PRODUCT RELEASE MECHANISMS AND VENDING MACHINES THAT HAVE PRODUCT RELEASE MECHANISMS.

Abstract

A vending machine includes a housing that defines a product compartment and a front wall with a transparent portion. A platform is arranged within the vending machine's product compartment to hold a product, and the platform includes a first end facing a second end. The vending machine further includes a product release mechanism comprising a gate located on the platform that can move from a closed to an open position to release the product from the platform. A supply container with an open front end is arranged beneath the platform such that when the first gate moves to the open position, the product falls by gravity from the platform into the supply container for a consumer to access.

Description

PRODUCT RELEASE MECHANISMS AND VENDING MACHINES THAT HAVE PRODUCT RELEASE MECHANISMS FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The embodiments described herein relate to product release mechanisms for vending machines. Specifically, the embodiments described herein relate to product release mechanisms that include one or more gates to control the release of a product and a dispensing container to receive the product and provide a consumer with access to it. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Vending machines are frequently used to dispense products to consumers automatically. Products are stored in a product compartment of the vending machine and released into a dispensing area for consumer access. Various mechanisms exist for releasing products from the product compartment and transporting them to the dispensing area. It is important that the vending machine releases and dispenses products consistently and reliably to ensure consumers receive the purchased product. Because the vending machine is automated, the consumer may have no recourse if they do not receive the product. οοηκηη / ρζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[003] Some embodiments described herein relate to a vending machine that includes a housing defining a product compartment, wherein the housing includes a front wall having a transparent portion and a product release mechanism. The product release mechanism includes a platform disposed within the product compartment for storing a product, wherein the platform includes a first end facing a second end, and a gate disposed in the platform that can be moved from a closed position to an open position to release the product from the platform.The vending machine also includes a supply container having an open front end, wherein the supply container is arranged at the first end of the platform in such a way that when the first gate is moved to the open position, the product falls by gravity from the platform into the supply container for a consumer to access it through the open front end.

[004] 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 the closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, the gate control mechanism may include a rack meshed with a gate pinion.

[005] In any of the various embodiments described herein, the vending machine may further include a second product release mechanism disposed within the product compartment to store a second product, wherein the second product release mechanism is disposed at a different elevation than the first product release mechanism and a second supply container is disposed at a different elevation than the first supply container, wherein the second supply container is configured to receive a product released from the second product release mechanism.

[006] In any of the various modalities described in this description, the product may be a beverage container and the platform may be configured to hold the beverage container in a vertical orientation.

[007] In any of the various modalities described in this description, the platform may be arranged with an inclination such that the product moves from the second end of the platform to the first end of the platform by the force of gravity.

[008] In any of the various modalities described in this description, the vending machine may also include a feed mechanism configured to automatically advance products towards the first end of the platform.

[009] In any of the various modalities described herein, the platform may be one of a plurality of platforms arranged at different elevations within the product compartment and the supply container may be one of a plurality of supply containers.

[010] In any of the various forms described herein, the supply container may include a movable flap that covers the open front end of the supply container.

[011] In any of the various modalities described herein, the supply container may include a drawer that can be moved from a closed position to an open position in such a way that a product inside the drawer is accessible to a consumer in the open position.

[012] Some embodiments described herein relate to a vending machine that includes a housing defining a product compartment, wherein the housing includes a front wall having a transparent portion and a platform disposed within the product compartment for storing a product, wherein the platform comprises a first end facing a second end. The vending machine further includes a product release mechanism configured to selectively release the product from the platform, a supply container disposed beneath the platform such that when the product release mechanism is operated, the product falls from the platform into the supply container for consumer access, and a damping mechanism configured to control the fall of the product from the platform into the supply container.

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

[014] In any of the various modalities described herein, the damping mechanism may include a guide channel extending from an upper end of the product compartment to a lower end of the product compartment, where the supply container may be disposed beneath the platform. οοηκηη / ρζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ

[015] In any of the various modalities described in this description, the damping mechanism may include a cushion.

[016] In any of the various modalities described in this description, the damping mechanism may include a plurality of bristles extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

[017] In any of the various modalities described herein, the damping mechanism may include one or more pads arranged on the front wall of the housing or at the first end of the platform.

[018] Some embodiments described herein relate to a product release mechanism for a vending machine comprising a platform having a first end facing a second end and configured to hold a first product and a second product, a first gate disposed at the first end of the platform and movable from a closed position in which the first product is inaccessible to a consumer to an open position in which the first product is accessible to a consumer, a second gate disposed on the platform and separate 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,such that the first gate is arranged in the open position and the second gate moves to the closed position to provide a consumer access to the first product on the platform while preventing access to the second product on the platform.

[019] In any of the various modalities described in this description, the product release mechanism may also include an advance system configured to automatically advance the first product and the second product towards the first end of the platform.

[020] In any of the various modalities described in this description, the product release mechanism may also include a third gate separate from the second gate and configured to control the advancement of the products on the platform towards the first end of the platform.

[021] In any of the various modalities described in this description, the product release mechanism may also include a gate control mechanism configured to control the opening and closing of the first gate and the second gate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES / DRAWINGS

[022] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated into the present description and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present description and, together with the description, further serve to explain its principles and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to manufacture and use the description.

[023] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of product release mechanisms according to a modality.

[024] Figures 2A and 2B show perspective cross-sectional views of the product release mechanisms of Figure 1 taken along line 2-2 in Figure 1 showing gates in different positions.

[025] Figure 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the product release mechanisms of Figure 1.

[026] Figure 4 shows a bottom perspective view of product release mechanisms according to a modality. οοηκηη / ρζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ

[027] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of product release mechanisms that have a gate according to a modality.

[028] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of product release mechanisms that have a gate according to a modality.

[029] Figure 7 shows a top view of product release mechanisms that have a gate according to a modality.

[030] Figure 8 shows a top view of product release mechanisms that have a gate according to a modality.

[031] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a vending machine that has product release mechanisms according to a modality.

[032] Figure 10 shows a top view of the product release mechanism of Figure 9.

[033] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of product release mechanisms that have a gate according to a modality.

[034] Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the product release mechanism of Figure 11 taken along lines 12-12 in Figure 11.

[035] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a vending machine according to a modality.

[036] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the vending machine in Figure 13 taken along lines 14-14 in Figure 13.

[037] Figures 15A and 15B show cross-sectional views of a vending machine having gates according to a modality.

[038] Figure 16A shows a perspective view of a vending machine having a supply container according to a modality.

[039] Figure 16B shows a cross-sectional view of the vending machine in Figure 16A taken along lines 16B-16B in Figure 16A.

[040] Figure 17 shows a close-up perspective view of a platform that has a sensor according to a modality.

