TW201640453A - Point of sale vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a vending machine (10) for dispensing consumer goods, the vending machine (10) comprising a first storage portion (26) for receiving one or more first consumer goods (18) and a second storage portion (26) for receiving one or more second consumer goods (20), wherein the second consumer goods (20) are different to the first consumer goods (18). The vending machine (10) further comprises a selection device (22) provided on a first side of the vending machine (10) and configured to enable a consumer to select one of the first or second consumer goods (18, 20). The vending machine (10) also comprises a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense the selected consumer goods through a dispensing aperture (52) to the exterior of the vending machine (10), wherein the dispensing aperture is provided on a second side of the vending machine (10), wherein the second side is different to the first side.

Description

Point of sale vending machine

This invention relates to vending machines for use at point of sale in a retail environment. The invention is also directed to a method of dispensing consumer goods at a point of sale.

Certain consumer products such as soft drinks and confectionery products are often distributed and sold to consumers from self-service vending machines. These machines typically contain many different products that the consumer can choose from. After inserting the appropriate amount of coins into the vending machine and entering the product selection, the selected item is assigned to the consumer.

However, such self-service vending machines are not suitable for age-restricted products such as alcoholic beverages and tobacco-based consumer products. Therefore, usually, these products are disposed at the point of sale at the display stand behind the checkout counter, where consumers cannot access such products. However, this method of displaying products is often unsatisfactory because consumers cannot view the product and make its choices before it reaches the checkout counter. Consumer viewing may be limited by cashiers working in front of the showcase, and sometimes it may be difficult for consumers to explain to the cashier which products they want to buy.

It would be desirable to provide a method of displaying and selling consumer products that overcomes the above disadvantages. In particular, it would be desirable to give consumers more control over viewing and selecting restricted consumer products without enabling consumers to access the merchandise.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vending machine for dispensing a consumer product is provided, the vending machine comprising a first storage portion for housing one or more first consumer items and for housing one or more a second storage portion of one of the second consumer products, wherein the second consumer products are different from the first consumer products. The vending machine further includes a selection device disposed on a first side of the vending machine and configured to enable a consumer to select one of the first consumer products or the second consumer products By. The vending machine also includes a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense the selected consumer items to the exterior of the vending machine via a dispensing aperture, wherein the dispensing aperture is disposed on a second side of the vending machine Upper, and wherein the second side is different from the first side.

The vending machine in accordance with the present invention dispenses selected consumer products via a dispensing aperture that is disposed on different sides of the vending machine from a mechanism used by the consumer to select consumer products. Advantageously, therefore, the vending machine in accordance with the present invention can be deployed in a retail environment such that the consumer can view and select the consumer product directly in the same manner as a typical self-service vending machine, but without enabling the consumer to access the consumer. Distribute consumer goods. For example, a vending machine in accordance with the present invention can be configured at a point of sale at a checkout counter so that a consumer can view the consumer product and approach the selection device, and the dispensing aperture is inaccessible to the consumer. It can only be entered by the cashier after receiving the cashier. Once the consumer has selected the consumer product, the cashier can withdraw the consumer product from the dispensing aperture and accept payment from the consumer in a general manner. This configuration is particularly advantageous for age-restricted consumer products, such as wine and tobacco-based consumer products, because this configuration allows the consumer to view and select the merchandise themselves, but maintains the cashier's control over the personnel who may purchase the consumer product. Similarly, this configuration can also be used to distribute other restricted consumer products, such as over-the-counter drugs that can only be sold by a licensed pharmacist.

In order to facilitate the installation of the vending machine at the point of sale, the selection device is preferably disposed on the front wall of the vending machine. In these specific examples, the dispensing aperture is preferably disposed on at least one of the side wall and the rear wall of the vending machine. For example, the dispensing aperture can be completely disposed on the side wall of the vending machine, completely disposed on the rear wall of the vending machine, or disposed on the corner of the vending machine such that the dispensing aperture is disposed on the side wall of the vending machine and behind Both on the wall. In order to facilitate the installation of the vending machine adjacent to the checkout counter, in some embodiments it may be particularly preferred to have the dispensing aperture completely disposed on the rear wall of the vending machine.

