CA2445203A1 - Product dispenser with timer mechanism - Google Patents
Product dispenser with timer mechanism Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2445203A1 CA2445203A1 CA002445203A CA2445203A CA2445203A1 CA 2445203 A1 CA2445203 A1 CA 2445203A1 CA 002445203 A CA002445203 A CA 002445203A CA 2445203 A CA2445203 A CA 2445203A CA 2445203 A1 CA2445203 A1 CA 2445203A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lever
- dispenser
- product
- timer mechanism
- suction cup
- 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
Links
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
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/005—Special arrangements for insuring that only one single article may be dispensed at a time
Description
PRODUCT DISPENSER WITH TIMER MECH,i~NISM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to product dispenser machines for use in public areas. More particularly, it relates to a product dispenser with a timer mechanism that prevents a user, after receiving a single product, from getting access to additional products from the same dispenser during a pre-set delay period.
BI~CKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Product dispensers in public areas fall into two major categories: 1 ) free product or item dispensers; and 2) full security vending systems.
Free product or item dispensers are dispensers where the product or item is displayed in an unattended manner. When a user desires to take one of the items contained therein, he takes the item from the dispenser and can keep on removing items from the same dispenser repeatedly within a short period of time. This can quickly deplete the amount of products in the dispenser available to other users and makes the dispenser susceptible to pillage, as not everyone using such facilities is honest.
The second type of related art includes full security vending systems placed for use in public areas. These machines provide the product to the user in exchange for a monetary transaction. These systems are fully secure in the sense that there is little possibility, except through extensive physical damage, that the product can be pillaged i~rom the dispenser.
Thus, there is still presently a need for dispensers for use by persons who want to provide free samples of consumer products to the public. Free product or item dispensers have the disadvantage of being too susceptible to pillage, while full security vending systems are more secure, but require a monetary transaction as part of the dispensing system.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to product dispenser machines for use in public areas. More particularly, it relates to a product dispenser with a timer mechanism that prevents a user, after receiving a single product, from getting access to additional products from the same dispenser during a pre-set delay period.
BI~CKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Product dispensers in public areas fall into two major categories: 1 ) free product or item dispensers; and 2) full security vending systems.
Free product or item dispensers are dispensers where the product or item is displayed in an unattended manner. When a user desires to take one of the items contained therein, he takes the item from the dispenser and can keep on removing items from the same dispenser repeatedly within a short period of time. This can quickly deplete the amount of products in the dispenser available to other users and makes the dispenser susceptible to pillage, as not everyone using such facilities is honest.
The second type of related art includes full security vending systems placed for use in public areas. These machines provide the product to the user in exchange for a monetary transaction. These systems are fully secure in the sense that there is little possibility, except through extensive physical damage, that the product can be pillaged i~rom the dispenser.
Thus, there is still presently a need for dispensers for use by persons who want to provide free samples of consumer products to the public. Free product or item dispensers have the disadvantage of being too susceptible to pillage, while full security vending systems are more secure, but require a monetary transaction as part of the dispensing system.
2 StJIi~IVIARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to propose a product dispenser with a timer mechanism that will satisfy this above-mentioned need. This dispensing system occupies a middle ground between the free product or item dispensers and full security vending systems.
According to the present invention, that object is achieved with a timer mechanism within the dispenser which prevents a user, after receiving a single product, from getting access to additional products during a pre-set delay period in the order of minutes. The timer mechanism interacts with the lever used to activate the dispensing mechanism as well as the main shaft which rotates to provide a sample product i:hrough one of the four dispenser output areas. The lever can only be fully depressed and the main shaft can only rotate after the timer mechanism is disengaged following the elapse of the time delay.
As can be appreciated, a timer mechanism greatly reduces the chances of pillage of the content of the dispenser by dishonest users.
A non-restrictive description of a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be given with reference to the appending drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAII~INtiS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a product dispenser according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the outer assembly of the dispenser with the lever at the bottom that a user must push down in order to get a product from the dispenser.
