WO1999066462A9 - Selection button for a vending machine - Google Patents
Selection button for a vending machineInfo
- Publication number
- WO1999066462A9 WO1999066462A9 PCT/US1999/013370 US9913370W WO9966462A9 WO 1999066462 A9 WO1999066462 A9 WO 1999066462A9 US 9913370 W US9913370 W US 9913370W WO 9966462 A9 WO9966462 A9 WO 9966462A9
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- button
- vended
- item
- vending machine
- selection button
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
- G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
- G07F9/023—Arrangements for display, data presentation or advertising
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a selection button, a vending machine with a selection button and method utilizing the selection button which all involve a selection button having at least a three-dimensional shape suggestive of an item to be vended.
- buttons Conventionally, vending machines have selection buttons. Graphics indicating the item to be vended can be placed adjacent or directly on these selection buttons.
- the buttons themselves are usually either rectangular or circular but generally the only indication of what item is to be vended is with the graphics associated with the selection button. Therefore, a consumer must stop and read the selections or at least review the associated graphics before selecting an item.
- a better selection button arrangement is needed.
- Such a selection button can increase the chance of an impulse purchase by a consumer.
- the consumer can quickly see what items are to be vended and can therefore readily select an item.
- a selection button which has a three- dimensional shape suggestive of the item to be vended.
- This button can include graphics which make the selection button look like the item to be vended.
- a selection button for a vending machine having a three-dimensional shape suggestive of an item to be vended.
- a vending machine comprising a vending machine housing, and at least one selection button on the vending machine housing, the at least one selection button including means for informing the consumer of an item to be vended upon activation of the button, the means for informing including a three-dimensional shape of the button which is suggestive of the item to be vended.
- a method or informing the consumer of an item to be vended from a vending machine comprising the steps of providing at least one selection button on the vending machine, providing the at least one selection button in a three-dimensional shape suggestive of an item to be vended from the vending machine, and displaying graphics on the at least one selection button which graphics simulate the item to be vended whereby the three-dimensional shape and the graphics on the at least one selection button simulate the item to be vended thereby visually informing a consumer of the item to be vended.
- Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a vending machine with a plurality of selection buttons of the present invention
- Figure 2 is an enlarged view of one of the selection buttons of the present invention.
- Figure 3 is a side view of the selection button shown in Figure 2 with the graphics omitted for clarity;
- Figure 4 is a top view of the selection button of Figure 2 ;
- Figure 5 is an example of a type of item to be vended from the vending machine.
- a vending machine 10 is shown. While the vending machine 10 of the present invention has a contour or wave-like front face, the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to many different shaped and sized vending machines. For example, conventional rectangular vending machine can utilize the principles of the present invention.
- buttons 12 are shown in the vending machine 10 as shown in Figure 1, a plurality of selection buttons 12 are shown. While three rows and four columns of selection buttons and an additional selection button 12' are shown, the configuration and number of these selection buttons 12, 12' can be modified. Moreover, while the selection button 12' is shown having a shape similar to the matrix of buttons 12, the additional selection button 12' can have a different shape from the buttons 12. The particular shape of the selection buttons 12 will be discussed in more detail below.
- Adjacent the additional selection button 12' is a bill validator 14 and a coin slot 16.
- the vending machine 10 can be activated in order to permit discharge of an item from the vend port 18 upon selection of one of the buttons 12, 12'.
- This vending arrangement is well-known in the art.
- Control means 20 is generically shown in Figure 1. This control means 20 is responsive to a signal from the bill validator 14 or coin slot 16 indicating receipt of sufficient funds for dispensing of an article. Upon activation of one of the selection buttons 12, 12', the control means 20 will cause release of the item from the vend port 18. This arrangement of the control means 20 is well known in the art as noted above.
- a video display 22 and coin return 24 are shown in the face of the vending machine 10.
- the video display can be replaced by a light box with graphics as is conventionally used in a vending machine or with a coupon dispenser, video game or any other suitable arrangement.
