CA2335073A1 - Selection button for a vending machine - Google Patents
Selection button for a vending machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2335073A1 CA2335073A1 CA002335073A CA2335073A CA2335073A1 CA 2335073 A1 CA2335073 A1 CA 2335073A1 CA 002335073 A CA002335073 A CA 002335073A CA 2335073 A CA2335073 A CA 2335073A CA 2335073 A1 CA2335073 A1 CA 2335073A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vending machine
- item
- vended
- graphics
- button
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
- G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
- G07F9/023—Arrangements for display, data presentation or advertising
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
- Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
Abstract
A selection button for a vending machine can have a three-dimensional shape which is suggestive of an item to be vended. Therefore, a consumer can be informed of the item to be vended upon activation of the button. Graphics can be included with this selection button to further suggest to the consumer the type of item to be vended.
Description
' , l , SELECTION BUTTON FOR A VENDING MACHINE
The present invention relates to a selection button, a vending machine with a selection button and method utilizing the selection button which all involve a selection button having at least a three-dimensional shape suggestive of an item to be vended.
Background of the Invention Conventionally, vending machines have selection buttons.
Graphics indicatin<:I the item to be vended can be placed adjacent or directly on these selection buttons. The buttons themselves are usually either rectangular or circular but generally the only indication of what item is to be vended is with the graphics associated with the selection button.
Therefore, a consumer must stop and read tine selections or at least review the associated graphics before selecting an item.
In order to quickly convey the item to be vended to a consumer, a better selection button arrangement is needed.
Such a selection button can increase the chance of an impulse purchase by a consumer. In particular, the consumer can quickly see what items are to be vended and can therefore readily select an item.
Moreover, international travelers or those people who do not speak a certain language may have some difficulty in operating standard v~=nding machines in foreign cc>untries.
For example, an international traveler may recognize that a vending machine dispenses certain brands of beverages, .but they might not know whether the beverages are in cans or SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) bottles unless they are familiar with the language of text on a particular vending machine. Therefore, a need exists for a more universally recognizable arrangement for conveying information about a vending machine product.
Field of the Invention It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide at least one selection button on the vending machine which quickly conveys information to the consumer about an item to be vended.
More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a selection button which has <~ three-dimensional shape suggestive of the item to be vended. This button can include graphics which make the selectio:~ button look like the item to be vended.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide means for informing the consumer of the item to be vended thereby avoiding possible consumer confusion, providing a visual message to the consumer of what is to be vended, aiding a consumer in making a rapid selection and encouraging impulse purchases.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide universal information about an item to be vended which can be readily recognized throughout the world.
These and other objects of the present invention are fulfilled by a selection button for a vending mach_ire, the selection button haying a three-dimensional shape suggestive of an item to be vended.
These and other objects of the present invention are also fulfilled by a vending machine comprising a vending machine housing, and at least one selection button on the SU~ST1TUTE SHEET (RULE 26) y r WO 99/66462 PCT/LJS99/13f70 vending machine housing, the at least one selection button including means for informing t:he consumer of an item to be vended upon activation of the button, the means for informing including a three-dimensional shape of the button which is suggestive of the item to be vended.
Moreover, these and other objects of the present invention are fulfill.e d by a method or informing the consumer of an item to be vended from a vending machine, the method comprising the steps of providing at least one selection button on the vending machine, providing the at least one selection button in a three-dimensional shape suggestive of an item to be vended from the vending machine, and displaying graphics on the at least one selection button which graphics simulate the item to be vended whereby the three-dimensional shape and the graphics on the at least one selection button simulate the item to be vended thereby visually informing a consumer of the item t:o be vended.
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiment, of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, wince various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a vending machine with a plurality of selection buttons of the present invention; ' Figure 2 is an enlarged view of one of the selection buttons of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a side view of the selection button shown in Figure 2 with the graphics omitted for clarity;
Figure 4 is a tep view of the selection button of Figure 2; and Figure 5 is an example of a type of item to be vended from the vending machine.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring in detail to the drawings and with particular reference to Figure 1, a vending machine 10 is shown. While the vending machine 10 of the present invention has a contour or wave-like front face, the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to many different shaped and sized vending machines. For example, conventional rectangular vending machine can utilize the principles of the present invention.
