WO2007100400A2

WO2007100400A2 - Propane vending machine and method of providing propane cylinders

Info

Publication number: WO2007100400A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/061422
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stuart L. Meether; Norman Darrell Neugebauer
Original assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
Priority date: 2005-12-01
Filing date: 2006-11-30
Publication date: 2007-09-07
Also published as: WO2007100400A3

Abstract

A vending machine (20) for vending propane cylinders (22), and a method of providing propane. An arrangement may be made with a local propane distributor to fill and maintain the propane vending machine (20). Multiple propane vending machines (20) may be provided at a site so as to supply sufficient quantities of propane cylinders (22). In addition, a container may be provided for returning empty cylinders (30). The local propane distributor may collect the empty cylinders (30) and return them to a manufacturer for recycle or recharge. A propane vending machine may take a special token in exchange for a propane cylinder (22).

Description

PROPANE VENDING MACHINE AND METHOD OF PROVIDING PROPANE CYLINDERS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

(0001) This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/742,083, filed December 1, 2005.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

(0002) The present invention generally relates to sales of liquid fuel, and more particularly to a method of providing propane cylinders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(0003) Liquid fuel is used for a variety of outdoor fuel burning appliances. As examples, many users own grills, lanterns, stoves, and many other appliances that may be used in an outdoor environment and that utilize liquid fuel as a fuel source.

(0004) For many home applications, a home owner may use a twenty pound propane cylinder to supply liquid fuel to an outdoor fuel burning appliance. These cylinders may be easily refilled or exchanged at many hardware or convenience stores . (0005) When tailgating or camping, a user often does not want to transport a large twenty pound propane cylinder. More often, the user will use 16 fluid ounce propane cylinders, such as the well-known green cylinders marketed by The Coleman Company, Inc., assignee of the present invention .

(0006) One problem with sales of propane cylinders is that the fire marshals of almost all of the states in the United States allow only two hundred pounds of propane to be kept within a single store. Thus, if sales are brisk, there must be constant replenishment of inventory because a large number of the small propane cylinders cannot be stored onsite .

(0007) Moreover, handling of the cylinders can be difficult. The propane cylinders are bulky and heavy, weighing just under 2 pounds each when full. Although some cylinders are typically given premium shelf space, the remaining cylinders within a store are often kept in out-of- the-way places because retailers do not want to commit the amount of premium shelf space required to store all of them. A store clerk or other personnel must continually restock cylinders to the prime shelf space, which is difficult because of their bulk and weight. SUMNLARY OF THE INVENTION

(0008) The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

(0009) In accordance with an embodiment, a vending machine for vending propane cylinders is provided. The vending machine may be positioned, for example, outside of a store, in a park, or in a campground.

(0010) In accordance with an embodiment, an arrangement may be made with a local propane distributor to fill and maintain the propane vending machine. If desired, multiple propane vending machines may be provided at a site so as to supply sufficient quantities of propane cylinders. In addition, a container may be provided for returning empty cylinders. The local propane distributor may collect the empty cylinders and return them to a manufacturer for recycle or recharge.

(0011) In accordance with an embodiment, a propane vending machine may take a special token. The coin or token may be sold within a store so as to draw a customer into the store for purchase. As an alternative, a propane vending machine may be structured to receive coins, paper money, and/or credit or debit cards.

(0012) In an embodiment, the propane vending machine provides an advertising space for the manufacturer of the propane cylinders, the distributor of the propane cylinders, and/or the store associated with the propane vending machine .

(0013) Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(0014) FIGURE 1 shows a side perspective view of a propane vending machine in accordance with an embodiment;

(0015) FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a propane vending machine; and

(0016) FIG. 3 shows a side perspective view of yet another embodiment of a propane vending machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(0017) In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well- known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

(0018) Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a propane vending machine 20 in accordance with an embodiment. Although described as a "propane" vending machine, the vending machine and the methods described herein may be used for delivery of other liquid fuels in canisters of various sizes. In the examples described herein, however, the propane vending machine 20 is described with reference to dispensing sixteen fluid ounce propane cylinders 22, also known as one pound propane cylinders .

