CA1237397A - Vending machine monitor - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A monitor for a newspaper vending machine which records elapsed time from the removal of the last newspaper.
The monitor includes an electric clock powered by a circuit which includes first and second switches connected in series. When all newspapers have been sold from the bin of the machine and the display rack, the switches close to activate the clock and record elapsed time. The record of the time elapsed after sellout and before scheduled re-stocking of the machine provides the basis for estimates of additional sales potential and guides the restocking of the machine to optimum levels.

Description

VENDING ~C~IINE MONITOR ~ ~3~3 z3~

Background of the Invention 1. Field of the Inven-tion This invention relates to vending machines and more particularly to devices to monitor the vending of items S therefrom.

2. Description of the Prior Art Vending machines are known to provide an inexpen-sive and simple means for selling items at many locations.
To maximize the effectiveness of the vending machine from a profit standpoint, it is necessary to predict the number of items sold over a period of time. Typically, the period of time under consideration is the time between restocking of the machine.
One consideration to be taken into account when operating a vending machine is that the machine should not be understocked. If the machine is understocked, it will be emp-ty for a period of time before restocking. This prevents potential sales from being consummated. On the other hand, the machine should not be overstocked. Overstocking results in an excess inventory of items being retained in the ma-chine which will not be sold. These competing considera-tions are particularly important when the items offered for sale through the vending machine have limited shelf lives.
Items such as foodstuffs, or the like or dated materials ~such as newspapers and magazines fall into this categroy.
Taking a newspaper vending machine as an example, these machines are relied upon heavily in man~ areas to dis-tribute a particular edition of a newspaper. Often several succeeding editions of papers must be vended through the machine daily.

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Maintaining and updating the stock of newspapers in the newspaper vending machine is typically the respon-sibillty of a circulation truck driver assigned to cover a particular route. The efficient and profitable distribution of the newspaper through the vending machines depends upon the driver's ability to predict the sales through any particular machine and stock it accordingly. If the vending machine is empty when a customer wishes to make a purchase, a sale cannot be consummated and the purchaser may turn to a competing newspaper. On the other hand, if too many coples of a given edition are stocked in a particular vending ma-chine, some may remain unsold. Unsold copies have no value except as waste newsprint. With the rising costs of news-print, labor, ink, and the like, it is increasingly critical to the economic survival of the newspaper that the vending machines are nei-ther overstocked nor understocked for a given edition. Economics and logistics make it impractical to have a person continuously monitor the dispense oE news-papers fxom -the vending machines.
Heretofore, route drivers have not had any means by which the number of papers sold from a particular machine could be predicted with reasonable certainty. As a result, many machines were intentionally overstocked or become empty for substantial periods of time. This, in turn, results in lost profits due to either waste newsprint or unconsummated sales.
Another concern of vendors using newspaper vending machines is that of theft. The purchase of one newspaper exposes the entire stock. Accordingly, thieves occasionally purchase one newspaper to pilfer the remaining papers which then are resold or otherwise disposed of.

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Since the machines are not under constant supervision, the thieves ~re rarely caught. However, if the time of the theft could be determined and a pattern established, the likelihood of apprehending the thieves would be greatly increased. This, in turn, would reduce losses and increase profits.

Summary of the Invention A vending machine monitor is set forth wherein the time elapsed since the removal of the last item from the vending machine is automatically recorded. Without such a record, an attendant arriving to replenish stock and finding the machine empty cannot determine the length of time that has elapsed since the machine dispensed the final unit from previous s-tock. With such a record of elapsed time, the attendant can more accurately estimate the additional number of sales that could have been made before his arrival. The subsequent stocking levels can be adjusted accordingly, thereby increasing the profit generated by the vending machine~ Additionally, patterns of theft can be determined leading to the apprehension of those responsible.
The invention in one broad aspect pertains to a monitor for the cont~nts of a vending machine comprising means to rscord elapsed time from activation thereof; and means to activate the time recording means upon removal of the last of the contents from the vending machine.
Another aspect of this invention pertains to a vending ~machine monitor for determining elapsed time since the removal oE a last item of stock comprising an electric clock to record elapsed time from the application of powex thereto; means for powering the electric clock, and a switch connecting the clock with the power means, which when open prevents the power means from powering the clock and when closed connects the power means to the clock for recordation of elapsed time, the switch being .~

