Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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1
"DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING SAME"
Cross Reference to Related Applications
The present application incorporates by reference and claims the
priority of pending provisional patent application no. 60/127,629, filed April
2, 1999.
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a vending machine for vending
articles, most notably beverage or food containers. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a vending machine having a cabinet with a
plurality of vertically spaced shelves, and an "X-Y" picker assembly for
receiving a packaged beverage from a shelf and for delivering the packaged
beverage to a delivery port in a front face of the cabinet, or to another
location as desired.
Background of the Invention
Various vending machines are known which dispense articles from
shelves or storage bins. Conventionally, the dispensed articles fall, under
the
influence of gravity, away from the shelf or storage bin. A chute is typically
located in the path of the falling article and directs the falling article to
a
discharge port located beneath the shelves or storage bins.
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Such conventional vending machines do not fully utilize the interior
space of the vending machine. Since gravity is used to deliver the article to
the discharge port, the space adjacent and beneath the discharge cannot be
used to store vendable articles. Therefore, the discharge port is typically
located in the lower portion of the vending machine, which may not always be
suitable for the users.
In such prior art dispensing apparatuses, there may also be multiple
escapement mechanisms, one for each row of products, which are configured
to dispense one of the products from the front of tech row. As may be
understood, such escapement mechanisms tend to add to the cost and burden
the reliability of the forty-five (45) separate escapement mechanisms.
Other haown devices include U.S. Patent No. 4,867,628 and German
Patent No. Dl=-U-846212. The U.S. reference shows a dispenser that moves
an article in or out of a storage compartment via a bin. The bin is operable
in
16 the Z-direction via a slide guide. The German reference apparently shows a
dispenser that removes an article from a storage compartment via a piercing
device that moves in the Z-direction.
Glass door vendors include a glass door on the front, with the glass
door being opened from the front by the servicing personnel. This allows the
servicing personnel to access the products through a front opining. Products
arc also visible by the consumer, which is an advantage. However, packout is
also a consideration in the building of the devices, especially if the
products
arc standing upright, and have dSfferent heighes. In such a situation the
highest
product on a particular shelf may result in poor packout if other lower
products are used within the same shelf. Furthermore, the gear motors are
used to drive the coils in each of the product dispensing areas in the glass
door
vendors again tend to add to the cost and burden the reliability of the
overall
dispensing apparatus.
However, the glass door vendors do have advantages; when a
customer walks up to a glass door vendor, he/she can see whether or not there
is product in the machine. If a customer cannot sec the product, them may be
some hesitation on behalf of the customer to use the vendor. The known
dispensing devices dcscnbed above would not be useful in the glass door
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vendor applications because the dispensers would block the view of the
customer to the products.
Therefore; there is a need in the art for an improved product vending
apparatus which allows for viewing of the products, provides improved
packout, and accommodates a variety of dispensing schemes, while still
remaining cost-efficient and reliable.
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Summary of the Invention
The present invention overcomes deficiencies in the prior art by
providing an improved product vending apparatus which allows for viewing
of the products, provides improved packout, and accommodates a variety of
dispensing schemes, while still remaining cost-efficient and reliable.
Generally described, the invention is directed towards an apparatus
for storing and dispensing a plurality of products, the apparatus comprising a
frame, a plurality of storage locations for storing the products, a discharge
location, and a picking apparatus configured to withdraw the products from
any one of the storage locations, transport them singularly for a distance,
and
dispense them into the discharge location.
Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved dispensing apparatus and method of using same.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved
dispensing apparatus which allows for viewing of the products.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved
dispensing apparatus which provides improved pack-out.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved
dispensing apparatus which accommodates a variety of dispensing schemes.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved
dispensing apparatus which is cost-efficient to manufacture and operate.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved
dispensing apparatus which is reliable.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiment of the invention when taken in conjunction with the
drawing and the appended claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is an illustrative view of a dispensing apparatus 10 which
dispenses a plurality of different products 11 out of various rows I, II, III,
and
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TV, by use of a picking assembly 20 which is part of a X-Y traverse assembly
15. The picking assembly 20 is moved along an "X" axis by its relative
movement along upper and lower horizontal rods 30, 31. The horizontal rods
have each of their ends mounted in left and right traverse assembly blocks 25,
26. The picking assembly 20 is moved along its "Y" axis by parallel
movement of the left and right traverse assembly blocks 25, 26, along
corresponding left and right vertical rods 32, 33.
Fig. 2 is a isolated pictorial view of a picking assembly 20 according
to the present invention, which includes rotating fingers 21A, stationary
fingers 22, and left and right picking assembly block members 23, 24,
respectively, each of which engage and move horizontally relatively to the
upper and lower horizontal rods 30, 31. The rotating fingers, 21A are first
embodiment fingers, as opposed to second and third embodiment fingers
21B, 21C, respectively, discussed elsewhere.
Fig. 3 is a side illustrative view of a plurality of different products 11
loaded atop various shelves 12A, 12B, and 12C, also showing by illustration
the relative movement of the rotating fingers 21B as they cooperate with
stationary fingers 22 in picking a product 11 and moving it through positions
shown as 11-A, 11-B, and 11-C. An alternately (smaller) sized product 11' is
also shown to illustrate that the apparatus 10 according to the present
invention can accommodate differently sized products.
Figs. 4a-4d are illustrative side views showing sequential steps in the
picking process of the rotating fingers 21C and stationary fingers 22.
Fig. 5 is an illustrative view of a module A which can be used with
other modules B, C, and D.
Fig. 6 is an isolated pictorial view of an alternate picking assembly
120. This picking assembly 120 includes a body 119, a rotating shaft
assembly 125 having two rotating fingers 121, a stationary support rod 122, a
motor 130, a beveled gear 140, a beveled gear 141, and a pair of bearings
150.
Fig. 7 is another view of the picking assembly 120 shown in Fig. 6,
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except in this configuration, the rotating shaft assembly 125 has been rotated
to a different position. This position may be thought as the position in which
the product 11 is "dropped" into the cradle provided by the members 125,
122.
Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of Figs. 7 and 6.
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Figs. 9 and 10 are illustrative views of portions of an apparatus 200
which facilitate movement of a picking apparatus 120 within same.
Fig. 11 is a simplified front elevational version showing operation of
the apparatus 200 used with the picking apparatus 120, mainly for
comparison with Figs. 12-14.
Fig. 12 shows an alternate version 300, which includes the use of a
central supporting shaft 301, which moves a rod 302 along its axis, and has a
picking assembly 320 attached to its end. By rotational of the central shaft
301 and extension or withdrawal of the captured rod 302, the picking
assembly 320 may be moved to suitable locations within the rectangle which
designates the general picking zone.
Fig. 13 shows an alternate version 400, showing the use of an
articulating arm assembly 401 supporting a picking assembly 420. The
articulating arm assembly is mounted to the frame of the overall apparatus
outside of the picking zone.
Fig. 14 shows yet another possible embodiment 500, in which a
telescopic arm assembly 501 supports at its free end a picking assembly 520
but said telescopic arm assembly 501 is supported relative to the frame of the
assembly along pivot point 505.
Fig. 15 shows a vending assembly 200 contemplated by the
configuration shown in Figs. 6-10.
Fig. 16. shows a prior art vending assembly 1000 for reference
purposes. Note the dispensing location at the bottom, which is different in
location from that shown in Fig. 15 .
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Reference is now made to the drawings, in which like numerals
designate like elements throughout the several views shown in Figs. 1-5.
General Discussion of Method and Apparatus
Generally described, the present invention relates to a dispensing
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apparatus which dispenses products such as cans, bottles, boxes, etc., to a
waiting consumer. Fig. 1 is an illustrative view of one such dispensing
apparatus 10 which dispenses a plurality of different products 11 out of
various rows I, II, III, and IV, by use of a picking assembly 20 which is part
of a X-Y traverse assembly 15.