[041] Figure 18 shows a schematic view of a vending machine that has a distance sensor according to a modality.

[042] Figure 19 shows an illustrative method for determining the extraction of products from a vending machine according to a modality.

[043] Figure 20 shows a perspective view of a vending machine having a supply mechanism according to a modality.

[044] Figure 21 shows a perspective view of a vending machine having a supply mechanism according to a modality.

[045] Figure 22 shows a perspective view of a vending machine that has supply containers according to a modality.

[046] Figure 23 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vending machine of Figure 22 taken along line 23-23 in Figure 22.

[047] Figure 24 shows a perspective view of a vending machine that has supply containers according to a modality.

[048] Figure 25 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vending machine of Figure 24 taken along line 25-25 in Figure οοηκηη / ρζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ 24.

[049] Figure 26 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vending machine having a damping mechanism that includes pads according to a modality.

[050] Figure 27 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vending machine having a damping mechanism that includes a flap according to a modality.

[051] Figure 28 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vending machine having a damping mechanism that includes a receiver according to a modality.

[052] Figure 29 shows a perspective view of a vending machine having a damping mechanism that includes a Y-mechanism according to a modality.

[053] Figure 30 shows an exploded view of a vending machine having a damping mechanism that includes guide channels according to a modality.

[054] Figure 31 shows a front perspective view of a vending machine having a damping mechanism that includes bristles according to a modality.

[055] Figure 32 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vending machine of Figure 31 taken along line 32-32 in Figure 31.

[056] Figure 33 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vending machine having a damping mechanism that includes a narrowing and additionally a cushion according to a modality. οοηκηη / ρζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[057] The representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures will be referred to in detail below. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to a preferred embodiment. Rather, they are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may fall within the spirit and scope of the embodiments described as defined in the claims.

[058] Vending machines may include product release mechanisms to release a product from a product storage area. When a consumer selects a product, such as through a user interface, the product release mechanism can release a product from the product storage area for dispensing. If the product release mechanism malfunctions, the consumer's product may not be dispensed. As a result, the consumer may have a negative experience and may not use the vending machine again in the future. If the release mechanisms release more product than was purchased, the vending machine operator may lose money. A malfunctioning product release mechanism may also require repair, preventing the vending machine from being used until the repair is completed.

[059] Some vending machines may provide consumers with access to the product compartment so that they can manually select a product. However, it may be desirable to limit consumer access to the products within the storage compartment to prevent theft or tampering. In such vending machines, it may be desirable to provide a product release mechanism that allows access to a single product while limiting access to additional products.

[060] In vending machines with enclosed doors, which are therefore inaccessible to consumers, the machine may allow a product to simply fall from a shelf by gravity into a container or dispensing nozzle. However, dropping a product by gravity can result in damage to products, such as fragile or breakable items like chips or crackers, or it can cause a pressure buildup in carbonated beverages. As a result, the carbonated beverage may overflow when opened, or the consumer may have to wait to consume the beverage to allow the pressure to dissipate, which can be undesirable. Consequently, mechanisms to control product drops in a vending machine are desirable.

[061] Some vending machines may include separate dispensing mechanisms to transport the product released from the shelf to a container or dispensing nozzle. Dispensing mechanisms can add to the capital costs of manufacturing the vending machine and can provide another potential source of malfunction. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a dispensing mechanism that is simple and can reliably transport a product to a container or dispensing nozzle.

[062] Some embodiments described herein relate to a product release mechanism for a vending machine that includes a first gate for releasing a product from a shelf and a second gate for preventing access to additional products on the shelf, thereby providing a consumer with access to a purchased product while limiting the consumer's access to additional products on the shelf. Some embodiments described herein relate to dispensing mechanisms for transporting products to a container or dispensing nozzle in a simple and reliable manner. Some embodiments described herein relate to damping mechanisms for vending machines that can control the gravitational fall of a product released from a shelf or shelf to prevent or minimize damage to the dispensed product.

[063] As used in the present description, the term “product” may refer to any of various items, including, but not limited to, snacks such as bags or boxes of potato chips, pretzels, crackers, sweet biscuits, granola bars, energy bars; packaged beverages such as beverages contained in bottles, cans, cartons or pouches, such as water, sparkling water, carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee or tea-based beverages, dairy-based beverages or sports drinks, among others; and retail products such as small electronic components, among others.

[064] The product release mechanisms as described herein may be used in vending machines that provide consumers with direct access to the product compartment, such as for manually selecting a product, which may be referred to as “open-door vending machines”. The product release mechanisms described herein may also be incorporated in vending machines that do not provide consumers with direct access to the product compartment, which may be referred to as “closed-door vending machines”.

[065] Some embodiments described herein relate to a product release mechanism 100 for a vending machine. As shown in Figure 1, each row of products may include a product release mechanism 100 to control the release of products in that row. Each product release mechanism 100 may include a platform 110 having a first end 112 facing a second end 114. In some embodiments, a plurality of product release mechanisms 100 may be arranged contiguously to form a shelf. The products 500 may be arranged in a single 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 vertically in a single row.Platform 110 may include a rail 111, 113 on each side of platform 110 extending from the first end 112 to or towards the second end 114 of platform 110. The rails 111, 113 may help to keep products in a row on platform 110 and the product release mechanism gates may be attached to a rail 111, 113 as described herein.

[066] The products can automatically advance towards the first end 112 of the platform 110, either by gravity or by means of a feed mechanism 210. In this way, once a product is removed from the first end 112 of the platform 110, the remaining products can automatically advance towards the first end 112 of the platform 110 by gravity or by means of the feed mechanism 210. For example, the platform 110 can be arranged at an angle to a horizontal plane, such that the second end 114 is arranged at a higher elevation than the first end 112 of the platform 110, so that the products advance from the second end 114 towards the first end 112 by the force of gravity.In such embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the platform 110 may include a feed mechanism 210 consisting of rollers 212 or bearings to facilitate the movement of products toward the first end 112 by gravity. In some embodiments, a pusher, such as pusher 220, may be arranged at the second end 114 of the platform 110 and may be deflected toward the first end 112 (see, e.g., Figure 18). When a product is removed, the pusher can automatically move the remaining products toward the first end 112. The pusher may be spring-loaded, motor-driven, or similarly deflected. In another example, the platform 110 may include a conveyor belt system to automatically advance the products toward the first end 112. Various feed mechanisms are known, as anyone skilled in the art will know.

