US3709347A

US3709347A - Bag vending machine having feeler controlled lock

Info

Publication number: US3709347A
Application number: US00130117A
Authority: US
Inventors: H Verbeke
Original assignee: Apl Corp
Priority date: 1971-04-01
Filing date: 1971-04-01
Publication date: 1973-01-09
Anticipated expiration: 1990-01-09

Abstract

A vending machine adapted to dispense bags having bail handles. The bags are stored by placing the bails over a vertically extending shaft, and by providing a metering device at the top of the shaft whereby only one bag can be dispensed at a time. The metering device is coin controlled, and a mechanism is provided for varying the price at which the bags will be vended. A totalizer is provided whereby coins of varying denominations can be deposited until the predetermined price set for each bag has been reached.

Description

0 United States Patent 1191 1111 3,709,347

Verbeke 1 Jan. 9, 1973 s4 BAG VENDING MACHINE HAVING 3,176,817 4/1965 Pell'allfl m1. ..221/312 A FEELER CONTROLLED LOCK Prima Examiner-Stanle i-LTollber 7511111 bkCht,N.. Y 8 1 men or any e es er J Attorney-Caesan Rivise, Bernstein & Cohen [7 3] Assignee: APL Corporation, Great Neck, N.Y. 22 Filed: April 1, 1971 [571 ABSTRACT [211 App[ NOJ 130,117 A vending machine adapted to dispense bags having bail handles. The bags are stored by placing the ba1ls over a vertically extending shaft, and by providing a iLf-il ..194/94(,;(2)3l/52/:2 metering device at the top of the shaft whereby only I}. one g can b dispensed at a time. The metering [58] held of Search 3 3; device is coin controlled, and a mechanism is provided 9 I 9 9 63 for var in the rice at which the ba 5 will be vended.

A g p d d h b g f tota izer is provi e w ere y coins 0 varying [56] References Cited denominations can be deposited until the predeter- UNITED STATES PATENTS mined price set for each bag has been reached.

3,053,370 9/1962 Schuller ..194/94 17 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures I I 1 -46 I a 205 1/76 226 l i 1 95 250 i 84* l 5 32) ,2/52 98 I 244 1 1 246 13/2 o :242 7 264 I 261 2 8\ 1290 l/O -/54 76 -.J .-J272- 80 266 o: 76, 266 I- 1: ,I /74 1 /64 1@1--/70 a2 z-L-Jz: :r:

I 40 l I PATENTEDJAH 9197s 3.709.347

sum 1 BF 5 INVENTOR HENRY VERBEKE ATTORNEYS PATENTEDJAN 9 ma SHEET 3 BF 5 4 462 4 5 6 a 2 04 5444 2 4 M 4 4% 1 1. r a fdi. M N 8 0 4.0 8 /6 E 44 6% M w I a 4 I W u a o NW HUJ U W A L 4 PATENTEDJAH 9 ma 3.709.347

saw u or s INVENTOR HENRY VERBEKE I I 3W 5 40m ATTORNEYS PATENTEBJAH 9 I915 3.709.347

SHEET 5 {IF 5 INVENTOR HENRY VE'RBEKE' 9V W, B v 60704 A TTORNEYS BAG VENDING MACHINE HAVING FEELER CONTROLLED LOCK This invention relates to a bag vending machine, and more particularly, to a bag vending machine having a variable price setting, whereby the machine can be used to vend bags at any predetermined price.

It is now a common practice for large stores, such as department stores, to vend shopping bags having the name of the store thereon through the use of coin operated vending machines. Each of the machines currently in use will permit the removal of a single bag from a stack of the bags after a coin of a predetermined denomination has been inserted into the vending machine.

An example of a bag vending machinewhich is coin operated is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,1 19,484. In the device disclosed in that patent, the locking mechanism which permits the removal of a single bag after a coin has been inserted is controlled mechanically by the coin. Thus, the coin physically controls an escapement mechanism whereby a single bag can be removed from the device each time a coin is inserted. The device disclosed in this patent is operational only at one predetermined price, and a coin of a denomination equal to that price must be inserted in order to actuate the device.

A modification of the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,1 19,484 can be found in Us Pat. No. 3,379,296. The device disclosed in the latter patent is also operated through the insertion of a single coin at a predetermined denomination. The modification in this patent resides in the provision of an electro-mechanical linkage for the dispensing of a bag. Thus, after the coin of the predetermined denomination has been inserted into the coin slot, the plunger of a solenoid is removed from a cam gate, thereby permitting the pivoting of the gate to release one bag from a stack of bags held in the device. After the bag has been removed, the cam gate returns to its original position, and the plunger is automatically returned to a position wherein the cam gate cannot be repivoted to permit vending until another coin has been inserted.

The device of this invention provides a number of distinct improvements over the devices disclosed in the aforementioned patents. The most significant of the improvements is the fact that the device of this invention can be used to vend bags at any predetermined amount. By way of example, the device can be used for vending a bag ranging in value from $0.05 to $1.50, and $1.05 increments. Thus, the device can be used to vend bags which are valued at $0.25 at one setting of the device. If it is desired to later vend bags at $0.50, the device is easily adjusted for vending at this price.

Another advantage of the device of this invention is the fact that it can accept coins of any denomination in order to arrive at the preset price. For instance, if bags are to be vended at $0.35, this sum can be reached by depositing either nickels, dimes or a quarter, and any combination of these coins until the $0.35 is reached.

Another feature of the device of this invention is that it is purely mechanical in operation, and there are no electrical parts necessary for the operation. When utilizing the device disclosed in aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 3,379,296, it is necessary to locate the dispensing device near a source of electrical current. By having this limitation on the device, there are many places where the device cannot be conveniently located, such as in the lobby of a department store. Since the device of this invention is purely mechanical in operation, it can readily be moved from one position to another without the necessary of locating it at a source of electrical current.

It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a'novel bag vending machine.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel bag vending machine with an adjustable price setting.

