US3883038A

US3883038A - Can and bottle vendor

Info

Publication number: US3883038A
Application number: US414752A
Authority: US
Inventors: Floyd V Bookout
Original assignee: Rock Ola Manufacturing Corp
Current assignee: Rock Ola Manufacturing Corp
Priority date: 1973-11-12
Filing date: 1973-11-12
Publication date: 1975-05-13
Anticipated expiration: 1992-05-13
Also published as: JPS5081199A

Abstract

Article storage and dispensing means for a coin-operated automatic vending machine in which vertical gravity feed magazines have adjustable interior compartments to accommodate a plurality of cylindrical articles, such as cans or bottles, of varying diameters and lengths and a motorized cyclically operated dispensing mechanism associated with each magazine for receiving one or more articles therefrom, holding the same in escrow until delivery, one at a time, to the customer.

Description

D United States Patent 1 [111 3,883,038 Bookout May 13, 19.75

[5 CAN AND BOTTLE VENDOR 3,796,345 3/1974 Fessler 22l/67 9 3 i974 B d l [75] inventor: Floyd V. Bookout, Long Grove, Ill. a 6 2221/67 [73] Assignee: Rock-Ola Manufacturing Primary ExaminerRobert B. Reeves rp r h cago, Ill. Assistant E.\'aminer-H. Grant Skaggs [22] Filed: No 12 973 Agent, or Firm-McCaleb, Lucas &

[21] Appl. No.: 414,752

[57] ABSTRACT [52] U.S. Cl. 221/67; 221/112; 22221102243? Article storage and dispensing means for a coin 51 I t Cl B65 59/00 operated automatic vending machine in which vertical 112 gravity feed magazines have adjustable interior com- 1 T 131 partments to accommodate a plurality of cylindrical 5 articles, such as cans or bottles, of varying diameters and lengths and a motorized cyclically operated dispensing mechanism associated with each magazine for [56] References C'ted receiving one or more articles therefrom holding the UNITED STATES PATENTS same in escrow until delivery, one at a time, to the 3,107,812 10/1963 Payne et al. 221/67 customer. 3,145,066 8/1964 ONeai 221/242 0 3,203,588 8/1965 ONeal 221 114 12 Clams, 21 Drawlng Figures 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ri 28 Z v26 EATEWED W l 3 SHEET 1 BF 8 FIG.2

EAR DOWN IF LEFT BAR DOWN PATENTED W1 3 191a SHEET 2 0F 8 mEwTEn MAY 1 3 W5 SHEET 3 BF 8 PATENTED HAY 1 319. 5

SHEET BF 8 mama W I m 1883 FIG. l4

(I84 2s my. I: ll k I83 /|7O PATENTEB W l 9 5 SBEU .8 BF 8 CAN AND BOTTLE VENDOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In general this invention relates to dispensing of cylindrical articles in an automatic coin controlled vending machine and is particularly adapted to dispensing of canned and bottled articles or commodities.

While the automatic vending of cylindrical commodities has been carried out for some time in the art, in general past known mechanisms have been designed primarily to dispense articles of more or less uniform diameter and length. In addition, it has been the general practice to design vending machines to dispense either canned commodities or bottled commodities and very little attempt has been made to accommodate both types of articles in the same vending machine. In those instances where an attempt has been made to accommodate variations in diameter or length of the articles, the same have been addressed to either diameter problems, as related to cans, or length problems, as related to bottles. In the current market, a variety of canned commodities are being dispensed by automatic vending equipment. Depending on the contents of cans, the same may vary in diameter approximately three-quarters of an inch, and in length approximately one-half inch. As for articles merchandised in bottles, it has been found that the length of the bottles may vary approximately 5 inches and the diameters thereof, approximately three-quarters of an inch. Because of these size variations, it has become desirable to present means for accommodating a rather wide range of diameter and length dimensions for the canned and bottled commodities, without the necessity of designing specific magazines and dispensing mechanisms for handling each size and diameter encountered. It also has become desirable to provide a vending machine in which both canned and bottled commodities may be stored and dispensed interchangeably.

In considering the foregoing problem of providing a more or less universal vending machine for cylindrical articles, particularly cans and bottles, it is readily apparent that if one and the same magazine is to be designed for accommodating either cans or bottles as selected, such must include a certain degree of adjustability. A similar observation is true with respect to the mechanism for dispensing the articles from the storage magazines.

Adjustable compartmentalizing means have been suggested in the past, as for example, in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,145,066 issued Aug. 18, 1964, which teaches the features of an adjustable storage compartment to accommodate cylindrical articles of differing diameters. However, the teachings of that patent are relatively complicated and require numerous adjustments to achieve changes in compartment size.

Considering the dispensing mechanism to be employed with both cans and bottles, the problem becomes even more complex inasmuch as previously such items have not been interchangeably handled by the same dispensing mechanism unless articles either in cans or bottles were of substantially identical size. There have been some exceptions to this observation in the accommodation of cylindrical articles of varying length, particularly in bottle vending. However, past efforts to accommodate different diameter articles have usually produced limited success, principally because of jamming of the dispensing mechanism when attempting to accommodate any sizable diameter range, unless the dispensing mechanism is made adjustable to the particular diameter of the article being controlled thereby.

One of the more successful dispensing devices for bottle vending, for instance, is taught in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,146,907 issued Sept. 1, 1964 or a modified version thereof set out in U.S. Pat. No. 3,203,588 is sued Aug. 31, 1965. Within limits both of the mechanisms taught in these two patents are capable of accommodating a small range of diameter variation in the articles being handled. However, in each instance serious drawbacks were encountered when attempting to vend articles varying in diameter as much as one-half inch for example, because of the inability of such mechanisms to deplete a full magazine or, that is, to dispense all the articles from a magazine. This is especially true of the last two or three articles in the magazine. The mechanism of U.S. Pat. No. 3,203,588, for instance, has a marked tendency to accept more than one article through the upper vending gates, as therein taught, and therefore jams when the supply of stacked articles is nearly depleted or, that is, the stack contains only one or two articles.

The present invention is directed to a solution of the above indicated difficulty of accommodating the vending of cans and/or bottles which vary both in length and diameter by one and the same magazine and dispensing mechanism.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In brief, the present invention is directed to an improved magazine and dispensing mechanism adapted to dispense cans and/or bottles varying in diameter and length and is specifically directed to improvements in the type of dispensing mechanism taught in the afore noted U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,146,907 and 3,203,588 whereby vertically stored cylindrical articles may be dispensed one by one in an accurate and positive manner without jamming the dispensing mechanism, particularly in the dispensing of the last one or two articles of the stacked commodities.

It is an important object of this invention to provide an improved storage magazine and dispensing means for vending cans and bottles having variations in diameter and in length.

It is another important object of this invention to provide an improved dispensing mechanism, particularly capable of receiving different sized cylindrical articles from an overdisposed storage magazine and releasing the same one by one without malfunctioning.

