Abstract:
A coupling for connection of a tube comprises a coupling housing which includes a first end into which the tube is inserted, a clamping ring which is positioned in the coupling housing against a first conical surface, a sealing ring which is positioned in the coupling housing, and a return ring which is positioned in the coupling housing between the clamping ring and a second end of the housing adjacent a second conical surface that is tapered opposite to the first conical surface. The return ring is expandable and comprises a central aperture which is smaller than the external diameter of the tube. Accordingly, when the tube is pushed into the coupling housing and forced through the return ring, the return ring will expand and move along the second conical surface.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of related U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/487,468, filed on Jul. 14, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/540,632, filed on Jan. 30, 2004, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference. 

   FIELD OF INVENTION 
   The present invention generally involves the field of can and bottle dispensers, and more particularly involves a vending-machine-like dispenser for dispensing bottles and cans that is suitable for use in a home or office. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Many homes and offices have refrigerators that are dedicated primarily or exclusively to holding bottles and cans of beverages. In some instances the appearance of these refrigerators is not pleasing. In many regards, the appearance and functionality of a vending machine would be preferable to a standard refrigerator. In particular, it would be desirable for the beverage refrigerators to be able to selectively dispense a single can or bottle without opening the refrigerated portion. However, known vending machines have several drawbacks that them make ill-suited for in-home, or other noncommercial use. The vending machines have security and payment features that are unnecessary and cumbersome in many instances. 
   What is needed in the art is vending-machine-like dispenser that combines the advantages of a vending machine and a dedicated beverage refrigerator, while eliminating many of the disadvantages of both. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   According to one embodiment the present invention is directed to a dispenser for dispensing bottles and cans. The dispenser includes an enclosed storage area and an accessible dispensing area. The dispenser includes a plurality of storage bins in the storage area, each of the storage bins being suitable for storing bottles and cans without any necessary structure to permit adjustment to distinguish between bottles and cans. A dispensing mechanism is provided to selectively dispense a single can or bottle from a desired bin to the dispensing area upon receipt of a selection signal. The dispensing mechanism may be a rotating-cup type dispenser. The storage bins may be modular trays that stack upon each other. A friction material may be used to slow the bottles and cans as they are dispensed from the stacked modular trays to the dispensing area down a generally vertical dispensing path. Biased flaps may extend into the generally vertical dispensing path to further slow the bottles and cans as they are dispensed down the dispensing path. 
   According to another embodiment of the present invention, the invention comprises a dispenser for in-home use that has the appearance of a commercial vending machine. The dispenser does not include structure for receiving payment. The dispenser will dispense both bottles and cans without adjustment to the dispenser when loading the bottles and cans into the dispenser. 
   According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the invention comprises a dispenser having a storage cabinet. A plurality of storage bins are provided within the storage cabinet. The storage bins are stacked upon each other. A dispensing mechanism is provided for selectively moving a product from one of the storage bins to a vertical dispensing path in response to a selection signal. The selected product falls down the vertical dispensing path to a dispensing region. A slowing mechanism is provided to slow the rate at which the product falls through the dispensing path. The slowing mechanism may be a friction fabric, optionally a fabric net. The slowing mechanism may also include resiliently biased flaps that extend into the dispensing path. 
   According to another embodiment of the present invention a dispenser includes a top surface that is convexly curved in order to discourage the placement of heavy objects on the top surface. The dispenser may be a refrigerated unit that is raised above a support surface by a stand. The dispenser top surface may further include a flat level portion suitable for supporting dispensed products. 
   According to another feature of the present invention a dispenser has a hinge that facilitates the installation and removal of a door from a cabinet. The hinge includes a male portion and a female portion for mated engagement with the male portion. One of the portions of the hinge is attached to the door and the other portion is attached to cabinet such that the male and female portions can be taken out of mated engagement by lifting the door until the male portion is clear from the female portion. A tab is attached to the door. A catch is attached to the cabinet such that the catch interferes with the tab to prevent lifting the door if the door is closed, but permits lifting the door if the door is opened a sufficient amount. A sufficient amount may be approximately ninety degrees. Preferably the hinge is strong enough that the dispenser can be lifted using the door when the door is closed without the door being separated from the cabinet. 
   According to another embodiment of the present invention a dispensing machine has selection buttons with flavor indicating cards. The dispensing machine includes a front portion with a plurality of selection buttons. A hinge portion is included on each of the seelction buttons. The selection buttons are rotatable about the hinge between an open and closed position. Each selection button includes a flavor card holding portion for retaining a flavor card, the flavor card holding portion being accessible when the button is in an open position. The selection button is movable from the closed position to the open position without the need for tools, and without the need to open the dispensing machine. 
   According to another embodiment of the present invention a dispenser for dispensing bottles and cans includes a storage bin for storing bottles and cans prior to being dispensed. A dispensing mechanism is provided for sequentially dispensing the bottles and cans one at a time from the storage bin without the need to make any adjustments to the dispensing mechanism or the storage bin. The storage bins may include a sloped bottom surface that tilts towards a first end where a rotating-cup type dispenser is provided, the tilt of the bottom surface allowing gravity to urge bottles or cans stored in the storage bin towards the dispensing mechanism. 
   According to another embodiment of the present invention a dispenser for dispensing bottles and cans includes an enclosed cabinet. A plurality of storage bins are provided within the enclosed cabinet. Wherein the plurality of storage bins includes a bottom storage bin and at least one additional storage bin stacked on top of the bottom storage bin. Each of the storage bins has a bottom surface on which cans and bottles can rest. The bottom surfaces are generally horizontal, but have a sufficient slope that gravity tends to urge bottles and cans towards the lower end of the sloped surface. Each storage bin has a rotating cup dispenser proximate to the lower end of the bottom surface. A mechanism is provided for selectively activating a desired rotating cup dispenser to dispense a single can or bottle from one of the storage bins. 
   According to another embodiment of the present invention a dispenser for dispensing cylindrical containers includes a storage bin for storing cylindrical containers. A sensor is provided for sensing when there is less than a specified number of cylindrical containers remaining in the storage bin, and wherein that specified number is greater than one. An indicator is provided to provide an indication when the sensor senses that there are less than the specified number of cylindrical containers remaining in the storage bin. The storage bin may include a bottom surface that is tilted sufficiently towards a first end of the storage bin that the cylindrical containers are urged towards the first end by gravity when the cylindrical containers are placed on the bottom surface with their axes transverse to the tilt. The storage bin also includes a rear wall. The bottom surface also being tilted towards the rear wall such that the cylindrical containers are urged towards the rear wall when the sensor is located on the rear wall to sense contact between the cylindrical containers and the rear wall. 
