Product dispensing mechanism and vending machine having a product dispensing mechanism

Abstract

The product dispensing mechanism of a vending machine is disclosed. [Solution] The vending machine includes a housing that defines a product compartment and a front wall having a transparent portion. A platform is located within the product compartment of the vending machine and stores products on it, and the platform includes a first end opposite a second end. The vending machine further includes a product dispensing mechanism located on the platform and including a gate that is movable from a closed position to an open position to dispense products from the platform. A dispensing bin with an open front end is located below the platform so that when the first gate is moved to the open position, products will fall from the platform into the dispensing bin by gravity and be accessible to consumers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described in this specification generally disclose a product discharge mechanism for a vending machine. Specifically, the embodiments described herein relate to a product discharge mechanism including one or more gates for controlling the discharge of a product and a delivery bin for receiving the product and providing access to the product to a consumer.

Background Art

[0002] Vending machines are often used to distribute products to consumers unattended. Products are stored within a product compartment of the vending machine and discharged into a dispensing area for access by the consumer. There are various mechanisms for discharging a product from the product compartment and transporting the product to the dispensing area. It is important for a vending machine to consistently and reliably discharge and distribute the product to the consumer such that the consumer receives the product purchased. Since the vending machine is unattended, if the consumer does not receive the product, the consumer has no one to turn to for assistance.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some embodiments described herein relate to a vending machine including a housing that defines a product compartment, the housing including a front wall having a transparent portion and a product discharge mechanism. The product discharge mechanism includes a platform disposed within the product compartment for storing a product, the platform including a first end opposite a second end and a gate disposed on the platform and movable from a closed position to an open position for discharging the product from the platform. The vending machine further includes a delivery bin having an open front end, the delivery bin being disposed at the first end of the platform such that when the first gate is moved to the open position, the product falls by gravity from the platform into the delivery bin for access by the consumer through the open front end.

[0004] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the vending machine may further include a gate control mechanism configured to selectively control the movement of the gate from a closed position to an open position. In some embodiments, the gate control mechanism may include a rack that engages with a pinion of the gate.

[0005] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the vending machine may further include a second product dispensing mechanism located within a product compartment for storing a second product, the second product dispensing mechanism being positioned at a different height from the first product dispensing mechanism, and a second delivery bin being positioned at a different height from the delivery bin, the second delivery bin being configured to receive the product dispensed from the second product dispensing mechanism.

[0006] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the product may be a beverage container, and the platform may be configured to support the beverage container in an upright orientation.

[0007] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the platform may be positioned at an incline such that the product moves from the second end of the platform toward the first end of the platform under gravity.

[0008] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the vending machine may further include a forwarding mechanism configured to automatically advance the product toward a first end of the platform.

[0009] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the platform may be one of several platforms arranged at different heights within the product compartment, and the delivery bin may be one of several delivery bins.

[0010] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the delivery bin may include a flap that movably covers the open front end of the delivery bin.

[0011] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the delivery bin may include a drawer that can move from a closed position to an open position, in which case the product inside the drawer is accessible to the consumer.

[0012] Some embodiments described herein relate to a vending machine comprising a housing defining a product compartment, the housing including a front wall having a transparent portion, and a platform positioned within the product compartment for storing products, the platform including a first end opposite a second end. The vending machine further comprises a product dispensing mechanism configured to selectively dispense products from the platform, a delivery bin positioned below the platform, the delivery bin into which products fall from the platform for consumer access when the product dispensing mechanism is operated, and a buffer mechanism configured to control the fall of products from the platform into the delivery bin.

[0013] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the product discharge mechanism may include a gate and a gate control mechanism configured to move the gate from a closed position to an open position.

[0014] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the buffering mechanism may include a guide channel extending from the upper end of the product compartment to the lower end of the product compartment, and the delivery bin may be located below the platform.

[0015] In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the buffering mechanism may include a cushion.

[0016] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the buffering mechanism may include a plurality of bristles extending across the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0017] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the cushioning mechanism may include one or more pads positioned on the front wall of the housing or at the first end of the platform.

[0018] Some embodiments described herein relate to a product dispensing mechanism for a vending machine, comprising: a platform having a first end opposite a second end and configured to support a first product and a second product; a first gate located at the first end of the platform and movable from a closed position in which the first product is inaccessible to consumers to an open position in which the first product is accessible to consumers; a second gate located on the platform, spaced apart from the first gate and movable from a closed position to an open position; and a gate control mechanism configured to control the first gate and the second gate so that the first gate is in an open position and the second gate moves to a closed position to provide consumers with access to the first product on the platform while preventing access to the second product on the platform.

[0019] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the product ejection mechanism may further include a forward assembly configured to automatically advance a first product and a second product toward a first end of a platform.

[0020] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the product discharge mechanism may further include a third gate spaced apart from the second gate and configured to control the forward movement of the product on the platform toward the first end of the platform.

[0021] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the product discharge mechanism may further include a gate control mechanism configured to control the opening and closing of a first gate and a second gate. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to further explain the principles of the present disclosure and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present disclosure. [Figure 1] Perspective view of a product ejection mechanism according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] Perspective cross-sectional view of the product ejection mechanism of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, showing gates at different positions. [Figure 2B] Perspective cross-sectional view of the product ejection mechanism of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, showing gates at different positions. [Figure 3] Bottom perspective view of the product ejection mechanism of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] Bottom perspective view of a product ejection mechanism according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] Perspective view of a product ejection mechanism having a gate according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Perspective view of a product ejection mechanism having a gate according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Top view of a product ejection mechanism having a gate according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] Top view of a product ejection mechanism having a gate according to one embodiment. [[ID=^]] [Figure 9] Perspective view of a vending machine having a product ejection mechanism according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] Top view of the product ejection mechanism of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] Perspective view of a product ejection mechanism having a gate according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of the product ejection mechanism of FIG. 11 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] Perspective view of a vending machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view of the vending machine of FIG. 13 taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13. [Figure 15A] Cross-sectional view of a vending machine having a gate according to one embodiment. [Figure 15B] This is a cross-sectional view of a vending machine having a gate according to one embodiment. [Figure 16A] This is a perspective view of a vending machine having a delivery bin according to one embodiment. [Figure 16B] This is a cross-sectional view of the vending machine in Figure 16A, taken along line 16B-16B in Figure 16A. [Figure 17] This is an enlarged perspective view of a platform having a sensor according to one embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram of a vending machine equipped with a distance sensor according to one embodiment. [Figure 19] This figure shows an exemplary method for determining whether to retrieve a product from a vending machine, according to one embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view of a vending machine with a delivery mechanism according to one embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a perspective view of a vending machine with a delivery mechanism according to one embodiment. [Figure 22] This is a perspective view of a vending machine having a delivery bin according to one embodiment. [Figure 23] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vending machine in Figure 22, taken along line 23-23 in Figure 22. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view of a vending machine having a delivery bin according to one embodiment. [Figure 25] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vending machine in Figure 24, taken along line 25-25 in Figure 24. [Figure 26] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vending machine having a cushioning mechanism including a pad, according to one embodiment. [Figure 27] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vending machine having a cushioning mechanism including a flap, according to one embodiment. [Figure 28] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vending machine having a buffer mechanism including a receiver, according to one embodiment. [Figure 29] This is a perspective view of a vending machine having a buffer mechanism including a Y mechanism according to one embodiment. [Figure 30]This is a front view of a vending machine having a buffer mechanism including a guide channel, according to one embodiment. [Figure 31] This is a front perspective view of a vending machine having a cushioning mechanism including bristles, according to one embodiment. [Figure 32] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vending machine in Figure 31, taken along line 32-32 in Figure 31. [Figure 33] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vending machine according to one embodiment, which has a constricted section and a cushioning mechanism including an additional cushion. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] The following description will refer in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the multiple embodiments to one preferred embodiment. Rather, the present invention is intended to encompass alternatives, variations, and equivalents that may fall within the spirit and scope of the embodiments defined by the claims.

