Vending machine and opening system and method

Abstract

A vending machine system adapted to open and prepare a packaged food. The system includes a cabinet, a shelf supported relative to the cabinet, a shelf plate coupled with the shelf and configured to support the packaged food, a lid removal device supported relative to the shelf, and a food actuator supported relative to the shelf. The cabinet includes a refrigeration chamber that houses the shelf and a partition that separates the refrigeration chamber and a preparation chamber and selectively allows access between the refrigeration chamber and the preparation chamber. The lid removal device is configured to selectively retain a lid of the packaged food. The food actuator is configured to move a container of the packaged food to the preparation chamber of the cabinet while the lid of the packaged food is retained by the lid removal device after the container is translated.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of vending machines for dispensing food items, and more particularly, to on-demand vending machines for dispensing and cooking opened food items, wherein the food items are loaded and stored in a closed container. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional vending machines for dispensing food items typically include refrigeration components for preventing spoilage, heating components for heating the food items to an edible temperature, food handling devices for transitioning the food items within the machine, a dispenser for dispensing the food items, and transaction components for processing payment. Conventional vending machines for dispensing food items typically stock factory-prepared, pre-packaged food items. These food items are typically pre-cooked and / or contain sufficiently low undesirable bacteria, viruses, contaminants, etc. to be safe for human consumption, whether or not heated to an edible temperature. While such food items can be stored for long periods of time, they lack the freshness of locally-prepared food items and, therefore, are less desirable to consumers. In addition, vending machines that stock factory-prepared food items require a packaging removal component to remove the food items from packaging and / or protective film coverings prior to heating, which increases the cost and complexity of the vending machine. Generally, vending machines that are capable of providing heated food items are associated with microwaves. However, microwaves are generally suitable for increasing the temperature of the food items, but are not capable of providing an appealing, appetite-enhancing sear to the food items.

[0003] To improve the quality of the food items, vending machines have been developed that "on-demand" prepare and cook food items using pre-packaged ingredients. While these machines are an improvement in terms of freshness, they suffer from inherent complexities and drawbacks associated with handling the ingredients, the complexity of the food preparation, and the time required to prepare the food. In addition, the pre-packaged ingredients typically require removal of the packaging in order to be heated to a sanitary or cooked temperature (e.g., to contain sufficiently low undesirable bacteria, viruses, contaminants, etc.). Furthermore, the packaging contained on standard vending machine food items impedes the use of other means to sear the food items and / or ingredients.

[0004] Accordingly, to overcome the drawbacks of previous vending machines for dispensing food items, what is needed is a vending machine configured to dispense pre-contained food items and / or uncooked food items in an efficient and sanitary manner. Such a vending machine would provide fresh, hot, on-demand cooked food items; increase sales volume; automate food service, and reduce the likelihood of food-borne illness, among other things. SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, the inventive subject matter relates to a vending machine system adapted to open and prepare a contained food item. The system includes a cabinet, a rack frame supported relative to the cabinet, a shelf coupled with the rack frame and configured to support the contained food item, a lid removal device supported relative to the rack frame, and a food actuator supported relative to the rack frame. The cabinet includes a refrigeration chamber housing the rack frame, a preparation chamber, and a partition separating the refrigeration chamber and the preparation chamber. The partition selectively permits access between the refrigeration chamber and the preparation chamber. Further, the lid removal device is configured to selectively retain a lid of the contained food item. The food actuator includes an arm translatable relative to the lid removal device. Further, the system is configured such that translation of the arm moves a container of the contained food item from the refrigeration chamber to the preparation chamber of the cabinet. The system is further configured such that the lid of the contained food item is retained by the lid removal device after translation of the arm.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, the partition includes an actuatable divider configured to selectively actuate between one or more of a first orientation or position and one or more of a second orientation or position. In additional or alternative embodiments, the lid removal device is coupled with the rack frame. In additional or alternative embodiments, the lid removal device is coupled with the shelf. In additional or alternative embodiments, the lid removal device includes a movable arm and a fixed arm. In at least one such embodiment, the movable arm of the lid removal device is configured to actuate between a load position and an engagement position. In additional or alternative embodiments, the lid removal device includes a protrusion configured to selectively engage with a through-hole of the lid. In additional or alternative embodiments, the lid removal device includes a hook structure configured to engage with a slot of the lid.

[0007] In additional or alternative embodiments, the food actuator is coupled with the rack frame. In additional or alternative embodiments, the arm of the food actuator is configured as a pusher arm. In additional or alternative embodiments, the system further includes an oven disposed within the preparation chamber of the cabinet. In at least one such embodiment, the oven is configured to raise a temperature of the food item to a sufficient doneness temperature to reduce a foodborne illness risk.

