WO2017096433A1

WO2017096433A1 - A secure display and vending machine

Info

Publication number: WO2017096433A1
Application number: PCT/AU2016/051217
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen William Erwin
Original assignee: STRETTON, Michael
Priority date: 2015-12-10
Filing date: 2016-12-09
Publication date: 2017-06-15
Also published as: AU2016367713A1

Abstract

A secure display and vending machine including a housing to at least partially enclose at least one item available for display and purchase; at least one indexing mechanism; at least one support having a number of suspension elements spaced thereover, each for suspending an item therefrom, the at least one support associated with the at least one indexing mechanism to be indexed by the at least one indexing mechanism; at least one gate located relative to an end of the at least one support to actuate release of the item from the suspension element; and a control mechanism to accept payment for the at least one item and actuate the at least one indexing mechanism to advance to release the item from the suspension element.

Description

A SECURE DISPLAY AND VENDING MACHINE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of vending machines and more particularly to a secure display and vending machine for vending within stores.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A vending machine is a machine that dispenses items such as snacks, beverages, alcohol, cigarettes, lottery tickets to customers automatically, after the customer inserts currency or credit into the machine.

[0003] Although some vending machines operate on an honesty system (newspaper vending machines in the United States) most vending machines have a mechanism that only dispenses a single item at a time, usually releasing the item so that it falls into an open compartment at the bottom. Although the mechanisms vary, many include a rotating helical member that is rotated to dispense a single item after payment is received.

[0004] Vending machines have a closed housing which must be unlocked in order to load the items into the vending machine. The only other access is intended for a customer to unlock a door, drawer, or turn of a knob.

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to a secure display and vending machine, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a secure display and vending machine including a) a housing to at least partially enclose at least one item available for display and purchase; b) at least one indexing mechanism;

c) at least one support having a number of suspension elements spaced thereover, each for suspending an item therefrom, the at least one support associated with the at least one indexing mechanism to be indexed by the at least one indexing mechanism;

d) at least one gate located relative to an end of the at least one support to actuate release of the item from the suspension element; and

e) a control mechanism to accept payment for the at least one item and actuate the at least one indexing mechanism to advance to release the item from the suspension element.

[0008] The display and vending machine of the present invention is particularly adapted for in-store vending, that is, vending items in a shelf environment where the display and vending machine is provided integrally with shelving, or alternatively, in a countertop embodiment.

[0009] The display and vending machine of the present invention is preferably an open display and vending cabinet with a secure release mechanism to prevent theft. The present invention is adapted to display the items as well as securely hold the items until purchased. The display and vending machine of the present invention will therefore have at least one clear or transparent wall in order that a potential customer can view the items contained within the machine.

[0010] Normally, the display and vending machine of the present invention will include a number of different items to be sold, normally, a plurality of sets of similar items with each set of items on a support. The items may be similar in type but from different manufacturers or completely different types of items may be sold in the one vending machine.

[0011] The display and vending machine of the present invention includes a housing to at least partially enclose at least one item for display and purchase. As mentioned above, normally multiple items are contained within the housing and the items may not all be the same and indeed, quite often, a number of different items are contained within the same vending machine housing. The items are normally arranged in rows of similar items within the housing with each row being supported by a support and items thereon dispensed by an indexing mechanism. Any number of rows may be provided and any number of items may be provided per row.

[0012] The housing normally includes a base, a rear wall, a pair of opposed side walls and a top wall. The housing may be provided with a front wall or front wall portion. In the preferred open embodiment, an upper front wall portion is preferably provided covering the mechanism for indexing and dispensing the items as purchased but with the remainder of the front of the housing, especially that portion in front of the items themselves, left open or unobstructed by a wall.

[0013] In some preferred embodiments, particularly with much higher value items, for example perfume or jewellery, a front wall may be provided, preferably a clear front wall and where provided, the front wall may extend downwardly from the upper front wall portion but spaced from the base of the housing at a lower end in order to define an opening through which items can be removed once purchased.

[0014] A door may be provided in a lower portion of the front of the housing, particularly adjacent the collection area and through which users can collect their purchased items. Where provided, the door is preferably hinged to one or more other portions of the housing in order to allow the door to be opened. The door is preferably shaped to allow extraction/collection of the items purchased but to prevent further access to the internal area of the housing and particularly to the indexing mechanism(s).

[0015] An access door is preferably provided in order to load items into the housing. The access door may be provided in any location, but preferably is provided in the rear and/or upper portion of the housing. In one preferred embodiment, the rear wall of the housing and the top wall of the housing are rigidly mounted relative to one another and the rear and top walls may be hinged open about one or more hinges provided at an upper portion of the housing in order to allow access to the upper and rear portion of the housing to load items.

