EP1105024B1 - Distributeurs de produits - Google Patents

Distributeurs de produits Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1105024B1
EP1105024B1 EP99936847A EP99936847A EP1105024B1 EP 1105024 B1 EP1105024 B1 EP 1105024B1 EP 99936847 A EP99936847 A EP 99936847A EP 99936847 A EP99936847 A EP 99936847A EP 1105024 B1 EP1105024 B1 EP 1105024B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
packages
container
dispensing member
dispenser
dispenser according
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
EP99936847A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1105024A1 (fr
Inventor
Ian Alexander Webb
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.)
Gillette Co LLC
Original Assignee
Gillette Co LLC
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 Gillette Co LLC filed Critical Gillette Co LLC
Publication of EP1105024A1 publication Critical patent/EP1105024A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1105024B1 publication Critical patent/EP1105024B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • G07F11/16—Delivery means
    • G07F11/18—Recessed drawers
    • 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
    • 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
    • A47F1/12—Racks or containers with arrangements for dispensing articles, e.g. by means of gravity or springs dispensing from the side of an approximately horizontal stack
    • A47F1/125—Racks or containers with arrangements for dispensing articles, e.g. by means of gravity or springs dispensing from the side of an approximately horizontal stack with an article-pushing device
    • A47F1/126—Racks or containers with arrangements for dispensing articles, e.g. by means of gravity or springs dispensing from the side of an approximately horizontal stack with an article-pushing device the pushing device being urged by spring means