Another important object of this invention is to provide improved magazine for use in automatic vending machines and which is adapted to selectively accommodate both cylindrical cans and bottles.

A still further important object of this invention is to provide an improved storage and dispensing mechanism for cylindrical articles which is especially adapted for automatic vending machines and is economical in manufacture and maintenance, and exhibits improved operational quality.

Having thus described the present invention, the 7 above and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be apparent to those familiar with this art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, illustrated in the accompanying drawings so as to enable those familiar with the art to understand and practice this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective showing of a combination can and bottle vendor according to this invention showing the arrangement of multiple storage magazines therein;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view schematically demonstrating the features of one magazine;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the adaptation of a magazine for multiple stack vending;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective showing similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the adaptation of the magazine to single stack vending;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the loading pattern employed in the magazine of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of mechanical rear guide assembly employed in establishing the length of the magazines interior compartments;

FIG. 7 is another front elevational view of the assembly shown in FIG. 6 and illustrating its latching condition;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic view showing the operating and vending gate elements of the dispensing mechanisms with parts arranged in schematic perspective to facilitate illustration;

FIG. 9 is a foreshortened elevational view of the lower vending gate system employed in the mechanism of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an end elevational view thereof;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view in side elevation for demonstrating the driving connection between the lower vending gate and operating means associated there with;

FIG. 12 is an end elevational view looking substantially from vantage line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view with parts in elevation taken substantially from vantage line 13-13 of FIG. 11 and looking in the direction of the arrows thereon;

FIG. 14 is a partial elevational view of a drive motor unit for actuating the mechanism of FIG. 8;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the cam and drive gear means driven by the motor unit of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an elevational view of the drive gear and cam means of FIG. 15 as viewed substantially from vantage line 16-16 of that Figure;

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic showing in side elevation of a sold out lever and switch means associated with the drive means of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic showing in end elevation of the upper and lower vend gates in loading position;

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic view, similar to FIG. 18, illustrating a second loading position of the upper and lower vend gates;

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic showing of the vend gate mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrating the escrow and discharge positions of lower vend gate operation; and

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic illustration of the vend gates showing the operating positions thereof during discharge of a commodity from escrow position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Turning now to the details of the present invention in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, FIG. 1 shows a typical vending machine 25 for accommodating can, bottle or similar cylindrical article vending. As illustrated, such comprises a cabinet 26 having a hollow interior for accommodating a plurality of vertical storage magazine means 27 from which cylindrical articles are released by vending mechanisms driven by individual motor units 28 for delivery to a discharge chute 29 available to the customer via door openings 30 in a front closing door 31 of the cabinet 26. It will be recognized that each of the plurality of magazine means 27 accommodates a staggered or serpentine stack 32 of cylindrical items as indicated generally in FIG. 1. Selector means, not shown, are provided on the front face of the door panel 31, accessible to the customer for an operation of the coin controlled vending mechanisms, and which may comprise, for example, a selector system of the order set out in my prior US. Pat. No. 3,628,643 issued Dec. 21, 1971. It will be understood by those familiar with the art that a vending machine of the order indicated is adapted for dispensing of items in response to customer deposit of a predetermined coin value. In the particular case illustrated, a can orbottle vending machine is indicated and its operation is designed to dispense one canned or bottled commodity per predetermined coin deposit upon customer selection.

With particular reference to FIGS. 2, the features of magazine means 27 are there set forth. As shown, each magazine comprises a vertical or upright cubical having a back wall 40, opposed by a pair of

guide rails

41, 41 at open front wall therefor, a top wall 42 and

parallel side walls

43 and 44, all interjoined to provide a rigid enclosure. Each magazine is supported in the cabinet 26 on horizontal front and back support structures or

walls

45 and 46, respectively; the former supporting individual motor drive units 28, one associated with each of the magazine means 27.

Internally the magazine means 27 support pair of elongated side guide rails 47, one being shown in FIG. 2, and selectively located in a plurality of slotted openings 48 and 49 formed through the two

side walls

43 and 44 in registering opposition; each of the side guide rails having hooks which project through selected pairs of the slotted openings 48, 49. A spring latch device 50 is provided at the upper end thereof to engage with an elongated slotted opening 51, removably locking the rails in position. A rear guide assembly 52 is also provided and such is adjustably movable front to back within the magazine compartment to regulate the length of the internal compartmentation thereof, as will appear presently. Detailed construction of guide 52 will be described hereinafter in association with FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings. For the present, suffice it to say that the guide 52 may be located in any one ofa plurality of selected positions within the compartment by virtue of a plurality of latch openings 53 formed in the magazine top wall 42 and bottom latch openings 54 formed in the two

side walls

43 and 44 in registering opposition as schematically indicated in FIG. 2. A column divider or separator plate 55 is associated with the two side guides 47 for the purpose of positively separating the internal space of the magazine at the vending mechanisms into two vertical compartments for vending multiple stacked articles in the manner illustrated in FIG. 3. In that respect the column divider 55 insertably interfits with slotted lower ends of the side guides 47 in operation and is formed in a fashion to interfit with or embrace upper vend gate bars 56 and 57 but with suitable clearance to permit their operating movements. In a similar manner, the lower end of the rear guide 52 is equipped with a separator plate 58, which serves to define the longitudinal back limit of the interior compartmentation for the magazine when the same is conditioned for either multiple or single stack operation, as will appear presently.

It will be understood that by selective positioning of the intermediate guide rails 47 and its bottom guide plate 55 at desired locations, dictated by the latch openings 48, 49 associated therewith, the interior space of the magazine compartment may be divided longitudinally into sub-compartments for accommodating different length items such as canned articles 60 (see FIG. 3). With this arrangement two columns of canned articles may be provided for, with the back column thereof lying between the intermediate guide rails 47 and the back guide assembly 52 which, as will appear presently, is adapted to be located at desired positions from front to back of the magazine as determined by the locations of openings 53 in the top wall 42 and corresponding side openings of 54, 54 in the two

side walls

43 and 44. While canned goods or articles 60 are illustrated in FIG. 3, it is to be understood that the double compartmenting condition is also available for vending short bottles or, that is, bottles having a length approximating that of a canned item, which length obviously cannot exceed more than one-half the front to back dimension of the magazine compartment.

In the event that bottles such as article 61 illustrated in FIG. 4 are to be vended which have a length exceeding double spacing permitted by medial location of the guide rail 47 (see FIG. 3) then the magazine is adapted to accept a single column of goods, such as bottles, in the manner illustrated in FIG. 4. This is accomplished by repositioning the back guide assembly 52 forwardly of its FIGS. 2 and 3 positions, somewhere intermediate of the front to back dimension of the magazine and in close proximity to the cap end of the bottles, usually with approximately one-eighth inch clearance. The intermediate guide rails 47 are preferably disposed adjacent the necked down portion of the bottles so as to engage the exterior thereof between the open front wall of the magazine and the rear guide assembly 52 in the manner indicated in FIG. 4. With either arrangement, that is, either with a double or single stacking of articles, the same are vertically arranged in a serpentine fashion in the manner diagrammed in FIG. 5 of the drawings, with the bottommost article numbered 1 in such diagrams resting on the two upper vend gate bars 56 and 57 in the initial loading condition. As noted in the diagram of FIG. 5, the serpentine coursing of the articles varies depending on which of the vend gate bars 56 or 57 is in a lowered position, so as to effect either a left or righthand serpentine alignment.

