US2789726A - Dispensing machine - Google Patents

Description

April 23, 1957 R.W.W1LSON ET AL 2,789,726

F IG 2 INVENTOR.

FIG-I W. WILSON J MILLER LONG ARUSSELL RUSSELL BY PAUL P. j @Tm/WILEY April 23,y 1957 R. W. WILSON ET AL DISPENSING MACHINE Filed JUne 16, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

RUSSELL w. wlLsoN RUSSELL J. MILLER By PAUL P. LoNs April 23, 1957 R. w. wlLsoN ETAL DISPENSING MACHINE Filed June 16, 1953 5 Shee'ts-Sheet 3 PAUL P. L A/G E? ATTORNEY April 23, 1957 Filed June 16e 195s R. w. w|LsoN ETAL vDISPEJNSING MACHINE 5 sheets-sheet '4 INVENTORS April 23, 1957 Filed June 16, 1953 R. W. WILSON ET AL DISPENSING MACHINE I 5 Shees-Sheet 5 46M CURRENT SOURCE Mncno'swrrcn.

- Erle- F ABY . INVENTORS ,PuissLL W W/SaA/ ZMS;

United States Patent O DISPENSING MACHINE Russell W. Wilson, York, Russell J. Miller, Seven Valleys,

and Paul l. Long, York, Pa., assignors to El-Ge Vending Company, York, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application .lune 16, 1953, Serial No. 352,658

11 Claims. (Cl. 221--84) This application is a continuation-in-part of pending application Serial No. 281,712, tiled April l1, 1952, and now abandoned.

This invention relates to improvements in dispensing machines and more particularly to dispensing machines of the vending type which hold articles of merchandise and discharge the same upon manipulation of an actuating mechanism. ln the preferred embodiment of the machine, the actuating mechainsm is coin controlled, said coin controlling mechanism per se being of conventional type however and not comprising part of the invention except as it comprises part of the actuating mechanism.

Many types of vending machines have been developed previously, particularly for dispensing articles of uniform size such as rolls or bars of candy, pieces or packages of gum, packages of cigarettes, and numerous other types of articles which are of regular and uniform geometric shape. Such machines frequently have hoppers or pockets for either receiving or holding and advancing the packages or articles to a discharge station and the regular shape of the package or article lends itself to the machine utilizing said shape conveniently in designing the machine and effecting its operation.

A very different and more complex problem is involved in developing a dispensing machine for holding and dis charging packages of somewhat irregular shape such as bags or bag-like packages and particularly those which contain fragile material such, for example, as potato chips. The irregular shapes of packages such as bags do not readily lend the same to being stored in a hopper and discharged one at a time from the hopper for example. lf a jostling mechanism is used to agitate the packages so as to insure feeding of them from a hopper, the contents of the bags, if fragile, will be damaged and thus detract from the salability of the product. Potato chips are decidedly in this category. Similar products such as curled wafers of Various kinds, cookies, crackers, fruit, and thin or fragile candy products on the market today are likewise in this category.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing machine operable to hold irregularly shaped packages of merchandise and especially bag or bag-like packages containing fragile merchandise such as potato chips in a manner wherein they will not be injured while stored and feeding of packages or bags of such merchandise to a discharge station is assured, whereby one of said packages or bags is discharged to a customer each time the actuating mechanism is manipulated.

lt is another object of the invention to provide a dispensing machine which is relatively simple, inexpensive, durable and foolproof for holding individual packages or bags of merchandise in a manner so that they will not be crushed while stored in the machine and said bags sequentially are fed upon operation of the manipulating mechanism to a discharge chute.

It is another object of the invention to provide a dispensing machine which may easily be serviced and pro- 2,789,726 Patented Apr. 23, 1957 vides a maximum amount of space for storing the merchandise to be dispensed.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a simple and readily operable clip mechanism on movable carrier means, every clip being arranged to hold one or more packages or bags of merchandise, as desired, and upon said clips sequentially arriving at a discharge station, the clips are automatically operated to release the clipped merchandise for discharge to a customer, said releasing means being arranged to prevent damage to the contents of the package or bag.

Still another object of the invention is to provide several embodiments of dispensing mechanism using similar basic principles, said embodiments respectively being adapted to either relatively large or relatively small numbers of packages or bags of merchandise, as may be desired.

A still further object of the invention is to provide asa sub-structure of the main invention clips for holding a package or bag of merchandise on a movable member, said clips being simple indesign and inexpensive to manufacture and also being readily adapted to being manipulated by a cam mechanism as relative motion takes place between the clips and cam.

Details of the foregoing objects and of the invention as well as other objects thereof are set forth in the following specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a front view of one embodiment of dispensing machine having principles of the present invention incorporated therein, part of the casing of said machine being broken away to show details of the mechanism within the casing.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the machine illustrated in Fig. l, part of the casing in this ligure also being broken away to illustrate details of the invention and certain elements 0f the machine likewise being in section for the same purpose.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of another embodiment of dispensing machine having incorporated therein the principles of the present invention, part of the casing of said machine being broken away so as better to illustrate details thereof.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view of cam releasing mechanism employed to operate clips on the merchandise holding means so as to release the merchandise from said clips, said view illustrating one of the clips being moved to open position in said figure.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged side elevation of one of the clips holding a bag of merchandise to a supporting member in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a top plan detail view of the releasing cam ernployed in both specifically illustrated embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 7 is a side elevation, partly in section, showing another embodiment of clip engageable by the releasing cam.

Fig. 8 is a sectional side elevation of a dispensing machine similar to that shown in Figs. l and 2 but in which the actuating mechanism is somewhat different in detail, this embodiment also illustrating a plurality of endless Chains mounted on sprocket gears for purposes of supporting clips by which merchandise is releasably secured to said chains.

Fig. 9 is a sectional front elevation of the dispensing machine illustrated in Fig. 8, the front cover of the cabinet being removed in this view to show the details.

Fig. l0 is a perspective exterior view of the dispensing machine illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9.

Fig. l1 is a fragmentary sectional side elevation of the dispensing machine shown in Figs. 8 through lO and illustrating the package handling and releasing function of the machine. A

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary front elevation of the machine shown in Figs. 8 through 11,V the front panel of the casing being removed in this view.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary side elevation partly in section, illustrating on a larger scale than in the previous figures, one of the package securing clamps immediately prior to releasing a package from the supporting and feeding chain.

