Vending system with recyclable packaging having automated deposit and return

Vending machines and dispensers, devices, apparatus, systems, and methods of providing and using a vending machine that dispenses goods in recyclable and reusable packaging having automated deposits and returns for the packaging. Customers purchase products such as firewood in recyclable containers having electronic tags from automated vending machines. Customers pay for the product at time of purchase along with an extra money deposit fee for using the recyclable container. Electronic activator tags fixably attached recyclable containers are detected when the containers are returned which triggers a sensor allowing for the deposits to be returned to the customer.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to vending machines, in particular to devices, apparatus, systems, machines and methods of providing a vending machine that dispenses goods, such as bundled firewood, in recyclable and reusable packaging having automated deposits and returns for the packaging.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Vending machines have been around for many years and been used for dispensing many types of goods and items. Generally, a consumer prepays with coins, bills and credit cards and receives their product. These prior art types of vending machines only sell and dispense the product and do not allow for returning the product packaging. Probably the most popular types of vending machines dispense beverages, such as soda and water in the like in aluminum cans and plastic bottles. While the beverage containers such as cans and bottles, may be recyclable. Current reverse vending machines use bar codes to verify the product which requires either exact placement of the article being returned or a mechanism to align the article with a bar code reader.

Still furthermore, current vending machines do not have the capability to refund any monies to the consumer. The consumer usually must recycle the used containers on their own, by depositing them in separate refuse holders that are labeled for recycling or placing the containers in separate recyclable bins for trash pickup.

Other types of goods have often used packaging material that is generally not easily recyclable. For example, bundles of loose goods, such as firewood, are often sold by wrapping the firewood in plastic wrapping. The plastic wrapping is often thrown away and often becomes loose trash. Many public parks are starting to ban the selling of plastic wrapped firewood as being a trash nuisance. Still furthermore, plastic wrapping material does not quickly decompose and often ends up in landfills, and the like, for many years.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems, machines and methods of using a vending machine that dispenses goods in recyclable and reusable packaging having automated deposits and returns for the packaging.

A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems, machines and methods of using a vending machine that allows for consumers to return used containers after the contents of the containers have been depleted.

A third objective of the present invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems, machines and methods of using a vending machine that refunds deposits back to consumers when a used container has been returned.

A fourth objective of the present invention is to eliminate plastic wrapping about bundles of goods, such as firewood being sold retail.

A fifth objective of the present invention is to provide recyclable and reusable packaging for selling bundles of goods, such as firewood.

The invention can include a product dispensing unit and a container and deposit return unit. The dispensing unit can include a money receiving portion and a vending portion that dispenses goods in recyclable and reusable packaging having automated deposits and returns for the packaging. The packaging can have security tags fixably attached so that the consumer can get their deposit bag when the empty packaging is returned.

The dispensing unit can include plural stacked support rails and tracks stacked on one another, each having a drive system. Each drive system can include a motor with pickup reel, a belt, a roller and push plate. The belt is attached to the pickup reel and runs to the front of the rack around the roller and is then attached to the push plate. When a customer makes a payment, the motor is engaged, the strap is drawn toward the motor causing the push plate to advance. Any product (in packaging with a security tag) on the rack will be moved forward with the motion of the push plate. Any product at the end of the rack can be dropped into a bin and be retrieved by a consumer opening a retrieval door.

Once the consumer is finished with the contents of the packaging, the consumer can return the empty packaging with security tag to a retrieval drawer or door on a returning unit. A sensor can detect the security tag on the returned packaging and then dispense a refund to the consumer. The returning unit can have an access door for servicing the unit when it has become full of returning packaging,