In the vending machine 10 as shown in Figure 1, a plurality of selection buttons 12 are shown. While three rows and four columns of selection buttons and an additional selection button 12' are shown, the configuration and number of these selection buttons 12, 12' can be modified.
Moreover, while the selection button 12' is shown having a shape similar to the matrix of buttons 12, the additional selection button 12' can have a different shape from the SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) w _r_ buttons 12. The particular shape of the selection buttons 12 will be discussed in more detail below.
Adjacent the additional selection button 12' is a bill validator 19 and a coin slot 16. Upon insertion of a bill into the validator 14 or coins into the slot 16, the vending machine 10 can be ~~ctivated in order to permit discharge of an item from the vend port 18 upon selection of one of the buttons 12, 12'. This vending arrangement is well-known in the art. Control means 20 is generically shown in Figure 1.
This control means 20 is responsive to a signal from the bill validator 14 or coin slot 16 indicating receipt of sufficient funds for dispensing of an article. Upon activation of one of the selection buttons 12, 12', the control means 20 will cause release of i:he item from the vend port 18. This arrangement of the control means 20 is well known in the art as noted above.
In addition, i_n the face of the vending machine 10, a video display 22 and coin return 29 are shown. 'the video display can be rep:Laced by a light box with graphics as is conventionally used in a vending machine or with a coupon dispenser, video came or any other suitable arrangement.
Moreover, the coin return 24 is shown as being located in the vend port 18. This enables the consumer to reach to one general location in order to remove both the selected vended item and any returned change. This arrangement is very convenient for a consumer and can speed the total transaction time because the consumer must not first retrieve change and then retrieve the selected item. Rather change and item retrieval can be done in one series of continuous steps.
While the coin return 24 is shown in the vend port 18, this coin return 24 can be located in any other suitable position SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) a on the vending machine 10. In fact, the selection buttons 12, 12'; bill validator 14; coin select 16; vend port 18;
video display 22 anci coin return 24 can be moved about the face of the vending machine.
Turning to Figure 2, one of the selection buttons 12 is shown in greater detail. This selection button 1'Z has an outer surface 26 which is engageable by the consumer. This outer surface 26 has a shape which is suggestive of an item to be vended. In particular, a beverage can 34 such as shown in Figure 5 is intended to be vended when selection buttons 12 are used. This can shown in Figure 5 looks similar to the selection button 12 ~snd therefore, the button 12 suggests the item to be vended. The three-dimensional shape and associated graphics of the selection button 12 form a connection in a consumer's mind to the vended item.
The outer surface 26 of the selection button 12 has two opposed sides 28 and 30 which are generally parallel. These opposed sides 28 and 30 form the top and bottom of the beverage can which the button 12 represents. The outer surface of the button further has a curved side 32 which has a semi-cylindrical shape. Rather than being a whole cylinder similar to can 39, this selection button 12 is contemplated as being only a portion, such as half of the cylinder which forms a typical beverage can.
Figure 3 shows a side view of selection button 12 while Figure 4 shows a top view with one of the opposing sides 28 being visible. From these views in Figures 3 and 4, the semi-cylindrical sh<~pe of the selection button 12 can be seen.
It is noted that the beverage can 46 shown in Figure 5 will typically have a tapered upper surface 38 and a pushed SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) P C.
down tab 36, for example. The selection button 12 is not an exact replica of all these features of the beverage can 39.
In other words, the tapering upper surface 38 and tab 36 are omitted from the simulation in button 12 as shown in Figure 2. Of course, these features could be included on button 12 is so desired. Nonetheless, the three-dimensional shape of the selection button 1.2 along with the associated graphics 90 sufficiently resembls the beverage can 36 to thereby be suggestive of the item to be vended from the vending machine 10. Therefore, the selection button 12 with at least its three-dimensional configuration acts as means for informing the consumer of the item to be vended upon activation of the button 12.
