing is shown provided with a vertical partition 38 spaced from the side wall of the main casing to provide a compartment for the coin controlled operating mechanism.

The outer wall of the casing and near the top is provided with a predetermined sized opening or, if desired, slots as shown at 39 in Figures 1 and 6; and secured to the partition 38, or to the main casing coincident with the opening or slots 39, is a cylindrical shell 46 with a segmental cutout or opening 4| arranged coincident and coextensive with the opening or slots 39 in the casing; the shell 40 being non-rotatably secured in place. Telescopically arranged on the cylindrical shell 46 are a predetermined number of circular bands, as for example shown at 42, 43, 44 and 45; each provided with a slot or cut-away portion 46 of prearranged width and length adapted for insertion of a coin of a given denomination. That is to say, the slot or cut-away portion 46 of band 42, for example, may be of vertical and circumferential dimensions just suificient to receive a quarter or twenty-five cent piece; the slot 46 of band '43 just sufiicient for insertion of a dime; the slot 46 of band 44 just sufficient for insertion of a five cent piece; and the slot 46 of band 45 arranged to receive a one-cent piece. It will be understood, of course, that the number and particular arrangement of the bands may be varied in keeping with the needs and prices of the papers or magazines that are to be dispensed. These bands are intended to be rotated on the inner shell so that the desired slot or slots 46 may be in proper register with the cut-away portion 4|, while other slots 46 will be out of register. Each band is provided with a finger piece or binding screw 4'! which is adapted to effect binding relation with the inner shell 40 and thereby prevent unauthorized manipulation of the bands; the finger pieces 41 being located within the machine 'where unauthorized access cannot be had.

The shell 40 is open at the bottom and disposed about the shell is a chute or coin slideway 48 provided with a downwardly disposed orifice as shown in Figure 6.

Secured to the casing wall and to the partition 38 is a knife-edge fulcrum member 49 (see Figure 6) on which the beam member 50 of a suitable balance mechanism is fulcrumed; the beam 50 preferably being in the nature of spaced apart parallel bars in order to prevent sidewise tilting of the beam (see Figure 2) and this beam at one end is provided with a coin receiving pocket 5| provided with a downwardly opening bottom 52 pivoted at 53. The bottom 52 is provided with an upstanding side 54 which may constitute one wall of the pocket; and the ends of the bottom forming sheet are bent downwardly to provide a pair of parallelly arranged and spaced apart depending wings 55 provided with a transversely arranged rod or pin 56.

The bottom 52 is held in closed position by a suitable spring 51 secured to the upstanding side 54 and to thebeam memberv 50.

The opposite end of the beam member 50 has a counterweight and latch member 58 pivotally secured thereto.

The beam member 50 is provided with a slidable counterpoise 59 which consists of a metal block of predetermined weight and preferably arranged to straddle'and slide on both bars of the beam 50, as shown in Figure 2.

The position of the counterpoise 59 is controlled by the link 60 whose opposite end is pivotally connected with an arm 6| which is fixedly secured to a pin 62 which is disposed through partition 38 and the opposite end of pin 62 provided with a finger 63, shown in dotted lines in Figure 6 and accessible to the vendor from the paper holding compartment of the machine when the main door H is opened for the insertion of. the papers or magazines.

The partition 38 may be provided with a scale or with a series of holes as at 64 arranged adjacent the tip of finger 63; the scale or arrangement of the holes being provided to aid the vendor in obtaining the correct position of the counterpoise 59 for operation of the balance mechanism when a coin or coins of given weight are inserted through the slot regulating means heretofore described. In order that accidental shifting of the finger 63 may be prevented, the finger may be provided with a small pin adapted to enter the selected hole 64, or other suitable means may be employed.

In order to limit the degree of movement of the beam 50, the partition 38 is provided with a stop pin 65 which prevents the too far upward 40 swing of the coin pocket end of the beam and a second stop pin 66 which prevents the too far upward movement of the counterbalance end of the beam. I

Pivotally mounted on the partition, in the path 95 of the downwardly swinging pocket, is a hookshaped lever 61, whose one endis pivotally connected to a link 68 which in turn is pivotally connected with a rocker plate 69 which is fixedly secured to a shaft which extends to the ex- 50 terior of. the main casing and is there provided with a pull lever 1 I, see Figure 2.

The rocker plate 69 is intended to rock or tilt toward the right in Figure 6, and is returned to the normal position shown in Figure 6 by a 55 suitable spring 12.