   According to another embodiment of the present invention a dispenser prevents the dispensing of a second item until a first item has moved completely into a dispensing area. The dispenser includes a cabinet having an enclosed area containing items to be dispensed. An accessible dispensing are is provided. A dispensing mechanism is provided to move the items to be dispensed from the enclosed area to the dispensing area. A barrier is provided between the dispensing area and the enclosed area. The barrier is biased to a closed position that substantially covers an opening between the dispensing area and the enclosed area. The barrier is movable to an open position by a weight of a dispensed item pressing against the barrier. A sensor is provided to sense when the barrier has moved to an open position and for preventing a second selected from being dispensed until the barrier has returned to a closed position. 
   According to another embodiment of the present invention a dispenser has an illuminated dispensing area that is illuminated for a short period of time after an item is dispensed. The dispenser includes a cabinet containing items to be dispensed in an enclosed area. A dispensing area is located externally to the cabinet. A light source is provided to at least partially illuminate the dispensing area. A barrier is provided between the enclosed area and the dispensing area. The barrier is biased towards a normally closed position. The barrier is movable to an open position by the weight of a selected item moving from the enclosed area to the dispensing area. A sensor is provided for sensing when the barrier has moved from the open position to the closed position. A mechanism is provided for illuminating the dispensing area for a specified period of time after the barrier has moved from the open position to the closed position. 
   According to another embodiment of the present invention a dispenser has a lock-out feature. The dispenser includes a cabinet containing a plurality of storage units for storing items to be dispensed within an interior area of the cabinet. A corresponding switch is associated with each storage unit and each switch is adjustable between an allowed position and a disabled position. A selection mechanism is provided external to the cabinet for selecting a storage unit from which to dispense a desired item. A dispensing mechanism is provided for dispensing a desired item from a selected storage unit to a dispensing area external to the interior area of the cabinet when the switch corresponding to the selected storage bin is in the allowed position and for not dispensing the desired item when the switch corresponding to the selected storage bin in an the disabled position. An opening provides access to the interior area of the cabinet. A barrier is provided to open and close the opening. A locking mechanism is provided on the barrier to prevent access to the switches when the locking mechanism is locked and to allow access to the switches when the locking mechanism is unlocked. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The detailed description will refer to the following drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of one embodiment of a dispenser and stand according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 3   a, b , and  c  are additional perspective views of the components that form a stand; 
       FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of a dispenser and stand illustrating how they can be connected; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the front of a dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention showing a removable graphics panel; 
       FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating a removable top; 
       FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view of an embodiment illustrating the installation of a side graphics panel after removal of the removable top; 
       FIG. 8  is a front elevation of a dispenser on a stand according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of the dispenser of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is cross-sectional plan view of an embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a front view of an embodiment of a dispenser according to the present invention with its door open slightly more than 90 degrees; 
       FIG. 12  is an isometric view generally from the rear of a stack of modular storage trays according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  is a partial perspective view from a generally rearward vantage point of the dispenser of  FIG. 6  with the removable top piece mounted to the cabinet; 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a piece used to form a top of the dispenser of  FIG. 13 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a partial detail view of a cabinet showing a male portion of a hinge assembly; 
       FIG. 16  is a partial detail view of a door showing a female portion of a hinge assembly; 
       FIG. 17  is a partial detail view of the door of  FIG. 16  mounted on the cabinet of  FIG. 15  to form a hinge assembly; 
       FIG. 18  is a graphic illustrating the installation of a door on a cabinet according to one embodiment of a hinge assembly of the present invention; 
       FIG. 19  is a detail perspective of an embodiment of a selection button with removable flavor card according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 20   a  and  b  are perspective views showing how cans and bottles can be arranged in storage bins; 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view, generally from the rear, of an embodiment of a storage bin with a can being dispensed; 
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage bin according to the present invention with two cans in the dispensing cup; 
       FIG. 23  is a rear perspective view of a storage bin with two cans in the storage bin; 
       FIG. 24  is a cross sectional view of the stack of storage tray from  FIG. 21 ; 
       FIG. 25  is an end view of an embodiment of a dispensing mechanism using a staggered trailing edge on a dispensing cup with the dispensing cup dispending a first can but retaining a second can; 
       FIG. 26  is a side view of an embodiment of a dispensing mechanism that utilizes a barrier wall in combination with the dispensing cup with the dispensing cup dispensing a first can while the barrier wall retain a second can in the dispensing cup; 
       FIG. 27  is a graphic illustrating a vending sequence according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 28  is a graphic illustrating the electronic components of one embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Shown generally in the drawings and described below are various embodiments of a dispenser  10 . The preferred use of the dispenser  10  is as a personal beverage dispenser in a home or office. It has several preferred features. Notably the dispenser  10  need not be provided with a coin or other money receptacle, and it is intended to vend items without the insertion of any money, or other payment. Many of the features of the dispenser  10  would be well suited for use in traditional for-money vending machines. The dispenser  10  is designed to be able to dispense both cans and bottles without changing the configuration, or adding additional parts. As seen in the figures, the vending unit may be used free-standing, or may be placed on a matching stand  12 . Preferably, the unit will include accommodations for attaching a removable display or sign, such as a logo for a team, race car driver, or other decoration. 
     FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a dispenser  10  according to the present invention. If desired, the dispenser  10  may be mounted on top of a stand  12  or pedestal as shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the dispenser  10  may be used as a tabletop model without the pedestal as shown in  FIG. 2 . The dispenser  10  preferably includes a refrigerated cabinet  14  for storing beverage containers. The refrigerated cabinet  14  may be provided with any suitable refrigeration equipment (not shown) in order to keep a storage area of the cabinet  14  properly chilled. Those of skill in the art will be well aware of refrigeration units that will work for the purpose. Preferably the refrigeration unit will be electric powered and will be supplied with a cord and plug  16  to fit a standard electrical outlet. The dispenser  10 , or pedestal  12 , should be placed on a flat, level surface in order to work properly. 
   The dispenser  10  is provided with a plurality of selection buttons  18  on its front face  20 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the front face  20  is part of a door  22  that is hingedly attached to the cabinet  14 . In order to have a beverage container dispensed, a user would push one of the selection buttons  18 . Preferably the selection buttons  18  are marked with an indicia of the type of beverage that will be dispensed. Each selection button  18  corresponds to a storage bin  24  (not visible in  FIG. 1 ) inside the cabinet  14 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , there are four selection buttons  18 ; however fewer or more selection buttons  18  could be provided depending on the number of storage bins within the particular dispenser  10 . After a selection is made by pressing one of the selection buttons  18 , a beverage container, or other item to be dispensed (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), will be dispensed from a storage bin  24  corresponding to that selection button  18 . The beverage container will be dispensed to a dispensing area  28  at the front center of the door  22 . The dispensing area  28  should be provided with a lip  30 , or some other barrier, for retaining the beverage container  26  in the dispensing area  28  until a user removes the container  26 . 
