Abstract:
The invention concerns a reliable, simple, economical and ergonomic dispensing machine requiring little maintenance, for example of bottled mineral water sold in pack or carboy, enabling a novel dispensing circuit to be set up which combines the practical aspect for the consumer by being closer to his residence with the ecological aspect for centralized recycling of empty packs, while promoting sales for water producers. The automatic dispensing machine ( 1 ) consists of a box ( 10 ) comprising payment mechanisms ( 21 ) and/or mechanisms ( 22 ) for selecting products ( 2 ), a multistage unit for storing ( 30 ) products ( 2 ) provided with mechanisms for pushing forward ( 40 ) the selected product towards a transfer zone ( 50 ), transfer mechanism ( 51 ) mobile inside the transfer zone ( 50 ) for seizing the product ( 2 ) from the storage unit ( 30 ), separating same from other stored products ( 2 ) by tilting same by a few degrees and brining same opposite an outlet ( 60 ) closed by at least one trap-door ( 61 ) coupled with actuating mechanism ( 65 ), thrusting mechanisms ( 70 ) for delivering the product ( 2 ) outside the box ( 10 ), a recycling container ( 80 ) adjacent the box ( 10 ) provided with an inlet ( 81 ) closed by a controlled access trap-door ( 82 ) and mechanism for monitoring the whole assembly. The invention is useful for automatic dispensing of consumer products.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a national stage filing of PCT/IB2005/000464 filed Feb. 24, 2005 which claims priority from French Application Serial No. 04/07298 filed July Mar. 1, 2004 and French Application Serial No. 04/02074 filed Mar. 1, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention concerns an apparatus for the automatic dispensing of voluminous and/or heavy products and/or products sold in packs. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0003]    Apparatus for automatically dispensing beverages and/or food products are very common. They dispense beverages or food products by the unit, each unit being fairly small in size so it can easily be transported and manipulated inside the device. 
         [0004]    The example given in Publication EP-A-1 253 562 describes an automatic dispenser for beverages which may be packaged in metal cans or small plastic bottles with a volume of from 25 to 50 cl. The product is stored in tiered drawers, and then pushed until it falls into an elevator that takes it to the lower portion where it is manually picked up by the consumer, who has previously pivoted a trap door. This design is not well suited for voluminous, heavy products that would be damaged by falling into the elevator device, nor is it well suited for recovering voluminous, heavy products that often must be gripped with two hands. 
         [0005]    Another example is provided in Publication DE-A-33 01 905, which describes an automatic dispenser for beverages that may be packaged in containers with a capacity of several liters. The product is stored on tiered inclined ramps which allow it to advance automatically by gravity towards an elevator platform formed of an endless belt that moves the product to a discharge ramp. This dispenser also provides for the recovery of empty containers introduced onto an inlet ramp, transported by the elevator platform, and stored on ramps inclined in the opposite direction. The storage of products on inclined ramps does not guarantee that heavy products will advance in a regular, reliable, or reproducible fashion, particularly heavy products that do not slide easily and risk becoming lodged sideways, blocking the gravitational progression of products that may become stuck, causing a malfunction in the dispensing process. Moreover, this type of storage requires that a stop be placed at the front of the inclined ramps which must be retracted to allow the product to pass toward the elevator and then repositioned to hold back the next row of products, requiring complex controls and incurring the risk of malfunctions. 
         [0006]    Until now, there has been no device that is reliable, economical and ergonomic for dispensing large or heavy products or products sold in packs or in carboys such as, for example, mineral water, milk, or other beverages. 
