Importance

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Abstract

A pop-out handle lock assembly having a frangible and easily replaceable handle portion is provided. As with other pop-out handle lock assemblies, the pop-out handle lock assembly of the present invention is used to lock a movable closure member relative to a stationary object such as a vending machine door and a vending machine cabinet, respectively. In operation, the pop-out handle lock assembly of the present invention is received by a housing which is mounted to the movable closure member. The housing, in particular, has a longitudinal slot formed therethrough, and includes a front face portion which abuts the movable closure member and a generally perpendicular rear guide portion which extends into the movable closure member. The pop-out lock assembly of the present invention includes a stem portion and a frangibly attached handle portion. The pop-out handle lock assembly also includes a lock plug assembly rotatable disposed within a bore in the stem portion and a threaded lock stud operatively connected thereto. In use, the handle portion may be frangibly detached from the stem portion without yielding access to the stationary object by applying a prying force between the handle portion and the front face portion of the housing. Also, an auxiliary replacement handle portion provides a convenient, simple, and inexpensive way to replace the handle portion once it has been tampered with and detached in the field.

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First Claim