In order to better understand the workings of the rear guide mechanism 52, reference is now made to FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings wherein details of part organization and operation are illustrated. As there shown, mechanism 52 comprises an elongated metal housing 62 generally rectangular in cross-sectional configuration and formed by two intermating half shells of generally U-shaped cross-section to enclose an interior elongated slide bar 63 (see FIG. 2). Rivets or the like are utilized for interlocking the two half shells of the housing 62 with the slide bar having an elongated opening 64 intermediate a projecting upper tongue end 65 thereof and a finger opening 66 available to the operator by suitable voids or openings 67 in the walls of the housing 62. A spring means 68 extends between the slide bar and an inwardly turned shoulder 69 formed on one of the shell elements of housing 62, opposite the upper end of opening 64 in the slide bar. Downward movement of the slide bar within the housing 62 effectively tensions the spring 68 and causes the latter to resiliently urge the slide bar to move upwardly upon release to project the tongue portion 65 thereof beyond the upper wall 42 of the magazine housing for entering and engaging one of the locating slots 53 therein.

Adjacent the lower end of the slide bar is a slotted opening 70 through which extends a connecting pin 71 intertying a pair of scissor

length link arms

72 and 73 which pivot thereabout.

Arms

72 and 73 are underengaged, at a shoulder 74 therein, by an outwardly extending finger portion 75 formed at the lower end of the slide bar 63. The pin means 71 extends through the opposing side walls of the housing 62 as well as through the upper ends of the two

links

72 and 73 whereby the latter pivotally scissor about the pin 71 moving downwardly or toward one another when the shoulders 74 thereon are disengaged from the slide bar finger as illustrated in FIG. 6. Conversely, the arms move outwardly away from one another, when the slide bar moves upwardly, upon release by the operator and returning movement imposed by the spring means 68. In this latter regard it will be understood and recognized that the walls of the housing 62 are suitably slotted or cut away to permit the passage outwardly therethrough of the other ends of the

arms

72 and 73 and more particularly to permit latching

finger portions

76 and 77, at the outer ends thereof, to interengage selected slotted

openings

54, 54 in the magazines side wall 43 and Mounted beneath the

scissor arms

72 and 73 above described, and located at the lower or terminal end of the housing 62 is the rear guide plate 58, which is configured with two

elongated openings

78 and 79 formed angularly inwardly of the opposite lateral edges or margins thereof and immediately above a pair of

divergent finger portions

80 and 81, symmetrically configured about the central axis of plate 58, much in the nature of an inverted Y formation. The slotted

openings

78, 79 are adapted to straddle the two upper vend bars 56 and 57 while the

finger portions

80 and 81 thereof depend beneath such bars in the normal operating positioning for the plate 58, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings. This effectively interlocks the guide plate 58 with the vend gate bars 56 and 57 with the slotted

opening

78 and 79 serving to guide the assembly 52 during its adjusting movements from front to back of the magazine compartment.

From the above description of the guide means 52,

it will be readily understood that the same comprises a simple latching mechanism whereby the finger portion 65 at the upper end thereof and the

scissors arm

72 and 73 adjacent the lower end thereof are automatically retracted or extended to correspondingly engage aligned sets of

slot openings

53 and 54 to positively lock the guide assembly 52 at desired positions from front to back of the magazine.

With the foregoing described arrangement, a suitable system is provided for conveniently adjusting the column depth in either multiple or single stack operation of a magazine of the order herein illustrated. If double depth column or stack operation is required, such as when vending canned goods 60 as illustrated in the FIG. 3, the rear guide means 52 is suitably located adjacent the back wall 40 of the magazine and latched in position. This is conveniently accomplished by first aligning the bottom latching arms with the appropriate pair of

openings

54, 54 and holding the same in upright position at which point the depressed latch bar is released and the spring means 68 causes upward movement thereof, throwing the

latch arms

72, 73 laterally outwardly to engage the openings 54 while simultaneously forcing tongue portion 65 to enter an appropriate opening 53 in the top wall of the magazine. If perchance the upper tongue portion does not immediately enter a slotted opening 53, corresponding to the openings 54 selected, movement of the assembly 52 forwardly or rearwardly as necessary will release the tongue portion from the inside of wall 42 and automatically permit it to enter the selected opening 53.

Once the rear guide assembly 52 is in position, the column divider plate 55 is located in the appropriate set of opposed openings 54, such as the forwardmost set of openings in the

walls

43, 44. The side guide rails 47 are next positioned over the plate 55 and locked into slots 48 and 49, with the spring latch 50 at the upper end thereof engaging the slotted openings 51 to properly locate and latch the bars 47 in position. With this arrangement the internal compartmentation of the magazine is effectively divided into two like columns, each of a size or depth to accommodate the selected length of the canned or bottled commodities, as the case may be, to be dispensed therefrom.

In the event the cylindrical articles, such as 16 oz.

' bottled beverages, are of a length exceeding one-half the depth of the magazine compartment, the alternate arrangement indicated in FIG. 4 of the drawings is resorted to. In carrying out this adjustment, the rails 47 and plate 55 are removed and rear guide assembly 52 is moved forwardly from its rearmost position, as illustrated in FIG. 2, to approximately one-eighth inch away from cap ends of three bottles staggered stacked in the bottom of the magazine so as to rest on the vend gate bars 56 and 57 which are positioned with one of the bars down in the manner illustrated in FIG. of the drawings. The upper end of the rear guide assembly 52 is then properly positioned by using a bottle as a gauge intermediate the vertical limits of the column or magazine interior to thus position the upper end of assembly 52. Once the same is aligned with the bottles in the lower end of the compartment and the gauge bottle as described, the latching mechanism thereof is released to lock in appropriate openings in the top and side walls of the magazine as previously described. Thereafter the two side guide rails 47 are positioned in the manner illustrated in FIG. 3, so as to align in contacting and guiding the relationship with the necks of the bottles. After the sidev rails are aligned they are appropriately latched into position in the selected openings 48, 49 to insure their guiding function on opposite sides of the bottle stack. It will be understood, of course, that the intermediate column divider plate 55 previously removed is not employed in the single column condition. The single stack operation can be carried out with either bottles or cans depending on the lengths of the item involved. In the particular embodiment illustrated and the described perameters, previously indicated,

this would occur in vending articles greater than 5 inches in length.

Depending on the diameter of the articles being vended, the staggered or serpentine stacking thereof will accommodate more or less numbers of items, but in any event will accommodate a fairly flexible range of diameter sizes due to the spacing of the

side walls

43, 44.