         [0007]    Furthermore, mineral water consumption is increasing, greatly because of the deterioration in tap water quality. This phenomenon can be observed more and more in large cities and geographical regions where groundwater is polluted by agricultural treatment or farming effluent. Today the sale of bottled water takes place principally on two levels: large scale distribution and HOD (Home and Office Delivery), that is, distribution of water to homes or offices in either bottles or in carboys adapted for drinking fountains, with large scale distribution being the foremost mode of distribution. Based on the average consumption of bottled water by a family, a purchase of bottled water or milk in cartons consists of from four to eight bottles or cartons and quickly becomes a chore for the consumer in terms of weight, size, and handling. In addition, after consumption, the packaging must be dealt with either as trash, which immediately becomes cumbersome, or as recycled products that require storage and then specialized transportation to a waste sorting facility. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The objective of the invention is to propose a new dispensing apparatus for bottled mineral water sold in packs or carboys, for example, that is simple, economical, reliable, and requires little upkeep. The invention provides a new outlet for distribution by combining: (1) the practicality of being located close to the consumer&#39;s home; (2) the ecological advantage of centralized package recycling, and (3) the opportunity for stimulating sales of bottled water. 
         [0009]    To achieve this, the invention concerns an automatic apparatus for dispensing voluminous and/or heavy products and/or products sold in packs consisting of at least one box comprising at least one unit for storing said products structured in tiers and equipped with a means for advancing at least one product toward at least one transfer zone, a transfer means provided in the transfer zone for receiving on a flat surface the product which has been propelled by said advancing means and for transporting it from the storage unit toward at least one outlet orifice, a means for blocking said outlet orifice which, when closed, prevents access to the interior of said storage unit and when open, allows said product to exit, an anti-tampering means for preventing access to the interior of said storage unit when the blocking means is open, and a means for controlling the entire unit. 
         [0010]    Preferably said apparatus comprises a pushing means to evacuate the product outside of said box through said outlet orifice, said blocking means comprising at least one trap door coupled with an actuation means controlled by said pushing means so as to open the trap door, allowing the product to exit, and close it after the product has exited. 
         [0011]    Said apparatus may comprise a means for payment and/or product selection. 
         [0012]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tiers in the storage unit consist of superimposed fixed platforms, each capable of receiving at least one row of products. Each platform may support several rows of products arranged side by side and separated by guide means. 
         [0013]    In the preferred form of the invention, the advancement means is designed to push at least one row of products. Each row of products may comprise an advancement means, or the advancement means may be common to several rows of products. 
         [0014]    This advancement means may comprise at least one motor which is coupled, through at least one transmission, with a means for pushing the corresponding row of products. 
         [0015]    Each fixed platform may comprise a surface for rolling and may also be slightly inclined toward the rear opposite the transfer zone. 
         [0016]    The transfer means may comprise at least one motor coupled with a movable platform through at least one transmission in order to displace it to the interior of the transfer zone in front of the fixed platforms in the storage unit along guides integral with the box. 
         [0017]    The movable platform may define a plane angled toward the front and it may comprise a surface for rolling. 
         [0018]    According to a first embodiment, the fixed platforms in the storage unit comprise an inclined ramp in the front angled downward so that the product supported by said movable platform is pushed onto it when it descends, said inclined ramps growing progressively shorter from the upper platforms to the lower platforms. 
         [0019]    According to a second embodiment, the movable platform comprises a fixed base and a plate that moves in said inclined plane, a recall device located between them, inclined ramps integral with the box and located in the trajectory of the transfer means opposite the fixed plates of the storage unit, which cooperate with said plate so as to move it close to the storage unit and facilitate removal of the product, with the inclined ramps decreasing in depth from the top to the bottom of the transfer zone. 
         [0020]    The transfer means may comprise a plate located at the upper portion of the movable platform far enough away to allow products to be loaded between the plate and the movable platform and at least partially constituting said anti-tampering means. 
         [0021]    In the preferred form of the embodiment, the outlet orifice is located in the lower portion of the box and it comprises a sliding base plate outside the box equipped with at least one ramp inclined toward the ground. The trap door advantageously covers at least the surface of this orifice and the actuation means comprises at least one actuator coupled with this trap door for displacing it parallel to itself between the open and closed positions. 
         [0022]    The pushing means may comprise at least one actuator coupled with a pushing means defining at least one contact surface designed to enter into contact with said product to be evacuated. Preferably the axis of the actuator is generally parallel to the plane of the transfer means and the contact surface of said pushing means is flat and generally perpendicular to said plane. 