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A list of the components will now be described.10Product dispensing unit.20Container & deposit return unit.30Product dispensing door.40Product dispensing chamber (bin)50Bundled firewood. (bundled package)60Returnable, reusable container.70Surveillance tag (activator)80Dispenser payment and control console.90Container return door.100Surveillance tag detector/sensor.110Deposit and return control console.120Deposit and return money dispenser.130Service door for reusable container retrieval.140Bundle storage rack.150Bundle support rail and push plate track.155. U shaped channels for bushing170160Bundle push plate.170Push plate bushing rides in the support rail.180Gear motor drives push plate via drive strap.190Drive strap/band wraps around motor shaft and feed around roller at opposite end of storage rack. Clamps to bottom of push plate.200Strap clamp on push plate.210Strap roller.220Strap sensor plate.230A/230B Strap plate sensors.240A/240B Bundle drop sensors.250A/250B Dispense door open/close sensor. A=door. B=frame.260A/260B Return bag sensors.265Return bag chamber.270Linear actuator.274extendable and retractable arm275pivotal attachment for actuator280Return bag trap door drops returned bag into storage chamber for later retrieval.285. pivot connection for arm of actuator290Returned bag storage chamber.300A/300B/300C Container return door open/close sensors. A=top door. B=bottom door. C=frame.310A/310B Container return electronic door lock/latch. A=door mount catch with hole. B=frame mount lock with pin.320A/320B Trap door closed sensor.330A/330B Returned bag drop sensors.340Alternate bag type return container.350Draw string.360Hook and loop (VELCRO®) closures.370Alternate box type return container.380Pouch holds surveillance tag.390Handles.400Trap door hinge.500Vending steps of dispensing unit600Recycling steps of return unit

FIG. 1is a perspective of the novel dispensing unit10and deposit return unit20.FIG. 2is another perspective view of the dispensing unit10and deposit return unit20ofFIG. 1with the product dispensing door30open.FIG. 3is a top view of the dispensing unit10and deposit return unit20ofFIG. 1.FIG. 4is a right side view of the dispensing unit10and deposit return unit20ofFIG. 1.FIG. 5is a rear view of the dispensing unit10and deposit return unit20ofFIG. 1.FIG. 6is a left side view of the dispensing unit10and deposit return unit20ofFIG. 1.FIG. 7is a front view of the dispensing unit10and deposit return unit20ofFIG. 1.

Referring toFIGS. 1-7, the deposit return unit20can be a free-standing unit. Alternatively, the deposit return unit20can be incorporated into the dispensing unit cabinet.

Dispensing Unit

FIG. 8is an enlarged partial front view of the dispensing unit10ofFIG. 1with dispensing door closed.FIG. 9is another view of the dispensing unit10ofFIG. 8with dispensing door30open. The dispensing unit10have a vending machine type function to dispense bundled packages50, such as bundled wood, and the like. Each bundled package can include a returnable and reusable container60, such as a rigid or flexible bag and/or wrapped sleeve of a durable material, such as but not limited to onion sack, canvas, woven fabric, nylon, combinations thereof, and the like. The recyclable container60is designed to be reusable and be refilled multiply times. The container would have an integral or attached activator (security tag)70. The activator can be installed/attached to the end panel of the container in order to prevent damage to the activator during the vending process. The container can or cannot contain an integral handle. The container can have a unique color and/or have attached a unique label The unique color or label can be recognizable at distance A flexible recyclable container can have hook and loop (VELCRO®) fasteners to close the container.

The activator is recognizable by a sensor. This recognition is unique between the activator and sensor. The activator can either be placed in a pocket that is part of the flexible container or attached to container in a semi permanent attachment. The activator is durable and suitable for multiple cycles of usage, contains no moving parts, is weather resistant and can be transferable to another container of the same type.

The sensor can be able to detect the activator's presence within a defined area. The detection does not require direct contact between the sensor and the activator. The sensor can be capable of generating a signal when the activator is in the presence of the sensor. The signal is such that it can be recognized by a Program Logic Controller (PLC).

The security tag (activator) and sensor100can use the technology that is used with anti-theft tags that are attached to new merchandise such as clothing, where a sensor100detectors the merchandise with tag leaving a store to set off an alarm. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,367 to Prevost; U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,414 to Federman; U.S. Pat. No. 6,255,958 to Haimovich et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,289,168 to Liu et al., which are all incorporated by reference.

Referring toFIGS. 1-9, the front of the dispensing unit10can include a vending machine type dispenser payment and control console80that can include an display, such as but not limited to a LCD (liquid crystal display) screen with instructions for taking money/currency that can include but is not limited to slots for bills, coins, and swipes for credit cards, debit cards, and the like. Console80can be similar to those found on gas station pumps, and the like. Such a control console and related components can be found in at least U.S. Published Patent Application 2003/0132289 to Jacobi et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,668 to Sharrow; U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,694 to Holcomb et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,188 to Ramsey et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,167 to Markman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,876 to Couch et al., which are all incorporated by reference in their entirety.