Apart from the t=hree-dimensional shape of the button 12, the graphics 90 also make a suggestion of the item to be vended. Figure 2 shows the trademark "Coca-Cola Classic""', the Contour Bottle ''" as well as slogans from the beverage can 36. The graphics 40 shown in Figure 2 are not meant to be limited to the part=icular graphics used in the selection button. Rather, Figure 2 merely illustrates the degree to which the selection button 12 will resemble the can 36, the item to be vended. If so desired, additional grapt-~ics such as the product' s size or any other additional slogans can be included on the self=_ction button 12. Also, not only Coca-Cola Classic''", but .Sprite ''", Diet Coke''" or other f>rands of items to be vended can be illustrated by the graphics 90 shown in Figure 2. While Figure 2 includes certain graphics, these graphics have been omitted from the selection buttons 12, 12' in Figures l, 3 arid 4 for clarity. It is contemplated that the selection buttons 12, 12' will include appropriate graphics for the items to be vended therefrom.
SU9STtTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) _g_ Moreover, while a beverage can 34 is to be vended from machine 10, it is also possible to vend other types of items such a beverage in bottles. The three-dimensional shape and graphics associated with the selection buttons 22 would then be varied in order t.o match the item to be vended. The principles of the instant invention are therefore applicable to many different types of vending machines. In fact., these principles are applicable to vending machines which do not require coin activation, or which have their selection buttons arranged in any desired configuration on the machine.
Moreover, with brand recognition, a consumer can select an item to be vended without the need for reading text on the vending machine. Thus, the principles of the present invention provide universal information about a product to be vended.
As seen in Figure 2, the graphics 40 include both text and pictorial material. It is possible to include only pictorial material or text and it is contemplated that these graphics in association with the three-dimensional shape of the selection button 12 will provide means for informing a consumer of the item to be vended upon activation of the button 12.
If bottles were to be vended from the vending machine 10, the selection button 12 or 12' could have the shape of the bottle. Of course, with the bottle shape, the associated graphics for the vended bottle can be included on the selection button sim:i:lar to the graphics which are included when beverage cans 34 are vended.
The present invention provides for a method for quickly informing the consumer of a item to be vended from the -vending machine 10. The method further comprises the steps SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) . .", _g_ of providing at least. one selection button 12 on the vending machine 10. Also, the at least one selection button is provided with the three-dimensional shape which is suggestive of a shape of an it.e:m to be vended such as the beverage can 34. Graphics 40 are displayed on the at least one selection button which graphics simulate the item to be vended whereby the three-dimensional shape and the graphics 40 on the at least one selection button 12 simulate the item to be vended.
A consumer is therefore visually informed of the item to be vended. Upon activation of the button 12, the selected item such as beverage can 34 is vended from machine 10 through port 18.
"Coke", "Coca-Cola Classic"T", "Sprite"''", "Diet Coke"''", and the Contour Bottl.eT" are al-1 registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company.
The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one ~~killed in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
The present invention relates to a selection button, a vending machine with a selection button and method utilizing the selection button which all involve a selection button having at least a three-dimensional shape suggestive of an item to be vended.
Background of the Invention Conventionally, vending machines have selection buttons.
Graphics indicatin<:I the item to be vended can be placed adjacent or directly on these selection buttons. The buttons themselves are usually either rectangular or circular but generally the only indication of what item is to be vended is with the graphics associated with the selection button.
Therefore, a consumer must stop and read tine selections or at least review the associated graphics before selecting an item.
In order to quickly convey the item to be vended to a consumer, a better selection button arrangement is needed.
Such a selection button can increase the chance of an impulse purchase by a consumer. In particular, the consumer can quickly see what items are to be vended and can therefore readily select an item.
Moreover, international travelers or those people who do not speak a certain language may have some difficulty in operating standard v~=nding machines in foreign cc>untries.
For example, an international traveler may recognize that a vending machine dispenses certain brands of beverages, .but they might not know whether the beverages are in cans or SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) bottles unless they are familiar with the language of text on a particular vending machine. Therefore, a need exists for a more universally recognizable arrangement for conveying information about a vending machine product.
Field of the Invention It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide at least one selection button on the vending machine which quickly conveys information to the consumer about an item to be vended.