Definitions

  • This invention is concerned with dispensers for storing a supply of separate product packages and presenting the packages for removal by customers in a self-select retail environment in which customers collect items they wish to purchase and pay for the selected items at a so-called check-out station.
  • security can be a problem, and in particular small packages of consumable products having a relatively high sales value can be stolen with several packages of the same product being taken at the same time.
  • dispensers which are designed to enable removal of only one package at a time, but it is still possible for a person to remove packages rapidly one after another since as soon as one package is removed from such a dispenser the next package is presented at the position for removal.
  • US-A-4682826 describes a package dispenser including a container for holding a vertical stack of packages, a dispensing opening being located at the bottom of the container and being dimensioned to permit packages to be removed only one at a time.
  • a lockable closure is arranged to cover the dispensing opening to prevent removal of packages, but when released to permit access to the dispenser contents the rate at which packages can be removed is not impeded.
  • a dispenser comprising a container for holding a stack of packages to be advanced in turn to a removal location from which individual packages can be removed from the container, a dispensing member for receiving an individual package at the removal location and movable relative to the container from a closed position to an open position in which the received package is presented for removal, in the closed position the dispensing member preventing removal of packages from the container and in the open position only that package previously received by the dispensing member being removable, and a device for retarding return movement of the dispensing member from the open position to the closed position for restricting the rate at which packages can be removed by repeated actuation of the dispensing member.
  • the dispenser of the invention can take various forms. Conveniently the dispensing member is movable manually from the closed position to the open position, although it could be spring actuated and be released, for example, by customer actuation of a handle or button.
  • Return movement of the dispensing member from the fully open position to the closed position is preferably effected by a return spring coupled to the dispensing member, such as a constant tension coil spring.
  • the retarding device may comprise a rotary damper which permits substantially free movement of the dispensing member from the closed to the open position and brakes the closing movement of the dispensing member.
  • rotary dampers are known in the art and consist of a rotor which rotates in a fluid-filled container, the fluid providing much greater resistance to the rotor blades or arms during one direction of rotation compared with the resistance to rotation in the opposite direction.
  • an arresting mechanism may be provided to lock the dispensing member against closing while the force continues to be applied.
  • a locking member may engage with a pinion through which the rotary damper is driven by the dispensing member to lock the pinion against rotation.
  • the packages may be stacked in the container so that they are urged towards the removal location under their own weight, or the packages can be stacked generally horizontally and be pressed forwardly towards the removal location by a pusher which can be acted upon by a coil spring as known per se in dispensing containers for maintaining packages at a forward location.
  • a dispenser with a container arranged to hold a generally upright stack the dispensing member is conveniently slidable transversely to the stack for movement between the open and closed position. More particularly the dispensing member can be a horizontally movable drawer-like member arranged to receive the lowermost package in the stack when in the closed position and to slide that package away from the stack when moved forwardly to the open position.
  • the stack retaining member may consist of a platform which can be made integrally with the dispensing member, but in an especially convenient embodiment the stack retaining member comprises a flexible member connected to a return spring acting on the dispensing member, and more particularly the stack retaining member is formed by an integral part of a coiled return spring.
  • the dispensing member is mounted for pivotal movement.
  • the dispensing member and be generally upright and pivotable about an axis adjacent a bottom of the dispensing member, a package at the removal location being carried to pivot with the dispensing member.
  • a restraining device provided for restraining forward displacement of the remaining packages when the dispensing member is pivoted open may be carried by the container and be arranged to define and stop against which the forward most package in the stack abuttingly engages, the stop being displaced to disengage the forward most package when the dispensing member approaches a fully closed position.
  • the restraining device consists of an abutment element carried on the dispensing member, and the abutment element can conveniently be constituted by a platform on which the package in the removal location rests.
  • the container is upwardly elongated for holding the stack of packages, and at least one opening is disposed along the container to facilitate controlled loading of packages into the container while deterring removal of packages from the stack by reversal of the loading procedure.
  • a series of substantially parallel slots extends along the container to allow introduction of respective packages into the container through adjacent slots.
  • the slots are laterally inclined so that packages stacked within the container are misaligned with the slots and are not easily removable therethrough due to the dividers separating adjacent slots impeding such removal.
  • a loading opening through which a group several packages can be inserted is provided near or at the top of the container, and a slot extends downwardly from the loading opening to enable the group of packages to be lowered onto the stack of packages already in the container.
  • a means associated with the slot impedes lifting of packages from the stack housed in the container to the loading opening and may comprise resilient elements which hinge or flex to enable fingers holding the packages to move down along the slot, but prevent upward movement of the fingers along the slot.
