EP1256912A1 - Ausgabeautomat für gedruckte Veröffentlichungen - Google Patents

Ausgabeautomat für gedruckte Veröffentlichungen Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1256912A1
EP1256912A1 EP01111551A EP01111551A EP1256912A1 EP 1256912 A1 EP1256912 A1 EP 1256912A1 EP 01111551 A EP01111551 A EP 01111551A EP 01111551 A EP01111551 A EP 01111551A EP 1256912 A1 EP1256912 A1 EP 1256912A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bearing plate
drive screw
dispensing
push plate
module
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01111551A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Rankin Lowing
David Brown
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.)
PRESSENTINEL SPRL
Original Assignee
DPC International 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
Application filed by DPC International Inc filed Critical DPC International Inc
Priority to EP01111551A priority Critical patent/EP1256912A1/de
Publication of EP1256912A1 publication Critical patent/EP1256912A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • G07F11/22—Pushers actuated indirectly by hand, e.g. through cranks or levers
    • 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
    • G07F11/045—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 for sheet shaped or pliable articles
    • 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
    • G07F11/28—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are inclined
    • G07F11/32—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are inclined two or 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
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/38—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal
    • G07F11/40—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which the magazines are horizontal the articles being delivered by hand-operated means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to dispensing machines for printed publications, and more particularly to a machine suitable for vending of newspapers, magazines and the like.
  • Newspaper and magazine vending machines are conventionally placed in high traffic areas to maximize exposure of the publication to the public.
  • the preferred locations are bus stops, lobbies of public buildings, busy street comers and the like.
  • the newspapers and magazines are stacked in a hollow housing provided with a coin box for receipt of payment from the public,
  • Another consideration that was taken into account when designing the new dispensing machine relates to compliance with the provisions of American with Disabilities Act of 1991. According to this statute, a coin slot on yending machines cannot be higher than 54 inches from the ground and cannot be any lower than 13 inches off the ground. Some states implemented their own guidelines for the vending machines and require that all vending machines, without exception, be constructed in such a manner. For example, Florida requires that the dispensing chute be 18 inches from the ground. Such requirements create a design challenge for the technologists, especially in cases where multi-bay vending stations are provided to the public.
  • the present invention contemplates elimination of drawbacks associated with the prior art and provision of a dispensing machine for printed publications that is compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, while still allowing the vending machine operators to position the units in multi-bay arrangements, if desired.
  • an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing machine for printed publications that can dispense one copy of the publication at a time.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a dispensing machine that can be easily adjusted to comply with the governmental requirements for access to the public in wheelchairs.
  • a dispensing machine that comprises a hollow housing and a detachable module slidably mounted in the housing.
  • the module can be easily disengaged from the housing and sent for maintenance and repairs, while another similar module is positioned in the same housing.
  • the support pedestal is adjustable in height since the two parts of the pedestal telescopically move up and down.
  • the operating mechanism is located in the module.
  • the operating mechanism comprises a bearing plate, on which the printed publications, such as newspapers, are supported.
  • a push plate helps to keep the newspapers in an upright position and advance the papers towards a dispensing channel.
  • a drive screw is operationally connected to a motor and to the push plate.
  • a gear assembly is provided to connect the drive screw to the motor.
  • the drive screw is long enough to extend under substantially entire length of the bearing plate.
  • the bearing drive screw extends at less than 30-degree angle in relation to the bottom of the module, thereby reducing loads on the motor.
  • the push plate carries one or more connecting members for connecting to the drive screw.
  • the hollow connecting member has a cylindrical inner wall, which is partially threaded. When the push plate is slightly lifted, it can be easily disengaged from the drive screw and reset to the start of the vending position or closer to the front of the machine if thin papers or a small number of papers are to be dispensed.
  • the apparatus provides for the use of a flexible flap that extends in front of the unfolded portion of the newspaper, near the dispensing channel, and help to keep the newspaper upright on the bearing plate.
  • a sensor in the dispensing channel detects when the newspaper is dispensed.
  • Figure 1 is a front view of a vending machine in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a side view of the vending machine.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic view of the operating mechanism of the dispensing machine in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a detailed view showing the inner module positioned in the vending machine of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a detailed view showing a platform made of two parts and a metering brake at the edge of dispensing channel.
  • Figure 6 is a detailed view showing a push plate adapted to advance publications toward a dispensing channel.
  • the vending machine 10 comprises a housing 12 mounted on a pedestal 14 which, in turn, is supported on a base 16.
  • the housing 12 has a pair of side walls 18 and 20, a back wall 22, a front wall 24, a bottom 26 and a top 28.
  • the front wall 24 has a lower part 30 and an upper part 32 which is positioned at an obtuse angle in relation to the lower part 30, as better seen in Figure 2.
  • the upper part 32 is provided with a transparent window 34 to allow the public to read the front page of the publication located in the cabinet.
  • the lower part 30 is provided with a dispensing chute 36 for receiving of the newspaper or magazine dispensed by the vending machine after the appropriate payment has been made by the customer.
  • the front wall 24 is provided with a coin slot 38 where the customer can deposit the coins.
  • a coin return opening 40 is made below the coin slot 38, as shown in Figure 1.
  • a case box 42 collects the deposited payment.
  • a keyed access 44 to the case box 42 is provided in a conventional manner.
  • the top 28 of the housing 12 can be provided with hinges, such as at 46, to allow the vendor to open the cabinet and obtain access to the interior of the housing from the front of the unit.
  • the pedestal 14 is comprised of two telescoping portions 48 and 50 to allow adjustment of the elevation of the coin box and the dispensing opening to various applications, all in compliance with the governmental regulations.
  • the telescopic connection between the pedestal can be adjusted in pre-determined increments, allowing to extend or shorten the height of the pedestal, depending on the particular requirements of the location.
