AU3321895A - Co-dispensing snack food products and beverages from a vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A process for co-dispensing beverages and snack food products from a single vending machine. Filled beverage containers and filled snack food containers are stored in the vending machine and a buyer, upon payment, product selection, etc. can obtain both a beverage e.g., a soft drink, and a snack food, e.g., corn chips, from a single machine. The beverage and snack food containers preferably are of substantially the same size so that a vending machine of the type which dispenses containers having a uniform size may be used to carry out the present invention. Also, an automatic door-opening mechanism is disclosed which opens the dispensing door of a vending machine when a snack food container is dispensed which is too light to open the door under the force of a gravity. A process and apparatus for packaging snack food product in containers are also disclosed wherein accurately sized portions of the product are formed and fed into a funnel member, the funnel member having troughs which align the product in a desired direction. <IMAGE> <IMAGE>

Description

CO-DISPENSING SNACK FOOD PRODUCTS AND BEVERAGES FROM A VENDING MACHINE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to processes for dispensing containers from vending machines or the like and, more particularly, to processes for dispensing both snack food products and beverages from a single vending machine. The present invention also relates to a novel apparatus and process for filling cylindrical containers with snack food and packaging snack food products in cylindrical containers, including containers suitable for being dispensed by a vending machine. Description of Relevant Art

It is well known in the prior art to dispense beverages, e.g., cans of soft drinks, from a coin- operated vending machine. Coin-operated vending machines also are used to dispense packages of food products, e.g., candy, snack foods such as potato chips or pretzels, or sandwiches.

In the snack food art, salty snack food products, e.g. corn chips, cheese snacks, pretzels, etc., typically are packaged in bags formed of flexible packaging films, or canisters formed of paperboard material. These packaging films typically are complex laminated structures that provide moisture and oxygen barrier layers to prevent premature staling or loss of product freshness. In addition, it is known to package food products such as peanuts in a metal can having a resealable lid for maintaining product freshness.

In the prior art, a plurality of vending machines often are disposed or located together in a common area, e.g., a travel rest area or a snack bar. The machines contain and dispense various beverages, snack foods, candy, etc. However, in arrangements of the above-described type, the separate vending machines respectively dispense separate types of products. That is, a machine typically dispenses either beverages or food products, but not both. For example, a machine which dispenses cans of soft drinks does not dispense food products. Consequently, a purchaser cannot obtain a beverage and a snack food product from prior art soft drink vending machines.

The cost of a vending machine often prohibits its placement in certain locations where "turns," or purchases of the vended products, are not of sufficient frequency (relative to the product's shelf life) to provide an adequate return .on investment. For this reason, it is not uncommon to find beverage vending machines standing alone without a snack food vending machine. Also, as beverage vending machines are refrigerated while snack food vending machines are not, there are many outdoor vending locations that are hostile to the placement of snack food vending machines due to temperature and moisture extremes .

Snack-food or rest-area vending arrangements often include an oven for cooking food products purchased from the machines. It is known in the prior art to combine a microwave oven with a food-vending machine to permit the products to be cooked and then dispensed to the purchaser. See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,068, which teaches that the food products may be dispensed by a conventional soft drink vending machine. The 5,147,068 patent, however, does not teach or suggest dispensing both a beverage product and a food product from a single vending machine but, rather, teaches only the conventional usage of a machine to dispense only one product or the other.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,901,964 discloses a vending machine with means for heating refrigerated sandwiches . The purchaser selects a type of sandwich which is then heated and dispensed by the machine. U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,784 discloses a monitoring system for monitoring the inventory status of vending machines from a remote location. U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,561 discloses a vending machine for dispensing containers having a circular cross-section through a discharge port. The 3,810,561 patent teaches that although the containers typically will be cans of soda, other items also can be dispensed in the circular containers. However, as with the patents mentioned above, the 3,810,561 patent does not teach or suggest dispensing both a beverage and food product from a single soft drink vending machine.

It is apparent that prior art product vending or dispensing apparatus, such as those discussed above, dispense either a beverage -or a food product and, therefore, do not permit a purchaser to obtain both a beverage, e.g. a soft drink, and a snack food product, e.g. corn chips, from a single soft drink vending machine. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved dispensing of such products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a process for co- dispensing beverages and snack food products from a single vending machine, i.e., dispensing both filled beverage containers and filled food product containers from the same vending machine. Although not absolutely necessary to carry out the process of the present invention, the food product containers preferably have a size and shape substantially the same as the size and shape of the beverage containers. For example, both containers can be aluminum cans with a removable opening. This permits a conventional, refrigerated soft drink vending machine to be used to dispense both beverages and food products according to the present invention. Thus, the present invention provides a highly economical and efficient system for dispensing both refrigerated beverages and snack foods via pre- existing soft drink vending machines, without any need for modification of the vending machine.

