GB2462319A - Vending machine with container re-use - Google Patents
Vending machine with container re-use Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2462319A GB2462319A GB0810861A GB0810861A GB2462319A GB 2462319 A GB2462319 A GB 2462319A GB 0810861 A GB0810861 A GB 0810861A GB 0810861 A GB0810861 A GB 0810861A GB 2462319 A GB2462319 A GB 2462319A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- receptacle
- vending machine
- product
- vended
- conditioning
- 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- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 47
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 23
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 abstract description 11
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 abstract description 10
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 70
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 15
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 description 12
- 239000012263 liquid product Substances 0.000 description 11
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 6
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 239000012265 solid product Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000002453 shampoo Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013019 agitation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000845 anti-microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013405 beer Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000009508 confectionery Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010790 dilution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012895 dilution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004090 dissolution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002979 fabric softener Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000015203 fruit juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000383 hazardous chemical Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000206 health hazard Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 238000002372 labelling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000813 microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- -1 or the like) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012487 rinsing solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013570 smoothie Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000014101 wine Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000003245 working effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
- G07F7/0609—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by fluid containers, e.g. bottles, cups, gas containers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
- G07F13/10—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with associated dispensing of containers, e.g. cups or other articles
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A vending machine 1 has a hatch 3 for receiving a receptacle into which a product is vended. The machine 1 can condition the received receptacle and dispense a product into the received receptacle. Conditioning the receptacle may include the steps of flushing the receptacle, washing the receptacle using a cleaning fluid, rinsing the receptacle and drying the receptacle, with the receptacle being conveyed through the machine 1. The integrity of the receptacles may also be checked by the vending machine 1 so broken or damaged receptacles are not re-used. The vending machine 1 can detect an indicator on the receptacle which indicates that the receptacle is suitable for recycling in the machine 1. The vending machine 1 may also seal the receptacle once the product has been dispensed and record information, such as a use-by date, on the receptacle. Windows 9 can be provided so users can see the interior of the machine 1. The vending machine of the present invention reduces waste as receptacles can be re-used and fewer are used overall. The receptacles may be glasses, bottles, cups, mugs or other containers or vessels.
Description
VENDING MACHINE
The present invention relates to vending machines. The invention also relates to receptacles suitable for use in vending machines, and further relates to methods for vending products.
Vending machines are machines from which consumers are able to purchase a product in return for payment. Vending machines generally operate without a cashier or other attendant staff. The machines usually comprise a housing, which contains a supply of products to be vended, means by which a payment may be made (for example a coin collector or note reader, in the case of payment made by cash, or a card reader when payment is made by debit/credit card or pre-payment cards), a display or menu indicating the products available from the machine and allowing selection of a desired product, and an opening or other suitable means by which the vended product is made available to the consumer.
Although vending machines have been widely adopted in many countries worldwide, there are a number of problems associated with the machines known in the art. Waste generated with vending machines, and particularly the packaging of items vended by such machines, can be a significant cause of refuse, both at the local level (e.g. in the vicinity of the vending machine) and in a wider context.
Supplying vending machines with packaged items to be vended also establishes a need for an extensive supply chain wherein the items to be vended are stored in centralised warehouses and distributed by a transportation network to the vending machines from which they are ultimately sold to consumers. This transportation and distribution network is associated with a great deal of expense, and also causes significant environmental damage due to the large number of vehicles used to supply the vending machines.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a vending machine that obviates some or all of the problems associated with the prior art.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a vending machine comprising means for receiving a receptacle into which a product to be vended may be provided, means for conditioning a received receptacle to make it ready for receipt of a product to be vended, and means for dispensing the product into a receptacle.
