Drive-in Window Unit

Abstract

A drive-in window unit embodying a frame having separate cash and merchandise compartments selectively movable into place rearwardly of a window opening.

Description

The present invention relates to improvements in a drive-in window unit in which the service window is closed at all times so as to provide security from robbery while affording convenience to the clerk and customer.

More particularly, the invention comprises a closure structure arranged rearwardly of the service window and which is slidably movable to make available to the customer, a depository for money and ready access to the merchandise purchased. The closure structure is mounted on tracks extending parallel to the plane of the window so as not to be readily displaceable from its position in the rear of the service window but which is easily moved along said tracks when in use. It includes two compartments, one containing a cash drawer and the other adapted to receive the merchandise to be delivered to the customer, either one of which may be positioned in register with the service window upon being shifted along the tracks.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a drive-in window unit of the character referred to.

Another object is to provide a structure of the character referred to constructed so as to afford complete visibility both by the customer and the clerk.

Another object is to provide a structure of the character referred to which affords maximum security against robbery.

Another object is to provide a window unit comprised of bullet-proof glass.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent with reference to the following description and accompanying drawing.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the drive-in window unit viewed from the inside.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof, with the top wall partially broken away.

Referring to the exemplary disclosure of the invention as shown in the accompanying drawings, the drive-in window unit structure comprises a counter top 11 having, on the customer side, a bullet-proof window 12 provided with a service opening 13. Arranged rearwardly of the opening 13 is a frame structure 14 of a length about twice the width of the window opening, and also of bullet-proof glass, that is supported upon rollers 15 that ride in channel tracks 16 on the counter top. These rollers and tracks prevent the frame structure 14 from being pushed away from the rear side of the window opening while permitting it to be slid along the counter top for purposes to be described presently.

The frame or closure structure, which is substantially Z-shaped in plan, is comprised of two compartments 17 and 18. The compartment 17 is defined by a front wall 19 and side walls 20,21. The front wall has an opening therein in which a cash drawer 22 is mounted for projection and retraction. When the frame is positioned to locate the drawer 22 in front of the service opening 13, as shown, a customer or the clerk may move the drawer into projecting or open position. Money can then be deposited therein and the drawer retracted whereupon the money can be removed by the clerk. Change can be given to the customer by the same procedure.

The other compartment 18 is comprised of side walls 21, 23 and a connecting back wall 24. A floor 25 may be provided in this compartment. The top and the side facing the window 12 are open. This compartment is used to receive the merchandise, and when same is placed therein by the clerk, through the open top side, the frame structure is shifted to the left, as shown in the drawings, to position the merchandise compartment 18 in front of the window opening 13. The customer can then reach in through the window opening 13 and through the open front side of the compartment and withdraw the merchandise.

It should be apparent that the window opening 13 is never uncovered hence the clerk is fully protected against robbery. In order to further shield him against gun fire attempted through the window opening, as when the drawer is open or the merchandise compartment is in line with the window, opening, there is provided, secured firmly to the window 12 above the window opening, a cover wall 26 of bullet-proof glass which overlies part of the frame structure aligned with the window opening.

Although I have described a preferred embodiment of my invention, in considerable detail, it will be understood that the description thereof is intended to be illustrative, rather than restrictive, as details of the structure may be modified of changed without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, I do not desire to be restricted to the exact construction shown.

Claims

I claim:

1. A drive-in window unit comprising, in combination, a counter surface, a window arranged at one edge of and extending upwardly from the counter surface, said window having a service opening therein, a frame structure including a cash drawer compartment and a merchandise compartment arranged on said counter to the rear of said window, and tracks on said counter along which the frame structure may be moved to selectively locate either compartment in front of the window opening.

2. The unit recited in claim 1, in which the merchandise compartment has an open front side.

3. The unit recited in claim 1, in which the merchandise compartment is open on its top side.

4. The unit recited in claim 1, in which a protective top wall overlies at least a part of the frame structure.

5. The unit recited in claim 1, in which the frame structure is mounted on wheels guided in said tracks.

6. The unit recited in claim 1, in which the cash drawer compartment has a front wall in which a cash drawer is mounted.

7. The unit recited in claim 1, in which the frame structure is substantially Z-shaped in plan.

8. The unit recited in claim 1, in which the width of the window opening is less than one-half the length of the frame structure.