Importance

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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 the returner of the cart. A channel (16) prevents the cart key from being upwardly removed once the cart key engages the channel (16) subsequent to passing through the lock mechanism (12).

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First Claim