Patent ID: 8469230
Filing Date: 2013-06-25
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. A vending machine, comprising: a cabinet having a product storage zone; a product delivery mechanism configured to transport a selected product in the product storage zone, the product delivery mechanism including a transport carrier having a base portion, an outer shroud member, and an inner shroud member; a door assembly configured to selectively provide access to the product storage zone, the door assembly including an outer surface and an inner surface that are spaced to define an inner door zone; a portal formed in the inner surface of the door assembly, the portal leading from the product storage zone into the inner door zone; a dispensing area having an opening formed in the outer surface of the door assembly that provides access to the selected product, wherein the inner door zone includes a vertical drop zone that extends from the portal to the dispensing area; and a discharge element on the inner surface of the door assembly, the discharge element configured to cooperate with the product delivery mechanism to dispense the selected product through the portal, wherein the outer shroud member is adapted to vertically shift relative to the inner shroud member then pivot at an angle relative to the base portion upon engagement of the transport carrier with the discharge element, the vertical shift and pivot of the outer shroud member facilitated by a guide track in the base portion that is adapted to engage a guide pin attached to the outer shroud member, the guide track comprising two straight track portions connected at an angle.