[0016] The base of the housing is preferably three-dimensional with an inclined floor angled downwardly and forwardly in order to direct any items released into a forward collection area to allow access (and collection) by a customer. In some preferred embodiments, the base is wedge shaped with a higher rear portion and a lower front portion.

[0017] Preferably, a collection area is provided or defined at or towards a forward edge of the base. Normally, the collection area extends across the width of the housing. The collection area may include advertising or similar material applied thereto.

[0018] Components of the display and vending machine are preferably provided in the base. For example, the base will preferably include the electrical connection in order to drive the components within and may include a power converter as well as the component allowing the vending machine to operate.

[0019] An underside of the base may include one or more foot members, preferably resilient foot members in order to provide a nonslip base which has an additional advantage of absorbing any vibration which may be produced by the mechanisms of the machine.

[0020] The base can be made of any material or combinations of material. It is preferred that any walls of the base are opaque in order to obscure view of operating components contained within. The base is preferably made of metal and/or plastic.

[0021] The housing also preferably includes a rear wall. Preferably, the rear wall is substantially planar and may, as discussed above, form part of a hinged access door. The rear wall may be attached to other walls or wall portions. It is also preferred that the rear wall is opaque in order to obscure the mechanism inside the housing. Preferably the rear wall is made of metal and/or plastic.

[0022] The housing also preferably includes a pair of opposed side walls. Preferably, the sidewalls are substantially planar and. The sidewalls may be attached to other walls or wall portions. The sidewalls or a portion of each side wall may be transparent or partially transparent. The sidewalls are preferably shaped. In some preferred embodiments, the sidewalls will have substantially straight rear edges, and the top edge is preferably straight with an arcuate forward portion to create an appealing look for the housing. Preferably the sidewalls are made of metal and/or plastic.

[0023] The housing also preferably includes a top wall. Preferably, the top wall is substantially planar and may, as discussed above, form part of a hinged access door. The top wall may be attached to other walls or wall portions. It is also preferred that the top wall is opaque in order to obscure the mechanism inside the housing. Preferably the top wall is made of metal and/or plastic.

[0024] The display and vending machine of the present invention also includes at least one indexing mechanism. Generally a number of indexing mechanisms are provided, with one indexing mechanism provided for each row of items within the vending machine. The indexing mechanism may be provided at the rear of the housing but preferably, each indexing mechanism is provided at an upper, forward portion of the housing, associated with each support.

[0025] Each indexing mechanism is also preferably associated with a control mechanism, preferably a dispensing control portion in order to follow the instructions issued from the dispensing control portion to dispense items as purchased. Typically, all of the indexing mechanisms provided in the vending machine are linked to the dispensing control portion so that the dispensing control portion can activate the required indexing mechanism based on the item selected for purchase by the user.

[0026] The indexing mechanism is preferably an indexing motor and typically moves the support with which it is associated through a specific distance or displacement such that the movement of the support results in an item being dispensed from the support.

[0027] The display and vending machine of the present invention also includes at least one support having a number of suspension elements spaced thereover, each for suspending an item therefrom, the at least one support associated with the at least one indexing mechanism to be indexed by the at least one indexing mechanism.

[0028] Any type of support can be used. Preferably however the support is a closed loop support. Normally, the closed loop support is provided around a guide structure at one end and a driven member associated with the indexing mechanism at the other end. Preferably, the driven member is driven directly by the output of the indexing mechanism in order to reduce complexity. The driven member preferably engages with the support to move the support and the engagement will depend on the type of support.

[0029] One or more guides may be provided between the guide structure and the driven member. Preferably, the loop support is substantially planar between the 2, preferably arcuate ends. In some embodiments, the loop support is a chain (the driven member and guide structure are normally toothed wheels or similar) or belt (the driven member and guide structure are normally cylindrical with friction engagement with the belt) or similar.

[0030] It is preferred that the loop support has the ability to removably engage with the suspension elements, or the suspension elements may be attached thereto. Each suspension element is preferably a hook or similar. A pincer or clamp could be used but a hook is preferred, primarily for simplicity as a pincer or clamp will require additional components to release and engage items as required. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hook will include a downcomer portion and a rearwardly extending hook portion. The hook is preferably substantially unitary, normally formed from a single bent piece of metal or moulded plastic.