These and other objects of this invention are accomplished by providing a bag vending machine comprising a frame, means on said frame for supporting a plurality of bags, metering means for permitting the dispensing of individual bags, coin controlled lock means for controlling said metering means, and adjustable price means associated with said lock means, whereby the amount of money required to permit the dispensing of an individual bag can be adjusted.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bag vending machine of this invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the position of the elements of the machine as a bag is being dispensed;

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view showing the position of the metering plate midway through the dispensing of a bag;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the elements of a safety lock-out mechanism of the device of this invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the price adjustment mechanism of the vending machine of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a further exploded view of the elements of the price adjustment mechanism; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 9--9 of FIG. 7.

Referring now in greater detail to the various figures of the drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, a bag vending machine embodying the present invention is generally shown at 20 in FIG. 1.

Device 20 basically comprises a frame 22, abag metering housing 24 and a shaft 26 which projects vertically upward on the frame 22.

Frame 22 comprises a base 28 having leveling discs 30 at each of the corners thereof. A U-shaped beam 32 projects vertically upward from base 28, and includes a pair of outwardly extending flanges 34. A pair of L- shaped braces 36 is connected to flanges 34 and base 28 by suitable fasteners, such as nuts and bolts.

Shaft 26 is secured in the top surface of base 28 by a suitable collar 38, and projects vertically upward from the base. The shaft includes an angled portion 40 adjacent its top, and terminates in a horizontal portion 42 at the top. A longitudinally extending slot 44 is formed in the top surface of portion 42 and in the upper portion of portion 40 of shaft 26.

As seen in FIG. 1, bag metering housing 24 includes a front wall 46, a top wall 48, a pair of side walls 50, and a bottom wall 52 (FIGS. 2 to A flange 54 projects inwardly from the rear end of each side wall 50 (FIGS. 1 and 3). A coin return rod 56 projects through top wall 48 adjacent a coin slot 58. A lock 60 is secured on top wall 48, which lock is used for securing the bag metering housing 24 in place.

As seen in FIG. 1, a coin return slot 62 is formed in the front wall 46 of housing 24. A coin box door 64 is pivotally mounted on side wall 50. This door can be locked in the closed position shown in FIG. 1 by lock 66.

The housing 24 is mounted on flanges 34, which have upper portions of reduced width to accommodate the housing. The mounting is accomplished by sliding the flanges 54 of side walls 50 behind the upper portions of flanges 34 (FIGS. 1 and 3). The housing rests on a pair of L-shaped braces 68 which is secured to the front faces of flanges 34 adjacent the outer edges thereof. The housing 24 is secured in place by rotating a finger 70 mounted on lock 60 into a slot 72 formed in one of the flanges 34 (FIG. 3).

As seen in FIG. 3, one of the parallel walls of U- shaped beam 32 has a bracket 74 mounted on the inside face thereof. A bar 76 is slidably mounted within bracket 74, and can be moved from the position shown in full line in FIG. 3 to the position shown in phantom at 76 in FIG. 3. A pin 78 is secured to bar 76 and is received in slot 80 of bracket 74. The pin projects outwardly of the slot and is used for sliding the bar 76 forward and back.

A pair of bars 82 (FIG. 5) extends vertically within housing 24 and is welded to top wall 48 and bottom wall 52. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3,the bars 82 are positioned adjacent the back side of housing 24. The bars are laterally spaced, and are also positioned within the area of the flanges 34. Accordingly, when the housing 24 is mounted on the flanges 34, the flanges 34 cover the bars 82, making them inaccessible. A back plate 84 is secured on bars 82 by screws 86. Because the bars 82 are within the area backed by flanges 34, the back plate 84 cannot be removed from housing 24 unless the housing has been removed from the flanges after lock 60 has been opened. Back plate 84 also includes a stud 88 (FIGS. 2 and 3) projecting therefrom.

Top plate 48 includes a pair of downwardly projecting lips 90 at the corners thereof (FIGS. 2 and 3). Lips 90 act in conjunction with flanges 54 and flanges 34 in order to maintain the housing 24 against any rotational movement when it is secured in place. Thus, any attempt to rotate the housing will be prevented by the abuttment of lips 90 or flanges 54 against flanges 34. I

A coin control housing 92 is mounted within bag metering housing 24. The coin control housing has secured therein a coin separator and slug rejector, which is shown schematically at 94 in FIG. 6 and a totalizer or accumulator which is partially shown at 96 in FIGS. 2 and 3. Housing 92 includes an opening 98 in one wall thereof through which a portion of the totalizer 96 is visible. i I v The coin separator and slug rejector 94 separates coins of value according to their denominations, and rejects coins of improper denominations, such as pennies or spurious coins. Such rejected coins are removed from the device and returned to the purchaser by depressing rod 56. Coin separators and slug rejectors are well known to the art, and therefore the specific details form no part of this invention. However, devices which can be used in carrying out this invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,292,678 and No. 2,975,880.

The totalizer 96 has selected paths for coins'which, in passing therethrough, function to release a trip mechanism that imparts a stepped rotation to a rotatable element. The rotatable element is advanced a predetermined rotational amount in proportion to the coin deposited. Thus, by way of example, the rotatable element will advance 9 for each nickel deposited, 18

for each dime deposited, and 45 for each quarter deposited. Here again, the specific details of the totalizer form no' part of this invention, as any totalizer known to the art can be used for carrying out the invention.- By way of specific example, totalizers which can be used in carrying out this invention are those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,993,58l, No. 3,155,213 and No. 3,186,532.

The coin separator 94 is positioned in housing 92 above totalizer 96. A chute 100 (FIGS. 2 and 5) is mounted below coin slot 58 and on top of coin separator 94. Coins deposited in the coin slot will pass through chute 100 into the coin separator and slug rejector 94. The coin separator and slug rejector will then mechanically and magnetically determine whether the coins are spurious: and willthen sort the coins according to value. The coins of value will then pass into the totalizer 96 where they will be registered by incrementally rotating the totalizer shaft in accordance with the value of the coins. Spurious coins are retained in slug rejector 94, and are released from the slug rejector by depressing rod 56, thereby returning the coins to the customer through coin return slot 62 (FIG. 1).