[0008] In another additional or alternative aspect, the inventive subject matter relates to a vending machine system adapted to open and prepare a packaged food item. The system includes a cabinet, a shelf supported relative to the cabinet, two or more shelves coupled with the shelf, two or more lid removal devices supported relative to the shelf, an elevator supported relative to the shelf, and a food item actuator supported relative to the shelf. The cabinet includes a refrigeration chamber housing the shelf, a preparation chamber, and a partition separating the refrigeration chamber and the preparation chamber. The partition is configured to selectively allow access between the refrigeration chamber and the preparation chamber at a passage location. Each shelf is configured to support an associated packaged food item at an associated storage location. Each lid removal device is configured to selectively retain a lid of the associated packaged food item of the associated shelf. The elevator includes a support surface such that the elevator is configured to translate the support surface between the storage location and the passage location of each shelf. The food item actuator includes an arm translatable relative to each lid removal device. Further, the system is configured such that translation of the arm relative to a selected lid removal device moves a container of the associated packaged food item from the associated shelf to the support surface of the elevator. The system is further configured such that the lid of the associated packaged food item is retained by the selected lid removal device of the associated shelf after translation of the arm.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the food item actuator is further configured such that translation of the arm moves the container of the associated packaged food item from the refrigeration chamber to the preparation chamber of the cabinet. In additional or alternative embodiments, the food item actuator is configured to translate with the elevator. In additional or alternative embodiments, the food item actuator is coupled with the elevator.

[0010] In additional or alternative embodiments, the system further includes an oven disposed within the preparation chamber of the cabinet. In at least one such embodiment, the oven is located at an oven location that is different from the passage location, and the system includes a preparation elevator located within the preparation chamber. The preparation elevator includes a support surface and is configured to translate the support surface between the oven location and the passage location.

[0011] In additional or alternative embodiments, each lid removal device of the plurality of lid removal devices is coupled with an associated shelf of the plurality of shelves. In additional or alternative embodiments, each lid removal device includes a hook structure configured to engage a slot of an associated lid of an associated packaged food item.

[0012] Embodiments of the inventive concept can include one or any combination of the above aspects, features, and configurations.

[0013] Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses various embodiments of the application. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the application, as claimed. The accompanying drawings provide a further understanding and description of the present application and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] The application is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a front view schematic of the exterior of a vending machine according to various aspects of the inventive subject matter;

[0016] Figure 2 is a front view schematic of the interior of a vending machine according to various aspects of the inventive subject matter, showing the interior refrigerated room and preparation room;

[0017] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a shelf adapted for use within a vending machine according to various aspects of the inventive subject matter; Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a schematic view of a shelf adapted for use within a vending machine according to various aspects of the inventive subject matter;

[0018] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a cap removal device according to various aspects of the inventive subject matter;

[0019] Figure 5 is another schematic view of a cap removal device according to various aspects of the inventive subject matter;

[0020] Figure 6 is a schematic view of a cap removal device engaged with a container according to various aspects of the inventive subject matter;

[0021] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a cap removal device being loaded onto a shelf of a rack according to various aspects of the inventive subject matter;

[0022] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of another lid removal device engaging with a container, according to various aspects of the subject matter of the invention;

[0023] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a lid being held by a lid removal device according to various aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 10 This is a top schematic diagram of an exemplary packaged food according to various aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 11 This is a top view of another packaged food product that has been opened, according to various aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 12 This is a top view of an exemplary shelf according to various aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 13 This is a front view of a shelf according to various aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 14 This is a side view of an additional or alternative lid removal device according to various aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a lid being held by a lid removal device according to various aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a lid being held by a lid removal device, representing another aspect of the subject matter of the invention;

[0031] Figure 17 This is a top schematic diagram of an additional or alternative packaged food product according to various aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 18 This is a top view of another packaged food product that has been opened, according to various aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 19 This is a front view of the interior of another vending machine according to various aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 20 This is a front view of the interior of another vending machine according to various aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 21 This is a front view of the interior of another vending machine according to various aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 22 This is a front view of the interior of another vending machine according to various aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 23 is another front view of the interior of a vending machine according to various aspects of the inventive subject matter; and

[0038] Figure 24 is another front view of the interior of a vending machine according to various aspects of the inventive subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The inventive concept is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the application to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments, obvious modifications, and equivalents are intended to be within the scope of the present application.