[0031] The hook portion of the hook is preferably angled relative to the downcomer portion. In a preferred embodiment, the hook portion is angled upward slightly, at or slightly less than 90°. According to an alternative embodiment, the hook is angled upwardly much more steeply at an acute angle which can be less than 45° and preferably closer to 30°. The configuration or particular shape of the hook may be particularly important in preventing unauthorised tampering or removal of items from the preferred hook. In particular, a larger angle (closer to 90°) will generally allow removal of items rearwardly off the hook more easily which is advantageous for dispensing when an item is purchased, but less preferred for security as items may be more easily manually disengaged from the hook. [0032] In contrast, a smaller angle makes it difficult for a user to manually manipulate items to remove the item from the hook. In particular, the hook member may be provided such that rotation of the hook member in the plane of the hook portion is required in order to free the item from the hook. If a potential thief attempts this manually, then the item will preferably abut a portion of the mechanism of the vending machine, preventing dislodgement of the item from the hook. In order to dispense the item from the hook, the hook will typically rotate upwardly about the driven member at a forward end of the support which will result in the hook portion of the hook rotating, effectively "flattening" the hook portion, allowing release of the item from the hook portion without the item abutting any portion of the mechanism of the vending machine (except the gate).

[0033] It is preferred that a number of suspension elements are equally spaced over the support. The suspension elements may be pivotally attached to the support to allow some movement fore and aft, although this movement is preferably limited, particularly the rearward movement. Normally, the suspension elements are made from metal but they could be made from any other material such as plastic.

[0034] It is to be noted at this juncture that the reverse configuration may also apply wherein the item to be vended has a hook or similar that engages with a suspension element provided on the support.

[0035] The at least one support may be adjustable as to length. Further, the at least one support and any associated indexing mechanism may be adjustable as to position within the vending machine housing in order to adjust the spacing of supports and indexing mechanisms to account for different size items to be dispensed by the vending machines.

[0036] The at least one support and any associated indexing mechanism may be removeable from the vending machine housing in order to account for different size items to be dispensed by the vending machines.

[0037] According to an alternative embodiment, the access door to refill the vending machine may be provided at the front. In this embodiment, the at least one support and any associated indexing mechanism may be reversible in direction allowing an operator to load items one by one onto the suspension elements and then index the support in reverse as required. One or more sensors may be provided to only allow the reversing of the support when the door is opened and to disable the reversibility at all other times.

[0038] The suspension elements spaced over each at least one support may include a basket or similar container or holding device for holding an item, the basket suspended from the at least one support. Some of the items that may be dispensed may not be provide with a carded package with an opening therein which does not allow use of the hook suspension elements explained above. The basket or similar container or holding device will preferably be or include a moulded basket, facing rearwardly and as the basket moves forward, the gate will act to eject the item from the basket.

[0039] The basket or similar container or holding device is preferably mounted on a swivel or pivot so as it moves around the end of the support, it will lay on the support when in the empty position and when it clears the other end of the support, it will re-orient into the hanging position.

[0040] The display and vending machine of the present invention also includes at least one gate located at a forward end of the at least one support to actuate release of the item from the suspension element. Any type of gate may be provided. The gate is preferably provided to assist with removal of an item from the suspension element while the suspension element is indexed by the indexing mechanism via the support.

[0041] The gate will preferably include a shaped opening through which the suspension element can move but the item mounted to the suspension element cannot pass. The shaped opening will preferably be provided with a periphery and it is particularly preferred that the periphery is shaped to allow the suspension element to pass but to abut the item or the packaging of the item on the suspension element in order to prevent travel in a forward direction of the item in order to assist with removal from the suspension element.

[0042] The opening is preferably arcuate and may be substantially V-shaped, substantially C-shaped or substantially U-shaped. The opening will normally be provided in a substantially planar plate or similar. The gate is preferably provided adjacent the support, normally towards a forward end, slightly forwardly of the axis of rotation of the driven member such that abutment of the item with the gate takes place as the downcomer of the hook is angled due to the rotation of the hook and the movement of the support.

[0043] According to the most preferred embodiment, a gate is provided for each support.

[0044] The display and vending machine of the present invention also includes a control mechanism and preferably, the control mechanism includes a number of subunits including an item selection subunit, a payment subunit and a dispensing control subunit. The item selection subunit will typically allow the user to select the item to be dispensed, the payment subunit will normally accept and validate payment and the dispensing control unit will subsequently control the movement of the support in order to dispense the item that has been purchased.

[0045] The control mechanism will normally include at least one display panel and the display panel may function as an interface, thereby forming a part of a number of subunits. Preferably, the display panel will form the main interface between the user and the vending machine. The display panel may be a touchscreen or similar, or one or more input devices may be provided in order to allow a user to find items and indicate their item selection. A software system is normally provided as a part of the control mechanism allowing a user to search for items contained in the machine. An item recognition system may be provided, preferably including at least one scanner or other input device linked to a software application whether onboard or not, in order to allow a user to search for items and if available in the particular machine, purchase those items.

