Abstract:
A mobile vending system ( 10 ) for passenger carrying commercial and private vehicles ( 100 ). The system ( 10 ) provides a means to vend prepackaged goods such as canned or bottled beverages, coffee, tea ( 22, 34, 35, 42 ) or solid items ( 23, 26, 28, 32 ). All vended goods are accessible to the passenger upon purchase. Also, the system ( 10 ) includes a means of providing a viewing of advertisements and a printer for coupons.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/323,672, filed on Sep. 18, 2001, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to a vehicle or hybrid vehicle integrated with a mobile vending solution. In particular, the invention relates to a mobile product vending system, particularly for use in taxicabs, commercial buses, family vans, rental vehicles and other similar vehicles.  
           [0003]    Vending machines enable consumers to purchase products in a convenient manner. However, because vending machines are stationary, their user pool is limited to those who are aware of and have access to the sites where the stationary vending machines are located. Also, due to the ever-increasing number of hours that individuals spend in transport between destinations, it would be convenient if vending machines could travel with the individual during those hours of transport, especially since the individual could save time and effort in seeking out goods sold in stationary vehicles and convenience stores. Therefore a mobile vending solution is desirable and would offer significant advantages.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The instant invention provides a mobile vending system and method for use in commercial and personal vehicles, thereby creating an additional source of income for taxicab owners and other operators/drivers. The intended products are food, beverages (both hot and cold), cigarettes, newspapers, prophylactics and other articles potentially sold through a conventional vending machine.  
           [0005]    In one embodiment, the invention is a mobile vending system comprising: a controller subsystem for controlling the operation of the system and for producing an output that characterizes system charges; an order-entry subsystem for accepting customer input and sending signals to the controller subsystem; a cold beverage vending subsystem adapted for vending beverages in cans, the cold beverage vending subsystem including an inclined storage compartment, a cooling subassembly and a can-release mechanism; and a hot beverage vending subsystem adapted for vending beverages in cups having lids, the hot beverage vending subsystem including a conveyor belt subassembly for positioning the cups, a thermally-insulated container for storage of the hot beverage until it is dispensed, a pump for pressuring the thermally-insulated container, a dispending chamber having a nozzle for dispensing the hot beverage into the cups, and a valve for controlling the flow of the hot beverage to the dispensing chamber.  
           [0006]    In another embodiment, the above mobile vending system further comprises: a solid-product vending subsystem, the solid-product vending subsystem including a compartment having a door and a sensor that sends a charge signal to the controller subsystem when said door is opened by said customer and a solid product is removed from the compartment.  
           [0007]    In yet another embodiment, the order-entry subsystem comprises a touch-screen  
           [0008]    selection interactive display. Preferably, the cold beverage inclined storage compartment has two levels, each of which is adapted to store three inclined stacks of cans. In an embodiment, the hot beverage dispensing chamber is adapted to push the nozzle through the lid of one of the cups during the dispensing operation. Preferably, the hot beverage vending subsystem further comprises a concentrate-dispenser subassembly for dispensing a liquid concentrate into one of said cups.  
           [0009]    In another embodiment, the above mobile vending system further comprises a taxicab having a meter that is adapted to accept the output that characterizes system charges and add said charges to the fare of the customer using the system.  
           [0010]    In another embodiment, the invention is also a method of operation of a mobile vending system. Preferably, the method comprises controlling the operation of the system and producing an output that characterizes system charges; accepting customer input and sending signals to a controller subsystem; vending beverages in cans by means of a cold beverage vending subsystem that may be provided by an inclined storage compartment, a cooling subassembly and a can-release mechanism; and vending beverages in cups having lids by means of a hot/cold beverage vending subsystem that includes a means of providing cups by either a conveyor belt subassembly for positioning the cups or a stack of cups which the top cup is removed and position for accepting the beverages, a thermal container for storage of the hot/cold beverage until it is dispensed in its final form, a pump for pressuring the thermal  
           [0011]    container, a dispending chamber having a nozzle for dispensing the hot/cold beverage into the cups, and a valve for controlling the flow of the hot/cold beverage to the dispensing chamber. Optionally are multiple tanks of concentrates and a means of delivering the concentrate to the hot/cold beverage. A tank of compressed carbon dioxide provided to carbonize specific drinks selected by the customer.  