As used herein, the term "front wall" refers to the wall or facet of a vending machine that faces a consumer when the consumer views the consumer product and selects the consumer product using the selection device. The term "rear wall" means the wall or facet of a vending machine opposite the front wall. In a specific example in which the vending machine has a substantially cubic shape, the vending machine includes two side walls extending between the front wall and the rear wall.

In any of the above specific examples, the dispensing mechanism can include a pushing device for storing a bit from the vending machine Promote the selection of these selected consumer products. For example, a plurality of each type of consumer product is typically stored in a vending machine, with each type of consumer product typically being stored in a column extending between the front and the rear of the vending machine. When selecting which consumer products to purchase, the consumer typically can view the consumer products at the front of each column to assist in selecting the desired product. Once the consumer has typed a selection by the selection device, one or more consumer items are assigned to the front or back portion of the column.

In some embodiments, the vending machine can include a plurality of first consumer products configured to extend between the front and rear of the vending machine, and configured to extend between the front and rear of the vending machine. A plurality of second consumer goods in the column. In these specific examples, the pushing device can be configured to dispense consumer products from the front portion of each column. However, in particular embodiments in which the dispensing aperture is disposed on at least one of the side walls and the rear wall of the container, the pushing means is preferably configured to dispense consumer products from the rear portion of each column.

The pushing device may comprise at least one of a lever, a plunger, a linear conveyor and a screw conveyor.

The dispensing mechanism can further include a guide member configured to direct the selected consumer products from the respective storage portion to the dispensing aperture, wherein the pushing device is configured to push the selected consumer products from the storage portion Into the guiding member. For example, the guiding member can comprise one or more interior walls in the vending machine, the inner walls forming a chute along which the dispensed consumer product can fall under the force of gravity.

In any of the specific examples in which the dispensing mechanism includes a pushing device, the vending machine can include a pushing device for each type of consumer product within the vending machine. For example, the dispensing mechanism can include a first pushing device for propelling one of the first consumer products and a second pushing device for propelling one of the second consumer products. In the specific examples, the selecting device may include a first actuating device connected to one of the first pushing devices and a second actuating device connected to the second pushing device, wherein the first actuating device and The second actuating device is disposed on an exterior of the first side of the vending machine.

In these specific examples, each of the first pushing device and the second pushing device can be electrically actuated, and each of the first actuating device and the second actuating device can be An electrical switch for actuating one of the respective pushers is included. For example, each of the first pushing device and the second pushing device can be an electrically actuated plunger, such as an electromechanical solenoid or a motorized control lever. Additionally or alternatively, the first actuating device and the second actuating device can each comprise an electrical button on an exterior of the front wall of the vending machine adjacent to the respective consumer product.

Alternatively, each of the first pushing device and the second pushing device may be mechanically actuated, wherein each of the first actuating device and the second actuating device comprises a mechanical device A linkage is coupled to one of the mechanical actuation devices of the respective pusher. For example, each of the first pushing device and the second pushing device may include a lever having a first end and a second end, the lever being at the first end and the second end thereof The rotatably mounted to a pivot. In the specific examples, the first actuating device and the second actuating device are Each of the rods may include a rod slidably mounted against the first end of the respective lever, and wherein the rod is configured such that sliding the rod toward the lever causes the lever to The two ends are rotated relative to the respective consumer products to push the consumer products from the respective storage portions into the guiding member.

For example, each of the bars may include a wedge shaped portion that acts as a cam on the first end of the respective lever. To facilitate interaction between each rod and the respective lever, a bearing such as a roller can be placed at the first end of each rod.

Alternatively, the mechanical linkage can couple each rod to the first end of the respective lever. For example, each of the rods and the respective levers can be shaped and pivotally coupled such that the rods and the levers together form a bell crank that transforms the sliding movement of the rods into the desired pushing motion to The consumer goods are pushed from the storage part into the guiding member.

