Package Advancement System

Abstract

Systems and methods of a package advance system for moving a package on a shelf of a vending machine which may include an end plate positioned on the shelf, a dispensing door positioned near a dispensing end of the shelf that opens to dispense the package, and a spring system affixed to the end plate that applies a force on the end plate towards the dispensing door.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]This application relates generally to dispensing apparatuses such as vending machines, and more particularly relates to a package advancement system for packages in the dispensing apparatus.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Vending machines are being developed to incorporate x-y picker assemblies for vending machines with an x-y product grid. Therefore, gravity is no longer the only source for dispensing a package from a vending machine. The x-y vending machines may dispense a package by picking or grabbing the package from a shelf. After a package is picked, however, certain packages in certain orientations on the shelf may have difficulties advancing to a dispensing position. Many of the packages cannot roll or slide easily along a shelf. For example, a bottle or a can resting in the vertical position cannot roll along a shelf and therefore gravity cannot necessarily assist in advancing the package along the shelf.[0003]Thus, there is a need in the art for a lo...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, gravity is no longer the only source for dispensing a package from a vending machine.

After a package is picked, however, certain packages in certain orientations on the shelf may have difficulties advancing to a dispensing position.

Many of the packages cannot roll or slide easily along a shelf.

For example, a bottle or a can resting in the vertical position cannot roll along a shelf and therefore gravity cannot necessarily assist in advancing the package along the shelf.

Images