  • Another system comprises rotary members with arms which protrude into the slot, the rotary members being rotatable only in one direction whereby to allow fingers to move downwardly along the slot, but to obstruct movement of the fingers upwardly along the slot.
  • a window opening formed in the front of the dispensing member, the window opening having a structure associated therewith so that packages can be inserted into the container through the window opening, but removal of packages through the window opening is prevented.
  • the structure conveniently comprises elements, such as flexible flaps disposed along the edges of the window opening and adapted to deflect to allow introduction of packages into the container.
  • FIGS 1-3 illustrate a dispenser 1 which is adapted to deliver in a time controlled manner individual packages 2.
  • the packages may consist of any small products or packs containing such products, although for purposes of illustration each of packages depicted in the drawings comprises safety razor cartridges 2 enclosed within a sealed cardboard pack 3 fixedly mounted on a backing card 4, such packages being well known per se and being typical of the manner in which razor cartridges are packaged for sale to consumers.
  • the dispenser 1 includes an elongated, upright hopper or container 5 of rectangular cross section to complement the peripheral shape of the packages 2, the container being arranged to receive and hold a vertical stack of the packages.
  • a dispensing mechanism comprising a dispensing member 6 having the general form of a drawer mounted for horizontal sliding movement relative to the container 5 between a normally closed position (Fig. 1) and an open position (Fig. 2).
  • An upwardly open recess 8 defined in the drawer 6 has a shape and depth to match the packages 2 so that, when the drawer is in the closed position (Fig. 1) the drawer recess can receive and accommodate a single package, this being the lowermost package in the stack of packages stored within the dispenser.
  • the drawer recess 8 defines a removal location towards which the packages 2 are advanced in turn under gravity for successive delivery of the packages from the dispenser, as will become clear.
  • a pull handle 10 is attached to the drawer front and a pair of laterally spaced coil springs 12 mounted in a lower housing part 14 of the dispenser have their free ends attached to the rear of the drawer.
  • the springs 12 are of a metal ribbon type which has the characteristic of exerting a substantially constant return force as the free ends are drawn away from the spring coils.
  • straight spring sections 13 are created which lie in a plane substantially level with the top of the drawer and which form a retaining member to support the packages 2 which remain stacked in the container 5 above the drawer 6 during the actuation of the drawer to remove the package received by the drawer and in the removal location.
  • the return springs 12 apply a return force for retracting the drawer back into the dispenser after the drawer has been pulled to its open position by a manual force applied by gripping the drawer handle 10.
  • the speed of movement of the drawer 6 from the closed position to the open position is essentially uninhibited, but the return movement in the opposite direction is retarded by a rotary damper 20 so that it takes a predetermined finite time for the drawer 6 to move from the open position to the closed position and as a consequence a time delay is built into the dispenser to restrict the speed at which it can be operated to deliver several packages for removal.
  • the rotary damper 20 has a rotor which rotates within a sealed chamber containing a fluid and which is fast with a drive spindle on which a driving pinion 16 is carried.
  • the damper 20 is mounted in the lower housing part 14 of the dispenser and the pinion 16 is in mesh with a toothed rack 17 disposed on the underside of the drawer 6.
  • the damper 20 only impedes or brakes the drawer movement in the return direction.
  • the dispenser operates to provide controlled delivery of packages.
  • the container 5 has been loaded with a stack of packages although the way in which the packages are loaded into the container will be described later.
  • the normal rest condition of the dispenser is as illustrated in Figure 1.
  • a customer selecting one of the packages to purchase opens the drawer 6 by pulling on the handle 10.
  • the drawer 6 is moved to the open position shown in figure 2, the package 2 initially in the removal location in the drawer recess 8 then being presented to the customer for removal from the dispenser.
  • the customer releases the drawer and removes the package.
  • the return springs 12 meanwhile have prevented the remaining packages 2 remaining stacked within the container from moving downwardly.
  • an arresting mechanism may be provided to lock the drawer against further return movement if such a pushing force is applied.
  • a mechanism is illustrated in Figs 4 and 5.
  • the drawer handle 10 according to this modification is capable of limited back and forth movement relative to the drawer 6 and is urged forwardly relative to the drawer by a spring 22 positioned to act between them.
  • the handle is coupled to a toothed rack 24 which faces the rack 17.
  • the rotary damper 20 is mounted on the bottom wall of the lower housing part 14 and the rack 17 is disposed on the drawer to face laterally.
  • the pinion 16 is in constant mesh with the rack 17, but is normally disengaged from the rack 24 as seen in Figure 4.
  • the rack 24 is connected by live hinges 25 to a pair of parallel arms 26 which are pivoted to the side wall of the lower housing part 14 and extend in a forwardly inclined disposition. If the handle 10 is pushed so that the spring 22 is compressed, the rack 24 is displaced rearwardly and, due to the arms 26, is moved laterally to bring it into mesh with the pinion 16, as shown in Fig. 5, and as a consequence the pinion 16 is locked against rotation as the opposed racks 17,24 are trying to rotate it in opposite directions. Thereby, continued return movement of the drawer 6 is prevented until the handle 10 is relieved of the pushing force and the rack 24 disengages the pinion 16.
  • Figs 12-14 show an embodiment in which a rigid platform 28 is provided by a rearward extension to the drawer 6.
  • This dispenser is otherwise constructed and functions to dispense packages in the same way as described with reference to Figs 1-3.
