Gate assembly for a coin selecting and separating device

Abstract

A gate assembly for a coin selecting and separating device in which a first gate is hingedly connected to a main plate and is movable selectively between an open position away from the main plate and a closed position adjacent to the main plate, and in which a second gate is hingedly connected to the main plate and is located between the first gate and the main plate, the second gate being movable selectively between an open position away from the main plate and a closed position adjacent the main plate. A spring disposed between the gates tends to urge the gates apart. A latch on the main plate selectively holds the first gate in its closed position, while the spring holds the second gate in its closed position. A release mechanism engages and moves the second gate selectively away from the main plate and toward the first gate against the loading of the spring to release a coin trapped in a coin passage provided between the second gate and main plate. The latch includes a pin having a keeper shoulder, the first gate having a catch shoulder engageable with the pin keeper shoulder in the closed position of the first gate, and the spring urging the catch and keeper shoulders together to maintain the first gate in the closed position. The pin is resilient so that the keeper shoulder snaps into overlapping engagement with the catch shoulder when the first gate is moved to the closed position.