The invention also includes an automatic door- opening mechanism for use in vending machines which have a dispensing door that is pushed open by the weight of the dispensed container. For snackfood containers that are too light to push the door open, the mechanism holds the dispensing door open until the containers pass therethrough. This aspect of the invention is desirable, but not necesary, to use in connection with the co-dispensing process described immediately above.

In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus and process for filling containers with snack food product are disclosed wherein a funnel-shaped member is provided to align the individual pieces of the product in a desired direction prior to placing the product in a container. The funnel-shaped member has a plurality of troughs on its interior which contact the snack food product, for example pretzel sticks, and align the product pieces in a generally lengthwise direction. In this manner, the product pieces are disposed and enter the container lengthwise whereby the container can be completely filled with product to ensure product value to consumers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, wherein:

FIGS. 1A and IB, respectively, are elevation views of a filled beverage container and a filled food product container which may be dispensed from a single vending machine according to the process of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively, are plan views of the containers depicted in FIGS. 1A and IB;

FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view of a vending machine that may be used in carrying out the process of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a process for packaging snack foods in a cylindrical container. FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for filling containers;

FIG. 6 is a plan view, somewhat schematic, of a vending machine for dispensing beverages and snack food products according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the barrier door depicted in FIG. 6 including a mechanism for automatically opening the dispensing door of the barrier door to release a container to the outlet of the vending machine; FIG. 8 is an elevation view of a portion of the barrier door of the vending machine depicted in FIG. 6;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are, respectively, plan and elevation views of a funnel member which forms part of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 5; and

FIGS. 10A and 10B are somewhat schematic views of elongated product pieces disposed within the funnel member of FIGS. 9A and 9B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As stated above, the present invention provides a process for co-dispensing beverages and food products from a single vending machine. For the sake of simplicity, apparatus which may be utilized to carry out the process of the present invention will be referred to collectively as vending machines. Such apparatus include, but are not limited to, conventional coin-operated soft drink vending machines known in the art.

FIG. 1 depicts a filled beverage container 10 and a filled snack food product container 30. The beverage container 10 preferably is aluminum and has a shape and size such that the container can be dispensed by a conventional soft drink vending machine. Beverage container 10 can be in the form of a conventional recyclable aluminum soft drink can including a body 12 with suitable advertising indicia as seen in FIG. 1A, and a pop-top or like easy opening closure indicated generally at 14 (FIG. 2A) . Closure 14 is conventional and includes a pull ring 16 which when lifted upward punches section 18 from upper surface 20 to provide an outlet, all as known in the art.

Snack food product container 30 likewise can be in the form of a recyclable aluminum can having a body 32 with advertising indicia and an easy-opening closure indicated generally at 34 (FIG. 2B) . As will be explained below, utilizing a snack food container that has the same or substantially the same size and shape as a conventional soft drink can permits a conventional soft drink vending machine to be used in practicing the present invention. Closure 34 differs from the closure 10 of beverage container 1C in that substantially the entire upper surface 40 of container 30 preferably is removed to gain access to the contents thereof, i.e., the snack food product which, in FIG. IB, is a snack food marketed by Frito-Lay, Inc. under the trademark CHEE-TOS^® brand cheese flavored snacks. Pull ring 36 is grasped and lifted upward to depress portion 38 of surface 34 so as to permit easy removal thereof. This type of closure is known in the art and, therefore, is not discussed in further detail herein.

It will be recognized that containers 10 and 30 may be of any size. For example, the containers may have a 12 or 16 fluid ounce (350 or 500 cc) capacity, or any other fluid capacity. Fluid capacity, of course, refers to both containers 10 and 30 although only container 10 contains a beverage. In a preferred embodiment, both container 10 and container 30 have a 12 fluid ounce (350 cc) capacity, and, therefore, may be dispensed by a conventional soft drink vending machine.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective schematic view of a vending machine for dispensing both food and drink containers according to the present invention. The vending machine 100 includes an outer housing 102, a payment mechanism 104, a selector panel mechanism 106, and a dispensing outlet 108. The vending machine 100 further includes a front door 110 which is pivotally connected to housing 102 and can be opened to provide access to the interior of the machine to, e.g., refill the product supply and collect the money deposited in the machine. The front door 110 of vending machine 100 can have a suitable advertising display or indicia 112 which, in FIG. 1, depicts a beverage item and a snack food item contained therein.

The operation of vending machine 100 is well known to and appreciated by those skilled in the art and thus will not be explained in any great detail herein. As mentioned above, the process of the present invention can be carried out utilizing conventional soft drink vending apparatus, i.e., the present invention does not require a specifically designed vending machine. Thus, the operation of such apparatus in response to the insertion of money therein will not be described in detail . The process of the present invention can be practiced with a vending machine having sufficient internal space for storage of filled beverage and snack food containers, and means for permitting a user to select a specific beverage or food item which item is dispensed upon the insertion of sufficient money in the machine. Accordingly, it is possible to employ a conventional soft drink vending machine by using a portion of the soft drink container storage area for food product containers. Thus, the structure (e.g. tracks) used to convey or direct soft drink containers to the outlet from the stacks in that portion of the storage area, according to the present invention, instead direct snack food containers to the outlet from the stacks in that storage portion.