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fi-g. 13 but illustrating the package securing clamp cammed into open position to release a package.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a section of the chain and package securing clamps carried thereby in the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 through 14.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary sectional side elevation of another embodiment of dispensing machine utilizing a solenoid clip releasing means.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary enlarged side elevation of the solenoid releasing means illustrated in Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic illustration of the circuit included in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17.

Referring especially to Figs. 1 and 2, one embodiment of dispensing machine 10 employing the principles of the present invention is illust-rated therein. This embodiment arseyae is of a type adapted to hold a relatively large number of packages or bags of merchandise. Suitable supporting structure for the mechanism is afforded by a frame 12 enclosed by a casing 14. The casing 14 may have a suitable door provided in either one side, the front, or the back to permit access to the interior of the machine for -servicing such as loading the machine with merchandise. Such door is not actually shown in the drawings but it may be located at any convenient position and be of any desirable size. The frame 12 includes pairs of spaced cross-members 16 and 18 to which bearings 20 and 22 are fixed. Either the top or bottom bearings and preferably the bottom bearings 22 are of the adjustable type in the preferred embodiment of the invention for purposes to be described.

Shafts 24 and 26 are pivotally supported at the ends thereof respectively in bearings 20 and 22. Fixed to each shaft intermediately of the ends thereof are pul-leys 28 and 30, preferably of the V-type. Extending around and between said pulleys, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, is an endless flexible member such as a belt 32 which is also preferably of the V-type. A composite rubber and fabric belt is 'well suited for the purpose but any other suitable material may be employed. Said belt may suitably be tensioned by the adjustable bearings 20 or 22 or, if desired, the lower crossmembers 18 may be adjustably mounted relative to the frame 12 to effect such tensioning.

Secured to the belt 32 is a plurality of preferably evenly spaced clips 34, one embodiment of which is shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The specific type of clip shown herein is well adapted for the purpose of securing a portion of a bag or other type package 36 containing merchandise to the belt 32. It will be understood of course that the present invention is not limited to the exact shape of clip 34, however, since other shapes may conceivably be operable to achieve the desired purposes of the clip illustrated herein within the spirit of the invention. Clip 34 comprises a curved clamping finger 38 arranged at one end of the clip and constructed so as to form an effective clamping of the top, for example, of a bag of fragile merchandise such as potato chips 36 between said finger and the outer surface of the belt 32. Intermediately of their ends, the clips 34 are apertured to receive securing means such as a bolt 40 which extends either into or through the belt'32 to secure each clip 34 to the belt. The end ofrtheboltvopposite the headed end may either receive a nut 42 Vor be peened, against a washer or otherwise, so. as to attach the clip 34 tothe belt. Preferably, elastic means such as a coiled spring 44 surrounds the headed end of the bolt 40 so as resiliently to urge or bias the clip 34 against the outer surface of the belt 32 as clearly shown especially in Fig. 5.

The end of the clip 34 opposite the finger 38 is bent upon itself to provide a biasing leaf 46, the free end of which is engageable with either the outer surface of the belt 32 or, preferably, a metal bearing plate or washer 48 which is secured between the clip 34 and the belt 32 by the bolt 40. In the specific construction shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the clip 34 -is preferably formed from resilient material such as spring steel, brass, or the like, whereby the leaf 46 cooperates with the spring 40 to bias or urge the finger 38 against the outer surface of the belt 32 and thereby effectively but releasably clamp one end or other portion of a bag 36 to the belt 32. That is, the end of the leaf 46 bears against the plate 48, thereby urging said end of the clip away from the belt and the linger 38 into engagement with the belt, spring 44 also aiding lin such urging. The intermediate portion 51) of the clip is preferably curved as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 and acts as a fulcrum for the clip.

Bags 36 or other packages of either regular or irregular shape and containing merchandise may readily have ends or other portions thereof clamped to the belt 32 by manually pressing the bite portion 52 of the clip toward the belt, thereby pivoting the clip about its fulcrum and moving the finger 38 away from the outer surface of the belt. The end of the bag, for example, is then inserted in the space between the belt and finger and, upon releasing the bite portion 52, the package or bag is securely attached to the belt against the outer surface thereof. As the belt is loaded through the loading door, it is gradually fed around the pulleys until substantially the entire belt is loaded. This arrangement affords a means for storing a relatively large number of bags within a compact space wherein the bags are suspended pendantlike in overlappin-g manner resembling `shingles and the merchandise within the packages or bags, especially if fragile such as potato chips, is not damaged as it would be for example if the bags were merely stored on top of each other in a hopper. Due also to the clip ararngement described above, andthe space within the cabinet between the belt and the front and rear walls of the cabi- 7 net, bags of a relatively wide range of sizes may be accommodated. It will be understood of course that the machine should be loaded at any one time lwith bags or packages of the same size. However, the machine lends itself to being loaded, for example, at any one time, with bags of either five or ten cent size, or any other price size within reason, whereby the machine can be operated preferably by using a single coin of the required denomination.

The actuating or feeding mechanism for the belt will now be described. The preferred embodiment of the invention contemplates the use of a conventional coin controlled unit 54 having a slide type, manually operable plunger 56 which projects forwardly from the front of the cabinet or casing 14. Upon inserting a coin, within the opening provided therefor in unit 54, the plunger 56 is pushed inwardly to cause inward movement of a bar 58 interconnected to the slide. Bar 58 has an abutment such as a nut 60 threadably mounted thereon which is engageable with a boss 61 on relatively short leg 62 of a lever comprising, in the specic construction shown herein, a bell crank 64 which is pivotally supported at 66 by a shaft 67 extending between and supported by the crossmember 17. The relatively 'short leg 62 of the bell crank is connected at its bendvor angle withV a relatively long Vleg 68. Y e