In particular embodiments in which the pushing device is electrically actuated, the selecting device can include an electrically operated user interface disposed on an exterior of the first side of the vending machine. For example, the electrically operated consumer interface can include at least one of an electronic keypad and a touch sensitive electronic visual display.

In these specific examples, the dispensing mechanism can include a first electrically actuated pushing device and a second electrically actuated pushing device, as described above, wherein the first electrically actuated pushing device and the second electrically actuated pushing device It is actuated based on one of the consumer inputs at the selection device.

Alternatively, the dispensing mechanism can include a single electrically actuated push device configured in the vending machine in a first position and a An electric motor moving between the second positions, the pushing device being positioned in the first position to urge the first consumer goods and the pushing device being positioned in the second position to urge the second consumer goods, wherein the electric device A motor moves the pusher between the first position and the second position based on a consumer input at the selection device. For example, the dispensing mechanism can further include an electric motor configured to drive an electromechanical solenoid between a first position and a second position along one or more tracks, the electromechanical solenoid positioning The first consumer product is pushed in the first position and the electromechanical solenoid is positioned in the second position to propel the second consumer products.

In any of the above specific examples, the vending machine preferably includes at least one consumer window disposed on the first side of the vending machine to enable the consumer to directly view the consumer goods within the vending machine. For example, the vending machine can include at least one transparent panel that forms at least a portion of the front wall of the vending machine. The consumer window can be formed from glass or a transparent plastic such as poly(methyl methacrylate).

Alternatively, the vending machine may not include a window that enables the consumer to view the consumer goods within the vending machine. In these specific examples, the vending machine can include at least one of a graphic or text disposed on the first side of the vending machine to account for consumer products in the vending machine and to assist the consumer in making a selection.

In any of the above specific examples, the vending machine can include a service window to enable a retailer, such as a cashier, to view the interior of the vending machine. For example, the service window allows retail staff to view the inventory in the vending machine and replenish it if necessary. One or more of consumer goods. The service window can serve as an additional window to the consumer window as described above, or the service window can be an alternate window to the consumer window. The service window can be disposed on the second side of the vending machine and is preferably disposed on the rear wall or side wall of the vending machine. The service window can be formed from glass or a transparent plastic such as poly(methyl methacrylate).

In any of the above specific examples, the vending machine preferably includes a service door to allow access to the interior of the vending machine to replenish consumer goods, remove jammed consumer goods, and maintain and repair the vending machine. The service door can be placed at the first side of the vending machine. For example, the front wall of the vending machine can be attached to the side wall of the vending machine by one or more hinges such that the front wall forms a service door. Alternatively, the service door may be on the second side of the vending machine, such as the rear wall or side wall of the vending machine. The vending machine preferably includes a lock to lock the service door and prevent unauthorized access to the interior of the vending machine. In their specific examples of including service windows, the service window can be placed in the service gate.

In particular embodiments including electrically actuated push devices, and particularly where the selection device includes an electrically operated user interface, the vending machine is preferably coupled to one or more computer systems within the retail environment. For example, the vending machine can be in communication with an electronic point of sale system adjacent to the checkout counter, which eliminates the need for the cashier to manually scan the dispensed consumer goods via an electronic point of sale system. That is, the vending machine can communicate the type and number of assigned consumer goods to the electronic point of sale system. Additionally or alternatively, the vending machine can be coupled to the inventory monitoring system such that the inventory database is automatically updated as the consumer product is distributed from the vending machine.

In any of the above specific examples, the vending machine can include a transport mechanism to deliver the selected consumer product to the dispensing aperture. A suitable transport mechanism can include a conveyor. The conveyor may include a driven conveyor that includes one or more motor driven belts or rollers to convey selected items to the dispensing aperture. Additionally or alternatively, the conveyor may include one or more empty rollers. For example, the conveyor can include a series of empty rollers, wherein the downstream end of the conveyor adjacent the dispensing aperture is lower than the upstream end of the conveyor such that the selected consumer product rolls along the conveyor under the force of gravity.