Although those skilled in the art will appreciate the use of a conventional vending machine to carry out the present invention (as described above) , a brief discussion of such a machine will be made for the sake of clarity.

Conventional soft drink vending machines typically have a plurality of holding stacks of a certain width and depth for holding a supply of soft drink containers. A dispenser mechanism typically is disposed at a lower portion of each holding stack and is operable by a drive mechanism. The drive mechanisms, in response to purchaser selection, operate the respective dispenser mechanisms to dispense a soft drink container via the vending machine outlet. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,991,740 discloses a known type of vending machine that may be used in carrying out the process of the present invention. The 4,991,740 patent discloses a vending machine including horizontally-spaced container stacks with respective release mechanisms and a single machine outlet, as disclosed in FIGS. 1-5 and columns 4-8 of the 4,991,740 patent, which disclosure is expressly incorporated by reference into the present application. However, those skilled in the art, of course, will appreciate that other vending machine structures and apparatus may be used as well.

Other known vending machines, e.g., those which include vertically-spaced container stacks, may also be used to carry out the present invention. U.S. Patent No. 4,483,459 discloses a machine having vertically- spaced container stacks, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 therein. The operation of -the vending machine in the 4,483,459 patent is disclosed in FIGS. 2-5 and columns 2-5, which disclosure also is expressly incorporated by reference in the present application.

FIG. 6 depicts a vending machine 200 constructed according to the present invention. The vending machine 200 includes a housing 202, a barrier door 220, and a front door 240. The housing 202 may include separate sections or areas 204 for receiving stacks of containers as is known in the art and has a drop chute 208 which the containers slide down upon being selected and paid for by a purchaser. As discussed above with respect to vending machine 100, machine 200 is provided with drive motors (not shown) which operate a dispensing gate or other means disposed at the outlet of each container section 204 for releasing the container to the drop chute 208. The container slides down tne drop chute and passes through an outlet formed in barrier door 220, as explained below.

The barrier door 220 is connected to the housing 202 at a hinge 210 so as to be movable toward and away from the housing. The barrier door typically will be formed from an insulative material and when closed prevents or reduces heat transfer between the interior of the housing 202 and the ambient environment. In the type of machine shown in FIG. 6, a hinged dispensing or trap door 224 closes the outlet of the barrier door 220 and is pushed open by the container as it slides down the drop chute 208 of housing 202 under the force of gravity, the container contacting the door 224 so as to pivot it open. However, as mentioned above, because containers filled with snack food product may be considerably lighter than beverage-filled containers, a problem may arise during use of this type of machine in that the snack food container does not weigh enough to open the dispensing door 224 after sliding down drop chute 208 under the force of gravity. As discussed below, the present invention includes a mechanism (indicated schematically at 226 in FIG. 6) for automatically opening the dispensing door 224 of barrier door 220. Preferably, the mechanism is actuated each time a snack food container is selected and opens the dispensing door 224 before the container has passed down the chute 208 to the door 224. The container passes through the open dispensing door 224 of barrier door 220 and then travels down dispensing passage 246 formed in the front door 240 of machine 200 to a dispensing outlet 248 where it can be accessed by the purchaser. The front door 240 also is hinged at 210 to the housing 202 and includes a display area 242, a coin insertion mechanism 244, and the aforesaid dispensing passage 246 and outlet 248.

FIG. 7 shows in somewhat schematic fashion a dispensing door-opening mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention which is indicated generally by reference numeral 226. The mechanism 226 includes a solenoid 227 secured to the inside surface 222 of barrier door 220 (FIG. 6) . The solenoid 227 includes an arm 230 which is moved in a desired direction upon actuation of the solenoid by a suitable electrical signal. For example, the solenoid 227 includes a wire(s) 236 and receives the same signal used to power the motor for the dispensing gate of each dispensing section 204 of the machine. When a purchaser selects a snack food product, the electrical signal which powers the motor for the dispensing gate for the section 204 in which the product is located also powers the solenoid 227. When the dispensing gate is opened, the container is free to move from the stack or storage rack and onto the drop chute 208. The electrical signal causes the arm 230 of solenoid 227 to move downward in the direction of arrow B. A door- contacting member 228, which may be a stiff wire, has two ends, one end 232 being secured to the arm 230 of solenoid 227 and the other end 225 configured with a portion that projects outward toward the outside of the machine, i.e., in the direction that dispensing door 224 is opened. The member 228 is secured to the surface 222 at a pivot connection (indicated schematically at P in FIG. 7) located between the two ends. While a stiff wire is used in the illustrated embodiment, any type, size, or shape actuating member could be used to contact the door. FIG. 8 depicts one possible arrangement which may be used to translate the motion of the arm 230 of the solenoid 227 into a force which acts in a generally transverse direction A to pivot open the door 224. A bracket 250 is secured to surface 222 and has a pair of ears 252 with openings passing therethrough. The door- contacting member 228 has a projection 254 located between the ears 252 with an opening aligned with the openings in ears 252 and a pivot pin 256 disposed in the aligned openings. Upon actuation of the solenoid 227, the arm 230 moves downward in direction B (into the page in FIG. 8) which causes the door-contacting member 228 to pivot about connection P so as to move the end 225 of member 228 in an outward direction along arrow A as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. The solenoid 227 opens the dispensing door 224 before the container C (shown in phantom in Fig. 7) travels from the supply stacks, down the drop chute and to the barrier door 220.