[0041] The terms "coupled," "fixed," "attached," and the like, mean either a direct connection or an indirect connection through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise stated herein.

[0042] The inventive concepts disclosed herein relate generally to vending machines for opening precontained food items and serving freshly prepared food items. In an exemplary embodiment, the vending machine can be an automated kiosk for opening, baking, and serving a freshly prepared food item from a precontained, uncooked food item. The vending machine generally includes a temperature-controlled cold device for storing the precontained food items and a high-speed bake oven for heating the food items to a cooked temperature on demand to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. One or more lid removal devices and food item actuators can be utilized to open the precontained food items. The food item actuator(s) can also move the opened food items to a preparation chamber separate from the refrigerated chamber. The vending machine can include a partition that selectively allows the opened food items to move from a compartment of the refrigerated device to the preparation chamber, for example, through a passageway.

[0043] In an exemplary capacity, the vending machine can hold several, for example, tens or more, precontained food items on a shelf. The vending machine can include an elevator that transports the food items from the shelf to the passageway in the partition. The partition can generally thermally insulate or isolate the refrigerated chamber from the preparation chamber, at least to a suitable degree. In addition, the food item actuators can move the food items from the shelf to the elevator.

[0044] Once in the preparation chamber, the high-speed bake oven can raise the temperature of the opened food items to a cooked temperature. The disclosed vending machines and related methods allow for baking uncooked food items to a safe temperature for human consumption. The disclosed vending machines can include ovens that utilize a variety of heating methods. For example, a suitable oven can include a microwave unit and a convection unit, an infrared heating unit, or both. Generally, the microwave unit can be used to heat the food items from the inside. The convection and / or infrared heating unit can be used to brown or toast the outside of the food items. It should be understood that several of the exemplary vending machines disclosed herein allow for opening a precontained food item (e.g., by a lid removal device removing a lid) and then heating it with convection and / or infrared. Thus, the packaging or other container of the precontained food item does not interfere with toasting the food item. In addition, the disclosed vending machines are adapted to receive precontained food items and serve opened, fresh, hot food items while reducing the risk of food contamination, thereby improving overall hygiene and increasing customer satisfaction.

[0045] Reference will now be made to the drawings, Figures 1-3Views of an exemplary embodiment of a vending machine system 100 suitable for opening and preparing packaged food items in accordance with various aspects of the inventive subject matter are shown. More particularly, Figure 1 A front view schematic of the exterior of a cabinet 101 defining a refrigeration chamber 108 and a preparation chamber 110 is shown, Figure 2 A front view schematic of the interior of the refrigeration chamber 108 and the preparation chamber 110 suitable for use with Figure 1 the system 100 is shown. Figure 3 A schematic view of a rack frame 112 suitable for use within the exemplary system 100 of Figure 1 and Figure 2 is shown. However, it should be recognized that the rack frame 112 of Figure 3 may be used in any other suitable configuration of a vending machine system.

[0046] The system 100 generally includes a refrigerator associated with the refrigeration chamber 108. The system 100 can include additional components such as, but not limited to, thermal ducting, fans / blowers, power sources, electrical cabling, lighting, and insulation. The system 100 also includes conventional components such as heat pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, etc. However, it should be understood that the refrigeration chamber 108 and the preparation chamber 110 can be used in any suitable configuration of a vending machine system. Although an exemplary embodiment of the system 100 and the chambers 108, 110 are shown, the present disclosure can be equally applicable to any suitable configuration of a vending machine system for opening and / or preparing packaged food items.

[0047] As shown in particular in Figure 1 the exterior of the vending machine system 100 can include a touch screen user interface 102, such as mounted within a main door. The main door can be equipped with a handle and a lock operable for accessing the interior of the vending machine, such as for restocking the refrigeration chamber 108 or for accessing various other interior components for service. The touch screen user interface 102 can be a capacitive or resistive touch screen operable for inputting customer selections, displaying information, programming the vending machine, etc. Adjacent to the touch screen user interface 102 is a payment subsystem 106 including card reader functionality and near field communication readability functionality, etc.

[0048] The vending machine system 100 also includes a delivery chute subassembly 104 for dispensing the prepared food items to the customer. For example, the delivery chute subassembly 104 can include a delivery door for providing access to the fully prepared food items. In one such embodiment, the delivery door can be configured to automatically open upon the food item selected by the customer being fully prepared. The vending machine system 100 can include additional components, such as leveling feet and rolling casters. The exterior of the cabinet 101 can be branded or otherwise customized for each different owner / operator.