- the coin return 24 is shown as being located in the vend port 18. This enables the consumer to reach to one general location in order to remove both the selected vended item and any returned change. This arrangement is very convenient for a consumer and can speed the total transaction time because the consumer must not first retrieve change and then retrieve the selected item. Rather change and item retrieval can be done in one series of continuous steps. While the coin return 24 is shown in the vend port 18, this coin return 24 can be located in any other suitable position on the vending machine 10. In fact, the selection buttons 12, 12'; bill validator 14; coin select 16; vend port 18; video display 22 and coin return 24 can be moved about the face of the vending machine.
- This selection button 12 has an outer surface 26 which is engageable by the consumer.
- This outer surface 26 has a shape which is suggestive of an item to be vended.
- a beverage can 34 such as shown in Figure 5 is intended to be vended when selection buttons 12 are used.
- This can shown in Figure 5 looks similar to the selection button 12 and therefore, the button 12 suggests the item to be vended.
- the three-dimensional shape and associated graphics of the selection button 12 form a connection in a consumer's mind to the vended item.
- the outer surface 26 of the selection button 12 has two opposed sides 28 and 30 which are generally parallel. These opposed sides 28 and 30 form the top and bottom of the beverage can which the button 12 represents .
- the outer surface of the button further has a curved side 32 which has a semi-cylindrical shape. Rather than being a whole cylinder similar to can 34, this selection button 12 is contemplated as being only a portion, such as half of the cylinder which forms a typical beverage can.
- Figure 3 shows a side view of selection button 12 while Figure 4 shows a top view with one of the opposing sides 28 being visible. From these views in Figures 3 and 4, the semi-cylindrical shape of the selection button 12 can be seen.
- the beverage can 46 shown in Figure 5 will typically have a tapered upper surface 38 and a pushed down tab 36, for example.
- the selection button 12 is not an exact replica of all these features of the beverage can 34. In other words, the tapering upper surface 38 and tab 36 are omitted from the simulation in button 12 as shown in Figure 2. Of course, these features could be included on button 12 is so desired. Nonetheless, the three-dimensional shape of the selection button 12 along with the associated graphics 40 sufficiently resemble the beverage can 36 to thereby be suggestive of the item to be vended from the vending machine 10. Therefore, the selection button 12 with at least its three-dimensional configuration acts as means for informing the consumer of the item to be vended upon activation of the button 12.
- Figure 2 shows the trademark "Coca-Cola Classic”TM, the Contour Bottle TM as well as slogans from the beverage can 36.
- the graphics 40 shown in Figure 2 are not meant to be limited to the particular graphics used in the selection button. Rather, Figure 2 merely illustrates the degree to which the selection button 12 will resemble the can 36, the item to be vended. If so desired, additional graphics such as the product's size or any other additional slogans can be included on the selection button 12. Also, not only Coca- Cola ClassicTM, but Sprite TM, Diet CokeTM or other brands of items to be vended can be illustrated by the graphics 40 shown in Figure 2.
- Figure 2 includes certain graphics, these graphics have been omitted from the selection buttons 12, 12' in Figures 1, 3 and 4 for clarity. It is contemplated that the selection buttons 12, 12' will include appropriate graphics for the items to be vended therefrom. Moreover, while a beverage can 34 is to be vended from machine 10, it is also possible to vend other types of items such a beverage in bottles . The three-dimensional shape and graphics associated with the selection buttons 12 would then be varied in order to match the item to be vended. The principles of the instant invention are therefore applicable to many different types of vending machines. In fact, these principles are applicable to vending machines which do not require coin activation, or which have their selection buttons arranged in any desired configuration on the machine. Moreover, with brand recognition, a consumer can select an item to be vended without the need for reading text on the vending machine. Thus, the principles of the present invention provide universal information about a product to be vended.
- the graphics 40 include both text and pictorial material. It is possible to include only pictorial material or text and it is contemplated that these graphics in association with the three-dimensional shape of the selection button 12 will provide means for informing a consumer of the item to be vended upon activation of the button 12.
- the selection button 12 or 12' could have the shape of the bottle.
- the associated graphics for the vended bottle can be included on the selection button similar to the graphics which are included when beverage cans 34 are vended.
- the present invention provides for a method for quickly informing the consumer of a item to be vended from the vending machine 10.
- the method further comprises the steps of providing at least one selection button 12 on the vending machine 10.
- the at least one selection button is provided with the three-dimensional shape which is suggestive of a shape of an item to be vended such as the beverage can 34.