Bar 58 also carries a second abutment such as nut 70 which is ixed thereto and arranged to abut boss 71, there bei-ng a spacebetween the -abutments 60 `and 7) and the portion of fthe bar 58 between the abutments passes freely through a suitable opening in the end of the shorter leg 62yof the bell crankfa-nd bosses 61 and 71 to afford a certain amount of lost motion. This lost motion is preferably provided so that when anyone hampers with the plunger 56 without using a coin, the portion of the bar 58 between the abutments 60 and 70 merely idly movies relative to the short leg 62 of the bell crank and no feeding :of the belt 32 is possible. It is only when a coin is inserted in the unit 54 and the plunger is moved only a relatively short distance, frequently of the ouder of l" or so, past the amount of the free play or lost motion movement that the abutment 60 is moved into engagement with the short leg 62 of the bell crank so as to move it counterclockwise as viewed in Fig. 2 and thereby move the outer end of the long leg 68 in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 2. The movement of the long leg 68 by short leg 62 comprises a motion multiplying function, whereby a relatively small movement of the end of short leg 62 will provide la relatively longer or greater movement of the outer end of the long leg 68. Also, the bell crank 64 serves to translate motion in one direction to motion in another direction at an angle to the first direction, thus permitting compactness in this machine.

Pivotally connected to the outer end of the long leg 68 is one end fof a link 72, the other end of the link being piwotally connected to one end of an arm 74. Arm 74 is fixed at its other end toy a second or ratchet arm 76, the opposite end of which is rotatably supported by shaft 24. Intermediately of the ends of second arm 76, `a pawl 78 is pivotally mounted which is engageable with the Iteeth of a ratchet wheel 80 that is fixed to shaft 24.

Bawl 78 is spring pressed into the notches between the -teeth of the rartchet wheel 80 in accordance with conventional practice. Y

A counterweight arm 82 is also ixed to second or ratchet arm 76, the weight 84 being adjustable @on arm 82 and is also engageable with a stop 86, supported by one of the cross-members 16 so las to limit movement of fthe pawl 78 and second arm 76 in clockwise direction as viewedin Fig. 2. The stop 86 may be adjustable in height to vary the travel of the pawl arm rto correspond with the spacing of the clips 34, whereby one or more bags for packages may be advanced by said actuating mechanism upon each actuation thereof, as desired. From the foregoing and especially by referring to Fig. 2, it will be seen that inward movement of the plunger 56, when made following for example the insertion of a coin into the control unit 54, Will cause rotation of the l bell crank 64 in counterclockwise direction relative to Fig. 2 and thereby effect Idownward movement of link 72 so as to impart sniiicient movement to the ratchet wheel that the belt 32 is advanced by the pawl 78 va distance substantially equal to the space between 1a successive pair of clips 34 or even multiples thereof as where more than one bag or package is to be discharged as described hereinafter.

Plonger 56 is preferably moved inward rather quickly ,Y

and such movement, due to the motion multiplying effect fof bell crank 64 explained above, will cause more rapid movement of the pulley 28 and correspondingly of the elt 32. Such rapid movement of the belt, through the eifect of centrifugal force imparted to the bag 36 moving around the upper portion :of pulley 28 at the .time as shown in Fig. 2, will cause said bag to flip from ya position where it hangs in one direction relative Ato the clip to a position where the bag is hanging in the opposite direction.

lnasmuch ias the clips 34 are preferably made of relatively narrow material of the zorder of 1%. to 2%3 for example, there might be some possibility of Ithe bags or packages 36 ybecoming slightly disarranged 'no their normal path of movement during such movement. Accordingly, to insure that the bags will be properly positioned while moving around the upper pulley 28 particularly, a pair of spaced guide yshields 88 are provided, these guide shields being :of :any suitable material such as metal and preferably flared at their entrance end particularly so as lto insure that the bags or packages will be dipped over into alignment with the entrance end 90 of a discharge chute 92.' As will seen from Fig. 2, Ithe guide shields 88 are arcuate and extend through lan arc of at least 90.

The discharge chute 92 is lixed at its upper end to the cross-members 16 and extends slopingly downward and outward toward the front of the casing as shown in Fig. 2, terminating in a discharge end 94 and communicating with a suitable exit opening in the casing 14. Preferably, a safety lip 96 is provided to prevent the discharged bag or package of merchandise from falling upon the door. Gravity causes ya package or bag of merchandise tto travel down the chute 92 after it is released from the belt 32.

Simple and eifective means are provided for causing release of vthe bags or packages of merchandise from the belt 32 as they approach the entrance end of fthe dischlarge chute 92. One form of said releasing or discharging means comprises a fixed cam 98 which may simply be formed by utilizing a piece of angle iron 100 extending between and iixed at its ends to two of the side cross-members 16. Intermediately of the ends of the angle iron 100, the vertical flange is cut -at two spaced positions to provide the cam 98 which is merely the portion of said flange between said cuts bent at an acute angle to the remainder of said flange, as shown i-n Figs. 4 and 6, to comprise clip actuating means. During 'the movement fof the belt 32 relative to the cam 98, the bite portion 52 lof the clip 34 slidably engages the face of cam 98 :and automatically causes the bite portion to be compressed as shown in Fig. 6, thereby causing the clamping nger 38 of the clip to be moved away from the louter surface of bellt 32 and the clamped end of the bag lorpackage 36 is thus released from the belt 32, being :discharged into the chute 92.

This releasing operation takes place while the belt is being moved as a result of inward movement of the plunger 56 and movement of the plunger 56 is sufficient lto cause the advancement of one or more bags or packages lof merchandise to the cam 98, as desire-d, whereupon the same are released from the belt 32 and move to the exit end 94 of the discharge chute. The clip 34 which has` been actuated as aforesaid to release the bag or article of merchandise continues to move past the cam 94 land is restored to its norm-al position as indicated -in Fig. 5 bult of course no bag of merchandise will be clamped thereby until the machine is reloaded.

After merchandise has been released and discharged as aforesaid, the plunger 56 will be disengaged by the customer and the counterweight 84 will cause the feeding mechanism linkage and arms to be moved in reverse direction to that in which they moved while advancing the belt 32 to the cam 98. To prevent reverse movement of the belt and pulleys during such return, a one way clutch or brake 101 engages shaft 24 so as to permit it to rotate in feeding direction only. The mechanism will then be in position for another coin to be inserted and the above ldescribed cycle may be repeated to eifect the discharge of another bag or package from the machine.