   The dispenser  10  and stand  12  may be provided with design features such as grooves and ridges, and other features that form a visual image. For example, in the dispenser  10  and stand  12  of  FIG. 1 , a pair interlocking arches are formed by various design features. A first hanging arch  32  is formed by a depression on the front of the dispenser  10 . A second interlocking arch  34  is formed by a depression on the front of the stand  12  and a top line of the dispensing area  28 . The retaining lip  30  of the dispensing area is shaped similarly to the apex of the arches  32  and  34  in order to echo this design element. 
   As seen in  FIG. 1 , indicator lights  36  may be provided on the front of the dispenser  10  to provide information regarding the status of the dispenser  10 . For example, one indicator light  36  may be provided corresponding to each storage bin  24  in the cabinet  14 . When the supply of beverage containers  26  in a given storage bin  24  is running low or empty, the light  36  adjacent to the selection button  18  corresponding to that bin  24  may be illuminated. If there a jam or other error within the dispenser  10 , all of the lights  36  may flash to alert the user that the dispenser door  22  should be opened in order to investigate and resolve the problem. It may be possible to color code the lights  36  to provide additional information, i.e., yellow light means that the supply is running low, red light means it is completely empty. Additional information regarding use of the indicator lights  36  to signal a low product supply is provided below. 
   The stand  12 , or pedestal, on which the dispenser  10  sits can be configured as a storage unit. The construction of a preferred stand  12 , that includes a storage space  38 , is shown in  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c . The stand may be formed out of any suitably hard and rigid material. Preferably the stand  12  will be made to match the appearance of the exterior of the dispenser  10 . Optionally, the stand  12  could also be provided with accommodations for display panels (not shown). The preferred stand  12  has an underlying frame  40  formed from elongated, interlocking rails  42 . The rails  42  may support shelves  44 , which may be fastened to the rails by fasteners  51 . The exterior walls  46  are attached to the frame  40 . Preferably the front of the stand is a door  48  that is hingedly attached to the front of the frame  40  or one of the side walls  46 . The stand  12  may be provided with feet  50  that attach to the bottom of the stand  12 . The feet  50  are preferably connected to threaded members such that they can be screwed into and out of the bottom of the stand  12  to extend at various lengths. In this manner, they can be used to level the stand  12  and dispenser  10 .  FIG. 3   a  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the feet  50 . According to this embodiment the feet  50  at the front of the frame  40  comprise an adjustable leveling head  56  and a roller  58 . The leveling head  56  can be adjusted up and down by rotating it. To support the stand  12  and dispenser  10 , the leveling head  56  should be set so that the roller  58  is held slightly off the support surface. The rollers  58  can be used to move the stand  12  and dispenser  10  by raising the leveling heads  56  off the support surface by rotating the leveling heads to a raised position to leave the rollers  58  in contact with the support surface. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4  it is desirable to secure the dispenser  10  to the stand  12 , if a stand  12  is used. In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , bolts  60  are fit though holes  52  in the top of the stand  12  and engage threaded openings (not shown) in the bottom of the cabinet  14 . Those of skill in the art will be aware of alternative arrangements for securing the dispenser  10  to the stand  12 . 
   Display panels  54  may be used with the dispenser  10 . These display panels  54  may include any decorative design. Preferably the display panels  54  include logos or designs that relate to the user&#39;s favorite sports team or sports figure. For example, the display panels  54  could include logos and scenes of a team from the National Football League, a racecar driver, or a particular sports related motif. The display panels  54  preferably are easily changeable so that a user can change the appearance of the dispenser  10  by changing panels  54 . A user might have several sets of display panels  54  that can be interchanged depending on the season or the mood of the user. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , a display panel  54  is provided on the front face  20  of the dispenser  10  and on each side of the dispenser  10 . Optionally, as described in more detail below, the display panels  54  may be translucent, and the dispenser  10  may be provided with backlighting to illuminate one or more of the display panels  54 . 
     FIGS. 5–7  illustrate an embodiment that permits the display panels  54  to be easily installed. As seen in  FIG. 5 , in order to install a front panel  54 , an access cover  62  is flipped back to reveal the front panel slots  64 . The front display panel  54  may then be inserted into the front slots  64 . A screw, or similar fastener, may be provided to fasten the display panel  54  securely in place by engaging hole  66  near the top of the front display panel  54 . A similar process is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  for the side display panels. In order to install the side display panels  54 , the top  68  of the dispenser  10  is removed ( FIG. 6 ), revealing the side panel slots  70 . The side display panels  54  may then be inserted into the side slots  70  ( FIG. 7 ). The top  68  can then be reattached ( FIG. 13 ). 
   The embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  includes light fixtures  72  to provide backlighting for the front display panel  54 . This is especially effective when the front panel  54  is translucent, and gives dispenser  10  a vending-machine like appearance. As seen in  FIG. 5 , the preferred light fixtures  72  are fluorescent lights. Optionally the door  22  may be configured such that the fluorescent lights  72  also illuminate the selection buttons  18 . An on/off switch  74  may be provided on the side of the door  22  (see  FIG. 9 ) in order to selectively turn the backlighting on and off and to conserve energy by not having the unit constantly lit. Power is supplied to the light fixtures  72  by the power cord  16 . 
     FIG. 11  shows a front view of an embodiment of a dispenser  10  according to the present invention with its door  22  open greater than ninety degrees, exposing the interior of the refrigerated cabinet  14 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , four storage bins  24  are provided. The storage bins  24  stack on top of each other. The bottom three storage bins  24  are identical modular trays. The top storage bin  24   t  is similar to the lower three, but is shorter in height, in order to conserve space. The bottles  76  and cans  78  (not shown in  FIG. 11 ) that will be dispensed lie on their sides in the storage bins  24 , with their axes being generally perpendicular to front of the cabinet  14 . The storage bins  24  tilt towards the left sidewall of the cabinet  14  of  FIG. 11 . The bottles  76  and cans  78  are thus urged by gravity to roll towards the dispensing mechanisms  80  provided on the left end of the storage bins  24  by the tilt of the storage bins  24  and the orientation of their axes. Preferably, cans  78  are loaded two-deep into the storage bins  24 , and bottles  76  are loaded one-deep, as shown in  FIGS. 20   a  and  20   b.    