More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a selection button which has <~ three-dimensional shape suggestive of the item to be vended. This button can include graphics which make the selectio:~ button look like the item to be vended.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide means for informing the consumer of the item to be vended thereby avoiding possible consumer confusion, providing a visual message to the consumer of what is to be vended, aiding a consumer in making a rapid selection and encouraging impulse purchases.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide universal information about an item to be vended which can be readily recognized throughout the world.
These and other objects of the present invention are fulfilled by a selection button for a vending mach_ire, the selection button haying a three-dimensional shape suggestive of an item to be vended.
These and other objects of the present invention are also fulfilled by a vending machine comprising a vending machine housing, and at least one selection button on the SU~ST1TUTE SHEET (RULE 26) y r WO 99/66462 PCT/LJS99/13f70 vending machine housing, the at least one selection button including means for informing t:he consumer of an item to be vended upon activation of the button, the means for informing including a three-dimensional shape of the button which is suggestive of the item to be vended.
Moreover, these and other objects of the present invention are fulfill.e d by a method or informing the consumer of an item to be vended from a vending machine, the method comprising the steps of providing at least one selection button on the vending machine, providing the at least one selection button in a three-dimensional shape suggestive of an item to be vended from the vending machine, and displaying graphics on the at least one selection button which graphics simulate the item to be vended whereby the three-dimensional shape and the graphics on the at least one selection button simulate the item to be vended thereby visually informing a consumer of the item t:o be vended.
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiment, of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, wince various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a vending machine with a plurality of selection buttons of the present invention; ' Figure 2 is an enlarged view of one of the selection buttons of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a side view of the selection button shown in Figure 2 with the graphics omitted for clarity;
Figure 4 is a tep view of the selection button of Figure 2; and Figure 5 is an example of a type of item to be vended from the vending machine.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring in detail to the drawings and with particular reference to Figure 1, a vending machine 10 is shown. While the vending machine 10 of the present invention has a contour or wave-like front face, the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to many different shaped and sized vending machines. For example, conventional rectangular vending machine can utilize the principles of the present invention.
In the vending machine 10 as shown in Figure 1, a plurality of selection buttons 12 are shown. While three rows and four columns of selection buttons and an additional selection button 12' are shown, the configuration and number of these selection buttons 12, 12' can be modified.
Moreover, while the selection button 12' is shown having a shape similar to the matrix of buttons 12, the additional selection button 12' can have a different shape from the SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) w _r_ buttons 12. The particular shape of the selection buttons 12 will be discussed in more detail below.
Adjacent the additional selection button 12' is a bill validator 19 and a coin slot 16. Upon insertion of a bill into the validator 14 or coins into the slot 16, the vending machine 10 can be ~~ctivated in order to permit discharge of an item from the vend port 18 upon selection of one of the buttons 12, 12'. This vending arrangement is well-known in the art. Control means 20 is generically shown in Figure 1.
This control means 20 is responsive to a signal from the bill validator 14 or coin slot 16 indicating receipt of sufficient funds for dispensing of an article. Upon activation of one of the selection buttons 12, 12', the control means 20 will cause release of i:he item from the vend port 18. This arrangement of the control means 20 is well known in the art as noted above.
In addition, i_n the face of the vending machine 10, a video display 22 and coin return 29 are shown. 'the video display can be rep:Laced by a light box with graphics as is conventionally used in a vending machine or with a coupon dispenser, video came or any other suitable arrangement.
Moreover, the coin return 24 is shown as being located in the vend port 18. This enables the consumer to reach to one general location in order to remove both the selected vended item and any returned change. This arrangement is very convenient for a consumer and can speed the total transaction time because the consumer must not first retrieve change and then retrieve the selected item. Rather change and item retrieval can be done in one series of continuous steps.
While the coin return 24 is shown in the vend port 18, this coin return 24 can be located in any other suitable position SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) a on the vending machine 10. In fact, the selection buttons 12, 12'; bill validator 14; coin select 16; vend port 18;
video display 22 anci coin return 24 can be moved about the face of the vending machine.