  • Figs 15 and 16 Another possibility is illustrated in Figs 15 and 16 where a shutter-like restraining member 29 with several hinged sections is provided and is coupled between the rear of the drawer 6 and the return spring 12, this member 29 being guided to move from a vertical location to the rear of the container 5 (Fig. 15) to a horizontal position for holding up the stack of packages 2 in the container when the drawer is opened, as shown in Fig 16.
  • the packages are dispensed by opening and closing the drawer 6 and a device such as a rotary damper will be provided to slow down the return movement of the drawer although this device is not visible in Figs 15 and 16.
  • the container 5 of the dispenser shown in Figs 1-3 has a front wall 30 with a series of loading slots 32 along its length.
  • the slots which are shaped and dimensioned to according to the individual packages 2, are separated by thin dividers 34 which are parallel and laterally inclined, as best seen in Figure 7.
  • the slot dividers 34 are also inclined from front to rear, but this is not important and they may alternatively be level or slope upwardly in the front to rear direction.
  • the slots 32 enable groups of several packages 2 to be loaded into the container 5 simultaneously, as illustrated in the upper part of Fig. 1, by the packages being aligned with and inserted through respective slots, preferably just above the level of packages already stacked in the container 5.
  • the container front wall 30 may be exposed it is preferable to provide a hinged or removable cover 36, as shown in Fig. 6, which will of course not interfere with operation of the dispenser drawer 6.
  • the cover 36 is equipped with a viewing window 37 enabling shop staff to view a restricted area of the loading slots 32 and hence the packages 2 within the dispenser container so that it can easily be seen when the dispenser needs refiling with packages, for which purpose the front cover 36 will be opened or detached.
  • a larger access opening 38 may be provided towards the lower end of the container front wall 30 to allow the fingers of a hand to be inserted to reorganise the packages 2.
  • the access opening 38 is not of sufficient size to allow packages to be extracted through it, however.
  • a dispenser equipped with an access opening 38 and the packages being jumbled within it In this dispenser the loading slots 32 are not inclined, which will be acceptable if the slots are narrow enough to make it difficult to remove the packages through them, or perhaps if the cover 36 has a locking device so that only authorised personnel can gain access to the loading slots.
  • FIG. 10 An alternative loading opening arrangement is illustrated in Figure 10.
  • a large opening 40 is provided adjacent the upper end of the container front wall 30, this opening being of sufficient size to enable a group of several packages 2 to be introduced into the container.
  • Extending downwardly from the large opening is a comparatively narrow slot 41 which allows the group of packages introduced to be lowered in a controlled manner onto the packages already stacked in the container 5, for example by moving a finger and thumb between which the group of packages is held down along the slot 41.
  • pairs of opposed inclined flexible elements, such as prongs or flaps 42 are provided along the vertical sides of the slot 41. The prongs or flaps hinge or flex downwardly to enable package loading by the method described, but they close together and become rigid if attempt is made to pivot or flex them upwardly, as would be necessary to lift packages towards the large opening 40.
  • FIG. 11 shows one such alternative provided by rotary members 44 which can rotate in one direction only, these members having arms 45 which protrude into and will obstruct movement of a finger along the slot although such movement downwardly is enabled by the permitted rotation of the members 44.
  • the dispenser 50 of Figure 17 has a container 55 in which the packages are stacked horizontally.
  • the container has a raised floor 52 along which the packages 2 are urged to slide forwardly in upright orientation by a pusher 57 acted upon by a spring 59 which may be the same type as the return springs 12 described above and can be arranged as illustrated schematically in Fig. 27.
  • An alternative arrangement is for the coiled spring to be carried on the rear of the pusher 57 with an end portion of the spring extending forwardly under the floor 52 and being anchored at a position near the front of the container.
  • a pivotal dispensing member having the general form of a door 56 hinged to pivot about a horizontal axis located adjacent the bottom edge of the door.
  • the door 56 is pivotable from an upright closed position in which it closes the forward end of the container and the packages 2 in the dispenser are inaccessible, through an angle of about 10° to 20°, e.g. around 15°, to an open position in which a single package 2 is presented for removal.
  • Rigid with dispensing door 56 is short platform 58 which aligns with the floor 52 of the container when the door is closed, and in this position of the door the forwardmost package 2 in the container is received on the platform 58 and thereby located at the removal location ready to be dispensed.
  • a segment-shaped side member 60 Fixedly attached to the door 56 is a segment-shaped side member 60 which is positioned adjacent a side wall of the container 55 and which moves in its own plane when the door pivots.
  • a protruding tooth 62 on this side member cooperates with a stop 63 fixed to the container 55 to define the fully open position of the dispensing door 56.
  • a tension spring 64 is coupled between the side member 60 and the bottom wall 65 of the container 55 and acts as a return spring to bias the door 56 to the closed position.
  • a arcuate edge portion of the side member 60 defines a toothed rack 67 which is in mesh with an idler pinion 68 which in turn meshes with a drive pinion 69 of a rotary damper 20 of the same kind as that described above in connection with Figures 1-3.
  • the return spring 64 serves to move the door 56 from the open position to the closed position, but the speed of this movement is retarded by the rotary damper.
  • the operation of the dispenser will be understood from the foregoing description.
  • the door 56 is pivoted open by pulling on the handle 70 attached to the door and then package 2 at the removal location and resting on the door platform 58 is presented for removal, but the remaining packages remain inaccessible.