Adjustably secured to the upper end of rocker plate 69 is an upstanding member 13 which extends into the plane of the lower end of counterbalance member 58 when the balance mechanism has not been provided with coins of the preselected weight determined by the positioning of the counterpoise 59 as heretofore described. With the mechanism in the condition illustrated in Figure 6, it is impossible to operate the pull 5 lever H because member 13, secured to rocker plate 69, cannot pass counterbalance member 58; the latter being held against oscillatory movement in one direction by the stop plate 14, secured to the partition 38, and by a stop pin W0 against movement in the other direction.

Pivotally secured to the forward end of rocker plate 69 is a link 16, whose other end is secured to an upwardly disposed end or flange ll of the drop door l2 at the delivery opening of the ma- 715 chine.

Any suitable means or receptacle may be provided to receive the coins discharged from the coin pocket 5| of the balance mechanism, as for example shown at I8; and the partition 38 provided with an opening through which the coin receptacle [8 may be withdrawn by an authorized individual.

In practice, the vendor initially regulates the spacing between fingers l 8 and 19 in keeping with the thickness of the folded papers to be dispensed and then inserts the uniformly folded newspapers on the slideway or brackets l3, l3 with their folded edges downward, as shown in Figure 3.

With drop door I2 normally in closed position as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the position of fingers l8, l8 and l9, [9 will be as indicated in Figures 2 and 3, namely with the tips of fingers l8, l8 disposed upwardly into the path of the newspapers as shown in Figure 3 and thus hold the papers against further movement to the left in Figure 3 induced by the pressure of the spring controlled follower plate l4.

While the tips of fingers l8, l8 are in the holding position mentioned, the tips of fingers l9, l9 are in retracted or lowered position and in a vertical plane immediately rearward of the rear side of the firstnewspaper of the lot, as shown in Figure 3.

The vendor at the time of loading the machine also adjusts the coin slots to the size of coin or coins of proper denomination and also adjusts finger or indicator 63 at the point of the scale or designated hole 64 so as to position the counterpoise 59 so that the beam 50 will not tilt until a coin or coins of proper weight have been introduced.

With the paper control fingers l8, I8 and I9, I 9, the coin slot bands, and the counterpoise mechanism all adjusted as just stated and the newspapers inserted as described, the machine is in condition for vending and the main door II, of course, is closed.

Upon insertion of the proper coin or coins, the latter will drop into pocket 5| of the balance mechanism and cause the beam 50 to tilt downwardly Where the pin or rod 56 secured to the depending flanges of the pocket-bottom will be in position to be engaged by hook-lever 61 when the purchaser operates pull lever ll. Beam 50 having been tilted as just described, causes counterweight latch member 58 to be raised out of the path of upstanding bar 13, thus enabling the purchaser to operate lever H. The downward oscillatory movement of lever it rotates shaft III and causes plate 69 to oscillate with it, thereby opening the delivery door l2, which in turn causes a tilting of rocker bar 25 in such manner that the tips of fingers l8, 18 will be retracted out of contact with the foremost paper and at the same time move the tips of fingers 9, i9 upwardly into the path of the second newspaper so as to hold the latter and the succeeding papers against movement toward the discharge opening; the foremost paper at this time having been allowed to dropthrough the discharge opening at the forward lower side of the machine. Upon releasing lever 71, the mechanism is immediately returned to normal position through the action of the spring F2; at which time door 18, i9 actuated thereby so that fingers l8, H! are again in newspaper holding position and fingers l9, 19 in their retracted position.

'During the tilting of rocker plate BS- -induced by the operator pulling down lever 'Ilhook I2 is closed and the fingers member '61 also has been tilted, so the hook-end will slightly engage over the pin or rod 56 secured to the depending flanges 55 of the bottom 52 of the coin pocket 5|, thereby causing the bottom 52 to be tilted about its pivot 53 allowing the coin or coinsv to drop down into the receptacle 18. As soon as the coin or coins are released from the pocket 5|, the balance mechanismythrough the action of the counterweight 58,"will be returned to normal position; and the-,pull-lever ll withthe rocker plate 69 and its; associated elements, including the delivery door :IZ, will be returned to normal position through the action of spring 12. The return of the delivery door I2 causes member 25 to be returned to the position shown in Figure 3 where the tips of fingers-l8 again will be in posi-ti'onxto hold the foremost paper or magazine from "movement off of slideways I 3, l3 toward the. delivery opening, while-fingers I9, l9 will be jretracted and in position to pass upward between the foremost and next succeeding newspaper or magazine as heretofore described.

"It isapparent that my improved machine not only provides for the use of a coin or coins of preselected dimensions through adjustment by the-vendor of the coin receiving slots, but also requires the use of a coin or coins of the required gram weight, thus affording adequate production to the vendor; at the same time my improved machine permits ready adjustment to be made by the vendor to adapt the machine to newspapers or magazines of different thickness and selling at a different price.