[0024] A vending machine may include a product dispensing mechanism for releasing products from a product storage area. When a consumer selects a product via a user interface or the like, the product dispensing mechanism may release the product from the storage area and distribute it to the consumer. If the product dispensing mechanism malfunctions, the consumer may not receive their product. As a result, the consumer may have a negative experience and may not use the vending machine again in the future. If the dispensing mechanism dispenses more products than the number of products purchased, the vending machine operator may lose money. Furthermore, a malfunctioning product dispensing mechanism may require repair, and the vending machine may be unusable until the repair is completed.

[0025] Some vending machines can provide consumers with access to product compartments, allowing them to manually select products. However, to prevent theft or vandalism, it may be desirable to restrict consumer access to products within the storage compartments. In such vending machines, it may be desirable to provide a product dispensing mechanism that allows access to a single product while restricting access to additional products.

[0026] In vending machines with closed doors, and therefore inaccessible to consumers, the machine may allow products to simply fall from shelves into dispensing bins or portals under gravity. However, allowing products to fall under gravity can damage brittle or fragile products such as chips or crackers, or increase the pressure within carbonated beverages. As a result, carbonated beverages may overflow when opened, or consumers may have to wait to drink the beverage to release the pressure, which can be undesirable. Therefore, a mechanism to control the falling of products within a vending machine is desired.

[0027] Some vending machines may include a separate distribution mechanism for transporting products dispensed from the shelves to a delivery bin or portal. This distribution mechanism may add to the capital cost of manufacturing the vending machine and could introduce another potential source of failure. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a distribution mechanism that is simple and can reliably transport products to the delivery bin or portal.

[0028] Some embodiments described herein relate to a product dispensing mechanism for a vending machine, which includes a first gate for dispensing products from a platform and a second gate for preventing access to additional products on the platform, in order to provide consumers with access to purchased products while restricting consumer access to additional products on the platform. Some embodiments described herein relate to a distribution mechanism for transporting products to a distribution bin or portal in a simple and reliable manner. Some embodiments described herein relate to a buffer mechanism for a vending machine, which can control the gravity fall of products dispensed from a shelf or platform in order to prevent or minimize damage to the distributed products.

[0029] As used herein, the term “product” can refer to any of the various items, including but not limited to bags or boxes of snacks such as chips, pretzels, crackers, granola, cookie bars, and energy bars; packaged beverages contained in bottles, cans, cartons, or pouches, such as carbonated water, carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee or tea-based beverages, dairy-based beverages, or sports drinks; and retail goods such as small electronic devices.

[0030] The product dispensing mechanisms described herein may be used in vending machines that provide consumers with direct access to product compartments, such as for manual product selection, and these may be referred to as “open-door vending machines.” The product dispensing mechanisms described herein may also be incorporated into vending machines that do not provide consumers with direct access to product compartments, and these may be referred to as “closed-door vending machines.”

[0031] Several embodiments described herein relate to product dispensing mechanisms 100 for vending machines. As shown in Figure 1, each row of products may include a product dispensing mechanism 100 for controlling the dispensing of products in that row. Each product dispensing mechanism 100 may include a platform 110 having a first end 112 opposite a second end 114. In some embodiments, multiple product dispensing mechanisms 100 may be arranged in a row to form a shelf. Products 500 may be arranged in a row from the first end 112 to the second end 114 of the platform 110. For example, the products 500 may be beverage containers arranged in a row in an upright orientation. The platform 110 may include rails 111, 113 extending from the first end 112 or toward the second end 114 of the platform 110 on each side of the platform 110. The rails 111, 113 can help maintain the products in a row on the platform 110, and the gates of the product dispensing mechanisms can be fixed to the rails 111, 113 as described herein.

[0032] The product may be automatically advanced toward the first end 112 of the platform 110 by gravity or by a forward mechanism 210, etc. Once the product has been removed from the first end 112 of the platform 110, the remaining product may be automatically advanced toward the first end 112 of the platform 110 by gravity or by the forward mechanism 210. For example, the platform 110 may be positioned at an angle to the horizontal plane such that the second end 114 is positioned higher than the first end 112 of the platform 110, so that the product advances toward the first end 112 from the second end 114 under gravity. In such embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the platform 110 may include a forward mechanism 210, formed as rollers 212 or bearings, to facilitate the movement of the product toward the first end 112 under gravity. In some embodiments, a pusher, such as a pusher 220, may be positioned at the second end 114 of the platform 110 and biased toward the first end 112 (see, for example, Figure 18). Once a product is removed, the pusher may automatically move the remaining product toward the first end 112. The pusher may be spring-driven and may be driven by a motor or the like. In another example, the platform 110 may include a conveyor assembly for automatically advancing the product toward the first end 112. Various advancement mechanisms are known, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0033] In some embodiments, as best shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the first gate 120 may be located at the first end 112 of the platform 110, and the second gate 150 may be spaced apart from the first gate 120 at a position between the first end 112 and the second end 114 of the platform 110. During operation, as shown in Figure 2A, the first gate 120 may remain in the closed position until the product is dispensed, and the second gate 150 may remain in the open position to allow the product to move along the platform 110. When dispensing the product, as shown in Figure 2B, the first gate 120 may be opened to allow the consumer to access the first product, while the second gate 150 may move to the closed position to prevent the consumer from taking any additional products. When the second gate 150 is closed, it can also help push the first product toward the first end 112 of the platform 110. After the consumer has taken out the first product, the first gate 120 can be returned to a closed position to prevent the consumer from accessing the product, and the second gate 150 can be returned to an open position to allow the second product to move toward the first end 112 of the platform 110.

[0034] In some embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 may further include a third gate 160 located behind the second gate 150, positioned between the second gate 150 and the second end 114 of the platform 110, as best shown in Figures 2A and 2B. The third gate 160 may be movable from an open position, where products can advance toward the first end 112 of the platform 110, to a closed position, where products on the platform 110 are prevented from advancing toward the first end 112 of the platform 110. The first and second gates 120, 150 may be used to control access to products, and the third gate 160 may control the advancement of products. During operation, the third gate 160 may remain in an open position (see, for example, Figure 2A) until products are distributed, allowing products to move along the platform 110. When dispensing the product, the third gate 160 may move to a closed position (see, for example, Figure 2B) to prevent the product from advancing toward the first end 112, which may interfere with the operation of the second gate 150.

