초록 ▼

A vending machine for increasing consumer interest in the vending process and vended product includes a tipping mechanism. The tipping mechanism is positioned at a first end of a shelf, and modifies the orientation of an article being delivered from the shelf to a conveyor. The tipping mechanism cau

A vending machine for increasing consumer interest in the vending process and vended product includes a tipping mechanism. The tipping mechanism is positioned at a first end of a shelf, and modifies the orientation of an article being delivered from the shelf to a conveyor. The tipping mechanism causes the article to be tipped from an upright orientation to a perpendicular, lateral orientation. The tipping mechanism includes a ramp supported by the shelf, a spacer that provides the ramp with an incline from the shelf, and a product rotator extending from the shelf toward the conveyor. The conveyor then delivers the article to a vend port, where it is dispensed in the upright position. The conveyor may be mounted on internal elevator that carries the conveyor between one or more shelves and the vend port. A transparent window is provided on the face of the vending machine whereby a consumer can view the dispensing operations.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A vending machine comprising:at least one shelf for supporting articles to be vended and presenting the articles for delivery;a tipping mechanism positioned at a first end of the at least one shelf, the tipping mechanism modifying an orientation of an article being delivered from

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A vending machine comprising:at least one shelf for supporting articles to be vended and presenting the articles for delivery;a tipping mechanism positioned at a first end of the at least one shelf, the tipping mechanism modifying an orientation of an article being delivered from the at least one shelf;a substantially horizontal conveyor positioned adjacent the first end of the at least one shelf, the conveyor receiving the article delivered from the at least one shelf; anda vend port for receiving the article from the conveyor and accommodating discharge of the article from the vending machine.