           [0012]    In another preferred embodiment, the above method includes vending a solid product by means of a solid-product vending subsystem that includes a compartment for delivering the solid product to the customer. It may have a door and a sensor that sends a charge signal to the controller subsystem when said door is opened by said customer and a solid product is removed from the compartment. Another option is to have the customer select the desired solid product and the selected product is delivered to the customers reach for a dispensing point.  
           [0013]    In use, the system is preferably re-supplied at the beginning of each day or a period time by a list provided to the driver of the contents remaining for sale. Optionally in use for fleets of cabs or other high volume businesses a mobile transmitting unit can forward the contents of the vending machine to a central location so that the refilling of the machine can be facilitated. Hot/cold beverage liquid (e.g., enough to fill at least twenty-four cups) is added to the thermal container and optionally at least two cups, but preferably twelve cups with lids are added to the conveyor. Additional cups are added to the system after the first cups are consumed. Another method is to have cups stacked and have them automatically removed and positioned from the stack for filling with the selected beverage. Exhausted concentrate dispensers are replaced with full ones. Cold beverage cans and solid items are also added to the system.  
           [0014]    Preferably, the system is operated by a passenger being transported in a vehicle. The passenger enters a beverage product choice. The product choice may be made mechanically through a lever or button, electronically through a touch-screen display or other means to indicate the selected product and the system then dispenses the product. The passenger may also desire a solid product that in one embodiment may be selected by sliding open a door covering a solid product compartment and obtain a solid product. Another embodiment the product may be stored internally and transported to an area for access to the consumer once the selection has been made. The system calculates the charge associated with each product sale and sends a signal to the taxicab meter which causes it to add the charge to the passenger&#39;s fare or charged directly to the consumer at the point of sale through an acceptance of money or credit card charge.  
           [0015]    If the embodiment contains a means for charging a credit card the cab fare can be charged to the passenger and limit access to the driver for safety. Another additional embodiment is the addition of a cellular phone for the passengers having a set billing rate for mobile calls to be made and charged to the passenger.  
           [0016]    Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the drawings and the ensuing description of preferred embodiments of the invention. A person skilled in the art will realize that other embodiments of the invention are possible and that the details of the invention can be modified in a number of respects, all without departing from the inventive concept. Thus, the following drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0017]    The features of the invention will be better understood by reference to the accompanying figures:  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 a  is a front elevation view of a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the prepackaged goods dispensing subsystem of a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2 a  is a side view of a particular embodiment of the invention in both the locked, ready to dispense position, and the prepackaged goods loading mode, slid towards the rare of the vehicle.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the liquid dispenser subsystem of a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the liquid dispending chamber of a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the cup and lid used in dispensing a liquid in a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5 a  is a side view of the lid of the liquid receptacle of a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the upper portion of the liquid dispensing subsystem of a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the liquid dispenser of a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the liquid receptacle conveying apparatus of a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 8 a  is a cross-sectional view of the liquid receptacle conveying apparatus of a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the liquid receptacle conveying apparatus of a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 10 is a top view of a hybrid vehicle employing a mobile vending system according to a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 11 is a block level diagram of a software program used to control a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 12 is a block level diagram of the mobile vending control system of a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 13 is a block level diagram of the system operating sequence of a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 13 a  is a continuation FIG. 13.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 13 b  is a continuation of the FIG. 13.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 14 is a block level diagram product selection flowchart of a particular embodiment of the invention.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view detailing can cradle dispending action of a particular embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0039]    Referring to FIG. 1, an isometric view of a particular embodiment of the invention is presented. In this embodiment, automated mobile vending system  10  includes prepackaged goods dispensing subsystem  18 , liquid dispensing subsystem  22 , and solid goods dispensing subsystem  23 . Automation of the operation of vending system  10  is computer controlled through a single board controller printed circuit board (PCB). In a particular embodiment the computer (not shown) comprises at least one microprocessor to operate the vending system, wherein the at least one microprocessor accepts inputs from a selector means and at least one memory storage device to store data associated with the system  10 , wherein the at least one memory storage device stores inputs from the selector  16  and transmits the inputs to its accompanying microprocessor. In one embodiment, the selector means  16  of the vending unit  10  is provided with an order entry liquid crystal display (LCD) touch screen  16  which can be combined with a multi-media like video screen with sound. In such an embodiment, touch screen  16  also functions as an extended advertisement viewing platform. In another embodiment, system  10  also includes a printer (not shown) that outputs coupon printouts when a coupon request is input via touch screen  16 , by passengers.  