A product dispensing door30can be opened by the user after payment is made to the console80. The door30can be a rollup door, or slide up door, or a rotating bin door, or a rotating mailbox door, and the like, that is only operable after the correct amount of payment is made.

FIG. 10is a front perspective of the dispensing unit10of the preceding figures without cabinet and with a full load of products50.FIG. 11is a side rear perspective of the dispensing unit10ofFIG. 10with no products.FIG. 12is a side front perspective view of the dispensing unit10ofFIG. 10with no products.FIG. 13is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing unit10interior ofFIG. 12along arrows13X showing push plate details.FIG. 14is a front perspective of the dispensing unit10ofFIG. 13showing product delivery to dispensing chamber.FIG. 15is a top perspective view of the push plate drive assembly detail of the dispensing unit10ofFIGS. 10-14with push plate160fully retracted.FIG. 16is another view of the push plate drive assembly ofFIG. 15with push plate160fully extended (all product has been vended).FIG. 17is a bottom perspective view of the push plate drive assembly ofFIG. 15with push plate160fully retracted.FIG. 18Ais a bottom perspective view of the push plate drive assembly ofFIG. 16with push plate160fully retracted.FIG. 18Bis an enlarged view of the belt/strap190with plate220and sensor detail ofFIG. 18A.

Referring toFIGS. 1-18B, the inside of the dispensing unit10can include one or more stacked bundle support rail and push plate track(s)150in parallel to one another mounted on a bundle storage rack140. On each of the support rail and plush plate track(s)150can be product bundles50, such as bundled firewood. At one end of each of the rail support rail and plush plate track(s)150, can be an electric gear motor180with rotating motor shaft. When activated the motor180rotates a drive strap/band190which is wrapped round the motor shaft and feeds around roller(s)210at an opposite end of the storage rack140. The strap/band190can be a flexible belt, formed from pliable material, such as but not limited to cloth, rubber, combinations thereof, and the like. An L-shaped push plate160has a bottom leg attached by a strap clamp200to a fixed position on the strap/band190. On opposite side of the bottom leg of the push plate10can be bushings170, which are sized to mateably slide within mateable U shaped channels155in the support rail and plush plate track(s)150. Additionally, a strap sensor plate220, such as a metal plate, is fixed by fasteners, such as but not limited to screws, and the like to another fixed location along the strap/band190, the purpose of which will be described below.

When money is inserted into the dispenser payment and control console80, the top motor180on the top support rail and plush plate track(s)150, is activated causing the strap/band190with push plate160to move in the direction of arrow A (FIG. 14), and causes a bundle package50, such as bundled firewood to drop along arrow D into a product dispensing chamber (bin)40. Sensors240A,240B such as but not limited to an arrangement of an optical transmitter and receiver can detect when the falling bundle package50crosses a signal therebetween. When the signal is blocked by falling bundle50, the motor180can deactivate resulting in only one bundle50being in chamber40. The user can raise door30to then retrieve the bundle50.

Metal plate detecting sensors230A,230B can be mounted inside of the dispensing unit adjacent to the motor180end of the strap/band190. These sensors230A,230B can be proximity sensors which detect when each strap/band fixed metal plate220passes by the proximity sensors. The proximity sensors230A,230B can include a sensor which can detect the presence of metal, and when metal is detected a circuit can be opened or closed. Such types of proximity sensors,230A,230B that can be used, can include but are not limited to those referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,206 to Tigges, which is incorporated by reference. While two sensors230A,230B are shown, the invention could work with one metal proximity sensor.

As shown inFIGS. 18A,18B, the plate220is detected when the push plate160has reached the opposite end of the support rail and plush plate track(s)150. Once detected, the next support rail and plush plate track(s)150underneath the top one becomes activated when money is inserted into dispenser payment and control console80. With each purchase, the push plate160will move in the direction of arrow A, one time after another until all the bundle(s)50have been depleted from the respective support rail and plush plate track(s)150. When all the support rail and plush plate track(s)150have been emptied, the product dispensing unit can be replenished as needed with new package bundle(s)50. Alternatively, the bottom track150can be depleted first followed by the next above track150, and so forth, until all products are removed. When the last track150has been depleted, the entire dispensing unit10can be automatically shut down.