   With further reference to  FIG. 11 , the door  22  of the dispenser  10  may be provided with a keyhole  82  and latch  84 . A key will fit into the keyhole  82  and selectively move the latch  84  between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the door  22  is shut, the latch  84  aligns with a catch  86  provided in the side of the cabinet  14 . If the latch  84  is moved to the locked position when the door  22  is shut, the latch  84  engages the catch  86 , and prevents the door  22  from being opened until the key is used to move the latch  84  back to the retracted unlocked position. Guides  88  may be provided on the door  22  to engage with slots  90  on the cabinet  14  to ensure proper alignment of the door  22  on the cabinet  14 . The door  22  may be provided with a grip  92  in the form of a groove formed on the inside edge of the door  22 . A thermostat  198 , shown in the upper left corner of the cabinet in  FIG. 11 , may be provided to control the refrigeration equipment (typically a compressor) in order maintain the storage area at a desired cooling level. 
   Electrical connection between the door  22  and the cabinet  14  is provided by a wire harness  94  (not shown in  FIG. 11 , see  FIG. 28 ). The wire harness  94  is used to provide electrical connection between the light fixtures  72  and the power supply  16  and between a control unit  96  (not shown) in the cabinet  22  and the selection buttons  18  and indicator lights  36  on the door  22 . The wire harness  94  connects between a cabinet wire harness receptacle  98  at the lower left of the cabinet  14  as seen in  FIG. 11  and a corresponding door wire harness receptacle  100  on the inside of the door  22 . 
   When a can  78  or bottle  76  is dispensed, it is moved from its storage bin  24  into a dispensing path  102  by the dispensing mechanism  80 , which is described in more detail below. The bottle  76  or can  78  then drops straight down the dispensing path  102  shown in  FIG. 11  between the left wall  106  of the dispenser  10  and the storage bins  24 . At the bottom of the dispensing path  102  within the cabinet  14 , a chute  104  guides the bottle  76  or can  78  through an opening  108  in the door  22  into the dispensing area  28 . A dispensing area door  110  covers the opening  108  between the storage area and the dispensing area  28 . The dispensing area door  110  is biased into a closed position, but is opened by the weight of a can  78  or bottle  76  as it drops down the chute  104 . As will be explained in more detail, the dispensing area door  110  may be used as a trigger for signaling when a bottle  76  or can  78  has cleared the dispensing path  102 , and for switching on a light in the dispensing area  28 . 
   As will be explained in more detail below, spring biased flaps  120 , netting  122 , and padding  124  may be used to slow the speed at which the cans  78  and bottles  76  fall through the dispensing path  102 , in order to reduce spewing or foaming that can occur when carbonated beverages are jarred before opening. The netting  122  is preferably a light fabric that will apply friction to the cans  78  and bottles  76  as they fall. The netting  122  may be attached to the left wall  106  of the cabinet  14 , or any other place that appropriately places the netting  122  adjacent to, and slightly interfering with, the dispensing path  102 . Hook and loop fasteners, such as those sold under the name Velcro® are preferred, but those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of any number of ways of fastening the netting  122  so that it is provided adjacent to the dispensing path  102 . 
     FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  13  illustrate an inventive feature of the present invention in the form of a convexly curved top surface  126 . The curve of the top surface  126  prevents heavy objects, such as a television or a case of soda, from easily resting on the top of the dispenser  10 . This is especially important when the dispenser  10  is attached to the stand  12 , because the placement of such heavy objects on the top surface  126  can tend to make the overall combination somewhat top-heavy and prone to tipping. It also increases the load on the supporting stand  12 . By discouraging the placement of televisions and the like on top of the dispenser  10 , the overall safety of the unit is increased. The curvature in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 , and  13  is primarily a side-to-side curve. However, it may also be effect to provide a front to back curvature as well (see  FIG. 9 ). Additionally, it is contemplated that a side-to-side slope, or a back-to-front slope might accomplish the goal of discouraging the placement of heavy objects on the top surface  126 . 
   As an additional feature for the top surface  126 , best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 13 , the curved top surface  126  of the dispenser  10  may be provided with a small flat level portion  128  that is suitable for resting individual cans  78  or bottles  78 . Preferably, and as shown in the  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 , this small flat level portion is provided at a front edge of the top surface of the cabinet  14  portion of the dispenser  10 . The door  22  may have a corresponding flat level portion  130  on its top edge that matches the flat level portion  128  on the top of the dispenser  10 , or the door  22  may have a curved top surface the matches the curved top surface of the dispenser  10 . Preferably the top  68  of the dispenser  10  is formed from a single piece that rests on the top of the cabinet  14  and fastens in place with clips  132  provided at the back of the top  168 . While any suitable material may be used, an injection molded plastic piece is preferred to form the complex shape.  FIG. 14  shows the bottom of a preferred piece for forming the top  68  of the dispenser  10 . As can be seen in  FIG. 14 , the top surface of the top piece  68  is reinforced by a grid of reinforcing ribs  134  to provide stiffness to the front  128  and rear  126  portions of the top  68 . 
   Another unique feature of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 15–18 . A hinge  136  is provided that will permit removal of the dispenser door  22  by opening the door  22  beyond a certain point with respect to the cabinet  14 , and then lifting the door  22 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 15–18 , the door  22  can be lifted on and off when it is open more than approximately 90 degrees with respect to the cabinet  14 . 
   The hinge  136  includes a male portion  138  and a female portion  140 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15–18 , the male portion  138  is provided on a bottom hinge portion  137  on the cabinet  14  and points upward ( FIG. 15 ), and the female portion  140  is provided as a top hinge portion  139  on the door  22 , and faces downward ( FIG. 16 ). The top hinge portion  139  includes a downward facing surface  148  that serves as a bearing surface. The bottom hinge portion  137  includes an upward facing shoulder  146  that acts as a corresponding bearing surface. The male  138  and female  140  portions could be reversed (not shown). The top hinge portion  139  is mounted to the door  22  exterior to the sealing gasket  214 . The door portion of the hinge includes a tab  142 , and the cabinet portion includes a catch  144 . When the door  22  is closed, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the male  138  and female  140  parts are in mated engagement with the downward facing surface  148  of the top portion  139  resting on the shoulder  148  of the bottom portion  137 , and the catch  144  interferes with the tab  142  to prevent lifting the door  22 . When the door  22  is open at more than 90 degrees, there is no interference between the tab  142  and the catch  144 , and the door  22  can be removed from the cabinet  14  simply lifting the door  22  to disengage the male  138  and female  140  portions of the hinge  136 . 