However, in view of the fact that some containers are located farther from dispensing door 224 than other containers, for example, those located at the back of the sections 204, it may be necessary to hold the door 224 open a sufficient length of time to permit such containers to travel from their storage position to the door 224. The door-opening mechanism of the present invention includes a time delay feature to ensure that the door 224 will be held open a sufficient length of time. A capacitor may be used to provide the mechanism with a desired time constant that will hold the door open long enough to allow the containers to reach the open dispensing door regardless of their position in the machine. The particular capacitor may be selected taking into consideration the electrical capacitance of the vending machine, etc., so that the desired time constant is obtained and the door is held open for the necessary length of time.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the automatic door-opening feature of the present invention can be constructed in many different ways and a solenoid-operated mechanism is only one possible construction. Also, the particular configuration of the door-contacting member is not critical and can be in any form which permits it to open the door. For example, if a solenoid is used it can be mounted at virtually any location on the vending machine and, likewise, the door-opening member can be configured to engage the dispensing door from virtually any location. The particular configuration of the vending machine may influence or determine how or where the mechanism will be placed, e.g., adjacent the wires which will be used to supply power to the solenoid, on a wall that has open surface area, etc. Moreover, any type of vending machine may be used. For example, a machine having more than one outlet door could be utilized with the mechanism(s) of the invention controlling some or all of the doors. In any case, and whether a solenoid is used or not, the invention resides primarily in providing an automatic door-opening mechanism which opens the dispensing door of the machine before the containers filled with snack food product reach the door and, if necessary, maintains the door open a sufficient length of time to permit the containers to reach the door. Of course, the mechanism could open the door automatically for every product selected if desired.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the snack food container 30 is pressurized at about 5-15 psi (pounds per square inch) to give it added strength so as to prevent the container (and snack food product) from being crushed or damaged during transportation, storage, etc.

With reference to FIG. 4, a process for packaging snack foods in cylindrical containers 300 will now be described. The empty containers 300, which are open at the top thereof, preferably are flushed with nitrogen gas at a flushing station 310 to remove any oxygen present therein. The containers then are fed or directed to a filling station 320 equipped with a device or assembly that includes a filling head for dispensing precise metered amounts of the snack food product, e.g. corn chips, pretzels, cheese snacks, etc., from a supply 330 into the empty containers 300. The filling equipment can be in the form of a rotary table, conveyor belt or system, etc. As discussed below, the present invention provides an apparatus and process for filling the containers which permits each container to be properly and completely filled with product. The containers 300 should be positively captured or controlled during the filling process so that the amount of product placed therein can be controlled very accurately. It may be desirable to also flush the product itself with nitrogen gas so as to substantially remove the oxygen captured or trapped therein to provide longer shelf life for the product. This can be done before the product is placed in the containers or, alternatively, may be accomplished after filling (but before sealing) of the containers by passing the filled containers through area 340 (shown in phantom) . Area 340 may be in the form of a tunnel, chamber, etc., that contains a nitrogen rich environment to remove oxygen from the product as the containers pass therethrough. It is desirable to reduce the oxygen content of the product to about 2% or less in order to provide long shelf life and product freshness. The containers are then sealed with a lid at a sealing station 350. The sealing of the containers may take place while the containers still are within the nitrogen environment, i.e., area 340 in FIG. 4.). The lids used to seal the containers, as described above with respect to FIG. 2B, are designed for easy removal. In a preferred embodiment, .a small amount of liquid nitrogen is placed in the filled containers before the containers are sealed, as indicated by reference numeral 345 in FIG. 4. The liquid nitrogen evaporates after the containers are sealed to provide additional internal pressurization of the container, which in turn provides increased columnar and overall strength against crushing or deformation. In addition, the pressurization of the snack food container causes an audible noise upon opening which indicates the fresh and untampered condition of the product. As described above with respect to filled snack food container 30 shown in FIGS. IB and 2B, the purchaser simply pulls up the ring 36 and completely removes cover 40 to gain access to the product.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to the filling of containers with product that includes elongated pieces or portions by aligning the product pieces prior to placing them in the container. This aspect of the invention is described below in connection with the filling of containers with snack food product; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it may be used in filling containers with other products, food and non-food alike.