[067] In some embodiments, a first gate 120 may be disposed at the first end 112 of the platform 110, and a second gate 150 may be separated from the first gate 120 in a position between the first end 112 and the second end 114 of the platform 110, as best shown in Figures 2A and 2B. During operation, the first gate 120 may remain in a closed position until a product is dispensed, and the second gate 150 may remain in an open position to allow products to move along the platform 110, as shown in Figure 2A. When a product is dispensed, the first gate 120 may open to allow the consumer to access the first product, while the second gate 150 may move to a closed position to prevent the consumer from removing any additional products, as shown in Figure 2B.As the second gate 150 closes, the second gate 150 can also help push the first product towards the first end 112 of platform 110. After a consumer extracts the first product, the first gate 120 can return to the closed position to prevent the consumer from accessing the products, and the second gate 150 can return to the open position to allow a second product to advance towards the first end 112 of platform 110.

[068] In some embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 may further include a third gate 160 located behind the second gate 150, disposed 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 can move from an open position, in which products can advance toward the first end 112 of the platform 110, to a closed position in which it prevents products on the platform 110 from advancing toward the first end 112 of the platform 110. The first and second gates 120, 150 can be used to control access to the products, while the third gate 160 can control the advancement of the products. During operation, the third gate 160 can remain in an open position (see, e.g., Figure 2a) until a product is dispensed to allow products to move along platform 110.When a product is dispensed, the third gate 160 can be moved to a closed position (see, e.g., Figure 2B) to prevent products from advancing towards the first end 112, which may interfere with the operation of the second gate 150.

[069] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, platform 110 may include a stop 105 disposed at a first end 112 of platform 110. The stop 105 may extend from platform 110 in a vertical orientation to prevent a product from moving beyond the first end 112 of the platform. 110 and, therefore, fall off platform 110. In some embodiments, the stop 105 may include an extension 106 such that the stop 105 is positioned in front of the first end 112 of platform 110. In this way, a product can be released through the first gate 120 in the extension 106 and the stop 105 can hold it in place (see, e.g., Figure 2B). This can facilitate the removal of the product by the consumer and the closing of the second gate 150 behind the released product.

[070] 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, 160, as shown, for example, in Figure 3. In some embodiments, the gate control mechanism 170 may include a rack and pinion where a rack 171 having a plurality of teeth 173 meshes with a pinion 174 connected to a gate. As the rack 171 moves linearly, such as in a longitudinal direction of the platform 110 (e.g., from first end to second end or from second end to first end), the pinions 174 rotate, which in turn causes rotation or opening and closing of the associated gate.

[071] In some embodiments, the rack 171 of the gate control mechanism 170 may be connected to a linkage 176 instead of a pinion that controls the opening and closing of a gate, as shown, for example, in Figure 4. As the rack 171 moves linearly, the movement of the rack 171 may actuate the linkage 176 to cause the opening and closing of the gate connected to the linkage 176, such as the gate 120 in Figure 4. The rack 171 may be linearly actuated in forward and reverse directions by a solenoid 178. The gate control mechanism 170 may be arranged on a lower surface 119 of the platform 110. In this way, the gate control mechanism 170 has a compact configuration and is not easily visible to a consumer using the vending machine that has the product release mechanism 100.

[072] In some embodiments, a single gate control mechanism 170 can control both the first and second gates 120, 150. Alternatively, each of the first and second gates 120, 150 can have its own gate control mechanism 170. Additionally, the third gate 160 can 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 can have its own gate control mechanism 170.

[073] 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 can be moved individually from a closed position to an open position. The first gate 120 may move from the closed position to the open position, such as by pivoting about a hinge, rotating about 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 less than the height of the product. The first gate 120 may be generally flat or may have a curvature, such as a convex curve.

[074] The second gate 150 may include a single panel or may include a pair of panels 151, 152, as shown in Figure 2a. In some embodiments, the second gate 150 may be pivotally connected to a first rail 111 or a second rail 113 of the product release mechanism 100. In embodiments having a pair of panels, the first panel 151 can be pivotally connected to the first rail 111 and a second panel 152 can be pivotally connected to the second rail 113. In some embodiments, the purchased gate 150 can be arranged in an opening formed in the first rail 111 or the second rail 113 in the open configuration (see, e.g., Figure 2A). In this way, the second gate 150 forms a portion of the rail and does not interfere with the movement of the products along the platform 110. The second gate 150 can be rotated to a closed position in which the second gate 150 is arranged transversely to the platform 110 and the rails 111, 113 (see, e.g., Figure 2B).When the second gate 150 has a pair of panels 151, 152, the pair of panels can be joined end-to-end in the closed position to block access to products behind the second gate 150.

[075] The third gate 160 may include a pair of arms, with a first arm connected to a first rail 111 and a second arm connected to a second rail 113. Arms 161, 162 may be arranged in a slot in the rail in the open position and may extend inward from rail 111, 113 in the closed position. In the closed position, arms 161, 162 may extend at an angle to rails 111, 113, such as an angle of approximately 10 degrees to approximately 60 degrees. In the closed position, arms 161, 162 of the third gate 160 may not be joined so as to form an opening between arms 161, 162.

[076] In some embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 may include the first gate 120 comprising a single panel 122 that can pivot about a hinge 121 disposed on one side of the panel 122, as shown in Figure 5. The hinge 121 can be connected to a rail 111, 113 of the platform 110, such that the panel 122 rotates about a vertical axis Z defined by the hinge 121. The panel 122 can be substantially flat and can have a rectangular shape. The panel 122 of the first gate 120 may have a width that corresponds to a width of the platform 110 such that the panel 122 extends from the first rail 111 to the second rail 113 in the closed position to block 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 a height of the product.Thus, when the first gate 120 is in the closed position, it can prevent consumers from accessing a product, thereby deterring theft. However, in some embodiments, panel 122 may be shorter than the height of a product, such as approximately 50% of the product's height, as shown, for example, in Figure 14. Panel 122 may be shorter than product 500 so that the first gate 120 allows the consumer to see a portion of the product above or below the first gate 120. Panel 122 may be made of an opaque material to conceal product 500. However, in some embodiments, the first gate 120 may include transparent or translucent materials so that the products are visible and consumers can view them through the first gate 120.

[077] 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, but the panel 125 of the first gate 120 may be curved. The panel 125 may have a hinge 121 along one of its sides connected to a rail, such as the first rail 111. However, in alternative embodiments, the panel 125 may instead have a hinge 121 on the opposite side connected to the second rail 113. The panel 125 may have a height approximately equal to or greater than the height of the product. The 125 panel can have a convex curvature, so that it matches a curvature of a product, such as a bottle or can.However, in some configurations, panel 125 may have a concave or wave-shaped curve to provide visual appeal. Panel 125 may extend from the first rail 111 to the second rail 113 in the closed position to block access to product 500. 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.