[0046] The display panel may display advertising in relation to particular items within the vending machine. It is preferred that this advertising include audiovisual display and in particular, the advertising may be interactive allowing a user to select an item advertised and purchased that item from the vending machine. The advertising will normally be displayed when the machine is not being used by a user and moves to item selection when prompted by a user for example by touching the display screen.

[0047] The payment subunit of the control mechanism is preferably also primarily driven by a software application. It is preferred that the vending machine accept both physical tender as well as electronic payments but electronic payments are clearly the preferred method of accepting payment as this allows the vending machine to be smaller and less complex because it does not need to be able to process physical money nor provide change for example. The payment subunit will receive information from the selection subunit and provide instructions to the dispensing control unit in order to trigger the dispensing control subunit to dispense the purchased item once the payment has been processed.

[0048] The dispensing control subunit will typically receive instructions from the payment subunit and then trigger or activate the appropriate indexing mechanism in order to dispense the selected (and purchased) item.

[0049] The display and vending machine of the present invention may have product recognition functionality in order to monitor the inventory of items in the machine. For example, a sensing mechanism may be provided in order to allow the control mechanism of the vending machine to monitor inventory and issue advice to an operator if inventory is low and a refill or restock is required. Typically, the sensing mechanism will be capable of advising the operator of the number of units remaining in the machine and particular, the number of units remaining in each row in the machine. The advice issued will normally be an electronic message dispatched to a user computing device or similar and therefore, the display and vending machine of the present invention may also have access to at least one communications pathway.

[0050] The display and vending machine of the present invention is typically modular. This will typically allow a number of display and vending machines to be mounted together and operated from a single control mechanism.

[0051] The support may be mounted relative to an internal surface of the top wall of the vending machine or alternatively, may be mounted relative to a rear wall of the vending machine.

[0052] As mentioned above, a sensor may be provided in order to ascertain the number of items suspended from the suspension elements on each support. Typically this will be in infrared sensor. The sensor will normally be provided towards the rear of the vending machine and the sensor will normally be provided for each of the supports. In a particularly preferred

embodiment, the sensor will be provided adjacent to the gate and will therefore count items as they are dispensed from each of the supports.

[0053] As mentioned above, it is preferred that the support include a chain or similar with a number of suspension elements associated with the chain. The chain will normally be mounted for rotation between two sprockets or tooth wheels. At least one of the sprockets or tooth wheels may be mounted for sliding movement in order to maintain tension in the chain as items are removed and the weight on the chain decreases. It is preferred that at least one of the sprockets or tooth wheels is mounted for sliding movement in association with a tensioner or biasing arrangement which as the tension on the chain decreases due to items being dispensed, will act to draw at least one of the sprockets or toothed wheels away from the other of the sprockets or the toothed wheels in order to maintain the tension. Preferably, a tensioner biasing arrangement including a spring or similar which acts more or less directly on the sprocket or toothed wheel is provided.

[0054] One or more display and vending machines may be installed into a rack or similar for use. This may particularly be the case for the use of display and vending machines in supermarkets and the like. This will allow multiple display of vending machines to be used in a standard rack in a supermarket to dispose different items.

[0055] The display and vending machine of the present invention may include an arcuate product chute. Normally, the arcuate product chute will be highest at the end of the support which has the gate there and will normally tapered downwardly to an access point from the highest end.

[0056] The gate of the present invention may be located at the forward end of the machine or the rear side of the machine. Preferably, the gate will be provided at the rear of the machine such that the preferred chain with suspension elements will rotate towards the rear of the machine. The gate of a preferred embodiment will normally be a substantially planar plate with at least one opening therein.

[0057] In the preferred embodiment, the arcuate chute will be formed from one or more arcuate wall members and will preferably extend from adjacent to the gate adjacent to the rear wall of the display and vending machine curving forwardly and downwardly to a lower forward side of the machine. A separate partitioning member or assembly will normally be provided extending downwardly to terminate at a free edge which is spaced from the arcuate chute wall at a forward side of the machine. The preferred partitioning member or assembly will be spaced rearwardly from the front wall of the vending machine. This will allow a user to actuate the vending process, have the item fall from the rear of the machine, down the arcuate chute to a forward side of the machine and be accessible from the arcuate chute wall below the bottom edge of the partitioning member or assembly.

[0058] It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the particular support and suspension elements provided will be tailored in order to account for the items to be dispensed from the display and vending machine.

[0059] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0060] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0061] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0062] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a secure open display and vending machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 2 is a detail view of the portion designated "A" in Figure 1.

[0064] Figure 3 is a front view of a display and vending machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the front panel removed for clarity.

[0065] Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the display and vending machine illustrated in Figure 3 showing the position of internal components.

[0066] Figure 5 is a view of the underside of the top wall of the display and vending machine illustrated in Figure 3.