         [0040]    Mobile vending system  10 , preferably identified as MobilVend™ unit, also features a built-in liquid (e.g., coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, juices, flavored drinks, beer, water, and any other liquid capable of being dispensed by the system) dispensing subsystem  22 . Additional features include at least one solid goods compartments; however in one embodiment there are three compartments  26 ,  28 ,  32  for dispensing any solid goods capable of being dispensed by the system such as packaged foods, candies, donuts, cigarettes, tissues and the like, as well other sundry items. Each of these compartments is wired with a sensor switch that activates if a solid product is removed from the compartment and causes a charge signal to be generated. Each sensor switch measures the change in thickness, volume or weight of solid product in each compartment after the door to the compartment is opened.  
         [0041]    Referring to FIG. 1A, a rearview of the MobilVend™ unit shown mounted flush to vehicle floor  109  through series of rollers  19 . A ladder frame  103  supports and protects a row of batteries  101  and serves as a translation rail for the rollers  19 . The MobilVend™ unit translates a finite distance longitudinally on this rail system when the unit is unlocked.  
         [0042]    Referring to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of prepackaged goods dispensing subsystem  18  is shown, capable of dispensing all prepackaged goods capable of being dispensed by the system, including bottles and cans. In one embodiment of the invention, subsystem  18  is a cold beverage dispensing subsystem that comprises a prepackaged goods or beverage storage compartment  52  and a cradle mechanism for retaining, insulating and dispensing a single cold beverage can  34  or bottle  35 , wherein the cradle mechanism can be solenoid or motor driven. In one embodiment the beverage storage compartment has at least two levels, and in another embodiment three levels  45 , each of which accommodates three rows of cans  34  or two rows of bottles  35 . Beverage storage compartment  52  is well insulated and maintained at a constant temperature. In a preferred embodiment, pusher plate  55 , which is driven by stepper motor and lead screw  57 , pushes the rows of beverage cans  34 , and/or bottles  35  and/or other prepackaged goods (not shown). To load, unit  10  is translated backwards or forwards on rails depending on the configuration, where the stepper motor automatically reverses, moving pusher plate backwards so new cans  34  and/or bottles  35  and/or other prepackaged goods may be loaded. The cooling subassembly that maintains constant temperature comprises either a traditional unit that comprises compressor  46 , condenser  48 , and evaporator and fan  50 , which may be mounted inside dashboard  12 . Cooling may also be provided using electrical thermal cooler and fan.  
         [0043]    As illustrated in FIG. 2, liquid dispensing subsystem  22  includes any liquid or premixed liquid either hot or cold stored inside a thermally-insulated container or chamber  42  with pump  38  maintaining a constant pressure in insulated auxiliary tank  40 . If a hot liquid, such as coffee, is stored within the thermally insulated container  42 , said liquid is maintained at a temperature between 120 and 160 degrees F., preferably about one hundred forty degrees F. by an electrical resistance heater (not shown). A first valve (not shown) opens periodically, circulating the liquid between the insulated auxiliary tank  40  and thermally insulated container  42  to keep it warm. When a customer/passenger/user/consumer makes a selection, a second valve (not shown) opens to dispense the liquid into a cup, adding at least one additive such as cream concentrate and/or a sugar or sugar/flavor concentrate by the customer. The system  10  is adapted to utilize any practical additive capable of being added to the liquid by the system  10 . As an alternative to coffee, thermally insulated container  42  could also contain another hot beverage such as tea or hot chocolate. If a cold soft drink type liquid beverage is desired, a carbonation system can me added to provide carbonation to the liquid in the container  42 .  
         [0044]    Referring to FIG. 2 a , a side view of MobilVend™ unit  10  showing normal operating position as well as can/bottle loading position via a loading system described below. Cans containing cold beverages and/or other prepackaged goods are introduced into the cold beverage or prepackaged goods dispensing subsystem  18  by the operator through opening  30 , which is made accessible when MobilVend™ unit  10  is translated towards the rear of the vehicle, but again in some applications, the unit  10  may translate in any direction depending on the specific set-up within the housing vehicle. Via the loading system, the vending unit  10  is attached to rails in the vehicle floor through a series of rollers. These rollers allow easy translation when the unit is unlocked. Restocking of cans and/or bottles and/or other prepackaged goods can only take place while vehicle is parked and slide lock  20  is retracted. Snacks and sundries compartments can be reloaded by opening top cover  37 . This cover cannot open unless unit  10  has been moved away from vehicle dashboard  12 .  