Referring toFIGS. 10-11, door30can have sensor250A mounted thereon, and sensor250B can be mounted on the door frame adjacent to the door30. Sensors250A,250B can be one or two proximity sensors (such as sensors230A,230B previously described) or one proximity sensor and one metal plate. For example, a metal plate can be mounted on the edge of the door30and a proximity sensor can be mounted on the door frame next to the metal plate, or vice versa. When sensors250A,250B are aligned together, the dispensing unit10is operational. When door30is opened and sensors250A,250B becomes misaligned, dispensing unit10is shut off from collecting money and from running. Closing door30allows the dispenser unit10to operate.

Deposit Return Unit

FIG. 19is a front perspective view of the deposit return unit20ofFIGS. 1-7with return door closed90.FIG. 20is another view of the deposit return unit20ofFIG. 19with return door90open.FIG. 21is a top view of the deposit return unit20ofFIG. 19.FIG. 22is a front view of the deposit return unit20ofFIG. 19.FIG. 23is a right side view of the deposit return unit20ofFIG. 19.FIG. 24is a rear view of the deposit return unit20ofFIG. 19.FIG. 25is a left side view of the deposit return unit20ofFIG. 19.

Referring toFIGS. 1-7and19-25, the deposit return unit20can be a stand-alone, or attached to the product dispensing unit10. The deposit return unit20can include a container return door90which can slide up exposing a return bag chamber265above a return bag trap door280. On the exterior can be a deposit and return control console110, that can display information on the deposit being refunded, which is above a deposit and return money dispenser120. Console110can include a display such as a LCD (liquid crystal display) and light emitting alarm and/or audio indicating alarm, with optional switch, such as a button which can be used by the consumer to start the return cycle after a container with surveillance tag is placed inside chamber265and the door becomes locked. A surveillance tag detector/sensor100on top of the unit20can be used to detect the returning reusable container60, which has the built in surveillance tag70. A service door130on another side of the unit20can be used by service providers for the unit, so that the retrieved reusable container(s)60can later be removed from the unit20as shown later in reference toFIG. 32.

As previously described, The security tag (activator)70on the reusable and recyclable container60of the bundled package50and sensor100on the deposit and return unit20can use the technology that is used with anti-theft tags that are attached to new merchandise such as clothing, where a sensor100detectors the merchandise with tag leaving a store to set off an alarm. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,367 to Prevost; U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,414 to Federman; U.S. Pat. No. 6,255,958 to Haimovich et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,289,168 to Liu et al., which are all incorporated by reference.

The consumer returns the recyclable and reusable container70with surveillance tag (activator)70, opens return door90and places the container60inside of return chamber265as shown inFIG. 31. Once the return door90is closed, the security tag (activator)70is detected by detector100, the deposit fee can be refunded through the deposit and return money dispenser120back to the consumer.

FIG. 26is a top rear perspective view of the deposit unit return unit20ofFIG. 19without cabinet and with a partial return bag chamber265cutaway. The container return door90is open and a reusable container60with security tag (activator70) is being inserted inside along the direction of arrow I.

FIG. 27is another view inside the deposit return unit20ofFIG. 26with the reusable container60in the return container chamber265and the return door90closed. The container60is breaking the path between the return bag sensors260A,260B letting the unit20know there is a returned container60in the chamber265. Sensors260A,260B can be similar to the optical transmitter(s) and receiver(s) previously described. Here, the signal (or beam) between sensors260A,260B is continuous and becomes broken by the placing of the return container60in its' path.

When both the surveillance tag sensor100detects the security tag70on the returned container60, and the sensors260A,260B detect in their path a product that is the size and shape of the container60on the trap door280, is when the extendable arm274on the shelf mounted linear actuator270starts to retract. The door pivot connector285underneath the trap door280and pivot connector mount275of the linear actuator allow for the trap door280to rotate along hinge400. Alternatively, the consumer puts the returned container60into chamber265and closes door90. Then the consumer can activate a switch (such as push a button) to start the authorization cycle, which detects whether the surveillance tag70which allows the trap door280to drop and allow container60to fall into storage chamber290. If a surveillance tag70is not detected and the size and shape of a returned container60is not sensed, than an alarm such as but not limited to a light or audio sound can be generated by console110. This alarm would notify the consumer that deposit money cannot be returned. Alternatively, or additionally, a display can indicate that a deposit cannot be returned. The door90can opened and the non returnable package can then be retrieved.

