201145218 六、發明說明： 【發明所屬之技術領域】 本發明係有關於一種販售設備，其具有至少一個配備有一 展示總成之隔間。本發明發現可作爲一菸品販售設備之特別用 途。 【先前技術】 許多不同種類之販售設備被用在一銷售點貯存，配發及展 示消費品。例如，在商店或售貨攤中，大部分消費品被展示在 自由站立或牆上安裝擱板設備或台架上。然而，從能夠在每一 次販售之間可被隨意地遮蔽或關閉的設備處發配某些商品將 會是較佳的。這可防止商品直接被消費者取得或看見。 因此，有必要提供一種新穎之消費品販售設備，其將可在 銷售點之消費品的貯存與展示方面提供更大之靈活性。 【發明內容】 根據本發明提供一種消費品之販售設備，其包括：一用於 容納此等消費品之第一隔間，而此第一隔間具有一第一開口並 包括一第一展示總成。此第一展示總成包含第一複數個關閉面 板，而此等關閉面板中之每一者均可樞轉或旋轉。透過此等關 閉面板之樞轉或旋轉，第一展示總成可移動於諸關閉面板遮蓋 第一開口的關閉狀態與諸關閉面板被樞轉或旋轉以使第一開 口可被至少部分地打開的開啓狀態之間。此販售設備另包括用 於大致同步地樞轉或旋轉諸第一複數個關閉面板之促動手段。 第一展示總成中之多個關閉面板或百葉板形成一「百葉 窗」結構形態，如同經常用於窗簾或遮光板中者。較佳地，此 201145218 第一展示總成之諸關閉面板配置成大致彼此相平行。 本發明之販售設備可在銷售點之消費品的展示與存取方 面提供更大之靈活性。第一隔間可保持關閉或封閉，以使得消 費品無法存取，直到零售商選擇將此第一展示總成移動至開啓 狀態爲止。此具有許多優點。例如，可依需要控制諸消費品在 販售點處之可見性。藉由使用一可輕易地移動於關閉狀態與開 啓狀態間之展示總成，零售商可選擇是否展示或隱藏諸消費 品。或者，或除此之外，對零售商而言有利的是將此展示總成 保持在關閉狀態，此時該第一隔間內之所有條件都可受到控 制。例如，在第一隔間之溫度與濕度有必要控制時，使用本發 明將是有利的。可藉由將此第一展示總成移至開啓狀態一段短 的時間而方便且迅速地提供接近消費品之通道，以使得第一隔 間內之各種條件受盡可能小之影響。 關閉面板可被形成爲任何適當之形狀或大小，旦較佳係矩 形長條狀，以便使各面板之長度顯著大於其寬度。典型地，諸 關閉面板將彼此大致成相同之大小與形狀，儘管此將取決於該 第一隔間之開口的形狀。 較佳地，各關閉面板係沿著一縱向軸線安裝，而此軸線則 沿著面板長度而延伸；且最佳地，此等關閉面板安裝成其等之 縱向軸線彼此大致成平行。第一展示總成之諸關閉面板可安裝 成其等之縱向軸線位於一大致成水平或垂直之方向上。較佳 地，諸關閉面板各被安裝在一大致垂直之方向上，以使其等可 繞一垂直軸線而樞轉。 各關閉面板係可繞著縱向軸線樞轉或旋轉，而此面板則係 201145218 沿著此軸線安裝。此縱軸橫跨此面板之寬度的橫向位置係可變 化的’此端賴所需樞轉運動的方向與範圍而定。諸關閉面板可 以順時針或逆時針方向或沿兩個方向樞轉。在諸關閉面板沿著 一位於此面板之邊緣或朝向其邊緣的縱向軸線而安裝情形 下’諸面板可從第一隔間之開口處向外樞轉或旋轉或向內至此 第一隔間之空間內。 諸關閉面板可由任何適當之材料構成，其包括但不限於金 屬、塑膠、玻璃、或堅硬纖維材料。在一些無須控制消費品之 可見狀況的情形下，此等關閉面板可大致上透明。然而，關閉 面板較佳地係由一種具低透光性材料製成，以致無法穿透此等 面板看見。更佳地，關閉面板完全不透明。此意謂著當此等關 閉面板遮蓋住第一隔間時，位於此隔間內之消費品將無法被看 見。 在第一展示總成之關閉狀態下，諸關閉面板較佳地平置成 使得在諸相鄰面板間並無間隙存在，且複數個面板在第一開口 上形成一實壁或幕。諸面板可彼此齊平鋪置在一大致相同的平 面上，俾只有諸相林面板之邊緣可相接觸。或者，諸相鄰面板 之邊緣可彼此相疊置。諸面板若有間隔，此間隔即可根據此等 面板的寬度（以及在關閉狀態下所需疊置之程度）選定。 爲了將展示總成從關閉狀態移至開啓狀態，諸關閉面板被 樞轉或旋轉達110度之角度。所有關閉面板被大致同步地樞 轉，且所有關閉面板較佳地被樞轉相同或類似之角度。此等關 閉面板從其關閉起始位置起樞轉或旋轉越接近90度角度，第 一開口被打開的區域就會越大，且因此位於第一隔間內的消費 201145218 品的可見度也就越大。較佳地，在開啓狀態中，諸關閉面板係 大致垂直於第一隔間中之第一開口的平面，以便第一開口可被 打開至最大的程度。在開啓狀態中，相費品可透過諸關閉面板 間之間隔而被看見。較佳地，諸關閉面板相當薄。因此，在開 啓狀態中，當諸面版處於與第一開口之平面成90度角度時， 諸面板之側緣盡可能小地佔有第一開口。 第一展示總成之諸關閉面板的間隔可改變，此取決於是否 需要提供經由此展示總成而取得第一隔間內消費品之通道而 定。例如，諸關閉面板可配置成相當接近地相間隔，以使得當 此展示總成處於開啓狀態時，諸面板間之間隙或間隔小於第一 隔間內之消費品的尺寸。在此情形下，雖然消費品可被消費者 看見，卻無法從這販售設備之第一隔間處將其移出，此第一隔 間只提供展示而已。或者，諸關閉面板可被更寬地相間隔，以 致當此展示總成處於開啓狀態時，諸面板間之間隙或間隔可夠 寬，以便零售商可經由此等間隙從第一隔間處移出消費品。 本發明之販售設備的促動手段作用在諸關閉面板上，以造 成其等之同步樞轉或旋轉。許多適用之促動手段爲本技藝之人 士所熟知。在本發明之一較佳實施例中，此促動手段包括複數 根平行桿件或臂件，其中第一展示總成之各關閉面板安裝在一 桿件上，且其中各桿件係可移動，以使此桿件之移動可引起安 裝於其上之關閉面板的樞轉或旋轉。諸桿件可直接或間接地連 接或聯結在一起，以致可達成此等桿件之一同步移動以及諸關 閉面板之最終同步疏轉或旋轉。例如，此展示總成中之複數根 桿件可如一般百葉窗總成安裝。 201145218 較佳地，根據本發明之此一較佳實施例所實施之販售設備 另包括與此促動手段相關聯之第一控制手段，其係用來於操作 上’將第一展示總成移動於開啓狀態與關閉狀態之間。第一控 制手段可爲一電動式控制手段（例如一電氣開關）或一機械式 控制手段。較佳地，第一控制手段設置在本販售設備之外部， 以使零售商可方便接近並使用。 第一控制手段可適於提供多種關閉面板之開啓狀態以供 展示總成所用。或者，此控制手段可適於使其只能夠選用關閉 狀態或者開啓狀態，在此兩者之間無其他可選用。 尤佳地，第一控制手段包括一柄部或踏板，配置成使得第 一展示總成在使用期間，於下壓此柄部或踏板後，可隨即從關 閉狀態移動至開啓狀態。因此，經由作用一單力至此控制手 段’所有關閉面板被樞轉或旋轉，以便開啓第一展示總成。在 本販售設備之正常預設位置中，此展示總成因此係在一關閉狀 態下’以使隔間內之消費品不可見。然而，零售商可利用第一 控制手段而輕易且快速開啓此展示總成，以便可展示消費品， 且若有必要可將其取出。 根據本發明所實施之販售設備的第一隔間可另包括用於 安裝將容納於其內之消費品的手段。’較佳地，必需倂合此類安 裝手段才有助於排列及配發消費品。例如，在第一隔間內，可 設置一或多個用於疊放消費品知台架或台座。或者，消費品可 被疊置i —或多個卡式盒中，而此類卡式盒則可選擇地裝設了 彈簧式機構以協助消費品之配發。 第一隔間可另包括一燈具’其可在第一展示總成處於開啓 201145218 狀態時，用於照明被收納於此隔間內之消費品，以使這些消費 品更爲可見。或者，或除此之外，可在本販售設備中設置可供 控制第一隔間之溫度或濕度中之至少一者用之手段。 諸關閉面板之外表面可配備有例如圖形或文字，以便可反 映出第一隔間內之相費商品或相關商品的品牌，或可爲完全不 同之消費品作廣告。或者，或除此之外，諸關閉面板可包含一 或多個區域，其中圖形或文字被設置在內表面，而此等圖形或. 文字只有在當展示總成被移至其開啓狀態時才變爲可見。 在本發明之一較佳實施例中，此販售設備另包括：一用於 容納諸消費品之第二隔間，而此第二隔間具有一第二開口並包 括一第二展示總成。此第二展示總成包含複數個第二關閉面 板，其中此等關閉面板係可樞轉或旋轉，以便使此第二展示總 成可移動於諸關閉面板遮蓋住第二開口的關閉狀態與第二開 口被至少部分地打開的開啓狀態之間。第二促動手段較佳地設 置成使得第二展示總成中之諸第二複數個關閉面板可同步地 樞轉或旋轉。 第二展示總成中之多個關閉面板或百葉板如同經常被用 於窗簾或遮光板中者，形成一「百葉窗」結構形態。較佳地， 此第二展示總成之諸關閉面板配置成大致彼此相平行。 根據本發明之此實施例所實施之具有兩個隔間的販售設 備將可在消費品之展示與配發方面提供甚至更大之靈活性。 第二展示總成在形式與功能上均係類似於第一展示總 成。第二展示總成可具有任何前述與第一展示總成有關之特 徵。 201145218 與第二促動手段相關聯之第二控制手段較佳地設置來用 於在操作上將此第二展示總成移動於開啓狀態與關閉狀態之 間。