         [0045]    Referring to FIG. 3, an elevation view of additive or concentrate dispenser assembly  44  of a particular embodiment of the invention is presented. As shown in FIG. 2, additive dispenser subassembly  44  includes lead screw  56 , stepper motor  54 , aluminum or stainless steel dispensing tube  43 , plastic or aluminum plunger plate  58 , sugar/cream flavor concentrate  60 , check valve  66 , quick connect  62 , and plastic tubing  64 . When stepper motor  54  is activated, lead screw  56  turns, causing plunger plate  58  to apply pressure constantly to sugar or cream concentrate  60 . This causes check valve  66  to open while at least one additive  60  flows through quick disconnect  62  and tubing  64 , out of dispensing nozzle  70  and into a cup or other suitable receptacle means  76 . After cup  76  is filled, the customer slides door  24  open and retrieves the cup  76 .  
         [0046]    Referring to FIG. 4, an isometric view of liquid or beverage dispensing chamber  68 , of a particular embodiment of the invention, is presented. Liquid beverage dispensing chamber  68  is shown connected to beverage supply tubing  64  where hot or cold water, other liquids, and additives such as cream and sugar are introduced to the dispenser. In FIG. 4A, a side view of liquid dispensing chamber  68  is presented. Liquid dispensing chamber  68  is shown connected to liquid supply tubing  64  by means of quick disconnect coupling  62 . Solenoid  72  connects liquid or coffee dispensing chamber  68  to the structure of system  10  via a side flange. When solenoid  72  is activated, nozzle  70  is moved downward and penetrates lid  78  on cup  76 . A second valve (not shown) opens, allowing a selected amount of liquid to flow into awaiting cup  76 . After a set period of time, solenoid  72  is switched off, allowing springs  74  to decompress, pushing dispensing chamber  68  and nozzle  70  back into their initial positions.  
         [0047]    Referring to FIG. 5, an isometric view of receptacle or cup  76  and lid  78  used in dispensing hot beverages, cold beverages or other liquids in a particular embodiment of the invention is presented. FIG. 5A. presents a side view of lid  78  and cup  76 . Cup  76  and lid  78  are designed in such a way that output nozzle  70  can easily push through center, cross, cutout  79  by first making contact with bumps  80  on lid  78 . Bumps  80  aid nozzle  70  in pushing open center, cross, cutout  79  and spring back into their original positions once nozzle  70  is retracted.  
         [0048]    Referring to FIG. 6, an isometric view of upper portion  14  of the liquid and/or hot beverage dispensing subsystem  22 , of a particular embodiment of the invention is shown. Upper portion  14  includes see-through coffee cup dispenser cover  24 , which is opened by the passenger to retrieve a cup of hot beverage (or cold beverage) and access door  30  which is opened by the operator for loading cup  76  and lid  78  assemblies. Upper portion  14  also contains solid goods (including snack and sundry goods) dispensing subsystem  23 , which includes, in a particular embodiment, snacks compartment  26 , donuts compartment  28  and cigarettes and tissues compartment  32 . Front compartments are fully accessible with slide open. Compartments towards the taxi dash are reserved for age dependent products and are accessible only if driver releases age sensitive access door lock  21 , on sliding door. When a solid product is removed from a compartment, the sensor/micro-switch activates, causing charges to be posted directly to the taximeter. An itemized fare including all products removed will be presented to customer.  
         [0049]    Referring to FIG. 7, a front elevation view of hot beverage delivery conveyor belt subassembly or liquid receptacle conveying apparatus  98  of a particular embodiment of the invention is depicted. FIG. 7A presents an isometric view of liquid receptacle conveying apparatus  98 ; said apparatus can be a conveyer belt as shown or any other conveying means such as a hopper or dispenser. Rubber conveyor belt  90  is driven by two geared rollers  92 , one on each end of belt  90  with stepper motor  86  attached directly to geared roller at one end as shown. Belt  90  itself has teeth on its inside surface and small fingers  99  on the outside surface of belt  90  for cup alignment. Belt  90  is also perforated with belt notches or perforations  96  that can be sensed by an optical sensor (not shown). Conveyor belt subassembly  98  first moves a cup to initial position  84 , in which position it is ready to be filled with a liquid. After an order for a liquid beverage is placed, system  10  determines whether a foreign object is in service position  82 . If that is the case, a message is displayed on touch screen  16  asking the passenger to open cover  24  and remove the foreign object. If service position  82  is empty, an empty cup is automatically moved to initial position  84 . At initial position  84 , the cup is filled with a cold or hot liquid beverage and then the filled cup moved into service position  82 . When the cup reaches service position  82 , a message is displayed on touch screen  16  asking the passenger to open cover  24  and remove the purchased cup of liquid beverage.  