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, it is seen that the totalizer 96 includes a shaft which terminates in a square hub 102. I-Iub 102 is provided with an internally threaded bore 104. A disc 106 having a central bore 108 with a square cross section is mounted on hub 102.

Disc 106 has indicia 110 engraved on the surface thereon. Four equally spaced conical nibs 112 project from the front surface of disc 106. A cylindrical hub '1 14 surrounds bore 108. v

A second disc 116 is mounted on the, front face of disc 106. As seen in- FIG. 9, this is accomplished 'by placing a leaf spring 118 against the outer surface of disc 116 and inserting a screw 120 through

discs

116 and 106 and into threaded bore 104. A washer 122 is associated with the screw 120.

Disc 116 includes an annular rim 124. A notch 126 is formed in disc 116 and rim 124. A central opening 128 is formed in disc 116 and a cylindrical hub- 130 surrounds opening 128 and projects inwardly on thedisc. An annular flange 132 projects inwardly from hub 130.

A ring 134 is formed on the rear side ofdisc 116. Ring 134 is provided with teeth 136 around its entire circumference. Teeth 136 have the same dimensions as nibs 112 on disc 106. As seen in FIG. 9, in the assembled condition of

disc

106 and 116, nibs 112 are received between four adjacent pairs of teeth 136.

Leaf spring 118 includes a vertical center portion 138 and a pair of flared legs 140 extending therefrom. A turned-up lip 142 is formed at the end of each of the legs 140. As seen in FIG. 7, four nibs 144 are formed on the outer surface of disc 116. The nibs 144 are arranged in pairs of opposite sides of each leg 140, and serve to prevent rotational movement of spring 118 relative to the face of disc 1 16.

As best seen in FIG. 9, the resilient force of spring 118 holds

discs

116 and 118 in their abutting relation and maintains the securement of disc 106 on hub 102 of the totalizer shaft. As will be explained hereinafter, the disc 116 serves as a price disc for the vending operation, and the price at which the bags will be vended is regulated by rotating disc 116 relative to disc 106 to vary the position of notch 126. Whenever it is desired to move the disc 116 relative to disc 106, disc 116 is pulled in the direction of arrow 146 in FIG. 9 until nibs 112 are disengaged from teeth 136. Thereafter, the disc 116 can be rotated to change the position of notch 126, and returned to the position shown in FIG. 9. The spring l18will then retain the disc 1 16 in its new position.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, a U-shaped bracket 148 is secured on the front face of housing 92. Bracket 148 includes an opening 150 in each of the legs thereof. A second U-shaped bracket 152 is welded to the inside face of front plate 46 of housing 24. A pin 154 projects upwardly from each leg of bracket 152. Housing 92 is mounted on bracket 152 by engaging pins 154 in openings 150. The housing 92 is stabilized within housing 94 by passing coin return rod 56 through top plate 48 of housing 24 and by the insertion of stud 88 in an opening in the rear of housing 92.

A coin box 156 (FIG. 5) is positioned beneath the totalizer 96. All coins of value which are deposited and retained by the totalizer are eventually deposited in coin box 156 after vending has taken place. When it is desired to remove the money from housing 24, gate 64 is opened, and the coin box can be slid from the housing 24, and then replaced after it has been emptied.

The coin box is mounted on a slide plate 158 (FIG. 5) and a trackway is provided by bars 160 on the slide plate. The direction of movement of the coin box is indicated by arrows 162 in FIG. 5. The coin box is protected against theft by the use of lock 66.

A bag metering plate 164 is positioned at the bottom of housing 24, and projects through a slot 166 in bottom housing wall 52. The bag metering plate includes a notch 168 at the bottom thereof, which notch is equal in width to diameter of the bail handle of the bag adapted to be dispensed by the vending machine. Plate 164 projects into slot 44 formed in the upper portion 42 of shaft 26.

As seen in FIG. 5, a rod 170 passes horizontally between a pair of brackets 172 mounted on the bottom wall 52 of housing 24. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, plate 164 is is. rotatably mounted on rod 170. A roller 174 (FIG. 5) is rotatably mounted on plate 164 by pin 176.

A bar 178 is mounted on housing 92 by a screw 180 and associated washers 182 (FIG. 5). Bar 178 includes a vertically extending slot 184 through which screw 180 passes. Bar 178 includes an upper flange 186 (FIG. 6) that is received in an upper opening 188 in housing 92.

As seen in FIG. 6, an L-shaped bar 190 is secured on the underside of flange 186. A rod 192 is welded to the vertical leg of bar 190. Rod 192 includes a bowed portion 194 which acts as a cam, as will be explained hereinafter. A tension spring 196 has one end secured to bar 190 and the other end secured to rivet 198 which is mounted on the inside face of housing 92. Spring 196 serves to maintain bar 178 in the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 6.

-As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 6, a U-shaped bracket 200 is secured on the inside face of housing 92 by a'pair of screws 202. A pair of

openings

204 and 206 is formed in housing 92. The legs of bracket 200 project through

openings

204 and 206, as best seen in FIG. 2.

A plate 208 is secured on the upper leg of bracket 200. A vertically extending slot is formed in plate 208, and a plate 210 is secured in the slot through the use of a T-shaped head 212 on plate 210. Accordingly, plate 210 is prevented from rotating about plate 208 by the engagement of the plate within the vertical slot. However, the plate 210 can pivot about the vertical axis of the slot, as indicated by the arrow 214 in FIG. 6.

Plate 210 includes a flange 216 which abuts the lower leg of bracket 200. A wire 218 having fingers 220, 222 and 224 projecting horizontally therefrom is secured on flange 216 by screw 226 and an associated washer.

As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, when bar 178 is raised, bar 190 will be raised therewith. This in turn raises rod 192, as indicated by arrow 228 in FIG. 6. The raising of rod 192 will in turn engage the bowed portion 194 with the wall of a slot 230 in flange 232 which projects from the top edge of plate 210. The bowed portion will move plate 210 outwardly in the direction of arrow 214. This will in turn cause the insertion of fingers 220, 222 and 224 into associated

holes

234, 236 and 238 in slug rejector 94. When the bar 178 is again lowered, the bowed portion 194 will again act as a cam within slot 230 and return the plate 210 to the position shown in FIG. 6.