[0067] Figure 6 is an isometric view of the suspension arms with indexing motors of the display and vending machine illustrated in Figure 3.

[0068] Figure 7 is a detailed view of the portion designated "B" in Figure 6.

[0069] Figure 8 is a front view of a display and vending machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the front panel removed for clarity.

[0070] Figure 9 is a side elevation view of the display and vending machine illustrated in Figure 8 showing the position of internal components.

[0071] Figure 10 is a detailed view of the portion designated "C" in Figure 9.

[0072] Figure 11 is an isometric view of the suspension arms with indexing motors of the display and vending machine illustrated in Figure 8.

[0073] Figure 12 is a detailed view of the portion designated "D" in Figure 11.

[0074] Figure 13 is a detailed view of the portion designated "E" in Figure 12.

[0075] Figure 14 is a left side elevation view of the suspension arms with indexing motors of the display and vending machine illustrated in Figure 11. [0076] Figure 15 is a detailed view of the portion designated "F" in Figure 14.

[0077] Figure 16 is a right side elevation view of the suspension arms with indexing motors of the display and vending machine illustrated in Figure 11.

[0078] Figure 17 is a detailed view of the portion designated "G" in Figure 16.

[0079] Figure 18 is a schematic front view of a pallet rack with a display and vending machine of a preferred embodiment loaded thereinto.

[0080] Figure 19 is a detailed view of the portion designated "H" in Figure 18.

[0081] Figure 20 is a schematic end view of the pallet rack illustrated in Figure 18.

[0082] Figure 21 is a detailed view of the portion designated "I" in Figure 20.

[0083] Figure 22 is a schematic isometric view of the pallet rack illustrated in Figure 18.

[0084] Figure 23 is a detailed view of the portion designated "J" in Figure 22.

[0085] Figure 24 is an isometric view of a forward portion of the indexing mechanism and suspension arms of a preferred embodiment.

[0086] Figure 25 is a view of the inside of a display and vending machine of a preferred embodiment showing the arcuate delivery wall of the tray.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0087] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a secure display and vending machine is provided.

[0088] The secure display and vending machine 10 illustrated in the accompanying Figures includes a housing to at least partially enclose items 11 available for display and purchase; a number of indexing motors 12, and a support 13 positioned relative to each indexing motor 12 and having a number of suspension elements 14 spaced thereover each for suspending an item 11 therefrom. Each support 13 is associated with an indexing motor 12 to be indexed by the indexing motor 12. A gate 15 is located at a forward end of each support 13 to actuate release of the item 11 from the suspension element 14. A control mechanism (not shown) is provided to accept payment for an item 11 and actuate an indexing motor 12 to advance to release the item 11 from the suspension element 13. [0089] As mentioned above, normally multiple items 11 are contained within the housing and the items may not all be the same and indeed, quite often, a number of different items are contained within the same vending machine housing. The items 11 are normally arranged in rows of similar items within the housing, with each row being supported by a support 13 and dispensed by an indexing motor 12. Any number of rows may be provided (8 rows are provided in the illustrated embodiment) and any number of items may be provided per row.

[0090] The housing illustrated includes a base 16, a rear wall 17, a pair of opposed side walls 18 and a top wall structure or hood 19 which has been removed from the housing shown in order to see the internal components.

[0091] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, a clear front wall 20 is provided extending downwardly to partially close the front of the machine but spaced from the base 16 of the housing at a lower end in order to define an opening through which items 11 can be removed once purchased.

[0092] The rear wall 17 of the housing and the top wall of the housing are rigidly mounted relative to one another to form a hood 19 and the hood 19 can be hinged open about a hinge provided at an upper portion of the housing in order to allow access to the housing to load items 11.

[0093] As illustrated, the base 16 of the housing is three-dimensional with an inclined floor 21 angled downwardly and forwardly in order to direct any items 11 released into a forward collection area 22 to allow access by a customer.

[0094] The collection area 22 is provided or defined at or towards a forward edge of the base 16. As illustrated, the collection area 22extends across the width of the housing and typically includes advertising or similar material applied thereto.

[0095] The base will normally include the electrical connection in order to drive the components within the machine and may include a power converter as well as other components allowing the vending machine to operate.

[0096] It is preferred that any walls of the base are opaque in order to obscure view of operating components contained within. The base 16 is preferably made of metal and/or plastic.

[0097] The rear wall 17 is substantially planar and may, as discussed above, form part of the hood 19. The rear wall 17 may be attached to other walls or wall portions. It is also preferred that the rear wall 17 is opaque in order to obscure the mechanism inside the housing. Preferably the rear wall is made of metal and/or plastic.