[0035] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the platform 110 may include a stopper 105 positioned at a first end 112 of the platform 110. The stopper 105 may extend upright from the platform 110 to prevent the product from moving beyond the first end 112 of the platform 110 and thus from falling off the platform 110. In some embodiments, the stopper 105 may include an extension 106 positioned in front of the first end 112 of the platform 110. In this way, the product can be released onto the extension 106 through a first gate 120 and held in place by the stopper 105 (see, for example, Figure 2B). This can facilitate the consumer retrieval of the product and the closing of a second gate 150 behind the released product.

[0036] The product release mechanism 100 may include a gate control mechanism 170 configured to control the opening and closing of one or more of the first, second, and third gates 120, 150, and 160, as shown in Figure 3, for example. In some embodiments, the gate control mechanism 170 may include a rack and pinion in which a rack 171 having a plurality of teeth 173 engages with a pinion 174 connected to a gate. When the rack 171 moves linearly in the longitudinal direction of the platform 110 (for example, from the first end to the second end, or from the second end to the first end), the pinion 174 rotates, thereby causing the associated gate to rotate or open and close.

[0037] In some embodiments, the rack 171 of the gate control mechanism 170 may be connected to a link mechanism 176 instead of a pinion that controls the opening and closing of the gate, as shown in Figure 4, for example. When the rack 171 moves linearly, the movement of the rack 171 can actuate the link mechanism 176, causing the opening and closing of a gate connected to the link mechanism 176, such as the gate 120 in Figure 4. The rack 171 may be actuated linearly in the longitudinal direction by a solenoid 178. The gate control mechanism 170 may be located on the bottom surface 119 of the platform 110. In this way, the gate control mechanism 170 has a compact configuration and is not easily visible to consumers using the vending machine having the product dispensing mechanism 100.

[0038] In some embodiments, a single gate control mechanism 170 may control both the first and second gates 120, 150. Alternatively, each of the first and second gates 120, 150 may have its own gate control mechanism 170. In addition, the third gate 160 may be controlled by the same gate control mechanism 170 used to control one or both of the first and second gates 120, 150, or the third gate 160 may have its own gate control mechanism 170.

[0039] The first gate 120 of the product release mechanism 100 may have any of the various shapes and configurations described herein. The first gate 120 may include one or more panels that are individually movable from a closed position to an open position. The first gate 120 may be movable from a closed position to an open position by pivoting around a hinge, rotating around an axis, or sliding along a track. The first gate 120 may include a transparent material, an opaque material, or a combination thereof. The first gate 120 may have a height equal to or lower than the height of the product. The first gate 120 may be generally flat or may have a curve such as a convex curve.

[0040] The second gate 150 may include a single panel or a pair of panels 151, 152, as shown in Figure 2A. In some embodiments, the second gate 150 may be pivotably connected to the first rail 111 or the second rail 113 of the product release mechanism 100. In embodiments with a pair of panels, the first panel 151 may be pivotably connected to the first rail 111, and the second panel 152 may be pivotably connected to the second rail 113. In some embodiments, the second gate 150 may be positioned within an opening formed in the first rail 111 or the second rail 113 in an open configuration (see, for example, Figure 2A). In this way, the second gate 150 forms part of the rail and does not obstruct the forward movement of the product along the platform 110. The second gate 150 may rotate to a closed position where it is positioned laterally relative to the platform 110 and the rails 111, 113 (see, for example, Figure 2B). If the second gate 150 has a pair of panels 151, 152, the pair of panels may be in contact end to end in the closed position to prevent access to products behind the second gate 150.

[0041] The third gate 160 may include a pair of arms, the first arm connected to the first rail 111 and the second arm connected to the second rail 113. The arms 161 and 162 may be positioned in recesses of the rails in the open position and may extend inward from the rails 111 and 113 in the closed position. In the closed position, the arms 161 and 162 may extend at an angle with respect to the rails 111 and 113, for example, at an angle of about 10 to 60 degrees. In the closed position, the arms 161 and 162 of the third gate 160 do not have to be in contact so as to form an opening between the arms 161 and 162.

[0042] In some embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 may include a first gate 120, as shown in Figure 5, which includes a single panel 122 pivotable around a hinge 121 located on the side of the panel 122. The hinge 121 may be connected to rails 111, 113 of the platform 110 so that the panel 122 rotates about a vertical axis Z defined by the hinge 121. The panel 122 may be substantially planar or have a substantially rectangular shape. The panel 122 of the first gate 120 may have a width corresponding to the width of the platform 110 so that in the closed position, the panel 122 extends from the first rail 111 to the second rail 113, preventing access to the product from the first end 112 of the platform 110. The panel 122 of the first gate 120 may have a height equal to or slightly greater than the height of the product. In this way, when the first gate 120 is in the closed position, the first gate 120 can prevent consumers from accessing the product and thus prevent theft of the product. However, in some embodiments, the panel 122 may have a height lower than the height of the product, such as about 50% of the height of the product, as shown in Figure 14, for example. The panel 122 may be shorter than the product 500 so that the consumer can see part of the product above or below the first gate 120. The panel 122 may be formed of an opaque material to make the product 500 difficult to see. However, in some embodiments, the first gate 120 may include a transparent or translucent material so that the product is visible and can be seen by consumers through the first gate 120.

[0043] In some embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 may include a first gate 120 and a second gate 150, as shown in Figure 6. The first gate 120 may include a single panel 125 similar to the embodiment in Figure 5, although the panel 125 of the first gate 120 may have a curve. The panel 125 may have a hinge 121 along the side connected to a rail such as a first rail 111. However, in an alternative embodiment, the panel 125 may instead have a hinge 121 on the opposite side connected to a second rail 113. The panel 125 may have a height that is approximately the same as or greater than the height of the product. The panel 125 may have a convex curvature to match the curvature of a product such as a bottle or can. However, in some embodiments, the panel 125 may have a concave or wavy curve to provide visual interest. The panel 125 may extend from the first rail 111 to the second rail 113 in the closed position to prevent access to the product 500. The panel 125 may include a solid or opaque material, and may include a window 125A made of a transparent material so that a portion of the product is visible through the window 125A.

[0044] In some embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 may include a first gate 120 having two panels 123, 124, as shown in Figure 1. In such embodiments, the first panel 123 may be rotatably coupled to a first rail 111, and the second panel 124 may be rotatably coupled to a second rail 113. In the closed position, the first and second panels 123, 124 are in contact end to end to form a barrier that blocks access to the product. In the open position, the first and second panels 123, 124 may pivot around a hinge to allow access to the product. In some embodiments, the first and second rails 111, 113 may be the same height as or slightly higher than the height of the product, and a cover 115 may be positioned at the upper end of the rails 111, 113 at or adjacent to the first end 112 of the platform 110 to form an enclosure around one or more products.

