EP0775349B1 - Distribution conjointe d'en-cas et de boissons a partir d'un distributeur automatique - Google Patents

Distribution conjointe d'en-cas et de boissons a partir d'un distributeur automatique Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0775349B1
EP0775349B1 EP95929480A EP95929480A EP0775349B1 EP 0775349 B1 EP0775349 B1 EP 0775349B1 EP 95929480 A EP95929480 A EP 95929480A EP 95929480 A EP95929480 A EP 95929480A EP 0775349 B1 EP0775349 B1 EP 0775349B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
containers
snack food
vending machine
door
dispensing
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP95929480A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
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EP0775349A1 (fr
Inventor
John L. Center
James William Stalder
Dale W. Elliott
John Michael Pennington
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.)
Frito Lay North America Inc
Original Assignee
Recot Inc
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
Priority claimed from US08/289,537 external-priority patent/US5445287A/en
Priority claimed from US08/419,605 external-priority patent/US5613620A/en
Application filed by Recot Inc filed Critical Recot Inc
Priority to EP98200845A priority Critical patent/EP0858058A3/fr
Publication of EP0775349A1 publication Critical patent/EP0775349A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0775349B1 publication Critical patent/EP0775349B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • 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
    • A47F1/10—Racks or containers with arrangements for dispensing articles, e.g. by means of gravity or springs dispensing from bottom having mechanical dispensing means, e.g. with buttons or handles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/10—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other two or more magazines having a common delivery chute
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/72—Auxiliary equipment, e.g. for lighting cigars, opening bottles
    • 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
    • G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus

Definitions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • salty snack food products e.g. corn chips, cheese snacks, pretzels, etc.
  • these packaging films typically are complex laminated structures that provide moisture and oxygen barrier layers to prevent premature staling or loss of product freshness.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • a process for dispensing both filled beverage containers and filled snack food containers from a vending machine configured to dispense soft drink containers 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the present invention provides a process for co-dispensing beverages and food products from a single vending machine.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • containers 10 and 30 may be of anv size.
  • the containers may have a 350 or 500 cc (12 or 16 fluid ounce) capacity, or any other fluid capacity.
  • Fluid capacity 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.
  • vending machine 100 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.
  • the structure e.g. tracks
  • the structure 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the present invention includes a mechanism (indicated schematically at 226 in FIG. 4) for automatically opening the dispensing door 224 of barrier door 220.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the container 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the particular configuration of the door-contacting member is not critical and can be in any form which permits it to open the door.
  • a solenoid 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.
  • any type of vending machine may be used.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the mechanism could open the door automatically for every product selected if desired.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the present invention provides an improved process for dispensing both beverages and snack food products from a vending machine.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Confectionery (AREA)

Claims (17)