         [0023]    The pushing means is advantageously designed to block the outlet orifice when the trap door is in the open position and at least partially constitutes said anti-tampering means for preventing any intrusion into the interior of the box. 
         [0024]    The box of the dispensing machine of the invention is advantageously isothermal and it may include thermal regulation means to cool and/or heat the inside of the box depending upon the outside temperature. 
         [0025]    In the preferred embodiment, the dispensing machine comprises a recycling container adjacent to the box and equipped with at least one inlet orifice for receiving empty product packaging. This inlet orifice may comprise an access trap movable between a closed position and an open position and coupled with an actuator controlled by the regulating means. This recycling container may also comprise a means for compacting empty packaging. 
     
    
     
       SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    The present invention and its features will be more apparent from the following description of embodiments provided by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  is a surface view of a dispensing apparatus according to the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a side cross-section of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is an overhead cross-section of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  at the level of the storage area; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  is an overhead cross-section of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  at the level of the outlet orifice; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged detailed view of the transfer zone according to a first variation; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is a view similar to  FIG. 5  according to a second variation; 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is a perspective of another mode of embodiment of the storage unit of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  is a perspective of another mode of embodiment of the transfer means of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  is a partial side view of the storage unit and the transfer means of  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 10  is a perspective of another mode of embodiment of the pushing means of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0037]    With reference to the drawings, dispensing apparatus  1  of the invention is specifically designed to automatically dispense large and/or heavy products  2  and/or products sold in packs, such as, for example, bottles of mineral water, cartons of milk, or any other beverage sold in packs of four to eight, carboys of spring water with a 5 to 10 liter (1.32 to 2.64 gal) capacity, packages of laundry detergent or softener, etc., said apparatus being capable of offering one or more types of products, or one or more brands of products. 
         [0038]    Said dispensing apparatus  1  consists of an exterior box  10 , generally cube shaped, defining a base  11  with feet  12  resting on the floor, a front wall  13 , two side walls  14  and  15 , a rear wall  16  and a top  17 . At least one of the walls, for example front wall  13 , forms an articulated entryway with one or more swinging doors allowing access to the interior of box  10  to restock products  2  and for maintenance. 
         [0039]    Obviously the shape of box  10  and its exterior appearance could be different and selected in accordance with the environment in which dispensing apparatus  1  will be installed. Preferably, box  10  is thermally insulated to prevent overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter. It may include one or more refrigerating groups  3  and/or one or more heating groups  4  supplied through the electrical network and controlled by at least one interior temperature sensor  5 . An external temperature sensor may be added if needed. Its front wall  13  may comprise a glass portion  13  through which the products for sale  2  are partially or completely visible. There may also be no glass portion but instead, a visual display (labels) to identify the products  2  for sale. It may also have a lighted banner displaying advertising slogans or other slogans. The body of dispensing apparatus  1  may also be used for advertising display. 
         [0040]    As with the majority of such devices, this dispensing apparatus  1  comprises a payment means  21  and/or a means  22  for selecting products  2  that may be centralized, for example, in an electric control box  20 . Payment means  21  may be adapted for payment by token, cash, bank card or prepaid card, which seems to be the simplest way to limit risk of theft, as the apparatus would contain no money. Selection means  22  may consist of a keyboard with selection buttons for identifying products and digital touch pads for selecting the desired number of products  2 . A display screen (not shown) may be associated with electrical control box  20  to indicate the steps to be followed, the quantity of stored products available, etc. If needed, other functions such as a recycling function may be added to each of these elements  21 ,  22 . 
         [0041]    Box  10  defines at least one storage unit  30  for products  2  structured in tiers, each tier consisting of at least one fixed platform  31  capable of receiving one or more rows of products  2  arranged side by side. These fixed platforms  31  may consist of a surface for sliding or a surface for rolling. In the first case they may be formed of a plate that may or may not be metal and which is coated with a slippery material such as Teflon®, for example. In the second case they may consist of rollers, such as rails with wheels  35  as shown in  FIG. 7 . These fixed platforms  31  may be horizontal or preferably slightly inclined toward the rear to promote displacement of products  2  by their own weight, particularly during loading through the front of dispensing apparatus  1 . The angle α of the slope may be minimal, approximately equal to 1°, which is sufficient for an object to slide by virtue of its own weight (cf.  FIG. 9 ). Each fixed platform  31  is supplemented by lateral guides  32  to separate the rows of products  2  and guide them in translation, such as walls, rails, etc. 