   Installation of the door  22  is similarly simple. The door  22  is simply placed at an orientation of greater than 90 degrees with respect to the cabinet  14  with the male  138  and female  140  parts in proper alignment and then lowered into place as shown in  FIG. 18 . Two or more sets of such hinges  136  may be used. Preferably the hinges  136  are recessed somewhat into the cabinet  14 , as seen in  FIG. 16 , so that the hinges  136  do not extend the width of the dispenser  10 , and to improve the appearance of the dispenser  10 . The hinges  136  preferably should be made sufficiently strong to support the weight of the dispenser  10 , if the dispenser is lifted by the door  22 . Preferably the hinges  136  are made of a smooth, relatively low friction material so that the door  22  will open easily. The male and female portions  138  and  140 , as well as the facing surfaces  146  and  148  should be durable enough that they can withstand rubbing during opening and closing of the door  22  without significant wear. 
   The easy removal and installation of the door  22  is desirable because it allows for easier packing and shipping of the door  22  and cabinet  14  in separate containers. In a preferred embodiment, the cabinet  14  without the doors  22  is small enough that it can shipped by standard commercial delivery services. Preventing the door  22  from separating from the cabinet  14  when the door  22  is closed, or open less than 90 degrees, permits the dispenser  10  to be lifted by the door  22  (though use of the cabinet  14  is recommended). That way, if a user attempts to move the dispenser  10  by lifting on the door  22 , the door  22  will not come apart from the cabinet  14 . 
     FIGS. 19A–D  illustrate a preferred selection button  18  design. According to the design, a clear plastic selection button  18  is provided to correspond with each storage bin  24 . When the selection button  18  is pressed, the corresponding dispensing mechanism  80  vends one of the cans  78  or bottles  76  in the storage bin  24 . A flavor card  150  that describes the beverage in the corresponding storage bin  24  is inserted in the clear plastic button  18 . In the embodiment shown in the Figures, there are four buttons  18  and four storage bins  24 . The left most button  18  corresponds to the upper storage bin  24   t , the next button to the right corresponds to the second highest storage bin  24 , and so forth. Other arrangements would be acceptable. 
   What has been described related to the vending buttons  18  thus far is common and known in the vending art. However, typically access to the flavor card  150  is restricted from outside of the dispenser  10  so that vandals or other unauthorized users cannot remove, damage, or change the flavor cards  150 . Generally access to the flavor cards can only be gained by using a key or other tool. In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 19A–D , the selection buttons are hingedly attached to the front of the dispenser  10 . They can be pivoted to an open orientation ( FIGS. 19C  &amp; D) by simply pulling on the edge of the buttons  18  that is opposite from the hinge  152 . In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 19A–D , the hinge  152  for each button  18  is provided along the top of the selection button  18  at a generally horizontal axis. Access to the flavor cards  150  is provided by pulling outward and upward on the bottom edge of the buttons  18 . The hinge  152  could be provided along the bottom or one of the sides of the button  18  instead. Each button  18  is provided with a pocket  154  or slot for retaining a flavor card  150 . Once the button  18  is pivoted to the open position, the flavor card  150  can be slid into and out of the pocket  154  or slot. The top-mounted hinge  152  of  FIGS. 19A–D  permits gravity to urge the button  18  into the closed position ( FIGS. 19A  &amp; B). A projection  200  may be provided at an edge of the button  18  opposite from the hinge  152  to provide a surface to pull on when moving the button  18  to the open position ( FIGS. 19C  &amp; D) and to prevent the button  18  from being depressed too far into the front  20  of the dispenser  10 . There may be a slight interference between the free end  202  of the button  18  and the front  20  of the dispenser  10 , which will tend to hold the button  18  in place. 
   When the button  18  is depressed to make a selection, it activates a selection switch  202 . Also, the button  18  may be biased by biasing mechanism  204  to return it to a neutral position after it has been pressed to make a selection. Those of skill in the art will be aware of numerous options for switch  202 , and for biasing mechanism  204 . 
   The flavor cards  150  may be preprinted with logos and brand names of common beverages, or may be plain so that a user can customize the flavor card  150  to match any flavor. The cards  150  may be printed with flavor information on one or both sides. 
   It is contemplated that the buttons  18  could be replaced by, or used in conjunction with, a remote selection system. According to this embodiment, a remote control unit would be used to signal a selection of a storage bin  24  from which to dispense a bottle  76  or can  78 . A sensor is provided on the dispenser  10 , preferably on the front  20  near the selection buttons  18 . The sensor would translate a signal from the remote control unit to the appropriate storage bin to initiate dispensing of a bottle or can from the selected storage bin  24 . Most preferably the remote control unit would send an IR signal, but an RF signal may be used. The remote control unit may be a dedicated device, or may be a shared device that is also used to control other electrical appliances such as televisions and stereos. 
   Shown generally in  FIGS. 21–24  are storage bins  24  that are used to hold the cans  78  or bottles  76  in the refrigerated storage area. The storage bins  24  are preferably modular trays that can be stacked on top of each other. They are comprised primarily of a one piece body with a dispensing mechanism  80  attached at one end. They are provided with interlocking tabs  206  and receivers  208  to hold the stacked bins  24  together. Fasteners, such as screws, bolts, rivets, brads, or the like may be used to further secure the bins  24  together at the tabs  206  and receivers  208 . When stacked on top of each other the bottom surfaces  160  of the trays  24  generally slope towards one side. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , they slope to towards the left side of the cabinet  14 . The slope may be introduced by the shape of the bottom surfaces  160 , or by stacking the trays  24  on a sloped support surface within the cabinet  14 . The preferred slope of the bottom surfaces  160  is approximately five degrees. Cans  78  and bottles  76  are loaded into the storage bins  24  with their axes generally perpendicular to the front of the dispenser  10 .  FIGS. 20   a  and  b  and  24  show how the cans  78  and bottles  76  are oriented in the storage bin  24  when they are in storage prior to being dispensed. The slope of the bottoms  160  of the storage bins  24  causes the bottles  76  and cans  78  to roll towards the left end (in this embodiment) of the storage bin  24 . At the lower end of the storage bin  24  a dispensing mechanism  80  is provided. 
   When loading the cans  78  or bottles  76  into the storage bins  24 , the first bottle  76  or first two cans  78  will roll towards the dispensing mechanism  80 . If the dispensing mechanism  80  is not full, the first two cans  78  or first bottle  76  loaded will fall into the dispensing mechanism  80 . The loaded cans  78  or bottles  76  are stored in an offset stacked arrangement such that in the second layer of cans  78  or bottles  76  each of the cans  78  or bottles  78  rests on two cans  78  or bottles  76  in the layer immediately beneath it (see  FIGS. 20   a  and  20   b ). The side of the storage bin  24  opposite from the vending mechanism is provided with a sloped wall  156 . When loading the cans  78  or bottles  76  into the storage bins  24  for storage, the sloped wall  156  helps maintain the cans  78  or bottles  76  in an appropriate stacked formation. Preferably, when bottles are loaded into the storage bins  24 , the bottles  76  are loaded so that their base is against the rear wall  158  and their necks extend towards the front of the bins  24 , as shown in  FIGS. 20   a  and  24 . As the cans  78  or bottles  76  fall into the dispensing mechanism  80 , they automatically unstack themselves. 