[0045] In some embodiments, the product dispensing mechanism 100 may include a single gate 120 that provides access to products and also prevents access to additional products, as shown in Figure 7. In some embodiments, the gate 120 may include a first panel 126 and a second panel 127 connected to and perpendicular to the first panel 126. Thus, the gate 120 may be L-shaped. In the closed position, the first panel 126 may be positioned laterally to the platform 110 to prevent access to products on the platform 110, and the second panel 127 may extend rearward toward the second end 114 of the platform 110 and parallel to the first rail 111. To distribute products, the gate 120 may rotate toward the first end 112 of the platform 110 so that the second panel 127 helps to distribute products by pushing the products 500 toward the first end 112, and the first panel 126 rotates outward to provide access to products. In the open position, the second panel 127 may be positioned laterally relative to the platform 110 to prevent access to additional products on the platform 110. The gate 120 can be rotated approximately 90 degrees from the closed position to the open position and vice versa. In such embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 may include a third gate 160 for controlling the forward movement of additional products as described above. The third gate 160 may be open when the gate 120 is in the closed position, and may move to the closed position to prevent the forward movement of products when the gate 120 is in the open position. By using a single gate 120 to release products and prevent access to additional products, the structure and operation of the product release mechanism 100 can be simplified. The gates 120, 160 may be controlled by the gate control mechanism 170 as described above.

[0046] In some embodiments, the gate 120 may include a pair of L-shaped panels, similar to the first gate 120 in Figure 1, but with a first L-shaped panel pivotably connected to a first rail 111 and a second L-shaped panel pivotably connected to an opposing second rail 113.

[0047] In some embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 may include a first gate 120 formed as a rotary gate, for example, as shown in Figure 8. The first gate 120 may function to release products while preventing access to additional products. The first gate 120 may include a central post 128 from which a plurality of panels 129 may extend. In Figure 8, four panels 129 extend from the central post 128 so as to form an X or plus sign shape. When the first gate 120 has four panels 129, the first gate 120 defines four product areas. In some embodiments, the first gate 120 may be used to release products from two platforms 110 and two rows of products, as shown in Figure 8. As the products advance toward the first end 112 of the platform 110, the products enter a rear product area defined by the first gate 120, which is not accessible to consumers. As the first gate 120 rotates around the central post 128, the product advances into the area in front of the first gate 120 that is accessible to the consumer. To release the product, the first gate 120 may rotate only by a fixed degree, for example, 90 degrees. In such embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 may include a third gate 160 for controlling the advancement of the product toward the first gate 120, as described above.

[0048] In some embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 may include a single gate formed by a pair of curved panels 133, 134, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. Each of the curved panels 133, 134 may be formed as an arc. The curved panels 133, 134 may be configured to rotate along a circular path at the first end 112 of the platform 110. The first and second curved panels 133, 134 may be positioned side by side in front of the product 500 in a closed position to form a barrier that blocks access to the product. The product release mechanism 100 may also include a third gate 160 located behind the first gate 120 that controls the forward movement of the product along the platform 110 as described above.

[0049] The first and second curved panels 133, 134 can rotate about a central axis Z, as shown in Figure 10. To move from a closed position to an open position, the first curved panel 133 may rotate clockwise, while the second curved panel 134 may rotate counterclockwise, so that the first and second curved panels 133, 134 are aligned and in contact behind or behind the first product 500A, allowing the consumer to access the first product 500A while preventing access to the second product 500B (and any additional products). In some embodiments, the gate 120 may instead include a single C-shaped panel that can be positioned in front of the product in the closed position to prevent access to all products, and may rotate about 180 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise to a position behind the product to provide access to the single product while preventing access to additional products.

[0050] In some embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 may include a gate 120 configured to provide access to products and prevent access to additional products, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. The gate 120 may include a panel 135 configured to pivot or tilt outward along a horizontal axis Y. In some embodiments, the panel 135 may include an arm 136 that slides along a slot 116 defined by first and second rails 111, 113. The panel 135 may have a hinge 137 along its bottom edge, connected to a first end 112 of the platform 110, to allow the panel 135 to tilt outward. In this way, the panel 135 can rotate about the horizontal axis Y defined by the hinge 137. In the closed position, the panel 135 may be positioned perpendicular to the platform 110 in a vertical orientation to prevent access to products on the platform 110. In the open position, panel 135 may rotate or tilt outward to provide access to the foremost product on platform 110. In some embodiments, gate 120 may be spring-biased to bias it into a closed configuration.

[0051] In some embodiments, the gate 120 may include a base 139 on which products are placed, as best shown in Figure 12. The base 139 may be parallel to or coplanar with the platform 110 when the gate 120 is in the closed position, thereby allowing products to advance from the platform 110 onto the base 139. When the gate 120 is moved to the open position, products placed on the base 139 tilt forward for consumer collection. The base 139 may further include a flange 140 at the rear end opposite a panel 135 extending above the plane of the platform 110 to prevent additional products from advancing forward when the gate 120 is open. In some embodiments, the panel 135 may include a handle 138 that allows consumers to more easily rotate and open the gate 120.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first and second rails may be as tall as or taller than the height of the product, and the cover 115 may be positioned at the upper end of the rails so as to form an enclosure around the product at the first end 112 of the platform 110. This may help to further restrict access to and theft of the product.

[0053] Any of the various product dispensing mechanisms 100 described herein may be located within the product compartment of a vending machine for dispensing products from a platform or for controlling access to products. The product dispensing mechanism 100 may be incorporated into a newly constructed vending machine or retrofitted to an existing vending machine. For example, the gate of the product dispensing mechanism 100 may be located on the shelf of an existing vending machine, and the gate control mechanism may be located on the underside of the vending machine shelf. In a newly constructed vending machine, the gate and gate control mechanism may be pre-assembled on the platform or shelf.

[0054] The vending machine may include a user interface for receiving payment, receiving user selection of products, or both. It can activate a product dispensing mechanism to dispense products corresponding to the user selection. In some embodiments, the user interface may include a touchscreen display, a keypad, or a plurality of actuators, such as buttons, levers, or switches, each corresponding to a single product dispensing mechanism. In some embodiments, the vending machine may be configured to communicate wirelessly with a consumer's mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone, or may include a reader or scanner for reading a barcode displayed by the consumer, such as by displaying a QR code® on the consumer's smartphone, where the QR code® may encode product selection, payment method, or both. The user interface may be located outside the vending machine or may be accessible when the vending machine door is opened. In some embodiments, the actuators may mechanically control the operation of a gate control mechanism.