An inclined plate 240 is mounted at the base of bar 178. Plate 240 serves as a cam track for roller 174 which is rotatably mounted on plate 164. Accordingly, as plate 164 is rotated about rod in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, the roller 174 will ride along the underside of plate 240, thereby raising bar 178, as seen in FIG. 3.

A plate 242 (FIGS. 2 and 3) is mounted on bar 178 by the engagement of pins 244 in a pair of vertical slots 246 in the bar. A stud 248 is secured to bar 242 at the bottom thereof. A spring 250 has one end secured in a flange 252 of plate 242 and the other end secured on a stud 254 projecting from bar 178. Spring 250 urges plate 242 upwardly whereby the pins 244 are received at the top of slots 246.

As seen in FIG. 5, one face of housing 92 includes a dependent vertical plate 256. A bar 258 is'pivotally linked to plate 256 by a rivet 260 (FIG. 2). A flange 262 projects from plate 258 through opening 264 in plate 256. An L-shaped bar 266 having a flange 268 is secured to plate 256 adjacent opening 264.

A pin 270 is secured to bar 258 and projects through opening 264. An L-shaped bar 272 is secured to pin 270 on the rear face of bar 258 (FIG. 5). The upper horizontal leg of bar 272 passes through opening 274 (FIG. 2) in plate 256, and includes an upstanding flange 276. Flange 276 is pivotally linked to bar 278 (FIG. 2) by pin 280.

Bar 278 is pivotally mounted on plate 256 by pin 282. An arm 284 is pivotally mounted on bar 278 by pin 286. Arm 284 includes a flange 288, which serves as a feeler finger, as will be explained hereinafter. A tension spring 290 connects arm 284 and bar 278, thereby urging arm 284 in a counterclockwise direction around pin 286, as viewed in FIG. 2. A flange 292 projects outwardly from arm 278, thereby serving as a stop against the rotational movement of arm 284 relative to bar 278.

A cam plate 294 is pivotally mounted on metering plate 164 by a pin 296 (FIGS. 2 and 5). A pin 298 is secured in plate 164 and passes through an arcuate slot 300 in cam plate 294. A hair spring 302 has its central portion wrapped around pin 296, has one end secured in a hole 304 in cam plate 294 and the other end secured to pin 298. As seen in FIG. 2, hair spring 302 urges cam plate 294 in a counterclockwise direction around pin 296 relative to plate 164.

A bar 306 is pivotally mounted on housing 92 by pin 308. A slot 310 is formed in bar 306. A pin 312 projects from totalizer 96 through slot 310. Pin 312 is movable within track 314 of the totalizer. The purpose of pin 312 is to reset the totalizer whenever vending has taken place.

The device of this'invention is used for storing and dispensing shopping bags having bail handles. A plurality of the bags is shown at 316 in FIG. 1. The bags 316 are stacked on base 28 of device 20, and the bail handles 318 are placed over shaft 26.

The bags are loaded on shaft 26 by first unlocking lock 60 in order to remove finger 70 (FIG. 3) from opening 72 in flange 34. After the finger has been removed, housing 24 can be slid upwardly, thereby removing bag metering plate 164 from slot 44. The housing is slid to a vertical position above bracket 74. With the housing in this position, plate 76 is pushed forwardly to the position shown at 76' in FIG. 3. Thereafter, the housing 24 can be slid down the flanges 34 until the bottom wall 52 rests on bar 76. With the housing in this position, a load of bags 316 can be placed on the device by passing the bail handles 318 over the top 42 of shaft 26 and resting the bags on the base 28.

When it is desired to purchase a bag, the preset amount of money is deposited in coin slot 58. a

Thereafter, the uppermost bag 316 is lifted ofi' the stack of bags. As seen in FIG. 2, a single handle 318 can enter notch 168 in bag metering plate 164. The notch, in combination with shaft 26 and slot 44 in the shaft, serves to meter the dispensing of bags, whereby only a single bag can be dispensed each time money is inserted into the device. It is not possible to get more than one bail handle into notch 168, while at the same time permitting the pivoting of plate 164.

After the handle 318 has entered the notch, pressure is applied against the handle by pulling the bag 316. This rotates plate 164 in a counterclockwise direction around rod 170 to the position shown in FIG. 4. If an insufficient amount of money has been deposited in the coin slot, the plate 164 will be stopped from any further rotation, and vending will not be able to take place. However, if the proper preset amount of money has been inserted, then plate 164 will continue to rotate from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. 3. At this point, the handle 318 is free of the lock formed by notch 168, slot 44 and shaft 26, and can be removed from the device. As soon .as the bag has been removed, the plate 164 will immediately be returned to the position shown in FIG. 2.

The pricing operation of the machine will now be leading edge of the notch must be a the 7 oclock position before vending can take place.

By way of example, the device of this invention can be used by having $0.05 increments on the totalizer 96 rotate the totalizer shaft 102 9 in a clockwise direction. Teeth 134 are accordingly spaced on 9 centers. Disc 116 is freely rotatable around screw 120, whereas disc 106 is secured in place on shaft 102; Accordingly, the change in pricing for the vending machine is made by rotating disc 116 relative to disc 106. Once a preset position has been made, this position will be maintained by the engagement of nibs -1 12 in teeth 136 and by the pressure of spring 118 against disc 116.

The price disc 116 can be set to vend bags at any price. Utilizing the 9 increment totalizer 96 for $0.05 increments, the device of this invention can be used for dispensing bags at any price between $0.05 and $1.50. The price disc 116 is set in place when the totalizer 96 is in its normal retracted position, with no money recorded thereon. The disc is set by pulling it outwardly against the urging of spring 118 and rotating the disc to the required position. The required position is determined by aligning the pointer 320 (FIGS. 2-and 3) of disc 116 with the indicia 110 on disc 106. Referring to FIG. 8, the indicia 110 is set to vary the price of the bags in $0.05 increments. Accordingly, by aligning the pointer 320 with the numbers of the indicia, the bag will be dispensed after the totalizer has rotated five 9 increments, which is equivalent to $0.25.

