Patent ID: 6394309
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
An automatic vending machine for dispensing, packing, and sealing popcorn in a hangable paper or plastic bags 10 comprising:a housing for holding the components of the vending machine; an industrial popcorn popper 4 with dispenser 6 which adapted to produce and dispense popcorn of definite quality to the predetermined place; a rack means 8 for hanging and delivering next bag to the loading area of said dispenser, said rack means comprising generally two hangers 28 each represented as a bar secured by one end horizontally or inclined down, and a pusher means 24 which slides by gravity or other source along said hangs to move said bags to said loading area; a vacuum means 12 for opening the top edge 40 of said bag and also for withdrawing the completely sealed bag with popcorn from said rack to allow it later to move to the consumer access area by gravity; a retaining means 14 for retaining the rear wall 38 of said bag while said vacuum means is gripped the front wall 36 to provide an opening of said bag; a bag means 10 for packing vended popcorn in hanging position, said bag means comprises at least a front wall, a rear wall, a sealed bottom, and an open top wherein said front and rear walls has punched holes or slots for hanging on said rack, said rear wall has a retaining place or places 52 for drawing said walls one from another by vacuum means to open said bag.