[078] 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, a first panel 123 may be rotatably coupled to a first rail 111 and a second panel 124 may be rotatably coupled to a second rail 113. In a closed position, the first and second panels 123, 124 are joined end-to-end to form a barrier that blocks access to a product. In an open position, the first and second panels 123, 124 may pivot about hinges to allow access to the product. In some embodiments, the first and second rails 111, 113 may have a height equal to or slightly greater than a product height and a cover 115 may be arranged at an upper end of the rails 111, 113 so as to form an enclosure around a product or products at or adjacent to the first end 112 of the platform 110. konekin / ržiz / B / yLi

[079] In some embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 may include a single gate 120 that provides access to one product 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. The gate 120 may therefore be L-shaped. In a closed position, the first panel 126 may be arranged transversely to the platform 110 to block access to a product on the platform 110, and the second panel 127 may extend rearward to the second end 114 of the platform 110 and parallel to the first rail 111.To dispense a product, gate 120 can rotate toward the first end 112 of platform 110 such that the second panel 127 assists in pushing the product 500 toward the first end 112 to dispense the product, and the first panel 126 rotates outward to provide access to the product. In the open position, the second panel 127 can be positioned transversely to platform 110 to block access to additional products on platform 110. Gate 120 can rotate approximately 90 degrees from the closed to the open position and vice versa. In such embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 can include a third gate 160 to control the advance of additional products as described above.The third gate 160 can be open when gate 120 is in the closed position and can move to a closed position to prevent the advancement of products when gate 120 is in the open position. Using a single gate 120 to release one product and prevent access to additional products can simplify the construction and operation of the product release mechanism 100. The gates 120, οοηκηη / ρζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ. 160 can be controlled with a gate control mechanism 170 as described above.

[080] In some embodiments, gate 120 may include a pair of L-shaped panels with a first L-shaped panel rotatably connected to a first rail 111 and a second L-shaped panel rotatably connected to the opposite second rail 113, similarly to the first gate 120 in Figure 1, but with a pair of L-shaped panels.

[081] In some embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 may include a first gate 120 shaped like a pinwheel, as shown, for example, in Figure 8. The first gate 120 may serve to release one product while blocking access to additional products. The first gate 120 may include a central post 128 with a plurality of panels 129 extending from it. In Figure 8, four panels 129 extend from the central post 128 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 product rows, as shown in Figure 8.As products advance toward the first end 112 of platform 110, they enter rear product areas defined by the first gate 120, which are inaccessible to consumers. As the first gate 120 rotates around the central post 128, the products advance to front areas of the first gate 120 that are accessible to the consumer. To release a product, the first gate 120 can be rotated a fixed number of degrees, e.g., 90 degrees. In such embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 may include a third gate 160 to control the advancement of products toward the first gate 120 as described above.

[082] 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 shaped like an arc of a circle. The curved panels 133, 134 may be configured to rotate along a circular path at a first end 112 of the platform 110. The first and second curved panels 133, 134 may be arranged contiguously in front of product 500 in the closed position to form a barrier blocking access to the product. The product release mechanism 100 may include a third gate 160 arranged behind the first gate 120, which controls the movement of the products along the platform 110 as described above.

[083] The first and second curved panels 133, 134 can rotate about a central axis Z, as shown in Figure 10. To move from the closed position to the open position, a first curved panel 133 can rotate in a clockwise direction, while a second curved panel 134 can rotate in an opposite, counterclockwise direction, such that the first and second curved panels 133, 134 join contiguously at a location behind or to the rear of a first product 500a to allow a consumer access to the first product 500a while blocking access to a second product 500B (and any additional products).In some embodiments, the 120 gate may instead include a single C-shaped panel that can be positioned in front of a product in the closed position to block access to all products and can be rotated approximately 180 degrees in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to a position behind the product to provide access to a single product while preventing access to additional products.

[084] In some embodiments, the product release mechanism 100 may include a gate 120 configured to provide access to one product and also to 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 Y-axis. In some embodiments, the panel 135 may include arms 136 that slide along slots 116 defined by the first and second rails 111, 113. The panel 135 may have a hinge 137 along a lower edge of the panel 135 connected to the 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 Y-axis defined by the hinge 137.In a closed position, panel 135 can be arranged perpendicular to platform 110 in a vertical orientation to block access to products on platform 110. In an open position, panel 135 can be rotated or tilted outwards to provide access to a product facing forward on platform 110. In some embodiments, the gate 120 can be spring-loaded to deflect in the closed configuration.

[085] In some embodiments, the gate 120 may include a base 139 on which the product rests, as best shown in Figure 12. The base 139 may be parallel or aligned with the platform 110 when the gate 120 is in the closed position so that a product can advance from the platform 110 to the base 139. When the gate 120 is moved to the open position, the product resting on the base 139 tilts forward for the consumer to remove it. The base 139 may further include a tab 140 at a rear end facing the panel 135 that extends above a plane of the platform 110 to prevent additional products from advancing forward when the gate 120 is opened. In some embodiments, the panel 135 may include a handle 138 to allow the consumer to rotate and more easily open the gate 120.

[086] In some embodiments, the first and second rails may have a height equal to or greater than the height of the products, and a cover 115 may be provided at the upper end of the rails to form an enclosure around the product at the first end 112 of the platform 110. This may help to further limit access to the products and theft.

[087] Any of the various product release mechanisms 100 described herein may be arranged in a product compartment of a vending machine to release products from a platform or to control access to the products. Product release mechanisms 100 may be incorporated into a newly constructed vending machine or retrofitted to an existing vending machine. For example, the gates of product release mechanisms 100 may be arranged on a shelf of the existing vending machine, and the gate control mechanism may be arranged on a lower surface of the vending machine shelf. In newly constructed vending machines, the gates and the gate control mechanism may be pre-installed on a platform or shelf.

[088] The vending machine may include a user interface for both receiving payment and receiving a user's product selection. The product release mechanism may be actuated to release a product corresponding to the user's selection. In some embodiments, the user interface may include a touchscreen, a keypad, or a plurality of actuators, e.g., buttons, levers, switches, each belonging to a single product release mechanism.In some configurations, the vending machine may be configured to communicate wirelessly with a consumer's mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone, or it may include a reader or scanner to read a barcode presented by the consumer, such as by presenting a QR code to the consumer's smartphone, where the QR code may encode both a product selection and a payment method. The user interface may be located on the exterior of the vending machine or may be accessed once the vending machine door is opened. In some configurations, the actuator may mechanically control the operation of a gate control mechanism.