[0049] At least one of the touch screen user interface 102 and the payment subsystem 106 is communicatively coupled and can include a digital computer that, in terms of hardware architecture, generally includes a processor, input / output (I / O) interfaces, network interfaces, data storage, and memory. The processor / controller can control the touch screen, inventory management control system, and payment subsystem, among other components. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that actual implementations of a computer can include additional components and appropriately configured processing logic to support known or customary operational functions not described in detail herein. These components can be communicatively coupled through a local interface. The local interface can be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface can have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, among others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface can include address, control, and / or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

[0050] The controller / processor can be a hardware device that is used to execute software instructions. The controller / processor can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor associated with a server, or a plurality of processors for parallel processing, or any other device for executing software instructions. The controller / processor can be configured to execute software stored in memory to control the overall operation of the server and to perform various processes related to the operation of the server. The I / O interface can be used to receive user input and / or to provide system output from one or more system devices or components. User input can be provided, for example, through a touchscreen. System output can also be provided through the touchscreen. The I / O interface can include, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, a small computer system interface (SCSI), a serial ATA (SATA) interface, a fiber channel interface, an Infiniband interface, an iSCSI interface, a PCI Express interface (PCI-x), an infrared (IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, and / or a universal serial bus (USB) interface.

[0051] A network interface can be used to enable the server to communicate on a network, such as the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, and the like. The network interface can include address, control, and / or data connections to enable appropriate communications on the network. A datastore can be used to store data. The datastore can include any of a volatile storage element (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), a non-volatile storage element (e.g., ROM, hard disk drive, tape, CDROM, etc.), and combinations thereof. In one example, the datastore can be internal to the server, such as an internal hard drive connected to a local interface in the server. Further, in another embodiment, the datastore can be external to the server, such as an external hard drive connected to an I / O interface (e.g., SCSI or USB connection). In another embodiment, the datastore can be connected to the server over a network, such as a network attached file server. The memory can include any of a volatile storage element (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), a non-volatile storage element (e.g., ROM, hard disk drive, tape, CDROM, etc.), and combinations thereof. The memory can have a distributed architecture in which various components are accessed by a controller / processor. The software in the memory can include one or more software programs each including an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The software in the memory can include a suitable operating system (O / S) and one or more programs. The operating system essentially controls the execution of other computer programs, such as the one or more programs described above, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, communication control and related services. The one or more programs described above can be configured to implement various processes, algorithms, methods, techniques, and the like described herein.

[0052] Referring now to Figure 2 and Figure 3In general, the rack 112 can be positioned within the refrigerated chamber 108 of the cabinet 101. The system 100 includes at least one shelf 114 coupled with the rack 112 for supporting packaged food items 116. Additionally, or alternatively, the system 100 can include two or more shelves 114, e.g., several shelves 114, coupled with the rack 112 for supporting the same number of packaged food items 116 or fewer packaged food items, as shown. For example, the rack 112 and the shelves 114 can be configured to hold the packaged food items 116 in one or more vertically stacked arrangements. In general, each shelf 114 can define a storage location associated with the shelf 114.

[0053] It should be appreciated, however, that the disclosure herein is equally applicable to appropriately configured systems adapted to open and prepare any desired number of packaged food items 116 in accordance with various aspects of the inventive subject matter. Accordingly, additional or alternative embodiments of the system can include any number of shelves 114 as desired or required. For example, the system can include more shelves 114 than Figure 2 or Figure 3 depicted in Figure 2 or Figure 3 .

[0054] Still referring to the embodiments of Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the system 100 can include a cap removal device 118 supported relative to the rack 112. More specifically, for the depicted embodiments, the system 100 includes a plurality of cap removal devices 118. For example, the system 100 can include a cap removal device 118 associated with each shelf 114 of the system 100. Additionally, or alternatively, the system 100 can include a cap removal device 118 for each shelf 114 currently supporting a packaged food item 116. In general, each removal device 118 is configured to selectively retain a cap of an associated packaged food item 116 supported by the respective shelf 114. In additional or alternative embodiments, each cap removal device 118 can be coupled with the rack 112. Additionally, or alternatively, each cap removal device 118 can be coupled with an associated one of the plurality of shelves 114.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2 , the system 100 can include a food item actuator 132 supported relative to the rack 112. The food item actuator 132 is generally configured to move one or more packaged food items 116 from the shelf 114 (e.g., in a direction 134). Reference is now also made to Figure 19 , which shows different views of the rack 112 of Figure 3 in accordance with various aspects of the inventive subject matter. In particular,Figure 19 The system 100 is shown after the food actuator 132 has moved the associated container 150 of packaged food 116 in the direction 134. As shown, the lid 152 of the previously contained food 116 can be held by the associated lid removal device 118. In additional or alternative embodiments, the food actuator 132 is coupled with the shelf 112.

