Patent ID: 7128239
Filing Date: 2006-10-31
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. A container release assembly for use with a vending machine for vending items from a queue, the assembly comprising: (a) a first release apparatus having a first front engaging member and a first rear engaging member, the first release apparatus positioned on a first side of the item to be vended, the first front engaging member pivotally connected to a first gate by a first front camming mechanism and the first rear engaging member pivotally connected to the first gate by a first rear fast camming mechanism, the first rear fast camming mechanism having a faster camming motion than the first front camming mechanism; and (b) a second release apparatus having a second front engaging member and a second rear engaging member, the second release apparatus positioned on a second side, opposite the first side, of the item to be vended, the second front engaging member is pivotally connected to a second gate by a second front camming mechanism, and the second rear engaging member is pivotally connected to the second gate by a second rear fast camming mechanism, the second rear fast camming mechanism having a faster camming motion than the second front camming mechanism; (c) the first release apparatus and the second release apparatus operably and pivotally connected together; (d) the first and second front engaging members for engaging a first item in the queue, and the first and second rear engaging members for engaging a second item in the queue.