[089] In an illustrative method of operation, a vending machine may receive payment from a consumer. Payment may be received through a user interface of the vending machine, such as by receiving cash, reading a payment card, scanning a barcode, such as a QR code, or via wireless communication, among other payment methods. When payment is received, a gate control mechanism of a product release mechanism of the vending machine may release a product for the consumer's access while restricting access to additional products. In some embodiments, each product release mechanism may include an indicator light, such as an LED, which may flash or illuminate to indicate to the consumer that a gate is opening or unlocked for consumer access.In some configurations, the gate may remain open only for a predetermined period of time and may close or lock automatically after that period has elapsed. In some configurations, a gate may remain open or unlocked until a product is removed, as detected by a product removal sensor, and after the product is removed, the gate may close or lock.

[090] Some embodiments described herein relate to a vending machine 300 having a dispensing mechanism, as shown, for example, in Figure 13. 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 may not be fully accessible to the consumer, and a panel of the product compartment 322 may at least partially cover the product compartment 320 to prevent access to it. The panel of the product compartment 322 may extend from a first side 321 of the product compartment 320 to an opposite second side 323.The panel of product compartment 322 may include a transparent material so that the products inside product compartment 320 are visible to consumers using vending machine 300. A product extraction area 324 may not be covered by the panel of product compartment 322 to provide a consumer with limited access to product compartment 320.

[091] The vending machine 300 may include a plurality of product rows and product release mechanisms 100, as best shown in Figure 14. Each product release mechanism 100 may include a platform 110 having a first end 112 facing a second end 114, as described above. A release gate 180 that can be moved from an open to a closed position can be arranged at the first end 112 of the platform 110. The release gate 180 can have any of the configurations described above for gate 120. As shown in Figure 14, the release gate 180 includes a single panel 182 that has a hinge on one side of the panel 182 and is connected to a rail of the product release mechanism 100, similar to gate 120 in Figure 5. The release gate 180 has a height less than the height of product 500.Since the product compartment 320 is not directly accessible to consumers, it is not necessary for the gate 180 to completely cover the product to prevent theft or tampering, as the panel of the product compartment 322 prevents access to the products in the product compartment 320. The vending machine 300 may include a user interface with a plurality of actuators 390 that will be operated by a consumer to initiate the dispensing of a product, and each actuator 390 may correspond to a specific release gate 180.

[092] A supply mechanism 380 may be arranged at the first end 112 of the platforms 110 within the product compartment 320 and may be arranged transversely to the platforms 110 so as to extend between a first side 321 and an opposite second side 323 (e.g., right and left sides) of the product compartment 320 of the vending machine 300. The supply mechanism 380 may transport a product released from a platform 110 to the product extraction area 324. A dispensing gate 190 may be arranged in the product extraction area 324 which may move from a closed position in which the product extraction area 324 is inaccessible to an open position in which the product extraction area 324 is accessible to the consumer.

[093] The supply mechanism 380 may include a conveyor belt system comprising a conveyor belt 382 that forms a continuous circuit around one or more rollers 384. At least one of the rollers 384 may be driven by a motor 386 to cause the rotation of the conveyor belt 382. During operation, a product may be released by the product release mechanism 100 by opening the release gate 180 so that the product is released from the platform 110 onto the conveyor belt 382. The conveyor belt 382 may transport the product to the product extraction area 324. The consumer may manually move the dispensing gate 190 from the closed position to the open position to access the product in the product extraction area 324.

[094] In some embodiments, the dispensing door 190 may include a central hinge 193 and a first panel 192 arranged opposite a second panel 194, such that the dispensing door 190 has a flat configuration. In a closed position, the first panel 192 blocks the product extraction area 324 and spans a distance from the product compartment panel 322 to the second side 323 of the product compartment 320, and the second panel 194 is generally arranged parallel to the product compartment panel 322 inside the product compartment 320.The dispensing door 190 can be rotated approximately 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 extraction area 324 and the second panel 194 can be arranged transversely to the conveyor belt οοηκηη / ρζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ. 382 to prevent the user from reaching the product compartment 320 when the dispensing door 190 is in the open configuration.

[095] In some embodiments, the vending machine 300 may include a release door 180 and a dispensing door 190 with alternative configurations, as shown in Figures 15a and 15b. For example, the release door 180 may include a panel that has a hinge along a lower edge of the panel and is connected to the platform 110. The dispensing door 190 may include a pair of curved panels 196, 197 configured to rotate about a central axis, as described above with respect to Figures 9 and 10. Thus, the dispensing door 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 arranged contiguously in front of the product extraction area 324 to block access to a product.The first and second curved panels 196, 197 rotate in opposite directions to move to the open position, in which they are arranged contiguously behind the product. In the closed position, the curved panels 196, 197 can also block access to the product compartment 320, as shown in Figure 15B.

[096] In some embodiments, the vending machine 300 may include one or more supply containers 350 to provide a consumer with access to a dispensed product, as shown, for example, in Figures 16a and 16B. The vending machine 300 may 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 supply containers 350. The product compartment 320 may include a plurality of product release mechanisms 100 arranged at different elevations. A supply container 350 can be arranged at a front end 112 of one or more of the product release mechanisms 100 so that a product released from a platform 110 can fall by gravity into the supply container 350.A panel in product compartment 322 can cover product compartment 320 to prevent a consumer from accessing the products in product compartment 320. Therefore, the consumer can only access supply container 350.

[097] The supply container 350 can extend from the first side 321 to a second opposite side 323 of the product compartment 320 to receive a product from any of several product release mechanisms 100. The supply container 350 can include a body 351 having an open top end 352, with the top end 352 at or below a level of the front end 112 of the platform 110 such that a product can fall into the supply container 350 through the open top end 352. The supply container 350 can include an open front wall 354 to provide a consumer with access to the product in the supply container 350. The supply container 350 can include one or more flaps 355 movably connected to the body 351 of the supply container 350 and movable from an open position to a closed position.The flaps 355 can be deflected in the closed configuration (shown as dotted lines in Figure 16B) so that the upper end 352 is closed, and can be opened to allow a product to pass through them. The flap 355 can help slow the product's fall into the supply container 350 to minimize product damage or agitation and can also prevent a consumer from reaching the product compartment 320 through the supply container 350.

[098] Some of the modalities described herein relate to a vending machine that has a sensor to detect the removal of a product from the product compartment, as shown in Figures 17 and 18. Sensors to detect product removal can be used to track product inventory and prevent product theft. The sensor information regarding the quantity of products removed can be used to update the vending machine inventory, to determine when it needs to be restocked, and to determine the total price to charge a consumer.