  1. Procédé pour distribuer des produits de boisson et d'en-cas avec un unique automate de vente, le procédé comportant les étapes consistant à:
    prévoir un automate de vente (200) présentant une partie de stockage (204) pour stocker des conteneurs (10, 30) qui ont une taille et une forme telles qu'ils peuvent être reçus dans la partie de stockage (204) dudit automate de vente, une unique sortie (248) en communication avec ladite partie de stockage et une porte mobile de distribution (224) bloquant la sortie (248), les conteneurs se déplaçant depuis la partie de stockage et par la porte de distribution ouverte jusqu'à la sortie lorsqu'ils sont sélectionnés par un utilisateur;
    placer une pluralité de conteneurs (10) remplis de boisson dans une première partie pour conteneurs de la partie de stockage (204) dudit automate de vente (200), chacun parmi la pluralité des conteneurs remplis de boisson (10) présentant essentiellement la même taille et la même forme, la première partie pour conteneurs présentant un moyen de distribution disposé à une sortie de la première partie pour conteneurs,
    placer une pluralité de conteneurs (30) remplis d'un produit d'en-cas dans la deuxième partie pour conteneurs de la partie de stockage (204) dudit automate de vente (200), chacun parmi la pluralité de conteneurs d'encas (30) ayant une taille et une forme qui sont essentiellement identiques à la taille et la forme des conteneurs remplis de boisson (10), la deuxième partie pour conteneurs présentant un moyen de distribution disposé à une sortie de la deuxième partie pour conteneurs; et
    doter l'automate de vente (200) d'un mécanisme (226) pour ouvrir automatiquement la porte mobile de distribution (224) au moins lorsqu'un conteneur d'en-cas est sélectionné par l'utilisateur;
    ledit automate de vente (200) étant capable de distribuer à la fois un conteneur (10) rempli de boisson et un conteneur (20) rempli d'en-cas par ladite unique ouverture (248).
  2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la pluralité de conteneurs de boisson (10) et la pluralité de conteneurs d'en-cas comprennent une canette en aluminium scellée et dotée d'une ouverture d'accès (18, 36).
  3. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel les conteneurs de boisson (10) et les conteneurs d'en-cas (30) comprennent une canette de forme cylindrique qui présente une capacité d'environ 350 cc (12 onces fluides).
  4. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la partie de stockage (208) dudit automate de vente est réfrigérée.
  5. Procédé selon Tune quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le mécanisme (226) ouvre la porte de distribution (224) uniquement lorsqu'un conteneur (30) d'en-cas est sélectionné.
  6. Procédé selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le mécanisme (226) garde la porte de distribution (224) ouverte pendant une certaine durée pour permettre aux conteneurs (10, 30) de se déplacer depuis la zone de stockage jusqu'à la porte de distribution.
  7. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel le mécanisme (226) comprend un solénoïde (227) qui reçoit un signal électrique et qui déplace un organe (228) d'engagement de porte qui engage et ouvre la porte de distribution (224) au moins lorsqu'un conteneur d'en-cas est sélectionné.
  8. Procédé pour distribuer à la fois des conteneurs (10) remplis de boisson et des conteneurs (30) remplis d'en-cas avec un automate de vente (200) configuré pour distribuer des conteneurs de boisson sucrée, le procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à:
    prévoir un automate de vente présentant au moins une première et une deuxième partie de stockage réfrigérées (204), lesdites deux parties de stockage réfrigérées étant configurées pour recevoir une pluralité de conteneurs (10, 30) et étant en communication avec une unique sortie, les conteneurs présentant une taille uniforme de telle sorte que lorsqu'elle est remplie, la machine contient une pluralité de conteneurs présentant une taille uniforme, l'automate de vente comprenant en outre des moyens pour sélectionner soit un conteneur de boisson soit un conteneur d'en-cas et des moyens, qui répondent aux moyens de sélection, pour libérer un conteneur sélectionné dans la partie de stockage (204) de l'automate vers une porte de distribution (224) qui s'ouvre sur ladite unique sortie (248);
    placer une pluralité de conteneurs (10) remplis de boisson dans la première partie de stockage réfrigérée dudit automate de vente;
    placer une pluralité de conteneurs (10) remplis d'un produit d'en-cas dans la deuxième partie de stockage réfrigérée dudit automate de vente; et