Turning now to the features of the improved vending mechanism according to this invention, initial reference is made to FIG. 8 of the drawings where the same is schematically diagrammed. As there shown, the vending mechanism indicated generally by numeral comprises an upper vend gate assembly 91, a lower gate assembly 92, and a drive assembly 93 therefor.

Specifically the upper vend gate assembly 91 may be termed as clam shell because of its operating activity, as will appear hereinafter, and in essence comprises a pair of elongated

cylindrical gate rods

56 and 57 each welded at opposite ends to a pair-of generally crescent shaped crank arms;

arms

96 and 97 being affixed to opposite ends of gate rod 56 and

arms

98 and 99 to opposite ends of gate rod 57. The two rod and arm assemblies are internested, 96 being disposed inwardly of arm 98 and arm 99 inwardly of arm 97.

Adjacent arms

96, 98 and 97, 99 are intertied by a

pivot cross link

100 and 101, respectively, which cross links are suitably offset to maintain the internested relationship between the arm and rod pairs. In addition, the centers of pivotal connection between link 100 and the opposing pair of

arms

96 and 98 for example, and between link 101 and the

arm pair

96, 97, indicated at 102, 103, 104 and 105 are fixed to the parallel spaced horizontally extending supporting

walls

45 and 46 of the cabinet so as to constitute axes of rotation for the arm sets 96, 97 and 98,

Rocking activity of the upper

vend gate rods

56 and 57 about their pivot centers is effected by a cam means 1 10 rotatably driven about a central axis 111 therefor. Cam is peripherally engaged by follower rollers 1 12, 113 respectively affixed to the outer ends of

rods

114, 115. It will be noted that rod 114 is located transversely of the outer end of a crank arm 116 pivotally joined by pivot connection 117 to the lower end of arm 97, below the latters pivot axis or pin 104. Thus as the roller 1 l2 follows the contour of cam means 110, crank arm 1 16 serves to oscillate the right hand vend gate assembly, comprising

arms

96, 97 and rod 56 about the rotational axis therefor as defined by the related pivot centers 104, 105.

In a similar fashion the secondary cam following roller 1 13 associated with rod 1 15 causes rotational movements of the cam 110 to oscillate a pivotal bell

crank comprising links

120 and 121 rotatably on rod and pivotally supported on a fixed pivot center 122.The outer end of link 121 in turn is pivotally joined by pin 123 to the lower end of the arm 99 associated with the left hand upper vend gate assembly, comprising rod 57 and

arms

98 and 99. Consequently, rod 57 responds in an oscillating arcuate fashion to the cranking activity of the

link assembly

120, 121, in accordance with the movement of the cam means 110 and follower 113.

As a result of the foregoing described arrangement, the two

vend gate rods

56 and 57 alternately oscillate along arcuate paths toward and away from one another as indicated in FIG. 20, moving to and out of their respective positions shown in FIGS. 19 and 18. Due to the shape of the cam means 110 by which

such rods

56 and 57 are responsively moved, oscillating activity thereof is in the alternative, that is, one rod moves arcuately downward and returns to its upward position before the other rod travels. Thus the action is likened to the opening and closing movements of a clam shell.

In addition to the upper vend gate assembly 91 above described, vending mechanism 90 includes the lower vend gate assembly 92 which comprises a support shaft 125 extending horizontally between the support walls or

frame members

45, 46 of the vending machine and in spaced parallelism to the centers of rotation for the rod and arm assemblies of the upper vend gate assembly 91, above described.

Mounted on the shaft 125 are a pair of identical gate members, namely front gate 126 and rear gate 127, each of which has a cylindrical hub portion 128 along one inner margin thereof and through which the supporting shaft 125 extends. The two

gates

126 and 127 are rotatably mounted on the shaft 125 and are free to move relative thereto within limits. More specifically, each of the gates has a lost motion connection with shaft 125 and is permitted to rotate partially with respect thereto, such lost motion connection comprising a collar with suitable projections for interlocking engagement as will be described in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 9 13. In turn, gate 126 has a lost motion connection with gate 127, comprising a projection 130 on gate 127 which is adapted to underengage the front gate 126 for purposes which will appear presently.

The forward end of the hub portion 128 for front gate 126 is formed with a collar portion 131 having projecting

ears

132 and 133 and comprising part of a lost motion connection system between the front gate and an actuator link 134 therefor which is rotatably mounted about shaft 125 for movement thereabout; the shaft being receptive in opening 135 in link 134. On the rearward face of the actuator link 134 (as viewed in FIG. 9) is a projection finger of semi-circular formation indicated at 136 (see FIG. 11) which is adapted to interfit between

ears

132 and 133 projecting from the hub of the front gate 126. So it will be recognized that gate 126 is free to move relative to the actuator portion 136 depending on the arcuate extent of the projection 136 and its interfitting spacing with the

abutment projections

132 and 133.

The actuator 134 responds to rotating activity of a double lobe cam member 140 affixed to the supporting axle or shaft 111, common to cam 110. Cam 140 moves with cam 1 10, but activates the actuator 134 in a different predetermined phase relationship with respect to the activity of the upper vend gates which also respond to rotation of the cam 110.

In addition to actuator 134, shaft 125 is also coupled to a follower arm 139 fixed to rotate with the shaft 125 as by interfitting tongue extension on shaft 125 and fastening bolt or screw means 141. Arm 139 carries a rotatable cam follower 142 at its outer end for engaging the periphery of a third cam means 143 also mounted for movement on axle 111, common to the

cams

140 and 110. In response to the movement of roller 142 about the periphery of 143, shaft 125 is periodically rotated or oscillated to raise and lower the two

vend gates

126 and 127 in cyclical fashion. More specifically, as the roller 142 traverses the lobe 144 of cam 143 in the position thereof shown in FIG. 8, the

lower vend gates

126, 127 are held in an article receiving position. As the follower 142 approaches the cam node portion 145, however, the

lower gates

126 and 127 are slightly lowered to an escrow position as indicated in the upper positioning thereof shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, for example. When roller 142 passes node 145 there is a quick drop of the arm 139 with a partial or limited rotation of the shaft 125, sufficient to release the rear vend gate 127 from its interengaging lost motion connection with the shaft 125. This activity permits the gravitational lowering or quick dropping of the back gate 127 to a discharge or release position as indicated in dotted lines in FIG. 8. In this respect it will be understood that the rear gate 127 moves relative to the front gate 126 which at this stage of the operation is held in its raised condition by virtue of interfering engagement between the projection 136 on the actuator 134 and the projection 132 associated with the hub of the front gate, as previously described. It will be noted that the actuator 134 responds to the configuration of its actuating cam 140 and this particular circumstance of holding gate 126 occurs in the condition of actuator 134 as shown in FIG. 8 with the outer end thereof engaging a node 146 of the cam 140, thereby to position projecting finger 136 to lock the front gate in its up position.