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disposed to be maintained open by the last item and closing upon dispensation of the last item.
A vending machine monitor is set forth for a newspaper vending machine. The vending machine is of the type having an inner shelf to support a stack of newspapers and a door with a display rack holding a copy of the newspapar to illustrate the edition being sold. Located in the vending machine is an electronic clock powered to record elapsed time. A first switch is located on the shelf and is maintained open by the weight of one newspaper. A second switch, connected in series with the first switch, is positioned in the display rack. The second switch is held open by the newspaper in the display rack. When all the newspapers have been sold from the shelf and the display rack the first and second switches close, completing the circuit and activating the clock to record elapsed time. After the out-of-stock time is noted, restocking the machine with as little as one copy, either in the display rack or shelf, opens the circuit and deactivates -the clock. The clock automatically resets to a set point (for example, to display zero time) in readiness to measure elapsed time on the next out-of-stock cycle without requiring manual adjustment.
The recorded elapsed time from the sale of the last news-paper enables the person stocking the machine to accurately predict the number of newspapers sold and to stock the machin~
accordingly. This, in turn, reduces waste and expenses and ~increases the profitability of the machine. Furthermore, if the stock is pilfered from the machine, the time of the theEt can be accurately established. If a pattern as to when the thefts are occurring can be established, someone can be on hand to apprehend those responsibleO

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Accordingly, the present invention seeks to set forth a simple and inexpensive means to monitor the dispense Erom a vending machine, prefarably a newspaper vending machine, by recording elapsed time since the sale of the last newspaper.
By minimizing the elapsed time since the sale of the last news-paper, the vendor will have properl~ stocked the machine.
Further the present invention seeks to provide a means whereby the time at which the stock oE -the vendingmachine is stolen can be determined. This, in turn, can lead to the apprehension of the thieves if a pat-tern can be established.
The apprehenslon of thieves reduces losses and increases profi-ts.
A still further aspect of the invention comprehends a coin operated, honor box newspaper vending machine having a bin with a shelf for a stock of newspapers and a coin released door for access to the bin, the door having a newspaper display rack.
A monitor in the vending machine comprises an e~ectric clock to record elapsed time; apower source for the clock; and a circuit connecting the power source with the clock, the circuit including a first switch responsive to a newspaper on the shelf and a second switch responsive to a newspaper in the display rack. The circuit of the power source to the clock is completed only when all newspapers have been removed from the shelf and -the displayed newspaper has been removed from the display rack, the clock operating to record the time which elapses after the last news-paper is removed from the vending machine.

Further aspects and advantages will become evident upon a reading of the specification, claims and drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a -typical newspaper vending machine with its door open;
Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the inside of the turret for the vending machine;
Figure 3 is a circuit diagram for the circuit of the vending machine monitor;
Figure 4 is an enlarged section view of the vend-ing machine illustrating the display rack in the closed and open position; and Figure 5 is a section view of the shelf of the vending machine.

Description Turning to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a typical newspaper vending machine 10 incorporating the vend-ing machine monitor of this invention. While the following description is directed to a newspaper vending machine 10, ~ it is to be understood -that the vending machine monitor of this invention is equally applicable to other types of vend-ing machines such as those dispensing foodstuffs, cigarettes and the like.

The machine 10 includes a housing 12 consisting of a pair of upstanding sidewalls 14 spanned by and connected to an upstanding rear 16. Attached to and extending between the sidewalls 14 and rear 16 is a top 18 opposed by a solid :~3~73~

