EP0775349B1

EP0775349B1 - Co-dispensing snack food products and beverages from a vending machine

Info

Publication number: EP0775349B1
Application number: EP95929480A
Authority: EP
Inventors: John L. Center; James William Stalder; Dale W. Elliott; John Michael Pennington
Original assignee: Recot Inc
Current assignee: Frito Lay North America Inc
Priority date: 1994-08-12
Filing date: 1995-08-11
Publication date: 2003-03-05
Anticipated expiration: 2015-08-11
Also published as: EP0775349A1; CN1159239A; AU3321895A; CA2197421C; JPH10504411A; CA2197421A1; EP0858058A3; ES2193199T3; KR100321447B1; DE69529826D1; WO1996005578A1; KR100321879B1; BR9508574A; KR100305359B1; EP0858058A2; ATE233928T1; MX9701118A; AU703172B2

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

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.

DE-A-4110368 discloses a snack stand including a number of automatic vending machines. Each vending machine may dispense two different products, each product being dispensed from a corresponding outlet.

US-A-4,899,790 discloses a machine for filling containers with a powdery product, such as freeze-dried food. The containers are passed on a conveyor under a number of filling nozzles which move in the direction of the conveyor.

EP-A- 411769 also discloses a machine for filing containers with a food product. When the containers have been filled they are sealed with foil.

US-A-5,176,287 discloses a can vending machine having two storage areas each associated with a respective dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanisms are located above a single outlet.

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

According to the present invention there is provided a process for dispensing beverages and snack food products from a single vending machine according to claim 1

According to the present invention there is also provided 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 and in communication with a single outlet, 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 said single 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 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 from said single outlet.

According to the present invention there is further provided 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 refrigeratedstorage portions, both of said refrigerated storage portions being configured to receive a plurality of containers having a substantially uniform size and shape; a pathway leading from the storage portions to a single 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 the selecting device and moves the selected container from the storage portion to the single 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 outlet; 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.

The present invention provides a process for co-dispensing beverages and snack food products from a single vending machine, i.e., dispensing both filled beverages containers and filled food product containers from the same vending machine. The food product containers 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 ccnventional, refrigerated soft drink vending machine to be adapted 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 preexisting soft drink vending machines.

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.

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 1B, 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 1B

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

FIG.5 is a plan view of the barrier door depicted in FIG. 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.6 is an elevation view of aportion of the barrier door of the vending machine depicted in FIG.4

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 adapted 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 permit a conventional soft drink vending machine with an adapted barrier door as described below 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. 1B, 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 anv size. For example, the containers may have a 350 or 500 cc (12 or 16 fluid ounce) capacity, or any other fluid capacity. Fluid capacity, of course, refers to both

containers

10 and 30 although only container 10 contains a beverage. The preferred capacity of both container 10 and container 30 is a 350 cc (12 fluid ounce) capacity, and, therefore, may be dispensed by a conventional soft drink vending machine with an adapted barrier door as described below.

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. 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 with an adapted barrier door as described below, 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 directs snack food containers to the outlet from the stacks in that storage portion.

Although those skilled in the art will appreciate the structure and function 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, when adapted 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.

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, when adapted 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.

FIG.4 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 the 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.4, 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. 4) 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.5 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. 4 ) . 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.5) 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.6 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.6) 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.5 and 6. 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 35-115kPa (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.

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 with an adapted barrier door. may be used to carry out the present invention.

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.

Claims

A process for dispensing beverages and snack food products from a single vending machine, the process comprising steps of:

providing a vending machine (200) having a storage portion (204) for storing containers (10,30) which have a size and shape so as to be receivable in the storage portion (204) of said vending machine, a single outlet (248) in communication with said storage portion, and a movable dispensing door (224) blocking the outlet (248), 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 (10) filled with a beverage in a first container section os the storage portion (204) of said vending machine (200), each of the plurality of filled beverage containers (10) having substantially the same size and shape, the first container section having a dispensing means disposed at an outlet of the first container section;

placing a plurality of containers (30) filled with a snack food product in a second container section of the storage portion (204) of said vending machine (200), each of the plurality of filled snack food containers (30) having a size and shape that are substantially the same as the size and shape of the filled beverage containers (10), the second container section having a dispersing means disposed at an outlet of the second container section ;and