  • the operational portion is positioned on a base plate 60 that extends through substantially entire depth of an inner module 62 ( Figure 4).
  • the base plate 60 supports a pair of ramp plates 64.
  • Secured to the ramp plate 64 is a first, forward motor supporting bracket 66 and a second, rear motor supporting bracket 68.
  • a motor 70 is supported on the bracket 66 adjacent to the front of the unit 62.
  • the motor 70 has a drive shaft 72 operationally connected to a first gear 74.
  • a second gear 76 is operationally connected to a the first gear 74 and to a lead, or drive screw 80.
  • rotation is transmitted through the drive shaft 72 to the gears, 74, 76 and to the lead screw 80.
  • a bearing plate 82 which supports a push plate 84 movable along the plate 82 in response to rotation of the lead screw 80.
  • the support plate 84 is oriented at an approximately right angle to the bearing plate 82 for retaining the printed publications in a generally upright position, with folded edges of the publication sliding along the bearing plate 82.
  • the lead screw 80 extends under substantially entire length of the bearing plate 82 in order to maximize the space available within the module 62, while reducing loads on the motor 70.
  • the push plate 84 moves the publication 86 to the proximal edge 88 of the bearing plate 82, where the forwardmost copy 90 of the publications is dispensed after the payment has been received in the vending machine.
  • the copy 90 drops, by gravity, into a dispensing channel 92 defined by the dispensing chute.
  • the dispensing chute has an upper plate 94 integrally connected to the middle portion 96.
  • the plate 94 is connected at about 20° angle to the middle portion 96 to facilitate dispensing of the publication and allow to increase the size of the dispensing chute.
  • Such arrangement is particularly useful in dispensing especially voluminous Sunday newspapers that can be 300 to 500 sheets thick.
  • the bottom part of the dispensing channel is defined by a turned-up portion 98, which prevents the dispensed publication from falling out of the dispensing chute before a customer has a chance to retrieve it
  • a flexible flap 100 is secured to a top 102 of the module 62.
  • the flap 100 extends downwardly along an unfolded edge of the newspaper. The flexible flap prevents the first copy from leaning forward and causing premature dispensing of the publication 90 into the dispensing channel 92.
  • the bearing plate 82 in one of the embodiments, is comprised of a pair of inverted U-shaped members 110 and 112.
  • the two-part construction simplifies manufacture and gives access to the lead screw 80 from the top of the operating mechanism.
  • the individual portions 110 and 112 are formed from bent metal sheets, each having a top surface 114 and a pair of downwardly extending flanges 116.
  • the drive screw 80 is positioned in a space between the parallel bearing plates, in its own channel guide 118, the upwardly turned sides of which are attached to the adjacent side walls 116 of the bearing plate members 110 and 112.
  • the bearing plate 82 can be constructed as a solid plate, substantially covering the lead screw 80.
  • a metering brake 120 with an upwardly inclined upper surface extends upwardly from the top surface 114 of the bearing plate members 110, 112.
  • the metering brake member 120 in this embodiment is a solid block with a front edge 122 being higher than the distant edge 124.
  • the top surface of the metering brake 120 can be roughened to increase friction of the publication when it moves along the metering brake 120 into the dispensing channel. Tests demonstrated that such material as nylon was particularly advantageous when used for the body of the metering brake 120 and the gears 74, 76.
  • a preferred angle "a" between the drive screw, and therefore, between the bearing plate and the base plate is less than thirty degrees, for example about 20° which allows to position more inventory in the module 62 without increasing its dimensions. Bringing the angle down to 20° brings the newspapers or magazines closer to the dispensing chute 96 to accommodate the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act by bringing the dispensing chute closer to the customer.
  • An additional advantage is that less angle of the bearing plate imposes less load on the motor 70, since the push plate 80 does not have to ascend at a greater angle when advancing the publications 86 to the edge of the bearing plate 88.
  • the module 62 follows the general configuration of the housing 12. Similarly, the front wall has a rearwardly inclined plate 130 with a wide opening 132 behind which the publications can be displayed. The lower part 132 is slightly recessed to accommodate the dispensing chute 96.
  • a pair of slides, or rails 136 adapted for sliding engagement with slide guides (not shown) attached to the interior walls of the housing 12.
  • a peripheral flange 138 is formed about an exterior open edge of the module 62. If desired, a matching lip can be formed on the housing exterior edge to form a watertight seal against moisture, which can damage the publication and make it less desirable for the consumer.
  • the push plate 84 comprises a vertical member 140 integrally formed with a horizontal portion 142. Securely attached to the bottom of the horizontal member 42 is a pair of attachment plates 144 and 146. A pair of connecting members, for example nuts 148, 150 is fixedly attached between the plates 144 and 146.
  • each nut 148, 150 is normally provided with threads for engagement with the lead screw.
  • the present invention contemplates removal of about one half of the inner threads, such as at 152 from the inner surfaces of the nuts 146, 150.
  • the push plate 84 can be moved halfway along the bearing plate 82 and the lead screw 80, thereby supporting the publications 86 at any desired location along the bearing plate 82.
  • a stop can be formed on the rail 136 to normally prevent complete disengagement of the inner module from the housing. This safety feature can be used during normal operation and disconnected when the module needs to be replaced or repaired.
  • the keyed change box 42 on the front of the machine can be removed from the module 62 only by an operator who has a key. When the front wall is lowered, it is impossible to retrieve the coin box by unauthorized persons.
  • the lead screw 80 is carried by the same bracket 66 as the motor 70.
  • the electronics required for dispensing of the very last, display copy could be eliminated, thus simplifying the construction and operation of the dispensing unit.
  • a sensor can be positioned in the dispensing channel 92; it can be an optical sensor or an electric switch that is activated when the copy of the publication is dispensed into the channel 92.
  • the sensor can be positioned at a location within the channel 92 which would prevent access to the sensor and tampering therewith by customers.
  • a solar panel can be incorporated into the front door housing 12 to continue to recharge the battery and thereby extend the lifetime of the motor.
  • the push plate 84 is made relatively short, smaller than the height of the publication in order to minimize the loads on the motor in advancing the push plate along the bearing plate 82.
  • the bearing plate 82 and the dispensing chute 96 can be made as one piece, allowing the newspaper 90 to smoothly fall down the dispensing channel 92.
  • an adaptor piece will be required to make the second row units more stable.
  • the adaptor piece will cause the top row of the dispensing units to be tilted slightly forward, so as to allow viewing of the publication through the window.
EP01111551A 2001-05-11 2001-05-11 Ausgabeautomat für gedruckte Veröffentlichungen Withdrawn EP1256912A1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP01111551A EP1256912A1 (de) 2001-05-11 2001-05-11 Ausgabeautomat für gedruckte Veröffentlichungen

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP01111551A EP1256912A1 (de) 2001-05-11 2001-05-11 Ausgabeautomat für gedruckte Veröffentlichungen

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1256912A1 true EP1256912A1 (de) 2002-11-13

Family

ID=8177401

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01111551A Withdrawn EP1256912A1 (de) 2001-05-11 2001-05-11 Ausgabeautomat für gedruckte Veröffentlichungen

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1256912A1 (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006130814A2 (en) * 2005-06-02 2006-12-07 Coin Acceptors, Inc Dispenser tray for a vending machine

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4473172A (en) * 1982-04-16 1984-09-25 Reynolds Robert L Vertical article dispenser
US4625894A (en) * 1983-11-21 1986-12-02 James Harold K Newspaper vending machine
US5400919A (en) * 1993-10-06 1995-03-28 Gomm; R. Gregg Single copy media dispensing machine
US5813568A (en) * 1996-03-29 1998-09-29 Dpc International, Inc. Dispensing machine for newspapers and magazines

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4473172A (en) * 1982-04-16 1984-09-25 Reynolds Robert L Vertical article dispenser
US4625894A (en) * 1983-11-21 1986-12-02 James Harold K Newspaper vending machine
US5400919A (en) * 1993-10-06 1995-03-28 Gomm; R. Gregg Single copy media dispensing machine
US5813568A (en) * 1996-03-29 1998-09-29 Dpc International, Inc. Dispensing machine for newspapers and magazines

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006130814A2 (en) * 2005-06-02 2006-12-07 Coin Acceptors, Inc Dispenser tray for a vending machine
WO2006130814A3 (en) * 2005-06-02 2007-01-25 Coin Acceptors Inc Dispenser tray for a vending machine
US7686185B2 (en) 2005-06-02 2010-03-30 Coin Acceptors, Inc. Dispenser tray for a vending machine
CN101218610B (zh) * 2005-06-02 2010-11-10 硬币接收器股份有限公司 用于自动售货机的分配托盘

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