EP4679405A1

EP4679405A1 - Accessory for front stops of vending machine pushers

Info

Publication number: EP4679405A1
Application number: EP24835493.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Sierra Garcia; Juan Antonio Sierra Garcia
Original assignee: Park Displays SL
Current assignee: Park Displays SL
Priority date: 2023-07-04
Filing date: 2024-06-28
Publication date: 2026-01-14
Also published as: WO2025008557A1; ES1304788Y; ES1304788U

Abstract

The device is made from a plastic profile with a vertical main branch (5) positioned parallel to the outer face (6) of the pusher's front stop (4), and includes fixing means to the stop. The vertical branch (5) extends downward into an upward bend that defines a narrowed channel (9) into which an advertising/decorative sheet or plate (10) can be elastically inserted. This results in a simple, cost-effective, and easily installable device that also allows for the easy replacement of the advertising/decorative elements when the dispensed product is changed.

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an accessory intended to be installed on the front stops of pushers in vending machines, in order to define a support for an advertising/decorative sheet or plate, thereby preventing a consumer from seeing the product directly from the front.
The object of the invention is to provide a device that is easy to implement, cost-effective, and also allows for the easy replacement of the advertising/decorative sheets or plates when the product to be dispensed with the pusher is changed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention applies to devices or vending machines for various products that include a pusher. These pushers typically consist of a rear retention mechanism that houses a spring or folding element and have a vertical front stop. When a product is placed in this device, the rear part pushes the product toward the front stop, so that each time a product is removed, the one immediately behind moves forward. In other words, the device is responsible for advancing boxed products to the dispensing position.
There are many pusher devices that share a common feature: a front stop of various sizes, shapes, and materials. This stop is usually a small, low-height plate that fulfills the function of stopping the products, but only covers the lower part of the dispensed product, which is typically a boxed item such as a pack of cigarettes.
The problem arises when it is desirable for the consumer not to see the product being dispensed, or parts of it - such as the unpleasant health warning images often found on tobacco packaging.
To address this issue, different solutions have been developed, usually involving specially designed machines where the entire front is covered, and the product is extracted through a slot in the machine's front, either laterally or vertically. These machines require additional internal components like springs and retaining levers to dispense the product, as well as foldable doors for restocking. None of the existing market solutions allow for easy replacement of the advertising or printed face.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The proposed accessory for the front stops of vending machine pushers provides a simple yet effective solution to the previously described problems.
The accessory defines a cost-effective and easily installable means on the pusher's front stop, made of plastic, and includes a support for a plastic sheet intended to hide the dispensed product. This sheet can be easily replaced when the product changes.
More specifically, the device consists of a profile with a vertical main branch, which is positioned parallel to the outer face of the pusher's front stop and includes fixing means to the stop. The main branch extends downward into an upward bend, forming a narrowed channel into which the corresponding advertising/decorative sheet or plate can be inserted via elastic deformation.
This allows the sheet or plate to be firmly and stably installed on the front edge of the pusher stop, held securely within the narrowed groove, and easily replaced when necessary - for example, when the product changes.
According to a first embodiment, the fixing means can consist of an adhesive sheet, previously protected by a waxed paper layer, which is removed when affixing to the pusher stop.
The narrowed groove can be formed via a simple omega-shaped bend in the lower extension of the main branch. Alternatively, the groove could have a "U" configuration, with inward-facing vertical walls containing a series of flexible downward-slanted flaps that help secure the sheet during insertion.
In a third embodiment, the fixing means may consist of an omega-shaped bend at the upper end of the main vertical branch, forming an inverted and narrowed groove, similar to the one intended for the advertising/decorative sheet, which fits tightly over the upper edge of the pusher stop.
This results in a highly simple, affordable, and easy-to-install device, capable of firmly holding the advertising/decorative sheet while allowing for easy replacement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description and aid in understanding the invention's features, a set of drawings is provided as an integral part of this description, illustrating but not limiting the following:

Figure 1 : Profile view of the accessory according to the present invention.
Figure 2 : Profile view of the device from Figure 1 installed on a pusher's front stop.
Figure 3 : Profile view of a second embodiment.
Figure 4 : Profile view of the second embodiment installed.
Figure 5 : Profile view of a third embodiment.
Figure 6 : Profile view of the third embodiment installed.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

As shown in the figures, the invention's device is designed to be easily installed on existing market pushers and can be inserted or removed quickly and manually without requiring additional components on the vending mechanism for boxed products (e.g., cigarette packs).
These devices include a tray (2) where the packs (1) are stacked and pushed by a pusher (3) toward the front end, where a low-height "L"-shaped front stop (4) is located.
According to the invention, the accessory comprises a plastic profile with a vertical main branch (5) placed parallel to the outer face (6) of the pusher's front stop, including fixing means.
In the embodiments from Figures 1 to 4, these fixing means consist of an adhesive sheet (7), protected by waxed or siliconized paper (8), which is removed for attachment.
The vertical main branch (5) extends downward into an upward bend that defines a narrowed channel (9) for the advertising/decorative sheet (10). This sheet, as seen in Figures 2, 4, and 6, will match the pack's height to fully cover its front face.
In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the narrowed channel (9) is formed by an omega-shaped bend (11) with an inclined free edge (12) that guides the sheet into place via elastic deformation.
Optionally, as in Figures 3 to 6, the narrowed channel (9) may have a "U" shape, with flexible downward-inclined flaps (13) that help wedge the sheet during insertion.
Finally, in the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, the fixing means are provided by an omega-shaped bend (11') at the upper end of the vertical branch (5), forming an inverted, narrowed channel (9') that fits tightly over the upper edge of the front stop, with a sloped free edge (12') for guidance.
In all three versions, the advertising/decorative plate (10) is easily installable and removable, and the device itself is quick and simple to set up.

Claims

Accessory for front stops of pushers in vending machines, wherein the machines include a tray (2) on which products are moved by a pusher (3) toward the front end, where a front stop (4) of lesser height than the product is located, characterized in that it comprises a plastic profile with a vertical main branch (5) placed parallel to the outer face (6) of the pusher's front stop, including fixing means. The main vertical branch (5) extends downward into an upward bend, defining a narrowed channel (9) in which an advertising/decorative sheet or plate (10) is elastically insertable.
Accessory according to claim 1, wherein the fixing means consist of an adhesive sheet (7) protected by waxed or siliconized paper (8).
Accessory according to claim 1, wherein the fixing means consist of an omega-shaped bend (11') at the upper end of the vertical branch (5).
Accessory according to claim 1, wherein the narrowed channel (9) is formed by an omega-shaped bend (11) at the lower edge of the main vertical branch (5).
Accessory according to claim 1, wherein the narrowed channel (9) has a "U" shape, with its inner vertical walls having flexible, downward-inclined flaps (13).