         [0050]    Referring to FIG. 8, a top plan view of the conveyor belt subassembly  98  of a preferred embodiment of the invention is presented. FIG. 8A presents a cross-sectional view of the conveyor belt subassembly  98 . In these figures, one filled cup is in service position  82  and a second cup is in initial position  84 , ready to be filled with a hot beverage. Also shown are notches  96  that are visible by optical/mechanical sensor switches and stepper motor  86 .  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 8A shows conveyor belt  90  mounted on two gear rollers  92 , one located at each reversal of direction of belt  90 . Optical cup-location-detection sensor  94  is mounted between belt  90  and fixture plate  97  and detects each cut-out  96 . Fixture plate  97  comprises a plurality of stationary rollers or a flat, low-coefficient-of-friction plastic (e.g., Delrin R  or equivalent material) plate fixture located beneath the top run belt  90  to function as a support and prevent belt  90  from sagging.  
         [0052]    Referring to FIG. 9, a top plan view of another preferred embodiment of the invention is presented. This embodiment comprises automated mobile vending system  10  installed in taxicab  100 . Supplies for automated mobile vending system  10  are stored in storage cabinet  102 . In another preferred embodiment (not shown), system  10  is equipped with an airbag to protect passengers from colliding directly with the body of system  10  during a collision.  
         [0053]    Referring to FIG. 10, a top plan view of yet another preferred embodiment of the invention is presented. This embodiment also comprises automated mobile vending system  10  installed in taxicab  100 . In this embodiment, taxicab  100  is a hybrid vehicle that comprises generator  105  and electric motor  107  and series of batteries  101 .  
         [0054]    Referring to FIG. 11, a block level diagram of a software program used to control a preferred embodiment of the invention is presented. In a preferred embodiment, the software program is comprised of objects that model the real world objects of the invention. As indicated in FIG. 11, passenger input and product selection to MobilVend™ control system object  111  occurs via LCD interactive touch screen object  113 . MobilVend™ control system object  111  sends control messages to the prepackaged or cold beverage dispenser object  115 , liquid or hot beverage dispenser object  117  and the solid goods and snack and sundry dispenser  119 . After a product is dispensed, prepackaged or cold beverage dispenser object  115 , liquid or hot beverage dispenser object  117  and solid goods or snack and sundry dispenser  110  send messages characterizing charges to a taximeter billing interface object  121  which interacts with taximeter object  123 .  
         [0055]    Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the mobile vending control system, system operating sequence and product selection flowchart are respectively shown in accordance with one embodiment of the invention  
         [0056]    Referring to FIG. 15, A side view detail of the can cradle delivery subsystem is described. Due to vehicle movements, a gravity fed delivery system would be unreliable. The cradle subsystem holds and delivers a single can or prepackaged good when selected. The cradle mechanism  36  pivots on each side, and naturally rotates back when empty. As cans  34  or bottles  35  or other prepackaged goods are pushed back by can pusher plate  55 , the first can or bottle causes the cradle to center and lock in this position. A drive rack is driven by solenoid, which rotates cradle forward, delivering the single can or bottle. The a cradle mechanism  36  ultimately retains all prepackaged goods including bottles and cans and is not affected by the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle and is not affected by the slope and direction of the path of travel of the vehicle.  
         [0057]    In one embodiment of the invention, the mobile vending system  10  comprises a housing  5  having an inside and an outside, wherein the housing is adapted for incorporation into a vehicle; at least one storage compartment affixed within the inside of the housing for storing goods; a dispensing system, wherein the goods dispensed are conveyed from the at least one storage compartment to the outside of the housing; and at least one selector device in communication with the dispensing system.  
         [0058]    In this embodiment, the dispensing system further comprises: an optional prepackaged goods dispensing subsystem  18  comprising: a prepackaged goods storage compartment; a cradle mechanism for retaining and dispensing a prepackaged good, wherein operation of the cradle mechanism is not affected by the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle and is not affected by the slope and direction of the path of travel of the vehicle; and a delivery mechanism for advancing the prepackaged goods stored in the prepackaged goods storage compartment after a prepackaged good is dispensed.  
