초록 ▼

An article alignment unit adapted for use in a helix-type vending machine. The vending machine comprises a cabinet having a tray within the cabinet carrying at least two dispensing helices extending side-by-side from rear to front of the cabinet. Each helix is selectively driven for advancing articl

An article alignment unit adapted for use in a helix-type vending machine. The vending machine comprises a cabinet having a tray within the cabinet carrying at least two dispensing helices extending side-by-side from rear to front of the cabinet. Each helix is selectively driven for advancing articles to be dispensed placed on the tray between convolutions of the helix. A generally vertical central partition between the two helices has a top edge margin extending substantially the length of the helices, and first and second generally vertical outer partitions on opposite sides of the two helices. First and second article compartments are defined between the central partition and the first and second outer partitions, respectively, and each compartment contains one of the helices. The article alignment unit comprises a first elongate guide member adapted for pivoting about an axis parallel with and adjacent to the top edge margin of the central partition. The first member defines a guide surface which is varyingly positionable by pivoting the first guide member about the pivot axis from a generally vertical position adjacent the central partition to a position extending toward the first outer partition and above the helix of the first compartment for restricting lateral movement of articles within the first compartment.

대표청구항 ▼

An article alignment unit, adapted for use in a vending machine comprising a cabinet having a rear and front, at least one tray within the cabinet carrying at least two dispensing helices extending side-by-side from rear to front of the cabinet with each helix being selectively driven for advancing

An article alignment unit, adapted for use in a vending machine comprising a cabinet having a rear and front, at least one tray within the cabinet carrying at least two dispensing helices extending side-by-side from rear to front of the cabinet with each helix being selectively driven for advancing articles to be dispensed placed on the tray between convolutions of the helix, a generally vertical central partition between the two helices and having a top edge margin extending substantially the length of the helices, and first and second generally vertical outer partitions on opposite sides of the two helices with first and second article compartments being defined between the central partition and the first and second outer partitions, respectively, each compartment containing one of the helices, the article alignment unit comprising first and second elongate guide members hingedly connected together and adapted for independently pivoting about a common axis parallel with and adjacent to the top edge margin of the central partition, the first guide member defining a first guide surface which is varyingly positionable by pivoting the first guide member about the pivot axis from a generally vertical position adjacent the central partition to a position extending toward the first outer partition and above the corresponding helix for restricting lateral movement of articles extending above the helix within the first compartment, the second guide member defining a second guide surface which is varyingly positionable by pivoting the second guide member about the pivot axis from a generally vertical position adjacent the central partition to a position extending toward the second outer partition and above the corresponding helix for restricting lateral movement of articles extending above the helix within the second compartment.