Continued rotation of cam 140 gradually lowers the front gate by permitting clockwise following movement of arm 134 into the indented mid section of cam 140 adjacent node 146, causing front gate 126 to fall into alignment with the previously lowered gate 127 at which stage both gates reside in a discharge position, as indicated by the dotted line showing for the lower vend gate 126 in FIG. 20, for example. Continued rotation of cam 143 causes the lost motion connection between shaft and the rear gate 127 to reengage or pick up the rear gate. By virtue of the underengaging ledge or portion at the rear gate, the front gate 126 is picked up by the rear gate to raise the two gates simultaneously as the follower roller 142 moves onto the lobe surface 144 of cam 143.

It will be noted that during the aforedescribed activity of cam 143, the intermediate cam serves to oscillate the follower 134 in accordance with its peripheral configuration, raising and lowering the latter to position its projection finger portion 136 toward or away from the

projections

133 and 134 of the front gage. While it is not felt necessary to describe the exact movements of the follower 134 and its response to the cam 140, suffice it to say that the function of the follower 134 is to position its finger 136 in an interfering condition with the projection 133 on the front gage 126 thereby periodically to hold the same in a raised or escrowed position as previously noted. Thereafter gate 126 is lowered to its discharge position when the follower 134 enters one of the depressed nodes in the periphery of cam 140. Thus activity produces the sequential cycling of the front and

rear gates

126 and 127 from escrow to discharge positions, first the rear gate and then the front gate, as illustrated respectively in FIGS. 20 and 21.

importantly, it is to be noted that the cam 143 carries with it two projecting pins 150 and 151, one of which is slidably movable relative to the cam 143 whereas to be alternately or selectively positioned in projecting or non-projecting positions. The purpose of these two pins is to effect operation of motor control switch 152 having a pivotal depending actuator 153 (FIG. 14). When either of the pins 150 or 151 underengages the actuator 153, it raises the latter to cause a depression of the switch plunger 154 discontinuing further rotation of the cam 143 and deactivating a drive motor 155. The provision of the sliding pin 151, for example, is to accommodate either single or double column vending operation for the magazine. Thus, for example, if two columns of canned items are stacked in the magazine 27, pin means 151 is placed in an extended or projecting position in the manner illustrated in FIG. 8, to interrupt the drive motor and thus the cycling of the cam means 143, 140 and 110 halfway through a full rotational cycle therefor. Thus, a single can or cylindrical item is delivered via the lower vend gate 127 during the first half cycle of rotation for the cam 143 and a second can from the front lower vend gate 126 during the second half cycle of rotation for the cam 143. This obviously permits the double stack vending operation.

In the event a single column or stack mode is utilized in the magazine means 27, such as a single column of bottles for example (see FIG. 4), then the pin means 151 is depressed to a non-interfering position with the switch actuator arm 153, permitting the full rotational cycle of cam 143 and the other related mechanisms per vend selection. In this condition both the

lower gates

126 and 127 must be in a discharge position in order to release a single bottle even though during such procedure the rear vend gate 127 gravitationally moves to its discharge position first and independently of the front gate 126. It will be recognized that discharge position of the rear gate, however, does not effect the ultimate discharge of the bottle or elongated article held in the forward part of the magazine on the front gate 126 for single column vending operation.

Turning now to more specific details of the lower vend gate system 92, reference is made to FIGS. 9 through 13 of the drawings. As there illustrated, each of the

vend gates

126 and 127, of like construction, comprises a hub portion 128, as previously noted, receptive of the shaft 125. An elongated body portion 156 projects from one side of the hub portion preferably having a concave face 157 to retain a cylindrical item engaged thereby. Face 157 is normally positioned upwardly in operation in the manner illustrated in FIG. 8. It will be noted that the end of hub portions 128 for the lower vend gates are formed with cut-away slotted portions 160 and 162 to provide a female jaw connection cooperating with male jaw collars 163 placed over shaft 125 and pinned thereto as by pin means 164. Diametrically opposed projecting portions 165 on the male jaw member are substantially less in arcuate extent than the recesses 160 and 162 on the gate hub portions, so as to provide the referred to lost motion connection therebetween. It is to be particularly noted that there are four male jaw members 163 provided in the assembly of the two

gates

126 and 127 on shaft 125 indicated at 163, 163a, 163!) and 163(- located on the opposite ends of the hub portions for the two gate members. A resilient spring means 166 is mounted on the shaft 125 between the jaw member l63c and a washer 167 engaged with the rear support wall 46 of the cabinet support system, the shaft 125 being locked in place by nut means 168. It is to be noted that portion 130 on the rear gate member which interengages the front gate member 126 as previously explained, is formed in accordance with the configuration of portion 134 on the 12 front gate 126, as best illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings.

With reference now to composite FIG. 11, it will be noted that the actuator arm 134 which is mounted rotatably on shaft 125, has its rearward projection finger 136 extending over or past the outer end of the hub portion 128 of gate member 126 as to lie interferingly with the

projections

132 and 133 thereon. It is this periodic interengagement between the finger 136 and the

lugs

132 and 133 that regulates the lost motion movement of the front gate 126 in response to the activity of the actuator 134 and its cam 140, as previously described. This relationship is further illustrated in FIG. 13.

It also is to be noted that the forward or outer end of shaft is formed with a key projection 170 which fits into a slotted hub socket portion 171 formed in the mounting hub portion of the crank arm 140. Projection 170 further is provided with a central threaded opening 172 for connection with the holding screw 141, for tying the crank to the shaft 125 for simultaneous movements. Thus, it will be understood that partial rotational movement of the shaft 125 takes place directly with movements of the crank arm 140, whereas movement of the actuator 134 about shaft 125 and thus the relative movement between the projecting finger portion 136 of the actuator 134 and the interfering

lugs

132 and 133 of the front gate 126, appears in timed sequence as determined by the peripheral contour of cam member 140. With this arrangement therefore the desired sequential relative movement between the front and

rear gates

126 and 127 of the lower vend gate assembly is effected through the initial movement of the rear gate 127 to a discharge position followed by the subsequent movement of the front gate to such position to complete the delivery sequence.

Turning now to the specific features of the drive means or assembly 93, reference is made to FIGS. 14 through 17 of the drawings illustrating the related mechanisms for actuating the

several cams

110, 140 and 143. As shown best in FIG. 14, a drive motor unit 28, adapted to actuate the mechanism hereinbefore described and illustrated in FIG. 8, comprises a unitary housing having parallel side walls 170, interjoined by a planar top wall 171 and a front wall 172. Motor unit 28 is adapted to be removably interlocked with the horizontal front support wall structure 45 of the cabinet support system and in particular is located beneath a horizontal outwardly projecting flange portion 173 of such support wall 45 (see FIGS. 14 and 17). More specifically, the two

side walls

170, 170 of the drive motor unit housing have extending hook portion 174 at their lower ends, which interengage with suitable openings (not shown) formed in an upwardly extending, vertical frontal flange portion 175 (FIG. 15) of the support wall structure 45. A wing nut means 176 also is used to extend through the upper flange wall 173 for threaded connection with an opening therefor in the top wall 171 of the motor housing (see FIG. 14).