- Graphics 40 are displayed on the at least one selection button which graphics simulate the item to be vended whereby the three-dimensional shape and the graphics 40 on the at least one selection button 12 simulate the item to be vended. A consumer is therefore visually informed of the item to be vended.
- the selected item such as beverage can 34 is vended from machine 10 through port 18.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
- Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA002335073A CA2335073A1 (en) | 1998-06-19 | 1999-06-16 | Selection button for a vending machine |
BR9911384-8A BR9911384A (en) | 1998-06-19 | 1999-06-16 | Selection button for a vending machine, respective vending machine and process for informing a consumer of an item to be sold by the vending machine. |
MXPA00012537A MXPA00012537A (en) | 1998-06-19 | 1999-06-16 | Selection button for a vending machine. |
EP99928635A EP1088289A1 (en) | 1998-06-19 | 1999-06-16 | Selection button for a vending machine |
AU45657/99A AU744376B2 (en) | 1998-06-19 | 1999-06-16 | Selection button for a vending machine |
JP2000555214A JP2002518756A (en) | 1998-06-19 | 1999-06-16 | Select button for vending machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10009598A | 1998-06-19 | 1998-06-19 | |
US09/100,095 | 1998-06-19 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1999066462A1 WO1999066462A1 (en) | 1999-12-23 |
WO1999066462A9 true WO1999066462A9 (en) | 2000-03-16 |
Family
ID=22278079
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1999/013370 WO1999066462A1 (en) | 1998-06-19 | 1999-06-16 | Selection button for a vending machine |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1088289A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002518756A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1130671C (en) |
AR (1) | AR018895A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU744376B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR9911384A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2335073A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA00012537A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999066462A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB9928736D0 (en) * | 1999-12-03 | 2000-02-02 | Ncr Int Inc | Self-service terminal |
CN108986307A (en) * | 2018-07-19 | 2018-12-11 | 赵东 | A kind of multi-functional multilayer smoke sale apparatus and method |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5090589A (en) * | 1984-06-22 | 1992-02-25 | The Coca-Cola Company | Coin-operated vending machine |
DE4037689A1 (en) * | 1990-11-27 | 1992-06-04 | Lange Helmut | Cashless cigarette vending machine with integral computer system - is operated by credit card etc., and can support remote data acquisition |
US5413245A (en) * | 1992-01-22 | 1995-05-09 | Wright Food Systems, Inc. | Vending system having improved vending access and identification |
JPH0991513A (en) * | 1995-09-22 | 1997-04-04 | Shibaura Eng Works Co Ltd | Automatic vending machine |
EP0965091A1 (en) * | 1996-10-15 | 1999-12-22 | Tokheim Corporation | Touch menu panel sales terminal |
JPH10228561A (en) * | 1997-02-17 | 1998-08-25 | Sanden Corp | Vending machine |
JP3927656B2 (en) * | 1997-08-04 | 2007-06-13 | 日本たばこ産業株式会社 | vending machine |
-
1999
- 1999-06-16 CN CN99807593A patent/CN1130671C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-06-16 MX MXPA00012537A patent/MXPA00012537A/en unknown
- 1999-06-16 JP JP2000555214A patent/JP2002518756A/en active Pending
- 1999-06-16 BR BR9911384-8A patent/BR9911384A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-06-16 WO PCT/US1999/013370 patent/WO1999066462A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-06-16 EP EP99928635A patent/EP1088289A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-06-16 AU AU45657/99A patent/AU744376B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1999-06-16 CA CA002335073A patent/CA2335073A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-06-18 AR ARP990102943A patent/AR018895A1/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU744376B2 (en) | 2002-02-21 |
AR018895A1 (en) | 2001-12-12 |
WO1999066462A1 (en) | 1999-12-23 |
MXPA00012537A (en) | 2002-11-07 |
BR9911384A (en) | 2001-03-13 |
CA2335073A1 (en) | 1999-12-23 |
EP1088289A1 (en) | 2001-04-04 |
CN1130671C (en) | 2003-12-10 |
JP2002518756A (en) | 2002-06-25 |
AU4565799A (en) | 2000-01-05 |
CN1306652A (en) | 2001-08-01 |
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