  • the spring 64 causes the door to pivot back to its closed position at a speed controlled by the rotary damper 20 (Fig. 18). Assuming the package previously presented had been removed, when the door reaches the closed position the packages within the container 55 are moved forwardly by the pusher 57 advancing the front package into the removal location ready to be presented for removal when the door 56 is next opened.
  • packages are easy for bona fide customers to acquire, rapid removal of many packages from the dispenser is not possible.
  • Figures 21 to 27 illustrate a modified form of the dispenser of Figs. 17 and 18.
  • the toothed sector 80 of the door side member 82 meshes with the drive pinion 84 of the rotary damper 20, and this pinion is also in mesh with a gear 85 which is acted upon by a coil return spring 86.
  • the return spring 86 acts to close the door 56 with the speed of closure being retarded by the rotary damper 20.
  • there are resilient fingers 88 integral with the container side walls Fig. 24.
  • the fingers have cam faces and camming elements 90 extending rearwardly from the door 56 cooperate with these cam faces so that the fingers 88 are moved to a disengaged position (Fig.
  • Figs. 21-26 may incorporate the same pusher arrangement as described above and shown in Fig. 27.
  • the coil spring 59 of this arrangement is revealed by an opening 92 at the front of the container 55 and the spring 59 carries some form of indication along its length so that it can be seen when the dispenser is in need of refilling.
  • the pivotally opening and closing dispensing member i.e. the door 56 of the dispenser illustrated in Figs. 17-20 has a window 94 allowing the contents of the dispenser to be ascertained visually, and more particularly allows the package 2 located immediately behind the door in the removal location to be clearly seen.
  • the window 94 serves as a loading opening permitting introduction into the dispenser of packages to be dispensed whilst preventing removal of packages from the dispenser through this opening 94.
  • the opening 94 is rectangular and of sufficient size to enable a group of packages 2 to be pushed into the container through this opening, as depicted by the arrow in Fig. 20, any packages already within the container dispenser and the pusher 57 being pushed back by the fresh packages loaded through the opening 94 of the door.
  • inwardly and rearwardly inclined elements constituted by flaps 96 which together provide a structure to block packages from passing out through the opening 94 whilst allowing their insertion through this opening, the flaps 96 being arranged to flex or hinge resiliently inwardly, as indicated by the arrows to permit packages to enter the container 55, but being incapable of flexing or pivoting outwardly so that packages are prevented from passing outwardly through the door opening 94.
  • Figures 28-35 illustrate dispensers 100 which are generally similar to the dispenser of Figures 1 to 7, at least in the manner in which the dispensers store and dispense packages.
  • the same reference numerals, increased by one hundred, are used to denote parts corresponding to those denoted by those reference numerals in the earlier figures.
  • the dispensers 100 of Figures 28-35 are arranged to make more efficient use of the shelf depth generally available in product display units commonly installed in self-select retail outlets.
  • the dispenser container 105 is adapted to receive and hold two vertical stacks of packages 102 positioned one behind the other.
  • a dispensing drawer 106 which may be constructed and arranged to operate exactly as described above in connection with Figs 1-3 for dispensing packages in turn from the front stack.
  • a second dispensing drawer 106' is disposed below the first dispensing drawer 106 and is operable independently for dispensing containers 102 from the rear stack.
  • the recess 108' of the drawer 106' is of sufficient length to receive two packages 102 located one behind the other.
  • Hinged or resiliently flexible fingers 201 are positioned at the sides of the lower housing part 114 to be slightly forward of the front wall of the container compartment holding the rear stack of packages, and to engage between the two packages carried on the dispensing drawer 106' when this drawer is in its closed position (Figs. 28 and 32).
  • the dispensing drawer 106' has return springs 112' and a rotary damper 120' as described in relation to Figures 1-3.
  • the springs 112' serve to support the packages stacked in the rear compartment of the dispenser container 105 although this could instead be done by a rear extension on the drawer 106'.
  • the drawer 106' reaches its forwardmost position (Fig. 31) the more forward package (a) on the drawer can be lifted away and removed from the dispenser.
  • the springs 112' retract the drawer 106', but the fingers 201 are now positioned behind the package (b) remaining in the drawer recess 108' and act as a stop to prevent this package from moving rearwardly with the drawer.
  • both drawers 106,106' of the dispenser 100 may be equipped with a mechanism, e.g. as described above with reference to Figures 4 and 5, to prevent forced rapid closing of the drawers in order to thwart attempt to remove large numbers of packages from the dispenser in a short time.
  • the housing of the dispenser 100 is supported on a mounting bracket 210 and is slidable relative to the bracket from a normal dispensing position to a loading position, as shown in Figure 29, facilitating access to loading openings 140,141 provided in the side wall of the dispenser container 105 for inserting packages into the front and rear compartments in which the respective stacks of packages are held and stored ready to be dispensed.
  • the loading openings 140,141 are as described above in relation to Fig. 10, but they could take alternative forms, e.g. as described above in relation to other figures, such as a series of slots for insertion of respective packages.
  • the slidable mounting of the dispenser housing means that several dispensers 100 can be positioned side-by-side without creating loading difficulties, as illustrated by Figure 29.
  • the dispenser housing is mounted to the support bracket for pivotal movement between a normal upright dispensing position (Fig. 34) and a substantially horizontal loading position.
  • a top opening 220 of the container 105 faces to the front to facilitate insertion of groups of packages 102 into the respective compartments of the container.
  • Holes 138 provided in at least one side wall of the container 105 provide access to enable any misalignment of the packages in the container compartments to be corrected.
  • An arm 222 linked between the dispenser housing and the support bracket limits the permitted pivotal movement of the housing.