[099] In such embodiments, the vending machine 300 may include a housing 310 defining a product compartment 320 and a door 330 movably attached to the housing 310. The product compartment 320 may include a platform 110 on which the products are arranged from a first end 112 to a facing rear end. Each platform 110 may include a feed mechanism, such as a pusher, roller, or gravity feed. Furthermore, each platform 110 may include a stop 105 at the first end 112 of the platform 110 to prevent products from moving off the platform 110. The consumer may manually remove the desired products when the door 330 of the vending machine 300 is opened. The product compartment 320 may include a sensor configured to detect a product removed from the platform 110.In this way, the 300 vending machine can automatically track the removal of products without any concern about product theft. οοηκηη / ρζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ

[100] In some embodiments, the sensor 199 may be arranged on platform 110 at a first end 112 of platform 110, as shown in Figure 17. The product sensor 199 may be an infrared sensor or a photosensor, among others. A product 500 at the first end 112 of platform 110 may rest on the product sensor 199, and the product sensor 199 may detect when a product 500 is removed from the position on top of the product sensor 199 to determine product removal. As the products automatically advance from the second end of platform 110 to the first end 112, a second product on platform 110 may move to the position on top of the product sensor 199 when a first product is removed.

[101] In some embodiments, the sensor 199 may be a distance sensor disposed at a second end 114 of each platform 110, as shown in Figure 18. The distance sensor 199 may be disposed, for example, on an inner wall of the product compartment 320 at the second end 114 of platform 110. When a product is removed from a row of products on platform 110, the remaining products advance toward the first end 112 of platform 110. The distance sensor 199 can detect the distance D from the advance mechanism, such as a pusher 220, to the distance sensor 199. In embodiments without a pusher, the distance sensor 199 can detect the distance from the last product to the distance sensor 199. When a product is removed, the remaining products advance toward the first end 112 of platform 110, increasing the distance D.The change in distance D can be used to determine the quantity of products dispensed. When distance D equals a predetermined maximum distance, such as a distance at which pusher 220 is at the first end of platform 110 and no products remain, vending machine 300 can send a signal to an operator indicating that it needs to be restocked.

[102] In some embodiments, a feed mechanism 210 for automatically advancing products toward the first end 112 of platform 110 may include a unidirectional feed system that can move in one direction toward the first end 112 of platform 110, but cannot move in one direction toward the second end 114 of platform 110. The unidirectional feed system can help avoid interference with the operation of the sensors 199 and inaccurate product recognition, such as if a consumer attempts to return a product removed from platform 110.

[103] Figure 19 shows an illustrative method for detecting the removal of a product from a vending machine. The method may include detecting a first distance from a distance sensor to a product in a product row 610. A second distance from the distance sensor to the product in the product row may be detected after a consumer removes one or more products 620. A difference between the second distance and the first distance may be determined 630. A quantity of products removed may be determined based on the difference between the first distance and the second distance 640. A consumer may be charged for the removed products based on the determination of the quantity of products removed 650. An inventory may be updated based on the quantity of products removed 660.

[104] Some of the modalities described herein relate to closed-door vending machines 400 that include compartments for products that are not directly accessible to a consumer. In Figure 20. The vending machine 400 includes a housing 410 that defines a compartment for products 420. The compartment for products 420 is inaccessible to consumers using the vending machine 400. The front wall 412 of the housing 410 may include a transparent panel 414 to allow consumers to view the compartment for products 420 and the products it contains. The vending machine 400 may further include one or more product dispensing containers or nozzles 440 to provide access to a dispensed product.

[105] The products may be arranged on a platform of a product release mechanism 100 as described herein. In some embodiments, a plurality of product release mechanisms 100 are arranged within the product compartment 420, such as on a shelf. A supply mechanism 480 may extend along the first ends 112 of a plurality of platforms 110 and may extend from a first side 421 to an opposite second side 423 of the product compartment 420. In Figure 20, the supply mechanism 480 includes a conveyor belt system, as described above with respect to Figure 13.Instead of transporting a product to a product extraction area 324 that has a dispensing gate 190 as in Figure 13, the supply mechanism 480 can transport the product to a supply nozzle 440 disposed in the housing 410 of the vending machine 400. The supply nozzle 440 can include a door 442 that movably covers the supply nozzle 440 to provide a consumer with access to the product inside the supply nozzle 440.

[106] In some embodiments, the delivery mechanism 480 may include an inclined surface 490 that directs a product towards a delivery nozzle οοηκηη / ρζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ 440, as shown in Figure 21. The supply nozzle 440 may be arranged on one side of the housing 410. The inclined surface 490 may be arranged at an angle to a transverse plane, such as an angle of approximately 5 degrees to approximately 45 degrees, such that the inclined surface 490 has a greater elevation 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 a product to move by gravity along the inclined surface 490 to the supply nozzle 440. In some embodiments, the inclined surface 490 may include rollers or bearings to facilitate the movement of the product to the supply nozzle 440. The inclined surface 490 may include a side wall 492 to prevent the product from falling off one side of the inclined surface 490.The side wall 492 can be transparent so the consumer can see the product throughout the dispensing process. The sloped surface 490 can be economical and require little or no maintenance because it has no electrical components or moving parts. In some embodiments, each shelf can include a dispensing mechanism 480 configured to transport a dispensed product from that shelf to a dispensing nozzle 440.

[107] In some embodiments, the vending machine 400 may include one or more supply containers 450, as shown in Figure 22. Therefore, the vending machine 400 may be similar to the vending machine 300 of Figures 16a and 16b, except that the vending machine 400 does not include an opening door. The vending machine 400 includes a housing 410 that defines a product compartment 420 for storing products. The housing 410 includes a front wall 412 that has a transparent panel 414 configured to allow a consumer to view the product compartment 420 of the vending machine 400. Products may be stored in the product compartment 420 on a shelf or platform.A product release mechanism 100, as described herein, may be arranged in the product compartment 420 to selectively control the release of a product from a platform 110 into a supply container 450 for access by a consumer. The product release mechanism 100 may include a platform 110 having a first end 112 facing a second end 114 and a gate disposed at the first end 112 configured to move from a closed configuration, in which products are held on the platform 110, to an open position in which a product may fall from the first end 112 of the platform 110.Products can advance along platform 110 of the product release mechanism 100 by gravity due to an inclination of platform 110, or the product release mechanism 100 can include a feed system configured to automatically advance products towards the first end 112 of platform 110.

[108] In some embodiments, the supply container 450 may be disposed at the first end 112 of one or more platforms 110 such that a product released from the platform 110 may fall by gravity into the supply container 450. The supply container 450 may extend between opposite sides of the product compartment 420 such that the supply container 450 is configured to receive a product from any of several product release mechanisms 100. The supply container 450 may have a body 451 defining an open upper end disposed at or below the first end 112 of the platform 110 such that the product may fall into the supply container 450 through the open upper end.The supply container 450 can be arranged along the front wall 412 of the vending machine housing 410 and can be integrated into the front wall 412. The front wall 412 can define an opening 454 in the supply container 450 through which a consumer can access a product in the supply container 450.