   As seen in  FIGS. 20   b  and  23 , two cans  78  will fit in the storage bin end-to-end with their axes generally perpendicular to the front of the dispenser  10 . A standard twelve ounce bottle  76  is approximately the same height as two twelve ounce cans  78  stacked on top of each other. Therefore, typically only one bottle  76  will fit within the same space as two cans  78 , so that the storage bins  24  can hold twice as many cans  78  as bottles  76 . The cans  76  and bottles  78  can also be stacked in layers within the individual storage bins as shown in  FIGS. 20   a  and  b.    
   Preferably at least a portion of the bottom surfaces  160  of the modular trays  24  are also sloped somewhat from front to back, as best illustrated in  FIG. 24 , such that the cans or bottles are urged towards the rear wall  158  of the storage bins  24  by gravity, especially when they roll along the bottom  160  of the tray towards the vending mechanism  80 . As noted, bottles  76  should be loaded such that their necks point towards the front of the storage bins  24  in order to maintain the appropriate orientation of the bottles  76 . The front-to-back slope of the storage bin bottoms  160  also helps to maintain the bottles  76  and cans  78  within the storage bins  24  so that the bottles  76  and cans  78  are not inadvertently spilled out of the bins  24  when the door  22  is opened. It may be desirable to have the portion of the bottom surface  160  that is nearest the dispensing cup  164  to be flat, without the front to back slope, in order to improve the loading of the dispensing cup  164 . The preferred front to back slope to urge the cans  78  or bottles  76  towards the rear wall  158  is about two degrees. 
   Any number of modular trays  24  may be stacked upon each other depending the size of the dispenser  10  and the number of options for flavors desired. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , four such modular trays  24  are used. The top bin  24   t  is slightly shorter than the other bins  24  when viewed from the front in order to maximize space within the dispenser  10 . In the embodiment shown, the lower bins  24  will each hold sixteen cans—two layers with eight cans  78  in each layer. Additionally, the vending mechanism  80  will hold two cans  78 . Therefore, each of the bottom three storage bins  24  will hold eighteen cans. Accordingly, each of the lower three bins  24  will hold nine bottles  76 —eight in the storage bin  24  itself and one in the vending mechanism  80 . In the embodiment shown, the top storage bin  24   t  will hold ten cans  78 , or five bottles  76 —one lower layer with eight cans  78  or four bottles  78 , and one upper layer with two cans  78  or one bottle  76 . An additional two cans  78  or one bottle  76  may be stored in the vending mechanism  80 . Accordingly, the entire dispenser  10  will store as many as sixty-six cans  78  or thirty-three bottles  76 . The exact size of the storage bins  24  is not important to the functioning of the dispenser  10  and they can be adjusted by those of skill in the art to suit the capacity constraints and number of flavor choices desired. The modular nature of the bins  24  is advantageous as it saves on manufacturing costs and assembly. 
   The dispensing mechanism  80  is a mechanism for moving one can  78  or bottle  76  at a time from the storage bins  24  to the dispensing path  102  in response to a selection made by pressing one of the selection buttons  18 . Numerous dispensing mechanisms are known in the vending art and would work with the storage bins  24  described herein. The preferred vending mechanism  80  is a rotating cup type dispenser. A rotating cup dispensing mechanism  80  basically comprises a dispensing cup  162  attached to a motor  164  that selectively rotates the dispensing cup  162 . The dispensing cup  162  is generally a hollow semicylindrical shape. The cans  78  or bottles  76  fall from the tray  24  into the dispensing cup  162  by gravity to load the dispensing mechanism  80  when the open side of the dispensing cup  162  is facing upwards. The motor  164  then turns the cup  162  until the open side is facing sideways, and gravity causes the can  78  or bottle  76  to fall out of the cup  162  into the dispensing path  102 . Because the modular trays  24  and the dispensing cup  162  are sized to hold either two cans  78  end-to-end or one bottle  76 , all of the storage bins  24  can be used to vend bottles  76  or cans  78  without the need for any adjustment. 
   Two inventive vending mechanisms  80  are described in more detail below. According to a first embodiment, shown in  FIG. 25 , a dispensing cup  162  has a staggered trailing edge  166 . According to a second embodiment, shown in  FIG. 26 , a rear barrier wall  168  is used in proximity to the dispensing cup  162 . Both of these embodiments permit the dispensing cup  162  to vend two cans  78 , one at a time, as the dispensing cup  162  rotates a complete rotation. 
   The sketches in  FIG. 27  show a graphic generalized vending sequence according to the present invention. In  FIG. 27   a  the dispensing mechanism  80  is in the loading position. Gravity has forced two cans  78  to be loaded into the dispensing cup  162 . The two cans  78  in the dispensing cup  162  contact the next cans  78  in line behind them and prevent them from falling into the dispensing cup  162 . In  FIG. 27   b  the dispensing cup  162  has started to rotate. The dispensing cup  162  contacts the next cups in line on the vending tray  24 , and holds them in place. A barrier  170  or stop above the dispensing cup  162  prevents the cans  78  from rolling too far over the dispensing cup  162 . A one-way flap  161  or other structure may be provided on the bottom surface  160  of the storage bin  24  to prevent the can  78  or bottle  76  immediately next to the dispensing cup  162  from being rolled away from the dispensing cup  162 . 
   Alternatively,  FIG. 27   b  can be a staging position where the dispensing cup remains after loading, but before it has been activated in response to a selection by one of the selection buttons  18 . This staging position of  FIG. 27   b  decreases the time it takes between a selection being made, and a bottle or can being dispensed.  FIG. 27   c  shows a first dispensing position. In this position, the dispensing cup  162  has turned far enough that a first can  78   a  falls out of the dispensing cup  162 . Preferably the falling first can  78   a  will trip a sensor  172  that causes the dispensing cup  162  to stop rotating. The second can  78   b  remains retained within the dispensing cup  162  by the barrier wall  168 . In the staggered trailing edge embodiment of  FIG. 25 , the second can  78   b  remains retained in the dispensing cup  162  by the rear portion of the trailing edge  166 . When the vending mechanism  80  is activated again in response to a selection being made, as for example by the corresponding selection button  18  being pushed, the dispensing cup  162  continues to turn until the second can  78   b  drops out into the dispensing path  102  as shown in  FIG. 27   d . The dispensing cup  162  will turn for a specified period after the second can  78   b  drops until the dispensing cup  162  reaches the loading position of  FIG. 27   e . The next cans  78  in position on the storage bin  24  will drop into the dispensing cup  162 , and the remaining cans  78  will roll down the sloped bottom  160  of the storage bin  24  towards the dispensing mechanism  80  into the space just vacated by the cans  78  that dropped into the dispensing cup  162 . The dispensing cup  162  may continue to turn until it reaches its normal resting position, the staging position of  FIG. 27   b.    