Turning to Figure 2, one of the selection buttons 12 is shown in greater detail. This selection button 1'Z has an outer surface 26 which is engageable by the consumer. This outer surface 26 has a shape which is suggestive of an item to be vended. In particular, a beverage can 34 such as shown in Figure 5 is intended to be vended when selection buttons 12 are used. This can shown in Figure 5 looks similar to the selection button 12 ~snd therefore, the button 12 suggests the item to be vended. The three-dimensional shape and associated graphics of the selection button 12 form a connection in a consumer's mind to the vended item.
The outer surface 26 of the selection button 12 has two opposed sides 28 and 30 which are generally parallel. These opposed sides 28 and 30 form the top and bottom of the beverage can which the button 12 represents. The outer surface of the button further has a curved side 32 which has a semi-cylindrical shape. Rather than being a whole cylinder similar to can 39, this selection button 12 is contemplated as being only a portion, such as half of the cylinder which forms a typical beverage can.
Figure 3 shows a side view of selection button 12 while Figure 4 shows a top view with one of the opposing sides 28 being visible. From these views in Figures 3 and 4, the semi-cylindrical sh<~pe of the selection button 12 can be seen.
It is noted that the beverage can 46 shown in Figure 5 will typically have a tapered upper surface 38 and a pushed SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) P C.
down tab 36, for example. The selection button 12 is not an exact replica of all these features of the beverage can 39.
In other words, the tapering upper surface 38 and tab 36 are omitted from the simulation in button 12 as shown in Figure 2. Of course, these features could be included on button 12 is so desired. Nonetheless, the three-dimensional shape of the selection button 1.2 along with the associated graphics 90 sufficiently resembls the beverage can 36 to thereby be suggestive of the item to be vended from the vending machine 10. Therefore, the selection button 12 with at least its three-dimensional configuration acts as means for informing the consumer of the item to be vended upon activation of the button 12.
Apart from the t=hree-dimensional shape of the button 12, the graphics 90 also make a suggestion of the item to be vended. Figure 2 shows the trademark "Coca-Cola Classic""', the Contour Bottle ''" as well as slogans from the beverage can 36. The graphics 40 shown in Figure 2 are not meant to be limited to the part=icular graphics used in the selection button. Rather, Figure 2 merely illustrates the degree to which the selection button 12 will resemble the can 36, the item to be vended. If so desired, additional grapt-~ics such as the product' s size or any other additional slogans can be included on the self=_ction button 12. Also, not only Coca-Cola Classic''", but .Sprite ''", Diet Coke''" or other f>rands of items to be vended can be illustrated by the graphics 90 shown in Figure 2. While Figure 2 includes certain graphics, these graphics have been omitted from the selection buttons 12, 12' in Figures l, 3 arid 4 for clarity. It is contemplated that the selection buttons 12, 12' will include appropriate graphics for the items to be vended therefrom.
SU9STtTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) _g_ Moreover, while a beverage can 34 is to be vended from machine 10, it is also possible to vend other types of items such a beverage in bottles. The three-dimensional shape and graphics associated with the selection buttons 22 would then be varied in order t.o match the item to be vended. The principles of the instant invention are therefore applicable to many different types of vending machines. In fact., these principles are applicable to vending machines which do not require coin activation, or which have their selection buttons arranged in any desired configuration on the machine.
Moreover, with brand recognition, a consumer can select an item to be vended without the need for reading text on the vending machine. Thus, the principles of the present invention provide universal information about a product to be vended.
As seen in Figure 2, the graphics 40 include both text and pictorial material. It is possible to include only pictorial material or text and it is contemplated that these graphics in association with the three-dimensional shape of the selection button 12 will provide means for informing a consumer of the item to be vended upon activation of the button 12.
If bottles were to be vended from the vending machine 10, the selection button 12 or 12' could have the shape of the bottle. Of course, with the bottle shape, the associated graphics for the vended bottle can be included on the selection button sim:i:lar to the graphics which are included when beverage cans 34 are vended.