[109] In some embodiments, the supply container 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 to the body 451 of the supply container 450. The flap 455 may rotate in the supply container 450 when a consumer removes a product such that the flap 455 helps prevent a consumer from reaching the product compartment 420. In some embodiments, each shelf of the vending machine 400 may have an associated supply container 450, such that when a product is released from a shelf, the product falls into the supply container 450 for that shelf. In some configurations, a 450 supply container may be associated with two or more shelves as shown in Figures 22 and 23.For example, the 400 vending machine may include four shelves and two 450 supply containers. This can help conserve space in the 420 product compartment compared to a 400 vending machine with additional 450 supply containers, while also reducing the distance each product falls to reach the 450 supply container. In some embodiments, the 400 vending machine may include a single 450 supply container positioned at the lower end of the 420 product compartment to receive a product released from any shelf. Using a 450 supply container can reduce the manufacturing cost of the 400 vending machine and conserve space within the 420 product compartment.

[110] In some embodiments, the supply container 450 may include a drawer 458, as shown, for example, in Figures 24 and 25. Instead of a flap 455 as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the drawer 458 is movably connected to the supply container 450 in a closed configuration in which a front wall 459 of the drawer 458 is aligned with the front wall 412 of the housing 410 and the drawer 458 can pivot or rotate outward to provide a consumer access to a product contained within the drawer 458. When the drawer 458 is in the open configuration, a rear wall 457 of the drawer 458 can help block the opening of the front wall 412 of the vending machine 400 to prevent a consumer from accessing the product compartment 420.

[111] Some embodiments described herein relate to the vending machine 400 having a damping mechanism 460 configured to control or slow the fall of a product into the vending machine 400. The vending machine 400 may include one or more supply containers 450 and may include a supply container 450 disposed at a lower end of the product compartment 420. The product compartment 420 may include a plurality of product release mechanisms 100 as described herein and may include a space between a first end 112 of the platforms 110 of the product release mechanisms 100 and the front wall 412 of the housing 410 to provide space for a product to fall into the supply container 450.Thus, when a product is released from platform 110, it can fall by gravity into the supply container 450 and can be retrieved by a customer through a front opening 454 of the supply container 450. Products falling from platforms 110 located toward the upper end of the product compartment 420 travel a greater distance to reach the supply container 450 and, as a result, may be damaged, broken, or shaken by the fall. To control the product's fall by gravity and to reduce its speed, the vending machine 400 may include one or more damping mechanisms 460.

[112] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 26, the cushioning mechanism 460 may include one or more pads 462. The pad 462 may be configured to slow the product's fall into the delivery container 450. Each pad 462 may be made of a soft material, such as foam or rubber, to provide cushioning to the product as it falls. In some embodiments, each pad 462 may extend from a first side of the product compartment 420 to or toward a second opposite side of the product compartment in a transverse direction of the housing 410. The pad 462 may have a semicircular cross-sectional area, as shown, for example, in Figure 26. However, in alternative embodiments, the pad 462 may have alternative cross-sectional areas, such as a triangular cross-sectional area.

[113] The pads 462 may be arranged at a first end 112 of the platforms 110, the pads 462 may be arranged on the front wall 412 of the housing 410, or on both. In some embodiments, the damping mechanism 460 may include a plurality of pads 462 separated from each other between the upper end and the lower end of the product compartment 420. οοηκηη / ρζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ In such configurations, the pads 462 can alternate their locations on the front wall 412 and at the first end 112 of the platforms 110, as shown in Figure 26. This can help ensure that the product comes into contact with one or more pads 462 when it falls.

[114] In some embodiments, the damping mechanism 460 may include a flap 464 that can move from a closed position to an open position, as shown in Figure 27. The flap 464 may be connected to a front wall 412 of the housing 410 and may extend toward the first end 112 of the platforms 110. In the closed position, the flap 464 may be arranged along a transverse axis X of the vending machine 400. The flap 464 may be deflected in the closed position. The flap 464 may move to an open position in which the flap 464 is generally arranged parallel to a plane of the front wall 412 of the housing 410 and to a closed position in which the flap 464 is transverse to a plane of the front wall 412 of the cabinet. The 464 flap can be deflected in the closed position by means of a deflection mechanism, such as a spring, among others.The 464 fin may include a cushion or pad to provide a soft drop for the product when it comes into contact with the 464 fin.

[115] In some embodiments, the damping mechanism 460 may include a pulley 466, as shown, for example, in Figure 28. A receiver 468 may be arranged in front of the platforms 110 to receive a product. A cable 470 may be arranged around a pulley 466 and connected at one end to the receiver 468 and connected at the other end to a counterweight 472. As the product falls from a platform 110 onto the receiver 468, the receiver 468 may lower the product into the supply container 450, balanced by the counterweight 472, to reduce the speed at which the product moves toward the supply container 450.

[116] In some embodiments, the damping mechanism 460 may include a Y-mechanism 474, as shown, for example, in Figure 29. The Y-mechanism 474 may include a receiver 476 that can move along tracks 478. The receiver 476 may be V-shaped for receiving and holding a product. In some embodiments, the receiver 476 may be U-shaped, among other configurations. A pair of tracks 478 may be arranged on opposite 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 opposite ends of the receiver 476 may include pinions that mesh with the teeth of the tracks 478. However, in some embodiments, the receiver 476 may be moved along tracks or may be lifted by a pulley and cable system.The receiver 476 can move automatically along the tracks 478, as if by a motor. When a product is selected for dispensing, the Y-mechanism 474 can move the receiver 476 to the shelf location containing the product to be dispensed, so that the product falls a short distance into the receiver 476. The Y-mechanism 474 can then move the receiver 476 containing the dispensed product to the supply container 450 for consumer access.

[117] In some embodiments, the damping mechanism 460 may include guide channels 480 defined by vertical walls 482, as shown in Figure 30. A pair of vertical walls 482 may define a channel 480 such that when a product is released from a product release mechanism 100, the product's movement is limited by the channels 480. The channels 480 may help ensure that products move only in a vertical direction and do not rotate or move laterally within the product compartment 420 as they fall. In some embodiments, the channels 480 may have a width similar to the width of the product, such that the channel 480 defines a narrow conduit through which the product travels, which may result in slowing the product's descent.The channels 480 can extend from the upper end 427 of the product compartment 420 to or towards the lower end 425. In some embodiments, a lower end of each wall 482 may have a fold or curve and may include a cushion or pad.