The present invention also lends itself to being applied to another embodiment of machine illustrated in Fig. 3 wherein a cylindrical drum 102, formed from suitable material such as wood or metal, is xed to a shaft 104 supported at its ends in spaced bearings 106. Said bearings are supported on cross-members being supported by a frame 112. In this embodiment, an operating plunger 56 is associated with a coin controlled unit 54 as in the above described embodiment shown in Figs. l and 2. Similarly, bar 58 is slidably movable by plunger 56 to effeet counterclockwise movement of bell crank 64 for purposes of actuating link 72. Mechanism similar to that shown in Figs. l and 2 causes stepwise movement of the ratchet wheel 80 so as correspondingly to cause sequentialadvancement of merchandise clipped by the fingers 38 Vcause them to drop into discharge chute 92`so that they may be removed from the discharge end of the chute l92 by the customer.

The principal difference between the embodiments shown in Figs. l and 2 and Fig. 3 is that the embodiment shown in Figs. l and 2 is adapted to contain a relatively larger number of bags or packages of merchandise than the machine embodied in Fig. 3 since the latter utilizes a drum and the former utilizes a belt of greater length than the periphery of the drum for holding bags or packages of merchandise. Obviously, the diameter of the drum 102 may be varied and thereby permit the same to hold smaller or larger numbers of bags or packages, depending too upon the size of the bags or packages. In the embodiment shown in Fig. l, the belt 32 may be made as long as feasibly possible, depending particularly uponl the height of the casing 14 and the space in which the casing is to be accommodated within a room for example.

When the dispensing machine is used for purposes of holding and dispensing bags or packages of perishable merchandise, it is usually best practice not to arrange the machine to hold too great a supply, so that the supply is soon exhausted and frequent replenishing of the machine with fresh merchandise is required. Further, suitable signal means may be utilized to indicate the supply is exhausted and permit return of a coin or prevent insertion of a coin. Y

Aside from the capacity aspect of the several embodiments of the invention, the operating mechanism is generally the same and the manipulation thereof is likewise similar. Thus, it is possible to provide substantially similar operating mechanism for either type of embodiment with the exception perhaps of the length of the links 72. Further, the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 readily lends itself to being placed upon' a counter, whereas the embodiment shown in Figs. l and 2 is best suited for being supported upon a floor surface. One additional embodiment not illustrated herein also comprises a relatively rigid elongated rod-like carrying or supporting member having clips spaced thereon and advanced by ratchet teeth thereon operable, for example, by a pawl attached to the free end of long leg 68 of bell crank 64, all within the spirit of the present invention.

It Will also be understood that the shafts for supporting either the pulleys 28 and 30 as well as the drum 102 in the several embodiments may be supported by bearings aixcd directly to the side panels of the casing 14 or 110 and the other shafts in the operating mechanism may likewise be supported directly by the side panels of the casings if desired. By such arrangement, the cost of manufacturing the machines may be somewhat lessened as compared with the arrangement specifically shown in Figs. l through 3.

To aid in retaining the mechandise within the machine in asv fresh, crisp, and salable condition as possible, par` ticularly in regard to foodstuis such as potato chips, popcorn, various forms of fried or other types of puffed snack products, wafers of many kinds, cookies, crackers, candy and the like, it isv desirable to prevent the occurrence of undue humidity or undesirable odors within the cabinet casing 14. To reduce humidity to a minimum, any convenient type of moisture absorbing substance, of which silica gel is one convenient form, may be Vplaced preferably within a central location within the casing in a suitable container, not shown.

The movement of the packages of merchandise `will serve to keep the atmosphere within the casing somewhat agitated, thus rendering the moisture absorbing substance eicient. The use of a heating element, not shown, such as electric resistance means or a lamp bulb will warm the casing interior and aid in the absorption of moisture by the aforementioned substance aswellas otherwise devzniorating and dissipating moisture., Undesirableodors ezty l8 may be absorbed for example by placing a holderv containing activated carbon, not shown, within the casing 14.

The present invention also contemplates the'use of another embodiment of clip illustrated in Fig. 7. The clip 114`shown therein in detail may be fastened to the support such as belt 32 or drum 102 by a bolt 116 passing through an aperture in one finger or leg 118 of the clip and the belt or drum, as shown, so as rigidly to clamp said leg thereto. It will be understood that a plurality of such clips will similarly be fastened in spaced relationship to the belt 32 or drum 102 as in the embodiments shown in Figs. l through 3. The clip 114 also comprises a clamping iinger or leg 120 which is pivotally connected to leg 118 by pairs of ears 122 and 124 bent substantially perpendicularly respectively to the legs 118 and 120 intermediately of the ends thereof, said ears being apertured to receive a headed pin 126 passing therethrough and comprising a pivot pintle for the leg 120 particularly.

Since iinger or leg 118 of each clip is rigidly secured to the support such as belt 32 or drum 102, the clamping leg 120 of each clip is the only one which is movable relative to the supporting member and, in effect, the leg 118 and gripping end 130 thereof might be considered part of the support such as belt 32 or drum 102. The gripping ends 128 and 130 of the legs preferably are bent inwardly toward each other and are serrated so as more iirmly to engage a portion of a package of merchandise clipped therebetween. Said gripping ends are constantly urged toward each other by a spring 132 bent or coiled around pin 126 in such manner that the ends thereof extend along the inner surfaces of legs 118 and 120 as shown in Fig. 7, thereby constantly urging the tail 134 of clamping leg 120 away from the corresponding end of rigidly clamped leg 118.

A portion of a package of merchandise such as the folded end of a bag may be clamped between the gripping ends 128 and 130 of the legs by manually pressing the tail 134 toward the Ysupporting member 32, 102 or straight bar type, thereby separating the gripping end 128 from end 130. Upon releasing the tail 134, the end 128 is moved toward end 130 by spring 132 and the package is thereby firmly clamped between said ends.

Automatic release of the packages held by clips 114 is elected, as in the embodiment of the clip shown in Figs. l through 5, by the tails 134 of the movable leg 120 ofeach clip being moved succesively past cam 98, as shown in Fig. 7, as a result of movement of the supporting member by the actuating mechanism therefor. The tails are depressed by the cam, thereby moving gripping end 130 of claimping leg 120 away from gripping end 128 of leg 118 and t'he thus released package falls by gravity from the clip and down the discharge chute 92. Basically, therefore, t-he function of clips 114 is very similar to clips 34, the .same being alternatives.

