Vehicle lock apparatus and method
US4518073A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 1983 |
| Grant date | May 21, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 8, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S194/905
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A lock mechanism (12) discriminates between "valid" and "invalid" keys that are mounted to grocery carts (114). A valid key (98) includes a key portion (106) that passes through an ingress template opening (21) and into the lock mechanism (12). The lock mechanism (12) includes a first door (42) and a second door (62) through which the key (98) must pass. Opening the first door (42) causes a door latch (50) to engage the second door (62) so that the second door (62) cannot be opened while the first door (42) is open. Once the first door (42) closes the second door is "enabled" to open, the door latch (50) returning to its original position. A depth gauge (66) is acted upon by the lowermost portion (112) of the key (98) so that the depth gauge (66) disengages from the second door (62) to allow the second door ( 62) to open once it is engaged by the valid key (98). Opening the second door (62) cocks a vend bar (40) which is connected to a vend mechanism within a dispenser column (14). Once the valid key (98) passes beyond the second door (62), the second door (62) returns to its original position and the vend bar (40) uncocks, thus causing the dispenser mechanism to issue a reward to …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.