초록 ▼

An automated florist system, including an associated cooler (20, FIG. 1) and order taking control unit (22, FIG. 2) for automated vending and order placements specifically for flowers and gift items. The system, with the control unit being pre-programmed using appropriate logic (FIG. 3), allows a wa

An automated florist system, including an associated cooler (20, FIG. 1) and order taking control unit (22, FIG. 2) for automated vending and order placements specifically for flowers and gift items. The system, with the control unit being pre-programmed using appropriate logic (FIG. 3), allows a walk-up or drive-up customer to select from a variety of pre-made flower arrangements from discrete cells equipped with the necessary refrigeration for immediate purchase, or, alternatively, a selection may be made, and information entered, for remote delivery at a specified time and place (note displayed "order form" of FIG. 5). Further, the operating, host florist of the vending system can remotely monitor and conduct all business with the vending machine from the operating florist's shop (FIG. 4), with the sole exception of stocking the machine with items for immediate purchase; while the sending of an order to an affiliated florist for a distant delivery is fully automated; see FIG. 6.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A computerized, automated florist system, for use at a customer ordering location remote from a florist shop, providing twenty-four hour, florist-like services using a number of remotely located, associated florists for remotely located deliveries, comprising:a display an

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A computerized, automated florist system, for use at a customer ordering location remote from a florist shop, providing twenty-four hour, florist-like services using a number of remotely located, associated florists for remotely located deliveries, comprising:a display and dispensing cooler having discrete cells for displaying for viewing at least pre-made flower arrangements and being equipped with refrigeration to cool the pre-made flower arrangements and located away from any human vending flower operation; andan order taking control unit physically associated with said cooler for automated vending, order placement and order fulfillment assignment specifically for at least flower arrangements and gift items, said order taking control unit being pre-programmed using computer logic, allowing a human customer located adjacent to said cooler to select from a variety of pre-made flower arrangements located in said discrete cells for immediate purchase without the need for vendor human intervention or assistance, or, alternatively, a selection may be made, and information entered, for remote delivery at a specified, distantly located place of an ordered item using credit card or other smart card or other financial authorization, again without the need for vendor human intervention or assistance at said cooler, with said order taking control unit itself, in the case of an order for remote delivery of the customer selected item at a customer specified, distantly located place, assigning an associated florist for fulfillment of the order for actually making the remote delivery at the customer specified, distantly located place.