It is a notable advantage of vending machines of the invention that they are able to re-use the receptacles in which the product is to be vended. In order to allow the re-use of receptacles in this manner, the vending machines of the invention are provided with means for conditioning a received receptacle so that it can be made ready for receipt of a product to be vended. This increases recycling and reduces the amount of waste generated as a consequence of vending, and is in contrast to existing vending machines which are generally supplied with receptacles that are disposed of after use. The ability to condition, and thus re-use, receptacles at the point of vending to the consumer also allows the distribution network required to maintain the vending machines of the invention to be reduced compared to those required for prior art machines, and this provides advantages in terms of reduced costs and reduced environmental damage.
"Conditioning" of a receptacle in the context of the present invention, and means for conditioning a receptacle, are considered in more detail elsewhere in the specification.
A vending machine in accordance with the present invention may be used to vend liquid products, which will be provided to a consumer in a suitable receptacle. In such cases a suitable receptacle may be a liquid-impermeable container. Beverages (such as fruit juices, smoothies, water, beers or wines) represent preferred liquid products that may be vended by vending machines of the invention, though it will be appreciated that any suitable liquid product may be vended as desired. Merely by way of example, suitable liquid products may include household cleaning products (such as washing liquids, fabric conditioners, or the like), cosmetic products (such as shampoo, hair conditioner or the like).
Vending machines in accordance with the present invention may, additionally or alternatively, be used to vend solid products. Examples of solid products that may be vended include foods (such as sweets or the like), cleaning products (such as washing powder), or any other suitable products of interest. Vending machines in accordance with the invention may be particularly suitable for vending of particulate solid products, which may be dispensed by means of a hopper, or the like.
Whether they are to be used for liquid or solid products, suitable receptacles may be of a shape conventional in the art, provided that such receptacles can be received, conditioned and provided with the dispensed product.
The means for receiving a receptacle may comprise any suitable opening via which a receptacle may be introduced into the vending machine. The receptacle may, for example, be received by means of a hatch or doorway in the housing of the machine, in a manner that will be familiar to those skilled in the art. Once it has received the product to be vended, a receptacle may be made available to a consumer via the same opening, or a different opening, in the housing of the machine.
A vending machine in accordance with the invention may preferably comprise a conveyor by which the receptacle may be conveyed between the (one or more) means for conditioning a receptacle, the means for dispensing the product into a receptacle, and any other means provided in a particular embodiment of the invention. Suitable conveying means may be selected from those conventional in the art, such as conveyor belts, movable arms, rotating cups, or the like.
Preferably a vending machine in accordance with the invention may comprise a conveyor able to convey a plurality of receptacles between the various means provided in the embodiment in question. Such a conveyor may be able to convey a plurality of receptacles that are at different stages in their transit between the various means provided within the vending machine. The conveyor may be able to convey one or more receptacles in a state prior to their conditioning, and/or one or more receptacles that are undergoing conditioning, and/or one or more receptacles that have been conditioned prior to receiving the product to be vended. A conveyor conveying receptacles in one or more of these states may effectively provide a reservoir of receptacles, where introduction of an additional receptacle into the reservoir allows a receptacle already present within the reservoir to leave the reservoir and receive the product to be vended.
The presence of such a reservoir can reduce the time associated with vending of a product to a consumer, since it avoids the need for all actions associated with conditioning to be applied to the receptacle introduced by the consumer before a conditioned receptacle containing the product can be provided to the consumer.
Effectively the receptacle provided by the consumer may join the reservoir, while a receptacle already present in the reservoir (and which may have been conditioned prior to the provision of the receptacle by the consumer) may be provided to the consumer.
"Conditioning" of a receptacle in the context of the present invention may include any step, or steps, necessary to allow a previously used receptacle to be re-used. These will typically include steps necessary to remove any foreign objects, contamination or unwanted residues associated with the previous use, and render the receptacle clean and dry for its re-use. It will be appreciated that proper conditioning of receptacles prior to re-use will be particularly important in the case of receptacles that are to be used with food or drinks products, since contamination of such receptacles could otherwise lead to potential health hazards. Suitable processes that may be used in the conditioning of a receptacle to make it ready for receipt of a product to be vended may comprise one, more than one, or all of the activities set out in the following paragraphs.
