Anti-theft latch mechanism especially suitable for vending machines
Patent 5193862 Issued on March 16, 1993. Estimated Expiration Date: 
February 6, 2012. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
February 6, 2012. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 197115 1112620 1596324 1613023 2090638 2702866 3314703 3678716 Rotating latch with positive indication of latching Lock for automatic vending machines Patent #: 4993247 InventorApplicationNo. 832216 filed on 02/06/1992US Classes:292/50, Flexible292/110, Operating means292/125, Flexible292/251ScrewExaminersPrimary: Moore, Richard E.Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassE05C 009/00AbstractAn anti-theft latch mechanism is especially suitable for securing vending machines. According to the present invention, a control mechanism (such as a rotatable stud attached to a knob) includes a clutch arrangement by which the control mechanism remotely controls a latch portion. Thus, the control mechanism is not rigidly tied to the remote latch, thereby avoiding possible damage to the latch and relaxing design criteria for the mechanism as a whole. A latch portion prevents vandals or thieves from pushing the door either inward or outward as they attempt to gain entry to the inside of the vending machine. For this purpose, the latch provides a cove in which a catch in the side of the vending machine is enclosed at least partially on all four sides when the door is closed. This cove arrangement substantially prevents the latch from being shaken loose even when the vandal or thief jars the machine. | |