[118] In some embodiments, the damping mechanism 460 may include a plurality of bristles 484, as shown in Figures 31 and 32. The bristles 484 may extend from a front wall 412 to or toward the first end 112 of the platforms 110. The bristles 484 may be flexible to bend or flex when they come into contact with a product. In this way, when a product falls from a platform 110 by gravity into the dispensing container 450, the bristles 484 can slow the product's fall to prevent damage to the product or agitation of carbonated beverages. In some embodiments, the vending machine 400 may include a combination of damping mechanisms as described herein. For example, Figures 31 and 32 show a combination of guide channels 480 and bristles 484.The bristles 484 can be attached to guide channels 480 and can be arranged in various locations within the guide channels 480. Also, as shown in Figure 31, the channels may not extend completely to the lower end of the product compartment 420. Products on platforms 110A adjacent to the lower end 425 may fall a shorter distance compared to products on upper platforms 110B and damping mechanisms 460 may not be required to slow their fall due to the short distance traveled.

[119] In some embodiments, the cushioning mechanism 460 may include a constriction 486, as shown in Figure 33. The constriction 486 may be a narrow conduit configured to slow the fall of a product from a platform 110 into the delivery container 450. The constriction 486 may be defined by one or more panels 488 extending from the platforms 110 into the front wall 412 of the housing 410 or extending from the front wall 412 of the housing 410 into the platforms 110. When a product falls from a platform 110, the product may fall freely until it reaches the constriction 486 and may be deflected by panel 488 through the constriction 486.In some embodiments, the narrowing 486 may be arranged at a lower end of a guide channel 480, such that a product falls through a guide channel 480 and is then diverted through the narrowing 486 to control and slow a product's fall into the supply container 450.

[120] In some embodiments, the vending machine 400 may include a cushion 494 disposed in the supply container 450, as shown in Figure 33. The cushion 494 can soften the impact of the product with the supply container 450 to minimize damage or breakage of a product. The cushion 494 may include a soft material, such as foam, among others, that can absorb the impact of the product. οοηκηη / ρζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ

[121] The vending machine 400 may include a combination of damping mechanisms 460 as described herein. In some embodiments, the vending machine 400 may include one or more guide channels 480, a narrowing 486, pads 462, fins 464, bristles 484, and a cushion 494.

[122] In any of the various embodiments described herein, a vending machine may include a cooling unit configured to maintain the product compartment, or a portion thereof, at a predetermined temperature, as may be necessary to provide the 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 be a vapor-compression refrigeration unit, a thermoelectric cooling unit, or a cold plate, among other cooling units. In some embodiments, a product compartment of the vending machine may be maintained at ambient temperature, such as when the vending machine is used to store retail products.

[123] It will be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used for the interpretation of the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may describe one or more, but not all, of the illustrative embodiments of the present invention(s) as contemplated by the inventors and, therefore, are not intended to limit in any way the present invention(s) or the appended claims.

[124] The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks that illustrate the implementation of the specified functions and their relationships. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined in the present description for the sake of descriptive convenience. Alternative boundaries may be defined, provided that the specified functions and their relationships are properly carried out. οοηκηη / ρζηζ / Β / γίΛΐ

[125] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will then fully reveal the general nature of the invention(s), which others, by applying knowledge within the field of the art, may easily modify and / or adapt for various applications of those specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention(s). Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to remain within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the embodiments described, in accordance with the teachings and guidance presented in this description. It is understood that the phraseology or terminology of this description has a descriptive purpose and not a limiting one, such that the terminology or phraseology of this specification should be interpreted by the skilled technician in light of the teachings and guidance provided.

[126] The breadth and scope of the present invention(s) shall not be limited by any of the illustrative modalities described above, 15 but shall be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vending machine, comprising: a housing defining a product compartment, characterized in that the housing comprises a front wall having a transparent portion; a product release mechanism, comprising: a platform disposed within the product compartment for storing a product, wherein the platform comprises a first end facing a second end; a gate disposed in the platform and movable from a closed position to an open position to release the product from the platform; a supply container having an open front end, wherein the supply container is 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 supply container for access by a consumer through the open front end.

2. The vending machine of claim 1, characterized in that the product release mechanism further comprises 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 of claim 2, characterized in that the gate control mechanism comprises a rack meshed with a gate pinion.

4. The vending machine of claim 1, further comprising a second product release mechanism disposed within the product compartment for storing a second product, characterized in that the second product release mechanism is arranged at a different elevation than the first product release mechanism and a second supply container is arranged at a different elevation than the first supply container, wherein the second supply container is configured to receive a product released from the second product release mechanism.

5. The vending machine of claim 1, characterized in that the product is a beverage container, and wherein the platform is configured to hold the beverage container in a vertical orientation.

6. The vending machine of claim 1, characterized in that the platform is arranged with an inclination such that the product moves from the second end of the platform to the first end of the platform by the force of gravity.

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

8. The vending machine of claim 1, characterized in that the platform is one of a plurality of platforms arranged at different elevations within the product compartment, and wherein the supply container is one of a plurality of supply containers.

9. The vending machine of claim 1, characterized in that the supply container further comprises a flap that movably covers the open front end of the supply container.

10. The vending machine of claim 1, characterized in that the supply container comprises a drawer that can be moved from a closed position to an open position such that a product within the drawer is accessible to a consumer in the open position.

11. A vending machine, comprising: a housing defining a product compartment, characterized in that the housing comprises a front wall having a transparent portion; a platform disposed within the product compartment for storing a product, wherein the platform comprises a first end facing a second end; a product release mechanism configured to selectively release the product from the platform; a supply container disposed beneath the platform such that when the product release mechanism is operated, the product falls from the platform into the supply container for access by a consumer; and a damping mechanism configured to control the fall of the product from the platform into the supply container.

12. The vending machine of claim 11, characterized in that the product release 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 of claim 11, characterized in that the damping mechanism comprises a guide channel extending from an upper end of the product compartment to a lower end of the product compartment, wherein the supply container is arranged below the platform.

14. The vending machine of claim 11, characterized in that the damping mechanism comprises a cushion.

15. The vending machine of claim 11, characterized in that the damping mechanism comprises a plurality of bristles extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

16. The vending machine of claim 11, characterized in that the damping mechanism comprises one or more pads arranged on the front wall of the housing or at the first end of the platform.

17. A product release mechanism for a vending machine, comprising: a platform having a first end facing a second end and configured to hold a first product and a second product; a first gate disposed at the first end of the platform and movable from a closed position in which the first product is not accessible to a consumer to an open position in which the first product is accessible to a consumer; a second gate disposed on the platform and separate 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, such that the first gate is disposed in the open position and the second gate is moved to the closed position to provide a consumer access to the first product on the platform while preventing access to the second product on the platform.

18. The product release mechanism of claim 17, further comprising a feed system configured to automatically advance the first product and the second product towards the first end of the platform.

19. The product release mechanism of claim 17, further comprising a third gate separate from the second gate and configured to control the advancement of the products on the platform towards the first end of the platform.

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