US2815147A - Dispensing mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 3, 1957 JENK'NS 2,815,147

DISPENSING MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 19, 1956 IN VENTORS -JOE -H. JENKINS WILLIAM P. ROCHELLE ATTORNEY D 3 J. H. JENKINS EIAL DISPENSING MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 19, 1956 INVENTORS Joe H. Jenkins William P. Rochelle ATTORNEY Dec. 3, 1957 JENKINS 2,815,147

DISPENSING MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 19, 1956 flln l'lrl..."Illll-lI- l' liiilll INVENTORS Joe H. Jenkins William P. Rochelle Dec. 3, 1957 JENKINS 2,815,147

. DISPENSING MECHANISM Filed March 19. 1 956 I 4 Shets-Sheet 4 5 I INVENTORS 7 JOE H. JENKINS WILLIAM P. ROCHELLE v ATTORNEY Unite States Patent DISPENSING MECHANISM Joe H. Jenkins and William P. Rochelle, Memphis, Tenn.

Application March 19, 1956, Serial No. 572,364

15 Claims. (Cl. 22189) This invention relates to dispensing machanism.

An important object of the invention is to provide dispensing or vending apparatus for articles, such as newspapers or the like, and including manually operable means for use by the customer for causing dispensing of the newspapers one at a time.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel and simplified means for supporting a stack of newspapers within the apparatus, and novel mechanism for ejecting the individual newspaper supporting means, whereby the newspapers are dispensed in sequence from the bottom of the stack and the individual supporting means pass to a collection point in the bottom of the apparatus.

A further object is to provide dispensing mechanism of the above-mentioned character, including means to prevent unauthorized movement or ejection of the lowermost newspaper supporting element, when the ejection arms are in the rearmost or retracted positions.

A further object is to provide a cabinet type dispenser for newspapers or the like, including a vertically swingable front closure member, having parts which coact in a novel manner with vertical guides for the individual newspaper supporting elements, said parts of the closure member serving to cover the normally open sides of the guides when the closure member is in a vertical position, and the closure member thereby preventing displacement of the newspaper supporting elements from the guides.

Still another object is to provide ejection means for the individual newspaper supporting elements which will function to support the next uppermost newspaper supporting element, while ejecting the lowermost supporting element.

Another object of the invention is to provide dispensing mechanism of the above-mentioned character which is compact and simplified in construction, sturdy and durable, reliable and efiicient in operation and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the course of the following description.

In the drawings, we have shown one preferred embodiment of the invention. In this showing,

Figure l is a perspective View of newspaper dispensing mechanism embodying the present invention,

Figure 2 is an end elevation of the mechanism with parts broken away, and parts omitted,

Figure 3 is an enlarged horizontal section taken on line 3-3 of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is a transverse vertical section taken substantially on line 4-4 of Figure 3,

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section showing one ejection arm in the forward or ejecting position,

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section taken on line 6-6 of Figure 4,

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of one ejection arm in the forward position and showing the ejection of one newspaper supporting element while the next uppermost supporting element is being supported by the ejection arm,

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section taken on line 88 of Figure 3, and showing the dispensing of a newspaper and the descending of a supporting element to the bottom of the mechanism, and

Figure 9 is a perspective View of one T-shaped newspaper supporting element removed from the apparatus.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral 15 designates generally a cabinet body portion of rectangular form, which may be constructed from sheet metal, or the like. The cabinet body portion 15 comprises end walls 16, front and rear walls 17 and 18 and a bottom or floor 19, as shown. The top of the cabinet 15 may be formed open, if desired, in which case the cabinet is provided with a removable lid or top 20, as indicated. However, if preferred, the top 20 may be rigidly and permanently secured to the cabinet body portion.

A pair of upper horizontal rigid frame members or bars 21 and 22 are provided, near and inwardly of the opposite end walls 16, and these frame bars have their rear ends suitably rigidly secured by welding or the like to the rear wall 18, the frame bars 21 and 22 being spaced somewhat below the top of the cabinet body portion as shown in Figures 2 and 4. The forward end of the frame bar 21 is rigidly secured to the front wall 17 of the cabinet body portion, and the corresponding end of the bar 22 is preferably rigidly secured to the near end wall 16, as will be further explained. A lower pair of horizontal rigid frame bars or members 23 and 24 are spaced a substantial distance below the bars 21 and 22, in vertical alignment therewith, and near the vertical center of the cabinet body portion. The rear ends of the frame bars 23 and 24 are rigidly secured in any suitable manner to the rear wall 18, as shown. The forward end of the bar 23 is rigidly secured to the front wall 17, Figure 3, and the corresponding end of the bar 24 terminates short of the front wall 17, as at 25, Figure 3, and carries a short transverse extension 26, rigidly secured thereto, said extension being rigidly connected at 27 to the adjacent end wall 16. The connection of the forward end of the upper horizontal bar 22 with the adjacent end wall 16 may be identical with the arrangement shown at 26 and 27, Figure 3, for connecting the lower bar 24 with the end wall 16. Likewise, the forward end of the upper horizontal bar 21 may be secured to the front wall 17 in the same manner that the corresponding end of the lower bar 23 is secured to the front wall 17, Figure 3.

Near and inwardly of the front wall 17, and arranged adjacent to the inner faces of the upper and lower pairs of horizontal frame bars 21, 22, 23 and 24, are a pair of vertical angle bars or guides 23 and 29, rigidly secured by welding or the like to the inner faces of the horizontal frame bars 21, 22, 23 and 24. The angle bars 28 and 29 extend from the tops of the horizontal frame bars 21 and 22 to points somewhat below the horizontal bars 23 and 24, see Figures 2 and 4. The lower ends of the angle bars 23 and 29 are spaced a considerable distance above the floor 19, and the angle bars 28 and 29 are bodily supported or carried by the pairs of horizontal bars 21 and 23 and 22 and 24, as shown. The angle bars 28 and 29 are L-shaped in cross section, Figure 3, and have their forward sides and their opposed inner sides entirely open, throughout their lengths. The rear sides of the angle bars 28 and 29 and their outer sides are closed, as shown in the drawings. The top ends of the angle bars 28 and 29 may be open, but their lower ends are closed by horizontal plates or webs 3t), rigidly secured thereto by welding or the like. The plates or webs 30 are rectangular, Figure 5, and their marginal edges terminate flush with the longitudinal edges of the L-shaped angle bars,

Figure 5 The front wall 17 of cabinet body portion 15 has a large rectangular opening 31, as shown, receiving a large vertically swingable rectangular front closure member or door 32. The door 32 is provided at its end nearest the lefthand end wall 16, Figure 1, with a rearwardly projecting flange 33, integral therewith, the flange 33 being disposed adjacent to a companion rearwardly projecting flange 34, formed integral with the front wall 17, or rigidly secured thereto. A bolt or hinge element 35 serves to hingedly connect the lower end of the flange 33 with the stationary flange 34, as shown by Figures 3 and 5. At its other end, the door 32 has a rearwardly projecting extension or flange 36 rigidly secured thereto,

and arranged opposite a companion flange 37, in turn rigidly secured to the front wall 17, Figure 3. A bolt or hinge element 38 serves to hingedly secure the lower end of the flange 36 to the flange 37 of the cabinet body portion. It is thus seen that the door 32 is hinged to the cabinet body portion 15 at its lower end, and the door is adapted to swing vertically about the hinge means 35 and 38 from its vertical or closed position shown in the drawings to a generally horizontal opened position, wherein the door 32 will project forwardly of the cabinet body portion 15.

As shown in Figure 2, the vertical flange 36 of door 32 extends for the entire height of the door, and the flange extends rearwardly substantially to the forward open side of the vertical angle bar 28, Figures 2 and 3. At its rear edge, the flange 36 has a laterally inwardly projecting extension 39 formed integral therewith, and the extension 39 is disposed directly opposite and close to the forward open side of the angle bar 28, when the door 32 is in the vertical or closed position. The extension 39 is substantially the same width as the vertical angle bar 28, so as to close or cover substantially entirely the forward open side of the same. As shown in Figure 2, the extension 39 extends for substantially the entire length of the angle bar 28, but the flange 36 and the extension 39 have their lower ends terminating slightly above the web or plate 30 of angle bar 28, as indicated at 40, Figure 2. This arrangement provides a small open or uncovered passage through the forward side of the angle bar 28, just above its bottom horizontal web 30, for a purpose to be described. Otherwise, when the door 32 is in the closed position, the forward open side of the angle bar 28 is covered or closed by the extension 39.

Near and inwardly of its opposite end, the door 32 has a rearwardly extending flange 41, similar to the flange 36 rigidly secured thereto, and disposed inwardly of the frame bars 22 and 24. The rear end of the flange 41 terminates just forwardly of the angle bar 29, and such rear end has an integral lateral extension 42, extending throughout its entire length, Figure 4, and disposed directly opposite the forward open side of the vertical angle bar 29, for covering such side when the door 32 is vertically disposed. The extension 42 extends throughout substantially the entire length of the angle bar 29, Figure 4, but the flange 41 and extension 42 have their lower ends terminating slightly above the bottom web 30 of angle bar 29, Figure 4. as indicated at 43. The arrangement is the same as that described above in connection with the other angle bar 28, and a small portion of the forward side of angle bar 29, just above the web 30 is left uncovered when the door 32 is in closed position. When the door 32 is swung forwardly or opened, the flanges 39 and 42 swing away from the angle bars 28 and 29, and the forward sides of the latter are then entirely uncovered.

With further reference to the door 32, in order to facilitate displaying the front sheet of one newspaper, or the like, the door is provided with a large rectangular transparent panel or window 44, suitably rigidly mounted therein. Rearwardly of the transparent panel 44, the door has a suitable holding structure 45 for a single newspaper mounted thereon, in such a manner that the newspaper for the day may be placed between the panel 44 and holding structure 45 or readily removed therefrom when the door 32 is open. This display feature of the invention may be omitted entirely, if preferred.

It may also be mentioned here that suitable means are provided for locking the door 32 in the vertical or closed position, and such means may be in the form of a padlock 46, as indicated generally in Figure 1. Any other preferred form of lock for the door 32 may be used however.

At the elevation of the bottom webs 30 of the vertical angle bars 28 and 29, a horizontal platform or table 47 is arranged within the cabinet body portion 15 and suitably rigidly secured to the rear wall 18, as at 48, Figure 4. This table 47 extends forwardly from the rear wall 18 a considerable distance, and also extends lengthwise of the cabinet body portion for substantially the full distance between the vertical angle bars 28 and 29, as shown in Figure 3. The forward edge of the horizontal table 47 has forwardly extending and downwardly inclined panels or slides 49 integrally secured thereto, and the forward ends of the panels 49 terminate a slight distance rearwardly of the angle bars 28 and 29 and somewhat below their lower ends, as shown. The forward ends of the panels 49 are rigidly supported by vertical integral extensions 50, formed thereon, and extending to the floor 19, and preferably rigidly secured thereto. Intermediate vertical legs or braces 51 for the inclined panels 49 may be provided, as required.

As clearly shown in the drawings, a relatively large passage or slot 52 is formed between the inner edges of the inclined panels 49, and the rear end 53 of this slot terminates at or near the forward side of the horizontal table 47. The slot 52 forms within the cabinet 15, and between the panels 49 and between their supporting portions 50 and the front wall of the cabinet, a substantially T-shaped passage 54, as best shown in Figure 3. This T-shaped passage 54 is below the lower ends of the vertical angle bars 28 and 29.

Individual T-shaped separators or supporting elements 55 for the newspapers 56 within the apparatus are provided. Each element 55 comprises a forward elongated bar 57 which extends lengthwise of the cabinet body portion 15 for the full distance between the vertical angle bars 28 and 29, Figure 3, the opposite end portions of the bar 57 extending into the inner open sides of the vertical angle bars and terminating close to their outer closed sides, as shown. Each bar 57 may be inverted U-shaped in cross section, as indicated. Each T-shaped element 55 further comprises a central rearwardly extending portion or bar 58, overlying the slot 52 and being somewhat narrower than the slot 52, as shown. The forward end of each bar 58 is rigidly secured or formed integral with the bar 57, at the longitudinal center of the latter. The arrangement is such that when the end portions of the cross bars 57 are within the angle bars 28 and 29, Figure 3, the rear end portions of the bars 58 are projecting rearwardly of the rear edge 53 of slot 52, in overlying or superposed relation to the horizontal table 47.

The T-shaped elements 55 serve in the apparatus as separators and individual supports for the flat newspapers 56 of the stack of newspapers. When the apparatus is stocked with newspapers, the door 32 is opened, and the flange extensions 39 and 42 move away from the forward open sides of the vertical angle bars 28 and 29. One of the T-shaped elements 55 is now introduced into the apparatus through the forward opening 31, and the ends of its forward cross bar 57 are placed directly upon the bottom web's 30 of the angle bars 28 and 29. The rear end portion of the bar 58 of this first element 55 rests directly upon the horizontal table 47, and the single element 55 is now horizontally supported.

A stack of newspapers is now introduced through the forward opening 31 and placed upon the single horizontal element 55. This supports the stack of newspapers and maintains them spaced above the inclined slides 49, in horizontal positions, Figure 4. The other T-shaped elements 55 which have collected in the bottom of the apparatus, Figure 4, are now introduced rearwardly between the individual newspapers 56 of the stack, Fig ure 4, so that each newspaper is separated from adjacent newspapers of the stack, and individually supported by one of the elements 55. All of the elements 55 have the ends of their cross bars 57 arranged directly over the bottom webs 30, Figures 3 and 4. The rear end portions of the bars 58 of all of the T-shaped elements 55 are disposed directly above the horizontal table 47, when the elements 55 are in stacked relation with the newspapers 56. The newspapers 56 substantially cover the elements 55 below them, and the newspapers project somewhat forwardly of the cross bars 57, as shown in Figure 4. The newspapers 56 extend for substantially the entire length of the table 47. The stack of newspapers and elements 55 may extend above the table 47 to substantially the tops of the angle bars 28 and 29.

When the stack of newspapers 56 and supporting elements 55 are arranged properly within the apparatus, the door 32 is closed and locked, and the flange extensions 39 and 42 again cover the forward open sides of the angle bars 28 and 29, so that the cross bars 57 cannot shift forwardly from their positions directly above the webs 36. The angle bars 28 and 29 and the respective extensions 39 and 42 form vertical guides or passages for the cross bars 57 of the elements 55. The bars 58 cannot shift transversely upon the table 47 because of the nearness of the ends of the cross bars 57 to the outer closed sides of the angle bars 28 and 29.

Elevated horizontal supporting ledges 59 are rigidly mounted upon the outer sides of the inclined panels 49, and preferably formed integral therewith. Pairs of bearings 60 are rigidly secured to the tops of the ledges 59, with their horizontal bores in alignment for receiving horizontal reciprocatory arms or shafts 61, which are parallel with the slot 52 and disposed rearwardly of the angle bars 28 and 29 adjacent their lower ends. The rear ends of the shafts 61 terminate somewhat forwardly of the rear wall 18, and are pivotally connected at 62 with vertically swingable cranks 63, which are in turn rigidly secured to a horizontal rock shaft 64, extending at right angles to the shafts 61, and journaled within bearings 65, dependingly secured to the bottom of the horizontal table 47. The opposite ends of the rock shaft 64 extend beyond the opposite ends of the table 47, as shown, and the right hand end of the rock shaft 64 projects outwardly of or beyond the bar 23, as shown in Figure 3. The arrangement is such that turning of the rock shaft 64 will swing the cranks 63 for shifting or reciprocating the shafts 61 forwardly and rearwardly within the bearings 60.

A crank 66 is rigidly secured to the end of the rock shaft 64 beyond the bar 23, Figure 3, and the upper end of this crank is pivotally connected at 67 to the rear end of a connecting link 68, having its forward end pivoted at 69 to a reciprocatory pull rod 70, operating within a fixed horizontal guide 71, rigidly secured within the front wall 17, near the right hand end of the cabinet 15, Figure 1. The pull rod 76 is surrounded by a compressible coil spring 72, having its forward end bearing against the fixed guide 71, and its rear end engaging the pivot element or pin 69. The spring 72 thus urges the pull rod '70 and associated elements rearwardly, thereby normally holding the shafts 61 in rearward or retracted positions, as shown for example in Figure 2. The forward end of the pull rod 70 carries a suitable knob 73 which is grasped to pull the rod 70 and associated elements forwardly, for shifting the shafts 61 horizontally forwardly. When the knob 73 is released, the spring 72 will automatically return the shafts 61 to their rearward or retracted positions.

Rigidly secured to the forward ends of the arms or shafts 61 are elements 74 for ejecting or displacing the individual T-shaped support or separator elements 55. The elements 74 comprise rear transverse portions 75 which are directly rigidly secured to the forward ends of shafts 61. These portions 75 are arranged directly rearwardly of the closed sides of the angle bars 28 and 29, as shown, and the portions 75 project somewhat above the bottoms of the angle bars so as to engage the same in the extreme forward positions of the elements 74, Figures 2 and 5. The ejection elements 74 further comprise inner relatively short forwardly projecting fingers or portions 76, rigid with the portions 75 and arranged just inwardly of the open inner sides of the vertical angle bars 28 and 29, Figures 3 and 5. The arrangement is such that when the shafts 61 and their ejection elements 7 4 are advanced by pullingthe knob 73, that the forward ends of the fingers 76 will engage the lowermost cross bar 57 and push the same forwardly and off of the horizontal webs 30 which support it.

The ejection elements 74 further comprise outer relatively long horizontal extensions 77, integral with the portions 75 and arranged just outwardly of the outer closed sides of the angle bars 28 and 29, so as to clear the same when reciprocated with the shafts 61. The forward ends of the extensions 77 carry inwardly directed transverse extensions or plates 78, rigid therewith, and disposed in advance of the open forward sides of the angle bars 28 and 29, and just under the lower edges 40 and 43 of the respective nanges 36,- 39, 41 and 42. The arrangement is such that when the arms 61 are in their rearmost retracted positions, the forward transverse plates 78 will contact and cover the small forward open portions of the angle bars 23 and 29, just above the webs 30 and between such Webs and the lower edges 40 and 43 of the movable door flanges. This construction renders it impossible for an individual to reach under the lower end of the door 32. and dislodge or pull forwardly the lowermost newspaper supporting element 55 when the arms 61 are in the rear retracted positions.

It may be mentioned here that the ejection mechanism for the Tshaped elements 55, including the pull rod 70 and associated parts will operate in conjunction with a conventional coin controlled device or unit, not shown, which may be suitably mounted upon the cabinet body portion 15. This coin controlled mechanism will serve to lock the ejection arms 61 with their elements 74 in the rearrnost or retracted positions, Figures 2 and 4, wherein the forward plates 78 will cover and protect the lower open portions of the angle bars 28 and 29, just above the supporting webs 36 and just under the door flanges 36, 39, 41 and 42. As is well known, when the coin is placed within the coin controlled mechanism, the arms 61 and pull rod 76 are released so that they may be advanced by pulling the knob 73, to effect the ejection of the lowermost element 55 and the lowermost newspaper will be dispensed to the customer.

As best illustrated in Figure 7, when the ejection elements 74 are advanced so that the fingers 76 eject or push the lowermost cross bar 57 from the webs 30, simultaneously, the fingers 76 will pass beneath the end portions of the next uppermost cross bar 57 and support the same during the ejection of the lowermost T-shaped elements 55. While supported by the fingers 76, as shown in Figure 7, the next uppermost cross bar 57 is maintained above the lowermost edges or ends of the covering flanges 39 and 42, so that it is impossible during the ejection of the lowermost element 55 for the next uppermost element 55 to be displaced 0r ejected. After the arms 61 are again retracted from their ejecting positions, Figure 7, the fingers 76 pass out from under the next uppermost cross bar 57, and such cross bar instantly drops into contact with the webs 30 which support it, the rear ends of the bars 58 of elements 55 always being supported by the table 47 or by the newspaper under the bar 58. As soon as the next uppermost bar 57 thus gravitates to the webs 30, the plates 78 will cover the open forward portions or sides of the vertical angle bars 28 and 29 below the covering flanges 39 and 42, and the arms 61 will again be locked in their retracted positions, and it will be impossible to reach into the apparatus from below the door 32 and pull out a newspaper or its supporting element 55.

Near and inwardly of the opposite ends of the cabinet body portion, and substantially directly under the lower ends of the vertical angle bars 28 and 29 are disposed a pair of downwardly and rearwardly inclined curved track sections or guides 79 and 80. These track sections are suitably rigidly connected with the cabinet floor portion 19, below the door 32 through the medium of their supports 81 and 82, Figures 2 and 4. The purpose of the track sections 79 and 80 is to catch or engage the end portions of the cross bars 57, as they drop from the supporting Webs 30, after ejection by the elements 74. The track sections 79 and 80 then urge or guide the T-shaped elements 55 rearwardly so that they will tend to pile up or be stacked upon the floor 19, somewhat rearwardly of the track sections 79 and 30, as shown in Figure 4, for example.

An inclined panel extension 83 is formed at the bottom of the front opening 31, below the lower end of the door 32, and below the track sections 79 and 80*, as shown. The panel extension 83 is generally in alignment with the inclined slides or panels 49, whereby the newspapers upon falling to the slides 49 will tend to move forwardly and onto the panel extension 83, where the customer may readily pick up the paper.

Operation The vertically swinging door 32 may be opened to a generally horizontal position for uncovering the open forward sides of the vertical angle bars 28 and 29'. When this has been done, a single T-shaped element 55 is arranged as in Figure 3, with the opposite ends of its cross bar 57 resting directly upon the bottom webs 3t), and the rear end of its bar 58 resting upon the table 47. The stack of newspapers 56 is now placed upon the single element 55, and the remainder of the elements 55 are now inserted between the newspapers of the stack, as has been previously described in detail. When the alternately stacked newspapers and elements 55 are properly within the apparatus, and the door 32 is closed, the transparent window 44 will display the front sheet of a single newspaper, as previously explained.

The operator or customer new places a coin in the coin controlled mechanism, not shown, and this will unlock the ejection mechanism including the pull rod 70 and associated elements. The knob 73 is pulled forward by the customer, and through the medium of the pull rod and the crank 66, the rock shaft 64 is turned upon its longitudinal axis, and the cranks 63 will advance the shafts 61 forwardly with the ejection elements '74 to the position shown in Figure 5. When this occurs, the ejection fingers 76 of the elements 74 will engage the cross bar 57 of the lowermost T-shaped element 55 and push or eject the same from the supporting webs 30. The rear end of the lowermost bar 58 will also move forwardly and pass over the rear edge 53 of the slot 52. When this occurs, the entire lowermost T-shaped element 55 will drop through the T-shaped passage 54, and the cross bar 57 will engage the tracks 79 and 80, as previously described, and the element 55 will pass to the floor 19, Figures 4 and 8.

When the T-shaped element 55 is thus ejected, the lowermost newspaper 56 supported by it will immediately fall onto the slides or panels 49, where it can be readily picked up by the customer, who reaches beneath the door 32, adjacent to the panel extension 83.

As previously explained in detail, during the ejection of the lowermost element 55, and the consequent dispensing of the lowermost paper 56, the next uppermost element 55 is supported by the fingers 76, and only one newspaper at a time may be dispensed. When the knob 73 is released, the spring 72 automatically returns the ejection shafts 61 and associated elements to their rearmost positions, Figures 2 and 4, and the coin mechanism will now lock the ejection shafts in the retracted positions. The mechanism is now in condition to dispense the next lowermost newspaper from the stack, by the ejection of the next lowermost element 55, in the manner above described, when the next coin is inserted within the coin controlled means, not shown. This mode of operation is repeated until all of the newspapers have been dispensed, and all of the separator and supporting elements 55 have gravitated to the bottom of the cabinet, Figure 4.

It is to be understood that the form of our invention, herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

We claim:

1. A dispenser for newspapers or the like comprising a cabinet body portion, table forming means arranged within the cabinet body portion, substantially vertical guide means mounted within the cabinet body portion, support means adjacent the bottom of the guide means and arranged substantially at the elevation of the table forming means, a plurality of individual newspaper separator and support elements including parts adapted to engage and be supported by the table forming means and said support means, and movable ejection mechanism engageable with the individual newspaper separator and support elements to eject the same from said table forming means and support means, whereby said elements may pass to the bottom of the cabinet body portion and the individual newspapers supported thereby pass to the customer.

2. Newspaper dispensing apparatus comprising a cabinet body portion including a movable closure member having flanges, a pair of fixed guide elements arranged within the cabinet body portion and having open sides arranged opposite to said flanges and adapted to be covered thereby when said closure member is in closed position, the lower ends of said fixed guide elements being closed and extending below said flanges, whereby lower portions of said open sides of the guide elements remain uncovered, newspaper support and separator elements arranged within the cabinet body portion and having parts engaging the fixed guide elements and adapted to rest upon the closed lower ends of said guide elements, said flanges preventing forward displacement of all but the lowermost support and separator element from the fixed guide elements, movable ejection means to engage the lowermost support and separator element and eject the same from the closed lower ends of the fixed guide elements, and newspaper discharge means associated with the cabinet body portion below the fixed guide elements and ejection means.

3. Dispensing apparatus for newspapers or the like comprising a cabinet body portion including a movable closure member, supporting means within the cabinet body portion, said supporting means including a portion to receive and support the newspapers as they are dispensed, movable ejection means connected with the supporting means, fixed guide means means carried by the cabinet body portion and having an open side adapted to be covered by said movable closure member when the same is in closed position, one end of the fixed guide means extending adjacent the movable ejection means and having an opening, and a plurality of separate newspaper support elements engaging said supporting means and fixed guide means, the lowermost support element being engaged by the movable ejection means and moved through said opening of the fixed guide means, whereby such support element passes to the bottom of the cabinet body portion, and the lowermost newspaper passes to said portion of the supporting means.

4. A dispenser for newspapers or the like comprising a receptacle for the newspapers having opening means through which the dispensed newspapers may pass, a pair of substantially vertical guide channels disposed within the receptacle and having their lower ends closed and having side openings near their lower ends, table means within the receptacle adapted to receive the dispensed newspapers and support them near said opening means, said table means having a passage formed therethrough between said guide channels and extending rearwardly thereof, a plurality of substantially T-shaped support and separator elements for the newspapers including parts ex tending over said passage and engaging the table means, said T-shaped elements also including cross bars which engage said vertical guide channels and are supported by the closed lower ends of the channels adjacent said side openings of the channels, and manually operable ejection devices arranged near the lower ends of the vertical guide channels and including parts engaging said cross bars of the T-shaped elements to eject the same from the channels through the side openings of the channels, whereby said parts of the T-shaped elements extending over said passages will drop through the passages, and the T-shaped elements will pass to the bottom of the receptacle.

5. A dispenser for newspapers and the like comprising a closed body portion having an opening through which newspapers may be dispensed, a supporting table means within the body portion and terminating short of the side of the body portion having said opening, said table means having a slot formed therethrough, a pair of substantially vertical guide elements mounted within said body portion and extending above the table means and having closed lower ends near the elevation of the table means and having side openings above said closed lower ends, a plurality of separate T-shaped newspaper support elements arranged above said table means and having arms resting upon the table means adjacent to said slot and extending lengthwise of the slot, said T-shaped elements also having cross arms engaging said vertical guide elements on opposite sides of said slot and adapted to rest on the closed lower ends of the guide elements adjacent said side openings of the same, and reciprocatory ejection means associated with said table means near the lower ends of the guide elements and adapted to engage said cross arms and to shift the same through the side openings of the guide elements and off of the lower closed ends of the guide elements, whereby said arms resting upon the table means are caused to pass through said slot and the T-shaped elements are thereby passed to the bottom of said body portion.

6. In a dispenser for newspapers and the like, a cabinet body portion, a supporting table within the cabinet body portion including an inclined part having a slot, a pair of opposed guide channels arranged near opposite ends of the table and extending above the same and having their inner sides open, supporting elements secured to the lower ends of the guide channels near the elevation of the table, the guide channels having side openings near and above said supporting elements, a plurality of substantially T-shaped newspaper separator and supporting elements adapted to be alternately stacked with said newspapers above the table and having end portions resting upon the table over said slot and end portions extending through the open sides of the guide channels above the supporting elements of the guide channels, the lowermost T-shaped element resting upon said supporting elements of the guide channels and said table, a pair of horizontal reciprocatory arms arranged adjacent the lower ends of the guide channels and shiftable toward and from the guide channels, ejection elements carried by the forward ends of said arms and including fingers to engage the T-shaped elements near the open sides of the guide channels, extensions car- 10 ried by the ejection elements and extending forwardly of the guide channels and covering said side openings of the guide channels near their lower ends when said ejection arms are retracted, whereby unauthorized movement of the lowermost T-shaped element is prevented, and manually operable means for reciprocating said ejection arms.

7. Dispensing mechanism comprising a receptacle having a discharge opening for the articles to be dispensed, fixed guide means within the receptacle, supporting means associated with the fixed guide means for receiving the articles to be dispensed, individual article support and separator elements engaging the supporting means and the fixed guide means and adapted to be ejected in succession from the supporting means and said guide means, and movable ejection means engageable with said individual separator elements for ejecting them from the supporting and guide means and thereby eflecting the dispensing of the individual articles in succession.

8. A newspaper dispenser comprising a cabinet body portion having a side opening, a hinged closure member for the side opening and including a pair of elongated substantially vertical flanges, a pair of substantially vertical guide elements fixedly mounted within the cabinet body portion rearwardly of said flanges and having forward open sides covered by said flanges when the closure member is substantially vertically disposed, said vertical guide elements having their inner opposed sides open, a substantially horizontal table member mounted within the cabinet body portion near the rear side of the same and substantially at the elevation of the lower ends of the guide elements, webs secured to the lower ends of the guide elements and spaced somewhat below the lower ends of said flanges of the closure member, spaced apart inclined panels extending forwardly of said table member and below the lower ends of the guide elements and forming between them a passage forwardly of the table member, a plurality of newspaper separator and supporting elements, said elements including forward cross bars and rearwardly extending bars secured to the cross bars near their longitudinal centers, said rearwardly extending bars adapted to have their rear ends supported by the table member and extending over said passage between said inclined panels, the opposite ends of said forward cross bars entering the inner open sides of the guide elements and adapted to rest upon said webs below the lower ends of said flanges of the closure member, and a pair of horizontally shiftable ejection arms arranged near the lower ends of the guide elements and having parts to engage the lowermost forward cross bar and eject the same forwardly from said webs while simultaneously supporting the next uppermost cross bar, movement of the ejection arms in the opposite direction allowing the next uppermost cross bar to drop into contact with said webs and to be supported thereby, after the dispensing of the next lowermost newspaper.

9. In a newspaper dispenser, a receptacle having discharge opening means, vertical guide means within the receptacle including lower end supporting parts, supporting table means arranged near the elevation of said supporting parts, separate newspaper supporting elements engaging the supporting table means and vertical guide means and adapted to rest upon said supporting parts of the guide means, substantially horizontal reciprocatory ejection means arranged adjacent the lower ends of the guide means for ejecting said newspaper supporting elements from said lower end supporting parts, the ejection means including elements to engage the newspaper supporting elements and to push them from the lower end supporting parts and at the same time supporting the next uppermost newspaper supporting element, said ejection means also including parts which prevent displacement of the newspaper supporting elements when the ejection means is in a retracted position, and customer operated means connected with the ejection means to actuate the latter.

10. In a dispensing mechanism, a substantially vertical guide member having an open side to receive parts to be guided and a closed lower end to support such parts, a plurality of separate article support elements arranged in stacked relation with the articles and having parts engaging the guide member and adapted to rest upon the closed lower end of the guide member, a reciprocatory ejection device arranged adjacent the lower end of the guide member and operating substantially at right angles thereto, said ejection device including a longitudinal finger shiftable across one side of the guide member and into engagement with the lowermost supporting element for ejecting the same from said closed lower end, the ejection. device including a longitudinal extension extending adjacent to the opposite side of the guide member and forwardly of the guide member, a transverse plate carried by said extension and shiftable into close proximity with the forward side of the guide member when the ejection device is in the rearmost position, and movable means to efiect reciprocation of the ejection device.

11. A dispenser for newspapers or the like comprising a cabinet body portion, a vertically swingable side closure member for the body portion to facilitate stocking the dispenser with newspapers, substantially vertical flanges carried by the inner side of the closure member and extending throughout substantially the entire height of the same and spaced rearwardly thereof, substantially L-shaped vertical angle bars arranged rearwardly of and close to said flanges and being substantially coextensive therewith and having forward open sides covered by said flanges when the closure member is in closed vertical position, said angle bars having their inner opposed sides open, said angle bars extending slightly below said flanges for providing forwardly opening passages from the angle bars below said flanges, substantially horizontal webs secured to the lower ends of the angle bars below said flanges, a plurality of newspaper separator and support elements including bars having end portions projecting through the inner open sides of the angle bars rearwardly of said flanges and above said webs, whereby the webs may support the separator and support elements and the angle bars and flanges may guide the same vertically, horizontally movable ejection arms arranged adjacent the lower ends of the angle bars and having parts engaging said bars of the separator and support elements to push them from the webs and through said forwardly opening passages, whereby the separator and support elements successively pass to the bottom of the dispenser, and manually operated means connected with the ejection arms to move the same.

12. Dispensing apparatus comprising a cabinet body portion, support means within the cabinet body portion and spaced above the bottom of the cabinet body portion, said support means having one side terminating inwardly of one side of the. cabinet body portion and having a vertical passage formed therethrough, said passage opening through said terminating side of the support means, vertical guide means mounted within the cabinet body portion and extending above the support means and spaced forwardly of said terminating side of the support means, a T-shaped article supporting element engaging the support means and the vertical guide means and having a part extending over said passage, and ejection mechanism adapted to engage said T-shaped supporting element for disengaging the supporting element from said support means and vertical guide means, whereby the T-shaped element will pass to the bottom of the cabinet body portion below said support means and vertical guide means, said part of the T-shaped element passing through the vertical passage of the support means.

13. Dispensing mechanism comprising a body portion, substantially vertical guide means mounted within the body portion, support means arranged near the lower end of the vertical guide means, a plurality of article support and separator elements engaging the support and guide means, and movable means near the elevation of the support means and engageable with said support and separator elements for ejecting them in succession from the support and guide means to thereby effect the dispensing of individual articles in succession.

14. Dispensing apparatus comprising a body portion, vertical guide means mounted upon the body portion and having lower end supporting parts, support means arranged near the elevation of the supporting parts, separate article supporting elements engaging the support means and vertical guide means and adapted to rest upon said supporting parts of the guide means, substantially horizontal reciprocatory ejection means arranged adjacent the lower ends of the guide means and said lower end supporting parts, said ejection means including elements to engage each lowermost article supporting element and to push it from the lower end supporting parts, said ejection means elements then passing under and supporting each next uppermost article supporting element while in the ejecting position, the ejection means elements passing from beneath each next uppermost article supporting element and allowing such element to drop upon the lower end supporting parts when said ejection means is retracted, and manually operated means connected with the ejection means to operate the same.

15. Dispensing mechanism comprising a pair of substantially vertical guide members having spaced opposed sides which are open and closed lower ends forming supports, a plurality of separate article supporting elements arranged in stacked relation and including bars entering said open sides of the vertical guide members above their closed lower ends, the lowermost bar of said supporting elements in the stack resting directly upon the closed lower ends of the guide members, reciprocatory ejection devices arranged near the elevation of said lowerends of the guide members and operating substantially at right angles thereto, each ejection device comprising a pair of substantially parallel longitudinal extensions movable transversely of opposite sides of the guide members, one extension of each ejection device being longer than the other extension and adapted to project forwardly of the vertical guide member when the ejection devices are in ejecting position, and a transverse extension secured to the forward end of each longer extension and arranged forwardly of the corresponding vertical guide member, whereby the transverse extension is arranged close to the forward side of the guide member near its lower end when the ejection devices are in a retracted position.

No references cited.

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