         [0059]    Additionally, and optionally, dispensing system further comprises:  22  a liquid dispensing subsystem comprising: at least one thermally insulated container  42  for storing a liquid; at least one pump  38  in fluid communication with the container; tubing means  43  for liquid travel in fluid communication with the container; at least one valve in fluid communication with the container; and a liquid dispenser in fluid communication with the container having at least one nozzle for dispensing the liquid. The liquid dispensing subsystem further comprises: a liquid receptacle conveying apparatus comprising, at least one receptacle delivery device, which can be a conveyor  90 ; and at least one receptacle  76  having an opening for receiving the dispensed liquid, wherein the receptacle is stored in the delivery device. Also, liquid dispensing subsystem further comprises a carbonation unit (not shown) capable of carbonating the dispensed liquid and at least one additive dispenser for dispensing at least one additive to the dispense liquid.  
         [0060]    Lastly, and optionally, the dispensing system comprises a solid goods dispensing subsystem comprising: at least one solid goods compartment; and at least one lockable access door defined in the housing for allowing access to the solid goods stored in the compartment, wherein at least one access door comprises an age restriction device for controlling access to the corresponding solid goods compartment.  
         [0061]    The system  10  employs a computer, which performs multiple tasks, one of which is running a program which assists in operating the system  10 . In one embodiment the computer program comprises the steps of: turning on the vending system  10 ; activating the system via an electronic signal from a taximeter; starting the advertisement sequence on a video screen; checking inventory of goods stored in at least one storage compartment; illuminating choice on selector device  16  for available goods; reading selection by user from a touch screen input corresponding to an associated good; activating the dispensing system and an appropriate dispensing subsystem associated with the touch screen input, wherein if a liquid is the chosen good, a liquid dispensing subsystem  22  comprising a liquid dispenser, additive dispenser and a liquid receptacle conveying subsystem is activated, if a prepackaged good is the chosen good, a prepackaged goods dispensing subsystem  18  comprising a cradle mechanism and a delivery mechanism is activated, if a solid good is the chosen good, a solid goods dispensing subsystem  23  comprising a lockable lid located within the housing is activated, and if an age restricted solid good is the chosen good, the solid goods dispensing subsystem further comprising an age restricted monitor is activated; dispensing at least one quantity of liquid if liquid is selected; dispensing at least one prepackaged good if a sealed liquid is selected; dispensing at least one solid good if a solid good is selected; dispensing at least one age restricted solid good if an age restricted solid good is selected and proper age is verified; determining the total quantity of goods dispensed; sending a signal to the taximeter to charge a fee equal to the total value of the dispensed goods in addition to transportation fees; and timing out the system if the taximeter stops running to reset the system.  
         [0062]    Other options of the system embodiment include: at least one sensor in communication with the computer for determining the inventory levels of goods stored in the storage compartment; a transmitting device to relay information pertaining to the inventory levels of goods stored in the storage compartment to a location outside the vehicle; at least one indicator for communicating the inventory levels of goods stored in the storage compartment to the vehicle operator; at least one interactive display interface touch screen capable of accepting inputs and transmitting information to the passenger regarding availability of goods and allowing a passenger to select a desired good for purchase; at least one touch screen is capable of displaying advertisements to a passenger in the vehicle; a printing device capable of printing receipts and coupons selected by a passenger via the at least one touch screen; an interactive media system, comprising at least one video screen for visually providing information to a person in the vehicle; a sound system to co-act with the video screen; a taximeter that is adapted to accept an output associated with system charges and add the charges to the transportation fare of the passenger; a mobile communication system comprising a device capable of transmitting telephone calls and a meter for calculating telephone call charges and transmitting the charges to the vehicle operator; and a credit card reader for accepting electronic payment information to authorize debit and credit card purchases of goods including phone charges and transportation fare.  
         [0063]    In use, the system  10  provides a method of providing goods for purchase in a mobile environment comprising the steps of: providing a vehicle, which can be a taxicab  100  capable of accepting a mobile vending system  10  having a housing  5 ; providing at least one storage area for storing goods for purchase; providing a selector device  16  for accepting at least one input associated with a specific good for purchase; reading the selected input; cross-referencing the input with the associated good for purchase; and delivering the selected good to a purchaser.  
         [0064]    Many variations of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art. Some variations include means for vending liquids, hot beverages, cold beverages and/or solid products. Other variations call for a hybrid vehicle integrated with mobile vending solution. All such variations are intended to fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. It should be appreciated that the liquids, solid products and prepackaged goods noted in the description are only a portion of the full realm of items capable of being dispensed by the system  10 , and therefore, any such item capable of being dispensed by the system  10  are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.