Claims (24)

  1. Distributeur de paquets comprenant :
    un conteneur (5 ; 55 ; 105') pour contenir une pile de paquets (2 ; 102) devant avancer tour à tour à un emplacement d'enlèvement d'où les paquets individuels peuvent être enlevés du conteneur ;
    un élément distributeur (6 ; 56 ; 106, 106') pour recevoir un paquet individuel à l'emplacement d'enlèvement et mobile par rapport au conteneur d'une position fermée à une position ouverte dans laquelle le paquet reçu est présenté pour être enlevé, l'élément distributeur empêchant, dans la position fermée, l'enlèvement des paquets du conteneur et, dans la position ouverte, seul le paquet préalablement reçu par l'élément distributeur pouvant être enlevé ; et
    un dispositif (20 ; 120) pour ralentir le mouvement de retour de l'élément distributeur (6 ; 56 ; 106 ; 106') de la position ouverte à la position fermée afin de limiter la vitesse à laquelle les paquets peuvent enlevés par l'actionnement répété de l'élément distributeur.
  2. Distributeur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'élément distributeur (6 ; 56 ; 106 ; 106') est mobile de la position fermée à la position ouverte par actionnement manuel direct.
  3. Distributeur selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel un ressort de rappel (12 ; 64 ; 112) est couplé à l'élément distributeur (6 ; 56 ; 106 ; 106') pour déplacer l'élément distributeur de la position ouverte à la position fermée.
  4. Distributeur selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, dans lequel le dispositif ralentisseur comprend un amortisseur rotatif (20 ; 120) qui permet un déplacement sensiblement libre de l'élément distributeur (6 ; 56 ; 106 ; 106') de la position fermée à la position ouverte, et freine le déplacement de l'élément distributeur de la position ouverte à la position fermée.
  5. Distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel le conteneur (5 ; 105) est agencé pour contenir les paquets (2 ; 102) empilés les uns sur les autres, les paquets avançant vers l'emplacement d'enlèvement par gravité.
  6. Distributeur selon la revendication 5, dans lequel l'élément distributeur (6 ; 106 ; 106') peut coulisser entre les positions ouverte et fermée dans une direction transversale à la pile de paquets.
  7. Distributeur selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans lequel le conteneur (5 ; 105) est agencé pour contenir une pile sensiblement verticale de paquets (2 ; 102) et l'élément distributeur (6 ; 106 ; 106') est mobile dans une direction sensiblement horizontale.
  8. Distributeur selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le conteneur (105) comprend deux compartiments pour recevoir les piles respectives de paquets (102) situées l'une derrière l'autre, et des éléments distributeurs actionnables indépendamment (106 ; 106') disposés l'un au-dessus de l'autre pour distribuer les paquets des piles respectives.
  9. Distributeur selon la revendication 7 ou 8, dans lequel le distributeur a un support (210), le conteneur (5 , 105) du distributeur étant réglable par rapport au support d'une position de distribution à une position de chargement pour faciliter l'insertion de paquets dans le conteneur.
  10. Distributeur selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le conteneur (5 ; 105) du distributeur est couplé de manière coulissante au support (210).
  11. Distributeur selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le conteneur (5 ; 105) du distributeur est couplé de manière pivotante au support (210) pour se déplacer entre des dispositions sensiblement verticale et sensiblement horizontale.
  12. Distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel le conteneur (55) est agencé pour contenir des paquets (2) dans une pile disposée dans une direction générale horizontale, et un élément de poussée (57) est prévu pour agir sur un paquet le plus en arrière de la pile pour pousser les paquets en avant vers l'emplacement d'enlèvement.
  13. Distributeur selon la revendication 12, dans lequel l'élément distributeur (56) est monté pour pivoter entre les positions fermée et ouverte.
  14. Distributeur selon la revendication 13, dans lequel l'élément distributeur (56) est dans une position générale verticale et peut pivoter autour d'un axe proche du fond de l'élément distributeur (56).
  15. Distributeur selon la revendication 13 ou 14, dans lequel le paquet (2) reçu par l'élément distributeur (56) à l'emplacement d'enlèvement est porté par l'élément distributeur pour pivoter avec lui.