[0098] The sidewalls 18 are substantially planar and. The sidewalls may be attached to other walls or wall portions. As illustrated the sidewalls or a portion of each side wall is transparent or partially transparent. The sidewalls are preferably shaped. As illustrated in Figure 1 , the sidewalls 18 have substantially straight rear edges, and the top edge is preferably straight with an arcuate forward portion to increase the aesthetics of the housing. Preferably the sidewalls are made of metal and/or plastic.

[0099] Generally a number of indexing motors 12 are provided, with one indexing motor 12 provided for each row of items within the vending machine. The indexing motor 12 may be provided at the rear of the housing but preferably, each indexing motor 12 is provided at an upper forward portion of the housing associated with each support 13, best illustrated in Figure 2.

[0100] Each indexing motor 12 is also associated with a control mechanism, preferably the dispensing control portion (normally a software portion and therefore not illustrated) in order to follow the instructions issued from the dispensing control to dispense items as purchased.

Typically, all of the indexing motors 12 provided in the vending machine are linked to the dispensing controller so that the dispensing controller can activate the required indexing mechanism based on the items selected by the user for purchase.

[0101] The indexing motor 12 moves the support 13 with which it is associated through a specific distance or displacement such that the movement of the support 13 results in an item 11 being dispensed from the support 13 or suspension element 14.

[0102] Any type of support 13 can be used. The support 13 illustrated is a closed loop support provided around a guide wheel 23 at one end and a driven member associated with the indexing motor 12 at the other end. Preferably, the driven member is driven directly by the output of the indexing motor 12 in order to reduce complexity.

[0103] As illustrated, each support 13 is substantially planar between the two arcuate ends. In the preferred embodiment, each support 13 is a chain support.

[0104] Each suspension element used in the preferred embodiment is a hook element 14 including a downcomer portion 24 and a rearwardly extending hook portion 25. The hook is preferably substantially unitary, normally formed from a single bent piece of metal or plastic. [0105] The hook portion 25 of the hook element 14 is angled relative to the downcomer portion 24 to prevent unauthorised tampering or removal of items from the hook element 14.

[0106] The hook element 14 is preferably provided at such an angle, that rotation of the hook element 14 in the plane of the hook portion 25is required in order to free the item 11 from the hook element 14. If a user attempts this manually, then the item 11 will preferably abut a portion of the mechanism of the vending machine, preventing dislodgement of the item 11 from the hook element 14. In order to dispense the item 11 from the hook element 14, the hook element 14 will typically rotate upwardly about the driven member at a forward end of the support 13 which will result in the hook portion 25of the hook element 14 rotating allowing release of the item 11 from the hook portion 25without the item 11 abutting any portion of the mechanism of the vending machine.

[0107] It is preferred that a number of hook elements 14 are equally spaced over the support

13 as illustrated. The hook element 14 may be pivotally attached to the support to allow some movement fore and aft, this movement is preferably limited, particularly the rearward movement. Normally, the hook elements 14 are made from metal but they could be made from another material such as plastic.

[0108] A gate 15 is located at a forward end of each support 13 to actuate release of the item 11 from the hook element 14. Any type of gate may be provided. The gate 15 is preferably provided to assist with removal of an item 11 from the hook element 14 while the hook element

14 is indexed by the indexing motor 12 via the support 13.

[0109] As illustrated best in Figure 2, the gate 15 includes an arcuate opening through which the hook element 14 can move but the item 11 mounted to the hook element 14 cannot pass. The arcuate opening is shaped to allow the hook element 14 pass but to abut the item 11 or the packaging of the item 11 on the hook element 14 in order to prevent travel in a forward direction of the item 11 in order to assist with removal from the hook element 14.

[0110] The arcuate opening will normally be provided in a substantially planar plate or similar. The gate 15 is preferably provided adjacent the support 13, normally towards a forward end, slightly forwardly of the axis of rotation of the driven member such that abutment of the item 11 with the gate 15 takes place as the downcomer 24 of the hook element 14 is angled due to the rotation of the hook element 14 and the movement of the support 13.

[0111] An alternative, more developed embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 3 to 7. In this particular embodiment, the support assemblies 24 with the suspension elements are mounted relative to the top wall 25 of the vending machine. As illustrated in Figure 3 in particular, there are nine support assemblies 24 spaced evenly across the width of the vending machine. Each of the support assemblies 24 are mounted relative to the top wall through the provision of slide bolts which are basically fasteners are provided through slot openings 27 in the top wall 25 of the vending machine. A pair of openings 28 are provided in each of the support assemblies 24 with the fasteners themselves having an enlarged head which is seated in a recess 29 in an upper side of the top wall 25. This particular configuration will allow an operator to adjust the number of support assemblies 24 and their particular positioning in the vending machine to account for eth width of the items to be dispensed. For example, although nine support assemblies are illustrated, fewer can be provided at increased spacing in the same housing for wider items. The support assemblies 24 are accessible through a removable front wall 26 best illustrated in Figure 4.