此第二促動手段及第二控制手段可類似於或相同於前述之 第一促動手段及第一控制手段。 較佳地，第二控制手段可移動第一及第二展示總成兩者於 關閉狀態與開啓狀態之間。此使得第一展示總成及第二展示總 成可被同步地開啓，以便使第一隔間與第二隔間內之消費品可 同時被展示。在此情形下，零售商可選擇利用第一控制手段來 只開啓第一展示總成，或是利用第二控制手段來開啓兩個展示 總成。 較佳地，第一控制手段與第二控制手段兩者包括一可供零 售商以腳操作用之踏板，以便使零售商的手保持自由而可取放 消費品。 第一隔間及第二隔間可設置在本販售設備內之任一處，且 其組合可佔據本設備之全部或只一部分，然而，第一隔間及第 二隔間較佳地係在本販售設備之上方或前方彼此相鄰，以利可 近取消費品。 第一展示總成及第二展示總成可設置在本販售設備之任 一側，且可彼此設置於相同側或不同側上。各展示總成可涵蓋 本設備之全部或只一部分。較佳地，諸展示總成中之至少一者 設置在本設備之側邊’藉此使得一旦此展示總成已被開啓，便 可展示並接近消費品。這通常位於本設備的前側，其在本設備 已被安裝並放置時，面向消費者^ 第一及第二隔間之壁（不含諸展示總成）可由任何適當材 201145218 料構成。較佳地，用於形成第一及第二隔間之其他壁材具有低 透光性，以使得消費品無法經此可見。此使消費品可在相關聯 之展示總成被移動至其開啓狀態之前，完全被隱藏或遮蔽。 第二隔間內之消費品可相同於第~隔間內之消費品。或 者，第二隔間可收納與第一隔間所收納者不同之消費品，例如 一不同類型或品牌之消費品。第一隔間及第二隔間之大小與形 狀可順應配合將收納於其中之消費品。第二隔間可具有與第一 隔間相同或不同之大小及形狀。 根據本發明所實施之販售設備可另包括一或多個用於容 納消費品之額外貯存隔間。這在如前述，因諸關閉面板之間隔 而無法接近消費品情況下，可能特別理想。任何設置於本販售 設備中之額外貯存隔間可經由一活動壁（諸如一滑動壁或面 板）或一鉸鏈門接近。或者，額外之貯存隔間本身可相對於本 販售設備之其餘部分可活動。例如，此等貯存隔間可成一或多 個抽屜之形式，其可滑動地移入至或移出自本販售設備之其餘 部分。 本販售設備可設計成能獨立使用，不論是自由站立或是裝 設於壁上之設備均可。或者，本販售設備可適當地設計成可整 合於一位於銷售點之現有櫃檯式固定裝置內。 根據本發明所實施之販售設備的大小及形狀，可順應配合 被收納於其中之消費品。此外，此大小與形狀可改變以配合將 放置本販售設備用之空間。本販售設備之諸外表面（包含諸關 閉面板之表面）可配備有任何想要之表面最終加工。此等外表 面可選擇地展示圖形或文字，諸如與被收納於本設備內之消費 -10- 201145218 品有關之品牌或產品資訊，或與本設備所擺放處之零售商店有 關者。 根據本發明所實施之販售設備發現作爲提供用於展示及 配發許多菸品之菸包的特別用途。本販售設備可適於收納不同 數量、大小及形狀之菸品的菸包，且適於用許多不同之方式來 展示這些菸包。 本發明將只是舉例，參考所附第1圖，進一步說明，該第 1圖顯示一根據本發明所實施之消費品販售設備的前面立體 圖，其中第一及第二展式總成係處於一關閉狀態。 【實施方式】 第1圖中之販售設備10大致成長方體之形狀，並包括一 底部單元12以及一被安裝在此底部單元12上之頂部單元14。 此頂部單元1 4包括：一後壁、一左側壁、一右側壁1 6、一頂 壁1 8、及一底壁。 名詞「前」、「後」、「左」及「右」係以一站立在本設 備前方之消費者的觀點爲定。 頂部單元14藉一中央垂直隔板區分成一左隔間與一右隔 間，而此中央隔板係大致平行於右側壁1 6與左側壁。左及右 隔間具大約相等之大小，且各在頂部單元14之前面處具有一 開口。兩隔間容納許多菸品之菸包，其被成列疊置在裝有彈簧 之卡式盒中。位於諸卡式盒內之前方菸包排列成使其前面可被 展示出。 左隔間之開口被一左展示總成20所遮蓋；相同地，右隔 間之開口被一右展示總成22所遮蓋。第1圖顯示該具有均處 -11- 201145218 於關閉狀態下之左展示總成20與右展示總成22的販售設備 1〇，以致使得位於每一個隔間中之開口都被完全地遮蓋。在此 狀態下，左展不總成2 0與右展不總成2 2將形成頂部單元1 4 之前面。 諸展示總成20、22中之每一者係由一具有三片矩形長條 狀面板24之百葉窗總成所構成，而此等面板被垂直地裝設在 相關聯隔間之開口處。諸面板24之長度相當於此開口之高度。 各面板24被安裝在一垂直臂26上，其伸展於頂部單元之頂壁 與底壁之間。諸垂直臂之端部被裝設在該百葉窗總成內，以便 其等可被同步轉動。 各展示總成20、22可移動於第1圖所示的關閉狀態與一 開啓狀態之間。在此關閉狀態中，諸關閉面板24平鋪在開口 之平面上，並使得相鄰之面板間沒有間隙。此開口因此完全被 諸關閉面板24所遮蓋，使得無法看見位於諸隔間內之菸包。 在開啓狀態中，諸關閉面板24已被樞轉90度，以致使其等處 於與諸開口之平面成垂直。在任一展示總成20、22之開啓狀 態中，位於相對應隔間內之菸包可經由諸關閉面板24間之間 隙而被看見。 諸展示總成係藉一對位於此販售設備1 〇之基座的腳踏板 40、42操作。此等腳踏板40、42藉一位於底部單元12內之促 動架構，被連接至諸百葉窗總成，以便諸踏板40、42之移動 可引起諸關閉面板24之同步樞轉。左踏板40被連接至左展示 總成20 ;以使得此左展示總成20在此踏板40被下壓後，隨即 從一關閉狀態移至一開啓狀態。右展示總成22不受影響並保 -12- 201145218 持在一關閉狀態下。右踏板42被連接至左展示總成20及右展 示總成22兩者上，以使得兩個總成在右踏板42被下壓後，隨 即從一關閉狀態移至一開啓狀態。零售商在相關聯之展示總成 處於開啓狀態時，可取出位於諸隔間內之菸包。 販售設備10之底部單元12包括：一後壁、一左側壁、一 右側壁5 0及一底壁。可經由位於此單元之前側面處的開口而 進入此底部單元12。一對鉸接門52設置在此底部單元12之前 面處以便蓋住該開口。各門包括一柄部5 4以利於此門之開與 關。 底部單元12提供更多菸包之貯存空間，且除此之外亦容 納可將諸腳踏板40、42連接至諸展示總成20、22上之促動架 構。此底部單元12之頂面係細開的，以便使該促動架構可與 諸臂總成相連通，而在此等臂總成內則安裝了諸垂直臂與諸關 閉面板24。 【圖式簡單說明】 第1圖顯示一根據本發明所實施之消費品販售設備的前立 體圖，其中第一及第二展式總成係處於一關閉狀態下。 【主要元件符號說明】 10 販售設備 12 底部單元 14 頂部單元 16 右側壁 18 頂壁 20 左展示總成 -13- 201145218 2 2 右展示總成 24 關閉面板 26 垂直臂 40/42 腳踏板 5 0 右側壁 52 鉸接門 54 柄部 -14201145218 VI. Description of the Invention: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a vending apparatus having at least one compartment equipped with a display assembly. The present invention finds particular use as a smoking device. [Prior Art] Many different types of merchandised equipment are used to store, dispense and display consumer goods at a point of sale. For example, in a store or a sales stand, most of the consumer goods are displayed on free standing or wall mounted shelf equipment or gantry. However, it would be preferable to dispense certain items from equipment that can be arbitrarily shaded or closed between each sale. This prevents the item from being directly captured or seen by the consumer. Therefore, there is a need to provide a novel consumer product vending device that will provide greater flexibility in the storage and display of consumer products at the point of sale. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a consumer product selling apparatus comprising: a first compartment for accommodating such consumer products, wherein the first compartment has a first opening and includes a first display assembly . The first display assembly includes a first plurality of closure panels, and each of the closure panels can be pivoted or rotated. By pivoting or rotating the closure panel, the first display assembly is movable in a closed state in which the closure panel covers the first opening and the closure panel is pivoted or rotated to allow the first opening to be at least partially opened. Between open states. The merchandising apparatus further includes an actuating means for pivoting or rotating the first plurality of closure panels substantially synchronously. A plurality of closure panels or louvers in the first display assembly form a "louvered" structure, as is often used in curtains or visors. Preferably, the closure panels of the 201145218 first display assembly are configured to be substantially parallel to each other. The vending apparatus of the present invention provides greater flexibility in the display and access of consumer products at the point of sale. The first compartment can remain closed or closed so that the consumer cannot be accessed until the retailer chooses to move the first display assembly to the open state. This has many advantages. For example, the visibility of consumer goods at the point of sale can be controlled as needed. By using a display assembly that can be easily moved between a closed state and an open state, the retailer can choose whether to show or hide the consumer products. Alternatively, or in addition, it may be advantageous for the retailer to maintain the display assembly in a closed state, at which point all conditions within the first compartment may be controlled. For example, it may be advantageous to use the present invention when the temperature and humidity of the first compartment are necessarily controlled. The passage of the consumer product can be conveniently and quickly provided by moving the first display assembly to the open state for a short period of time so that the various conditions within the first compartment are affected as small as possible. The closure panel can be formed in any suitable shape or size, preferably in the form of a rectangular strip, such that the length of each panel is significantly greater than its width. Typically, the closure panels will be substantially the same size and shape to each other, although this will depend on the shape of the opening of the first compartment. Preferably, each of the closure panels is mounted along a longitudinal axis which extends along the length of the panel; and optimally, the closure panels are mounted such that their longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to each other. The closure panels of the first display assembly can be mounted such that their longitudinal axes lie in a generally horizontal or vertical direction. Preferably, the closure panels are each mounted in a generally vertical orientation such that they are pivotable about a vertical axis. Each of the closure panels is pivotable or rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and the panel is mounted along this axis by 201145218. The lateral position of the longitudinal axis across the width of the panel is variably 'depending on the direction and extent of the desired pivotal motion. The closure panels can be pivoted clockwise or counterclockwise or in both directions. Where the closure panels are mounted along a longitudinal axis of the panel or toward the edge thereof, the panels may be pivoted or rotated outwardly from the opening of the first