The present invention provides for a method for quickly informing the consumer of a item to be vended from the -vending machine 10. The method further comprises the steps SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) . .", _g_ of providing at least. one selection button 12 on the vending machine 10. Also, the at least one selection button is provided with the three-dimensional shape which is suggestive of a shape of an it.e:m to be vended such as the beverage can 34. Graphics 40 are displayed on the at least one selection button which graphics simulate the item to be vended whereby the three-dimensional shape and the graphics 40 on the at least one selection button 12 simulate the item to be vended.
A consumer is therefore visually informed of the item to be vended. Upon activation of the button 12, the selected item such as beverage can 34 is vended from machine 10 through port 18.
"Coke", "Coca-Cola Classic"T", "Sprite"''", "Diet Coke"''", and the Contour Bottl.eT" are al-1 registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company.
The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one ~~killed in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
Claims (11)
1. A vending machine comprising:
a vending mechanism for storing and vending selected graphics thereon; and at least one selection button on the vending machine, the at least one selection button including means for informing a consumer of an item to be vended upon activation of the button, the means for informing including a three-dimensional shape of the button with dimensions proportioned to be vended, and graphics thereon which substantially match the graphics of at least one of the items.
a vending mechanism for storing and vending selected graphics thereon; and at least one selection button on the vending machine, the at least one selection button including means for informing a consumer of an item to be vended upon activation of the button, the means for informing including a three-dimensional shape of the button with dimensions proportioned to be vended, and graphics thereon which substantially match the graphics of at least one of the items.
2. The vending machine as recited in claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the at least one button is engageable by a consumer, the outer surface of the at least one button having two opposed sides and a curved side between the two opposed~
sides.
sides.
3. The vending machine as recited in claim 2, wherein the curved side of the outer surface of the at least one button is semi-cylindrical and wherein the two opposed sides and the curved side comprise all of the outer surface of the at least one button.
4. The vending machine as recited in claim 3, wherein the three-dimensional shape of the at least one button matches the appearance of a beverage can.
5. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein a plurality of selection buttons are provided are provided on the vending machine housing with means for informing a consumer of an item to be vended and further comprising a port on the vending machine housing for release of the item to be vended.
6. The vending machine as recited in claim 5, wherein all the selection buttons on the vending machine housing have said means for informing the consumer with all of the selection buttons having a shape substantially matching the item to be vended.
7. A method for informing a consumer of an item to be vended from a vending machine, the method comprising the steps of:
providing at least one selection button in a three-dimensional shape with dimensions proportioned to substantially match a shape of a portion of an item to be vended from the vending machine; and displaying graphics on the at least one selection button which graphics substantially match the graphics of the item to be vended, whereby the proportioned dimensions of the three-dimensional shape and the graphics on the at least one selection button substantially match a portion of the item to be vended thereby visually informing a consumer of the item to be vended.
providing at least one selection button in a three-dimensional shape with dimensions proportioned to substantially match a shape of a portion of an item to be vended from the vending machine; and displaying graphics on the at least one selection button which graphics substantially match the graphics of the item to be vended, whereby the proportioned dimensions of the three-dimensional shape and the graphics on the at least one selection button substantially match a portion of the item to be vended thereby visually informing a consumer of the item to be vended.
8. The method for informing a consumer as recited in claim 7, further comprising the step of vending a beverage container from the vending machine upon activation of the at least one selection button, the three-dimensional shape and graphics of the at least one button substantially matching the beverage container.
9. The method for informing a consumer as recited in claim 8, further comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of selection buttons with a majority of the selection buttons having the three-dimensional shape, and graphics substantially matching the beverage container;
storing a plurality of different brands of beverage containers in the vending machine; and vending different brands of beverage containers from the buttons, the different selection buttons each having a different three-dimensional shape or graphics such that each of the different buttons substantially matches a different brand of beverage.
providing a plurality of selection buttons with a majority of the selection buttons having the three-dimensional shape, and graphics substantially matching the beverage container;
storing a plurality of different brands of beverage containers in the vending machine; and vending different brands of beverage containers from the buttons, the different selection buttons each having a different three-dimensional shape or graphics such that each of the different buttons substantially matches a different brand of beverage.
