Lock assembly for vending machines and method for locking and unlocking same
US6068305A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 8, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/1082
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A lock assembly for a vending machine is provided for locking and unlocking a movable door of the vending machine with a remotely controlled electronic latching mechanism. The lock assembly includes at least one keeper assembly disposed on the door of the vending machine and at least one latching mechanism disposed within the interior of the vending machine and positioned for selective interaction and engagement with the keeper assembly when the door is moved between open, intermediate, and closed positions. When the door is moved from the open position toward the intermediate position, the latching mechanism captures the keeper assembly. Once captured, the latching mechanism is then withdrawn within the vending machine to pull the door into the closed position wherein a gasket disposed between the door and the vending machine is substantially uniformly compressed and sealed around its periphery. The lock assembly is also provided with a remote control unit which provides instructions to the electronic circuitry of the locking mechanism. For example, when the door is in the closed position, the door may be opened by transmitting a remote control signal from the remote control unit …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.