Filling of the containers with snack food product is performed after the product has been separated into desired portion sizes. A statistical weigher, which is known in the art, may be used to accurately separate the product into portions which are conveyed, e.g., by gravity, to a container filling apparatus. The portions are passed into a receiver (in the form of a large funnel) and then into a transition chute. The transition chute preferably is a flexible hollow member which couples the receiver with the filling apparatus. The filling apparatus includes a discharge or filling funnel disposed above the location at which the container is supported, which funnel dumps a product portion into the open end of the container.

The snack food containers, particularly when the containers are of a size and shape corresponding to that of beverage containers or cans, have a relatively small opening at the end thereof. For example, the container opening may be in the range of from about 1.5 to about 3 inches in width 'or diameter (which is less than the opening of a small snack food package or bag which is typically in the range of 3 to 4 inches) . As discussed below, filling such containers with snack food product that includes large or elongated pieces can be difficult due to the tendency of the pieces to bridge at the open end of the container. That is, product pieces that have a small diameter (or thickness) to length ratio can become blocked in the open end of the container upon being dumped from the filling funnel. Various snack food products are in the form of (or include) large or elongated pieces, for example, pretzel sticks. Accordingly, problems arise in filling containers with such product.

In a process for filling containers with snack food product according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weighed portions of product are sequentially formed and dropped at a rate of up to 125 per minute and are maintained separate from each other. The desired size of the portions may range from 0.5 to 4.5 ounces depending on the product density and shape. The weight of each portion is maintained within 1 to 2 grams or less of the desired weight. If all the product pieces in a portion are released at the same time and arrive at the container-filling apparatus simultaneously, the pieces often bridge and block the open end of the container, thereby preventing successful and complete filling. To prevent such bridging, the product is spread out or staggered ("trailed out") so as to arrive at the container separately. Also, the funnel of the filling apparatus used to place product in the container is vibrated to aid in filling, and the container itself preferably is vibrated from just before the product arrives until the product is settled therein.

As mentioned above, snack food product which includes pieces that are either large or have a small thickness to length ratio, such as pretzel sticks or large corn chips, pose additional problems in filling the containers. In particular, such pieces tend to bridge or block the open end of the container when they arrive at said end in a random fashion. According to the present invention, filling of the containers is greatly improved by aligning such product pieces prior to their being dumped into the open end of the container. In order to align the product pieces, one (or more) of the funnel members used to convey the product is provided on its interior with at least one trough that forms an undulating surface having a raised portion and a lowered portion. The troughs contact the product pieces passing therethrough and align the pieces in a generally lengthwise direction, an orientation which permits the product to enter the container in an aligned fashion so as to prevent product bridging. Also, any of the funnel or conveying members may be vibrated to enhance alignment of the product, the frequency and amplitude of the vibration depending on the particular product being handled.

With reference to FIG. 5, an apparatus for filling containers with snack food product is shown schematically and includes a circulation conveyor or the like 500 which conveys snack food product 510. The conveyor is provided with a slide gate 520 which is actuated to dump a desired quantity of product 510 into a vibrating cross feeder 530. The cross feeder 530 conveys the product 510 to a weigher indicated generally by the reference numeral 540 in response to a demand for the product. The weigher may a statistical weigher having a structure known in the art. The weigher 540 develops accurate portions of product and conveys them to a receiver 550 which is in the form of a large funnel. The receiver 550 may be formed as an integral part of the weigher and is shown supported by the frame 542 of the weigher in FIG. 5. However, the receiver 550 could also be a separate component mounted to or positioned adjacent the weigher 540. The product portions pass through the receiver 550 and into a transition chute 570. The transition chute couples the outlet of the receiver 550 with the container-filling apparatus indicated by reference numeral 580. The product passes from the receiver 550, through the transition chute 570, and into the filling funnel 582 of filling apparatus 580 which includes a support 584 for supporting and vibrating the container C during filling thereof to settle the product and further prevent bridging. The receiver 550, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, is formed as a funnel and has an inlet 552, an outlet 554, an interior 556, and an exterior 558. The interior of the receiver 550 is provided with one or more troughs 560 that include lowered portions 562 and raised portions 564. The troughs 560 may be formed as part of the receiver 550 or, optionally, may be formed as a separate member (or members) which is positioned and secured in the receiver. In either case, the interior 556 of the receiver 550 has a fluted or undulating configuration provided by the troughs 560 (as seen in

FIG. 9A) . The troughs preferably are oriented so as to extend lengthwise from the inlet to the outlet of the receiver such that the product passes lengthwise therethrough to the container filling apparatus. The product P is dumped into the receiver 550 in a random orientation as shown in FIG. 10A. As the product slides down or is otherwise conveyed through the receiver 550, and specifically through the troughs 560 of the receiver, the elongated pieces of product P become aligned in the lowered portions 562 of the troughs 560 as shown in FIG. 10B. The pieces are aligned in a generally lengthwise direction so as to slide down the trough in an "end first" manner. The product thus enters the filling funnel 582 of the apparatus 584 in an aligned manner and is discharged into the open end of the container without bridging or blocking of product. The troughs 560 preferably include a portion 566 having a gradual slope which receives the falling product and prevents excessive bouncing or undesired movement of the product within the receiver to further aid in aligning the pieces.