[0055] In an exemplary operation, the vending machine can receive payment from a consumer. Payment can be received via the vending machine's user interface, particularly by payment methods such as receiving banknotes, reading a payment card, scanning a barcode such as a QR code (registered trademark), or wireless communication. Once payment is received, the gate control mechanism of the vending machine's product dispensing mechanism can dispense products for consumer access while restricting access to additional products. In some embodiments, each product dispensing mechanism may include an indicator light, such as an LED light, which may flash or light up to indicate to the consumer that the gate is open or unlocked for consumer access. In some embodiments, the gate may remain open for a predetermined period and may automatically close or lock at the end of the predetermined period. In some embodiments, the gate may remain open or unlocked until a product is dispensed, as can be detected by a product dispensing sensor, and the gate may close or lock in response to the product being dispensed.

[0056] Some embodiments described herein relate to a vending machine 300 having a distribution mechanism, as shown in Figure 13, for example. The vending machine 300 may include a housing 310 defining a product compartment 320 and a door 330 movably connected to the housing 310 to selectively provide access to the product compartment 320. The product compartment 320 does not have to be fully accessible to consumers, and a product compartment panel 322 may at least partially cover the product compartment 320 to prevent access to the product compartment 320. The product compartment panel 322 may extend from a first side 321 of the product compartment 320 toward an opposing second side 323. The product compartment panel 322 may include a transparent material so that the products in the product compartment 320 are visible to consumers using the vending machine 300. A product retrieval area 324 does not have to be covered by the product compartment panel 322 in order to provide consumers with limited access to the product compartment 320.

[0057] The vending machine 300 may include multiple rows of products and a product dispensing mechanism 100, as best shown in Figure 14. Each product dispensing mechanism 100 may include a platform 110 having a first end 112 opposite a second end 114, as described above. The dispensing gate 180 may be located at the first end 112 of the platform 110, which is movable from an open position to a closed position. The dispensing gate 180 may have any of the configurations described above for the gate 120. As shown in Figure 14, the dispensing gate 180 includes a single panel 182 that has hinges on the side of the panel 182 and is connected to the rails of the product dispensing mechanism 100, similar to the gate 120 in Figure 5. The dispensing gate 180 has a height lower than the height of the products 500. Since the product compartment 320 is not directly accessible to consumers, the gate 180 does not need to completely cover the products to prevent theft or tampering, as the product compartment panel 322 prevents access to the products within the product compartment 320. The vending machine 300 may include a user interface having a plurality of actuators 390 operated by the consumer to initiate product dispensing, each actuator 390 may correspond to a specific dispensing gate 180.

[0058] The distribution mechanism 380 may be located at the first end 112 of the platform 110 within the product compartment 320, or it may be positioned laterally to the platform 110 so as to extend between the first side 321 of the product compartment 320 of the vending machine 300 and the second side 323 (e.g., the right side and the left side) facing it. The distribution mechanism 380 can transport products released from the platform 110 to the product collection area 324. The distribution gate 190 may be located in the product collection area 324 and movable from a closed position where the product collection area 324 is inaccessible to consumers to an open position where the product collection area 324 is accessible to consumers.

[0059] The distribution mechanism 380 may include a conveyor assembly that includes a conveyor belt 382 forming a continuous loop around one or more rollers 384. At least one of the rollers 384 may be driven by a motor 386 to cause rotation of the conveyor belt 382. During operation, products may be released by the product release mechanism 100 by opening a release gate 180 so that the products are released from the platform 110 onto the conveyor belt 382. The conveyor belt 382 may transport the products to a product recovery area 324. Consumers may manually move the distribution gate 190 from the closed position to the open position to access products in the product recovery area 324.

[0060] In some embodiments, the distribution gate 190 may include a central hinge 193 and a first panel 192 positioned opposite a second panel 194, such that the distribution gate 190 has a planar configuration. In the closed position, the first panel 192 blocks the product retrieval area 324 and extends from the product compartment panel 322 to the second side 323 of the product compartment 320, while the second panel 194 is positioned inside the product compartment 320, generally parallel to the product compartment panel 322. The distribution gate 190 may rotate about 90 degrees around the central hinge 193 so that the first panel 192 is perpendicular to the product compartment panel 322 to provide access to the product retrieval area 324, and the second panel 194 may be positioned laterally to the conveyor belt 382 to prevent a user from reaching the product compartment 320 when the distribution gate 190 is in an open configuration.

[0061] In some embodiments, the vending machine 300 may include a discharge gate 180 and a distribution gate 190 having alternative configurations, as shown in Figures 15A and 15B. For example, the discharge gate 180 may include a panel having a hinge along the bottom edge of the panel and connected to a platform 110. The distribution gate 190 may include a pair of curved panels 196, 197 configured to rotate around a central axis, as described above with respect to Figures 9 and 10. Thus, the distribution gate 190 may include a first curved panel 196 and a second curved panel 197 that can rotate from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the first and second curved panels 196, 197 are positioned side by side in front of the product collection area 324 to block access to the products. The first and second curved panels 196, 197 rotate in opposite directions to move to an open position where the curved panels 196, 197 are positioned side by side behind the products. In the closed position, the curved panels 196 and 197 can also block access to the product compartment 320, as shown in Figure 15B.

[0062] In some embodiments, the vending machine 300 may include one or more delivery bins 350 to provide consumers with access to the dispensed products, as shown, for example, in Figures 16A and 16B. The vending machine 300 may also include a housing 310 defining a product compartment 320 for storing products, and a door 330 movably connected to the housing 310 to provide access to the delivery bins 350. The product compartment 320 may include a plurality of product dispensing mechanisms 100 arranged at different heights. The delivery bins 350 may be positioned at the front ends 112 of one or more of the product dispensing mechanisms 100 so that products dispensed from the platform 110 can fall into the delivery bins 350 under gravity. Product compartment panels 322 may cover the product compartment 320 to prevent consumers from accessing the products within the product compartment 320. Thus, consumers can only access the delivery bins 350.

[0063] The delivery bin 350 may extend from a first side 321 to an opposing second side 323 of the product compartment 320 to receive products from any of the various product release mechanisms 100. The delivery bin 350 may include a body 351 having an open upper end 352, the upper end 352 being no more than the height of the front end 112 of the platform 110 so that products can fall into the delivery bin 350 through the open upper end 352. The delivery bin 360 may include an open front wall 354 to provide consumers with access to products in the delivery bin 350. The delivery bin 350 may include one or more flaps 355 that are movably connected to the body 351 of the delivery bin 350 and are movable from an open position to a closed position. The flaps 355 may be biased to a closed configuration (shown by a dotted line in Figure 16B) so that the upper end 352 is closed, and may be open to allow products to pass through. The flap 355 can help prevent products from falling into the delivery bin 350 in order to minimize product damage or shaking, and can also prevent consumers from reaching the product compartment 320 through the delivery bin 350.

[0064] Some embodiments described herein relate to vending machines having sensors for detecting the removal of products from product compartments, as shown in Figures 17 and 18. Sensors may be used to detect product removal in order to track product inventory and prevent product theft. Information from the sensors regarding the number of products removed can be used to update the vending machine's inventory, determine when replenishment is needed, and determine the total price to be charged to the consumer.

[0065] In such embodiments, the vending machine 300 may include a housing 310 defining a product compartment 320 and a door 330 movably fixed to the housing 310. The product compartment 320 may include a platform 110 on which products are placed from a first end 112 to the opposite rear end. Each platform 110 may include a forwarding mechanism such as a pusher, roller, or gravity feed. Furthermore, each platform 110 may include a stopper 105 at the first end 112 of the platform 110 to prevent products from moving forward from the platform 110. Consumers can manually take out the desired product when the door 330 of the vending machine 300 is opened. The product compartment 320 may include sensors configured to detect products taken out from the platform 110. In this way, the vending machine 300 can automatically track product retrieval without worrying about product theft.

[0066] In some embodiments, the door 199 may be located on the platform 110 at the first end 112 of the platform 110, as shown in Figure 17. The product sensor 199 may, among other things, be an infrared sensor or an optical sensor. A product 500 at the first end 112 of the platform 110 may be placed on the product sensor 199, and the product sensor 199 may determine product removal by detecting when the product 500 is removed from its position above the product sensor 199. If a product is automatically advanced from the second end of the platform 110 toward the first end 112, a second product on the platform 110 may move to a position above the product sensor 199 when the first product is removed.

[0067] In some embodiments, the sensor 199 may be a distance sensor located at the second end 114 of each platform 110, as shown in Figure 18. The distance sensor 199 may be located, for example, on the inner wall of the product compartment 320 at the second end 114 of the platform 110. As a product is removed from the row of products on the platform 110, the remaining products move forward toward the first end 112 of the platform 110. The distance sensor 199 may detect the distance D from a forward mechanism, such as a pusher 220, to the distance sensor 199. In embodiments without a pusher, the distance sensor 199 may detect the distance from the last product to the distance sensor 199. As a product is removed, the remaining products move forward toward the first end 112 of the platform 110, increasing the distance D. The change in distance D may be used to determine the number of products removed. When distance D is equal to a predetermined maximum distance, such as the distance at which the pusher 220 is at the first end 112 of the platform 110 and no products remain, the vending machine 300 may send a signal to the operator indicating that replenishment is needed.

[0068] In some embodiments, the forward mechanism 210 for automatically advancing a product toward the first end 112 of the platform 110 may include a one-way forward assembly that can move toward the first end 112 of the platform 110 but cannot move toward the second end 114 of the platform 110. The one-way forward assembly may help avoid interference with the operation of the sensor 199 and inaccurate product recognition, such as when a consumer attempts to return a product that has been removed from the platform 110.

[0069] Figure 19 shows an exemplary method for retrieving products from a vending machine. This method may include the step of detecting a first distance from a distance sensor to a product in a row of products 610. A second distance from the distance sensor to a product in a row of products may be detected after the consumer has taken one or more products 620. The difference between the second distance and the first distance may be determined 630. The number of products retrieved may be determined based on the difference between the first distance and the second distance 640. Based on the determination of the number of products retrieved, the consumer may be charged for the retrieved products 650. The inventory may be updated based on the number of products retrieved 660.

[0070] Some embodiments described herein relate to a closed-door vending machine 400 that includes a product compartment that is not directly accessible to consumers. In Figure 20, the vending machine 400 includes a housing 410 that defines a product compartment 420. The product compartment 420 is inaccessible to consumers using the vending machine 400. The front wall 412 of the housing 410 may include a transparent panel 414 that allows consumers to view the product compartment 420 and the products contained therein. The vending machine 400 may further include one or more product delivery bins or portals 440 for providing access to the dispensed products.

[0071] Products may be placed on a platform of a product dispensing mechanism 100 as described herein. In some embodiments, multiple product dispensing mechanisms 100 are placed within a product compartment 420, such as on a shelf. A distribution mechanism 480 may extend along the first end 112 of multiple platforms 110, or extend from a first side 421 to an opposing second side 423 of the product compartment 420. In Figure 20, the distribution mechanism 480 includes a conveyor assembly as described above with respect to Figure 13. Instead of transporting products to a product collection area 324 having a distribution gate 190 as in Figure 13, the distribution mechanism 480 may transport products to a distribution portal 440 located on the housing 410 of a vending machine 400. The distribution portal 440 may include a door 442 that movably covers the distribution portal 440 to provide consumers with access to products within the distribution portal 440.

[0072] In some embodiments, the distribution mechanism 480 may include an inclined surface 490 that directs products toward a distribution portal 440, as shown in Figure 21. The distribution portal 440 may be located on a side of the housing 410. The inclined surface 490 may be positioned at an angle to the cross section, such as an angle of about 5 to about 45 degrees, such that the inclined surface 490 is higher on the second side 423 than on the first side 421 of the product compartment 420. The inclined surface 490 may be flat to allow products to move along the inclined surface 490 toward the distribution portal 440 under gravity. In some embodiments, the inclined surface 490 may include rollers or bearings to facilitate the movement of products toward the distribution portal 440. The inclined surface 490 may include side walls 492 to prevent products from falling off the sides of the inclined surface 490. The side walls 492 may be transparent so that consumers can see the products throughout the distribution process. The inclined surface 490 can be inexpensive and requires little or no maintenance because it has no electrical or moving parts. In some embodiments, each shelf may include a distribution mechanism 480 configured to transport products distributed from that shelf to a distribution portal 440.

[0073] In some embodiments, the vending machine 400 may include one or more delivery bins 450, as shown in Figure 22. Thus, the vending machine 400 may be similar to the vending machine 300 in Figures 16A and 16B, except that the vending machine 400 does not include an openable door. The vending machine 400 may include a housing 410 that defines a product compartment 420 for storing products. The housing 410 includes a front wall 412 having a transparent panel 414 configured to allow consumers to see the product compartment 420 of the vending machine 400. Products may be stored in the product compartment 420 on shelves or a platform. The product dispensing mechanism 100 described herein may be located within the product compartment 420 to selectively control the dispensing of products from the platform 110 to the delivery bins 450 for consumer access. The product release mechanism 100 may include a platform 110 having a first end 112 opposite a second end 114, and a gate located at the first end 112 configured to move from a closed configuration in which the product is held on the platform 110 to an open position in which the product can fall from the first end 112 of the platform 110. The product may advance along the platform 110 of the product release mechanism 100 under gravity due to the inclination of the platform 110, or the product release mechanism 100 may include a forward assembly configured to automatically advance the product toward the first end 112 of the platform 110.

[0074] In some embodiments, the delivery bin 450 may be positioned at the first end 112 of one or more platforms 110 so that products released from the platform 110 can fall into the delivery bin 450 by gravity. The delivery bin 450 may extend between opposing sides of the product compartment 420 so that the delivery bin 450 is configured to receive products from any of the various product release mechanisms 100. The delivery bin 450 may have a body 451 defining an open upper end located at or below the first end 112 of the platform 110 so that products can fall into the delivery bin 450 through the open upper end. The delivery bin 450 may be positioned along the front wall 412 of the housing 410 of the vending machine 400, or may be formed integrally with the front wall 412. The front wall 412 may define an opening 454 of the delivery bin 450 from which consumers can access products in the delivery bin 450.

[0075] In some embodiments, the delivery bin 450 may include a flap 455 that movably covers the opening 454, as shown in Figures 22 and 23. The flap 455 may be movably connected to the front wall 412 or the body 451 of the delivery bin 450. The flap 455 may rotate within the delivery bin 450 so that when a consumer takes a product, the flap 455 helps prevent the consumer from reaching into the product compartment 420. In some embodiments, each shelf of the vending machine 400 may have an associated delivery bin 450, and when a product is released from the shelf, the product falls into the delivery bin 450 for that shelf. In some embodiments, one delivery bin 450 may be associated with two or more shelves, as shown in Figures 22 and 23. For example, the vending machine 400 may include four shelves and two delivery bins 450. This may help save space within the product compartment 420 compared to a vending machine 400 having additional delivery bins 450, while also helping to reduce the distance each product has to fall to reach the delivery bin 450. In some embodiments, the vending machine 400 may include a single delivery bin 450 located at the bottom end of the product compartment 420 to receive products dispensed from any shelf. The use of a single delivery bin 450 may reduce the manufacturing cost of the vending machine 400 and save space within the product compartment 420.

[0076] In some embodiments, the delivery bin 450 may include a drawer 458, as shown, for example, in Figures 24 and 25. Rather than a flap 455 as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the drawer 458 is movably connected to the delivery bin 450 and can pivot or rotate outward from a closed configuration in which the front wall 459 of the drawer 458 aligns with the front wall 412 of the housing 410 to provide consumers with access to the products held in the drawer 458. When the drawer 458 is in an open configuration, the rear wall 457 of the drawer 458 may help to prevent the opening of the front wall 412 of the vending machine 400 in order to prevent consumers from accessing the product compartment 420.

[0077] Some embodiments described herein relate to a vending machine 400 having a buffer mechanism 460 configured to control or slow the fall of products within the vending machine 400. The vending machine 400 may include one or more delivery bins 450, including a delivery bin 450 located at the lower end of a product compartment 420. The product compartment 420 may include a plurality of product release mechanisms 100 as described herein, including a space between the first end 112 of the platform 110 of the product release mechanism 100 and the front wall 412 of the housing 410, providing space for products to fall into the delivery bins 450. In this way, once products are released from the platform 110, they can fall into the delivery bins 450 under gravity and be taken out by consumers through the front opening 454 of the delivery bins 450. Products falling from the platform 110 located towards the upper end of the product compartment 420 will fall a longer distance to reach the delivery bins 450 and may consequently be damaged, broken, or vibrated by the fall. To control the gravity-fell movement of the product and reduce its speed, the vending machine 400 may include one or more buffering mechanisms 460.

[0078] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 26, the cushioning mechanism 460 may include one or more pads 462. The pads 462 may be configured to prevent products from falling toward the delivery bin 450. Each pad 462 may be made of a soft material such as foam or rubber to provide cushioning for the product as it falls. In some embodiments, each pad 462 may extend transversely across the housing 410 from a first side of the product compartment 420 to or toward an opposing second side of the product compartment. The pads 462 may have a semicircular cross-sectional area, as shown, for example, in Figure 26. However, in alternative embodiments, the pads 462 may have an alternative cross-sectional area, such as a triangular cross-sectional area.

[0079] The pads 462 may be positioned on the first end 112 of the platform 110, on the front wall 412 of the housing 410, or both. In some embodiments, the cushioning mechanism 460 may include a plurality of pads 462 spaced apart from each other between the upper and lower ends of the product compartment 420. In such embodiments, the pads 462 can alternate positions on the front wall 412 and the first end 112 of the platform 110, as shown in Figure 26. This can help ensure that the product makes contact with one or more pads 462 when it falls.

[0080] In some embodiments, the buffer mechanism 460 may include a flap 464 that is movable from a closed position to an open position, as shown in Figure 27. The flap 464 may be connected to the front wall 412 of the housing 410 and may extend toward the first end 112 of the platform 110. In the closed position, the flap 464 may be positioned along the transverse axis X of the vending machine 400. The flap 464 may be biased to the closed position. The flap 464 may be movable between an open position in which the flap 464 is positioned substantially parallel to the plane of the front wall 412 of the housing 410 and a closed position in which the flap 464 crosses the plane of the front wall 412 of the cabinet. The flap 464 may be biased to the closed position by a biasing mechanism, in particular, such as a spring. The flap 464 may include a cushion or pad to provide a soft landing for the product when the product contacts the flap 464.

[0081] In some embodiments, the buffer mechanism 460 may include a pulley 466, as shown, for example, in Figure 28. A receiver 468 may be positioned in front of the platform 110 to receive products on it. A cable 470 may be arranged around the pulley 466, connected to the receiver 468 at a first end and to a counterweight 472 at a second end. When a product falls from the platform 110 onto the receiver 468, the receiver 468 can lower the product into the delivery bin 450, which is balanced by the counterweight 472, in order to reduce the speed at which the product moves into the delivery bin 450.

[0082] In some embodiments, the buffer mechanism 460 may include a Y-mechanism 474, as shown in Figure 29, for example. The Y-mechanism 474 may include a receiver 476 that is movable along the track 478. The receiver 476 may have a V-shape to receive and hold the product. In some embodiments, the receiver 476 may have a U-shape, among other configurations. The pair of tracks 478 may be positioned on opposing sides 421, 423 of the product compartment 420 and may extend from the lower end 425 to the upper end 427 of the product compartment 420. The opposing ends of the receiver 476 may include a pinion that engages with the teeth of the track 478. However, in some embodiments, the receiver 476 may be movable along the track or may be lifted by a pulley and cable system. The receiver 476 may be automatically moved along the track 478 by a motor or the like. Once a product is selected for distribution, the Y mechanism 474 can move the receiver 476 to a shelf position that will hold the product to be distributed, so that the product falls into the receiver 476 a short distance. The Y mechanism 474 can then move the receiver 476 containing the distributed product to the delivery bin 450 for consumer access.

[0083] In some embodiments, the buffer mechanism 460 may include a guide channel 480 defined by vertical walls 482, as shown in Figure 30. A pair of vertical walls 482 may define the channel 480 such that the movement of the product is constrained by the channel 480 when the product is released from the product release mechanism 100. The channel 480 may help ensure that the product moves only vertically and does not rotate across the product compartment 420 or move laterally when it falls. In some embodiments, the channel 480 may have a width similar to the width of the product so that the channel 480 defines a narrow passage through which the product moves, which may result in slowing the product's fall. The channel 480 may extend from the upper end 427 to the lower end 425 of the product compartment 420, or toward it. In some embodiments, the lower end of each wall 482 may have a bend or curve and may include a cushion or pad.