compartment to the first compartment. Within the space. The closure panels can be constructed of any suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, glass, or rigid fiber materials. Such closure panels may be substantially transparent in the absence of control of the visible condition of the consumer product. However, the closure panel is preferably made of a material that is low in light transmissivity so that it cannot be seen through such panels. More preferably, the closure panel is completely opaque. This means that when these closures cover the first compartment, the consumer goods located in this compartment will not be visible. In the closed state of the first display assembly, the closure panels are preferably flat such that no gaps exist between adjacent panels and a plurality of panels form a solid wall or curtain on the first opening. The panels can be laid flush with each other on a substantially identical plane, and only the edges of the phased panels can be in contact. Alternatively, the edges of adjacent panels may overlap each other. If there are gaps in the panels, the spacing can be selected based on the width of the panels (and the degree of overlap required in the closed state). In order to move the display assembly from the closed state to the open state, the closure panels are pivoted or rotated by an angle of 110 degrees. All of the closure panels are pivoted substantially synchronously, and all closure panels are preferably pivoted at the same or similar angles. The closer the pivoting panel is pivoted or rotated from its closed starting position to the 90 degree angle, the larger the area in which the first opening is opened, and thus the more visible the consumption of 201145218 in the first compartment. Big. Preferably, in the open state, the closure panels are substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first opening in the first compartment so that the first opening can be opened to a maximum extent. In the open state, the counterfeit goods can be seen through the interval between the closed panels. Preferably, the closure panels are relatively thin. Therefore, in the open state, when the face plates are at an angle of 90 degrees to the plane of the first opening, the side edges of the panels occupy the first opening as small as possible. The spacing of the closure panels of the first display assembly may vary depending on whether it is desired to provide access to the consumer products in the first compartment via the display assembly. For example, the closure panels can be configured to be spaced relatively close together such that when the display assembly is in the open state, the gaps or spacing between the panels are less than the size of the consumer product within the first compartment. In this case, although the consumer product is visible to the consumer, it cannot be removed from the first compartment of the merchandising device, and the first compartment only provides the display. Alternatively, the closure panels can be spaced wider apart such that when the display assembly is in the open state, the gaps or spaces between the panels can be wide enough for the retailer to be removed from the first compartment via such gaps consumer goods. The actuating means of the vending apparatus of the present invention acts on the closure panels to cause their relative pivoting or rotation. Many of the applicable mobilization methods are well known to those skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuating means comprises a plurality of parallel bars or arms, wherein each of the closure panels of the first display assembly is mounted on a member, and wherein the members are movable So that the movement of the rod can cause pivoting or rotation of the closure panel mounted thereon. The members can be joined or joined together, either directly or indirectly, such that a simultaneous movement of one of the members and a final synchronized rotation or rotation of the closed panels can be achieved. For example, the plurality of members of the display assembly can be mounted as in a conventional shutter assembly. 