GB846689A - Improvements in automatic collectors - Google Patents

Abstract

846,689. Coin-freed apparatus. ROBARDEY, J. F. July 17, 1958 [Aug. 20, 1957; July 15, 1958], No. 22998/58. Class 27 Apparatus for collecting articles for washing or mending or other purposes comprises a coin-freed device 8 which delivers a bag for putting the article in, together with a numbered ticket, and a container 1 having means which is released on operation of the coin-freed device to allow introduction of the article and then closes to prevent pilfering or misuse. As shown in Fig. 1, a cylinder 3 open over part of its circumference is pivoted at 4 in the container and normally an abutment 5<SP>1</SP> on the opening bears against a stop 20. On deposit of a coin or coins in the device 8, a drawer 10 can be pulled out to obtain a numbered plastic bag and a ticket or ticket and counterfoil and a cable connected to a latch engaging a counterweight 5 on the cylinder is withdrawn, allowing the weight to swing the cylinder to a partially-open position. The cylinder can then be swung to fully-open position for deposit of the bag containing the article and the ticket and, on release, will swing back to the closed position, in which the latch again engages behind the counterweight. To assist the return of the cylinder, coil or rubber springs tensioned during the full opening of the cylinder may be provided. In a modification, the cylinder is replaced by a drawer with a hinged bottom which is raised as the drawer is pulled open; if the drawer moves horizontally its initial opening movement may be ensured by springs but the drawer may be mounted on downwardlyinclined rails and be returned by springs. In a further modification, a counterweighted door, hinged at the top or bottom, is used.