It will further be understood that a single cabinet or casing 14 or 110 may contain either a plurality of belts 32 mounted side by side on sets of pulleys therefor or circular parallel rows of clips mounted on either a single wide drum 102 or respectively on a plurality of adjacent drums. If desired, the plurality of belts or rows of clips on a drumor drums may have the clips staggered, for example, in adjacent rows, and the cams 98 provided for each row thereby alternately will release packages from the several rows of clips and discharge them into either a common discharge chute or separate chutes, as desired. In such an arrangement only a single actuating mechanism is required to actuate all the rows of clips. However, obviously, separate actuating mechanisms may be provided for each row of clips, if preferred. In addition to the several embodiments of dispensing machines illustrated in Figs. l through 7 and described hereinabove as Well as in application Serial No. 281,712, the principles of the present invention may be utilized in the embodiment of a dispensing machine villustrated in Figs. 8 through 15. In the latter embodiment, a plurality of endless chains 140 and 142 are specifically s'hown and are .arranged side by side as best illustrated in Figs. 9 and 12. A fragmentary portion of o-ne of said chains is illustrated in detail in Fig. 15, wherein it will be seen that the specific illustration comprises, for convenience, a conventional bicycle chain.

The frame 144 supports the components of the mechanism and is enclosed by a suitable casing 146. A plurality of cross-members 148 and 150 comprise part of the upper portion of the frame 144 and parallel, lower cross-members 152 and 154 also comprise part of the frame. The upper cross-members 148 and 150 respectively support bearings 156 and the opposite ends of upper shaft 158 `are rotatably supported therein. Fixed to shaft 158, in spaced relationship to each other, is a pair of sprocket gears 160 and 162. The chains 140 and 142 pass around said sprocket gears as clearly shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 1l.

The opposite ends of a lower shaft 164 preferably are fixed respectively to the lower cross-members 152 and 154 by any suitable means such as bolts 66. A pair of lower sprocket gears 168 and 170 are mounted on shaft 164 for free rotation. Suitably spaced sprocket positioning collars` 172 are fixed to shaft 164. Sprocket gear 168 also has a brake drum 17.4 welded or otherwisey secured thereto, said brake drum extending through a complementary opening formed in a pair of brake members 176 and 178. The brake members 176 and 178 are preferably formed from wood and are slightly spaced apart, the same preferably having the brake drum receiving opening lined with frictional material 180 such as conventional automobile brake lining. Secured to cross-member 152 is a pair of brackets 182, the inner end of each bracket being secured to brake member 178 by a pair of bolts 184 which extend through said brackets and both brake members 176 and 1.78. These bolts not only maintain the brake members positioned relative to the brackets but the nuts on one end of each bolt are adjustable to afford the Idesired amount of friction between the brake members and brake drum 174. Said friction is sufficient to permit rotation of the sprocket gear 168 in feeding direction by the actuating mechanism, to be described, but also prevents overrun or backlash movement of the sprocket gear 168. Inasmuch as sprocket gear 168 is connected by chain 142 to upper sprocket 160, and sprocket gears 160 and 162 are both xed to shaft 158, it follows that prevention of overtravel or backlash movement of the sprocket gear 168 will likewise be prevented in the chains 140 and 142.

Movement of the chains 140 and 142 in feeding direction is achieved by means of ann 186 which is connected at one end 188 to upper shaft 158. Said end 188 is enlarged and encloses conventional ratchet mechanism, such as in a ratchet wrench, which is operable in such manner that when the outer end of arm 186 moves in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig.V 8, the shaft 158 will be moved correspondingly. Also secured to and projecting radially from upper shaft 158 is a counterweight arm 190. An adjustable counterweight 192 is mounted on the outer end of :arm 190 and may be maintained in any desired position by a suitable set screw. The purpose of the arm 190 and weight 192 is to return the .arm 186 to starting position following a complete feeding movement thereof. The ratchet natureof end 188 of arm 186 will permit readily such return movement of said arm 186 while shaft 158 remains stationary.

ln this embodiment of dispensing machine, a pivotally supported actuating handle 194 is mounted on the exterior of the casing 146. Said handle is connected to a shaft projecting from a coin-controlled mechanism 196 which may be of lany suitable commercial type, the exact lnature thereof not comprising part of the present invention. Mechanism 19.6 is supported between a pair of cross-bars 198 and 200 which extend between two of the vertical members of frame 144. A coin slot 202, shown in Fig. l0, is formed in mechanism 196 and it will be understood that when a suitable coin is introduced into said mechanism, the handle 194 will be connected to 1a shaft 204 which projects into the casing 146 from the mechanism 196. Connected at one end to shaft 204 is a radially extending arm 206 which is best shown in Fig. 9. Extending between the outer end of arm 204 and arm 186 is any suitable connecting means such as a chain 208, the opposite ends of which may be aixed to said iarms by suitable wire loops or otherwise. It thus will be seen that when handle 194 is moved in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 9, arm 206 will pull the outer end of ratchet arm 186 downward and thereby effect a feeding movement of lche chains and 142. Movement of arm 186 in feeding direction may be'arrested, if idesired, by engagement with crossbar 232, to be described hereinafter, or by an adjustable stop supported thereby. At the completion of such feeding movement, and upon handle 194 being released by the operator, the counterweight 192 will raise arms 186 and 206 to t-he starting or full-line position thereof shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

Each of the chains 140 and 142 has a plurality of package or article clamping clips 210 secured thereto in spaced relationship to each other longitudinally of said chains.V In the Vspecific illustration shown in Fig. l5, each chain comprises a series of blocks 212 which are connected to each other by pairs of links 214. In supporting bags of potato chips, for example, on said chains, it has been found that clips secured to alternate blocks 212 afford an adequate spacing of the clips 210. Hov.- ever, it will be understood that said spacing of the clips may be varied to suit the particular bags or packages of articles or merchandise to be supported by said clips upon said chains.

