Merchandise-vending machine

Claim 1

A coin controlled merchandise-vending machine comprising a merchandise storage member, a base having a plate-receiving opening therein and operative to support said storage member, a merchandise-dispensing mechanism, a mechanism plate positioned to form a closure member for said plate-receiving opening and having a coin-receiving slot, means pivotally mounting said plate adjacent to an edge thereof in said plate-receiving opening, said plate being removable from the opening by outward pivotal movement thereof, fastening means on the inside of said plate and on said housing and having a fastened condition for precluding pivotal movement of said plate to prevent removal thereof and a release condition permitting said plate to be pivoted outwardly, a slug rejector mechanism on said plate and operative to distinguish coins from slugs, a coin-runway strip on said plate for transporting the coins and the slugs from said slot to said slug rejector mechanism, a rotary coin wheel mounted on said plate and having a coin pocket for receiving coins that pass through said slug rejector mechanism, means connecting the merchandise-dispensing mechanism to said coin wheel and cArrying a handle projecting from the front of said plate, a cashbox positioned in said base and beneath said mechanism plate and having a lock to prevent unauthorized removal of said cashbox, whereby said lock must be unlocked and said cashbox removed to gain access to said fastening means, a coin chute on said plate for transferring coins from said coin wheel to the cashbox, and a slug chute on said plate for carrying slugs from the slug rejector mechanism out of said merchandise-vending machine.