The setting for the price disc 116 is easily understood by reference to the stepped rotation of the totalizer. Thus, for every nickel deposited, the totalizer shaft will rotate 9 from its at rest position. Each 9 rotation of the totalizer shaft will in turn rotate disc 106 9, and in turn rotate disc 1 16 9 since the disc 1 16 is keyed to the disc 106. After 45 of rotation has taken place, the leading edge of the notch 126 will be rotated slightly beyond the lowermost point on the disc' 116. At this point, the flangeor finger 288 can enter notch 126, and

vending can take place.

The $0.25 sum which has been preset for disc l16in the example shown can be arrived at from any-combination of nickels, dimes or a quarter. Thus, if a dime is inserted into the machine, totalizer 96 will have its shaft rotated 18. Likewise, the shaft will be rotated 45 for every quarter deposited.- In this way, the price that has been preset for the disc 116 can he arrived at through any combination of nickels, dimes and quarters which total the preset price. Again, by way of example, if the pointer 320 has been aligned with 15, indicating that the bag should be dispensed at this sum can be arrived at by depositing three quarters, or two quarters, two dimes and a nickel, or one quarter and five dimes, etc.

The device can also be arranged to dispense bags wherein each 9 of rotation of the totalizer shaft will be equivalent to $0.10. Accordingly, of the pointer 320 is aligned with the number 5, this means that the totalizer must go through five 9 increments of rotation, which would be equivalent to $0.50. The pointer is calibrated in such a way that it insures the proper rotation of the shaft 102 of the totalizer 96 for the amount aligned with the pointer. Actually, the disc is aligned in such a way that the rim 124 will be contacting the finger 288 until a sufficient amount of money has been inserted to permit the finger 288 to enter notch 126.

By way of specific example, assuming that disc 116 has been set to permit the vending of a bag 316 at $0.25, and it is desired to purchase a bag, then the purchaser will insert $0.25 into coin chute 58. As pointed out above, the $0.25 can be deposited in any combination of nickels or dimes, or a quarter can be deposited. After the $0.25 in coin has been deposited,

the

disc

106 and 116 will be rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 3, a distance of 45, thereby positioning the notch 126 directly above finger 288.

After the money has been deposited, the uppermost bag 316 in the stack of bags is pulled up shaft 26 until the bail 318 enters the notch 168, as shown in FIG. 2. Continued pressure on the bag rotates the plate 164 to the position shown in FIG. 4. As the plate 164 is rotating, cam 294 is rotating therewith. The upper edge 322 (FIG. 2) of cam 294 is rotated into contact with stud 270. Continued rotation of plate 164 will cause the raising of stud 270 by the upper edge 322 of cam 294. In this'connection, it should be noted that hair spring 302 is sufficiently strong to prevent the depressing of the spring by the pressure of stud 270 on the cam 294.

Again referring to FIG. 2, it is seen that as pressure is brought against stud 270 by the upper edge 322 of cam 294, the plate 258 on which the stud is mounted will pivot in a clockwise direction around rivet 260. The pivoting of the plate 258 will in turn cause the lifting of bar 272. This will in turn cause the rotation of bar 278 around rivet 282.

Still referring to FIG. 2, it is seen that as the bar 278 is rotated around rivet 282, the arm 284 is lifted vertically. Again, it should be recalled that although there is a spring tension on arm 284 rotating the arm toward bar 278, the arm 284 is maintained in the position shown in FIG. 2 by the abuttment of the am against flange 292. As the arm 284 is raised, finger 288 will enter notch 126, as shown in FIG. 3. This causes the pivoting of bar 258 to its highest possible position.

Referring again to FIG. 2, it is seen that a lock for the vending operation is provided by flange 262 and edge 324 of bag metering plate 164. Thus, when plate 164 is rotated, edge 324 will normally be rotated into contact with flange 262. This contact occurs when the plate 164 has been rotated to the position shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, if contact is made between the edge 324 and flange 262 on bar 258, vending cannot take place. When the pressure is released on bag 316, plate 164 will be returned to the position shown in FIG. 2. However, when the proper preset amount of money has been inserted into the vending machine, as described above, finger 288 will enter notch 126, thereby permitting the full raising of bar 258, and thereby lifting flange 262 out of the path of edge 324. This permits the full rotation of the plate 164 to the position shown in FIG. 3, whereby a bag can be dispensed. After dispensing has taken place, the plate 164 is automati cally returned to the position shown in FIG. 2, and the totalizer shaft is returned to its at-rest position, with no money accumulated thereon.

By way of further example, assuming the price disc 116 has been set to vend bags at $.25, in the manner shown in FIG. 2. However, in this example, only $0.20 has been deposited by the purchaser. Here again, the purchaser will pull the uppermost bag, thereby rotating plate 164 to the position shown at FIG. 4. The rotation of the plate will again bring the upper edge 322 of cam 294 into contact with stud 270. This will in turn cause the raising of bar 272 and the ultimate raising of arm 284. In this example, the price disc will only be rotated to the position shown in FIG. 2 wherein the leading edge of notch 126 is 9 in a counterclockwise direction away from its vending position. In this case, finger 288 will not enter the notch 126, but instead will contact the rim 124 of price disc 116. This in turn prevents the raising of bar 258 to its highest position, which is shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the edge 324 of plate 164 will contact flange 262 of bar 258. This locks the machine, and vending cannot take place.

If the customer desires to continue with the purchase of the bag, an additional $0.05 will have to be inserted. This will rotate the price disc 116 to the position shown in FIG. 3, thereby permitting the dispensing of the bag.

The price mechanism includes a number of mechanical features which prevent damage to the mechanism in the event of mistreatment by the prospective purchaser. One of these features includes the use of the spring loaded cam 294. Thus, again referring to FIG. 2, as plate 164 is rotated the upper edge of the cam 322 comes in contact with stud 270. Hair spring 302 is sufficiently strong to permit the lifting of stud 270 and the bars associated therewith. However, if the finger 288 comes in contact with the price disc 116, thereby preventing further lifting of the arm 284, the edge 322 of cam 294 will ride under stud 270, thereby rotating the cam in a clockwise direction around pin 296. This is accomplished by compressing spring 302 and the sliding of the cam through its slot 300 around pin 298. When edge 324 of plate 164 abuts flange 262, the cam 294 will already have been rotated.