  16. Distributeur selon la revendication 13, 14 ou 15, dans lequel un dispositif de retenue (88) est prévu pour limiter le déplacement en avant des paquets derrière le paquet à l'emplacement d'enlèvement lorsque l'élément distributeur (56) pivote de la position fermée vers la position ouverte.
  17. Distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 16, dans lequel l'élément distributeur (56) porte une crémaillère dentée (67) qui s'engrène avec un pignon (68) pour entraíner un amortisseur rotatif (20) qui ralentit le mouvement de fermeture de l'élément distributeur (56).
  18. Distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4 ou 12 à 17, dans lequel le distributeur comprend une ouverture (32 ; 40 ; 94 ; 140) pour charger les paquets dans le conteneur, et une structure (34 ; 42 ; 45 ; 96 ; 142) associée avec l'ouverture pour permettre l'introduction des paquets dans le conteneur et pour empêcher le retrait des paquets du conteneur par l'ouverture.
  19. Distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, dans lequel le conteneur (5 ; 55) est allongé vers le haut pour contenir une pile de paquets et a au moins une ouverture (32 ; 40 ; 41 ; 140 ; 141) disposée le long du conteneur pour faciliter le chargement contrôlé des paquets dans le conteneur tout en empêchant l'enlèvement des paquets du conteneur par l'inversion de la procédure de chargement.
  20. Distributeur selon la revendication 19, dans lequel une série de fentes (32) sont pratiquées le long du conteneur, les fentes étant inclinées latéralement de telle sorte que les paquets situés dans la pile sont désalignés par rapport aux fentes et que l'enlèvement des paquets par les fentes est empêché par des diviseurs (34) qui séparent les fentes.
  21. Distributeur selon la revendication 19, dans lequel une ouverture de chargement (40 ; 140) est prévue à l'extrémité supérieure du conteneur (5 ; 105) pour permettre à un groupe de plusieurs paquets d'être introduits simultanément dans le conteneur, et une fente (41 ; 141) est disposée vers le bas par rapport à ladite ouverture de chargement (40 ; 140) pour permettre au groupe de paquets d'être abaissé sur la pile de paquets déjà dans le conteneur, et des moyens (42 ; 45 ; 142) associés avec la fente pour empêcher le soulèvement des paquets de la pile vers l'ouverture de chargement (40 ; 140).
  22. Distributeur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 18, comprenant un mécanisme (24-26) pour arrêter le mouvement de fermeture de l'élément distributeur (6) en réponse à une tentative faite pour fermer de force l'élément distributeur plus rapidement que prévu.
  23. Distributeur selon la revendication 22, dans lequel le mécanisme d'arrêt comprend un élément de verrouillage (24) pouvant s'engager avec un pignon entraíné par le mouvement de l'élément distributeur.
  24. Distributeur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :
    le conteneur est un conteneur allongé (5 ; 55 ; 105) pour contenir la pile de paquets, les paquets étant inclinés vers une extrémité du conteneur ;
    l'élément distributeur (6 ; 56 ;106 ;106') monté à ladite extrémité du conteneur pour se déplacer relativement au conteneur entre ladite position ouverte et ladite position fermée ;
    l'emplacement d'enlèvement des paquets est défini par l'élément distributeur pour un paquet (2 ; 102) fourni depuis la pile pour être avancé dans l'emplacement d'enlèvement lorsque l'élément distributeur est déplacé de la position ouverte à la position fermée, le paquet reçu à l'emplacement d'enlèvement étant transporté avec l'élément distributeur (6 ; 56 ; 106 ; 106') pendant son déplacement de la position fermée à la position ouverte, et l'élément distributeur, dans la position ouverte, présentant le paquet qu'il transporte pour qu'il soit enlevé du distributeur ; et
    le dispositif ralentisseur (20 ; 120) est couplé entre l'élément distributeur (6 ; 56 ; 106 ; 106') et le conteneur pour ralentir le mouvement de retour de l'élément distributeur de la position ouverte à la position fermée, le mouvement de l'élément distributeur de la position fermée à la position ouverte n'étant pas gêné par le dispositif ralentisseur.
EP99936847A 1998-08-19 1999-08-02 Distributeurs de produits Expired - Lifetime EP1105024B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9818141 1998-08-19
GBGB9818141.5A GB9818141D0 (en) 1998-08-19 1998-08-19 Product dispensers
PCT/GB1999/002528 WO2000010433A1 (fr) 1998-08-19 1999-08-02 Distributeurs de produits