[0112] As illustrated in Figure 7, each of the support assemblies 24 includes an indexing motor 30 which advances the rear sprocket associated with the preferred chain directly. A gate 15 is located relative to the preferred chain and each of the suspension elements 14 passes through the opening 30 in the respective gate 15. As mentioned above, as the item on the suspension element 14 passes through the opening 30 in the gate 15, the item will abut the gate 15 which will in turn force the item from the suspension element 14. Also illustrated in Figure 7 is an infrared sensor 31 used to provide feedback as to the indexing procedure.

[0113] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 8 to 12. In this particular embodiment, the support assemblies 24 are mounted relative to the rear wall 17 of the housing. Also illustrated in Figure 9 is the preferred arcuate chute wall 70 which will be discussed in further detail below. An important difference however between the configuration of the chute wall 70 illustrated in Figure 9 to that illustrated in Figure 4 is the position and orientation of the separator wall 71 which in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9 extends substantially parallel to the top wall of the housing and which in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 extends substantially parallel to the rear wall of the housing. In each configuration, the separator wall 71 which the same function in that is to prevent a user from accessing the support assemblies 24 from outside the housing.

[0114] Figure 10 shows the infrared sensor 31, and the indexing motor 30. Also illustrated in Figure 10 in particular is the gate 15 and a suspension element 14 which has just passed through the gate and released its item onto the arcuate chute 70. This configuration is illustrated in the isometric view of Figure 13. [0115] Illustrated in Figure 12 and in more detail in Figures 16 and 17 is the particular mounting assembly of a preferred embodiment used to mount the support assemblies 24 relative to the rear wall of the housing. The mounting assembly includes a flange 32 through which a locking bolt 33 extends in order to fix the support assembly 24 relative to an elongate rail 34 which is mounted relative to the rear wall of the housing. The elongate rail 34 is itself located relative to a rear wall mounted rail 35 with a sliding brace 36 provided to maintain the support assembly 24 relative to the rear wall of the housing.

[0116] As mentioned above, it is preferred that the support assembly twenty-four include a chain 36 with a number of suspension elements 14 associated with the chain 36. The chain 36 is normally mounted for rotation between two sprockets or tooth wheels. In the configuration illustrated in Figures 15 and 15, the front sprocket 37 is mounted for sliding movement in order to maintain tension in the chain 37 as items are removed and the weight on the chain 36 decreases. The front sprocket 37 is mounted for sliding movement in association with a tensioner spring 38 which as the tension on the chain 36 decreases due to items being dispensed, will act to draw the front sprocket 37 away from the (fixed) rear sprocket 39 in order to maintain the tension. As illustrated in Figure 15 in particular, the spring 38 is associated with a connector pin 40 which is attached to the front sprocket 37 by a linkage member (inside the support assembly housing and therefore not illustrated in Figure 15).

[0117] One or more display and vending machines may be installed into a rack or similar for use as illustrated in Figures 18 to 23. This may particularly be the case for the use of display and vending machines in supermarkets and the like. This will allow multiple display or vending machines to be used in a standard rack in a supermarket to dispose different items. In some cases, the vending machine may be mounted relative to the vertical rail members 41 of the rack and between the horizontal rail members 42. A gate 15 is also illustrated in Figure 24.

[0118] As described above, the display and vending machine of the preferred embodiments include an arcuate product chute 70. Normally, the arcuate product chute will be highest at the end of the support which has the gate there and will normally tapered downwardly to an access point from the highest end.

[0119] In the preferred embodiment, the arcuate chute 70 will be formed from one or more arcuate wall members and extends from adjacent to the gate 15 adjacent to the rear wall 17 of the display and vending machine curving forwardly and downwardly to a lower forward side of the machine. A partitioning member 72 is provided either extending downwardly to terminate at a free edge which is spaced from the arcuate chute wall at a forward side of the machine as illustrated in Figure 4 in particular or extending rearwardly from a front wall substantially horizontally as illustrated in Figure 9 in particular. This will allow a user to actuate the vending process, have the item fall from the rear of the machine, down the arcuate chute to a forward side of the machine and be accessible from the arcuate chute 70 below the bottom edge (or rear edge) of the partitioning member. The arcuate chute 70 and partitioning wall 71 are also illustrated in Figure 25.

[0120] Although not illustrated, the display and vending machine of the present invention also includes a control mechanism and preferably, the control mechanism includes a number of subunits including an item selection subunit, a payment subunit and a dispensing control subunit. The item selection subunit will typically allow the user to select the item to be dispensed, the payment subunit will accept and validate payment and the dispensing control unit will subsequently control the movement of the support in order to dispense the item has been purchased.