If the rotatable cam 294 were not provided, the locking mechanism would occur through a direct linkage between plate 164 and finger 288. If the customer pulled a bag 316 with a great deal of force, this would cause the banging of the finger 288 into the rim 124 of disc 116. This, in turn, could cause the breaking or severe damage of the finger or the price disc. However, by providing the resiliently mounted cam 294, only a slight amount of pressure is applied against the finger 288. This pressure is sufficient to lift the finger, but is insufficient to cause any damage to the finger.

Another mechanical safety feature is the provision of L-shaped bar 266 with its unitary flange 268. As seen in FIG. 2, the leading edge of flange 268 is positioned adjacent the back surface of flange 262. When the bar flange 268 by the abusive treatment of the machine.

Thus, if a bag 316 is pulled with a great deal of force when there is insufficient money in the machine to cause the opening of the lock formed by flange 262 and edge 324, the edge 324 will bang into the flange 262. This will in turn cause a momentary stretching or bending of bar 258 and its associated flange 262, and a temporary stress on rivet 260. However, when this occurs, the flange 262 will contact the leading edge of flange 268, thereby preventing any undue damage to the bar 258, its flange 262 or rivet 260.

Another mechanical feature of the device of this invention is that the notch 126 is sufficiently large to permit vending of the bags if more than the required amount of money is inserted. Thus, so long as the preset amount of money has been inserted, the vending can take place. For instance, if the device has been preset to vend at $0.25 and $0.30 was inadvertently deposited by the customer, the notch would still overlie finger 288, thereby permitting vending. If this were not done, the machine would jam if more than the required amount of money were put in and vending could not take place.

In the embodiment of the invention shown, if the customer should over-deposit money, then the excess could be returned by a sales person in the store. However, the sales person need make no adjustments to the machine. An alternative method of handling the money would be to have an escrow bucket positioned under totalizer 96 and above the cash box 156. Utilizing such an escrow bucket, which buckets are well known to the art, the money would not pass into the cash box until vending took place. If the customer over-inserted money, the money in the escrow bucket could be returned by pushing the coin return rod 56.

The device of this invention will normally be used over a substantial period of time to vend bags at the same price. Accordingly, each time a supply of bags has been used up, all that is necessary is to unlock the housing 24, slide it vertically upward, support the housing on the bar 76, and place a new supply of bags over shaft 26. Thereafter, the housing is again dropped down to the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and again locked in place.

Periodically, however, it may be desired to vend bags at a different price. When this is to be done, housing 24 is unlocked and then completely removed from flanges 34. Screws 86 are then removed and back plate 84 is removed. In this connection it should be recalled that the screws 86 are positioned in front of flanges 34, and the back plate accordingly cannot be removed unless the entire housing is removed by opening lock 60.

After the back plate has been removed, coin return rod 56 is pushed into housing 24 and the slug rejector and totalizer housing 92 is removed by lifting the same off pins 154 (FIGS. 2 and 3). The housing 92 can then be completely removed from housing 24 and placed on a table. At this point, price disc 116 can be readjusted for the new price by pulling it outwardly against the urging of spring 118 and reseating the disc with the pointer 320 aligned with the new price increment shown at 110. For instance, if the new price is to be $0.35, pointer 320 will be aligned with the seventh line of indicia'110. In order to accomplish vending, a minimum of seven stepped rotations of the totalizer shaft must take place by the inserting of coins totaling As pointed out above, once the new price has been set, the price disc 1 16 is held rigidly against disc 106 by i the engagement of nibs 112 in teeth 136 and by the pressure of spring 118. The housing 92 is then replaced in housing 24 by depressing coin return rod 56 and placing pins 154 in holes of bracket 148. The coin return rod is then permitted to pass through its hole in the top wall 48 of housing 24. The coin return rod 56 is spring urged to the position shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The alignment of housing 92 is maintained by the insertion of stud 88 on back plate 84 into a hole formed in housing 92. The back plate 84 is then screwed in place, the housing 24 is returned to the position shown in FIG. 3 and lock 60 is again closed. At this point, the device is again ready for vending, only the price will now be set at $0.35.

Bar 178 serves the dual function of preventing the jamming of the totalizer and resetting the totalizer after vending has taken place. In this connection, it is seen by reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 that when plate 164 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction by the pulling of a bag 316, roller 174 on plate 164 will contact inclined cam track 240. This causes the raising of bar 178 which is secured to the track 240. The engagement of pin 180 in slot 184 insures the vertical movement of the bar 178. Referring now to FIG. 6, it isseen that as thebar 178 is raised, bar will be raised therewith. This in turn will raise rod 192 in the direction of arrow 228. i The raising of rod 192 will in turn cause the engagement of bowed portion 194 in slot 230 of plate 210. This in turn will rotate plate 210 in the direction of arrow 214, thereby causing the insertion of fingers 220, 222 and 224 in associated

holes

234, 236 and 238, respectively, of coin separator and slug rejector94. When this occurs, any coins which are deposited in coin chute 58 can no longer pass into the totalizer, but are instead diverted to the coin return slots whereby they will return to the customer through slot 62 (FIG.

The reason for having the bar 178 cause the diverting of coins is that when a bag 316 is pulled moving cam plate 294 into contact with stud 270, the finger 288 will be brought in contact with price disc 116. If insufficient money has been deposited in the device, the finger 288- will resiliently hold the rim of the price disc 116, thereby preventing any further rotation'of the price disc. Accordingly, if the customer pulls on a bag while at the same time depositing money, the money would not register on the totalizer shaft since the shaft is being prevented from rotation by the engagement of finger 288 on price disc 116. The net result would be that the totalizer could become jammed.