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1105024A1 EP1105024A1 (fr) 2001-06-13
EP1105024B1 true EP1105024B1 (fr) 2003-11-26

Family

ID=10837553

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99936847A Expired - Lifetime EP1105024B1 (fr) 1998-08-19 1999-08-02 Distributeurs de produits

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1105024B1 (fr)
AU (1) AU5182199A (fr)
DE (1) DE69913155T2 (fr)
ES (1) ES2207268T3 (fr)
GB (1) GB9818141D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2000010433A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220304481A1 (en) * 2021-03-25 2022-09-29 Fasteners For Retail, Inc. Access management system for warehouse rack loss prevention

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB9917868D0 (en) 1999-07-29 1999-09-29 Gillette Co Product dispensers
WO2003003964A1 (fr) * 2001-07-06 2003-01-16 Hugel, Christine Distributeur de couches
GB0205302D0 (en) 2002-03-06 2002-04-17 Gillette Co Product dispensers
ITUB20169964A1 (it) * 2016-01-13 2017-07-13 Sarno Display S R L Erogatore controllato di prodotti
CN110232770B (zh) * 2019-03-20 2021-06-22 黄春华 盒饭零售机
SE545197C2 (en) * 2020-09-18 2023-05-16 Period Pack Int Ab Time delay product dispenser
CN112716168A (zh) * 2020-12-17 2021-04-30 恩施土家族苗族自治州中心医院 一种防护效果好的麻醉剂用储存箱

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2635026A (en) * 1950-04-20 1953-04-14 August R Kreul Gasket dispenser
US4140244A (en) * 1978-02-03 1979-02-20 Clabby Merlyn L Disposable razor dispenser
ATE43481T1 (de) * 1984-12-06 1989-06-15 Fidagh Sa Diebstahlsicherer ladenschrank.
US5071006A (en) * 1990-11-05 1991-12-10 Neace Jr Everett L Container support cartridge
US5269597A (en) * 1991-10-23 1993-12-14 Thomas F. Parker & Associates, Inc. Dispensing rack

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220304481A1 (en) * 2021-03-25 2022-09-29 Fasteners For Retail, Inc. Access management system for warehouse rack loss prevention

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2207268T3 (es) 2004-05-16
DE69913155D1 (de) 2004-01-08
DE69913155T2 (de) 2004-09-09
WO2000010433A1 (fr) 2000-03-02
EP1105024A1 (fr) 2001-06-13
AU5182199A (en) 2000-03-14
GB9818141D0 (en) 1998-10-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
GB2386116A (en) Product dispenser
US7128238B2 (en) Apparatus for dispensing flat items
US8397922B2 (en) Theft deterrent can dispenser
US3486658A (en) Vending machine with removable supply container
US5397016A (en) Merchandizer for cigarette packages and the like
US20100059469A1 (en) Display device with slow product advancing mechanism
US5791516A (en) Apparatus and method for dispensing items from a vending machine
EP1724733B1 (fr) Système d'extracteur unitaire de produits dans les distributeurs automatiques
US20040065630A1 (en) Product feed apparatus and method for shelf unit
US3512679A (en) Multi-selection dispensing machine
WO2009073237A1 (fr) Distributeur de marchandise muni d'un actionnement par serpentin
US3938700A (en) Multi-rack article dispensing apparatus
US4962867A (en) Auxiliary article dispenser for vending machines
EP1105024B1 (fr) Distributeurs de produits
MX2011000213A (es) Despachador para latas redondas y rectangulares.
US4305628A (en) Pilfer-proof dispensing cabinet
US6199724B1 (en) Bulk pre-measured single hand dispenser
US5794817A (en) Article dispenser
US5996841A (en) Modular front loading rotary coin vending machine
US2952384A (en) Vending machine
US5954227A (en) Method and apparatus for individually dispensing stored articles
US6264060B1 (en) Auxiliary article dispenser for vending machines
US6467649B1 (en) Single vend newspaper dispensing machine
US6715636B2 (en) Vending machine for dispensing cans & bottles with stop member
US5368189A (en) Vending machine for newspapers and like articles

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

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20010222

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

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

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20021018

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69913155

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20040108

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2207268

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20031126

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

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

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20040827

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20100818

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20100812

Year of fee payment: 12

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110802

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20131029

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110803

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 18

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 69913155

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: GRUENECKER PATENT- UND RECHTSANWAELTE PARTG MB, DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 69913155

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: THE GILLETTE COMPANY LLC (N. D. GES. D. STAATE, US

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: THE GILLETTE CO., BOSTON, MASS., US

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

Owner name: THE GILLETTE COMPANY LLC, US

Effective date: 20170203

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 19

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: 732E

Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20170622 AND 20170628

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20180717

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20180712

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20180801

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 69913155

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20190801

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20190801