[0121] The control mechanism will normally include at least one display panel and the display panel may function as an interface thereby forming a part of a number of subunits.

Preferably, the display panel will form the main interface between the user and the vending machine. The display panel may be a touchscreen or similar or one or more input devices may be provided in order to allow a user to indicate their item selection. A software system is normally provided as a part of the control mechanism allowing a user to search for products in the machine. An item recognition system may be provided, preferably including at least one scanner or other input device linked to a software application whether on-board or not in order to allow a user to search for items and if available in the particular machine, and purchase those items.

[0122] The display panel may display advertising in relation to particular items within the vending machine. It is preferred that this advertising include audiovisual display and in particular, the advertising may be interactive allowing a user to select an item advertised and purchased that item from the vending machine.

[0123] The payment subunit of the control mechanism is preferably also primarily driven by a software application. It is preferred that the vending machine except both physical tender as well as electronic payments but electronic payments are clearly the preferred method of accepting payment as this allows the vending machine to be smaller and less complex because it does not need to be able to process physical money nor provide change for example. The payment subunit will receive information from the selection subunit and provide instructions to the dispensing control unit in order to trigger the dispensing control subunit to dispense the purchased item once the payment has been processed.

[0124] The dispensing control subunit will typically receive instructions from the payment subunit and then trigger or activate the appropriate indexing motor 12 in order to dispense the selected and purchased item 11.

[0125] The display and vending machine of the present invention may have product recognition functionality in order to monitor the inventory of items in the machine. For example, a sensing mechanism may be provided in order to allow the vending machine to monitor inventory and issue advice to an operator if inventory is low and a refill or restock is required. Typically, the sensing mechanism will be capable of advising the operator of the number of units remaining in the machine and particular, the number of units remaining in each row in the machine.

[0126] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0127] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

Claims

1. A secure display and vending machine including a housing to at least partially enclose at least one item available for display and purchase; at least one indexing mechanism; at least one support having a number of suspension elements spaced thereover, each for suspending an item therefrom, the at least one support associated with the at least one indexing mechanism to be indexed by the at least one indexing mechanism; at least one gate located relative to an end of the at least one support to actuate release of the item from the suspension element; and a control mechanism to accept payment for the at least one item and actuate the at least one indexing mechanism to advance to release the item from the suspension element.

2. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in claim 1 including at least one clear or transparent wall in order that a potential customer can view the items contained within the machine.

3. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a collection area is provided at or towards a forward side of the machine.

4. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 including an inclined floor angled downwardly and forwardly in order to direct any items released, into a forward collection area to allow access and collection by a customer.

5. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 including an arcuate floor extending downwardly and forwardly in order to direct any items released, into a forward collection area to allow access and collection by a customer.

6. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 including a

partitioning member is provided extending downwardly to terminate at a free edge which is spaced from the floor at a forward side of the machine.

7. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 including a

partitioning member is provided extending rearwadly to terminate at a free edge which is spaced from the floor at a rear side of the machine.

8. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims

wherein a number of indexing mechanisms are provided, with one indexing mechanism provided for each row of items within the vending machine.

9. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims

wherein each indexing mechanism includes an indexing motor which moves the support with which it is associated through a specific distance or displacement such that the movement of the support results in an item being dispensed from the support.

10. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the support is a closed loop chain support.

11. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in claim 10 wherein the closed loop chain support is provided around a guide sprocket and a driven sprocket associated with at the least one indexing mechanism.

12. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in claim 11 wherein at least one of the sprockets is mounted for sliding movement in association with a tensioner or biasing arrangement which as the tension on the closed loop chain support decreases due to items being dispensed, draws at least one of the sprockets away from the other of the sprockets in order to maintain the tension.

13. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims

wherein the suspension elements is a hook structure including a downcomer portion and a forwardly or rearwardly extending hook portion.

14. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in claim 13 wherein the hook member is provided such that rotation of the hook member in the plane of the hook portion is required in order to free the item from the hook.

15. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the hook portion extends upwardly such that the item is dispensed from the hook when the hook rotates upwardly which will result in the hook portion of the hook rotating to be substantially horizontal at release.

16. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims

wherein a number of suspension elements are equally spaced over the support and pivotally attached in a limited manner to the support.

17. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims

wherein the gate includes a shaped opening through which each suspension element can move but the item mounted to the suspension element cannot pass.

18. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims

wherein the support is mounted relative to an internal surface of an upper wall of the vending machine.

19. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims

wherein the support is mounted relative to an internal surface of a rear wall of the vending machine.

20. A secure display and vending machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims

wherein the gate for each support is provided at a side rear of the machine such that the suspension elements rotate towards the rear of the machine.