Mounted within the motor housing is the electric drive motor 155 having an associated reduction gear CONTROL CIRCUIT. driving an output shaft 180 having a drive gear 181 affixed thereto. A hold in switch 182 and a sold out switch 183 with operating plunger 184 are mounted adjacent the motor unit 155 for operationally controlling the same in conjunction with the motor cam switch 152 operated by plunger 154 and the arm 153 as previously noted. The particulars of the control circuitry for the motor 155 are set forth more fully in my copending application Ser. No. 414,753 filed Nov. 12, 1973 now US. Pat. No. 3,848,718 and entitled VENDING MACHINE CIRCUIT. Briefly. however, the sold out switch 183 controls energization and deenergization of the motor in response to the presence and absence of articles in vend position within the magazine (see FIG. 17). The motor cam switches 152 control the periodic cycling of the motor 155 in accordance with the engagement of actuator arm 153 by one or both of the pins 150, 151 associated with cam means 143, as previously described.

The hold in switch 182 operatively provides a hold circuit and deenergizes an appropriate selection switch available to the customer on article selection at the start of a vend cycle.

As will best be noted from FIG. 17, the sold out switch 183 is designed to be activated by a sold out lever 186 pivotally suspended on a shaft 187 beneath the horizontal flange portion 173 of the support structure 45. The lever 186 comprises an elongated finger portion 188 adapted to be engaged by a cylindrical article, such as a can located in the front portion of the magazine compartment on lower vend gate 126. A secondary arm 189 of lever 186 is adapted to engage the plunger 184 of switch means 183. As long as cans are present in the vending column, plunger 184 is depressed, preventing the sold out switch from deactivating the control circuitry for the motor 155 associated therewith. On the other hand, if there are no cans or articles present in the vending magazine. lever 186 swings into the forward end of the magazine, releasing the plunger 184 and permitting switch 183 to deactivate the vending motor, as described in my aforenoted copending application, Ser. No. 414,753, now US. Pat. No. 3,848,718.

In general, it may be noted that energization of the motor means 155 takes place in response to the deposit of a predetermined coin value by a customer followed by the selection of an item to be vended from a particular magazine through closing actuation of appropriate selection switch mechanism (not shown herein). Additionally, the presence or absence of articles to be vended within a particular magazine associated with a particular motor unit 28 is a precondition of its energization and operation of the vending mechanism 90 related thereto.

With specific reference to FIGS. 15 and 16 of the drawings, it will be appreciated that the drive means 93 therein illustrated includes the several cam means 110, I40, I43 and their associated followers, etc., as previously described. Such assembled items are suitably housed and supported between the horizontal front support wall 45 of the cabinet support structure and the vertically extending flange portion 175 related thereto. In addition, a compound idler gear 190 is mounted for rotation about stub shaft 191 fixed to the wall 45 and projecting forwardly thereof for engagement by the drive gear 181 rotatably driven by the drive motor 155. The compound gear 190 has a major diameter portion 192 engaged with a spur gear portion 193 formed integrally with the hub 194 of cam means 143; the same being supported on shaft means 111 which extends between the back wall 45 and the flange portion 175 therein shown. A smaller diameter secondary gear portion 195 of the idler gear 190 also engages a spur gear portion 196 formed integrally with the compound cam members and for rotation with the latter on shaft 111. Thus in response to rotational movement of the idler gear 190, the cam means 143, 140 and 110 are simultaneously rotated by the drive gear chain to operatively actuate the vending mechanism in the manner previously set forth.

It will be understood that the individual motor drive units 28 associated with each of the vending mechanisms embody the concept of modular unitization. As such, each unit 28 is intentionally made to be quickly removed or installed to facilitate maintenance and repair. For example, in the event there is a failure of a drive motor or any of the several switches associated therewith, the entire unit 28 may be readily removed from the machine and replaced with a new unit to minimize breakdown time.

It also will be noted that the actuating lever or arm 153 associated with the motor cam switch assembly 152 is in a path of interfering engagement with the pins 150, 151 on the cam means 143. Thus in response to rotational cycling of such cam means, the lever arm 153 is periodically raised to depress the adjacent plunger 154 and operate cam switch 152 to deactivate the motor. As previously noted, if both pins 150, 151 are in their extended position, that is, project forwardly of cam means 143 to interfere with the lever arm 153, double column vending of the vending mechanism 90 takes place. On the other hand, if one of the pins, for example 151, is depressed to a non-interfering position with actuator 153, then single column vending of the machine takes place.

Having described the several elements and mechanisms which go to make up the improved storage and dispensing means of this invention, reference is now made to FIGS. 18 through 21 of the drawings for a better understanding of the operational sequencing of the upper and lower vend gate means 91 and 92.

Turning now to FIGS. 18 through 21 of the drawings, the operational sequencing of loading, escrow holding and discharging cylindrical articles from the vending mechanism 90, will now be described in relationship to the illustrations set forth therein.

In FIG. 18 one of the two alternate loading conditions is set forth, namely, that in which bar 56 of the upper vend gate assembly 91 is in a lowered position permitting the passage of cylindrical article or can number 1 between the two vend gate bars 56 and 57. It is to be noted that such passage travel of the cylindrical article 1 is limited by the presence of the lower vend gate assembly 92 and, more particularly, the positioning of the front and back vend

gate

126 and 127 thereof in a substantially horizontal raised condition. This interrupts the downward movement of can 1 and prevents following movement of can 2 past vend gate bar 57. Regarding the position of can 2 as illustrated in FIG. 18, it will be noted that the same is held in tangential engagement with the underdisposed can 1 and the left hand vend gate bar 57.

FIG. 19 shows the second loading condition which corresponds to that diagrammed in FIG. 18, except that in this instance the left hand upper vend gate bar 57 is in a lowered position. Again, can number 2 in this loading condition has tangential engagement with the can number I and the uppermost vend gate bar (56 in this case) while the article number 1 rests on the concave upper surface 157 of the lower vend gate assembly 92.

In both conditions of loading illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, it will be understood that depending on the single or double column arrangement for the magazine interior, as heretofore described, either a single cylindrical item will pass between the

vend gates

56 and 57 or a pair thereof in tandem relationship will so pass. In either event, however, it is to be noted that the following can, or cans, as the case may be, namely can number 2, is retained outwardly of the uppermost vend gate bar or

rod

56 or 57, as the case may be, by the intermediate at rest positioning of the previously fed or dropped article or can number 1.