    ouvrir automatiquement la porte de distribution (224) au moins chaque fois qu'un conteneur (30) d'en-cas est sélectionné par un utilisateur, le conteneur sélectionné traversant la porte ouverte pour se rendre à la sortie (248) de l'automate;
    un utilisateur pouvant obtenir à la fois un produit d'en-cas et une boisson dudit automate de vente par ladite unique sortie.
  9. Procédé selon la revendication 8, dans lequel la porte de distribution (224) ne s'ouvre que lorsqu'un conteneur (30) d'en-cas est sélectionné.
  10. Procédé selon les revendications 8 ou 9, dans lequel la porte de distribution (224) est maintenue ouverte pendant une certaine durée pour permettre aux conteneurs (10, 30) de se déplacer depuis la zone de stockage jusqu'à la sortie.
  11. Procédé selon la revendication 8, dans lequel la porte de distribution (224) est ouverte par un mécanisme (226) qui comprend un solénoïde (227) qui reçoit un signal électrique et qui déplace un organe d'engagement de porte (228) qui engage et ouvre la porte de distribution (224) au moins chaque fois qu'un conteneur d'en-cas (30) est sélectionné.
  12. Automate de vente (200) pour distribuer à la fois des conteneurs (10) remplis de boisson et des conteneurs (30) remplis d'en-cas, l'automate de vente étant configuré pour distribuer un conteneur par une sortie (248) lorsqu'un utilisateur sélectionne le conteneur, la machine comprenant:
    au moins une première et une deuxième partie de stockage réfrigérées (204), lesdites deux parties de stockage réfrigérées étant configurées pour recevoir une pluralité de conteneurs (10, 30) présentant une taille et une forme essentiellement uniformes;
    un parcours (208) conduisant des parties de stockage jusqu'à une unique porte de distribution (224) qui est ouverte pour permettre aux conteneurs de passer vers la sortie (248) de l'automate;
    un dispositif de sélection pour sélectionner soit un conteneur de boisson soit un conteneur d'en-cas (10, 30) et un mécanisme d'entraínement qui répond au dispositif de sélection et qui déplace le conteneur sélectionné depuis la partie de stockage (204) jusqu'à l'unique porte de distribution (224);
    un dispositif (226) pour ouvrir la porte de distribution lorsqu'un utilisateur sélectionne un conteneur d'en-cas (30) et pour maintenir la porte ouverte pour permettre aux conteneurs d'en-cas de se déplacer depuis la partie de stockage (204) jusqu'à la sortie (248);
    une pluralité de conteneurs (10) remplis d'une boisson étant disposée dans la première partie de stockage réfrigérée dudit automate de vente; et
    une pluralité de conteneurs (30) remplis d'un produit d'en-cas étant disposée dans la deuxième partie de stockage réfrigérée dudit automate de vente.
  13. Automate de vente selon la revendication 12, dans lequel les conteneurs de boisson (10) et les conteneurs d'en-cas (30) comprennent une canette de forme cylindrique qui présente une capacité d'environ 350 cc (12 onces fluides).
  14. Automate de vente selon les revendications 12 ou 13, dans lequel le dispositif d'ouverture (226) ouvre la porte de distribution (24) uniquement lorsqu'un conteneur d'en-cas est sélectionné.
  15. Automate de vente selon l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 14, dans lequel le dispositif d'ouverture (226) comprend un solénoïde (227) qui reçoit un signal électrique qui déplace un organe d'engagement de porte (228) pour engager et ouvrir la porte de distribution (224) lorsqu'un conteneur d'en-cas (30) est sélectionné.
  16. Automate de vente selon la revendication 15, dans lequel le solénoïde (227) est fixé à l'automate (200) et présente un bras (230) relié à l'organe d'engagement de porte (228), l'organe d'engagement de porte étant monté à pivotement et présentant une extrémité (225) disposée à distance du bras (230) du solénoïde (227) qui engage et ouvre la porte (224) lorsque le solénoïde est actionné.
  17. Automate de vente selon l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 16, dans lequel la pluralité de conteneurs d'en-cas (30) et la pluralité de conteneurs de boisson (10) présentent une taille essentiellement uniforme de telle sorte que la première et la deuxième partie de stockage dudit automate peuvent recevoir soit les conteneurs d'en-cas soit les conteneurs de boisson.
EP95929480A 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Distribution conjointe d'en-cas et de boissons a partir d'un distributeur automatique Expired - Lifetime EP0775349B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP98200845A EP0858058A3 (fr) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Distribution conjointe d'un-cas et de boissons a partir d'un distributeur automatique