[0056] The system 100 can also include an elevator 120 supported relative to the shelf 112, for example, within the refrigeration chamber 108. The elevator 120 includes a support surface such that the elevator 120 is configured to translate the support surface between each of the stowed positions and the access position of the shelving 114 (e.g., in the direction 130). In additional or alternative embodiments, the food actuator 132 is configured to translate with the elevator 120. In additional or alternative embodiments, the food actuator 132 is coupled with the elevator 120. For example, Figure 20 and Figure 21 different views of the shelf 112 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 3 and Figure 19 The elevator 120, the food actuator 132, and the container 150 are shown positioned at the associated shelving 114, while Figure 20 The elevator 120, the food actuator 132, and the container 150 are shown positioned at the associated shelving 114, while Figure 22 The system 100 is shown after the elevator 120, the food actuator 132, and the container 150 have transitioned from the position of the associated shelving 114 to the access position (e.g., in the direction 130).

[0057] As shown, the system 100 can include a partition 122 separating the refrigeration chamber 108 and the preparation chamber 110. The preparation chamber 110 can be at least partially thermally insulated from the refrigeration chamber 108. For example, the partition 122 can include insulation, a vacuum, or the like to reduce heat transfer between the refrigeration chamber 108 and the preparation chamber 110. Generally, the partition 122 is configured to selectively allow access between the refrigeration chamber 108 and the preparation chamber 110, for example, in the access position of an actuatable divider 126 generally associated with the partition 122. In one embodiment, the partition 122 can define an access between the refrigeration chamber 108 and the preparation chamber 110 in the access position (generally at the arrow 134) of the actuatable divider 126. Figure 2

[0058] ​Furthermore, system 100 may include an actuable partition 126 configured to be selectively actuated between one or more of a first direction or position and one or more of a second direction or position. Generally, system 100 may be configured such that when the actuable partition 126 is in the first direction and / or position, the preparation chamber 110 is accessible from the cooling chamber 108. Furthermore, system 100 may be configured such that when the actuable partition 126 is in the second direction and / or position, the preparation chamber 110 is inaccessible from the cooling chamber 108. For example, in Figure 2 In the exemplary system 100, the actuable partition 126 includes a door that can be translatably moved relative to the partition 122, allowing selective access to the passageway between compartments 108, 110. For example, Figure 22 The following are shown in accordance with various aspects of this disclosure: Figure 3 and Figure 21 Different schematic diagrams of shelf 112. Specifically, Figure 22 The door of the actuable partition 126 is shown sliding open from its passage position to allow food to be transferred from the refrigeration chamber 108 to the preparation chamber 110. Additionally, or alternatively, the system can be configured such that a food actuator 134 moves a container 150 from the refrigeration chamber 108 to the preparation chamber 110. For example, as... Figure 22 As shown, the food actuator 132 can move the container 150 from the refrigeration chamber 108 along direction 134 through the passage of partition 122 to the preparation chamber 110.

[0059] As shown in the figure, system 100 may include an oven 124 disposed within a preparation chamber 110 of cabinet 101. Oven 124 is typically configured to raise the temperature of food to a cooking temperature sufficient to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Suitable ovens used with this invention can provide large-volume processing and can be individually configured to adjust cooking times based on the capacity of the heat source, the food to be heated, the initial temperature of the food, and appropriate cooking temperatures based on the food. For example, oven 124 may include a microwave unit, a convection oven unit, and / or an infrared oven unit.

[0060] In certain example embodiments, the oven 124 can be configured to raise the temperature of the food product to a cooked temperature in 30 seconds or less, e.g., between 25 seconds and 30 seconds. For example, the oven 124 can include a high-speed convection oven, infrared heating elements, a microwave, or a combination of the foregoing. Microwave devices can generally be used to raise the temperature of the food product from the inside, while convection and / or infrared oven devices can be used to raise the temperature of the food product from the outside. Additionally, or alternatively, convection and / or infrared oven devices can be used to brown at least a portion of the outer surface of the food product. It will be appreciated that prior removal of the lid 152 from the container 150 (e.g., by use of the lid removal device 118) can generally allow the convection and / or infrared oven devices to be used with the pre-packaged food product. In several embodiments, the oven 124 can include a commercial high-speed bake oven and / or a ventless rapid cook oven, e.g., a Turbochef TM manufactured by Cheechef TM , a ventless high-speed oven manufactured by Saco (e.g., model SACO32A and / or SACO16A), or other similar or suitably configured combination oven. Additionally, or alternatively, the oven 124 can be configured to operate at a suitable idle temperature, e.g., 250 degrees Celsius or above, e.g., 260 degrees Celsius, e.g., 280 degrees Celsius. Additionally, or alternatively, the oven 124 can be configured to reach a back temperature in a suitable period of time, e.g., 20 minutes or less, e.g., 15 minutes, to provide customer satisfaction.

[0061] In several embodiments, as shown, the oven 124 is positioned at an oven location that is different from the lane location and / or the transport subassembly 104. Accordingly, the system 100 can include a preparation elevator 128 disposed within the preparation chamber 110. The preparation elevator 128 can generally include a support surface and be configured to translate the support surface (e.g., in a direction 135) between the oven location and the lane location and / or the transport subassembly 104. Figure 22

[0062] Reference is now made to Figure 23 and Figure 24 which illustrate different views of the rack 112 of Figure 3 and Figure 22 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 23 illustrates a position of the preparation elevator 128 such that the support surface and / or the opened food product is positioned within the oven 124, and Figure 24 ​The system 100 is shown after the food has been fully prepared and the container 150 and the preparation lift 128 has translated from the oven location to the delivery chute subassembly 104 for serving the prepared food to a customer. Additionally, or alternatively, the actuatable partition 126 can be actuated to close the passageway between the compartments 108, 110 after the container 150 is moved from the refrigeration chamber 108 to the preparation chamber 110. For example, the door of the actuatable partition can be translated to close the passageway prior to or concurrently with moving the container 150 into the oven 124 (e.g., along the direction 135). Once the temperature of the food in the oven 124 is raised to the cooking temperature, the preparation lift 128 translates the support surface and the associated container 150 to the delivery chute subassembly 104 (e.g., along the direction 135). As shown, the location of the delivery chute subassembly 104 can be at or about the passageway of the partition 112 and / or the actuatable partition 126.

[0063] Referring now to Figures 4-9 , exemplary embodiments of a lid removal device 118 suitable for use with the exemplary rack 112 of Figure 2 and Figure 3 and the exemplary vending machine system 100 of Figure 1 and Figure 2 are shown in accordance with various aspects of the inventive subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the removal device 118 of Figures 4-9 may be used in conjunction with any suitably configured rack and / or can be used in any other suitably configured vending machine system. In the depicted embodiment, the lid removal device 118 includes a movable arm 142 and a stationary arm 140. Accordingly, the movable arm 142 of the lid removal device 118 can be configured to actuate between a load position 138 (as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 7 ) and an engagement position 136 (as shown in Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 ). As shown in Figure 4 , when in the engagement position 136, the movable arm 142 can be aligned with an axis 144 of the stationary arm 140. However, when in the load position 138, the movable arm 142 can be offset, oriented, etc. from the axis 144 of the stationary arm 140, see, e.g. Figure 5 .

[0064] In general, the packaged food 116 can include a container 150 that houses and transports one or more food items and a lid 152 that is held relative to the container 150 in order to extend the freshness or shelf life of the food items. As shown, the exemplary lid removal device 118 can include a protrusion that is configured to selectively engage the lid 152 of an associated packaged food 116. For example, the movable arm 142 can be configured to engage a through-hole 154 of the lid 152. For example, as shown in Figure 7 , the packaged food 116 can be deposited on an associated shelf 114 by movement in the loading direction 133. Movement of the packaged food 116 and the through-hole 154 will generally cause the movable arm 142 to engage the through-hole 154, see for example Figure 8 . Additionally, or alternatively, the movable arm 142 can be biased opposite the loading direction 133 (e.g., aligned with the axis 144 of the fixed arm 140) to cause the movable arm 142 to engage the through-hole 154.

[0065] As shown in Figure 9 , the lid removal device 118 is configured to retain the lid 152 of the packaged food 116 after the food items are dispensed to a customer. For example, movement of the container 150 in the dispensing direction 134 can cause the movable arm 142 of the lid removal device 118 to retain the lid 152 by engagement with the through-hole 154. Referring now to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , top views of exemplary packaged foods 116 are shown that are suitable for use with the lid removal device 18 of Figures 4-9 , in accordance with various aspects of the inventive subject matter. For example, the packaged food 116 includes a container 150 and a lid 152 that is selectively retained by the container 152. In particular, Figure 10 shows a packaged food 116 having a removable lid 152, Figure 11 shows the packaged food 116 after the lid 152 has been removed. As shown, the container 150 can include two or more retention mechanisms 156 that are configured to slidably retain the lid 152. Thus, when the container 150 is translated in the direction 134, the lid 152 is removed from the container 150.

