Patent ID: 6206234
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
A vending machine for selectively dispensing cigars of varying diameter, comprising:(a) a plurality of cigar storage and dispensing containers, each comprising:(i) a base plate having an extension portion extending in a first direction;(ii) a restraining plate having an edge oriented in the first direction, the restraining plate in spaced, substantially parallel relationship with the base plate, for locating a plurality of cigars of equivalent diameter between the base plate and restraining plate, the extension portion extending substantially in the first direction beyond the edge;(iii) an adjuster for adjusting the distance between the base plate and restraining plate to conform to the diameter of the cigars to be located between the base plate and restraining plate;(iv) an adjustable stop communicating with the extension for preventing movement of the cigars located between the base plate and restraining plate in the first direction, the stop adjustable along the plane of the base plate to change the distance between the stop and an edge plane perpendicular with the base plate and adjacent the edge of the restraining plate, to conform to the diameter of the cigar to be located adjacent the stop;(v) cigar dispenser for moving the cigar adjacent the stop past the stop;(b) a selector receiving an input from a user for selecting a particular cigar from one of the plurality of containers;(c) an activator for activating the cigar dispenser of the container containing the cigar selected by the selector to move the cigar past the stop to dispense the selected cigar.