The clips 210 may be of any appropriate nature and in the embodiment presently being described, said clips are similar to those illustrated in Fig. 7 in the foregoing embodiments. TheV clips 210 preferably comprise a clamping leg 216 which is secured by a rivet or bolt 218 to one of the blocks 212 of the chain. Pivotally secured to leg 216 is a movable clamping leg 220 which is substantially parallel to the chain to which the clip 210 is secured. Clamping leg 216 of veach clip preferably has a transversely extending end 222 which cooperates with the clamping end 224 of leg 220. A spring 226 maintains the clamping ends 222 and 224 of the clips in clamping engagement with `each other for purposes of clamping any suitable portion of a bag or package of merchandise such as an end, corner, or a label or tab aixed thereto. The other end 228 of each clamping leg 220 is preferably curved toward clamping leg 216 so as to form a suitable camming surface which is slidably engageable with releasing cam 239. The latter releasing cam normally is fixed relative to the frame 144, said cam 230 preferably comprising a section of one web of an angle arm bar 232 which extends between cross-members 148 and 150, as in the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 through 7. The ends of bar 232 may be attached to cross-members 148 and V by bolts 151. One of said bolts is preferably arranged so as easily to be disconnected andthereby permit swinging of the bar 232 and the releasing cams 230 from the operative position of said cams. lf desired, a fixed pin on one of the cross-members may be substituted for one of said bolts 151, in which event the end of bar 232 held by said pin may simply be lifted from said pin to permit pivotally moving said bar to inoperative position as aforesaid. Thus, when the machine is being loaded with the` bags or packages 234, it may be desirable to move the chains 140 and 142 freely, especially in feeding direction, without causing release of previously attached bags or packages from the clips. Further to facilitate such movement of the chains, the feed chute 236 may be removed readily, if desired;

' Exemplary bags 234 of merchandisesuchas potato chips for example,are clamped at one end by clips 210 to each of the chains 140 and 142. As best shown in Fig. 12, the clipson the respective chain's'140 and 142 are mounted in staggered relationship to eachotherso that successive feeding movements of lshaft 158 `by arm 186 will alternately release clips on the chains 140 Vand 142. Thus, while a plurality of chains are embodied in the dispensing mechanism shownV in this embodiment, preferably only one bag or package is released upon each feeding movement of the shaft 158. Movement of said shaft can be limited and varied by suitable lixed or adjustable stops engageable by arm 186, for example.

It is to be understood too that the coin-controlled mechanism 196 may be of such type as to accommodate a variety of coins. In this event, if a basic coin such as a nickel is inserted in the slot 202, only a single bag or package of merchandise will be released upon each actuation of the handle 194. However, if for example, a dime is inserted in slot 202 or in another slot provided specifically to accommodate dimes, the mechanism 196 may be such that it will then afford greater movement of handle 196 and correspondingly greater movement of arm 186, whereby two bags or packages will be released by a single movement of handle 194. It will be seen from the foregoing that the present invention is capable of either a single or multiple discharge of packages or bags of merchandise in accordance with the 'value of coin inserted in the mechanism 196.

Although a plurality of chains 140 and 142 are provided in the present embodiment of dispensing machine, only a single discharge chute 236 preferably is provided. The upper end of said chute, as shown in Fig. l2, is made sufficiently wide to accommodate the bags on both of the chains 140 and 142. Said chute extends from the upper sprocket gears 160 and 162 to the discharge opening 238 in the casing 146. Chute 236 may be supported by detachable engagement with bars 232 and 200, and the upper end of the chute is also provided with a plurality of slots 240 which accommodate portions of the sprocket gears 160 and 162 as well as the chains 140 and 142 and the clips 210 thereon. Said slots are best illustrated in Figs. 8 and l2 through 14. Referring to Figs. ll and l2 particularly, it will be seen that the slots 240 afford a stripping action which assures separation of the clipped ends of bags 234 from the clips 210 and the chain after the clips engage the cams 230 so as to open the same. This function is illustrated in its sequences in Figs. l3 and 14. In'Fig. 13, the clip has not engaged the cam and the upper end of the bag 234 still is clamped but the bag is resting on chute 236 ready to be released. In Fig. 13, the cam has opened the clip to release the bag and the opened clip also has been moved through slot 240 in chute 236, the edges of slot 240 incidently engaging the bag to insure the stripping thereof from the clip. In Fig. 14, it will be seen the bag 234 has been released from the clip and is sliding down chute 236. If desired, a pilier-proof means such as a pivoted blade, not shown, may be provided in chute 236 to prevent unauthorized access to the upper end of the chute. The lower, discharge end of the chute extends through discharge opening 23S in casing 146. Preferably, the front panel of the casing comprises the loading door, whereby the chute 236 may be removed readily to load the machine.

As is best shown in Fig. 8, the elongated packages or bags such as 234, for compactness, are preferably arranged in overlapping or shingle-like formation, said bags or packages hanging downward from the clips on the chains 140 and 142, similarly to the arrangement shown in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2. The generally parallel arrangement of the clips to the movable chains also provides maximum compactness of the clamped bags. orv packages within the casing of the machine. lWhenthe actuating-handle 194 is moved, following the insertionof a'coin, the chains 140 and 142 will be moved in feedin'g direction rather briskly and such movementcauses the/.bags or packages positioned adjacent the ,top'of sprocket. gears 160 and 162 to be llipped counterclockwise, as shown `in Fig. 1l, so as to change the position of the package or bag from hanging in one direction relative to the clips 114 to hanging in the opposite direction. Such flipping action of the bags or packages 234 effectively will dispose the same upon the upper end of discharge chute V236 without damage to the contents, particularly since the spacing of the bags preferably is such that when a bag is ipped, it will contact a previously flipped bag which will cushion the contact. Thus, when the bags or packages 234 successively are released by cam 230 from the clips 210, the released packages or bags will'slide down chute 236 so that they may readily be removed through opening 238 by the customer. Y

Further, while the present illustration shown in Fig. 12 particularly indicates a pair of chains for supporting merchandise and a single discharge chute to accommodate released bags or packages from either chain, it is to be understood that any reasonable number of chains or other similar supporting and conveying means for releasably holding bags or packages of merchandise may be used within a single casing in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

In the several embodiments of the invention described hereinabove, the merchandise supporting clips are opened to release the merchandise upon said clips engaging in sequence a xed cam means. Other types of clip releasing means are possible in lieu of such cam. One example of another type of releasing means is illustrated in the embodiment of dispensing machine illustrated in Fig. 16. Said machine is similar to that illustrated in Figs. land 2 insofar as the belt advancing mechanism is concerned. The specic releasing means to be described is not restricted by its nature however for use only with said specifically illustrated` machine, The belt actuating mechanism illustrated in Fig. l6 corresponds to that shown in Fig. 2 and repetition of such description will not be made insofar as the novel clip releasing means is concerned.

Referring to Fig. 16, when the plunger 56 is moved inward to actuate the bell crank 64 for purposes of advancing pulley 2S and belt 32 supported thereby, the bags or packages 36 of merchandise positioned at the top of the pulley 28 will be flipped, as shown in Fig. 16, from hanging downward in one direction to hanging downward in the opposite direction relative to the clip and incidentally be disposed upon discharge chute 92. Preferably during the Ilast portion of the inward movement of the plunger 56, the inner end of bar 58 will engage the actuating member 242 of a switch 244 that is connected in a circuit including a source of electric current and a solenoid 246 positioned beneath theentrance end of discharge chute 92. The solenoid 246 has a plunger or armature 248 which is positioned to engage the trail end 134 of the movable clamping leg of clip 114. Thus, when the bag or package 36 which next is to be released has been moved unto the discharge chute 92 as the result of inward movement of plunger 56, the nal portion of the movement of said plunger 56 will cause the switch 244 to either close or open the circuit, as the case may be, depending upon the circuit, to effect actuation of the solenoid 246 so that armature 248 thereof opens the clip 114 suiciently to permit the bag or package 36 to be released from the clip, whereupon it will slide down discharge chute 92 to the discharge end 94 thereof. The cooperation of the solenoid 246 with clip 114 is illustrated in larger scale in Fig. 17, the closed position of the clip and normal position of the solenoid armature being shown in full lines. The open position ofthe clip, whenv engaged .by the solenoid armature 248,

is shown in dotted lines in said figure. Following the opening of the clip 114 by the solenoid armature 24,8, and after the customer has released plunger 56 pursuant to the delivery of the bag or package 36 to the discharge opening 94, the counterweight 86 will restore the ratchet feeding mechanism to its initial position. The plunger 56 incidentally also will be restored to its initial position and thereby move the inner end of bar 58 from engagement with switch member 242. The solenoid 246 will thereby be restored to its normal position illustrated in full lines in Fig. 17. Plunger 248 may be retracted to said position by any conventional means such as a spring 25d. It will be understood, too, that the abovedescribed solenoid-type clip actuating means may be substituted, if desired, for the camsy 230 of the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 through 15'.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention provides a plurality of embodiments of a dispensing machine wherein packages or bags of either irregular or regular shape may be supported within the machine without injury to the bags or packages and the contents thereof, regardless of whether said contents are fragile or otherwise. The packages or bags are moved by etiicient and simple feeding mechanism to a discharge chute upon the insertion of a coin within the actuating mechanism. The supporting means for the packages or bags include clips each of which has movable clamping legs extending substantially parallel to the supporting means whereby the bags or packages may be held in compact relationship to each other in a safe manner due particularly to the arrangement of the clips relative to the supporting means. Such arrangement also alfords maximum use of the available storage space within the casing of the machine.

A variety of supporting means are provided in the various embodiments, these consisting, for example, of belts, chains, rigid rods or drums to which the clips are secured. Several forms of clip releasing means are provided of simple and effective nature and the basic design included in said various embodiments provides for a iiipping of the packages or bags from hanging in storage position onto the discharge chute. Such arrangement insures effective delivery of the packages or bags to said chute in a positive and orderly manner. After being positioned on said discharge chute, the clip releasing means function to permit sequential disconnection of the packages or bags from the clips and supporting means by relatively tamper-proof and simple mechanism.

The various embodiments of merchandise supporting means are readily loaded' with bags or packages by the provision of suitable doors in the casings of the machines and ample space `is provided within a relatively compact casi-ng to permit the accommodation of a maximum movement of bags or packages within the dispensing machine. also provided with means for preventing overtravel or backlash movement of the supporting and feeding means for the merchandise, whereby delivery of the correct number of bags or packages for a specified coin is insured. The .actuating mechanism also is rugged and oapable of withstanding a substantial amount of attempted misuse Without injury to the machine.

While the invention has been shown and illustrated in its several preferred embodiment-s, and has included certain details, it should be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the precise details herein illustrated and described since the same may be carried out in other ways falling Within the scope tof the invention as claimed.

We` claim:

l. A vending machine for holding .and discharging articles lof merchandise having a tiexible portion, said machine comprising in combination, a member movable through a fixed endless path having a por-tion circular in cross-section, said member being supported within said The feeding and actuating mechanism is machine for rotation about `horizontal @axis means, a' series of spaced clips supported and moved by said member, said clips being operable respectively to clamp said flexible portions of said articles to said member inspaced relationship to each other and said yarticles hanging pendantlike by gnavity from the clamped portion thereof, cam means iixedly mounted adjacent the path of movement of said member and relative to which said member' is movable, and actuating means for said member interconnected thereto and including a manually operated member and motion multiplying means operable to produce stepwise rapidly accelerated movements of said member an-d articles clamped thereto in feeding direction to effect successive engagement of said clips with said cam and actuate said clips sequentially to disengage said articles from said member, said :articles prior to engaging said cam and when moving through the upper portion of the circular path thereof being subjected to centrifugal force resulting from said accelerated feeding movements and flipped thereby from hanging in one direction relative to said member to hanging in the oppositedirection.

2. The vending machine of claim l further including a discharge chute having lan entrance end positioned adjacent said eam and said articles when flipped as aforesaid being positioned to be received by said entrance end of said chute.