bottom (not illustrated in the drawings). A front lower panel 20 covers the lower portion of the machine lØ
Intermediate of the top 18 and the bottom of the housing 12 is a horizontal shelf 22. The region above the shelf 22 between the top 18 and sidewalls 24 defines a bin 24 in which a n~nber of copies of newspapers 26 can be stocked upon the shelf 22.
To provide a means for dispensing a newspaper 26 from the bin 24 to a consumer, -the machine 10 includes a door 28. The door 28, as best shown in Figure 4, is con-nected by a hinge 29 to the lower panel 29. When closed, the door 28 extends between the lower panel 20 and top 18 to prevent access to the bin 24 and the newspapers 26 stored therein. When the door 28 is opened, in a manner described below, the door 28 pivots downward about the hinge 29 to a position substantially shown in Figure 1 permit-ting the cus-tomer to remove his or her purchased copy of the newspaper 26. A handle 30 provides the customer with a structure to grasp and open and close the door 28. Integral with -the handle 30 is a latch 32 providing a means to lock the door 28 closed.
To display the particular edition being sold from the vending machine 20, the door 28 has a window 34 con-structed from glass or other transparent material. About the periphery of the window 34, the door 28 forms a frame 36 which is fashioned to suitably support the window 34 in -the door 28.
To hold the displayed newspaper, the door 28 has a display rack 37. The rack 37 supports a copy of the news-paper 26 in a position such that when the door 28 is in -the closed position the front page or: at least a portion thereoE