         [0042]    Advancement means  40  are associated with each row of products to displace it towards a transfer zone  50  located at the front of storage unit  30 . A single advancement means may be provided for all the tiers, or one advancement means for each tier; they are movable and can be positioned opposite the row of products  2  selected. It is also possible to provide an advancement means  40  for each row of products  2  as in the embodiments illustrated. They comprise, with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a motor or reduction gear motor  41  connected to a pushing means  44  by means of an endless screw transmission  42  and a nut. Nut  43  is integral with pushing means  44  moving in translation along corresponding fixed platform  31  and designed to displace the row of products  2  by pushing them. In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  the advancement means  40  comprises a motor or reduction gear motor  41 ′ connected to pushing means  44  through a pinion  42 ′ and chain  43 ′ transmission. It is possible to employ other types of advancement means such as a cylinder or other equivalent actuator. Fixed platform  31  comprises a slot  32  allowing pushing element  44 , located above, to communicate with transmission means  42 ,  43  or  42 ′,  43 ′ located below said fixed platform  31 . Pushing means  44  in this case consists of a plate generally perpendicular to fixed platform  31  in order to provide a large enough flat surface for products  2  to ensure that they are displaced in parallel to one another. The plate of pushing element  44  may be connected to transmission element  42 ,  43  or  42 ′,  43 ′ by an angled portion allowing it to push the row of products all the way to the end of fixed platform  31 . This advancement means  40  ensures the controlled, steady advancement of products, eliminating any risk of blocking due to malpositioning. 
         [0043]    Transfer zone  50  comprises a transfer means  51  that moves vertically from bottom to top and vice versa to locate at least one selected product  2  from storage unit  30 , separate it from the other stored products  2 , and move it until it is opposite at least one outlet orifice  60  blocked by a blocking means comprising at least one trap door  61 . In the example shown in  FIG. 2  the transfer means  51  comprises a motor or a reduction gear motor  52  positioned on a movable platform  53 , said motor  52  engaging through a pinion motor  54 , a rack  55  integral with intermediate wall  18  attached to box  10  at the rear of front wall  13 . This movable platform  53  is guided in vertical translation along guide columns, rails, or grooves (not shown) provided at least on either side of rack  55  in intermediate wall  18  of box  10 . If needed, this transfer means  51  may comprise a second rack  55  located opposite the first one, with motor  52  being connected to two pinions  54  turning in the opposite direction and each engaging a rack  55  to strengthen the lifting force. Racks  55  may also be located on the sides of box  10  on either side of movable platform  53 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  the transfer means  51  is duplicated to create two distinct transfer zones  50 , each having its own movable platform  53 . In this example each transfer means  51  comprises a motor or a reduction gear motor  52 ′ connected to a movable platform  53  through a pinion  54 ′ and chain  55 ′ transmission. Other types of transfer means  51  may also be adapted, such as for example a motor, a reduction gear motor, one or more cylinders connected to a cable and pulley transmission, or any other suitable device. This movable platform  53  is guided in vertical translation by lateral guide rails  59 ′ forming part of a cross beam  59  attached to box  10 . 
         [0044]    Movable plates  53  may consist of a surface for sliding or a surface for rolling for the same purpose as fixed platforms  31 . In the example in  FIG. 8 , these movable platforms  53  each form a surface for rolling obtained by using rails with wheels  35  as with the storage unit in  FIG. 7 . Preferably, each movable platform  53  defines a plane angled toward the front relative to the horizontal, with the upper level located on the side of storage unit  30  and the lower level on the opposite side to ensure that the selected product  2  is held firmly in place on movable platform  53 , for example, sliding along intermediate wall  18  without the risk of product  2  falling or being lost. The angle β of this inclined plane may be several degrees, for example, 5° (cf.  FIG. 9 ). This angled plane also promotes separation of the selected product  2  from the other products  2  in the same row by causing it to tilt several degrees and unstick the surfaces in contact (cf.  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  9 ). 