Preferably conditioning of a receptacle may include flushing the receptacle in order to remove any foreign objects that may otherwise be present. Such flushing may be conducted with any suitable fluid, and will typically utilise a pressurised gas or liquid. In addition to physically flushing away foreign objects, a liquid may serve to dissolve residues remaining in the receptacle after a previous use. Water is a preferred liquid that may be used in the flushing of a received receptacle. Accordingly, a vending machine of the invention may preferably comprise means (a "flusher") by which a receptacle to be conditioned may be flushed to remove foreign objects.
The means for conditioning a received receptacle may additionally or alternatively comprise means (a "rinsing unit") by which a cleaning fluid may be introduced into the receptacle. Any suitable cleaning fluid dispenser may be employed. The cleaning fluid may serve to remove residues associated with previous uses of the receptacle (which may be further to any such cleaning provided by the flushing fluid). The cleaning fluid may also serve to fully or partially sterilise the receptacle. A suitable cleaning fluid may typically comprise a detergent solution. In the event that sterilising activity is also required, a suitable cleaning fluid may preferably have anti-microbial properties.
In addition to the means by which a cleaning fluid may be introduced into the receptacle, the means for conditioning a received receptacle may also comprise means (an "agitator") by which the receptacle may be mechanically agitated in order to increase the cleaning effect. Such agitation may preferably be conducted at or around the time when the cleaning fluid is introduced into the receptacle. Merely by way of example, a suitable agitator in accordance with this embodiment of the invention may include a brush or the like, and/or a vibrator for vibrating the receptacle. The vibrator may, for example, provide ultrasonic vibration that may be used for cleaning the receptacle.
The means for conditioning a received receptacle may comprise means by which the receptacle may be rinsed. It will be appreciated that rinsing of the receptacle may be of particular benefit in removing a cleaning fluid from the receptacle prior to use. The rinsing step may preferably utilise a relatively inert fluid, such as water. This rinsing fluid may be provided in a sufficient amount to substantially remove any traces of the cleaning fluid that would otherwise impair the suitability of the receptacle undergoing conditioning for further use in the vending process.
The means for conditioning the received receptacle may comprise a drier, which may comprise any suitable means by which the receptacle may be dried. Drying of the receptacle provides a number of advantages. It prevents dilution of the dispensed product by liquids associated with the conditioning procedure, and may help reduce the likelihood of microbial growth within the conditioned receptacle prior to receiving the dispensed product. Furthermore, in the event that the dispensed product is a soluble solid, drying of the receptacle may prevent unwanted dissolution of the product into residual liquids remaining from the conditioning process. Suitable driers for use in the vending machines of the invention make use of increased temperature and/or airflow in order to bring about the requisite level of drying. For example, a hot air blower may be used as a drier. Alternatively, or additionally, the drier may comprise means by which the receptacle is subjected to reduced air pressure in order to aid the evaporation of, or otherwise remove, residual liquids remaining from the conditioning process. For example, the drying means may comprise a vacuum hose or other similar means by which a partial vacuum may be applied to the interior of the receptacle.
It will be appreciated that a number of the means referred to above may be provided by a single component. For example a fluid dispenser may be able to act as both a flusher and a cleaning fluid dispenser. Other combinations of the various means may be provided as desired. The use of such combined means may help to reduce the space taken up by the conditioning means within the vending machine.
In addition to means by which the receptacle may be conditioned in preparation for its re-use, a vending machine in accordance with the invention may preferably comprise means for collection, storage and optionally re-processing of fluids used in the conditioning process. These may be provided by the use of substantially enclosed stations" within the machine comprising one or more of the means for conditioning the receptacle, in which the various conditioning steps may take place and used fluids may be collected. For example, a vending machine in accordance with the invention may be provided with a station containing means for flushing the receptacle, and/or with a station containing means for washing a receptacle, or with a combined flushing and washing station.