providing the vending machine (200) with a mechanism (226) for opening the movable dispensing door (224) automatically at least when a snack food container is selected by the user;

whereby said vending machine (200) is capable of dispensing both a filled beverage container (10) and a filled snack food container (20) from said single outlet (248).
A process according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of beverage containers (10) and the plurality of snack food containers comprise an aluminium can with a sealed access opening (18,36).
A process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the beverage containers (10) and the snack food containers (30) comprising a cylindrically-shaped can which has about a 350cc (12 fluid ounce) capacity.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage portion (208) of said vending machine is refrigerated.
A process according to any preceding claim, wherein the mechanism (226) opens the dispensing door (224) only when a snack food container (30 is selected.
A process according to claim 5, wherein the mechanism (226) holds the dispensing door (224) open a certain period of time to permit the containers (10,30) to travel from the storage area to the dispensing door.
A process according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mechanism (226) includes a solenoid (227) which receives an electrical signal and moves a door-contacting member (228) that contacts and opens the dispensing door (224) at least when a snack food container is selected.
A process for dispensing both filled beverage containers (10) and filled snack food containers (30) from a vending machine (200) configured to dispense soft drink containers, the process comprising steps of:

providing a vending machine having at least first and second refrigerated storage portions (204), both of said refrigerated storage portions configured to receive a plurality of containers (10,30) and in communication with a single outlet, 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 (204) of the machine to a dispensing door (224) which opens to said single outlet (248);

placing a plurality of containers (10) filled with a beverage in the first refrigerated storage portion of said vending machine;

placing a plurality of containers (10) filled with a snack food product in the second refrigerated storage portion of said vending machine; and

automatically opening the dispensing door (224) at least each time a snack food container (30) is selected by a user whereby the selected container passes through the open door to the outlet (248) of the machine; through the open door to the outlet (248) of the machine;

whereby a user may obtain both a snack food product and a beverage from said vending machine from said single outlet.
A process according to claim 8, wherein the dispensing door (224) opens only when a snack food container (30) is selected.
A process according to claims 8 or 9, wherein dispensing door (224) is held open a certain period of time to permit the containers (10,30) to travel from the storage area to the outlet.
A process according to claim 8, wherein the dispensing door (224) is opened by a mechanism (226) comprising a solenoid (227) which receives an electrical signal and moves a door-contacting member (228) which contacts and opens the dispensing door (224) at least each time a snack food container (30) is selected.
A vending machine (200) for dispensing both filled beverage containers (10) and filled snack food containers (30), the vending machine configured to dispense a container through an outlet (248) when a user selects the container, the machine comprising:

at least first and second refrigerated storage portions (204), both of said refrigerated storage portions' being configured to receive a plurality of containers (10,30) having a substantially uniform size and shape;

a pathway (208) leading from the storage portions to a single dispensing door (224) which is opened to permit the containers to pass to the outlet (248) of the machine;

a selecting device for selecting either a beverage or snack food container (10,30) and a drive mechanism which is responsive to the selecting device and moves the selected container from the storage portion (204) to the single dispensing door (224);

a device for opening (226) the dispensing door when a user selects a snack food container (30) and keeping the door open to allow the snack food container to travel from the storage portion (204) to the outlet (248);

a plurality of containers (10) filled with a beverage being disposed in the first refrigerated storage portion of said vending machine; and

a plurality of containers (30) filled with a snack food product being disposed in the second refrigerated storage portion of said vending machine.
A vending machine according to claim 12, wherein the beverage containers (10) and the snack food containers (30) comprise a cylindrically-shaped can which has about a 350cc (12 fluid ounce) capacity.
A vending machine according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the opening device (226) opens the dispensing door (24) only when a snack food container is selected.
A vending machine according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the opening device (226) includes a solenoid (227) which receives an electrical signal and moves a door-contacting member (228) to contact and open the dispensing door (224) when a snack food container (30) is selected.
A vending machine according to claim 15, wherein the solenoid (227) is secured to the machine (200) and has an arm (230) attached to the door-contacting member (228), the door-contacting member is pivotally mounted and has an end (225) disposed away from the arm (230) of the solenoid (227) which contacts and opens the door (224) when the solenoid is actuated.
A vending machine according to any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the plurality of snack food containers (30) and the plurality of beverage containers (10) 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.