I have illustrated what I believe to be a desirable embodiment of my invention which has been described in terms employed for purposes of description and not as terms of limitation, as structural modifications are possible and may be made without, however, departing from the spirit of my invention.

What I claim is:

l. A machine of the character described comprising a casing provided with a newspaper or magazine holding compartment having a discharge opening in the bottom adjacent one end; a closure member for said opening; means whereby the newspapers or magazines are constantly urged toward said opening; means mounted in the casing adjacent the discharge opening and movable into and out of the path of the newspapers or magazines for holding the latter at the opening, a portion of said means being adapted to move into the path of the succeeding newspaper or magazine when the other portion of said means moves out of the path of the foremost newspaper or magazine; means whereby the spacing between the two portions of said last mentioned means may be regulated to the thickness of the newspapers or magazines; spring controlled means, operable from the casing exterior, having link connection with the closure member, whereby the latter is operated and normally held in closed position; and coin controlled latch mechanism tiltably mounted in the casing and normally holding said last mentioned means against operation, said latch mechanism being adapted to tilt out of holding position through the action of an inserted coin.

2. In a machine of the character described, a casing adapted to hold folded newspapers or magazines on edge and provided with a discharge opening in its bottom adjacent the forward end thereof; a closure member for said opening; vertically tiltable members arranged adjacent the discharge opening, in the path of movement of the newspapers or magazines whereby the latter are retarded in their movement toward said opening, said tiltable members being arranged in pairs and the pairs adjustably spaced from each other in the direction of movement of the papers or magazines; lever mechanism adapted to be operated by said closure member and having operative connection with all of said tiltably mounted members whereby one pair of said members is tiltedout of the path of the foremost paper or magazine while the other pair of members is tilted into the'path of the succeeding paper or newspaper; an externally operable spring controlled lever having link connection at its inner end with the closure member whereby the latter is controlled; and coin controlled latch mechanism whereby the lever is normally held against operation. l

3. In a machine of the character described,

a chamber adapted to hold newspapers or maga-' zines on edge so as to slide horizontally, said chamber having a delivery opening in its bottom adjacent one end thereof; means whereby the newspapers or magazines are under constant pressure toward said opening; a downwardly opening door for said opening; a plurality of newspaper or magazine controlling fingers tiltably mounted in the bottom of said chamber adjacent said delivery opening, saidfingers being arranged in pairs and the pairs arranged in adjustable spaced relation and adapted to alternately tilt into and out of newspaper and magazine holding position when the door is operated; means operatively associated with said fingers and with said door whereby one pair of said fingers is tilted out of holding engagement with the foremost paper or magazine and the other pair of fingers tilted into holding engagement with the succeeding paper or magazinewhen the door' is operated; means whereby the spacing between the pairs of fingers may be adjusted to newspapers or magazines of,

different thickness; a lever for operating'said door; and coin controlled latch mechanism for normally holding the lever against operation.

4. Ina machine of the character described, a chamberfor holding newspapers or magazines on edge and having ,a discharge opening in its bottom at one end; means for urging the papers or magazines toward said opening; a door for said opening normally held in closed position; a spring controlled lever, operable from the chamber exterior, having link connection with said door whereby the latter may be opened; a plurality of newspaper or magazine controlling fingers tiltably mounted intermediate of their ends adjacent to said opening, said fingers being arranged'in spaced apart groups and the groups being operatively.v connected with the door whereby 'toalternately tilt into holding position when the door is operated, the fingers of one group tilting out of holding engagement with the foremost paper or magazine while the second group tilts into holding engagement with the succeeding pa-' per or magazine when the door is operated; regulable means whereby the spacing between the two groups of fingers may be regulated to the thickness of the newspapers or magazines; and coin controlled latch mechanism for normally holding the lever against operation.

5. A machine of the character described, comprising a casing adapted to hold a plurality of newspapers or magazines on edge and having a. discharge opening in its bottom; a downwardly swinging door for said opening; means whereby the newspapers or magazines are constantly urged toward said opening; a plurality of vertically tiltable fingers pivotally mounted intermediate of their ends and arranged adjacent the discharge opening, said fingers being arranged in pairs and the fingers of each pair being disposed in opposite directions, the pairs being spaced apart in the direction of movement of the papers or magazines; a-rocker bar operatively connected at its ends with the fingers of the two pairs whereby the freeends of the fingers of one pair are tilted upwardly while the free ends of the fingers of the other pair are tilted downwardly; means whereby the rocker bar is actuated through movement of the door; a lever operable from the casing exterior and having link connection with said door; and coin controlled latch mechanism whereby the lever and said link mechanism are held against movement.

WALLACE C. RICE.

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