         [0045]    If movable platform  53  consists of a surface for sliding according to the variation illustrated in  FIG. 5 , fixed platforms  31  have along the edge near transfer zone  50  a downwardly inclined ramp  34  in order to push selected product  2  onto movable platform  53  when the platform is displaced downwards. This ingenious design allows selected product  2  to be correctly positioned on movable platform  53 , taking into account the play J existing between the edge of this movable platform  53  and the edge of fixed platforms  31 . Inclined ramps  34  may decrease in length from upper fixed platforms  31  toward lower fixed platforms  31  so as to eliminate any risk of interference with movable platform  53 . Other means may also be used, as shown by  FIG. 6 , where movable platform  53  consists of a fixed base  53   a  and a movable plate  53   b  joined by a recall device  53   c . Inclined ramps  58  integral with box  10 , that is with a fixed intermediate wall  18  holding rack  55  on transfer means  51 , are provided on the trajectory of movable platform  53  opposite fixed plates  31 . Dual inclined ramps  58 , by cooperating with a corresponding profile provided on movable plate  53   b , move the plate close to fixed platforms  31  and facilitate the removal and positioning of selected product  2  onto movable platform  53 . These inclined ramps  58  are designed to compensate for the play J between the edge of movable platform  53  and the edge of fixed plates  31  and they may decrease in depth from top to bottom towards transfer zone  50 . 
         [0046]    Obviously it is possible to conceive of other ways to effect the separation of selected product  2  from the other stored products  2 , for example, displacing movable platform  53  in lateral translation, or some other appropriate movement. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , products  2  are separated automatically by displacing selected product  2  by virtue of its own weight along rails with rollers  35  on movable platform  53 . This solution has the advantage of being very simple to achieve.  FIG. 9  also illustrates the respective angles of inclination α and β of fixed platform  31  and movable platform  53 , which are reversed. 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIG. 2  movable platform  53  includes an anti-vandalism plate  56  at the upper portion connected to movable platform  52  by elements  57 , with the unit forming an open elevator. The space between movable platform  52  and anti-vandalism plate  56  is large enough to permit loading of products  2 . The function of this anti-vandalism plate  56  is to block access to storage unit  30  and transfer zone  50  at the moment selected product  2  is evacuated through outlet orifice  60 . 
         [0048]    In the example shown outlet orifice  60  is located in the lower portion of box  10  and opens onto a sliding plate  62  outside box  10 . This sliding plate  62  may comprise a plane that is angled toward the floor so selected product  2  descends by gravity, and it may either be extended along a horizontal plane or slightly raised to prevent product  2  from falling. In other configurations it is possible for outlet orifice  60  to be located at a different level, in the center or the upper portion. The advantage of having it at the bottom is that it is easier for the consumer to grip purchased product  2  due to its weight and its volume. Actually, selected product  2  is evacuated onto sliding plate  62  which is slightly raised from the floor so the purchaser can seize the pack can by its handle, almost without bending down. In addition, the positioning of outlet orifice  60  at the lower portion allows dispensing apparatus  1  to commence another dispensing cycle even if product  2  selected in the preceding cycle remains on sliding plate  62 . In this case, product  2  selected by the cycle in progress would push out the previous product if necessary, which would tip to the floor without being damaged. 
         [0049]    Trap door  61  is hidden by a flexible exterior protector  63 , for example, rubber strips or the like. It is controlled by an actuation means  65  comprising an actuator  66  such as a cylinder housed between transfer zone  50  and front wall  13 . The shaft  67  of said actuator  66  is connected to trap door  61  to displace it in its plane and retract it, freeing outlet orifice  60  during evacuation of the product select. Other actuation means  65  may be provided and there may be more than one outlet orifice  60  and trap door  61  depending on the size and design of dispensing apparatus  1 . Trap door  61  preferably is made of a specific tamper-proof material. It may have seals  68  added to it, such as sealing rubber lips, to weatherproof the interior space of box  10 . It may further comprise, depending upon the regulations in force, an anti-grip and anti-crush safeguard in the form of a flexible spring in the lower portion that stops the descent of trap door  61  if there is an obstacle. The function of this trap door  61  is to prevent access to the interior of box  10  and eliminate any attempted vandalism. It only opens to allow evacuation of selected product  2  and it closes immediately upon evacuation. 