Following the feeding movement of the first can between the upper vend gate bars as above described and illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, whichever one of the upper vend gate bars is in a lowered positon, i.e. condition of FIG. 18 or FIG. 19, the same next returns to its uppermost position capturing the following article number 2 thereabove in the manner illustrated in FIG. 20. Substantially simultaneously and in proper timed sequence to the returning movement of the previously lowered upper vend gate bar, the lower vend gate assembly 92 is lowered slightly to accommodate the diameter of the article number 1 thereupon as shown in FIG. 20. This is the normal loaded condition of the vending mechanism at the initiation of a vending cycle, namely, wherein one or two cans rest on top of the lower vend gate assembly 92 in an escrow condition, ready for discharge during the next vending cycle.

With respect to the movement of the upper vend gate bars 56 and 57 during the infeed function as above noted, it is important to recognize thatthe movement of

such bars

56 and 57 is arcuately outwardly of the escrow chamber provided between the upper and lower vend gate assemblies. Because of this geometrical relationship, there is little or no invasion of the designated space and capacity of the escrow chamber.

This feature accounts importantly to the ability of the vending mechanism of this invention to accommodate a fairly substantial range of article diameters, at the same time insuring that only one article at a time passes the upper vend gate systems when the machine is conditioned for single column vending or two items simultaneously when the machine is conditioned for double column vending.

With reference now to FIG. 20, it will be assumed that the condition of operation illustrated is one wherein a single column vending condition for the magazine obtains. As such article number 1 is held in the escrow chamber while the following article is held outwardly of the upper vend gate bars 56 and 57 at the initiation of a vend cycle. Article selection by the customer initiates operation of the motor unit 28 to cycle the several cams of the drive assembly 93, causing both of the

lower vend gates

126 and 127 to assume the dotted line position as indicated in that Figure. This releases a single item past the outer end of lower vend gates and a guide wall 200 as therein indicated, permitting article 1 to gravitate downwardly into the discharge chute 29 for delivery to the customer. While this release of item 1 from the escrow chamber is occurring, the upper vend gate bars 56 and 57 remain in their uppermost closed position as illustrated in FIG. 20, until return of the lower vend gate assembly to the FIG. 18 or 19 positions therefor. Thereafter repeat of the feeding cycle occurs.

Considering FIG. 21 to illustrate the condition of double column vending for themagazine, it will therefrom be appreciated that upon initiation of the vend cycle in this operating condition, the rear lower vend gate 127 is initially dropped to its discharge position, releasing article 1A, formerly positioned thereon, but retaining article 1 on the upper side of the front lower vend gate 126 in an escrow condition awaiting initiation of the next succeeding vend cycle. Thereafter item number 1 is released from the front lower vend gate 126, positioning both of the

lower vend gates

126 and 127 in their article discharge or release condition, as illustrated in FIG. 20, while still retaining the next set of articles (indicated at 2 in FIG. 21) outwardly or above the upper vend gate bars 56 and 57. The remaining part of the vending cycle, after release of the item number 1 from the front lower vend gate 126, cycles one or the other of the vend gate bars 56 or 57 downwardly to infeed a pair of cylindrical articles onto the lower vend gate system in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 18 or 19.

From the foregoing description, it is believed that it will be readily understood how the successive operation of the upper and lower vend gate systems cooperate to release articles one by one for discharge to the customer. It further will be recognized that movement of the upper vend gate bars 56 and 57 arcuately outwardly of the escrow chamber between the upper and lower vend gates, provides for minimum interference with the space alloted for the escrowing of the articles and accommodation of range of article diameters as intended. Further, it is to be noted that interfering positioning with one of the upper vend gate bars with the following cylindrical article during the infeed cycle, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in conjunction with the upper positioning of the

lower vend gates

126 and 127, effectively prevents any overdisposed article from following into the escrow chamber or otherwise lodging between the upper vend gate bars during the infeed operation. An important feature of the returning movement for the lowered upper vend gate bar to its uppermost position at the end of the infeed operation, is the fact that the same moves arcuately outwardly against the overdisposed cans or articles, thus further preventing such overdisposed articles from lodging between the vend gate bars 56 and 57 to jam the mechanism. Consequently, the vending mechanism of this invention is fully capable of one hundred percent discharge of the magazine columns without jamming contrary to prior mechanisms known in the art, such as that set out in U.S. Pat. No. 3,203,588.

While the present invention has hereinabove been described in association with a particular preferred embodiment thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be recognized that the same is susceptible to variation, change and substitution of equivalents without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

1. In an automatic vending machine for dispensing cylindrical articles, such as canned and bottled commodities, storage and dispensing means comprising: at least one vertical magazine means for storing articles within an open bottom compartment enclosed by parallel side walls, such compartment being openly accessible at frontal margins of said side walls for loading articles therein; means for dividing the interior of said compartment into vertical columns of selected front to back dimension, at least one of which columns is receptive of a serpentine stack of articles to be dispensed; article dispensing means blocking the open bottom of said compartment and comprising an upper vend gate assembly having a pair of horizontal rod means paralleling said side walls for undere ngaging the lowermost article of a said stack thereover, means mounting each said rod means for oscillating movement along an arcuate path toward and away from the other thereof. separation of said rod means permitting passage of articles therebetween; a lower vend gate assembly mounted in parallel spaced relation to and beneath said upper assembly, with the space therebetween defining an article escrow chamber; said lower assembly comprising pivotal gate means movable about a horizontal axis toward and away from said rod means and a central vertical axis of said chamber and sequentially to and between a fully raised article receiving position, a substantially horizontal article holding position and a lowered discharge position; means for periodically oscillating each said rod means about the upper end of and noninterferingly with the interior of said chamber, means for periodically moving said gate means from said article receiving position to said article holding position when either one of said rod means moves through its oscillating cycle; said gate means and the moving said rod means cooperating to undersupport and positively guide and control movement of each lowermost article between said rod means and into said chamber for retention by said gate means at said holding position, and means for subsequently lowering said gate means to release articles from said chamber.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein the raised positioning of said gate means and its movement to said article holding position dictates the passage of a single article between said rod means and into said chamber for each separating cycle of the latter.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said rod means comprises a pair of cylindrical rod members, each coupled to pivotal crank arms actuated by first rotatably driven cam means and operable to alternately oscillate each rod member about a horizontal axis arcuately about the upper end of said escrow chamber.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said means dividing said compartment into vertical columns comprises a pair of divider plates and adjustably positioned guide means whereby said compartment is divisible into at least two columns, each for accommodating a serpentine stack of articles, and said lower gate assembly comprises a pair of gate means, one opposite the lower end of each of said columns and cooperable with said rod means for dispensing articles from said stack thereover one at a time.

5. The combination of claims 4 and drive means selectively conditioned to effect lowering of one of said gate means for each operating cycle thereof.