In an exemplary embodiment, the vending machine includes a guiding member that includes one or more inner walls forming a chute along which the selected consumer product falls under the force of gravity, the vending machine further comprising A conveyor of one of the conveyors, wherein an upstream end of one of the conveyors is positioned below a bottom end of one of the chutes and a downstream end of one of the conveyors is adjacent to the dispensing aperture.

In an alternative embodiment, the vending machine may not include a transport mechanism. For example, the dispensing aperture can extend across substantially the full width of the second side of the vending machine such that all of the consumer goods within the vending machine are dispensed directly from the respective storage portion into the dispensing aperture.

In any of the above specific examples, the dispensing aperture can be an uncovered opening in one of the sides of the vending machine. Alternatively, the vending machine can include a movable sheet that covers the dispensing aperture. In these specific examples, a retail worker, such as a cashier, can open the sheet to extract the dispensed consumer product from the dispensing aperture. Providing a sheet covering the dispensing aperture can advantageously prevent dirt from entering the vending machine via the dispensing aperture and can prevent the dispensed consumer product from falling from the vending machine via the dispensing aperture. Preferably, The movable sheet is biased toward the closed position to provide automatic closing of the sheet after the dispensed consumer product has been retracted.

In any of the above specific examples, each storage portion can include a track or a shelf for receiving a plurality of consumer products thereon. For example, each storage portion may include: a track for accommodating a plurality of consumer products thereon; and a first guiding wall and a second guiding wall separating either side of the track for receiving therebetween The plurality of consumer goods. In these specific examples, the first guide wall and the second guide wall are movable toward each other and away from each other to accommodate consumer products having different widths.

Additionally or alternatively, each storage portion can include a biasing device for biasing the plurality of consumer items contained within each storage portion toward the respective pushing device. For example, each storage portion can include a pusher plate that is offset relative to the consumer product at the front of the consumer product, wherein the push device includes an electromechanical solenoid plunger that is positioned under the consumer product at the rear of the consumer product. . Each time the pushing device is actuated and the consumer product at the rear of the column is dispensed, the pusher plate pushes the entire array of consumer products backwards such that the next consumer item in the column is positioned above the pushing device. In each of the specific examples in which each storage portion includes a biasing device (such as a pusher plate) that is offset relative to the front of the consumer product, the storage portion preferably includes an end stop at the rear of the storage portion. To prevent the biasing device from pushing all consumer products out of the back of the storage section. For example, in a specific example in which each storage portion includes a track or a shelf, the rear end of the track or shelf may include an end stop in the form of a raised flange with respect to the end stop Promote the list of consumer goods.

In an alternative embodiment, each pushing device can form a respective storage portion. For example, in a specific example in which the pushing device comprises a screw conveyor, the consumer goods are stored between successive rounds in the screw conveyor. Thus, such specific examples do not require a separate storage portion, biasing device or end stop, as the screw conveyor performs all of these functions. In general, a specific example of a vending machine comprising a screw conveyor would still require separation of the guide walls on the side of each screw conveyor to prevent consumer goods from falling from the side of the screw conveyor.

In any of the above specific examples, the vending machine can be configured to dispense a number of different consumer products. For example, vending machines can be configured to dispense food items such as snacks, candies, and soft drinks.

Alternatively, the vending machine can be configured to dispense an elongated consumer product in a package, such as a packaged aerosol-generating article. The term "aerosol-generating article" is used herein to mean an article comprising at least one substrate that forms an aerosol upon exposure to heat. Those skilled in the art will recognize that aerosol solid particles or liquid droplets are suspended in a gas such as air. The aerosol can be a suspension of solid particles and liquid droplets in a gas such as air. For example, the aerosol-generating article can be an item used in an electrically operated smoking system. In this case, the aerosol-generating article may comprise tobacco or other nicotine-containing substrate that produces an aerosol comprising nicotine when the substrate is heated. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article can be a more conventional smoking article, such as a filter cigarette.