   If there was only a single can  78  or bottle  76  in the dispensing cup  164  at the beginning of the cycle, the dispensing cup  164  will still stop in the position of  FIG. 27   c  after dispensing that single can  78  or bottle  76 . However, upon the second selection being made for that dispensing cup  164 , the dispensing cup  164  will continue to turn past  27   d , and will continue to turn until it has loaded a new can  78  or bottle  76  and will return to the position of  FIG. 27   c  to dispense another can  78  or bottle  76 . In the preferred embodiment, the main controller will sense that it took a complete rotation to vend the second bottle  76  or can  78 , and will continue to rotate all the way back to the staging position of  FIG. 27   b , rather than stopping at the position of FIG.  27   c . In this way, the time lapse between pushing the selection button, and the dispensing of the can  78  or bottle  76  is diminished. Opening the main door  22  will reset the unit, and all dispensing cups  164  will stop after the next dispensing occurrence at or near the position of  FIG. 27   c.    
   A switch  172  is provided adjacent to the bottom of the dispensing cup  162  to sense when a can  78  or bottle  76  has been dispensed. In the shown embodiment, this contact switch  172  is activated by a spring-biased flipper  174  that the can  76  or bottle  78  must pass through to enter the dispensing path  102 . After a selection button  18  is depressed to start a dispensing cycle, the dispensing cup  162  will continue to rotate until the system senses that a bottle  78  or can  76  has dropped out of that dispensing cup  162  and tripped the spring-biased flipper  174 . If no product is dispensed after a specified time limit, or number of rotations, the motor  164  will stop and a malfunction signal will be given, for example by flashing some or all of the indicator lights  36 . 
   The trailing edge  166  of the dispensing cup  162  of  FIG. 25  has stair step shape that permits a first can  78   a  to drop out of the dispensing cup  162  while the dispensing cup  163  still retains a second can  78   b . Put another way, at the rear portion  176  of the dispensing cup  162  the solid portion extends farther around the axis of the cup  162  than at the front portion  178  of the dispensing cup  162 . Therefore, a can  78   a  in the front position of the dispensing cup will drop out of the dispensing cup  162  before the can  78   b  in the rear position within the dispensing cup  162 . 
   Preferably a cam  210  and a follower  212  are provided, as best seen in  FIG. 23 . The cam  210  rotates with the dispensing cup  164  and has an uneven diameter. The follower  212  rides on the cam  210  and creates resistance. The follower  212  would create the most resistance where the diameter of the cam  210  is the greatest and less resistance where the diameter of the cam  210  is smaller. The motor  164  senses the amount of current, which is dependent upon the amount of resistance to rotation, and thereby senses the position of the dispensing cup  164 . Those of skill in the art may be aware of other mechanisms for sensing the position of the dispensing cup. 
   If the dispensing cup  164  completes a full rotation without dispensing any product 
   The embodiment for dropping one can  78  at a time shown in  FIG. 26  includes a rear barrier wall  168  that extends downward longitudinally along the open side of the dispensing cup  162 . In the shown embodiment it extends downward from the top barrier  170  along the rear portion of the dispensing cup  162  to form rear barrier. As the dispensing cup  162  rotates it will drop the front can  78   a , but the rear barrier wall  168  will prevent the rear can  78   b  from falling into the dispensing path  102 . 
   A mechanism is provided for indicating when the supply of cans  78  or bottles  76  within a particular bin  24  is getting low. As seen in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , at the rear of each storage bin  24  a low product activator  180  is provided. This low product activator  180  in the shown embodiment is a movable plate  182  that contacts a low product switch  184  mounted to the rear of the storage bin  24  (see  FIG. 23 ). If there is no can  78  or bottle  76  against the movable plate  182 , a signal is sent by the low product switch  184  to the corresponding indicator light  36  (see  FIG. 1 ). Preferably the signal is electrical and the necessary wiring (not shown) runs from the switch  184  to a controller  96  for the indicator lights  36 . The movable plate  182  is preferably placed such that it will be activated when there are three rows of cans  78  or three bottles  76  in the storage bin  24 , but will not be activated if there are just two rows of cans  78  or two bottles  76 . The tilt of the bottom  160  of the storage bin  24  towards the rear wall  158 , as best seen in  FIG. 24 , helps hold the cans  78  and bottles  76  against the movable plate  182 . The placement of the low product activator  180  could be changed in order to receive a low indicator at different levels of remaining supply. For example the activator  180  could be moved closer to the dispensing mechanism  80  to sense when the supply is nearly depleted. 
   In this fashion the user will get an indicator when the supply in a particular bin  24  is getting low, not when it is completely empty. This will help the user restock before running out, and in time to allow the restocked cans  78  or bottles  76  to chill properly. Most vending machines provide an indicator light to indicate when the product is not available, so that a person will not put money into the machine to attempt to purchase a product that is not available. Typical vending machines only provide warning lights if the stock is completely empty so that users will not be confused as to whether a product is available for purchase or not. However, this is not a significant concern for an in-home or office dispenser as contemplated by the present invention. 
   The electrical components that help control the dispensing process according to one embodiment of the invention are shown in the schematic of  FIG. 28 . A main control unit  96  is provided in the cabinet  14 , preferably, but not critically, in the rear behind the storage bins  24 . The main control unit  96  can be a printed circuit board with embedded software. A front panel processor  186 , which also may be a printed circuit board with embedded software, is provided in the door  22 . The main controller  96  and the front panel processor  186  communicate with each other. In the embodiment shown, they communicate by through an asynchronous serial interface provided through the wire harness  94 . It may be possible to use RF or even IR communication in different embodiments. The front panel processor  186  monitors and controls the electrical components in the door  22 , including the indicator lights  36 , selection buttons  18 , a dispensing area light  188 , and a switch  190  on the dispensing area door  110  that senses when the dispensing area door  110  is open. The main controller  96  is attached to the electrical components in the cabinet  14  including each motor  164 , a disable switch  192  attached to each motor  164 , the low product switches  184 , the chute switches  172 , home switches  194  for sensing the position of the dispensing cups  162 , and main door switch  196  that senses when the door  22  is opened. 