201145218 Preferably, the merchandising apparatus implemented in accordance with this preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a first control means associated with the actuating means for operationally 'sending the first display assembly Move between the on state and the off state. The first control means can be an electric control means (e.g., an electrical switch) or a mechanical control means. Preferably, the first control means is disposed external to the merchandised equipment to enable the retailer to easily access and use. The first control means can be adapted to provide an open state of the plurality of closure panels for use in the display assembly. Alternatively, the control means may be adapted to enable only the off state or the on state, and there is no other option between the two. More preferably, the first control means includes a handle or pedal configured to cause the first display assembly to be moved from the closed state to the open state after depression of the handle or pedal during use. Therefore, all of the closing panels are pivoted or rotated by acting a single force to the control section to open the first display assembly. In the normal preset position of the merchandised equipment, the display assembly is therefore in a closed state to render the consumer product in the compartment invisible. However, the retailer can use the first control to easily and quickly open the display assembly so that the consumer product can be displayed and removed if necessary. The first compartment of the vending apparatus implemented in accordance with the present invention may additionally include means for installing consumer goods to be contained therein. Preferably, such installation means must be combined to facilitate the alignment and dispensing of consumer products. For example, in the first compartment, one or more shelves or pedestals for stacking consumer products can be provided. Alternatively, the consumer product can be stacked in i- or multiple cartridges, and such cartridges can optionally be equipped with a spring-loaded mechanism to assist in the dispensing of consumer products. The first compartment may additionally include a light fixture that can be used to illuminate consumer items contained in the compartment when the first display assembly is in the open state of 201145218 to make the consumer items more visible. Alternatively, or in addition, means for controlling at least one of the temperature or humidity of the first compartment may be provided in the merchandising apparatus. The outer surfaces of the closure panels may be provided with, for example, graphics or text to reflect the brand of the associated merchandise or related merchandise in the first compartment, or may advertise for completely different consumer products. Alternatively, or in addition, the closure panels may include one or more regions in which graphics or text are placed on the inner surface, and such graphics or text are only present when the display assembly is moved to its open state. Become visible. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the merchandising apparatus further includes: a second compartment for containing consumer items, and the second compartment has a second opening and includes a second display assembly. The second display assembly includes a plurality of second closure panels, wherein the closure panels are pivotable or rotatable to move the second display assembly to a closed state in which the closure panels cover the second opening The two openings are open between at least partially open states. The second actuating means is preferably arranged such that the second plurality of closing panels of the second display assembly are pivoted or rotated synchronously. A plurality of closure panels or louvers in the second display assembly, as often used in curtains or visors, form a "louver" configuration. Preferably, the closure panels of the second display assembly are configured to be substantially parallel to each other. A vending device having two compartments implemented in accordance with this embodiment of the invention will provide even greater flexibility in the display and dispensing of consumer products. The second display assembly is similar in form and function to the first display assembly. The second display assembly can have any of the foregoing features associated with the first display assembly. The second control means associated with the second actuating means is preferably arranged to operatively move the second display assembly between the open state and the closed state. The second actuating means and the second control means may be similar to or identical to the first actuating means and the first means of control described above. Preferably, the second control means moves both the first and second display assemblies between the closed state and the open state. This allows the first display assembly and the second display assembly to be simultaneously opened so that the consumer items in the first compartment and the second compartment can be simultaneously displayed. In this case, the retailer may choose to use the first control means to open only the first display assembly or to use the second control means to open the two display assemblies. Preferably, both the first control means and the second control means comprise a pedal for the retailer to operate with the foot to keep the retailer's hand free to pick up the consumer product. The first compartment and the second compartment may be disposed anywhere in the merchandised equipment, and the combination may occupy all or only a portion of the apparatus, however, the first compartment and the second compartment are preferably Adjacent to or adjacent to the merchandised equipment, the consumer goods can be accessed. The first display assembly and the second display assembly may be disposed on either side of the merchandised equipment and may be disposed on the same side or on different sides of each other. Each display assembly may cover all or only a portion of the equipment. Preferably, at least one of the display assemblies is disposed on a side of the device' whereby the consumer product can be displayed and accessed once the display assembly has been opened. This is typically located on the front side of the device, and the wall facing the consumer's first and second compartments (excluding the display assemblies) may be constructed of any suitable material when the device has been installed and placed. Preferably, the other wall materials used to form the first and second compartments have low light transmission so that consumer products are not visible therethrough. This allows the consumer product to be completely hidden or obscured before the associated display assembly is moved to its open state. The consumer goods in the second compartment may be the same as the consumer goods in the first compartment. Alternatively, the second compartment can accommodate a consumer product that is different from the one in which the first compartment is housed, such as a different type or brand of consumer product. The size