(0019) The propane vending machine 20 shown in FIG. 1 includes a glass door 24 and a coin slot 26. This design of a propane machine is designed similar to known soda vending machines that have a glass door and which, upon opening of the glass door, provide access to the front neck of a soda bottle. Materials other than glass, such as polycarbonate or other plastics, may be employed in the glass door 24. After money is deposited in the prior art soda vending machines, a user is free to release one of the bottles from the machine. Usually, a number of different soda bottles are presented for the user's selection.

(0020) The propane vending machine 20 may be structured in a similar manner, but may include propane cylinders 22 instead of the soda bottles. If desired, as an alternative to the design shown in the drawing, only a single propane cylinder 22 may be provided for removal, because unlike the prior art soda machines, there typically would be only one choice for selection within the propane vending machine 20. The propane vending machine 20 may also be designed to be explosion proof, and to be well-ventilated in case of a propane leak.

(0021) In a normal state, the propane cylinders 22 are locked into the propane vending machine 20. A user may open the glass to access the propane cylinders 22, but the cylinders are locked in place and cannot be removed. Upon completing a financial transaction, such as depositing money into the coin slot 26, a user is free to pull one of the propane cylinders 22 out of the propane vending machine 20.

(0022) An alternate embodiment of a propane vending machine 120 is shown in FIG. 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the propane vending machine 120 is arranged like a floor freezer unit, and includes a lid 122 that hinges upward and covers the top of the propane vending machine 120. Again, this propane vending machine 120 is like a prior art soda vending machine in that it includes a slot 124 along which propane cylinders 22 may slide. In the prior art soda machines, soda bottles slide along similar slots. A separate slot is provided for each type of soda. In contrast, a single serpentine slot 124 that follows a serpentine path may be provided for the propane vending machine 120. The slot 124 may be in other configurations as well, such as a spiral. A money system (not shown) allows unlocking of the slot 124 to allow a propane cylinder 22 to slide to and through an opening 126 at the end of the slot 124.

(0023) FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment of a propane vending machine 220. The propane vending machine 220 includes serpentine racks 222 that direct propane cylinders 22 along a serpentine path downward to an opening 224. These propane cylinders 22 are dispensed as a result of a user completing a financial transaction at the propane vending machine 220, for example by inserting money into the propane vending machine. The serpentine racks may comprise other configurations, such as a spiral or helix. In addition, while the FIG. 3 shows a vending machine 220 having two serpentine racks, a vending machine may have one serpentine rack or more than two.

(0024) In accordance with an embodiment, a propane vending machine, such as one of the propane vending machines 20, 120, 220 relies purely on mechanical money systems and dispensing of the propane cylinders 22. That is, by completing a financial transaction, a propane cylinder 22 may be released for a user without the aid of electricity. In this manner, the dispensing of propane cylinders by the vending machine does not have to be powered by an electrical current. Thus, the vending machine may be utilized where electrical power is not available. In addition, electrical power does not have to be safely managed with respect to the propane cylinders 22. For each of the propane vending machines 20, 120, such mechanical dispensing systems are well-known in the soda vending machine art, and may be applied to the propane vending machines in accordance with embodiments. The transaction component may also be electricity independent or not.

(0025) In accordance with an embodiment, a propane vending machine, such as the propane vending machines 20, 120, 220, may use a variety of different methods for a financial transaction. For example, a coin slot, such as the coin slot 26, may be provided for receiving metal money. In addition, a bill receiver for the receipt of paper money may be provided. If desired, a card slot may be utilized that may receive debit or credit cards. Also, any payment system may be utilized, such as a system that uses wireless communication (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID)) between a purchaser' s card or other device and a terminal able to communicate with the card or other device. In addition, a payment system may be utilized whereby a store gives a purchaser a code that the purchaser may enter into a keypad or other data entry device on a propane vending machine in order to receive one or more propane cylinders.