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is displayed to potential customers through the window 34.
As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the rack 37 consists of a pair of spaced C-shaped members 38 secured to the frame 36. A
pair of spaced struts 39 are attached to and span the mem-bers 38 -to add strength and stability thereto. The members 38 and s-truts 39 form a cradle to retain the displayed news-paper 26 closely against the window 38 so that proper dis-play is maintained. Typically, the members 38 and struts 37 are constructed from sturdy sections of metal wire. To prevent the disp]ayed newspaper 26 from sliding downward when the door 28 is closed, the rack 37 includes an L-shaped plate 40. The plate 40 is secured to the frame 36 and ex-tends around the hinge 29 of the door 28. As shown in Figure 4, the plate 40 is attached to the door frame 36 with rivets or the like. Accordingly, the displayed newspaper 26 is positioned in the rack 37 when the machine 10 is being stocked. The newspaper rests on the plate 40, when the door 28 is closed, and the front page or a portion thereof shows through the window 34.
Located on the top 18 of the machine 10 is a box-like turret 42 having a hinged lid 44. As shown in Fi~ures 1 and 2, the turret 42 houses a coin mechanism 46, shown schematically in Figure 2, which receives coins through frontal slots 48. If the correct amount of change has been deposited through the slots 48, the coin mechanism 46 in a well-known fashion releases a lock 50 which in turn frees the door latch 32 permitting the door 28 to be opened by grasping and pulling the handle 30. The turret lid 44 is normally locked closed to protect the coin mechanism 46 and the money received. When the driver stocks the machine 10, the turret 42 is opened and -the money collected by the ma-~;~3~3~7 chine 10 is removed.
To provide a means to monitor the dispense of newspapers 26 from the vending machine 10, a means for recording elapsed time such as an electronic clock 52 is safely held within the turret 42. The clock 52 may be a quartz clock powered by a circuit which includes a battery 54. For simplicity, a quartz clock having the battery housed within may be modified by an external battery and providing connecting circuitry as shown in Figure 2. As illustrated, the battery 54 is held in a bracket 55 attached to the inside of the turret 42. The bracket 55 has a nega-tive terminal 56 contacting the negative end of the battery 54 and a positive terminal 57 contacting the positive end of the battery 54. A first wire 58 interconnects the nega-tive terminal 56 to the appropriate connection on the clock 52. A second wire 59 extends from the positive terminal 57 downward from the turret 42 along the rear 16 of the hous-ing 12, underneath the shelf 22 and eventually back to the positive connection for the cloc~ 52.
The circuitry for the clock 52 is shown diagram-matically at Figure 3. Included in the circuit is a first switch 60 and a second switch 61. As illustrated, the first and second switches 60 and 61 are connected in series in the second wire 59. Both the first and second switches 60 and 61 are preferably of the type having a sliding plunger 62.
The plunger 62 is housed in a casing 63 and is extensible therefrom. A spring within the casing 64 normally urges the plunger 60 to an extended position. In the extended, or closed position, current flows through the switches to pro-vide power to the clock 52. When the plunger 62 retracts into the casing 63 against the bias of the spring, the switch is in the open position, interrupting the electrical current. Of course, other types of switches could provide the same type of func-tion of the Eirst and second switch 60 and 61 set forth below.
Viewing Figures 1 and 5, the casing 63 of ~irst switch 60 is secured to the shelf 22 by a nut 64. The first switch 60 is orientated such that the plunger 62 extends up-ward from the shelf 22. Overlying the first switch plunger 62 is a first actuator 66. The first actuator 66 is a rectangular plate having at one end thereof a downturned lip 68. Opposing the lip 68 are a pair of holes 70 (only one being shown). The holes 70 receive the shafts of double-ended rivets 72 to permit the end of the firs-t actuator 66 to slide up and down along the rivet shafts. The heads o~
the rivets 72 hold the rivets 72 and secure the first actuator 66 to the shelf 22.
Accordingly, when weight is placed upon the first actuator 66, the actuator 68 tips about its lip 68 as i-t slides along the rivets 72. This, in turn, depresses the first switch plunger 62, opens the first switch 60 and in-terrupts -the flow of current in the circuit. It should be noted that the lip 68 also provides a limit to the downward movement of the first actuator 66. This feature is pro-tected from being crushed when a stack of newspapers is loaded onto the shelf 22. When the weight is lifted, the first actuator 66 and first switch plunger 62 are urged up-ward by the spring within the first switch 60. When the plunger 62 is sufficiently extended, the first switch 60 closes permitting current to pass. To monitor the elapsed time since the sale of the last newspaper, the bias of the first switch plunger 62 must be overcome by the weight of one copy of the newspaper. It follows, therefore, that when -the last newspaper is sold from the bin 24, the first switch 60 will close.
While the firs-t switch 60 is closed when the last newspaper is dispensed from the bin 24, the sale of the newspaper in the display rack 37 must also be taken into account. This is true since the most efficient use of -the machine 10 includes the selling of all the newspapers in-cluding the display newspaper.
Accordingly, as best shown in Figure 4, the second switch 61 is attached to the plate 40 and is dedicated to take into account the dispense of the newspaper from the display rack 37. In a fashion similar to that described above relative to the first switch 60, the nu-t 64 attaches the casing 63 -to the plate 40 such that the plunger 62 is directed upward when the door 28 is closed.
To operate the plunger 62 of the second switch 61 is a second actuator 76. The second actuator 76 is gen-erally a flat sheet of metal which is connected to the plate 40 by a pivot 78. Resting on the second switch plunger 62, the second actuator 76 is free to pivot to depress the plunyer and open the second switch 61 to interrupt the flow of electrical current in the circuit. It should be noted that the plate 40 has a depression 74 to accommodate the second switch 61 and limit the extent the plunger 62 is de pressed. Accordingly, the second switch 61 is protected against inadvertent damage as the display newspaper is posi-tioned in the rack 38. Again, as with the first switch 60, the second switch 61 must be selected such that the weight of the display newspaper is sufficient to depress the plunger 62. Additionally, the second actuator 76 is adapted ~3~ 7 to pivot in response to the extension of the plunger 62 as urged by the spring in the casing 63.
To take into account the sale of the display news-paper, the second switch 61 operates as follows: When the newspaper is loaded into the rack 37, the door 28 is open as shown by the phantom lines in Figure 4. When the door 28 is closed, the newspaper weighs upon the second actuator 76 and depresses the second switch plunger 62. This, in turn, opens the second switch 61, preventing the circuit from powering the clock 52. When the dlsplay newspaper is sold, removal from the rack 37 enables the second switch plunger 60 to extend, closing the second switch 61 completely.
From the above, the operation of the vending ma-chine monitor of the present invention can be set forth.
The machine 10, when stocked, has a number of newspapers stacked on the shelf 22 in the bin 24. These newspapers maintain the Eirst switch 60 in an open position establish-ing a break in the circuit powering the clock 52. Similarly, the display newspaper posi-tioned in the rack 37 maintains the second switch 61 in the open position presenting another break in the circuit powering the clock 52. Accordingly, the clock 52 remains unactivated. For ease of operation, the clock 52 may automatically reset to a set point, for example zero, when the machine 10 is stocked.
At such time as when all the copies in the bin `have been sold, the removal of the last newspaper therefrom closes the first switch 60. However, if the display news-paper remains, the second switch 61 remains open, preventing the circuit from powering the clock 52. Conversely, if the display newspaper is dispensed first, the newspapers or newspaper remaining in the bin 2~ hold the first switch 60 73~