and shape of the first compartment and the second compartment are adapted to fit the consumer product to be contained therein. The second compartment may have the same or a different size and shape than the first compartment. The vending apparatus implemented in accordance with the present invention may additionally include one or more additional storage compartments for containing consumer products. This may be particularly desirable in the case where the consumer is not accessible due to the spacing of the panels being closed as described above. Any additional storage compartments provided in the merchandised equipment may be accessed via a movable wall (such as a sliding wall or panel) or a hinged door. Alternatively, the additional storage compartment itself may be movable relative to the remainder of the equipment being sold. For example, such storage compartments may be in the form of one or more drawers that are slidably moved into or out of the remainder of the merchandised equipment. This equipment can be designed to be used independently, whether it is standing freely or mounted on a wall. Alternatively, the merchandised equipment can be suitably designed to be integrated into an existing counter-type fixture located at the point of sale. The size and shape of the vending equipment implemented in accordance with the present invention can be adapted to fit the consumer product contained therein. In addition, this size and shape can be varied to accommodate the space in which the equipment will be placed. The outer surfaces of the equipment sold (including the surfaces of the closed panels) can be equipped with any desired surface finish. These exteriors may optionally display graphics or text, such as brand or product information relating to the consumption of items -10- 201145218 contained in the device, or related to the retail store where the device is placed. Commercially available equipment implemented in accordance with the present invention has been found to be a particular use as a packet of cigarettes for displaying and dispensing a plurality of smoking articles. The merchandised equipment can be adapted to contain cigarette packets of different quantities, sizes and shapes, and is suitable for displaying the packets in a number of different ways. The present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying FIG. 1 which further illustrates a front perspective view of a consumer product-selling apparatus in accordance with the present invention, wherein the first and second expansion assemblies are in a closed state. status. [Embodiment] The vending apparatus 10 in Fig. 1 has a substantially rectangular shape and includes a bottom unit 12 and a top unit 14 mounted on the bottom unit 12. The top unit 14 includes a rear wall, a left side wall, a right side wall 16, a top wall 18, and a bottom wall. The terms "before", "after", "left" and "right" are based on the opinion of a consumer standing in front of the device. The top unit 14 is divided into a left compartment and a right compartment by a central vertical partition, and the central partition is substantially parallel to the right side wall 16 and the left side wall. The left and right compartments are approximately equal in size and each has an opening at the front face of the top unit 14. The two compartments contain a plurality of cigarette packs of cigarettes which are stacked in a stack of spring-loaded cartridges. The cigarette packs are arranged in front of the cassettes so that their front faces can be displayed. The opening of the left compartment is covered by a left display assembly 20; likewise, the opening of the right compartment is covered by a right display assembly 22. Figure 1 shows the merchandised equipment 1 