ES2363414B1 - VERTICAL AND INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM FOR MECHANICAL VENDING MACHINES. - Google Patents

Abstract

Vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines, of the type that sell spherical or oval gift products (2). Said system (1) comprises; a vertical game panel (6) that is configured to develop entertainment using the product (2) and that has at least one outlet (7) leading said product (2) to a delivery receptacle (8) where it is issued when the entertainment is successfully completed; positioning means (9) configured to direct the product (2) to a lower collection area (10) when the entertainment is not completed successfully and manually operated mechanical means (11) configured to lift the product (2) from the lower collection area (10) towards the top of the vertical game panel (6), allowing the entertainment to be restarted repeatedly until it is successfully completed.

Description

Vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines.

Field of the Invention

The present invention refers to a vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines, which operate without connection to the power grid, of the type that products such as spherical or oval plastic balls with toys inside intended for children of young age, incorporating interactive entertainment with the product sold in a vertical environment in these machines that allows unlimited interaction with the product until the entertainment is successfully completed and it is dispensed, thus increasing the interest of users .

Background of the invention

Currently, vertical mechanical vending machines (without network connection) intended for the sale of toys wrapped in plastic balls, gum and others, are machines whose operating systems are limited, exclusively, to be provided by means of an action Mechanical, selling product directly. These machines do not add more attractive than the machine itself and the product exposed therein, limiting the user to insert the coin in the purse and mechanically rotate the crank arranged in it, causing the start-up of the corresponding mechanical mechanisms and the drop of the ball in a box arranged in the machine for its collection. The main drawback of these machines is the gradual loss of attractiveness of them, since they have no other function than to sell a product after paying it.

Description of the invention

The present invention solves in a fully satisfactory manner the problem set forth above by means of an interactive vertical entertainment system specially designed for this type of vending machines, thanks to which the product is sold once a certain game has been successfully completed.

For this, the system of vertical and interactive entertainment for mechanical vending machines, of the type of which gift products are spherical or oval shaped prior to the introduction of the appropriate coin in a purse, includes:

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a vertical game panel that is configured to develop entertainment using the product and that has at least one exit orifice that leads said product to a delivery receptacle where it is issued when the entertainment is successfully completed;

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positioning means configured to direct the product to a lower collection area when entertainment is not completed successfully; Y

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manually operated mechanical means configured to lift the product from the lower collection area to the top of the vertical game panel, allowing the entertainment to be restarted repeatedly until it is successfully completed.

The user can, therefore, play continuously until he successfully overcomes the game. This eliminates the feeling of frustration of the user for not obtaining the object if he misbehaves the game and increases the appeal of the machine.

Also, as far as the attractiveness of the machine is concerned, it also benefits from the fact that the vertical game panel is easily interchangeable by other vertical game panels with different entertainment and decorative motifs. The decoration of these panels not only attracts users, but also prevents the display of the product stored in the machine. This aspect minimizes the risk of theft, since it is impossible to predict the collection of the machine at all times.

Preferably, the positioning means are configured to receive the product at the start of the entertainment, by means of a game start hole communicated with a deposit, and directing said product towards the lower collection area.

Optionally, the vertical game panel comprises a plurality of bouncers in different locations between which the product moves along random paths. This adds a probability factor that reduces weight to the skill factor that the user must show during the development of the game, which facilitates the achievement of the game and user satisfaction.

The system of the present invention admits a large number of possible embodiments in which different entertainments can be carried out. Two examples of them, not limiting of the present invention, are mentioned below.

According to a first embodiment, the vertical game panel comprises:

•

a rotating panel where the exit hole is arranged; Y

•

a collection box attached to the rotatable panel configured to collect the product from the lower collection area and release it at the top of the rotating panel.

According to this first example, the positioning means comprise:

• a collection platform configured to direct the product to the lower collection area.

In turn, the mechanical means of manual actuation comprise;

• a steering wheel set to transmit a turning movement on the rotating panel, allowing the product to be picked up by the collection box from the lower collection area and moved to the top of the rotating panel to start entertainment.

Preferably, the collection platform comprises a first inclined straight section connected to a second concave section, where both sections are arranged along the rotating panel in the lower part thereof and independent of it, defining the point of attachment of both sections. lower collection area.

Preferably, the rotating panel comprises a plurality of rails at different levels of height on which the product travels by interacting with the steering wheel, allowing the product to reach the exit hole or fall on the collection platform, depending on the ability with which said steering wheel is handled. If you want to add to the game the probability factor you can add the bouncers mentioned above.

According to a second embodiment, the vertical game panel comprises:

• a static panel where the exit hole is arranged.

According to this first example, the positioning means comprise:

• an inclined ramp arranged across the static static panel configured to direct the product to the lower collection area.

In turn, the mechanical means of manual operation comprise:

• an impeller located in the lower collection area that lifts the product towards the top of the rotating panel to start the entertainment.

This second embodiment further comprises:

• a convex ramp at the top of the static panel that provides a parabolic path to the product thrown by the impeller.

Finally, this second embodiment can be completed with an aiming element, such as a goal or a basketball basket, arranged on the static panel and connected to the exit hole.

Brief description of the drawings

A series of drawings that help to better understand the invention and that expressly relate to several embodiments of said invention that are presented as non-limiting examples thereof are described below very briefly.

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Figure 1A is a front view of a vending machine with the entertainment system of the present invention, according to a first preferred embodiment.

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Figure 1B is a profile section of a vending machine with the entertainment system of the present invention, according to a first preferred embodiment.

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Figure 2A is a front view of a vending machine with the entertainment system of the present invention, according to a variant of the first preferred embodiment.

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Figure 2B is a profile section of a vending machine with the entertainment system of the present invention, according to a variant of the first preferred embodiment.

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Figure 3A is a front view of a vending machine with the entertainment system of the present invention, according to a second preferred embodiment.

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Figure 3B is a profile section of a vending machine with the entertainment system of the present invention, according to a second preferred embodiment.

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Figure 4A is a front view of a vending machine with the entertainment system of the present invention, according to a variant of the second preferred embodiment.

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Figure 4B is a profile section of a vending machine with the entertainment system of the present invention, according to a variant of the second preferred embodiment.

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

In Figure 1A, it can be seen that the system (1) of vertical and interactive entertainment for mechanical vending machines, of the type of products that sell spherical or oval gift products (2) prior to the introduction of the appropriate coin in a purse ( 3), includes:

-

a vertical game panel (6) that is configured to develop entertainment using the product (2) and that has at least one outlet (7) leading said product (2) to a delivery receptacle (8) where it is issued when the entertainment is successfully completed;

-

positioning means (9) configured to direct the product (2) to a lower collection area

(10) when the entertainment is not completed successfully; Y

-

Manual-operated mechanical means (11) configured to lift the product (2) from the lower collection area (10) to the top of the vertical game panel (6), allowing the entertainment to be restarted repeatedly until it is completed with the same success.

As can be seen, the positioning means (9) are configured to receive the product (2) at the start of the entertainment, by means of a game start orifice (25) communicated with a deposit (4), and directing said product (2) towards the lower collection area (10).

In Figure 1B it can be seen that the tank (4) of the product (2) is located at the back (4) with respect to where the entertainment takes place.

According to this first embodiment, the vertical game panel (6) comprises:

•

a rotating panel (12) where the outlet port (7) is arranged; Y

•

a collection box (13) integral with the rotating panel (12) configured to collect the product (2) from the lower collection area (10) and release it at the top of the rotating panel (12).

According to this first embodiment, the positioning means (9) comprise:

• a collection platform (14) configured to direct the product (2) to the lower collection area (10), either at the beginning of the game or during its development until it is successfully completed.

The collection platform (14) comprises a first inclined straight section (16) connected to a second concave section (17), where both sections (16, 17) are arranged across the swivel panel (12) at the bottom of the same and independent of the same, defining the point of union of both sections (16, 17) the lower zone of collection (10). As you can see, at the beginning of the game, the first straight inclined section (16) receives the product

(2) from the start of the game (25). Due to the spherical or oval shape of said product (2) and the inclination of the section (16) the product starts rolling until it is in the collection area (10).

In turn, the manually operated mechanical means (11) comprise;

• a steering wheel (15) configured to transmit a turning movement on the rotating panel (12), allowing the product (2) to be picked up by the collection box (13) from the lower collection area (10) and moved to the top of the rotating panel (12) to start the entertainment.

Figure 1B shows a set of pulleys (26) that make possible the interaction of the consumer through the control wheel (15) with the product (2).

The rotating panel (12) comprises a plurality of rails (18) at different levels of height on which the product (2) travels by interacting with the steering wheel (15), allowing the product (2) to reach the exit orifice (7) or fall on the pickup platform (14), depending on the ability with which said steering wheel (15).

Figures 2A and 2B show a variant of this first preferred embodiment, in which the rails (18) have been replaced by a plurality of bouncers (23).

According to the second embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the vertical play panel (6) comprises:

• a static panel (19) where the outlet hole (7) is arranged;

According to this second embodiment, the positioning means (9) comprise:

• an inclined ramp (20) arranged across the width of the static panel (19) configured to direct the product

(2) to the lower collection area (10), either at the beginning of the game or during its development until it is successfully completed.

In turn, the manually operated mechanical means (11) comprise:

• an impeller (21) located in the lower collection area (10) that lifts the product (2) towards the top of the rotating panel (12) to start the entertainment.

This second embodiment additionally comprises:

• a convex ramp (22) at the top of the static panel that provides a parabolic path to the product (2) thrown by the impeller (21).

Finally, this second embodiment is completed with an aiming element (24) disposed on the static panel (19) and connected to the exit hole (7).

Figures 4A and 4B show a variant of this second preferred embodiment, in which the aiming elements (24) have been replaced by a plurality of bouncers (23).

Claims (12)

1. System of vertical and interactive entertainment for mechanical vending machines, of the type of which they sell gift products (2) in a spherical or oval shape after introducing the appropriate coin in a purse (3), said system (1) characterized in that understands:

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a vertical game panel (6) that is configured to develop entertainment using the product (2) and that has at least one outlet (7) leading said product (2) to a delivery receptacle (8) where it is issued when the entertainment is successfully completed;

-

positioning means (9) configured to direct the product (2) to a lower collection area

(10) when the entertainment is not completed successfully; Y

-

Manual-operated mechanical means (11) configured to lift the product (2) from the lower collection area (10) to the top of the vertical game panel (6), allowing the entertainment to be restarted repeatedly until it is completed with the same success.

2. Vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines according to claim 1 characterized in that the vertical game panel (6) is easily interchangeable by other vertical game panels (6) with different entertainment and decorative motifs.

3.

Vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the positioning means (9) are configured to receive the product (2) at the start of the entertainment, by means of a starting hole game (25) communicated with a tank (4), and direct said product (2) towards the lower collection area (10).

Four.

Vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the vertical game panel (6) comprises a plurality of bouncers (23) in different locations between which the product (2) moves along random paths .

5.

Vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines according to any of claims 1-4 characterized in that:

-

The vertical game panel (6) comprises:

•

a rotating panel (12) where the outlet port (7) is arranged; Y

•

a collection box (13) integral with the rotating panel (12) configured to collect the product (2) from the lower collection area (10) and release it at the top of the rotating panel (12);

and because:

-

the positioning means (9) comprise:

• a collection platform (14) configured to direct the product (2) to the lower collection area (10); and because:

-

the mechanical means of manual actuation (11) comprise;

• a steering wheel (15) configured to transmit a turning movement on the rotating panel (12), allowing the product (2) to be picked up by the collection box (13) from the lower collection area (10) and moved to the top of the rotating panel (12) to start the entertainment. 6. Vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines according to claim 5 characterized in that the collection platform (14) comprises a first inclined straight section (16) connected to a second concave section (17), where both sections (16, 17 ) are arranged across the swivel panel (12) in the lower part of the same and independent of it, defining the junction point of both sections (16, 17) the lower collection area (10).

7.

Vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the rotating panel (12) comprises a plurality of rails (18) at different height levels on which the product (2) moves through the interaction with the steering wheel (15), allowing the product (2) to reach the exit hole (7) or fall on the pickup platform (14), depending on the ability with which said steering wheel is handled ( fifteen).

8.

Vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines according to any of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that:

-

The vertical game panel (6) comprises:

• a static panel (19) where the outlet hole (7) is arranged; and because:

-

the positioning means (9) comprise:

• an inclined ramp (20) arranged across the width of the static panel (19) configured to direct the product (2) to the lower collection area (10); and because:

-

the mechanical means of manual actuation (11) comprise:

• an impeller (21) located in the lower collection area (10) that lifts the product (2) towards the top of the rotating panel (12) to start the entertainment.

9.

Vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines according to claim 8 characterized in that it additionally comprises:

-a convex ramp (22) at the top of the static panel (19) that provides a parabolic path to the product (2) thrown by the impeller (21).

10.

Vertical and interactive entertainment system for mechanical vending machines, any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the static panel (19) comprises at least one aiming element (24) connected to the outlet orifice (7).

eleven.

Mechanical vending machine characterized in that it comprises a vertical and interactive entertainment system according to any of claims 1 to 10.

SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND Application no .: 201030075 SPAIN Date of submission of the application: 21.01.2010 Priority Date: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE 51 Int. Cl.: See Additional Sheet RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Category

Documents cited Claims Affected

Y

EN 1027724 U (JUAN MANUEL GUILLEM BORNAY) 16.09.1994, the whole document. 1-11

Y

EN 1050975 U (JOSE NAVARRO MONTEAGUDO) 16.06.2002, the whole document. 1-11

TO

EN 1026440 U (ANTONIO RUIZ RUIZ) 16.04.1994, the whole document. 1-11

TO

EN 1030758 U (JESÚS RUIZ VILLABOA) 01.10.1995, the whole document. 1-11

TO

EN 2166699 U (ROSTON IMPORT EXPORT) 04/16/2002, the whole document. 1-11

Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

This report has been prepared • for all claims • for claims no:

Date of realization of the report 27.04.2011

Examiner G. Foncillas Garrido Page 1/4

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE Application number: 201030075 CLASSIFICATION OBJECT OF THE APPLICATION A63F9 / 00 (2006.01) G07F11 / 44 (2006.01) G07F11 / 44 (2006.01) Minimum documentation sought (classification system followed by classification symbols) A63F, G07F Electronic databases consulted during the search (name of the database and, if possible, terms of search used) INVENTIONS, EPODOC State of the Art Report Page 2/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 201030075 Date of Completion of Written Opinion: 04.27.2011 Statement

Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986)

Claims Claims 1-11 IF NOT

Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986)

Claims Claims 1-11 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).  Opinion Base.- This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published. State of the Art Report Page 3/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 201030075 1. Documents considered.- The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Document

Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01

ES 1027724 U (JUAN MANUEL GUILLEM BORNAY) 16.09.1994

D02

ES 1050975 U (JOSE NAVARRO MONTEAGUDO) 06/16/2002

2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement  Claim 1 The document closest to the object of the invention is D01 (column 3, line 13-column 4, line 49), said document has a mechanical vending machine (Figure 1), of the type that products are spherically dispensed (20) previous introduction of the appropriate currency in a purse (11), said system comprises a game panel (Figure 3) that is configured to develop an entertainment using the product (20) and that has at least one exit hole (22 ) which leads said product (20) to a delivery receptacle (12) where it is issued when the entertainment is successfully completed. It also includes positioning means (9) configured to direct the product to a lower collection area (12). When obstacles (8) located on the playing area (7) are not overcome, the ball will fall into the retaining tray (7 ') and under mechanical means, it will rise to the tray (4) through the duct (14) . The difference with the object of the invention is to give the user the opportunity to try again to pass the test without having to throw a coin again, being able to raise the product under manual mechanical operation. In D01, this elevation is performed automatically but to try again, another currency must be entered. This consideration is established in D02 (column 1, line 35-column 2, line 17), indicating the possibility of having a single ball and manually or automatically, raising the product from the lower area to the top of the game panel vertical, allowing to restart the entertainment repeatedly. It would be obvious for a person skilled in the art to combine both documents based on obtaining the purpose of the present application. Therefore, said claim is new (Article 6 LP) but lacks inventive activity (Article 8 LP). Claims 2 -10 In said claims different elements well known in the state of the art in question are introduced, the technical solution not being raised to a problem not solved in the documents cited in the report. Many of the options established in the application are considered as mere design options aimed at obtaining new entertainment. Specifically, in D01, positioning means (9) are set up to receive the product (20) at the start of entertainment, by means of a game start hole communicated with a tank and directing said product (20) towards the lower zone of collection. It comprises a rotating panel (7) with means (Figure 3) for collecting the product (20) from the lower collection area and releasing it at the top of the rotating panel (4); In D02 the vertical game panel (10) comprises a plurality of bouncers (11) in different locations between which the product (12) moves along random paths. It comprises mechanical means of manual actuation (14) in the form of a handwheel configured to transmit a turning movement on a movable part (13), which the user would move to be able to catch the product when it falls. The inclination of different sections or rails, as well as the number of them, do not establish an advance to the state of the art at hand. Using mechanical means of manual or automatic actuation formed by an impeller located in the lower collection area, which raises the product towards the top of the rotating panel to start the entertainment, is a basic aspect in this type of entertainment. Therefore, these claims are new (Article 6 LP) but lack inventive activity (Article 8 LP). Claim 11 Since the Vending Machine does not establish additional consideration to the system presented, said claim is new (Article 6 LP) but lacks inventive activity (Article 8 LP). State of the Art Report Page 4/4