         [0050]    A thrusting means  70  is located at the rear of outlet orifice  60  to evacuate the product selected out of box  10  through this outlet orifice  60  and move it to sliding plate  62 . It consists of at least one cylinder  71 , the shaft  72  of which is connected to a pushing element  73 . To optimize this force, the axis of cylinder  71  is generally parallel to the inclined plane of movable platform  53  and pushing means  73  presents to selected product  2 , a flat contact surface generally perpendicular to this inclined plane. In the example shown in  FIG. 4 , thrusting means  70  comprises two cylinders  71  and two pushing elements  73  distributed on either side of rack  55  and operating independently to evacuate selected product  2  originating from either the right or the left of storage unit  30 . In the example shown in  FIG. 10  thrusting means  70  comprises a central cylinder  71  connected to two pushing elements  73  by two carriages  74  on rollers moving along movable slides  75 . Thus, the two thrusting elements  73  are activated if either one or two products  2  are selected. In this example the dimensions of each thrusting element  73  are slightly smaller than those of corresponding outlet orifice  60  and a sealing lip  76 , for example a rubber seal, is provided on the periphery to seal this outlet orifice  60  while selected product  2  is exiting, without any risk of crushing it. This system also offers the advantage of protecting dispensing apparatus  1  from theft and vandalism when trap door  61  is open, given that thrusting device  73  and its seal  76  totally block outlet orifice  60  and prevent access to the interior of box  10 . Therefore, it offers another solution to anti-vandalism plate  56  provided on movable platform  53  in the example of  FIG. 2 . The cylinders  66 ,  71  that are used are advantageously electric cylinders, as they are not affected by freezing. 
         [0051]    Distribution apparatus  1  such as the one illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 4  also has a recycling container  80  attached to box  10 , either on the side or at the top, to collect empty packaging from products  2  and offer the consumer a centralized location to purchase products  2  for consumption and return products  2  after consumption. Said recycling container  80  comprises at least one inlet orifice  81  sized to accept these empty packages. Said inlet orifice  81  is at least partially blocked by an access trap door  82  movable between a closed position and an open position. The opening of this access trap door  82  may be automatic and associated with the purchase of products  2  for consumption, thereby eliminating unwanted deposits into recycling container  80 . In this case, access trap door  82  is controlled by an actuator  83  which may be a motor, a cylinder, or any other appropriate device. If access trap door  82  only partially blocks this inlet orifice  81 , then the remaining portion may comprise a flexible rubber skirt  84 , for example, to eliminate the risk of pinching one&#39;s hand while introducing an empty package inside if access trap door  82  closes. This recycling container  80  may also comprise a means for compacting empty packaging (not shown), increasing its storage capacity relative to the space it occupies. Finally, it comprises a front, rear or side access door for emptying it at regular intervals or when a sensor (not shown) indicates that threshold capacity has been reached. For this purpose recycling container  80  may be provided with a plastic bag or a removable container to facilitate the recovery of empty packaging. 