(0026) In addition, in accordance with an embodiment, an intermediate object, such as a stamped metal piece, a key fob, a code, or a chip may be sold to individuals that may then be used in the propane vending machines. The object may be tangible, such as a stamped metal piece, or intangible such as a code or credit stored on a magnetic card. Similarly, credits for propane cylinders may be stored on a magnetic card. An intermediate object used as a substitute for money is hereinafter referred to as a "token." In the case of the magnetic card, a credit stored on the card is a token.

(0027) Use of a token provides the advantage of requiring only a single item be deposited in a propane vending machine, instead of multiple pieces of currency. In addition, use of tokens provides an opportunity for volume discounts for merchants, if desirable. As an example, a merchant may sell a dozen tokens for a ten or twenty percent discount to a single token price.

(0028) Another advantage of using a token system is that a user is drawn to the inside of a store for purchase of a token. If a propane vending machine is positioned outside a store and a token system is not used, a purchaser may utilize the propane vending machine without entering the store. By drawing a potential purchaser into the store, the merchant may attract the purchase of other products.

(0029) In accordance with an embodiment, a deposit slot 28 (FIG. 1) may be provided on a propane vending machine, such as the propane vending machine 20, or in an area close to the propane vending machine. The deposit slot 28 allows users to deposit empty cylinders 30 for recycle or recharging.

(0030) In addition, in accordance with the embodiment of the propane vending machine 220 shown in FIG. 3, the serpentine racks 222 or parts of the racks 222 may be removable. Deposit slots 226 may be provided on the front of the propane vending machine or in another suitable location that permit users to drop empty cylinders into the propane vending machine. These cylinders may align with and may be stored on the serpentine rack 222. Thus, as full propane cylinders 22 are removed from the serpentine rack 222 via purchases, the serpentine rack may be filled with empty bottles. A propane delivery service may then remove the removable portion of the rack with the empty propane cylinders thereon, and then replace the serpentine rack 222 or the removable portion thereof with a full rack. This method provides a quick and easy way to fill the propane vending machine 220, and to remove empty propane cylinders 30.

(0031) In another embodiment, the slots 124 in the propane vending machine 120 (FIG. 2) may provide a mechanism by which empty bottles may be inserted from an opposite end of the serpentine path from the opening 126. Thus, as full cylinders are purchased, empty cylinders may be added. A propane service may then remove an empty rack and replace it with a full serpentine slot 124.

(0032) If desired, a deposit may be required for a propane cylinder purchase. The deposit may be returned when a user deposits an empty propane cylinder into one of the deposit slot 226 or on the serpentine slot 124. A vending machine, such as the vending machines 20, 120, 220, may include a device for recognizing propane cylinders, for example, to prevent people from receiving a deposit for depositing objects other than propane cylinders into the vending machine. (0033) In accordance with an embodiment, the outside of a propane vending machine, such as one of the propane vending machines 20, 120, 220, may include advertising space. This advertising space may promote the manufacturer of the propane cylinders 22, the owner of the propane service that fills the propane vending machine, and/or the store or location where the propane vending machine is located. As an alternative, advertising space may be rented on the outside of the propane vending machines.

(0034) In an embodiment, a propane service may maintain propane vending machines for a single store, or for a chain of stores, parks, and/or campgrounds. One or more propane vending machines may be located outside of a store or in a park, campground, or campsite, for example. The propane service may check the propane vending machines on a regular basis to restock the vending machines and perform any other service that may be needed. In addition, a vending machine, such as the vending machines 20, 120, 220, may include a device for signaling a propane service that the vending machine requires service, such as if the vending machine's inventory is below a certain level or if other maintenance is required.

(0035) If a propane service is utilized in conjunction with the token system of the present invention, a store does not have to handle propane cylinders 22 at all, thus alleviating inventory control and management issues. Instead, the propane service handles all propane stocking and services the vending machines. An agreement may be reached with respect to fees for the propane service.