open, preventing the c]ock 52 from being powered.
Upon the sale and removal of the last newspaper, be it from the bin 24 or rack 37, the remaining switch closes, completing the circuit and activating the clock 52.
From that point the clock records elapsed time.
~hen the driver returns to restock the machine 10 finds the machine 10 empty, the clock 52 will display the time elapsed from the dispense of the last newspaper. If the elapsed time is unreasonably long as dictated by exper-ience and consideration of factors such as the traffic past the machine 10, the driver then knows that additional news-paper(s) should be placed in the machine 10. If, however, an unreasonable number of unsold newspapers remain in the machine 10, the driver will know that the machine lO has been overstocked. With experience, the number of unsold newspapers or the elapsed time since the dispense of the last newspaper can be minimized. This, in turn, maximizes the profit generated by the machine 10.
As sometimes occurs, the newspapers are pilfered from the machine 10. With the vending machine monitor of the present invention, the driver may be able to establish a pattern as to when the pilfering occurs. Accordinyly, the chances of apprehending the thief is greatly enhanced which, again, will reduce losses and increase profits.
It sho~lld also be noted that -the location of the clock 52 and the positioning of the switches beneath their actuators also prevents theft or damage to the components of -the vending machine monitor.
While I have shown and described certain embodi-ments of a vending machine moni-tor, it is to be understood ~23'7~

that it is subject to modification without departing from the scope of the claims set forth herein.

Claims (11)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A monitor for the contents of a vending ma-chine comprising:
means to record elapsed time from activation thereof; and means to activate said time recording means upon removal of the last of the contents from said vending ma-chine.

2. The vending machine monitor of claim 1 where-in said time recording means is an electrically powered clock which records elapsed time from the application of power thereto, and a power source, said activating means including a switch connecting said power source to power said clock upon removal of the last of the contents from said vending machine.

3. A vending machine monitor for determining elapsed time since the removal of a last item of stock com-prising:
an electric clock to record elapsed time from the application of power thereto;
means for powering said electric clock; and a switch connecting the clock with the power means, which when open prevents said power means from power-ing said clock and when closed connects said power means to said clock for recordation of elapsed time, said switch be ing disposed to be maintained open by said last item and closing upon dispensation of said last item.

4. The vending machine monitor of claim 3 where-in said switch is disposed beneath and is maintained open by the weight of said last item, removal of said last item closing said switch.

5. In a coin operated, honor box newspaper vend-ing machine having a bin with a shelf for a stock of newspa-pers and a coin released door for access to the bin, the door having a newspaper display rack, a monitor comprising:
an electric clock to record elapsed time;
a power source for said clock; and a circuit connecting said power source with said clock, said circuit including a first switch responsive to a newspaper on said shelf and a second switch responsive to a newspaper in said display rack, the circuit of said power source to said clock being completed only when all newspa-pers have been removed from said shelf and the displayed newspaper has been removed from said display rack, the clock operating to record the time which elapses after the last newspaper is removed from the vending machine.

6. The newspaper vending machine monitor of claim 5 in which the clock is reset when the vending machine is restocked.

7. The newspaper vending machine monitor of claim 5 in which the first and second switches are actuated by the weight of newspapers on the shelf and in the display rack, respectively.

8. The newspaper vending machine monitor of claim 7 in which said switches have contacts connected in series and each is actuated to the open position by the weight of a newspaper associated therewith.

9. The newspaper vending machine monitor of claim 7 in which said first switch has an operating plunger and an actuator is interposed between the plunger and news-papers on said shelf.

10. The newspaper vending machine monitor of claim 9 in which said first switch is mounted on said shelf with the plunger thereof extending upwardly and said actua-tor is a plate overlying the plunger, the plate having a downwardly extending lip which engages the shelf and pre-vents damage to the first switch.

11. The newspaper vending machine monitor of claim 7 in which said second switch has an operating plunger and an actuator is interposed between the plunger and the newspaper in said display rack.