Referring also to Fig. 2, the picking assembly 20 includes rotating
fingers 21, stationary fingers 22, and left and right block members 23, 24,
respectively, each of which engage and move horizontally relatively to upper
and lower horizontal rods 30, 31.
By rotating the rotating fingers 21 of the picking assembly Z0, the
picking assembly 20 can "pick" a product, move the product to a remote
location by means of the X-Y traverse assembly 15, and dispense the product
as desired.
The Frame
The frame of the overall dispensing apparatus 10 is shown generally
as 13 in Fig. 5. This frame can be as known in the art in that it can provide
an enclosure for containing product as well as a framework for supporting
various of the other internal components of the apparatus, such as the X-Y
traverse assembly 15.
The X-Y Traverse Assembly 15
Referring now to Fig. 1, the X-Y traverse assembly 15 includes the
picking assembly 20, and also includes upper and lower horizontal rods 30,
31, left and right traverse assembly blocks 25, 26, and left and right
vertical
rods 32, 33.
The left and right vertical rods 32, 33, extend in a generally coparallel
fashion, and are configured to allow for relative vertical movement of the
left
and right assembly blocks 25, 26 along their respective heights. This can be
done by providing an interaction of the rods 32, 33 and the blocks 25, 26 such
as used in conventional X-Y plotter technology.
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The horizontal rods 32, 33, have each of their ends mounted in left
and right traverse assembly blocks 25, 26. Left and right block members 23,
24, each engage and are configured to be moved horizontally relatively
across the upper and lower horizontal rods 30, 31. Again the interaction of
the rods 30, 31 and the blocks 23, 24 can be such as used in conventional X-
Y plotter technology.
The picking assembly 20 is moved along an "X" axis by its relative
movement along upper and lower horizontal rods 30, 31. The picking
assembly 20 is moved along its "Y" axis by parallel movement of the left and
right traverse assembly blocks 25, 26, along corresponding left and right
vertical rods 32, 33.
Such movement along the X and Y axes allow for the picking
assembly to select (a.k.a. "pick") products, move to a different location, and
subsequently release (a.k.a. "release") them into a single outlet chute (not
shown) or into a six-pack container by use of the guide member 50 shown in
Fig. 1.
Picking Assembly 20
As noted above, one picking assembly 20 is moved along both an "X"
axis and a "Y" axis relative to the frame of the apparatus 10. Referencing
Fig. 2 now for more detail, the picking assembly includes not only the
previously-discussed left and right picking assembly blocks 23, 24, but also a
pair of rotating fingers 21 and a pair of stationary fingers 22.
The pair of stationary fingers 22 are configured to be mounted one
each within corresponding left and right picking assembly blocks 23, 24. As
will be discussed later, the pair of stationary fingers 22 is configured to
provide a "cradle" for the product after it is picked by the rotating fingers
21
but before it is discharged by the picking assembly 20.
The rotating fingers 21 rotate in a single direction (although it may be
reversible) with such rotation being around a central, substantially
horizontal,
axis. This pair of rotating fingers 21 is used to "pick" product from the
front
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of a row of products, with the rotating fingers 21 passing through the
comblike fingers 40 in the shelves 12 discussed below.
Besides providing a picking function, as discussed in detail later, the
rotating fingers 21 also provide a " block" to the can behind the target can
so
that the next can does not roll off the shelf under its own momentum.
The Shelves with the Comblike Fingers
Reference is now made to Figs. 1 and 3, in describing the shelves 12
used to contain the products prior to their dispensing. As may be seen in Fig.
1, four rows I, II, III, and IV of products 11 are stored on an exemplary
single
shelf 12. This shelf is inclined as known in the art and includes dividers as
known in the art to provide a plurality of inclined "chutes", which allow
product, especially round product, to slide or roll down to the front of the
shelf under the influence of gravity (spring pressure may be used to assist
rectangular or irregular product as needed).