with the left display assembly 20 and the right display assembly 22 in the closed state at -11-201145218, so that the openings in each of the compartments are completely covered . In this state, the left side does not form a total of 2 0 and the right side does not form an assembly 2 2 will form the front side of the top unit 1 4 . Each of the display assemblies 20, 22 is constructed of a louver assembly having three rectangular elongated panels 24 that are vertically mounted at the opening of the associated compartment. The length of the panels 24 corresponds to the height of the opening. Each panel 24 is mounted on a vertical arm 26 that extends between the top and bottom walls of the top unit. The ends of the vertical arms are mounted within the louver assembly so that they can be rotated synchronously. Each of the display assemblies 20, 22 is movable between a closed state and an open state as shown in Fig. 1. In this closed state, the closure panels 24 are laid flat on the plane of the opening such that there are no gaps between adjacent panels. This opening is thus completely covered by the closure panel 24 so that the packets located in the compartments are not visible. In the open state, the closure panels 24 have been pivoted 90 degrees so that they are so perpendicular to the plane of the openings. In the open state of any of the display assemblies 20, 22, the packets in the corresponding compartments can be seen through the gap between the closure panels 24. The display assemblies are operated by a pair of foot pedals 40, 42 located on the base of the merchandised equipment. The foot pedals 40, 42 are coupled to the louver assemblies by an actuation mechanism located within the base unit 12 such that movement of the pedals 40, 42 can cause simultaneous pivoting of the closure panels 24. The left pedal 40 is coupled to the left display assembly 20; such that the left display assembly 20 is moved from a closed state to an open state after the pedal 40 is depressed. The right display assembly 22 is unaffected and protected from -12-201145218 in a closed state. The right pedal 42 is coupled to both the left display assembly 20 and the right display assembly 22 such that the two assemblies are then moved from a closed state to an open state after the right pedal 42 is depressed. When the associated display assembly is turned on, the retailer can take out the cigarette packs located in the compartments. The bottom unit 12 of the vending apparatus 10 includes a rear wall, a left side wall, a right side wall 50 and a bottom wall. This bottom unit 12 can be accessed via an opening located at the front side of the unit. A pair of hinged doors 52 are provided at the front of the bottom unit 12 to cover the opening. Each door includes a handle 5 4 to facilitate opening and closing of the door. The bottom unit 12 provides more storage space for the cigarette packs and, in addition, accommodates the actuating frames that connect the foot pedals 40, 42 to the display assemblies 20, 22. The top surface of the bottom unit 12 is flared so that the actuating structure can be in communication with the arm assemblies, and the vertical arms and the closure panels 24 are mounted in the arm assemblies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows a front elevational view of a consumer product merchandising apparatus implemented in accordance with the present invention, wherein the first and second extension assemblies are in a closed state. [Main component symbol description] 10 vending equipment 12 bottom unit 14 top unit 16 right side wall 18 top wall 20 left display assembly-13- 201145218 2 2 right display assembly 24 closing panel 26 vertical arm 40/42 foot pedal 5 0 right side wall 52 hinged door 54 handle-14