According to any of the above specific examples, the present invention also extends to a method of dispensing a consumer product at a point of sale using a vending machine in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention. Therefore, according to one of the present invention In a second aspect, a method of dispensing a consumer product at a point of sale is provided, the method comprising providing a vending machine at the point of sale, the vending machine comprising at least a first consumer product and a second consumer product. The vending machine includes a dispensing mechanism for receiving a consumer input and an dispensing mechanism for dispensing consumer products from the vending machine to an exterior of the vending machine via a dispensing aperture. The method further includes receiving, at the selection device, a consumer input indicating the consumer selecting one of the consumer products within the vending machine; and distributing the selected consumer products via the dispensing aperture, wherein the assigning The pores are inaccessible to the consumer.

10‧‧‧Vending Machine

12‧‧‧ front wall

14‧‧‧ Back wall

16‧‧‧ Consumer Window

18‧‧‧First consumer goods

20‧‧‧Second consumer goods

22‧‧‧Selection device

24‧‧‧Actuating device

26‧‧‧Storage section

28‧‧‧ Track

29‧‧‧Consumer goods

30‧‧‧ Guide wall

32‧‧‧Pusher board

34‧‧‧End baffle

36‧‧‧Electronic button

38‧‧‧Electrical solenoid

40‧‧‧Plunger

42‧‧‧ inner wall

44‧‧‧Chute

46‧‧‧ conveyor belt

48‧‧‧Moving roller

50‧‧‧Service window

52‧‧‧Distribution of pores

54‧‧‧Mechanical buttons

56‧‧‧ wedge rod

58‧‧‧Roller

60‧‧‧Control lever

62‧‧‧ pivot

64‧‧‧ Spring

100‧‧‧Vending Machine

102‧‧‧User interface

The invention will now be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows a front view of a vending machine according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 shows the vending machine of FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the vending machine of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken along line 1-1 of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 shows an alternative dispensing mechanism taken along line 1-1 of FIG. A cross-sectional view of the vending machine of Figs. 1 and 2; and Fig. 5 is a front elevational view of the vending machine in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2 show a vending machine 10 according to a first specific example of the present invention. Vending machine 10 includes forming vending machine 10 The front side wall 12 on the first side and the rear wall 14 forming the second side of the vending machine 10.

The front wall 12 of the vending machine 10 includes a plurality of consumer windows 16 through which the consumer can view a plurality of different consumer items contained within the vending machine. For example, the vending machine 10 can include at least a first consumer product 18 and a second consumer product 20, wherein the first consumer product 18 is different from the second consumer product 20. For example, the first consumer product 18 can be a packet of conventional filter cigarettes, and the second consumer product 20 can be a packaged flavored filter cigarette.

A selection device 22 disposed on the front wall 12 of the vending machine 10 includes a plurality of actuation devices 24 in the form of buttons. As shown in FIG. 1, an actuating device 24 is provided for each type of consumer product within the vending machine 10 to enable the consumer to select the desired consumer product.

The vending machine 10 includes a storage portion 26 for containing each type of consumer product. Each storage portion 26 includes a track 28 on which a row of consumer products 29 are received, as shown more clearly in FIG. 3, which shows a cross-sectional view of the vending machine 10 along line 1-1 of FIG. Guide walls 30 extend along each side of each track 28 to prevent consumer products from falling from the side of track 28. A biasing device in the form of a pusher plate 32 is offset relative to the consumer product at the front of the track 28 to bias the array of consumer products relative to the end stop 34 disposed at the rear of the track 28. When the consumer product is self-aligned, the pusher plate 32 continues to push the consumer product relative to the end stop 34.