         [0052]    Control elements (not shown), preferably automatic, associated with sensors, course limit detectors, detectors, etc., are provided to monitor the entire dispensing apparatus  1  autonomously and securely. The various actuators  41 ,  41 ′,  52 ,  52 ′,  66 ,  71 ,  83  are controlled according to the means of payment and/or selection of products  2  and according to a predefined operating cycle. For example, course limit detectors (not shown) are provided at each extremity of each fixed platform  31  to control the end positions of advancement means  40 . A presence sensor  36  (cf.  FIG. 9 ) makes it possible to regulate the advance of products  2  and inventory them to determine the amount of stored product  2  remaining on each fixed platform  31 . A multiposition sensor  37  affixed to each movable platform  53  (cf.  FIG. 8 ) ensures that it is precisely positioned relative to fixed platforms  31  using magnetic cams  38  located on a lateral rail  39  integral with cross beam  59 . There may be two cams  38  on each stage of storage unit  30 , one to slow down transfer means  51  and the other to stop them. Two other cams located at the extremities control the end positions of the transfer means  51 . The end positions of trap door  61  and thrusting means  70  are also controlled by course limit detectors. It is apparent that other types of sensors or even other methods could be adapted, such as electronic cards controlling self-regulating motors. The control means could also be connected to a computer through a telephone line or other means of communication for viewing the location of dispensing apparatuses  1 , regulating the supply of products  2 , emptying recycling container  80 , maintenance, etc. 
       POSSIBILITIES FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION 
       [0053]    The operation of such a dispensing apparatus  1 , with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , is simple and accessible to everyone. One of these modes of operation is described below by way of non-limiting example. For example, the consumer introduces a prepaid card into the slot of the electric box  20  controlling means of payment  21  and on the selection keyboard  22 , selects the product or products  2  to be purchased. If he or she also wishes to recycle empty packaging, the appropriate “recycling” touchpad is selected, as well as the number of packages to be recycled. Either simultaneously with the dispensing cycle for the selected products  2  or later, the recycling command is given to actuator  83  which opens access trap door  82  on recycling container  80  until the number of packages to be recycled is reached. As for the dispensing cycle, the transfer means  51  is activated to move movable platform  53  opposite one of the shelves in storage unit  30  where the first selected product  2  is located. Next the advancement means  40  corresponding to the row of products  2  concerned is activated to push this row for a distance equal to the length of product  2 , and the product  2  at the end of the row is then transferred to movable platform  53  by sliding or rolling onto it. At this moment transfer means  51  is activated to lower movable platform  53  opposite outlet orifice  60 . When its position is detected, actuation means  65  and thrusting means  70  are activated to first, lift trap door  61  and open outlet orifice  60 , and second, extend rod  72  from cylinder  71  and push selected product  2  to the outside of box  10 . While selected product  2  is exiting, access to storage unit  30  and transfer zone  50  is blocked by anti-vandalism plate  56  located in the transfer means  51  or by the action of pushing element  73  itself (cf.  FIG. 10 ). When the selected product  2  exits, thrusting means  70  and actuating means  65  are reactivated in the opposite direction or released to return to their initial position by a recall means which first replaces rod  72  inside cylinder  71 , and then lowers trap door  61  and closes outlet orifice  60 . Actuation means  65  may be directed by pushing means  70  to close trap door  61  when pushing element  73  has cleared outlet orifice  60  to prevent objects or people from intruding into box  10  and causing harm to dispensing apparatus  1 . Another dispensing cycle can then begin. Depending upon the products  2  selected, transfer means  51  can be programmed to search for several products  2  on different tiers or in different rows inside storage unit  30  in order to deliver them simultaneously or successively through outlet orifice  60 . 
         [0054]    This dispensing apparatus  1  offers consumers a new distribution network for voluminous, heavy, widely consumed products such as, for example, bottled water, cartons of milk, or any other product. It is simple, reliable, ergonomic, close to home, low cost, and eliminates the burden of carrying heavy packages during weekly shopping trips. It would actually be easy to install this dispensing apparatus  1  in the center of housing developments, in large buildings, on the perimeter of neighborhood access roads, in village squares, etc. Combined with a recycling container  80  for empty packaging, this dispensing apparatus also offers consumers a conveniently located ecological benefit by associating the operation of recycling empty packages with the operation of purchasing new products. In addition, the advantages and the services offered by this new distribution network can stimulate and develop product sales, publicize new product brands, promote one or more brands, etc., as dispensing apparatus  1  can be dedicated to either a single product or a variety of products. 
         [0055]    The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described, but extends to any modification and variation obvious to a person skilled in the art while still remaining within the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.