The receiver 550 preferably is provided along its entire interior surface with the troughs 560, although such is not necessary to carry out the invention. Further, while only the receiver 550 is shown as including troughs 560, the transition chute, the filling funnel, and any other member used to convey the product may also be provided with such troughs to assist in aligning the product pieces prior to their reaching the container.

In a further embodiment, the filling funnel 582 is formed in an "S" shape with an offset portion to provide increased distance over which the product travels and is aligned before entering the container. The filling funnel itself is in the form of a trough. For example, the funnel may be one half of a tube and have a semi-cylindrical shape over at least a portion of its length. Thus, the product may be passed from the transition chute into the vibrating filling funnel where it is aligned for subsequent placement in the can. In this embodiment, the receiver (or other conveying member) upstream from the filling funnel may or may not be provided with a trough(s) . In addition, any or all of the other conveying members may be vibrated to assist in conveying and aligning of the product.

As mentioned above, a significant benefit of packaging the snack foods in a container having substantially the same size and shape as a soft drink can is that conventional soft drink vending machines may be used to carry out the present invention. Therefore, while it is not necessary to utilize such similarly sized cans for packaging or containing the snack food products, a preferred embodiment of the present invention employs the same size can for both the beverage and snack food containers.

Another benefit of utilizing the soft drink vending machine in carrying out the process of the present invention is that the refrigerated environment present in the machine will maintain freshness of the snack food product for a longer period of time compared with storing such products at ambient temperatures. The lower storage temperature retards the oxidation of oil within the snack food, which in turn preserves the snack food's flavor for a longer period of time.

It is apparent that the present invention provides an improved process for dispensing both beverages and snack food products from a vending machine, as well as a process for packaging snack foods in cylindrical containers suitable for being dispensed from a vending machine. It is further apparent that the present invention provides an apparatus and process for filling containers with product which includes elongated pieces or portions by aligning the product prior to placement thereon in the container. This aspect of the invention is particularly useful in filling cylindrical cans with snack food product such as pretzel rods. Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Numerous configurations may be made therewith and other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (52)

CLAIMS I claim:

1. A process for dispensing beverages and snack food products from a single vending machine, the process comprising steps of : providing a vending machine having a storage portion for storing containers which have a predetermined size and shape so as to be receivable in the storage portion of said vending machine; placing a plurality of containers filled with a beverage in the storage portion of said vending machine, each of the filled beverage containers having substantially the same size and shape; and placing a plurality of containers filled with a snack food product in the storage portion of said vending machine, each of the filled snack food containers having a size and shape that are substantially the same as the size and shape of the filled beverage containers; whereby said vending machine is capable of dispensing both a filled beverage container and a filled snack food container when operated by a user.

2. A process according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of beverage containers and the plurality of snack food containers comprise an aluminum can with a removable access opening.

3. A process according to claim 1, wherein the beverage containers and the snack food containers comprise a cylindrically-shaped can which has about a 12 fluid ounce capacity.

4. A process according to claim 1, wherein the storage portion of said vending machine is refrigerated.

5. A process for dispensing both filled beverage containers and filled snack food containers from a vending machine configured to dispense soft drink containers, the process comprising steps of: providing a vending machine having at least first and second refrigerated storage portions, both of said refrigerated storage portions configured to receive stacks of containers, the containers having a uniform size such that when filled the machine contains a plurality of containers all having a uniform size, the vending machine further including means for selecting either a beverage or snack food container and means, responsive to the selecting means, for dispensing the selected container through an outlet of the machine; placing a plurality of containers filled with a beverage in the first refrigerated storage portion of said vending machine; and placing a plurality of containers filled with a snack food product in the second refrigerated storage portion of said vending machine, the plurality of snack food containers and the plurality of beverage containers having a uniform size; whereby a customer may obtain both a snack food product and a beverage from said vending machine.

6. A single vending machine for dispensing both filled beverage containers and filled snack food containers, the vending machine configured to dispense uniform size containers, the machine comprising: at least first and second refrigerated storage portions, both of said refrigerated storage portions being configured to receive stacks of containers, the vending machine further including means for selecting either a beverage or snack food container and means, responsive to the selecting means, for dispensing the selected container through an outlet of the machine; a plurality of containers filled with a beverage being disposed in the first refrigerated storage portion of said vending machine; and a plurality of containers filled with a snack food product being disposed in the second refrigerated storage portion of said vending machine; wherein the plurality of snack food containers and the plurality of beverage containers have a substantially uniform size so that the first and second storage portions of said machine can receive either the snack food containers or the beverage containers; whereby a customer may obtain both a snack food product and a beverage from said single vending machine.

7. A vending machine according to claim 6, wherein the beverage containers and the snack food containers comprise a cylindrically-shaped can which has about a 12 fluid ounce (350 cc) capacity.