At the front edge of the shelf is provided a comblike lip configuration
provided by a plurality of spaced-apart "fingers", which extend generally
upwardly from the front edge of the shelf 12, to provide a retention feature
for the front can in each row so that it will not fall off. This retention
feature,
however, can be overcome by the use of the rotating fingers 21 as noted
above, which pass through the comblike fingers 40 and allow for the
frontmost product from a particular row to be withdrawn by the picking
assembly 20.
Under the present invention there may be more space than fingers in
the comb mechanism. However, once programmed the gripper device will be
"smart" enough to know where to go to pick the product.
One Picking Process
Reference is made to Figs. 3 and 4 to describe the relative movement
of the rotating fingers 21 as they cooperate with stationary fingers 22 in
picking a product 11. Fig. 3 is a side illustrative view of a plurality of
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different products 11 loaded within various shelves 12A, 12B, and 12C, also
showing by illustration the relative movement of the rotating fingers 21 as
they cooperate with stationary fingers 22 in picking a product 11 and moving
it through positions shown as 11-A, 11-B, and 11-C. An alternately sized
product 11' is also shown to illustrate that the apparatus 10 according to the
present invention can accommodate differently sized products.
Figs. 4a-4d are illustrative side views showing sequential steps in the
picking process of the rotating fingers 21 and stationary fingers 22, as a
target
product 11 is picked, and a "next" product takes its place at the front of the
product row..
In Fig. 4a, the rotating fingers 21 are at the "ready" position.
In Fig. 4b, the rotating fingers 21 have rotated from the Fig. 4a
position and are passing through the comblike fingers and are contacting the
target product 11.
In Fig. 4c, the rotating fingers 21 have rotated from the Fig. 4b
position, and the target product 11 has been removed from its row, and is
now being supported by the stationary fingers. At the same time, the rotating
fingers 21 are "blocking" the next product which is moving into the place of
the now-picked product under the influence of gravity. Such blocking can
dissipate the energy in the next product to preclude it from jumping over the
comblike lip.
In Fig. 4d, the rotating fingers 21 have rotated from the Fig. 4c
position and the product is cradled and ready to be carried by the picking
assembly 20 to be discharged at a remote location. The "next" product is
now in place to be picked next if so desired.
It should be understood that in some instances it has been recognized
that the shelf above the item being picked sometimes assists retention of the
item as it is being picked, in that the shelf above blocks the item from
falling
out of the rotating fingers.
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Discharge Options
Once the products have been picked by the picking assembly 20, they
can then be carried by the picking assembly 20 to be discharged at a remote
location. Such discharge can take many forms.
One type of discharge can be by bringing the product downwardly
until one end contacts a stationary surface, thus tipping the product out of
the
cradle of the picking assembly 20 such that it can fall under the influence of
gravity to a waiting chute or guide member (such as 50 in Fig. 1).
Alternatively, the product could be lowered downwardly on to an
inclined ramp, with the inclined ramp being positioned between the two
stationary fingers 22.
Alternately, one of the stationary fingers 22 could "drop-out",
allowing release of the product without contact with any other device.
Operation of Fig. 1 Configuration with Other Apparatus Modules
Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which shows how one can begin
with one machine A, and then the machine can be built upon. Fig. 5 shows
different modules. The first picture shows the concept of an "A" module
alone. This "A" module could include just an enclosure, shelves, and an X-Y
picker assembly.
The second picture (A+B) shows the A module in conjunction with a
base module which allows the cans to come out in the front, in the side, or as
desired.
The third picture (A+C) shows the A module in conjunction with a
base module which allows the cans to come out one at a time in the front, or a
multiple pack including multiple products in an erected container could also
be provided.
The fourth picture (A+C+D) shows the A module in conjunction with
a base module which allows the cans to come out one at a time in the front, or
a multiple pack including multiple products in an erected container provided
by an on-site erector D could also be provided.