Similarly, means for drying the receptacle may be provided in one or more substantially enclosed stations within the vending machine. These stations may be of benefit in preventing processes associated with the drying (e.g. hot air flow or reduced air pressure) impinging on other processes taking place within the vending machine. In a preferred embodiment a vending machine in accordance with the invention may be provided with both a drying station (e.g. for the conversion of hot air) and a vacuum station (within which the receptacle may be subjected to reduced air pressure).
The means for conditioning a receptacle provided in a vending machine may comprise, one, more than one, or all of the means described above. The selection of appropriate conditioning means may be made with reference to, among other factors, the nature of the product to be vended. It will be appreciated that proper conditioning of previously used receptacles is particularly important in the case of products that are to be consumed, such as food or drinks, and that in this case it may be desired to use a combination of means allowing very thorough conditioning of receptacles.
The means for dispensing the product to be vended into a receptacle may be selected with reference to the nature of the product in question. Such a dispenser may make use of any conventional means known to those skilled in the art. For example, in the case where the product to be vended is a liquid product, the dispenser may comprise a nozzle for dispensing the liquid product. It will be appreciated that a suitable dispenser may be selected with reference to the physical properties (e.g. thickness or viscosity of a liquid product to be dispensed, or particle size of a solid product to be dispensed), and also with reference to the volume of the product that is to be dispensed.
It will be appreciated that not all receptacles will be suitable for use in vending machines according to the invention. For example, receptacles that are improperly proportioned (so that they cannot securely be received within the machine or in the means by which receptacles are transported within the machine) may become loose and cause jamming of the machine. Given that vending machines are often required to function as "stand alone" equipment (without supervisory staff), it may be preferred that suitable and non-suitable receptacles can be discriminated by means provided as part of the vending machine. In a preferred embodiment a vending machine in accordance with the invention may be provided with means for detecting an indicator provided on a receptacle suitable for use in the vending machine. Examples of suitable indicators will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and include optical indicators such as bar codes (in which case the means provided may comprise a bar code reader), or radio frequency identification (RFID) indicators such as microchips (in which case the means provided may be an appropriate scanner). It may be preferred that detection of the indicator is effected prior to entry of the receptacle into the vending machine, with receptacles lacking the proper indicator being excluded from the vending machine.
The inventor has found that it is advantageous if vending machines in accordance with the invention are provided with means by which the integrity of a received receptacle, and thus its suitability for receipt of a product to be vended, may be determined.
Determination of the integrity of a receptacle in this manner may involve assessing the ability of the receptacle to receive and/or retain a vended product. For example, in the case of a liquid product, determination of integrity of a receptacle may involve assaying the receptacle for the presence of holes br leaks that would prevent the receptacle from properly retaining the product once vended. The integrity may advantageously be assessed using one or more of the means provided for conditioning of the received receptacles. For instance, the means by which a receptacle may be flushed may also be used to assess the integrity of the receptacle (in which case integrity may be demonstrated by the ability of the receptacle to retain the flushing fluid without undue loss). In the event that a receptacle received by the vending machine is found to lack the necessary integrity it may be excluded from the further conditioning and dispensing procedure. Excluded receptacles of this sort may be returned to the consumer, or may alternatively be disposed of, for example into a recycling bin within the vending machine.
The decision as to whether an excluded receptacle is to be returned or disposed of may be taken by the consumer, for instance by selecting their preferred course of action in response to a visual and/or auditory prompt provided by the machine. In the case that a receptacle provided by a consumer is excluded, an alternative receptacle may be provided from a supply stored within the vending machine. It will be appreciated that supply of a further receptacle in this manner may increase the price of the vending transaction to the consumer (since an increased price will be necessary cover both the cost of the replacement receptacle and the vended product).