6. In an automatic vending machine for dispensing cylindrical articles, storage and dispensing means comprising: at least one magazine means for storing articles in an open bottom compartment having parallel side walls, such compartment being openly accessible between frontal margins of said walls for loading articles therein; vertical guide means and cooperating divider means adjustably mounted on and extending transversely between said side walls for dividing said compartment into vertical columns of selected front to back dimension, at least one of which columns is available for stacking articles to be dispensed; article dispensingmeans blocking the open bottom of said compartment and comprising an upper vend gate assembly having a pair of horizontally extending rod means paralleling said side walls and spaced therefrom and from one another less than the smallest diameter of an article to be dispensed, means for alternately and periodically oscillating each said rod means arcuately toward and away from the other thereof to effect passage of articles therebetween, the limit of separating movement between said rod means determining the largest diameter of articles movable therebetween; a lower vend gate assembly mounted horizontally beneath said upper assembly, defining an article escrow chamber therewith and comprising pivotal gate means movable about a horizontal axis, arcuately toward and away from said rod means and a central vertical plane of said chamber, between raised, intermediate and lowered positions; and drive means sequentially operating said upper and lower gate assemblies, comprising means to move said gate means from said raised to said intermediate positions thereof while one of said rod means moves through its cycle of oscillating movement, the raised positioning of said gate means causing each article to be engaged and supported thereby as it enters said chamber for controlled movement therewith to said intermediate position whereby to insure the deposit of a single article in said chamber for each separating cycle of said rod means, and means operable subsequentially to move said gate means to said lowered position thereby to gravitationally discharge articles from said chamber.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein said guide and divider means are positionable to provide two columns, each receptive of articles to be dispensed, and said lower vend gate assembly comprises a pair of gate members, one opposite the lower end of each said column with each being receptive of an article from its respective column at each separating cycle of said rod means.

8. The combination of claim 6 wherein said lower vend gate assembly comprises a pair of individual gate means, a horizontal shaft supporting said gate means, and lost motion connection means between said shaft and each of said gate means whereby said gate means move with and relative to said shaft; and said drive means includes means for periodically partially rotating said shaft to drive said gate means therewith and additional means for periodically preventing movement of one of said gate means with said shaft to thereby effect relative movement between said gate means.

9. The combination of claim 7, wherein each of said gate means is lowered independently of the other to thereby discharge the articles thereon, one-by-one.

10. The combination of claim 9 wherein said drive means comprises a coin controlled motor, cam means driven thereby for sequentially driving said upper and lower vend gate assemblies, and means for selectively deactivating said motor when the first of said gate means is in its lowered discharge position whereby to preclude the discharge of more than one article for each coin controlled vending cycle.

11. In an automatic coin controlled vending machine for dispensing canned or bottled articles from vertical open bottom magazines in which articles are stored in serpentine stacks, improved dispensing means comprising: an upper vend gate assembly mounted in blocking position over the open bottom of said magazine and comprising a pair of horizontal rod means positioned to underengage the bottommost article of a stack thereover, a lower vend gate assembly mounted horizontally beneath said upper assembly to define an article receiving escrow chamber therebetween, means effecting alternate periodic oscillating movement of each said rod means relative to the other along a path about the upper end of said chamber and non-interferingly with the interior thereof such that the resulting separation of said rod means permits the passage of a said bottommost article therebetween for entry into said chamber; said lower assembly comprising gate means pivotal about a horizontal axis for movement toward and away from said rod means and sequentially to and between a raised position adjacent said rod means whereat the same underengages and supports said bottommost article as it enters said chamber, an intermediate position to which it carries and at which the same holds said article in said chamber, and a lowered position whereat articles thereon are released from said chamber; and means sequentially operating said rod and gate means to effect movement of said gate means from said raised to said intermediate position for each cycle of oscillating movement of said rod means and subsequent movement thereof to said lowered position.

12. The invention of claim 11, and means dividing said magazine into plural columns of selected front to back dimension, each receptive of a stack of articles, whereby the bottommost articles of the plural stacks are deposited in said chamber in response to each separation of said rod means, and wherein said gate means comprises individual gate members beneath each said column, and means effecting individual movement thereof to said lowered position thereby to discharge articles one-by-one from said chamber for each vending cycle.

Claims

1. In an automatic vending machine for dispensing cylindrical articles, such as canned and bottled commodities, storage and dispensing means comprising: at least one vertical magazine means for storing articles within an open bottom compartment enclosed by parallel side walls, such compartment being openly accessible at frontal margins of said side walls for loading articles therein; means for dividing the interior of said compartment into vertical columns of selected front to back dimension, at least one of which columns is receptive of a serpentine stack of articles to be dispensed; article dispensing means blocking the open bottom of said compartment and comprising an upper vend gate assembly having a pair of horizontal rod means paralleling said side walls for underengaging the lowermost article of a said stack thereover, means mounting each said rod means for oscillating movement along an arcuate path toward and away from the other thereof, separation of said rod means permitting passage of articles therebetween; a lower vend gate assembly mounted in parallel spaced relation to and beneath said upper assembly, with the space therebetween defining an article escrow chamber; said lower assembly comprising pivotal gate means movable about a horizontal axis toward and away from said rod means and a central vertical axis of said chamber and sequentially to and between a fully raised article receiving position, a substantially horizontal article holding position and a lowered discharge position; means for periodically oscillating each said rod means about the upper end of and non-interferingly with the interior of said chamber, means for periodically moving said gate means from said article receiving position to said article holding position when either one of said rod means moves through its oscillating cycle; said gate means and the moving said rod means cooperating to undersupport and positively guide and control movement of each lowermost article between said rod means and into said chamber for retention by said gate means at said holding position, and means for subsequently lowering said gate means to release articles from said chamber.

6. In an automatic vending machine for dispensing cylindrical articles, storage and dispensing means comprising: at least one magazine means for storing articles in an open bottom compartment having parallel side walls, such compartment being openly accessible between frontal margins of said walls for loading articles therein; vertical guide means and cooperating divider means adjustably mounted on and extending transversely betweeN said side walls for dividing said compartment into vertical columns of selected front to back dimension, at least one of which columns is available for stacking articles to be dispensed; article dispensing means blocking the open bottom of said compartment and comprising an upper vend gate assembly having a pair of horizontally extending rod means paralleling said side walls and spaced therefrom and from one another less than the smallest diameter of an article to be dispensed, means for alternately and periodically oscillating each said rod means arcuately toward and away from the other thereof to effect passage of articles therebetween, the limit of separating movement between said rod means determining the largest diameter of articles movable therebetween; a lower vend gate assembly mounted horizontally beneath said upper assembly, defining an article escrow chamber therewith and comprising pivotal gate means movable about a horizontal axis, arcuately toward and away from said rod means and a central vertical plane of said chamber, between raised, intermediate and lowered positions; and drive means sequentially operating said upper and lower gate assemblies, comprising means to move said gate means from said raised to said intermediate positions thereof while one of said rod means moves through its cycle of oscillating movement, the raised positioning of said gate means causing each article to be engaged and supported thereby as it enters said chamber for controlled movement therewith to said intermediate position whereby to insure the deposit of a single article in said chamber for each separating cycle of said rod means, and means operable subsequentially to move said gate means to said lowered position thereby to gravitationally discharge articles from said chamber.