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the product dispenser of figure 1, showing how the product cartridges (usually four of them per machine) fit with the outer housing and the mechanical dispensing module of the dispenser.
An object of the present invention is to propose a product dispenser with a timer mechanism that will satisfy this above-mentioned need. This dispensing system occupies a middle ground between the free product or item dispensers and full security vending systems.
According to the present invention, that object is achieved with a timer mechanism within the dispenser which prevents a user, after receiving a single product, from getting access to additional products during a pre-set delay period in the order of minutes. The timer mechanism interacts with the lever used to activate the dispensing mechanism as well as the main shaft which rotates to provide a sample product i:hrough one of the four dispenser output areas. The lever can only be fully depressed and the main shaft can only rotate after the timer mechanism is disengaged following the elapse of the time delay.
As can be appreciated, a timer mechanism greatly reduces the chances of pillage of the content of the dispenser by dishonest users.
A non-restrictive description of a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be given with reference to the appending drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAII~INtiS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a product dispenser according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the outer assembly of the dispenser with the lever at the bottom that a user must push down in order to get a product from the dispenser.
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the product dispenser of figure 1, showing how the product cartridges (usually four of them per machine) fit with the outer housing and the mechanical dispensing module of the dispenser.
3 Figure 3 is an exploded view of the mechanical dispensing module which is part of the general assembly shown in figure 2 and details the different parts of the dispensing mechanism.
Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views, showing the product dispenser in an idle position with the lever ready to be depressed by the user in the first step of the dispensing sequence.
Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of the second step of the dispensing sequence, showing the mechanism after the user has depressed the lever.
Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of the third step of the dispensing sequence, showing how the timer mechanism engages in the lever and the cam index to prevent further motion, until the timer delay has elapsed and the mechanism has been reset to its idle position shown in figures 4 and 5.
~ESCRIPTIt7I~ ~F J~ PREFERREL7 EMEO~II~IENT
Referring to any one of figures 1 to 9, a product dispenser (10) with a timer mechanism is shown.
Turning now to figure 2, the dispenser (10) comprises an outer housing (12) housing one or more cartridges (14) of products to be dispensed.
These cartridges (14) are disposed side by side within the housing (12) and each has an exit at a bottom end (16) thereof. The dispenser (10) further comprises a mechanical dispensing module (18) disposed below the cartridges {14) for dispensing one at a time the products from the cartridges (14).
Referring to figure 3, the mechanical dispensing module (18) comprises a plurality of orifices (20) on a top wall thereof, each being associated and disposed in registry with a respective one of the cartridges (14). The dispensing module (18) further comprises cyiindricc~l scoops (22) mounted on horizontally extending main shaft {24), each one being in registry with a
Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views, showing the product dispenser in an idle position with the lever ready to be depressed by the user in the first step of the dispensing sequence.
Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of the second step of the dispensing sequence, showing the mechanism after the user has depressed the lever.
Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of the third step of the dispensing sequence, showing how the timer mechanism engages in the lever and the cam index to prevent further motion, until the timer delay has elapsed and the mechanism has been reset to its idle position shown in figures 4 and 5.
~ESCRIPTIt7I~ ~F J~ PREFERREL7 EMEO~II~IENT
Referring to any one of figures 1 to 9, a product dispenser (10) with a timer mechanism is shown.
Turning now to figure 2, the dispenser (10) comprises an outer housing (12) housing one or more cartridges (14) of products to be dispensed.
These cartridges (14) are disposed side by side within the housing (12) and each has an exit at a bottom end (16) thereof. The dispenser (10) further comprises a mechanical dispensing module (18) disposed below the cartridges {14) for dispensing one at a time the products from the cartridges (14).
Referring to figure 3, the mechanical dispensing module (18) comprises a plurality of orifices (20) on a top wall thereof, each being associated and disposed in registry with a respective one of the cartridges (14). The dispensing module (18) further comprises cyiindricc~l scoops (22) mounted on horizontally extending main shaft {24), each one being in registry with a
4 respective one of the orifices (20}. Thanks to the ac>tuating means that will be described below, the cylindrical scoops (22) alternately collect in a phased sequence the different samples from the four cartridges (14) placed on top of the four orifices (20). indeed, the mechanical dispensing module (18) comprises an actuating means for actuating a rotation of the main shaft (24), thereby causing rotation of the cylindrical scoops (22). The actuating means comprises a lever (30) having a first end (32) pivotally connected to a side wall of the module {18) and being free to rotate about a pivot point (34), and a free second end (36). The lever (30) also comprises a horizontally oriented oblong aperture (37) provided with gear teeth (38) adapted to operatively receive a one-way bearing gear (40). The gear (40) is mounted at an end of the main shaft (24).
Therefore, from an idle position shown in figures 4 and 5, a user can push the free end (36) of the lever (30) down, as in ficlures 6 and 7, thereby causing the same to rotate about the pit<ot point (34). During this motion, gear teeth (38) of the oblong aperture {37) interact with the teeth of the one-way bearing gear (40), thereby causing the same and the main shaft (24) to rotate 90 degrees clockwise. As the main shaft {24} rotates, the cylindrical scoops (22) mounted on the shaft (24), each being positioned differently with exactly 90 degree phases, rotate also one quarter turn.
Therefore, at each rotation of the shaft {24), only one sample is being collected from one of the four sample cartridges (14). As the phased cylindrical scoops (22) rotate during this same time period, only one sample will be dispensed through the bottom of the dispensing module as 28 another scoop will have its opening towards the bottom of the module (18}.
The two other scoops (22) will be in intermediate phases between the retrieval of the sample from the cartridge (14) and the dispensing of the sample. With each 90 degree turn, each cylindrical' scoop {22) alternates between its four different phases and positions.
The mechanical dispensing module (18) also comprises a timer mechanism, generally designated as numeral reference (50), which prevents a user, after having received a single product, from getting access to additional products during a pre-set delay period in the order of minutes.
Therefore, from an idle position shown in figures 4 and 5, a user can push the free end (36) of the lever (30) down, as in ficlures 6 and 7, thereby causing the same to rotate about the pit<ot point (34). During this motion, gear teeth (38) of the oblong aperture {37) interact with the teeth of the one-way bearing gear (40), thereby causing the same and the main shaft (24) to rotate 90 degrees clockwise. As the main shaft {24} rotates, the cylindrical scoops (22) mounted on the shaft (24), each being positioned differently with exactly 90 degree phases, rotate also one quarter turn.
Therefore, at each rotation of the shaft {24), only one sample is being collected from one of the four sample cartridges (14). As the phased cylindrical scoops (22) rotate during this same time period, only one sample will be dispensed through the bottom of the dispensing module as 28 another scoop will have its opening towards the bottom of the module (18}.
The two other scoops (22) will be in intermediate phases between the retrieval of the sample from the cartridge (14) and the dispensing of the sample. With each 90 degree turn, each cylindrical' scoop {22) alternates between its four different phases and positions.
The mechanical dispensing module (18) also comprises a timer mechanism, generally designated as numeral reference (50), which prevents a user, after having received a single product, from getting access to additional products during a pre-set delay period in the order of minutes.
5 The timer mechanism (50) interacts with the lever (30) used to activate the main shaft (24). The lever (30) can only be fully depressed and the main shaft (24) can only rotate after the timer mechanism (50) is disengaged following the elapse of the time delay.
More specifically, the timer mechanism (50) comprises a suction cup (52) mounted to a first end of a lever rod (54) disposed adjacent to the lever (30). The timer mechanism also comprises an adjustment knob (56) mounted to a second end of the lever rod (54) and an helicoidaf spring (58) mounted on the lever rod (54) near the adjustment knob (56).
The timer mechanism further comprises a pressure foot (60) having a first end (62} secured to the pivot point (34) of the lever (30}, the pressure foot (60) thus being caused to pivot about the pivot point (34) when the free end (36) of the lever (30) is pushed downwards. The pressure foot (60) also has a second end (64) adapted to engage and corr~press down the suction cup (52) against a planar surface of the housing (12) when the lever (30) is pushed down. The lever rod (54) is thus movable between a downward position when the suction cup (52) is compressed and an upward position when the suction cup (52) is released.
The timer mechanism (50} further comprises a cam index (70) mounted to the main shaft (24) adjacent to the gear (40) and adapted to cooperate with a locking arm (72). As best shown in figures 4 and 5, the locking arm (72) has a first end (74) connected along the lever rod (54) above the suction cup (52) and a second end (75) with first and second tips (7°7,78}
respectively engaging the cam index (70) and a slot (80) provided on the lever (30) when the lever rod (54) is in the downward position, thereby blocking motion of the main shaft (24) and lever (30); and disengaging the same when the lever rod (54) moves to the upward position as the suction cup (52) releases.
Figures 4 and 5 show the mechanical dispensing module (18) in an idle position. In this position, the lever rod (54) is in the upward position, the first and second tips (77,78) of the locking arm (72) are thus respectively away from the cam index {70) and the slot (80) in the lever (30).
When the free end (36) of the lever (30) is pushed down from the idle position, as in figure 6, the presser foot (60) presses the suction cup (52) against the planar surface of the housing (12). Pas a temporary internal vacuum is created, the suction cup (52) remains attached to the surface.
When the suction cup (52) is lowered, it also causes the lever rod (54) to move to the downwards position, and once the user releases the free end (36) of the lever (30), the same returns to the idle position as shown in figures 8 and 9, thereby causing the gear {40) to rotate in the counter clockwise direction, and that, without engaging the main shaft (24) which remains in its position, as the gear (40) allows free movement of the shaft {24) in only the clockwise direction.
Referring to figures 8 and 9, when the lever {30) revturns to its idle position, the first and second tips (77,78) of the locking arm (72) respectively engage into the cam index (70) and the slot (80), t>locking motion for both the lever (30) and the main shaft (24) as long as the lever rod (54) has a downward force exerted on it. Indeed, after release of the lever (30), the suction cup (52) remains in place for a period of time. This keeps a downward force exerted on the lever rod (54). When the delay period has elapsed, the suction cup (52) releases itself from the surface, lifting the lever rod (54), and thus the first and second tips (77,78) of the locking arm (72) respectively away from cam index (70) and the slot {80). This ensures a time delay in the order of minutes between removal of two products from the same dispenser through activating of the lever. '1°he amount of delay for release of the suction cup {52) from the surface can be controlled through the roughness of the surface and through the spring (58) force exerted on the suction cup (52) which tends to pull the suction cup (52) away from the surface. This spring force can be controlled through compression of the spring (58) with the adjustment knob (56). After release of the suction cup (52), the complete system is reset to the idle position shown in figures 4 and 5.
A weight placed on top of the stack of products (18) helps set the next product in place for removal by the dispensing system.
Although the present invention has been explained hereinabove by way of 1 a a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
More specifically, the timer mechanism (50) comprises a suction cup (52) mounted to a first end of a lever rod (54) disposed adjacent to the lever (30). The timer mechanism also comprises an adjustment knob (56) mounted to a second end of the lever rod (54) and an helicoidaf spring (58) mounted on the lever rod (54) near the adjustment knob (56).
The timer mechanism further comprises a pressure foot (60) having a first end (62} secured to the pivot point (34) of the lever (30}, the pressure foot (60) thus being caused to pivot about the pivot point (34) when the free end (36) of the lever (30) is pushed downwards. The pressure foot (60) also has a second end (64) adapted to engage and corr~press down the suction cup (52) against a planar surface of the housing (12) when the lever (30) is pushed down. The lever rod (54) is thus movable between a downward position when the suction cup (52) is compressed and an upward position when the suction cup (52) is released.
The timer mechanism (50} further comprises a cam index (70) mounted to the main shaft (24) adjacent to the gear (40) and adapted to cooperate with a locking arm (72). As best shown in figures 4 and 5, the locking arm (72) has a first end (74) connected along the lever rod (54) above the suction cup (52) and a second end (75) with first and second tips (7°7,78}
respectively engaging the cam index (70) and a slot (80) provided on the lever (30) when the lever rod (54) is in the downward position, thereby blocking motion of the main shaft (24) and lever (30); and disengaging the same when the lever rod (54) moves to the upward position as the suction cup (52) releases.
Figures 4 and 5 show the mechanical dispensing module (18) in an idle position. In this position, the lever rod (54) is in the upward position, the first and second tips (77,78) of the locking arm (72) are thus respectively away from the cam index {70) and the slot (80) in the lever (30).
When the free end (36) of the lever (30) is pushed down from the idle position, as in figure 6, the presser foot (60) presses the suction cup (52) against the planar surface of the housing (12). Pas a temporary internal vacuum is created, the suction cup (52) remains attached to the surface.
When the suction cup (52) is lowered, it also causes the lever rod (54) to move to the downwards position, and once the user releases the free end (36) of the lever (30), the same returns to the idle position as shown in figures 8 and 9, thereby causing the gear {40) to rotate in the counter clockwise direction, and that, without engaging the main shaft (24) which remains in its position, as the gear (40) allows free movement of the shaft {24) in only the clockwise direction.
Referring to figures 8 and 9, when the lever {30) revturns to its idle position, the first and second tips (77,78) of the locking arm (72) respectively engage into the cam index (70) and the slot (80), t>locking motion for both the lever (30) and the main shaft (24) as long as the lever rod (54) has a downward force exerted on it. Indeed, after release of the lever (30), the suction cup (52) remains in place for a period of time. This keeps a downward force exerted on the lever rod (54). When the delay period has elapsed, the suction cup (52) releases itself from the surface, lifting the lever rod (54), and thus the first and second tips (77,78) of the locking arm (72) respectively away from cam index (70) and the slot {80). This ensures a time delay in the order of minutes between removal of two products from the same dispenser through activating of the lever. '1°he amount of delay for release of the suction cup {52) from the surface can be controlled through the roughness of the surface and through the spring (58) force exerted on the suction cup (52) which tends to pull the suction cup (52) away from the surface. This spring force can be controlled through compression of the spring (58) with the adjustment knob (56). After release of the suction cup (52), the complete system is reset to the idle position shown in figures 4 and 5.
A weight placed on top of the stack of products (18) helps set the next product in place for removal by the dispensing system.
Although the present invention has been explained hereinabove by way of 1 a a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002445203A CA2445203A1 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2003-10-16 | Product dispenser with timer mechanism |
| CA002463394A CA2463394A1 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2004-04-02 | Product dispenser with timer mechanism |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002445203A CA2445203A1 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2003-10-16 | Product dispenser with timer mechanism |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2445203A1 true CA2445203A1 (en) | 2005-04-16 |
Family
ID=34427688
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002445203A Abandoned CA2445203A1 (en) | 2003-10-16 | 2003-10-16 | Product dispenser with timer mechanism |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2445203A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3312807A1 (en) * | 2016-10-24 | 2018-04-25 | Tranzonic Companies | Mechanical time delay product dispenser |
| US10062236B2 (en) | 2016-05-01 | 2018-08-28 | Tranzonic Companies | Vending machine for retaining and dispensing products |
-
2003
- 2003-10-16 CA CA002445203A patent/CA2445203A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10062236B2 (en) | 2016-05-01 | 2018-08-28 | Tranzonic Companies | Vending machine for retaining and dispensing products |
| EP3312807A1 (en) * | 2016-10-24 | 2018-04-25 | Tranzonic Companies | Mechanical time delay product dispenser |
| US10192386B2 (en) | 2016-10-24 | 2019-01-29 | The Tranzonic Companies | Mechanical time delay product dispenser |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |