US2864532A

US2864532A - Packet merchandising machine

Info

Publication number: US2864532A
Application number: US359516A
Authority: US
Inventors: Gabrielsen Christian
Original assignee: Rowe Manufacturing Co Inc
Current assignee: Rowe Manufacturing Co Inc
Priority date: 1953-06-04
Filing date: 1953-06-04
Publication date: 1958-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 1975-12-16

Description

Dec. 16, 1958 C, GABRIELSEN 2,864,532

PACKET MERCHANDISING MACHINE:`

g 75 I o 64 5290 84 IIEIC] I: t l

Dec. 16, 1958 c. GABRIELSEN PACKET MERCHANDISING MACHINE 2 Sheecs-SheefI 2 Filed June 4, 1953 l i l l [Il f I, f 1 rif/l JNVENTOR. CHP/s r/m/ Gaaf/5455# Arron/EY Hmm PACKET MERCHANDISING MACHINE Christian Gabrielsen, Mountain Lakes, N. J., assignor to Rowe Manufacturing Co., Inc., Whippany, N. I., a corporation of New York Application June 4, 1953, Serial No. 359,516

1 Claim. (Cl. 221-92) My invention relates to a packet merchandising machine and more particularly to an improved packet merchandising machine providing a large capacity in a relatively small space for a number of varieties of merchandise, such as brands or flavors of gum.

Packet merchandising machines of the prior art have a relatively limited capacity for merchandise relative to the space occupied by working parts of the machine. moreover, they are limited as to the number of varieties of merchandise which can be dispensed by a single machine and are subject to -being jammed by the packets of merchandise during a dispensing operation. Packet merchandising machines of the prior art have a plurality of containers adapted to hold a number of columns of merchandise to be dispensed. The arrangement is such that the supplies of merchandise in the respective containers are successively exhausted. In practice, when the supply of packets reaches a level where a number of packets remain in the last column from which 'mere chandise is dispensed, or sometimes before this, the machine is refilled. As the machine is operated, the refill packets are first dispensed until the supply is again partially depleted and some or all of the same packets in the last column remain. As a result of this method of dispensing and refilling, some of the merchandise in the front column becomes stale or may spoil with a resulting loss to the supplier.

I have invented an improved packet merchandising machine which provides a large capacity for a number of varieties of merchandise in packets in a relatively small space. My improved packet merchandising machine is divided into compartments each having a plurality of containers therein adapted to contain respective columns of merchandise. I provide dispensing means for depleting the supplies of merchandise in the respective containers in succession at the same rate. Then too, I have provided my machine with an empty lock to prevent operation of the machine when the supplies of merchandise in the respective containers have become depleted to a predetermined extent. That is, a few packets remain in each column after the empty lock operates. When the machine is loaded, the refill packets are placed in the containers over these few remaining packets. When the machine is operated after a refill, the few packets remaining in each column before the refilling operation will be first dispensed, thus eliminating the danger of the packets remaining after the empty lock operates becoming stale or spoiling. The leaving of several packets in each column provides means for preventing the merchandise from assuming a position where it will jam the machine, since a weight of a column of merchandise on the bottom packet is always ensured. Means are provided for preventing the packet next to be dispensed from being jarred or fished out. Means are also pro` vided between columns for preventing the bottommost packets in the columns from adhering to the packets above the bottommost packets and thus interfering with the proper functioning of the machine. My improved United States Patent C) merchandising machine is adapted to dispense any type of merchandise in packets. For example, it may dispense gum in packets or any type of packaged confection which may be stacked.

One object of my invention is to provide an improved packet merchandising machine having a large capacity relative to the space occupied by the working parts of the machine.

Another object of my invention is to provide an improved packet merchandising machine which is inexpensive to manufacture, simple in construction and capable of dispensing a large number of types of merchandise in packets.

A further object of my invention is to provide an improved packet merchandising machine which has means for preventing jamming of the machine by the merchandise.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an improved packet merchandising machine having an empty lock to prevent operation of the machine when the` supply of merchandise has become depleted to a predetermined extent.

Other and further objects of my invention will appear from the following description.

In general my invention contemplates the provision of an improved packet merchandising machine having a housing which is divided into any convenient desired number of vertical dispensing compartments. Within each compartment I arrange a plurality of containers to hold columns of packets of merchandise and dispensing means to dispense the packets in such a manner that the supply of packets in all columns is exhausted at the same' rate. I have provided my machine with means which prevents a packet from jamming the dispensing means and an empty lock which prevents operation of the dispensing means of a particular compartment when lthe merchandise in the columns of that compartment is at a predetermined low level.

ln the accompanying drawings which form part of the instant specification and which are to be read in conjunction therewith an in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like partsin the various views:

Figure l is a perspective View of my improved packet merchandising machine.

Figure 2 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale with parts broken away of my improved packet merchandising machine taken along the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of my improved packet merchandising machine on an enlarged scale taken along the line 3 3 of Figure l.

Figure 4 is a sectional view of my improved packet merchandising machine taken along the line 4 4 of Figure 2.

More particularly referring now to the drawings, a housing, indicated generally by the reference character l0, is divided into a plurality of dispensing compartments by partitions 12. Each compartment is provided with a plurality of containers for packets. Within the housing l0 between a side 14 thereof and one of the partitions 12 I arrange a coin register 16 of any appropriate type well known in the art. On the front panel 18 of the housing 10 adjacent the side 14 I provide a coin slot 20 for conducting coinsA to the coin register, a coin return lever 22 and a coin return recess 24. In front of each of the dispensing compartments formed by the partitions l2 I arrange a plunger 26 and a delivery aperture 28 into which the merchandise is to be delivered.

Within each of the compartments formed by the partitions 12 I arrange a panel 30 adjacent the rear panel 32 of housing 10, as can be seen in Figure 2. In front of panel 30 at spaced intervals, I arrange pairs of inwardly directed vertical flanges 34 and a last pair of inwardly directed vertical flanges 36. Panel 30 and

flanges

34 and 36 form a number of

columns

38, 40 and 42 in which the packets of merchandise to be dispensed are disposed. On each of the partitions 12 forming a particular compartment below the containers 38 to 40 I arrange inwardly extending horizontal brackets 44 on which are mounted guide rails 46 by any appropriate means such as rivets 48. It is to be noted that the lowermost one of the packets of merchandise arranged in columns 38 to 42 within the compartment rests on the upper surfaces of a pair of rails 46.

A number of dispensing pushers, indicated generally by reference numeral 50, are mounted on pins 52 in a pitch chain 54 carried by

sprocket wheels

56 and 58. The pushers are so arranged that one will traverse the plurality of containers before another contacts a column of packets. In other words, the distance between pushers is slightly more than the aggregate width of the plurality of packets held by the containers in a single compartment. This construction is important to maintain a successive dispensing of packets from the several columns in aligned relation. Pushers 50 are formed as right angles and have one flange 60 upstanding from the surface of chain 54 and a second flange 62 which has a pair of ears 64 attached to pin 52. The flange 62 is provided with a pair of lateral extensions 66 which ride between the undersurfaces of guide rails 46 and the upper surfaces of flanges 44 as can be seen in Figure 4. Guide rails 46 and flanges 44 thereby prevent lateral movement of the pushers 50.

As can be seen by reference to Figure 2, I mount pivoted baffles 68 on pins 70 extending across the compartment below the ends of flanges 34 above guide rails 46. The pivoted baffles prevent upper packets from being carried along with the bottommost packets by friction or adhesion. Flanges 34 have bifurcations 72 formed at their lower ends to provide shields for batlles 68.

Sprocket wheel 58 is fixed on a shaft 74 rotatably mounted in bearings` (not shown) in the side partitions 12. Sprocket wheel 56 has a hub 76 fixed by means of a set screw 77 to a shaft 78, rotatably mounted in

bearings

80 and 82 in partitions 12. A plurality of radially spaced, axially extending pins 84 are carried by a disk 83 having a hub 85 also fixed to shaft 78 by appropriate means such as a set screw 87. A bell crank lever, generally indicated by reference numeral 86, is rotatably carried by a stub shaft 88 on one of the partitions 12 forming a compartment. A link 90 is carried by a pin 92 on one ot' the arms 94 of bell crank 86. Link 90 has a socket 96 on one end thereof for successive engagement with the pins 84. To ensure the engagement of link 90 with one of the pins 84, l provide a spring 98 xed at one end to a pin 100 on bell crank 86 and at the other end to a lug 102 on the end of link 90 opposite socket 96. The bell crank 86 is normally urged to rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2, by a spring 104 fixed at one end to pin 100 and at the other end to a pin 106 on a partition 12.

The arm 108 of bell crank 86 has a lug 110 thereon for engagement with the foot 112 of an operating link 114. Operating link 114 is connected at its upper end as viewed in Figure 2 with a link 116 on one of the plungers 26 by means of a pin 118. lt is to be noted that arm 108 of bell crank 86 is formed with a notch 109 adapted to engage one of the pins 84 when bell crank 86 is in its full line position shown in Figure 2 to prevent overrun of disk 83.

Between links 114 and 116 on pin 118 l arrange a knife 120 which is adapted to cooperate with locking slides 122 arranged in bracket 124. As is well known in the art, these locking slides extend all the way across the machine and prevent the actuation of the remainder of the dispensing means when one of the dispensing means corresponding to a compartment has been actuated. In addiwidth of the machine through slots 128 in the partitions 12 and adapted to slide up and down within the slots. This operating bar prevents the operation of any of the dispensing means until such time as coins in the proper amount have been placed in the coin register 16 and may be of the type disclosed in my Patent No. 2,494,805, issued January 17, 1950.

Panel 30 has an opening 130 formed near its lower end as can be seen in Figure 2. This opening leads into a delivery chute 132 formed by

arcuate members

134 and 136. The delivery chute 132 leads into the delivery aperture 28. A door 138 is mounted on a pin 140 at the end of panel 30 and is normally urged by a spring 142 in a direction to partially close the opening 130 as shown in the full line position in Figure 2. When a packet of merchandise is being dispensed, the door will be urged to the broken line position shown in Figure 2 by the packet against the action of spring 130. This door prevents the rear packet from being jarred or fished out.

One of the pair of container flanges 36 in each oompartment is formed with a slot 144. Adjacent the slot 144 is an ear 146 to which I attach an emptyl lock 148 by means of a pivot pin 150. While merch.:ndise remains in the column 42 the packets bear against an extension 152 on link 148 and holds it in the full line position shown in Figure 2. When a predetermined amount of merchandise, for example two packets, remains in column 42, link 48 will rotate by gravity in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 2, to the broken line position there shown. In this position the end 154 of link 48 is in a position to engage one of the pins 84 and prevent rotation of sprocket wheel 56 by link 90. Owing to the small size of the packets of certain merchandise, as for example gum, jarring the machine might displace a single packet of gum. To

prevent this I actuate the empty lock while more than one packet remains in each column. That is, the weight of the column of packets above the lowest holds the packet in position within the compartment. This not only aids in preventing packets from being jarred out of the machine but also aids in preventing the lowest packets from assuming positions where one of them might jam the machine.

It will be appreciated that each of the compartments formed by partitions 12 has an individual dispensing means; that is, there is one shaft 78 for each compartment and an individual actuating mechanism for each of the sprocket wheels 56. The only mechanisms common to all compartments are the locking slides 122, the operating bar 126 and the coin register.

In use, the customer first deposits the required coin or coins in coin slot 20. The coins fall into the coin register and free operating bar 126 in the manner described in my Patent 2,494,805. The customer then depresses the plunger 26 corresponding to the selected variety of merchandise. This action pulls link 116 and thereby link 114 downwardly as viewed in Figure 2.

In this operation, knife 120 actuates locking slides 122 to prevent the actuation of any of the other means 26 in a manner well known in the art. When link 114 moves downwardly, its foot 112 depresses operating bar 126 which has been freed by the coin in the coin register and rotates the bell crank lever 86 through lug 110 against the action of spring 104 to the broken line position shown in Figure 2. Link 90 is held to a position where its socket 96 engages one of the pins 84 on sprocket wheel 56 by means of springs 98. When bell crank 86 is rotated by link 114, it forces link 90 to the left and downwardly to the broken line position shown in Figure 2 thus rotating sprocket wheel 56 and shaft 78 in its bearings and 82. The rotation of sprocket wheel 56 advances chain 54 in a direction to carry a pusher 50 on the top of the chain to the right as viewed in Figure 2. Assuming one of the pushers to be tion, I provide an operating har 1.2 6 ,extending across -the 75 tially in a position where it engages a packet C, upon actuation it will push the packet C in column 42 `to the rig-ht and packet C in turn pushes packets B and A in the same row to the right. It is to be noted that the amplitude of motions and the number of pins 84 on sprocket 56 is such that one operation of the dispensing linkage will move pusher 50 one column to the right as viewed in Figure 2. This will result in pushing the lowest packet A in column 38 into the dispensing chute 132 against the action of door 138, as shownin Figure 3.

Referring now to Figure 3, it will be seen that after the first dispensing operation, the packets in column 42 move downwardly so that the packet F which was above the packet C now occupies the lowermost position. Packet C is now lowermost in column 40 and the packet B is lowest in column 38, packet A having been dispensed. It is to be noted also that baflles 68 are now held in substantially horizontal positions between packets. They thereby prevent packets above the lowest in

columns

38 and 40 from occupying positions in which they might jam the pusher 50. On the succeeding dispensing operation, as the same pusher 50 moves one column to the right and baille 68 below the left-hand ange 34, as viewed in Figures 2 and 3, rotates by gravity back to a substantially vertical position, the packets in

columns

40 and 42 move down one, packet C is now lowermost in column 38 and the packet B has beendispensed. On the lnal dispensing operation of a cycle, packet C is dispensed and both bales 68 have rotated to a substantially vertical position and the machine is ready to begin a second cycle.

It will be appreciated that the number of pushers 50 corresponds with the number of columns, and a single cycle includes a number of dispensing operations corresponding to the number of columns. Thereby I have arranged my machine so that the supply of merchandise in all the columns is substantially simultaneously depleted, assuring none of the merchandise will become stale. After each dispensing operation, spring 104 rotates bell crank 86 in a clockwise direction, and notch 109 engages one of the pins 84 to prevent overcarry of sprocket 56. Shields 72 assure that the packets of merchandise in each column are properly positioned as they come down in the columns so that they will not foul the baies 68.

When the number of packets of merchandise in col' umn 42 is depleted to a predetermined level, for example two, as illustrated, link 148 will no longer be held in the full line position of Figure 2. Since no packet bears on extension 152, link 148 rotates by gravity to the broken line position shown in Figure 2. If a customer attempts to actuate the dispensing mechanism associated with this compartment, the end 154 of link 148 will prevent the rotation of sprocket 56 so that no merchandise will be dispensed. The customer may then press coin return lever 22 so that his coin is returned to him or he may make another selection. As mentioned hereinbefore, doors 138 prevent access to the merchandise through delivery chute 132 or accidental release of a packet by jarring the machine.

Thus it will be seen that I have accomplished the objects of my invention. My dispensing machine is simple and inexpensive to construct. I have provided an improved packet merchandising machine which has a large capacity in a relatively small space and in which the supplies of merchandise in respective columns are depleted at the same rate. In addition, I have provided an improved packet merchandising machine which is capable of dispensing a large variety of merchandise.

My machine includes an empty lock associated with each compartment to prevent dispensation of a packet from the compartment when the supply therein has reached a predetermined low level. My machine also has means for preventing access to or accidental release of a packet so that merchandise is dispensed only when the proper amount in coins has been inserted in the coin slot.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated 'by and is within the scope of my claim. It is further obvious that various changes may be made in details within the scope ofmfy` 'claim without departing from the spirit of my invention. It is therefore to -be understood that my inventionis not to be limited to the specific details shown and described.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

A packet merchandising machine including in combination a housing, a number of containers formed in said housing one behind the other and adapted to receive packets of merchandise, a pusher, means mounting said pusher for movement to dispense packets of merchandise from said containers, a drive shaft for said pusher mounting means, a wheel carried by said drive shaft for rotation with it, a plurality of spaced pins carried by said wheel adjacent its periphery, a pawl for engaging said pins to drive said wheel to step said pusher, and actuating means for said pawl, said actuating means including a bell crank having a pair of arms, means pivotally connectiong one of said arms to said pawl, the other of said bell crank arms being formed with a recess adapted to be engaged by one of said pins to position said wheel to prevent overrun of the wheel after an actuation.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 412,469 Cochran Oct. 8, 1889 690,068 Mills Dec. 31, 1901 821,761 Stanley May 29, 1906 823,955` Meredith June 19, 1906 977,437 Davis Dec. 6, 1910 1,200,244 Sears Oct. 3, 1916 1,287,514 Tenner Dec. 10, 1918 1,530,387 Marra Mar. 17, 1925 1,548,670 Echols Aug. 4, 1925 1,564,540 Dinwiddie Dec. 8, 1925 1,603,576 Beelman Oct. 19, 1926 1,824,441 Miller Sept. 22, 1931 1,830,371 Morin Nov. 3, 1931 1,838,167 Wheeler Dec. 29, 1931 1,859,964 Galt May 24, 1932 2,100,752 Scheurer Nov. 30, 1937 2,309,008 Pease Ian. 19, 1943 2,314,632 Rear Mar. 23,1943 2,348,400 Manspeaker May 9, 1944 2,546,986 Dressler Apr. 3, 1951 2,578,545 Haase Dec. 11, 1951 2,645,366 Renard July 14, 1953 2,653,068 Goodnight Sept. 22, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 339,764 France 1904 610,070 France Aug. 30, 1926 638,840 Germany 1936