[0084] In some embodiments, the buffering mechanism 460 may include a plurality of bristles 484, as shown in Figures 31 and 32. The bristles 484 may extend from the front wall 412 to or toward the first end 112 of the platform 110. The bristles 484 may be flexible so as to bend or flex when in contact with the product. In this way, when the product falls from the platform 110 toward the delivery bin 450 under gravity, the bristles 484 can delay the fall of the product, preventing damage to the product or shaking of the carbonated beverage. In some embodiments, the vending machine 400 may include a combination of buffering mechanisms as described herein. For example, Figures 31 and 32 show a combination of a guide channel 480 and bristles 484. The bristles 484 may be fixed to the guide channel 480 or positioned at various locations within the guide channel 480. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 31, the channel does not have to extend all the way to the lower end of the product compartment 420. Products on platform 110A adjacent to the lower end 425 may fall a shorter distance than products on upper platform 110B, and because the distance traveled is shorter, a buffer mechanism 460 to interrupt the fall may not be required.

[0085] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 33, the buffer mechanism 460 may include a constriction 486. The constriction 486 may be a narrow passage configured to slow the fall of products from the platform 110 to the delivery bin 450. The constriction 486 may be defined by one or more panels 488 extending from the platform 110 toward the front wall 412 of the housing 410, or extending from the front wall 412 of the housing 410 toward the platform 110. When a product falls from the platform 110, it can fall freely until it reaches the constriction 486, through which it can be deflected by the panels 488. In some embodiments, the constriction 486 may be located at the lower end of the guide channel 480 so as to control and slow the fall of products toward the delivery bin 450, after they have fallen through the guide channel 480 and been deflected through the constriction 486.

[0086] In some embodiments, the vending machine 400 may include a cushion 494 placed in the delivery bin 450, as shown in Figure 33. The cushion 494 can mitigate the impact between the product and the delivery bin 450 to minimize damage or breakage to the product. The cushion 494 may include, among other things, a soft material such as foam that can absorb the impact on the product.

[0087] The vending machine 400 may include a combination of cushioning mechanisms 460 as described herein. In some embodiments, the vending machine 400 may include one or more of the guide channels 480, constrictions 486, pads 462, flaps 464, bristles 484, and cushions 494.

[0088] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the vending machine may include a cooling unit configured to maintain the product compartment or part thereof at a predetermined temperature, for example, to provide stored products at a desired temperature for consumption, to store perishable products, or to extend the shelf life of stored products. The cooling unit may, among other things, be a vapor compression refrigeration unit, a thermoelectric cooling unit, or a cold plate. In some embodiments, the product compartment of the vending machine may be maintained at ambient temperature, such as when the vending machine is used to store retail goods.

[0089] It should be understood that the section "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention," rather than the sections "Summary of the Invention" and "Abstract," is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The sections "Summary of the Invention" and "Abstract" may show one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the Invention as conceived by the inventors, and are not intended to limit the Invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0090] The present invention has been described above with the help of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation forms of specific functions and their relationships. The boundaries of these functional building blocks are arbitrarily defined herein for the sake of explanation. Alternative boundaries may be defined, as long as the specific functions and their relationships are appropriately represented.

[0091] The above description of specific embodiments fully reveals the general nature of the present invention, and others can readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments to various uses without excessive trial and error and without departing from the general concept of the present invention by applying the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the disclosed embodiments based on the teachings and guidance presented herein. It should be understood that the expressions and terminology herein are for illustrative purposes only and not limiting, and therefore, the terms and expression herein should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in terms of the teachings and guidance presented herein.

[0092] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be defined solely in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. It is a vending machine, A housing for defining a product compartment, comprising a front wall having a transparent portion, A product release mechanism, A platform located within the product compartment for storing products, the platform having a first end opposite a second end, A product discharge mechanism comprising: a gate disposed on the platform and movable from a closed position to an open position in order to discharge the product from the platform; A vending machine comprising: a delivery bin having an open front end, the delivery bin being positioned at the first end of a platform such that when the first gate is moved to the open position, the product falls by gravity from the platform into the delivery bin for access by a consumer through the open front end.

2. The vending machine according to claim 1, further comprising a gate control mechanism configured to selectively control the movement of the gate from the closed position to the open position.

3. The vending machine according to claim 2, wherein the gate control mechanism comprises a rack that engages with the pinion of the gate.

4. The vending machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a second product dispensing mechanism disposed within the product compartment for storing a second product, the second product dispensing mechanism being positioned at a different height from the first product dispensing mechanism; and a second delivery bin being positioned at a different height from the delivery bin, the second delivery bin being configured to receive products dispensed from the second product dispensing mechanism.

5. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the product is a beverage container, and the platform is configured to support the beverage container in an upright orientation.

6. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the platform is inclined so that the product moves from the second end of the platform toward the first end of the platform under gravity.

7. The vending machine according to claim 1, further comprising a forward mechanism configured to automatically advance the product toward the first end of the platform.

8. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the platform is one of a plurality of platforms arranged at different heights within the product compartment, and the delivery bin is one of a plurality of delivery bins.

9. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the delivery bin further comprises a flap that movably covers the open front end of the delivery bin.

10. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the delivery bin includes a drawer that can move from a closed position to an open position, and in the open position, consumers can access the products in the drawer.

11. It is a vending machine, A housing for defining a product compartment, comprising a front wall having a transparent portion, A platform located within the product compartment for storing products, the platform having a first end opposite a second end, A product release mechanism configured to selectively release the product from the platform, When the product release mechanism is operated, the product falls from the platform into the delivery bin, which is located beneath the platform, A vending machine comprising: a buffer mechanism configured to control the fall of the product from the platform into the delivery bin.

12. The vending machine according to claim 11, wherein the product dispensing mechanism comprises a gate and a gate control mechanism configured to move the gate from a closed position to an open position.

13. The vending machine according to claim 11, wherein the buffer mechanism comprises a guide channel extending from the upper end to the lower end of the product compartment, and the delivery bin is located below the platform.

14. The vending machine according to claim 11, wherein the cushioning mechanism includes a cushion.

15. The vending machine according to claim 11, wherein the buffering mechanism comprises a plurality of bristles extending transversely to the vertical axis of the housing.

16. The vending machine according to claim 11, wherein the cushioning mechanism comprises one or more pads disposed on the front wall of the housing or the first end of the platform.

17. A product dispensing mechanism for a vending machine, A platform having a first end on the opposite side of a second end, configured to support a first product and a second product, A first gate is located at the first end of the platform and is movable from a closed position where the first product is not accessible to consumers to an open position where the first product is accessible to consumers, A second gate is positioned on the platform, spaced apart from the first gate, and movable from a closed position to an open position, A product discharge mechanism comprising: a gate control mechanism configured to control the first gate and the second gate to provide consumers with access to the first product on the platform while preventing access to the second product on the platform by positioning the first gate in the open position and moving the second gate in the closed position.

18. The product ejection mechanism according to claim 17, further comprising a forward assembly configured to automatically advance the first product and the second product toward the first end of the platform.

19. The product discharge mechanism according to claim 17, further comprising a third gate spaced apart from the second gate and configured to control the forward movement of products on the platform toward the first end of the platform.

20. The product discharge mechanism according to claim 17, further comprising a gate control mechanism configured to control the opening and closing of the first gate and the second gate.

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