8. A process of packaging snack food products in cylindrical metal containers, the process comprising steps of: feeding a plurality of cylindrical metal containers having an open top to a filling station, the filling station having a metering device which dispenses metered portions of snack food product; flushing an interior of each of said plurality of containers with nitrogen gas to substantially remove oxygen present therein; filling the containers with a metered amount of snack food product; settling the snack food product in the containers; placing a small amount of liquid nitrogen in each container which will evaporate after the containers are sealed to preserve the freshness of the product and pressurize and strengthen the containers; and sealing the open top of the containers before said small amount of liquid nitrogen evaporates to provide a plurality of filled, sealed cylindrical snack food containers.

9. The process according to claim 8, wherein the snack food product is flushed with nitrogen gas before the product is settled in the containers.

10. A filled and sealed snack food container, comprising a sealed cylindrical metal can containing a preselected amount of a snack food product within a pressurized nitrogen atmosphere, whereby the pressurized nitrogen atmosphere provides the can with increased strength against deformation and preserves the freshness of the snack food product.

11. A snack food container according to claim 10, wherein the metal can is substantially the same size and shape as a twelve fluid ounce (350 cc) soft drink can.

12. A snack food container according to claim 10, wherein the pressurized nitrogen atmosphere is within the range of about 5-15 psi.

13. A snack food container according to claim 11, wherein the pressurized nitrogen atmosphere is within the range of about 5-15 psi.

14. A snack food container according to claim 10, wherein the snack food product is corn chips, pretzels or cheese snacks.

15. A snack food container according to claim 11, wherein the snack food product is corn chips, pretzels or cheese snacks.

16. A snack food container produced by the process of claim 8.

17. A snack food container produced by the process of claim 9.

18. A process for filling containers with snack food product, the process comprising steps of: supplying a quantity of snack food product; forming the product into a plurality of portions having a desired size; passing at least one of the portions of product into a tubular member having an inlet and an outlet, the tubular member including at least one trough disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and wherein the product is passed through the tubular member by entering the inlet and contacting said at least one trough which substantially aligns the product in a desired direction; providing an empty container having an open end; and feeding the portion of product through the tubular member and into the open end of the container substantially in said desired direction.

19. A process according to claim 18, further comprising the step of vibrating the tubular member while conveying the product to the container.

20. A process according to claim 18, wherein the tubular member is funnel-shaped and has an interior with the at least one trough disposed thereon, and the product exits the outlet of the tubular member and enters a chute which conveys the product to a filling apparatus where the container is filled.

21. A process according to claim 18, wherein the container is cylindrical and has an open end with a diameter which is smaller than the length of the container, and the product is substantially aligned by the tubular member and enters the open end of the container in said desired direction.

22. A process according to claim 18, further comprising a filling station which supports the container beneath a discharge funnel, and the product is passed through the tubular member and the discharge funnel and into the container.

23. A process according to claim 22, further comprising the step of vibrating the container while the product is being discharged into the container.

24. A process according to claim 18, wherein the tubular member is a funnel and has an interior surface which includes a plurality of said troughs which form a plurality of raised portions and lowered portions, and the product is passed lengthwise throng the troughs and is aligned in a substantially lengthwise direction.

25. A process according to claim 18, wherein the trough extends from the inlet to the outlet of the tubular member and includes a portion having a gradual slope for engaging the product.

26. A process according to claim 18, wherein the tubular member is a funnel and has an interior surface which includes a plurality of U-shaped troughs disposed around the periphery of the funnel which troughs align the product in a substantially lengthwise direction to facilitate feeding the product into the container.

27. An apparatus for use in filling containers with elongated product, the apparatus comprising: a hollow funnel member having a first open end, a second open end, and interior and exterior surfaces disposed between the first and second ends, one of said first and second ends being larger than the other of said ends for receiving the product; and wherein the interior surface of the hollow member includes at least one elongated trough extending between the first and second ends for receiving the elongated product and aligning the product lengthwise within the trough, the at least one trough providing the interior surface of the hollow member with a raised portion and a lowered portion which engage and align the elongated product in said substantially lengthwise direction.

28. An apparatus according to claim 27, further comprising a device for vibrating the funnel member.

29. An apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the funnel member is formed as a U-shaped trough.

30. An apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the funnel member includes a plurality of troughs disposed around a periphery of the funnel member.

31. A process for filling containers with snack food product which includes elongated product pieces, the process comprising steps of: supplying a quantity of snack food product which includes elongated pieces; separating the quantity of snack food product into portions having a desired size; providing a funnel member having an interior with a grooved surface configured to engage the product and align the elongated pieces of the product in a substantially lengthwise direction; delivering at least one portion of product through the funnel member which substantially aligns the elongated pieces of the product in said lengthwise direction; and placing the elongated pieces into a container while the pieces are aligned in said lengthwise direction.