   The front panel processor  186  reports the status of the selection button switches  202 , the switch  190  on the dispensing area door  110 , the indicator lights  36 , and the dispensing area light  188  to the main control unit  96 . If the front panel processor  186  does not receive valid data from the main control unit  96 , the front panel processor  186  will cause the indicator lights  36  to continuously flash, to give the user notification of a problem. Similarly, if the main control unit  96  does not receive proper data from the front panel processor  186 , all motors  164  will remain deactivated. This deactivated condition will remain until the door  22  is opened and the main control unit  96  receives a signal from the main door switch  196  that the door  22  has been opened and closed. 
   When a selection button  18  is pressed, the corresponding selection button switch  202  is activated sending a signal to the front panel processor  186 , which in turn sends a signal to the main control unit  96 . If no errors are sensed by the main control unit  96  (e.g., main door  22  open or the like), the main control unit  96  will turn on the motor  164  corresponding to the pressed selection button  18 . The motor  164  will turn the dispensing cup  162  at a rate of about fifteen revolutions per minute (i.e., four seconds per revolution). The dispensing cup  162  will continue to rotate until a can  78  or bottle  76  is dispensed to trigger the chute switch  172 . After the chute switch  172  is triggered, the main control unit  96  will stop the motor  164  immediately, or after a short specified period of time. The can  78  or bottle  76  will continue to fall down the dispensing path  102  until it opens door  110 , thereby opening the switch  190  on the dispensing area door  110 . When the dispensing area door switch  190  is opened, the system turns on the dispensing area light  188 , and ensures that all of the motors  164  are off. When the dispensing area door  110  closes, after the can  78  or bottle  76  clears the door  110 , the main control unit  96  receives a signal from switch  190 , and then permits the motors  164  to run again (if necessary). The dispensing area light  188  remains illuminated for a set period of time—typically about ten seconds—after the dispensing area door switch  190  is closed. 
   As noted above, the dispensing area door switch  190  senses when the dispensing area door  110  has been opened and closed. After one of the chute switches  172  senses that a can  78  or bottle  76  has been dropped out of a dispensing cup  162 , the main control unit  96  prevents the motors  164  from dispensing additional bottles  76  or cans  78  until switch  190  senses that dispensing area door  110  has been opened and closed. In this fashion, the system prevent dispensing multiple cans  78  or bottles  78  at the same time, which can cause jamming of the dispensing path  102  and breaking of glass bottles. 
   The dispensing area door switch  190  is also used to activate a light  188  that illuminates the dispensing area  28  when a can  78  or bottle  76  is dispensed. As soon as the dispensing door switch  190  senses that the dispensing door  110  has been opened, it will illuminate light  188 , which may be a light emitted diode (LED) located in or near the dispensing area  28 . In this fashion the user will get notification that a bottle  76  or can  78  has been vended, and if it is dark, may be able to better see the bottle  76  or can  78  to grab it. Preferably the LED  188  will remain lit until a specified period of time after the dispensing door  110  has closed. For example, the closing of the dispensing door  110  can be a signal to turn off the LED  188  after ten seconds. Therefore, the opening and closing of the dispensing door  110  is used as a simple and reliable trigger for turning on and off the vending area light  188 . 
   As best seen in  FIG. 12 , each storage bin  24  is provided with a disable switch  192 . Each disable switch  192  is a toggle switch that can be moved by hand between a lock-out position and an allow dispense position. When the main control unit  96  senses that a disable switch  192  is in a lock-out position, the main control unit  96  will not permit the motor  164  associated with the storage bin  24  of that disable switch to be activated. If the main control unit  96  senses that the disable switch  192  is in an allow dispense position, it will permit the motor  164  associated with that disable switch  192  to run, if other necessary conditions are met. Therefore, individual storage bins  24  can be selectively disabled so that they will not dispense. Combined with the lock  84  on the door  22 , this provides an effective way for parents to prevent children from dispensing alcoholic beverages when the dispenser  10  is unattended. Because the disable switch  192  is provided on the interior of the cabinet  14 , preferably on the bin  24  with which it is associated, the door  22  must be opened to move the disable switch  192  from the lock-out position to the allow dispense position. By moving the disable switch  192  on a storage bin to the lock-out position, and then using a key to lock the door  22 , a user can prevent access to beverages in a specified bin  24 . Some or all of the bins  24  can be disabled in this fashion. To reactivate a bin  24 , all that is needed is to unlock and open the door  22 , and adjust the toggle switch  192  to the allow dispense position. 
   As cans  78  or bottles  76  proceed through the dispense path  102  to the dispensing area  28  they can become shaken or jarred. This is especially true at the bottom of the vend path when the bottle  78  or can  76  come to a quick stop. The problem is exacerbated if the can or bottle has fallen from the top dispensing cup  162  of the top storage bin  24   t . Highly carbonated beverages can foam or spew excessively if they are jarred or shaken immediately before opening. For this reason it is advisable to place highly carbonated beverages in the lower storage bins, and to wait a few seconds after dispensing before opening. 
   The present invention also includes structure that overcomes some of the aforementioned spewing problem by making the trip through the dispensing path  102  more gentle.  FIG. 11  illustrates this structure that helps reduce the foaming problem. A friction material  122 , preferably in the form of fabric netting or webbing is provided along the left wall  106  of the dispenser  10  adjacent to and interfering with the dispensing path  102 . Biased flaps  120  also extend from the storage bins  24  into the dispensing path  102 . As a bottle  76  or can  78  falls through the dispensing path  102 , the biased flaps  120  slow the rate at which the can  78  or bottle  76  falls, and tend to force the can  78  or bottle  76  towards the friction material  122  provided along the wall  106 . The combination of the slowing effect of the biased flaps  120  and the friction provided by the friction material  122  reduces the speed at which the can  78  or bottle  76  falls through the dispensing path  102 , which consequently reduces the jarring effect when the can  78  or bottle  76  is stopped in the dispensing area  28 . Carbonated beverages are thus less likely to spew or foam excessively when opened. The friction material  122  can also be used to gently guide the can  78  or bottle  76  from the left side of the dispenser  10  to the center where the dispensing area  28  is preferably located. The friction material  122  can be any suitable flexible material that has sufficient friction that it will provide significant slowing of the can  78  or bottle  76 , but not so much friction that is likely to cause grabbing or spinning of the item as it falls. A preferred friction material  122  is a vinyl coated polyester screen having a thickness of about 0.9 mm and a weight of about 13.5 ounces per square yard. The friction material  122  may be hung from any suitable location. According to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11  it is hung from the side wall  106  and slung around under the storage bins  24  and attached also under the storage bins  24 . Padding  124  may also be provided in the dispensing area  28  to further reduce the jarring effect on the dispensed products. If no friction material is used, it is especially desirable to pad the chute  104  that leads to the dispensing area  28 . 
   Although the present invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the disclosure has been made by way of example, and changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.