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/289,537 US5445287A (en) 1994-08-12 1994-08-12 Co-dispensing snack food products and beverages from a vending machine
US289537 1994-08-12
US08/419,605 US5613620A (en) 1994-08-12 1995-04-10 Co-dispensing snack food products and beverages from a vending machine
US419605 1995-04-10
US48266095A 1995-06-07 1995-06-07
US482660 1995-06-07
PCT/US1995/010222 WO1996005578A1 (fr) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Distribution conjointe d'en-cas et de boissons a partir d'un distributeur automatique

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98200845A Division EP0858058A3 (fr) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Distribution conjointe d'un-cas et de boissons a partir d'un distributeur automatique

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0775349A1 EP0775349A1 (fr) 1997-05-28
EP0775349B1 true EP0775349B1 (fr) 2003-03-05

Family

ID=27403901

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98200845A Withdrawn EP0858058A3 (fr) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Distribution conjointe d'un-cas et de boissons a partir d'un distributeur automatique
EP95929480A Expired - Lifetime EP0775349B1 (fr) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Distribution conjointe d'en-cas et de boissons a partir d'un distributeur automatique

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98200845A Withdrawn EP0858058A3 (fr) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Distribution conjointe d'un-cas et de boissons a partir d'un distributeur automatique

Country Status (12)

Country Link
EP (2) EP0858058A3 (fr)
JP (1) JPH10504411A (fr)
KR (3) KR100305359B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN1159239A (fr)
AT (1) ATE233928T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU703172B2 (fr)
BR (1) BR9508574A (fr)
CA (1) CA2197421C (fr)
DE (1) DE69529826D1 (fr)
ES (1) ES2193199T3 (fr)
MX (1) MX9701118A (fr)
WO (1) WO1996005578A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE1010790A3 (nl) * 1997-03-05 1999-01-05 Frans Christiaan Vangertruyden Verpakking voor pralines.
EP1063621A1 (fr) * 1999-06-25 2000-12-27 FAS International S.p.A. Une machine de vente pour des produits solides et liquides
AU4724199A (en) 1999-06-28 2001-01-31 Procter & Gamble Company, The Co-dispensing containers of different relative weights from a vending machine
US20050208186A1 (en) * 2004-03-22 2005-09-22 Kirkland Mark R Vendable sandwich and food products
US7793797B2 (en) 2004-05-05 2010-09-14 Nestec S.A. Capsule-dispensing cabinet for supplying machines for the preparation of drinks or other food preparations
GB0504861D0 (en) * 2005-03-09 2005-04-13 Green Adam L Package dispenser
DE202009012335U1 (de) 2009-09-10 2011-01-20 Fischer, Rouven Gesteuerte Zapfanlage
JP6157867B2 (ja) * 2013-02-05 2017-07-05 株式会社ライズ・アップ 非常用商品搬出機構を備えた自動販売機
BE1024967B1 (nl) * 2017-09-01 2018-08-29 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Nv Automatisch verkoopautomaat voor drankblikken
BE1025543B1 (nl) 2017-09-01 2019-04-08 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Nv Openingshulpmiddel voor drankblikken
CN108230556A (zh) * 2018-01-11 2018-06-29 杭州纳戒科技有限公司 自助售货设备及系统

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3245806A (en) * 1962-05-28 1966-04-12 Marlen Equipment Company Method and apparatus for inserting frankfurters into containers
US4326568A (en) * 1980-02-07 1982-04-27 Rexham Corporation Packaging machine with continuous motion filler
GB2089191B (en) * 1980-12-10 1985-03-20 Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd Method and apparatus for making a hermetically sealed food container
US4730750A (en) * 1986-04-30 1988-03-15 Unidynamics Corporation Vending machine for dispensing refrigerated and unrefrigerated foods
DE8712068U1 (de) * 1987-09-05 1987-11-05 Ostma Maschinenbau GmbH, 53909 Zülpich Abfüllvorrichtung für pulverförmige Produkte
GB8917810D0 (en) * 1989-08-03 1989-09-20 Metal Box Plc Machine for filling containers with a food product
DE4110368A1 (de) * 1991-03-28 1992-10-01 Automaten Ag Snackskiosk
US5176287A (en) * 1991-06-28 1993-01-05 Dixie-Narco, Inc. Can vending machine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3321895A (en) 1996-03-07
WO1996005578A1 (fr) 1996-02-22
JPH10504411A (ja) 1998-04-28
EP0858058A3 (fr) 2000-05-17
CA2197421A1 (fr) 1996-02-22
DE69529826D1 (de) 2003-04-10
CN1159239A (zh) 1997-09-10
CA2197421C (fr) 2001-06-05
KR100321447B1 (ko) 2002-03-18
EP0858058A2 (fr) 1998-08-12
KR100305359B1 (ko) 2001-09-28
EP0775349A1 (fr) 1997-05-28
ES2193199T3 (es) 2003-11-01
BR9508574A (pt) 2002-05-07
KR100321879B1 (ko) 2002-02-01
MX9701118A (es) 1997-05-31
ATE233928T1 (de) 2003-03-15
AU703172B2 (en) 1999-03-18

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