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Alternate Picking Apparatus 120 - Figs. 6-10
Reference is now made to Figs. 6-10, which show an alternate picking
apparatus 120 which can be used with an alternate apparatus 200.
Fig. 6 is an isolated pictorial view of an alternate picking assembly
120. This picking assembly 120 includes a body 119, a rotating shaft
assembly 125 having two rotating fingers 121, a stationary support rod 122, a
motor 130, a beveled gear 140, a beveled gear 141, and a pair of bearings
150.
The body 119 is generally "U-shaped" in transverse cross-section,
having a main portion and two sidewall portions extending in the same
direction from opposing edges from the main portion. These two sidewall
portions are substantially planar and coparallel. The two sidewall portions
and the main portion combine to form a partially enclosed concealment space
for location of a drive motor 130 and other elements discussed elsewhere.
The stationary support rod 122 is substantially rigidly attached
relative to one of the side walls of the body 119, and is configured to
cooperate with the rotating shaft 125 as discussed in detail latter.
The rotating shaft assembly 125 includes two rotating fingers, each
designated 121. When suitably manipulated, these two rotating fingers
cooperate to support an elongate product 11 such as those shown in Fig. l,
and such as shown in phantom in a cradled position in Fig. 7.
The rotating shaft assembly 125 is rotatably mounted relatively to the
body 119 of the picking assembly 120 by use of pair of bearings 150. One
bearing is located within each of the side walls, and is configured to accept
the rotating shaft assembly 125 to allow suitable rotation of the rotating
shaft
assembly 125 relative to the body 119.
A beveled gear 141 is rigidly attached to and is part of the rotating
shaft assembly 125, at a location along the rotating shaft assembly 125
intermediate the two bearings 150. The beveled gear 141 is configured to
mate with beveled gear 140, which is rotatably driven by a motor 130, such
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that rotation of the motor 130 causes rotation of the rotating shaft assembly
125.
By suitable control of the motor 130 as known in the art, the rotating
shaft assembly 125 may likewise be suitably controlled, such that its
rotational position, rotational speed, and rotational direction may all be
suitably controlled via electronics or other suitable means known in the art.
The motor 130 can be any type suitable in the art, but in one
configuration is contemplated to be a DC gearmotor or a stepper motor.
The main shaft of the rotating shaft assembly 125 may be seen to be
substantially parallel to the stationary support rod 122, and in the preferred
embodiment is substantially level with the rotating shaft 125.
In Fig. 6, the rotating shaft assembly 125 may be positioned in what
could be thought as a "ready" position, such position being the position in
which the picking assembly 120 is positioned when empty and in transit.
Fig. 7 is another view of the picking assembly 120 shown in Fig. 6,
except in this configuration, the rotating shaft assembly 125 has been rotated
to a different position. This position may be thought as the position in which
the product 11 has been picked is "dropped" into the cradle provided by the
members 125, 122. In this position the previously-described "blocking"
feature can likewise be performed by the rotating fingers 121.
It may be understood that once the product has been rolled in place in
the cradle provided by members 125, 122, the rotating shaft assembly 125
preferably may be rotated back to the position in Fig. 6 without disturbing
the
product cradled thereby. This can be done just before the product gets
"stripped", as noted in more detail elsewhere.
Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of Figs. 7 and 6,
with certain dimensions, although not absolutely critical to the operation of
the invention, being noted as the result of planning by the inventor.
In Fig. 8, dimension A can be 3.375 inches. Dimension B can be
5.658 inches. Dimension C can be 1.600 inches. Dimension D can be 3.0
inches. Dimension E can be 1.175 inches. The diameter "d" of the stationary
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support rod 122 and the main elongate rod of the rotating shaft 125 can be in
each instance 0.250 inches.
Apparatus 200 and The Cable Assemblies
Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate one means in which the apparatus 120 of
Figs. 6-8 may be moved about a larger supporting apparatus 200. This larger
supporting apparatus 200 includes a first cable portion 201, and a second
cable portion 202. Further included is a slide member 210, a vertical position
motor 220, a horizontal position motor 230, and a dispensing location 240.
As discussed in detail later, the vertical position motor 220 moves the
picking
assembly 120 in the vertical direction, whereas the horizontal positioning
motor 230 moves the picking assembly 120 in the horizontal direction, all by
use of first and second cable portions 201 and 202.
The first cable portion 201 is substantially endless in function,
although in practice it can be a single length of cable, cord, or other
suitable
flexible material having each of its ends attached to a common movable
element. Reference is made to both Figs. 9 and 10 to illustrate the path of
the
first cable portion 201, which is defined by a plurality of conventional guide
pulleys 209, and a motor 230 pulley, all of which are rotatably mounted
relative to the frame of the supporting apparatus 200. This frame is not
shown in Figs. 9 or 10 but is generally shown in Fig. 11. In one embodiment,
the ends of the first cable portion 201 are attached to the elongate slide
member 210, discussed below. Operation of the horizontal positioning motor
230, which includes a drive pulley engaging the first cable portion 201,
moves the picking assembly 120 in the horizontal direction as discussed in
more detail below.
The picking assembly 120 is slidably mounted relative to the slide
member 210, such that the picking assembly 120 can slide up and down the
elongate slide member 210, subject to the constraints of the second cable
portion 202 as discussed below. Vertical position motor 200 is attached
relative to the slide member 210 and moves horizontally therewith.
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The second cable portion 202 is substantially endless in its function,
although in practice it can be a single length of cable, cord, or other
suitable
flexible material having each of its ends attached to a common movable
element. This common movable element could be the picking assembly 120,
such that rotation of the vertical position motor 220 causes movement, either
up or down, of the picking assembly 120. The second cable portion 202 is
supported by two pulleys, a cable guide pulley 203 rotatably mounted to the
lower end of the slide member 210, and a drive pulley being part of the
vertical position motor 220.
By suitable control of the vertical position motor 220, the vertical
positioning of the picking assembly 120 can likewise be controlled.
The elongate slide member 210 has an upper end attached relative to
the first cable portion 201, and a lower portion attached relative to the
first
cable portion 201. Refernng now also to Fig. 10, by use of the direction
arrows 250, one can see that the cable portions to which the slide member
210 is attached move in generally the same direction, such that movement of
the first cable portion 201 causes the slide member 210 to likewise move in a
particular horizontal direction at the same speed as the cable 201.
As the horizontal position motor 230 drives the first cable portion
201, the slide member 210 is likewise moved side-to-side depending upon the
rotation of the horizontal position motor 230. Thus, if one assumes that the
slide member moves generally to the right, it may likewise be understood that
the picking assembly 120 will also be moved to the right, along with the
vertical position motor 220.
Should the vertical position of the picking assembly 120 desired to be
varied, the vertical position motor 220 is similarly operated.
Therefore it may be seen that the vertical position motor 220 moves
the picking assembly 120 in the vertical direction, whereas the horizontal
positioning motor 230 moves the picking assembly 120 in the horizontal
direction.
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Use of Dispensing Location
After the picking assembly 120 has picked a product 11 and has
cradled it as shown in Fig. 7, the picking assembly 120 may then be moved
generally towards the dispensing location 240, for deposit therein to be
removed by the consumer.
As may be seen, the picking assembly 120 as shown in, for example,
Fig. 7, is somewhat of a "cantilevered" design, in that the cradled product 11
is positioned to the side of the body 119 of the device. Therefore, it may be
seen that this "cantilevered" design makes it possible for the cradled product
(as well as the supporting fingers 120, a portion of the rotating shaft 125,
and
a portion of the stationary support rod 122), to be inserted into the
dispensing
location 120.
Once the cradled product is within the dispensing location 120, the
product may then be withdrawn by the consumer with the product still
cradled. However, in the preferable alternative, the product may be
"stripped" from the picking assembly 120 by suitable means which causes the
cradle product to be stripped off of its cradled position as the picking
assembly 120 is withdrawn from the dispensing location 120 and back into its
picking zone. The consumer could then reach in and grasp the product. If
desired suitable barners could be provided to prevent consumers from being
able to reach in and contact the moving assembly 120.
It should be understood that the dispensing location 240 can include
in inlet flap to allow some separation of the picking zone (which may be
refrigerated) to the dispensing zone (which may not be refrigerated). Such a
flap (or flaps) could be used to provide the stripping function, by being
configured as "one-way" flaps which pivot inwardly into the dispensing
location cavity, but not outwardly.
Alternatively, on "interference member" could be selectively moved
from above, below, or to the side of the position of the cradled product, to
provide a stripping function.
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Other Alternates
Reference is now made to Figs. 11-12, which show the apparatus 200
as well as alternate apparatuses 300, 400, and 500.
Fig. 11 is a simplified front elevational version showing operation of
the apparatus 200 used with the picking apparatus 120, mainly for
comparison with Figs. 12-14.
Fig. 12 shows an alternate version 300, which includes the use of a
central supporting shaft 301, which moves a rod 302 along its axis, and has a
picking assembly 320 attached to its end. By rotational of the central shaft
301 and extension or withdrawal of the captured rod 302, the picking
assembly 320 may be moved to suitable locations within the rectangle which
designates the general picking zone.
Fig. 13 shows an alternate version 400, showing the use of an
articulating arm assembly 401 supporting a picking assembly 420. The
articulating arm assembly is mounted to the frame of the overall apparatus
outside of the picking zone.
Fig. 14 shows yet another possible embodiment 500, in which a
telescopic arm assembly 501 supports at its free end a picking assembly 520
but said a telescopic arm assembly 501 is supported relative to the frame of
the assembly along pivot point 505.
Fig. 15 shows a vending assembly 200 contemplated by the
configuration shown in Figs. 6-10. This vending assembly 200 includes a
delivery port 241 into which the consumer can place his/her hand to
withdraw the product from the dispensing location.
Fig. 16 shows a prior art vending assembly 1000 for reference
purposes.
As noted above, in another alternate configuration the fingers could
be independent with each other and at one point one or the other of the
fingers could move upwardly, causing tilting to either side.
A "two way" picker could also be used with a hand-like grip. The
products could also be standing when gripped with this type of gripper.
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As noted above, an option which may be used with the present
invention includes the use of "variety packs", which can be provided by
filling the variety pack with different products within the vendor. The holder
can dump products into different slots with in the six pack, and the six pack
guide member can include slots to allow clearance of the apparatus.
It may also be understood that some "entertainment value" may be
derived from use of the machine. As noted above, the X-Y picker will move
in view of the user prior to making its picking selection. If so desired, the
X-
Y picker could be programmed to "follow" the hand of a user should the user
place his or her hand on the front glass. In such a situation, the user could
move his or her hand on the front glass, and the X-Y picker could effectively
follow the hand. If so desired, the apparatus could also be programmed to
select the item corresponding to the point at which the user removed his or
her hand from the front glass.
It should also be understood that the vending apparatus according to
the present invention could also go through movements while it is not being
used. In such an instance, the X-Y picker could move through the X and Y
axes (without picking) to draw the attention of the user.
Conclusion
Therefore it may be seen that the present invention provides an
improvement over the prior art by providing a vending machine for vending
articles, most notably beverage or food containers. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a vending machine having a cabinet with a
plurality of vertically spaced shelves, and an "X-Y" picker assembly for
receiving a packaged beverage from a shelf and for delivering the packaged
beverage to a delivery port in a front face of the cabinet, or to another
location as desired.
While this invention has been described in specific detail with
reference to the disclosed embodiments, it will be understood that many
variations and modifications may be effected within the spirit and scope of
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the invention as described in the appended claims.
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