3 shows a specific example of a vending machine 10 in which each actuating device 24 includes an electronic button 36. Specific in Figure 3 In one example, the vending machine includes a dispensing mechanism that includes a plurality of pushing devices in the form of electromechanical solenoids 38 attached to the track 28. Each electromechanical solenoid 38 includes a plunger 40 disposed below the aperture in each of the rails 28. When the consumer presses the electronic button 36 to select a particular consumer product, the electronic button 36 activates the respective electromechanical solenoid 38. After the electromechanical solenoid 38 is activated, the plunger 40 then extends upwardly and displaces the consumer product at the rear of the consumer line 29, as shown in the middle column as shown in FIG. Once the electronic button 36 is released, the plunger 40 is retracted and the pusher plate 32 pushes the remaining item in the consumer line 29 relative to the end stop 34, which pushes the displaced consumer via the end stop 34. A plurality of inner walls 42 cooperate with the rear wall 14 of the vending machine 10 to form a chute 44 along which the dispensed consumer product falls onto the conveyor belt 46. Conveyor belt 46 is driven by a set of motorized rollers 48.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the vending machine 10 further includes a plurality of service windows 50 disposed in the rear wall 14, the service window allowing a retail worker (such as a cashier) who can work behind the vending machine 10 to view the vending machine 10 internal. The entire rear wall 14 of the vending machine 10 is attached to the side wall of the vending machine 10 by a plurality of hinges along one edge such that the entire rear wall 14 forms a service door that can be opened to enter the interior of the vending machine 10.

The vending machine 10 further includes a dispensing aperture 52 in the rear wall 14 from which the dispensed consumer product can be retracted. During operation of the vending machine 10, the dispensed consumer product falls onto the conveyor belt 46 and is conveyed to the dispensing aperture 52. The dispensing aperture 52 is disposed on the rear wall 14 of the vending machine 10 to prevent the consumer from accessing the dispensed consumer product. With In other words, the vending machine 10 can be installed at a point of sale such that the consumer can access the front wall 12 of the vending machine 10 to input its selection via the selection device, but not to have the consumer access the allocated consumer product.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative dispensing mechanism for use in the vending machine 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the dispensing mechanism shown in FIG. 4, each actuating device 24 includes a mechanical button 54. A pair of wedges 56 that act on the roller 58 are attached to each mechanical button 54. A roller 58 is coupled to the first end of the lever 60, and the lever 60 is coupled to the pivot 62 depending on the underside of the track 28. The second end of the lever 60 extends through an aperture in the track 28 that is positioned below the consumer product at the rear of the consumer product line 29. After the mechanical button 54 is depressed by the consumer, the lever 60 is rotated such that the second end of the lever 60 acts as a pushing device and displaces the consumer product at the rear of the consumer product column 29, as shown in the middle column of FIG. . Once the mechanical button 54 is released, the spring 64 biases the second end of the lever 60 away from the consumer product such that the second end of the lever 60 is retracted. After the second end of the lever 60 has been retracted, the pusher plate 32 pushes the remaining item in the consumer line 29 relative to the end stop 34, the pusher plate being displaced via the end stop 34 and along the chute 44 Consumer goods to conveyor belt 46.

Figure 5 shows a vending machine 100 in accordance with a second specific embodiment of the present invention. The vending machine 100 is substantially identical to the vending machine 10 described with reference to Figures 1 through 4 except for the selection device. In particular, instead of a plurality of individual actuators 24 for selecting each type of consumer product, the vending machine 100 includes an electrically operated user interface 102 that allows the consumer to select the vending machine 100. Contain Any of the consumer products. The electrically operated user interface 102 can include at least one of an electronic keypad and a touch sensitive electronic visual display. To distribute selected consumer products, the electrically operated user interface 102 can be in communication with a plurality of electrically actuated pushers, such as the plurality of electromechanical solenoids 38 described with reference to FIG. Alternatively, one or more of the consumer products within the vending machine 100 can share a common electrically actuated push device. For example, the vending machine 100 can include an electromechanical solenoid mounted on a track, wherein the electrically operated user interface 102 controls a motor to move the electromechanical solenoid along the track under different consumer products to Enables a single electromechanical solenoid to dispense more than one type of consumer product.