Having the locking out of all coin chutes by the bar- 178 prevents any further money from being registered on the totalizer if the price disc 116 has been jammed by the customer's pulling on a bag 316 prior to the deposit of sufficient money. The customer will soon realize that no matter how much money is put in when the bag is held tight, vending will still not take place since the money is automatically returned to the customer. Therefore, the customer will then have to release the pressure on the bag until such time as the proper amount of money has been inserted in coin chute 56. Thereafter, vending can take place.

It should also be noted that once a sufficient amount of money to permit vending has been deposited, the bar 178 will have no effect on the vending operation. Thus, even though the fingers will block the coin slots within the coin separator 94, no further coins need be deposited since the proper amount of money has already been deposited. Accordingly, vending will take place in the manner described above.

Bar 178 also serves the function of returning the bag metering plate 164 to its at-rest position, which is shown in FIG. 2. Thus, whenever pressure is removed from a bag 316, or when vending has taken place, bar 178 is returned to the position shown in FIG. 2 under the urging of spring 196. During the downward movement of the bar 178 from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIG. 2, cam track 240 will apply a downward pressure against roller 174 on plate 164. This will in turn rotate the plate 164 back to its atrest position.

Another function of the bar 178 is to reset the totalizer after vending has taken place. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, it is seen that the pin 312 is movable within slot 314 of the totalizer 316. The pin 312 is the reset pin for the totalizer which brings the totalizer shaft back to its at-rest position with no money accumulated thereon. Here again, when the plate 164 is rotated, bar 178 will be raised. This brings stud 248 into contact with reset bar 306. If insufficient money to permit-vending has been placed in the device, the amount of lifting of the bar 178 is limited because the rotational movement of plate 164 is limited by the abuttment of edge 324 against flange 262. At this point, pin 312 will be only slightly moved within track 314 by the rotation of bar 306. However, the bar 178 will insure the locking out of the coin slots because the bar 178 can move relative to stud 248.

In this connection, it is seen from FIGS. 2 and 3 that stud 248 is slidably mounted on bar 178 by the provi-' sion of plate 242. Thus, pins 244 project from the plate and are received in slots 246 in the bar 178. Spring 250 maintains the pins at the tops of the slots. As the bar is raised when there is insufficient money within the totalizer, stud 248 will contact the bottom of bar 306. The bar 178 will continue to raise, and the locked bar 306 will depress stud 248 vertically downward, thereby moving the pins 244 within slots. 246 vertically downward. This prevents the jamming of the bar 178 or damage to the reset mechanism in the event that insufficient money has been deposited.

If the bag metering plate 164 goes through a full stroke operation to the position shown in FIG. 3, bar 306 will be rotated a sufficient amount to move the reset pin 312 to the bottom of track 314, thereby resetting the totalizer 96. The bar is permitted to continue its upward movement by the sliding of pins 244 in slots 246, as seen in FIG. 3. Thus, spring 250 has sufficient strength to cause the resetting of the totalizer, while at the same time it is sufficiently lax to permit the bar 178 to move upwardly without damaging the reset mechanism in the event that insufficient money has been deposited in the device.

When the totalizer 96 has been reset, all money that has been mechanically accumulated thereon is eliminated. This is caused by the rotation of the totalizer shaft 102 back to its at-rest position. This in turn causes the rotation of the price disc 116 back to its atrest position. In order to avoid any jamming of the totalizer and the price disc when the totalizer is cleared, arm 284 is pivotally linked to bar 278 by pin 286. Thus, as seen in FIG. 3, when the price disc 116 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction by the clearing of the totalizer when vending has taken place, the left edge of notch 126 will contact finger 288, and cam the finger out of the notch 126. The tension on spring 290 issufficiently lax to permit this to occur easily.

Having the pivotally mounted arm 284 insures that there cannot be double vending of shopping bags for each deposit of money. Thus, it might have been possible for a customer to rotate plate 164 back to an at-rest position and pull a second bag through quickly enough to have the multiple vending because the totalizer could not reset in sufficient time to prevent the same. This could possibly occur if the finger 288 were jammed within the notch 126. However, having the pivotally mounted arm 284 prevents any such jamming since the totalizer will automatically cam the finger 288 out of the notch 126 when the totalizer is reset. The spring 290 will again return the arm 284 to the position shown in FIG. 2 for the next vending cycle.

It is thus seen that the device of this invention will mechanically vend shopping bags at varying preset prices. The bags can be dispensed using any combination of coins. The device is completely mechanical in operation, and it is unnecessary to locate the device at a source of electrical current. Various safety devices are included to prevent abuse by the customer and to prevent the customer from losing his money due to faulty operation of the device.

In this connection, attention is again called to the fact that if the price disc 116 is jammed by pulling on a bag prior to inserting the predetermined amount of money, no further coins can be deposited in the device. The notch configuration 168 along with slot 44 and shaft 26 permits the vending of only a single bag each time the money is deposited. This is readily apparent from viewing FIGS. 2 and 4. Thus, only a single bail 318 can be accommodated in notch 168 when the plate 164 is rotated through slot 44. The device is easily loaded by sliding the housing 24 upwardly on flanges 34 and retaining the same in place by bar 76. The deposited cash can be removed without lifting the housing 24 merely by opening the locked gate 64 (FIG. 1).

Any coins of improper demomination or spurious coins are automatically returned to the customer through coin return slot 62. Insofar as the spurious coins are concerned, they will usually be held magnetically within the slug rejector 94. These coins are returned by pushing coin return rod 56. The coins which are deposited in the coin chute 58 after the fingers have been engaged in

holes

234, 236 and 238 are also automatically returned to the customer through slot 62.

The device of this invention is usable with all types of shopping bags. The bags can have a single bail handle 318, or can have a double bail handle. The size of the notch 168 can be varied to suit the needs of the user in connection with the particular bags being vended. The device is particularly adapted for use with plastic shopping bags having ornamental designs printed thereon. Bags of this type are attractive in appearance, are reusable, and will cost more than the $0.05 or $0.10 paper bags now on the market. For this reason, the device of this invention is particularly useful since these bags can be vended at any price ranging from $0.05 to $1.50. If the bags are going to be more expensive, the totalizer can be used to have stepped increments of $0.10 for each incremental rotation.