32. A process according to claim 31, wherein the container is a metal can.

33. A process according to claim 31, wherein the container has about a 12-fluid ounce (350 cc) capacity.

34. A process according to claim 31, wherein the container has a capacity greater than 12 fluid ounces.

35. A process according to claim 31, further comprising the step of passing the product through a trough-shaped S-shaped filling tube which feeds the portion to a can-filling apparatus.

36. A process for dispensing beverages and snack food products from a single vending machine, the process comprising steps of : providing a vending machine having a storage portion for storing containers which have a size and shape so as to be receivable in the storage portion of said vending machine, and an outlet with a movable dispensing door blocking the outlet, the containers moving from the storage portion and through the open dispensing door to the outlet when selected by a user; placing a plurality of containers filled with a beverage in the storage portion of said vending machine, each of the plurality of filled beverage containers having substantially the same size and shape; placing a plurality of containers filled with a snack food product in the storage portion of said vending machine, each of the plurality of filled snack food containers having a size and shape that are substantially the same as the size and shape of the filled beverage containers; and providing the vending machine with a mechanism for opening the movable dispensing door automatically at least when a snack food container is selected by the user; whereby said vending machine is capable of dispensing both a filled beverage container and a filled snack food container.

37. A process according to claim 36, wherein the plurality of beverage containers and the plurality of snack food containers comprise an aluminum can with a sealed access opening.

38. A process according to claim 36, wherein the beverage containers and the snack food containers comprise a cylindrically-shaped can which has about a 12 fluid ounce capacity.

39. A process according to claim 36, wherein the storage portion of said vending machine is refrigerated.

40. A process according to claim 36, wherein the mechanism opens the dispensing door only when a snack food container is selected.

41. A process according to claim 40, wherein the mechanism holds the dispensing door open a certain period of time to permit the containers to travel from the storage area to the dispensing door.

42. A process according to claim 36, wherein the mechanism includes a solenoid which receives an electrical signal and moves a door-contacting member that contacts and opens the dispensing door at least when a snack food container is selected.

43. A process for dispensing both filled beverage containers and filled snack food containers from a vending machine configured to dispense soft drink containers, the process comprising steps of: providing a vending machine having at least first and second refrigerated storage portions, both of said refrigerated storage portions configured to receive a plurality of containers, the containers having a uniform size such that when filled the machine contains a plurality of containers having a uniform size, the vending machine further including means for selecting either a beverage or snack food container and means, responsive to the selecting means, for releasing a selected container from the storage portion of the machine to a dispensing door which opens to an outlet; placing a plurality of containers filled with a beverage in the first refrigerated storage portion of said vending machine; placing a plurality of containers filled with a snack food product in the second refrigerated storage portion of said vending machine; and automatically opening -the dispensing door at least each time a snack food container is selected by a user whereby the selected container is released from the storage portion and passes through the open door to the outlet of the machine; whereby a user may obtain both a snack food product and a beverage from said vending machine. 34

44. A process according to claim 43, wherein the mechanism opens the dispensing door only when a snack food container is selected.

45. A process according to claim 43, wherein the mechanism holds the dispensing door open a certain period of time to permit the containers to travel from the storage area to the dispensing door.

46. A process according to claim 43, wherein the mechanism includes a solenoid which receives an electrical signal and moves a door-contacting member which contacts and opens the dispensing door at least each time a snack food container is selected.

47. A vending machine for dispensing both filled beverage containers and filled snack food containers, the vending machine configured to dispense a container through an outlet when a user selects the container, the machine comprising: at least first and second refrigerated storage portions, both of said refrigerated storage portions being configured to receive a plurality of containers; a pathway leading from the storage portions to a dispensing door which is opened to permit the containers to pass to the outlet of the machine; a selecting device for selecting either a beverage or snack food container and a drive mechanism which is responsive to tne selecting device and moves the selected container from the storage portion to the dispensing door; a device for opening the dispensing door when a user selects a snack food container and keeping the door open to allow the snack food container to travel from the storage portion to the dispensing door; a plurality of containers filled with a beverage being disposed in the first refrigerated storage portion of said vending machine; and a plurality of containers filled with a snack food product being disposed in the second refrigerated storage portion of said vending machine.

48. A vending machine according to claim 47, wherein the beverage containers and the snack food containers comprise a cylindrically-shaped can which has about a 12 fluid ounce capacity.

49. A process according to claim 47, wherein the opening device opens the dispensing door only when a snack food container is selected.

50. A process according to claim 47, wherein the opening device includes a solenoid which receives an electrical signal and moves a door-contacting member to contact and open the dispensing door when a snack food container is selected.

51. A process according to claim 50, wherein the solenoid is secured to the machine and has an arm attached to the door-contacting member, and the door- contacting member is pivotally mounted and has an end disposed away from the arm of the solenoid which contacts and opens the door when the solenoid is actuated.

52. A process according to claim 47, wherein the plurality of snack food containers and the plurality of beverage containers have a substantially uniform size so that the first and second storage portions of said machine can receive either the snack food containers or the beverage containers.