[0066] Referring now to Figures 12-14 , a schematic view of an embodiment of a shelf 114 is shown in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. More particularly, the shelf 114 can be used with the exemplary rack 112 of Figure 2 and Figure 3 , and the exemplary vending machine system of Figure 1 and Figure 2 . However, it should be appreciated that Figures 12-14The shelves 112 of the vending machine system 100 can be used in conjunction with any appropriately configured shelf and / or in any other appropriately configured vending machine system. As shown, the shelves 112 can include at least one, e.g., two or more, e.g., several, frame pieces 160 and a storage surface 158. Generally, the frame pieces 160 can be coupled to the shelf 112 and support the storage surface 158, which is generally configured to support an associated packaged food item 116, which is not included for clarity. In additional or alternative embodiments, the lid removal devices 118 can be coupled to the shelf 118. For example, as shown, each lid removal device 118 can be coupled to the frame piece 160. More specifically, in the depicted embodiment, the lid removal devices 118 can be fixed relative to the shelf 114. Additionally, or alternatively, each lid removal device 118 can include a hook structure 118 configured to engage an associated lid 152 of an associated packaged food item 116.

[0067] Reference will now be made to Figure 15 and Figure 16 which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the lid removal devices 118 and food actuators 132 suitable for use with exemplary shelves 112 of Figure 2 and Figure 3 and exemplary vending machine systems of Figure 1 and Figure 2 in accordance with various aspects of the inventive subject matter. Specifically, Figure 15 and Figure 16 illustrate lid removal devices 118 including a hook structure that can be used in conjunction with shelves of Figures 12-14 However, it should be appreciated that the food actuators 132 of Figure 15 and Figure 16 can be used in conjunction with any appropriately configured lid removal device (e.g., exemplary devices 118 of Figures 4-9 ), shelf, shelf and / or in any other appropriately configured vending machine system. As shown, the hook structure of the lid removal devices 118 can be configured to engage and retain the lid 152 with the slot 154 of the lid 152.

[0068] Additionally, or alternatively, the food actuators 132 can include an arm that is translatable relative to the lid removal devices 118. Further, the system 100 can be configured such that translation of the arm relative to a selected lid removal device 118 moves the container 150 of the associated packaged food item 116 from the associated shelf 114 to the support surface of the elevator 120 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6). Figure 19The cover 152 of the previously contained food product 116 can be held by the associated cover removal device 118 after translation of the arm of the food product actuator 132, as shown. Additionally, or alternatively, the system 100 can be configured such that translation of the arm moves the container 150 of the packaged food product from the refrigeration chamber 108 to the preparation chamber 110 of the cabinet 101 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 1), and the cover 152 is removed by the cover removal device 118 of the preparation chamber 110. Figure 22 The arm of the food product actuator 132 can be configured as a pusher arm, as shown in at least one embodiment.

[0069] Reference is now made to Figure 17 and Figure 18 which illustrate additional or alternative exemplary top views of a packaged food product 116 suitable for use with the cover removal device 18 of the cabinet 101 according to various aspects of the inventive subject matter. Figures 12-16 Reference is now made to Figure 17 and Figure 18 which illustrate additional or alternative exemplary top views of a packaged food product 116 suitable for use with the cover removal device 18 of the cabinet 101 according to various aspects of the inventive subject matter. Figure 10 and Figure 11 The packaged food product 116 of FIGS. 1 1-14 can be generally configured the same as or similar to the exemplary packaged food product 116 of FIGS. 1-10. For example, the packaged food product 116 includes a container 150 and a cover 152 selectively held by the container 152. In particular, Figure 17 FIG. 1 1 illustrates a packaged food product 116 with a removable cover 152, Figure 18 FIG. 12 illustrates the packaged food product 116 after removal of the cover 152. As shown, the container 150 can include two or more holding mechanisms 156 configured to slidably hold the cover 152. Thus, when the container 150 is translated in the direction 134, the cover 152 is removed from the container 150. However, unlike the packaged food product of FIGS. 1-10, Figure 10 and Figure 11 The cover 152 of FIGS. 1 1-14 includes a slot 154 instead of a through hole. The slot 154 can generally engage with the hook structure of the cover removal device 118 of FIGS. 1-10 and / or a similarly configured cover removal device 118. Figure 17 Figure 18 Figures 12-16

[0070] ​​​Shelf 112 is adapted to hold pre-packaged food. In addition, the system 100 is generally configured such that the pre-packaged food is automatically opened and heated to a cooked temperature without any contact with the consumer. The vending machine system 100 allows the food supplier to operate and stock the vending machine under sanitary conditions, thereby eliminating any intermediate handling of the food. In an exemplary configuration, the vending machine is configured to sell fresh cooked food from frozen food. The food suitable for use with the present invention includes any packaged food having any size or shape. The shelf 112, the shelf 114, the lid removal device 118, the container 150, and / or the lid 152 can be individually set up depending on the food to be sold. The exemplary embodiments of the vending machine system 100 disclosed herein have the ability to cook and sell an unlimited number of foods, and can do so completely automatically.

[0071] The foregoing description merely exemplifies embodiments of the present invention. It is contemplated that other embodiments can perform similar functions and / or achieve similar results. Any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the scope of the present invention and encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated vending machine system adapted to open and prepare packaged food, the system comprising: A cabinet comprising a cooling compartment, a preparation compartment, and a partition separating the cooling compartment and the preparation compartment, the partition being configured to selectively allow access between the cooling compartment and the preparation compartment; The shelf supporting the cabinet is located inside the refrigeration chamber; Two or more shelves are connected to the rack, the shelves being configured to support the packaged food; Each lid removal device is configured to selectively retain the lid of a packaged food item supported by a corresponding shelf, relative to two or more lid removal devices supported by the shelf. and The food actuator, supported by the shelf, includes an arm translatable relative to the lid removal device, wherein the system is configured such that translation of the arm moves the container of the packaged food from the refrigeration chamber to the preparation chamber of the cabinet, and the system is configured such that the lid of the packaged food is held by the lid removal device after the arm has been translated.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The partition includes an actuable partition plate, and the partition plate is configured to be selectively actuated between at least one in a first direction or position and at least one in a second direction or position.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The lid removal device is connected to the shelf.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The lid removal device is connected to the shelf.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The cover removal device includes a movable arm and a fixed arm.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The movable arm of the cover removal device is configured to actuate between a loaded position and an engaged position.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The lid removal device includes a protrusion configured to selectively engage with a through-hole in the lid.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The lid removal device includes a hook structure configured to engage with a slot in the lid.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The food actuator is connected to the rack.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The arm of the food actuator is configured as a push rod.

11. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: The oven is located in the preparation compartment of the cabinet.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The oven is configured to raise the temperature of the food to a cooking temperature sufficient to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

13. An automated vending machine system adapted to open and prepare packaged food, said system comprising: A cabinet comprising a cooling compartment, a preparation compartment, and a partition separating the cooling compartment and the preparation compartment, the partition being configured to selectively allow access between the cooling compartment and the preparation compartment at a passageway location; The shelf supporting the cabinet is located inside the refrigeration chamber; Multiple shelves connected to the shelf, each of the multiple shelves being configured to support an associated packaged food in an associated storage location; Relative to the plurality of lid removal devices supported by the shelf, each of the plurality of lid removal devices is configured to selectively retain the lid of the associated packaged food on the associated shelf of the plurality of shelves; and The lift, which is supported by the shelf, includes a support surface, wherein the lift is configured to translate the support surface between each storage position of the plurality of shelves and the passage position; The food actuator, relative to the shelf support, includes an arm translatable relative to each cap removal device, wherein the system is configured such that translation of the arm relative to a selected cap removal device moves the container of the associated packaged food from the associated shelf to the support surface of the elevator, and the system is configured such that the cap of the associated packaged food is held by the selected cap removal device of the associated shelf after the arm translation.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The food actuator is further configured such that translation of the arm moves the associated packaged food container from the refrigeration chamber to the cabinet's preparation chamber.

15. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The food actuator is configured to translate together with the elevator.

16. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The food actuator is connected to the elevator.

17. The system of claim 13, further comprising: The oven is located in the preparation compartment of the cabinet.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein, The oven is located at an oven position, which is different from the passage position, and the system further includes: A preparation lift located in the preparation chamber includes a support surface, wherein the preparation lift is configured to translate the support surface of the preparation lift between the oven position and the passage position.

19. The system according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the plurality of lid removal devices is connected to an associated shelf among the plurality of shelves.

20. The system according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the plurality of lid removal devices includes a hook structure configured to engage with a slot of an associated lid of the associated packaged food.

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