The device of this invention is also useful for vending commodities that are supportable by bail handles. Thus, the commodities can be placed in clear plastic bags which are sealed by bail handles at the top thereof. These commodities can the be self-vended in the manner described above in connection with the shopping bags.

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate my invention that others may, by applyin g current or future knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under various conditions of service.

What is claimed as the invention is:

l. A bag vending machine comprising a frame, means on said frame for supporting a plurality of bags, metering means for permitting the dispensing of individual bags, coin controlled lock means for controlling said metering means, adjustable price means associated with said lock means, coin responsive means for mechanically indicating the total amount of money deposited in said vending machine, lock control means associated with said coin responsive means, feeler means associated with said metering means, said feeler means adapted to contact said lock control means when said metering means is actuated, said feeler means in combination with said lock control means permitting the opening of said lock means only after a predetermined amount of money has been deposited in said vending machine, and said metering means being adapted to actuate said feeler means whereby the amount of money to permit the dispensing of an individual bag can be adjusted.

2. The vending machine of claim 1 wherein said bags have bail handles, and said bags are secured on said frame by said bail handles.

3. The vending machine of claim 2 and further including a shaft supported by said frame, said bags being supported on said shaft by passing said shaft through said bail handles, said metering means comprising a plate and said shaft having a slot formed therein with said plate being received in said slot.

4. The vending machine of claim 3 wherein said plate has a notch formed therein, said notch being of a size to accommodate a single bail handle, with vending taking place by the rotation of said plate within said slot with a bail handle received within said notch.

5. The vending machine of claim 1 wherein said lock control means includes said adjustable price means.

6. The vending machine of claim 5 wherein said adjustable price means comprises a disc, said disc having a notch formed in the circumference thereof, said price being adjustable by varying the location of said notch, said disc being rotatable in proportion to the amount of money deposited in said vending machine, and said lock means being opened when said feeler means enters said notch, g

7. The vending machine of claim 1 wherein sa d lock means comprises a latch, said latch being movable from its locking position after said predetermined amount of money has been deposited in said vending machine.

8. The vending machine of claim 7 wherein said feeler means is associated with a pivotable arm, and said latch is pivotally mounted, with linking means connecting said arm and said latch, whereby the pivoting of said arm will pivot said latch in order to remove said latch from a locking position.

9. The vending machine of claim 1 and further including means for locking said lock means after said bag has been dispensed.

10. The vending machine of claim 1 wherein the attempted removal of an individual bag actuates said me'-. tering means, said metering means in turn actuating means to prevent the collection of money by said vending machine whenever said metering means is actuated.

11. A bag vending machine comprising a frame, a shaft secured on said frame, a plate associated with said shaft for metering the dispensing of individual bags, said plate being pivotally mounted relative to said shaft, lock means associated with said plate for limiting the rotational movement of said plate, lock control means which permit the opening of said lock means only after a predetermined amount of money has been deposited in said vending machine and feeler means actuated by said plate, said feeler means adapted to contact said lock control means, said feeler means in combination with said lock control means permitting the opening of said lock means after said predetermined amount of money has been deposited in said vending machine.

12. The vending machine of claim 11 wherein said lock control means comprises a disc, said disc having a notch formed in the circumference thereof, said disc being rotatable in proportion to the amount of money deposited in said vending machine, and said lock means being opened when said feeler means enters said notch.

13. The vending machine of claim 11 wherein said lock comprises a latch, said latch being movable from its locking position after said predetermined amount of money has been deposited in said vending machine.

14. The vending machine of claim 13 wherein said feeler means is associated with a pivotable. arm, and said latch is pivotally mounted, with linking means connecting said arm and said latch, whereby the pivoting of said arm will pivot said latch in order to remove said latch from a locking position.

15. The vending machine of claim 11 wherein said plate has means associated therewith for moving said feeler means into contact with said lock control means.

16. The vending machine of claim 15 wherein said moving means comprises a cam pivotally mounted on said plate, said cam additionally being resiliently mounted on said plate whereby said cam can be rotated against the urging of said spring when said feeler means is moved into contact withsaid lock control means.

17. The vending machine of claim 11 and'further including means for preventing the acceptance of further money by said vending machine whenever said metering plate has been pivoted.

Claims

1. A bag vending machine comprising a frame, means on said frame for supporting a plurality of bags, metering means for permitting the dispensing of individual bags, coin controlled lock means for controlling said metering means, adjustable price means associated with said lock means, coin responsive means for mechanically indicating the total amount of money deposited in said vending machine, lock control means associated with said coin responsive means, feeler means associated with said metering means, said feeler means adapted to contact said lock control means when said metering means is actuated, said feeler means in combination with said lock control means permitting the opening of said lock means only after a predetermined amount of money has been deposited in said vending machine, and said metering means being adapted to actuate said feeler means whereby the amount of money to permit the dispensing of an individual bag can be adjusted.

6. The vending machine of claim 5 wherein said adjustable price means Comprises a disc, said disc having a notch formed in the circumference thereof, said price being adjustable by varying the location of said notch, said disc being rotatable in proportion to the amount of money deposited in said vending machine, and said lock means being opened when said feeler means enters said notch.

7. The vending machine of claim 1 wherein said lock means comprises a latch, said latch being movable from its locking position after said predetermined amount of money has been deposited in said vending machine.

10. The vending machine of claim 1 wherein the attempted removal of an individual bag actuates said metering means, said metering means in turn actuating means to prevent the collection of money by said vending machine whenever said metering means is actuated.

14. The vending machine of claim 13 wherein said feeler means is associated with a pivotable arm, and said latch is pivotally mounted, with linking means connecting said arm and said latch, whereby the pivoting of said arm will pivot said latch in order to remove said latch from a locking position.

16. The vending machine of claim 15 wherein said moving means comprises a cam pivotally mounted on said plate, said cam additionally being resiliently mounted on said plate whereby said cam can be rotated against the urging of said spring when said feeler means is moved into contact with said lock control means.

17. The vending machine of claim 11 and further including means for preventing the acceptance of further money by said vending machine whenever said metering plate has been pivoted.