Vending machines in accordance with the invention may preferably be provided with means for sealing a receptacle once the receptacle has been provided with the product to be vended. A seal applied to a receptacle in accordance with this embodiment of the invention may serve to prevent the vended product from leaving the receptacle (e.g. by leak or spillage of the product), and/or to prevent foreign objects entering the receptacle (e.g. causing contamination of the vended product). A suitable seal may be selected with reference to the product in question. It will be appreciated that in the case of a liquid product the seal should preferably be liquid-impermeable. A preferred example of means for sealing a receptacle may comprise means for depositing a film over the opening of a receptacle. Additionally, or alternatively, preferred means for sealing a receptacle may comprise means for providing a screw cap or push on cap able to seal the receptacle. In general push on or screw caps may provide greater mechanical strength to a seal than is provided by a film covering.
Vending machines in accordance with the invention may be provided with means able to record that a suitable "payment" has been made, and that the vending process may thus begin. Payment may be by means of coins or notes, by cards (such as debit or credit cards, pre-paid cards, or the like), by tokens, by inputting a code, or by any other suitable means known in the art.
In a preferred embodiment, a vending machine of the invention may be provided with means by which information regarding the product to be vended may be recorded on a receptacle. Such information may include details regarding the identity of the product vended, such as the nature of the product (e.g. shampoo or hair conditioner), a property of the product (e.g. the flavour of a drink or food, or a date by which the drink or food should preferably be consumed), or commercial information regarding the product (e.g. the brand of a product vended by the machine). Suitable means for use in such an embodiment include a printer, such as an ink jet printer, or labelling device.
Vending machines in accordance with the present invention may preferably be provided with means for viewing the interior of the vending machine. The inventors believe that the ability to observe the "inner workings" of the machine, for example as a receptacle is conveyed between the various means provided within the vending machine, is of interest to consumers. This may provide a valuable advantage over vending machines found in the prior art, since it will encourage consumers to use vending machines in accordance with this aspect of the invention over prior art machines. In a simple embodiment, the means for viewing the interior of the vending machine may comprise a window, through which the machine's interior may be observed. Other embodiments may make use of one or more screens displaying the interior of the machine (for example by displaying images generated by cameras within the vending machine).
The inventors believe that a further valuable distinction over vending machines of the prior art may be provided by applying a distinctively shaped façade or housing to the vending machine. For example, the vending machine may be provided with a decorative façade or housing but has a relevance or link to the product(s) to be vended, or that otherwise appeals to a consumer. In a preferred embodiment vending machines of the invention may be provided with a façade or housing shaped like a cartoon character, such as a cartoon cow.
In a second aspect, the invention further provides a method of vending a product from a vending machine, the method comprising: receiving a receptacle for receipt of a product to be vended into the vending machine; conditioning a received receptacle for receipt of a product to be vended; and dispensing the product to be vended into the receptacle.
The product and receptacle may then be provided to a consumer. It will be appreciated that the methods of the invention may be put into practice using a vending machine in accordance with any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.
In accordance with either the first or second aspects of the invention, the receiving and conditioning of the receptacle, and dispensing of the product may all be applied to a single receptacle so that a receptacle introduced into a vending machine is immediately 1o conditioned and provided with the product before being returned to the consumer.
Alternativ&y, a vending machine may contain a number of receptacles, which may be at different points of the process (e.g. some receptacles undergoing conditioning with other receptacles ready to receive the vended product). In this case receipt by the machine of a receptacle may lead to an already conditioned receptacle advancing to the dispensing means to be provided with the product. Thus when a consumer introduces a receptacle that is received by the vending machine this receptacle enters the conditioning process, but a different receptacle (which may already have been conditioned by the machine) containing the product to be vended is provided to the consumer. It will be appreciated that this may significantly increase the speed of the vending process, by reducing the "lag time" that may otherwise be associated with conditioning of the receptacle.
A third aspect of the present invention provides a receptacle for use in a vending machine. This aspect of the invention is described further below.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a representation of an exterior view of a vending machine in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating required and optional processes that may be applied to a receptacle by a vending machine in accordance with the invention; Figure 3 is a representation of a preferred receptacle for use with a vending machine in accordance with the invention.