3. A vending machine for holding and discharging articles of merchandise having la ilexible appendage portion, said machine comprising in combination, a pair of circular members rotatably supported for movement about horizontal axes in vertically spaced relationship to each other, said members being disposed substantially in a common Vertical plane, an endless flexible member passing around said circular members, Ia series of spaced clips connected to 'and moved by said flexible member, said clips being operable respectively to clamp said flexible appendage portions of said articles to said member in spaced relationship =to each other in such manner that said articles may hang by gravity from said clips, cam means iixedly mounted adjacent the path of movement of said flexible member and relative to which said member is movable, and ratchet-type actuating means` for said member interconnected thereto and comprising ratchet operated manually actuated motion multiplying means operable to produce rapidly accelerated stepwise movements of said iiexible member in feeding direction to cause the articles hanging in one direction from said clips as they approach the uppermost portion of movement around the top circular member to be flipped successively by centrifugal force to hang in .fthe opposite directionfrom said clips prior to said clips reaching said cam means, said clips while holding said articles in the latter position successively engaging said cam to Iactua'te said clips to disengage said 'articles from said member.

4. A vending machine for holding and discharging airticles of merchandise having a flexible appendage portion, said machine comprising in combinati-on, a pair of shafts horizontally mounted within said machine in vertically spaced relationship, a plurality fof circular members mounted in spaced relationship on each shaft, endless flexible members each passing yaround two of saidv circular members'respec-tively on said shafts, a series of spaced clips connected to each yof said tlexible members, said clips being operable respectively to clamp said ilexible appendage por-tions of said articles to said members in spaced relationship to each other and in suc-h manner that said `articles may hang by gravity from said clips, ythe clips on said several flexible membens being vertically staggered relative to each other, whereby said clips are not in horizontal alignment, cam means iixedly mounted adjacent the path of movement of said flexible members and relative to which said members are movable, actuiating means interconnected to said flexible membens land operable to produce quick stepwise movements thereof in feeding direction to cause 'the articles hanging in one direction from said clips as they approach the uppermost portion of movement around the top circular members to be ipped successivelyby centrifugal force to hang in the opposite direction from said clips prior Ato said clips reaching said cam moans, said clips while holding said articles in the latter position successively engaging said cam means and actuate said clips sequentially to disengage said articles from said members, a chute extending downwardly from-said cam means to a discharge station and operable to receive articles released from said clips, and guide means adjacent the upper end of said chute and operable to direct said articles onto said chute when moving toward said cam means.

5. The vending machine set forth in claim 4 further including stripping means positioned adjacent the upper end of said dschargechute and means commonly supporting said entranceend of said chute and said cam means, said entrance end of said chute being sufliciently wide to accommodate the articles disengaged from all of said exible members and the exit end 'leading to a single discharge opening. p

6. The vending machine set forth in claim 3 further including a discharge chutehaving an entrance end positioned adjacent said carnmeans and provided with a slot receiving said exible member and clips immediately prior to said cam means engaging said clips, the portions of said chute defining said slotserving to engage said articles of merchandise as each is released Vfrom its clip to prevent further movement thereof with said clip as said clip moves past said lcam,me ans7 thus insuring delivery of said article to said chute means.

7. A vending machine for holding and discharging articles of merchandise comprising in combination, a casing having a loading opening in one wall thereof and an article delivery opening, said loading opening being closed by a movable door, a supporting member movable within said casing through a-closed path, means interconnected to said member and operable to advance said member stepwise, a plurality of clipsA evenly spaced along and connected to said supporting member and each clip including an article clamping finger pivotally interconnected to said membr, one end'thereof comprising a clip releasing end, means on each clip operable normally to urge the opposite end of said finger toward said member to engage said article in clamping relationship, a releasing cam supported by a fixed member within said casing adjacent said movable clip supporting member and the cam thereon being operablecs'equentially to engage the clip releasing end of each clip near the end of each stepwise movement of the supporting member to move the opposite gripping end of the clip away from said member and release the article held thereby, and an article delivery chute removably supported within said casing adjacent said loading opening and removable therethrough to render said supporting member accessible for loading, said chute communicating with and extending upward from said delivery opening to said cam, whereby said chute receives articles when released from said clips and delivers them by gravity to said delivery opening.

K 8. The vending machine set forth in claim 7 further characterized by said fixed cam supporting member comprising a bar extending benath the upper end portion of said chute and detachably engaging the same to support it operatively relative to said movable clip supporting member.

9. The vending machine set forth in claim 8 further characterized by said bar also being movable from its fixed position when loading said machine to render said movable clip supporting member accessible.

10. A vending machine for holding and discharging articles of merchandise comprising in combination, a supporting member movable through a closed path relative to an article delivery station, means operable to advance said member stepwise unidirectionally toward said station, a plurality of clips evenly spaced along and connected to said supporting members, each clip including pivotally connected legs, one leg of each clip being fixed directly and parallel to said supporting member and the trailing end thereof in the direction of movement of said member comprising a gripping end, one end of the pivotally supported leg comprising a gripping end cooperating with the gripping end of said one leg to clamp a flexible appendage of an article of merchandise to hang pendantlike therefrom and theV opposite end of said pivotally supported leg `comprising a clip releasing end, means on eachV clip operable normally to urge the gripping ends of the legs toward each other in article gripping relationship, the closed path of the supporting member being curved at least at the upper portion thereof and the articles hang `downward in one direction from said clips when moving into said curved portion of said path but are shifted by gravity to hang downward in the opposite direction substantially at the end of said curved path, whereby said clamped flexible appendage is bent U-shaped around the clamping end of the outermost leg of each clip when the articles are in the latter position and eifectively preventing accidental separation of said articles from said clips prior to discharge therefrom, and releasing means supported in a fixed position adjacent the end of said curved path ofsaid supporting member and said delivery station and operable sequentially to engage the clip releasing end of the other leg of each clip near the end of each stepwise movement of the supporting member to move the gripping ends of the clip apart and release the article held thereby at the article delivery station.

11. The vending machine set forth in claim 10 further including stripping means positioned adjacent said delivery station and operable to engage the articles as released from the gripping ends of said clips and insure complete separation of the articles sequentially from said supporting member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 496,281 VPursell Apr. 25, 1893 699,408 YOwen May 6, 1902 975,181 Turnbully Nov. 8, 1910 1,079,218 Curtis Nov. 18, 1913 1,208,379 Royem Dec. 12, 1916 1,451,879 Lacke Apr. 17, 1923 1,872,779 McKee Aug. 23, 1932 2,189,641 Slezak Feb. 6, 1940 FOREIGN PATENTS 7,050 Great Britain of 1903

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