(0036) A manufacturer of propane cylinders may contract with a number of different propane services, each propane service servicing a particular region or set of stores. A propane service may also be part of a distribution network for a large chain of stores.

(0037) By using the token system, a store may sell tokens that may be used at a later point (for example via volume discounts) , thus providing the advantage to the store owner of income without a corresponding reduction in inventory. As an example, a propane vending machine, such as the propane vending machine 20, may be located outside of a store. Inside the store, tokens may be sold, for example, in quantities of three, six, ten, or twelve. A user may buy a six pack of tokens but may only want two propane cylinders 22 on this trip. The user may save the additional tokens for later use, but the store has the immediate use of the money. In addition, if desired, the tokens may be usable on machines other than those outside the store, for example, in a park or at a campground. Thus, the user does not have to transport the propane cylinders, but instead just carries the tokens to a campground or a park, and obtains propane cylinders as needed.

(0038) The tokens may utilize advanced technology for recognition by the propane vending machines. For example, the tokens may utilize radio frequency identification (RFID) . In addition, the tokens may include a special design or decoration so that they are readily identifiable by a propane vending machine, and/or become collectors' pieces.

(0039) Vending machines may also dispense other items in addition to cylinders of propane. For instance, a vending machine may dispense disposable ponchos, mantles for lanterns, matches, rope, and/or other camping accessories.

A vending machine may also sell food, or, in general, may dispense any item that is capable of being dispensed by a vending machine. Such items may be dispensed along with or addition to cylinders of propane. For example, a vending machine may be configured similar to current beverage vending machines and may comprise several bays, at least one bay for dispensing cylinders of propane and the remaining bays for dispensing other items.

(0040) Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

(0041) The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

(0042) Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above- described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of providing propane, comprising: positioning at least one store vending machine outside of a store, the store vending machine configured to provide a propane cylinder in exchange for a first type of token; and selling the first type of token inside the store.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving empty propane cylinders within the store vending machine .

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising issuing something of value in exchange for an empty cylinder of propane .

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising, positioning at least one park vending machine inside a park or campground, the park vending machine positioned inside the park or campground configured to provide a cylinder of propane in exchange of at least one of the first type of token or money.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising displaying advertising on at least one park vending machine.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising selling the rights for said advertising.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying advertising on at least one store vending machine .

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising selling the rights for said advertising.

9. A method of providing propane cylinders, comprising : positioning a plurality of vending machines at a plurality of locations, the vending machines configured to provide a cylinder of propane in exchange for at least one of a token or money; and through a single propane service, routinely stocking said vending machines with additional propane cylinders.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of locations includes at least one of outside of a store, in a park, or in a campground.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein routinely stocking comprises servicing the vending machines on a regular basis.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising receiving empty propane cylinders at at least one of the vending machines, and retrieving the empty propane cylinders when routinely stocking said at least one propane vending machines .

13. A vending machine, comprising: a storage area for receiving a plurality of propane cylinders; and a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense at least one cylinder of propane from the storage area in response to a transaction.

14. The vending machine of claim 13, wherein the transaction comprises the receipt of at least one of a token or money.

15. The vending machine of claim 13, further comprising an opening configured to allow retrieval of at least one the cylinders of propane upon dispensing said one cylinder .

16. The vending machine of claim 13, further comprising a slot or rack for guiding the cylinders of propane towards the opening.

17. The vending machine of claim 16, further comprising a deposit slot for receiving empty cylinders of propane .

18. The vending machine of claim 17, wherein the deposit slot is configured to receive the empty cylinders of propane into the slot or rack.

19. The vending machine of claim 13, further comprising a deposit slot for receiving empty cylinders of propane .

20. The vending machine of claim 13, wherein the dispensing mechanism is further configured to dispense at least one item other than a cylinder of propane from the storage area in response to a transaction.