10. The method for informing a consumer as recited in claim 8 wherein the beverage container substantially matched by the at least one selection button is a beverage can.
11. A vending machine comprising:
a vending mechanism storing at least one item adapted to be vended from the vending machine, the at least one item having a three-dimensional shape and an outer surface, the outer surface including graphics; and at least one selection button on the vending machine, the visible from the exterior of the vending machine, the exposed portion having a shape and dimensions substantially matching a portion of the at least one item, and the exposed portion including graphics, the graphics substantially matching the graphics on the outer surface of the at least one item.
a vending mechanism storing at least one item adapted to be vended from the vending machine, the at least one item having a three-dimensional shape and an outer surface, the outer surface including graphics; and at least one selection button on the vending machine, the visible from the exterior of the vending machine, the exposed portion having a shape and dimensions substantially matching a portion of the at least one item, and the exposed portion including graphics, the graphics substantially matching the graphics on the outer surface of the at least one item.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10009598A | 1998-06-19 | 1998-06-19 | |
| US09/100,095 | 1998-06-19 | ||
| PCT/US1999/013370 WO1999066462A1 (en) | 1998-06-19 | 1999-06-16 | Selection button for a vending machine |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2335073A1 true CA2335073A1 (en) | 1999-12-23 |
Family
ID=22278079
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002335073A Abandoned CA2335073A1 (en) | 1998-06-19 | 1999-06-16 | Selection button for a vending machine |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1088289A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2002518756A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1130671C (en) |
| AR (1) | AR018895A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU744376B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9911384A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2335073A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA00012537A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999066462A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB9928736D0 (en) * | 1999-12-03 | 2000-02-02 | Ncr Int Inc | Self-service terminal |
| CN108986307A (en) * | 2018-07-19 | 2018-12-11 | 赵东 | A kind of multi-functional multilayer smoke sale apparatus and method |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5090589A (en) * | 1984-06-22 | 1992-02-25 | The Coca-Cola Company | Coin-operated vending machine |
| DE4037689A1 (en) * | 1990-11-27 | 1992-06-04 | Lange Helmut | Cashless cigarette vending machine with integral computer system - is operated by credit card etc., and can support remote data acquisition |
| US5413245A (en) * | 1992-01-22 | 1995-05-09 | Wright Food Systems, Inc. | Vending system having improved vending access and identification |
| JPH0991513A (en) * | 1995-09-22 | 1997-04-04 | Shibaura Eng Works Co Ltd | Automatic vending machine |
| EP0965091A1 (en) * | 1996-10-15 | 1999-12-22 | Tokheim Corporation | Touch menu panel sales terminal |
| JPH10228561A (en) * | 1997-02-17 | 1998-08-25 | Sanden Corp | Vending machine |
| JP3927656B2 (en) * | 1997-08-04 | 2007-06-13 | 日本たばこ産業株式会社 | vending machine |
-
1999
- 1999-06-16 CN CN99807593A patent/CN1130671C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-06-16 BR BR9911384-8A patent/BR9911384A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-06-16 CA CA002335073A patent/CA2335073A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-06-16 WO PCT/US1999/013370 patent/WO1999066462A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-06-16 MX MXPA00012537A patent/MXPA00012537A/en unknown
- 1999-06-16 AU AU45657/99A patent/AU744376B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1999-06-16 EP EP99928635A patent/EP1088289A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-06-16 JP JP2000555214A patent/JP2002518756A/en active Pending
- 1999-06-18 AR ARP990102943A patent/AR018895A1/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU744376B2 (en) | 2002-02-21 |
| CN1130671C (en) | 2003-12-10 |
| CN1306652A (en) | 2001-08-01 |
| MXPA00012537A (en) | 2002-11-07 |
| JP2002518756A (en) | 2002-06-25 |
| EP1088289A1 (en) | 2001-04-04 |
| AU4565799A (en) | 2000-01-05 |
| AR018895A1 (en) | 2001-12-12 |
| BR9911384A (en) | 2001-03-13 |
| WO1999066462A1 (en) | 1999-12-23 |
| WO1999066462A9 (en) | 2000-03-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |