EP0490693A2 - Distributeur - Google Patents

Distributeur Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0490693A2
EP0490693A2 EP91311598A EP91311598A EP0490693A2 EP 0490693 A2 EP0490693 A2 EP 0490693A2 EP 91311598 A EP91311598 A EP 91311598A EP 91311598 A EP91311598 A EP 91311598A EP 0490693 A2 EP0490693 A2 EP 0490693A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
articles
housing
chute
dispenser
chutes
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP91311598A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0490693A3 (en
Inventor
James Roderick Oattes
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
NESSO (ENGINEERS) Ltd
Original Assignee
NESSO (ENGINEERS) Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by NESSO (ENGINEERS) Ltd filed Critical NESSO (ENGINEERS) Ltd
Publication of EP0490693A2 publication Critical patent/EP0490693A2/fr
Publication of EP0490693A3 publication Critical patent/EP0490693A3/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F1/00—Racks for dispensing merchandise; Containers for dispensing merchandise
    • A47F1/04—Racks or containers with arrangements for dispensing articles, e.g. by means of gravity or springs
    • A47F1/08—Racks or containers with arrangements for dispensing articles, e.g. by means of gravity or springs dispensing from bottom
    • A47F1/087—Racks or containers with arrangements for dispensing articles, e.g. by means of gravity or springs dispensing from bottom the container having approximately horizontal tracks of the serpentine type
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
    • A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
    • A47F3/0404—Cases or cabinets of the closed type
    • A47F3/0426—Details
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
    • A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
    • A47F3/0482—Details common to both closed and open types
    • A47F3/0486—Details common to both closed and open types for charging, displaying or discharging the articles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
    • F25D2331/805—Cans

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a compact refrigerated dispenser for dispensing cooled articles, such as soft drink cans.
  • Refrigerated vending machines for dispensing cold cans are already known. These are mostly coin-operated. and are also required to be thief proof. Such vending machines are usually free standing and tend to be of bulky construction.
  • the present invention provides a compact refrigerated dispenser for dispensing cooled articles, which comprises.
  • the housing has a removable lid to allow the chutes to be filled from above.
  • the housing may have a transparent front face which allows the stock of articles to be visually monitored, prior to refilling if necessary.
  • the chutes may be loaded from the front of the housing by providing a suitable door therein.
  • the refrigeration means is generally a vapour compression refrigerator, with the machinery located in the base of the housing.
  • Cold air is preferably passed up a duct at the rear of the housing and passes over the stack of articles in a direction from the top to the bottom. In this way, fresh cans are subject to the coldest air, so that they are cooled most rapidly.
  • the present invention provides a refrigerated dispenser of compact construction suitable for wall or rack mounting, and which is narrow enough to be conveniently located near supermarket checkouts.
  • the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a housing 2 having an insulated upper section 4 and a lower section 6 containing refrigeration machinery.
  • a lid 8 is provided at the top of the housing for refilling with cans 1.
  • the housing contains a pair of generally vertical chutes 10, 12 which turn to the horizontal at their lower ends, terminating in apertures 14, 16 in the front face of the housing.
  • the cans in each chute are fed by gravity, with the lowermost can being retained in place by means of a lip 18 at the base of each chute.
  • any known release mechanism may be employed, provided that this does not protrude substantially in front of the housing and thus constitute an obstacle.
  • the front face of the housing includes transparent panels 20 of glass or plastics which allow the stock of cans to be monitored, so that the dispenser can be refilled if required.
  • the lower section 6 contains a motor and pump mechanism 22 and condenser 24, which are connected by suitable duct work to a cooler 26 which comprises a nest of tubes which are finned to extend their cooling surfaces.
  • Air is circulated within the upper section of the housing by means of a fan 28 which draws air from the bottom of the chutes (which are perforated to enable air flow) and passes it through the cooler 26, through a duct 30 running up the back of the housing and onto the tog of the chutes, before passing down the chutes and cooling the cans. Since the coldest air comes into contact with the newest cans at the top of the chute, these are cooled quickly to the required temperature.
  • the temperature is maintained at a preset level by means of a thermostat.
  • a defrosting system is also included and operates by means of a time clock. The defrost water is fed to a tray provided with a heater which vapourises the defrost water in known manner.
  • Figure 2 shows three rows of dual chutes.
  • Figure 3 shows an analagous construction having four rows of dual chutes.
  • the dispenser shown in Figures 1 and 2 is of particularly compact construction in front to back and side to side dimensions, and is thus particularly suitable for location at supermarket checkouts.
  • the dispenser may be walled mounted or rack-mounted, or might be provided with a stand to allow it to be free standing.
  • the dispenser may be operated as follows. Firstly, the two chutes are filled by lifting the top of the housing and gently inserting the cans, whilst holding the bottom can to prevent it coming out of the aperture 14, 16. Once filled, the lid 8 is closed. Cooled air is forced over the cans by the fan, so that the newest cans are chilled quickly.
  • a customer selects a can by looking through the transparent front panel to identify the correct product and lifting that product from the end of the chute over the lip 18, allowing the remainder of the stack to fall slightly and bringing a new can into the aperture 14, 16.
  • cans are used in rotation, the oldest can being dispensed first.
  • the stock of cans can be monitored visually through the transparent front panel, refilling taking place as required.
  • the invention can be used to dispense not only cans but also a wide variety of chilled goods.
  • FIGS 4 and 5 show a third embodiment, which is similar in principle to the other embodiments; except that the rows of chutes extend up and over the top of the housing such that they may be filled through the front panel of the housing. Also, the cooler and fan are located differently. Analogous parts are indicated by the same reference numbers.
  • the fan 28 and cooler 26 are located in front of the chutes 40, 42, which then curve over the top of the cooler to entrances 44, 46 in the front panel 50 of the housing.
  • the chutes are filled by inserting fresh cans through the entrances 44, 46, which are closed by a hinged door 48 extending across the width of the housing.
  • Cold air from the cooler is circulated through the cans 1 in the direction of the arrows so as to cool the cans by means of the fan.
  • a flap 50 which may carry advertising material directs cold air away from the front panel.
  • the front panel is formed of transparent or semi-transparent plastics material. Cans are dispersed by removing from the apertures 14, 16 as before.
  • this embodiment is front-loaded, it is suitable for insertion into a recess and goods may be stacked on top of it.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
EP19910311598 1990-12-13 1991-12-12 Dispenser Withdrawn EP0490693A3 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB909027067A GB9027067D0 (en) 1990-12-13 1990-12-13 Dispenser
GB9027067 1990-12-13

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0490693A2 true EP0490693A2 (fr) 1992-06-17
EP0490693A3 EP0490693A3 (en) 1992-07-08

Family

ID=10686954

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19910311598 Withdrawn EP0490693A3 (en) 1990-12-13 1991-12-12 Dispenser

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0490693A3 (fr)
GB (1) GB9027067D0 (fr)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997026812A1 (fr) * 1996-01-23 1997-07-31 Patricia Anne Fell Appareil de stockage et de distribution d'articles
WO2001040088A1 (fr) * 1999-12-03 2001-06-07 Zopa As Systeme de transport
GB2393715A (en) * 2002-08-19 2004-04-07 Diageo Great Britain Ltd A sispenser
FR2880971A1 (fr) * 2005-01-18 2006-07-21 Philippe Leonetti Dispositif de stockage et de distribution de boissons sous forme de portions individuelles
US7377123B2 (en) 2004-01-09 2008-05-27 American Trim, L.L.C. Refrigerator with through-the-door beverage can dispenser
EP2009377A1 (fr) * 2007-06-29 2008-12-31 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Dispositif de refroidissement
WO2009008849A1 (fr) * 2007-07-10 2009-01-15 Klimasan Klima Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S. Réfrigérateurs à panneau de verre mobile ou panneau de verre fixe
CN105737500A (zh) * 2016-03-07 2016-07-06 深圳创新设计研究院有限公司 冷饮柜及其重力货物架
US10149554B2 (en) 2002-08-20 2018-12-11 Gamon Plus, Inc. Multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display and method
US10905256B2 (en) 2002-08-20 2021-02-02 Gamon Plus, Inc. Multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2476491A (en) * 1945-08-29 1949-07-19 Alma Serena Henderson Refrigerating apparatus
US2499088A (en) * 1947-03-29 1950-02-28 Brill Refrigerated display case
US2641112A (en) * 1947-08-09 1953-06-09 Muffly Glenn Refrigerator-cabinet defrosting
US2949018A (en) * 1955-10-18 1960-08-16 Kendrick T Parsell Cabinet for merchandising packages of frozen food
FR1399377A (fr) * 1963-06-25 1965-05-14 Comptoir pour le débit de boissons en bouteilles ou boîtes cylindriques réfrigérées
US3314250A (en) * 1965-09-01 1967-04-18 Kidde & Co Walter Gravity flow refrigerated storage and display case
DE1294627B (de) * 1962-08-08 1969-05-08 Linde Ag Entnahmevorrichtung fuer gekuehlte Verbrauchsgueter
DE3039962A1 (de) * 1980-10-23 1982-05-27 Eisvoigt Ludwig Voigtländer GmbH & Co KG, 3340 Wolfenbüttel Kuehlschrank fuer mehrere bierfaesser

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2476491A (en) * 1945-08-29 1949-07-19 Alma Serena Henderson Refrigerating apparatus
US2499088A (en) * 1947-03-29 1950-02-28 Brill Refrigerated display case
US2641112A (en) * 1947-08-09 1953-06-09 Muffly Glenn Refrigerator-cabinet defrosting
US2949018A (en) * 1955-10-18 1960-08-16 Kendrick T Parsell Cabinet for merchandising packages of frozen food
DE1294627B (de) * 1962-08-08 1969-05-08 Linde Ag Entnahmevorrichtung fuer gekuehlte Verbrauchsgueter
FR1399377A (fr) * 1963-06-25 1965-05-14 Comptoir pour le débit de boissons en bouteilles ou boîtes cylindriques réfrigérées
US3314250A (en) * 1965-09-01 1967-04-18 Kidde & Co Walter Gravity flow refrigerated storage and display case
DE3039962A1 (de) * 1980-10-23 1982-05-27 Eisvoigt Ludwig Voigtländer GmbH & Co KG, 3340 Wolfenbüttel Kuehlschrank fuer mehrere bierfaesser

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997026812A1 (fr) * 1996-01-23 1997-07-31 Patricia Anne Fell Appareil de stockage et de distribution d'articles
WO2001040088A1 (fr) * 1999-12-03 2001-06-07 Zopa As Systeme de transport
GB2393715A (en) * 2002-08-19 2004-04-07 Diageo Great Britain Ltd A sispenser
US10149554B2 (en) 2002-08-20 2018-12-11 Gamon Plus, Inc. Multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display and method
US10905256B2 (en) 2002-08-20 2021-02-02 Gamon Plus, Inc. Multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display
US7377123B2 (en) 2004-01-09 2008-05-27 American Trim, L.L.C. Refrigerator with through-the-door beverage can dispenser
FR2880971A1 (fr) * 2005-01-18 2006-07-21 Philippe Leonetti Dispositif de stockage et de distribution de boissons sous forme de portions individuelles
EP2009377A1 (fr) * 2007-06-29 2008-12-31 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Dispositif de refroidissement
EP2015010A1 (fr) * 2007-06-29 2009-01-14 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Dispositif de refroidissement
WO2009008849A1 (fr) * 2007-07-10 2009-01-15 Klimasan Klima Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S. Réfrigérateurs à panneau de verre mobile ou panneau de verre fixe
CN105737500A (zh) * 2016-03-07 2016-07-06 深圳创新设计研究院有限公司 冷饮柜及其重力货物架
CN105737500B (zh) * 2016-03-07 2018-08-14 深圳创新设计研究院有限公司 冷饮柜及其重力货物架

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0490693A3 (en) 1992-07-08
GB9027067D0 (en) 1991-02-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4676074A (en) Refrigeration system for a counter-top or wall-mounted vending machine
US4730750A (en) Vending machine for dispensing refrigerated and unrefrigerated foods
AU675799B2 (en) Apparatus to convert a refrigerated vendor to a refrigerateddisplay case
US5330261A (en) Cooler door display rack
US4416122A (en) Unitary removable refrigeration system and cooler
SK33296A3 (en) Merchandising display
JP2002504215A (ja) 店頭販売機
US3021691A (en) Air curtain reach-in display cooler
EP0490693A2 (fr) Distributeur
EP1076213B1 (fr) Appareil automatique de vente avec système refroidissant amélioré
US4668028A (en) Refrigerated storage cabinet
US3006707A (en) Dispensing and display cabinet
US3010379A (en) Air distribution system for a food display case
US20090308084A1 (en) Cooler/counter merchandising display unit
EP1349473B1 (fr) Presentoir horizontal a rideau d'air
EP0874578A1 (fr) Appareil de refrigeration
JP2914402B2 (ja) 自動販売機および補給用商品包装箱
KR200162568Y1 (ko) 패트병음료의 자판기용 앗세이랙크
JP3141643B2 (ja) 自動販売機
JP3146799B2 (ja) 自動販売機
JPH0742359Y2 (ja) オープンショーケース
JP3718918B2 (ja) 自動販売機
US2278021A (en) Cabinet
KR20210024049A (ko) 상품 수납 장치
JPH06253961A (ja) ショーケース

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU MC NL SE

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU MC NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19921126

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19950119

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 19950530