In Figure 1, a vending machine 1 comprises a housing 2 provided with a hatch 3 by which a receptacle (not shown) may be introduced by a consumer, and thus received into the vending machine, and subsequently returned to a consumer when filled. The vending machine 1 is provided with means 4 for receiving payment by cash or by card and with means 5 by which a product to be vended may be selected. The vending machine 1 is further provided with buttons 6 and 7 which may be illuminated in the event that a receptacle introduced into the machine is found to lack integrity sufficient to undergo further processing. Selection of button 6 by the consumer causes the rejected receptacle to be retained and disposed of within the vending machine 1, whereas selection of button 7 by the consumer causes the rejected receptacle to be ejected from the machine via an ejection chute 8. The vending machine 1 is also provided with windows 9 through which the interior of the machine, and processing of receptacle within the machine, may be observed.
Figure 2 shows a flow diagram of various processes that may be applied to a receptacle by a vending machine in accordance with the invention. In a first step 10 the receptacle is received by the vending machine, for example when provided by a consumer. A scanner provided in the vending machine checks (step 11) for the presence of a microchip indicator within the receptacle. If the indicator is absent this indicates that the receptacle is to be rejected (step 12). If the indicator is present this indicates that the receptacle is suitable for use in the vending machine and the receptacle is accepted into the machine (step 13).
Once accepted by the vending machine the receptacle is first flushed with water to remove foreign bodies (step 14). If the receptacle is unable to retain the flushing water this indicates that it lacks the integrity required to undergo successful processing by the vending machine, and the receptacle is rejected (step 15). If the water used to flush the receptacle is retained, this indicates that the receptacle has the necessary integrity, and the receptacle is accepted (step 16) for further conditioning and processing within the vending machine.
A cleaning fluid comprising a detergent is introduced into the receptacle at a detergent station in step 17. Any excess detergent is retained by the detergent station, before the receptacle passes to a rinse station.
The receptacle is then rinsed (step 18) to remove residual traces of the detergent, the used rinsing solution being retained within the rinsing station.
Once rinsed, the receptacle enters a drying station, which uses a flow of hot air to remove residual rinsing liquid from the receptacle (step 19).
The receptacle then proceeds from the drying station to a vacuum station, in which reduced air pressure is applied to the interior of the receptacle (step 20), thus further aiding the drying of the receptacle. This marks the last step of the conditioning process in the present example, however, it would be appreciated that the order of the various conditioning steps may be subject to change, as may the total number of conditioning steps employed.
Once the receptacle has been conditioned, it is then ready to receive the product that is to be vended. The product to be vended is dispensed into the conditioned receptacle (step 21), by any suitable means. In the case of a liquid product, such as a beverage, this may be achieved by use of a nozzle dispenser. The means for dispensing the product may be part of a dispensing station. Such a station may comprise a number of different means by which different products may be dispensed (for example, different flavours of a beverage, or different cosmetic products).
The receptacle containing the product is then sealed (step 22) by the application of a film over the opening of the receptacle. This may be bound to the receptacle by heat, adhesive or the like. A screw lid is also applied to the receptacle, this screw lid providing greater mechanical strength to the seal.
The sealed receptacle then passes an inkjet printer, which applies (step 23) a "best before date" indicating the date by which the vended product should be consumed. The filled, sealed and labelled receptacle is then provided to the consumer (step 24).
A preferred receptacle for use in accordance with a vending machine of the invention is shown in Figure 3. The inventor believes that receptacles having relatively wide openings (the "mouth" of the receptacle) are advantageous when used in vending machines of the invention, since the wide opening aids the conditioning process. The receptacle 25 has a wide mouth 26, and a constriction 27 in the walls of the receptacle.
This constriction 27 may help the receptacle 25 to fit a consumer's hand, as is preferably shaped to receive a detachable handle (not shown) to aid a consumer's grip on the receptacle. This is of particular advantage to children, who may otherwise have difficulty in retaining the receptacle. So advantageous are these preferred receptacles that they give rise to a further aspect of the invention, in which there is provided a receptacle for use in a vending machine, the receptacle comprising an opening by which a product may be introduced into the receptacle, receptacle walls by which the product may be retained in the receptacle, and wherein the receptacle walls define a constriction shaped to receive a handle. The handle may be received by means of a snap fit. Preferably, as shown in Figure 3, the receptacle 25 may have a relatively wide base 28 to increase its stability when set down upon a surface. The base 28 may define the widest part of the receptacle 25. A receptacle 25 suitable for use in a vending machine in accordance with the invention may be provided with an indicator (indicative of this suitability) which may be detected by a vending machine.
Claims (13)
- CLAIMS1. A vending machine comprising means for receiving a receptacle into which a product to be vended may be provided, means for conditioning a received receptacle to make it ready for receipt of a product to be vended, and means for dispensing the product into a receptacle.
- 2. A vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the means for conditioning the received receptacle comprises means by which the receptacle may be flushed to remove foreign objects.
- 3. A vending machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the means for conditioning the received receptacle comprises means by which a cleaning fluid may be introduced into the receptacle.
- 4. A vending machine according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the means for conditioning the received receptacle comprises means by which the receptacle may be rinsed.
- 5. A vending machine according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the means for conditioning the received receptacle comprises means by which the receptacle may be dried.
- 6. A vending machine according to any preceding claim, comprising means by which the integrity of a received vessel may be assessed.
- 7. A vending machine according to any preceding claim, comprising means for detecting an indicator provided on a receptacle suitable for use in the vending machine
- 8. A vending machine according to any preceding claim, comprising means for sealing the receptacle once the receptacle has been provided with the product.
- 9. A vending machine according to any preceding claim, comprising means for recording information regarding the product to be vended on the receptacle.
- 10. A vending machine according to any preceding claim, further comprising means by which the receptacle may be conveyed between the means recited in the preceding claims.
- 11. A vending machine according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for viewing the interior of the vending machine.
- 12. A method of vending a product from a vending machine, the method comprising: receiving a receptacle for receipt of a product to be vended into the vending machine; conditioning a received receptacle for receipt of a product to be vended; and dispensing the product to be vended into the receptacle.
- 13. A receptacle for use in a vending machine, the receptacle comprising an opening by which a product may be introduced into the receptacle, receptacle walls by which the product may be retained in the receptacle, and wherein the receptacle walls define a constriction shaped to receive a handle.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0810861A GB2462319A (en) | 2008-06-13 | 2008-06-13 | Vending machine with container re-use |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0810861A GB2462319A (en) | 2008-06-13 | 2008-06-13 | Vending machine with container re-use |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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GB0810861D0 GB0810861D0 (en) | 2008-07-23 |
GB2462319A true GB2462319A (en) | 2010-02-10 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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GB0810861A Withdrawn GB2462319A (en) | 2008-06-13 | 2008-06-13 | Vending machine with container re-use |
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WO2015028815A1 (en) * | 2013-08-30 | 2015-03-05 | British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited | Apparatus and method for dispensing liquids into a container |
US9902109B2 (en) | 2008-10-07 | 2018-02-27 | Tripetals, Llc | Internet-enabled apparatus, system and methods for physically and virtually rendering three-dimensional objects |
IT202000018697A1 (en) * | 2020-07-31 | 2022-01-31 | Blupura Srl | DRINKING WATER DISPENSING DEVICE WITH CONTAINER WASHING SYSTEM |
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US20100088650A1 (en) * | 2008-10-07 | 2010-04-08 | Christopher Kaltenbach | Internet-enabled apparatus, system and methods for physically and virtually rendering three-dimensional objects |
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IT202000018697A1 (en) * | 2020-07-31 | 2022-01-31 | Blupura Srl | DRINKING WATER DISPENSING DEVICE WITH CONTAINER WASHING SYSTEM |
WO2022023844A1 (en) * | 2020-07-31 | 2022-02-03 | Blupura S.R.L. | Beverage dispenser with container washing system |
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