GB1011096A - Improvements in or relating to semi-automatic dispensing devices particularly for cigarette packet or like articles - Google Patents

Abstract

1,011,096. Semi-automatic vending machines. H. J. FROHLING. May 16, 1962, No. 18834/62. Heading A4T. A vending device for packets of cigarettes or like packed goods comprises one or more vertical columns of channel-section, preferably of transparent material, the or each column being closed at the front by a detachable panel 5 (Fig. 3) which indicates the brand of cigarettes in the column, the device being detachably mounted on a base 11 by projections 10 which engage in recesses in the base. The bottom of each channel member is cut away at 8 and 9 so that a packet may be withdrawn from a selected one of two sides, the inoperative opening being closed by a strip 12 secured to the base, rotation of the base through 180 degrees serving to close either of the openings as desired. Adjacent columns may be connected together at their upper ends by plates 14. In a modification (Fig. 6) the device comprises a number of vending units with a common wall each unit having side walls forming pairs of back-to-back channelsectioned columns which are closed by removable interchangeable panels one being a brand indicator panel composed of dummy packets or the like. In this modification the plate 30 secured to the base and closing one of the two discharge openings may be dispensed with and the recesses 25 which receive pins on the closure panels may be at different lengths on opposed sides of the device such that on one side a closure panel closes a discharge opening. In this change from selfservice to sales service is effected by turning the device 180 degrees on the base.