10‧‧‧Vending Machine

12‧‧‧ front wall

16‧‧‧ Consumer Window

18‧‧‧First consumer goods

20‧‧‧Second consumer goods

22‧‧‧Selection device

24‧‧‧Actuating device

26‧‧‧Storage section

28‧‧‧ Track

30‧‧‧ Guide wall

32‧‧‧Pusher board

Claims (15)

A vending machine for dispensing a consumer product, the vending machine comprising: a first storage portion for accommodating one or more first consumer products; and a second storage portion for accommodating one or more second consumer products, Wherein the second consumer product is different from the first consumer product; a selection device disposed on a first side of the vending machine and configured to enable a consumer to select the first consumer product or One of the second consumer products; and a dispensing mechanism configured to distribute the selected consumer products to the exterior of the vending machine via a dispensing aperture, wherein the dispensing aperture is disposed in the vending machine On one of the second sides, wherein the second side is different from the first side. The vending machine of claim 1, wherein the selecting device is disposed on a front wall of one of the vending machines, and the dispensing aperture is disposed on at least one of a side wall and a rear wall of the vending machine. The vending machine of claim 2, wherein the dispensing aperture is disposed on the rear wall of the vending machine. A vending machine as in any preceding claim, wherein the dispensing mechanism includes means for propelling one of the selected consumer products from a storage location within the respective storage portion. The vending machine of claim 4, wherein the pushing device comprises at least one of a lever, a plunger, a linear conveyor, and a screw conveyor. The vending machine of claim 4 or 5, wherein the dispensing mechanism further comprises a guiding member configured to direct the selected consumer items from the respective storage portion to the dispensing aperture, and wherein the pushing device is grouped The selected consumer products are pushed from the storage portion into the guiding member. The vending machine of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the dispensing mechanism includes a first pushing device for propelling one of the first consumer products and a second pushing device for pushing the second consumer product, And wherein the selecting device comprises a first actuating device connected to one of the first pushing devices and a second actuating device connected to one of the second pushing devices, wherein the first actuating device and the second actuating device And disposed on the exterior of the first side of the vending machine. The vending machine of claim 7, wherein each of the first pushing device and the second pushing device is electrically actuated, and wherein each of the first actuating device and the second actuating device One includes an electrical switch for actuating one of the respective pushers. The vending machine of claim 7, wherein each of the first pushing device and the second pushing device is mechanically actuated, and wherein each of the first actuating device and the second actuating device One includes a mechanical actuating device coupled to one of the respective pushers by a mechanical linkage. The vending machine of claim 9, wherein each of the first pushing device and the second pushing device comprises a lever having a first end and a second end, the lever being at the first end thereof Rotatably mounted to a pivot between the second end, wherein the first actuator Each of the second actuating devices includes a bar slidably mounted against the first end of the respective lever, and wherein the bar is configured to slide toward the lever The rod rotates the second end of the lever relative to the respective consumer items to urge the consumer items from the respective storage portion into the guiding member. The vending machine of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the pushing device is electrically actuated, and wherein the selecting device comprises an electrical operation disposed on the exterior of the first side of the vending machine user interface. The vending machine of claim 11, wherein the electrically operated consumer interface comprises at least one of an electronic keypad and a touch sensitive electronic visual display. The vending machine of claim 11 or 12, wherein the dispensing mechanism further comprises an electric motor configured to move the pushing device between the first position and a second position within the vending machine, the pushing Positioning the device in the first position to urge the first consumer products and the pushing device is positioned in the second position to propel the second consumer products, and wherein the electric motor is based on one of the consumer inputs at the selection device The pushing device is moved between the first position and the second position. The vending machine of claim 11 or 12, wherein the dispensing mechanism includes a first electrically actuated push device for propelling the first consumer products and a second electrically actuated push for propelling the second consumer products The device wherein the first electrically actuated push device and the second electrically actuated push device are actuated based on a consumer input at the selection device. A method of dispensing a consumer product at a point of sale, the method comprising: setting a vending machine at the point of sale, the vending machine comprising at least a first consumer product and a second consumer product, the vending machine comprising for receiving a consumer Entering a selection device and an dispensing mechanism for dispensing consumer products from the vending machine to an exterior of the vending machine via a dispensing aperture; receiving a consumer input at the selection device, the consumer input indication The consumer selects one of the consumer products within the vending machine; and distributes the selected consumer products via the dispensing aperture, wherein the dispensing aperture is inaccessible to the consumer.