FIG. 28is another view inside the deposit return unit20ofFIG. 26showing the return container trap door280dropped and the container60falling into the return container storage chamber290in the direction of arrow Y. Here, the returned container60falls through the path of the bag drop sensors330A,330B attached to the chute located beneath the trap door280, as it drops letting the unit20know that a returned container60has been deposited. When drop sensors330A/B detects a dropped container60between a beam type signal, this reverses the linear actuator270to close trap door280, authorizing the return of the deposited money amount to the deposit money from dispenser120. The drop sensors330A,330B can be an optical transmitter and sensor similar to those previously described.

FIG. 29is a bottom perspective view inside the deposit return unit20ofFIG. 26showing the trap door280, sensors320A,320B,330A,330B, and linear actuator270with trap door280closed.

FIG. 30is a bottom view inside the deposit return unit20ofFIG. 29with trap door280open.

Referring toFIGS. 26-30, container return door open/close sensors,300A,300B and300C can include sensor300A mounted on the bottom of door90, sensor300B on the top of the door90and sensor300C on the frame about the door90, The sensors300A,300B,300C can confirm when door90is closed in order for the activation switch (push button) on console110to be activated to begin the container return cycle. The door90becomes locked to prevent removal of the container60during the return cycle. Sensors300A,300B,300C can include but are not limited to proximity sensors (such as those previously described), limit switches, photocell detecting switches, and the like. When door90is closed at least sensors300B,300C are aligned and door becomes locked and cannot be opened by the consumer. Whenever sensors300A,300B,300C are not aligned, door90can be opened by the consumer. Sensor300A is an optional extra sensor for additional alignment.

Door90can be locked by lock mechanism310A,310B, which is only engaged when sensor300B,300C are aligned. Lock mechanism310A,310B can include a door mount catch with hole310A, and frame mount lock with pin,310B. The lock mechanism310A,310B can be an electronic door lock, such as those used on security doors, apartment front doors, bank entry doors, jewelry front doors, pawn shop front doors, and the like, such as but not limited to U.S. Pat. No. 4,013,930 to Geller and U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,324 to Lewis et al., which are incorporated by reference. The door lock mechanism310A,310B has an electronic release, which automatically locks the door90when closed, and is released electronically when the return cycle has been completed and the deposit money has been refunded.

After sensors330A,330B detects dropping container60, linear actuator270reverses to close the trap door280. Sensors320A,320B sense when the trap door280is closed, which stops the linear actuator270from closing trap door280any further. The sensors320A,320B can be proximity sensors (such as those previously described), photocells, limit switches, or optical transmitters and receivers, such as those previously described.

The invention sensors, and controls and components can be controlled by a PLC (programmable logic controller), such as but not limited to a “Click” controller, manufactured by Automation Direct, of Atlanta, Ga.

FIG. 31is a top perspective of the deposit return unit20ofFIGS. 19-30with container return door90open and reusable containers60being inserted therein.

FIG. 32is another view of the deposit return unit20ofFIG. 31with container return door90closed, and storage area service door130is open exposing returned container(s)60with security tag(s) in returned bag storage chamber290.

FIG. 33is a perspective view of the firewood package50bundled in a reusable container60with a surveillance tag70attached that can be used with the dispensing unit10and deposit return unit20of the preceding figures.

FIG. 34is a perspective view of an alternate bag style reusable container bag340with a surveillance tag70attached that can be used with the dispensing unit10and deposit return unit20of the preceding figures. A drawstring350can be used to close the opening to the container bag340.

FIG. 35is a perspective view of another alternate box style reusable container370with a surveillance tag380placed in a pouch on the box container370that can be used with the dispensing unit10and deposit return unit20of the preceding figures. Handles390can be used to lift the container370. Upper flaps372,374on the container can be closed with fasteners, such as but not limited to hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO®), and the like.

FIG. 36is a flowchart of the vending steps of the dispensing unit.FIG. 37is a flowchart of the recycling steps of the return unit.

The vending type system can include a system for vending firewood or other bulky items in non rigid containers or liquids or gases in rigid containers. The system allows for the collection of a deposit on the container and the automated refund of the deposit.

In the preferred embodiment, individual bundles of wood are placed inside of recyclable containers. The recyclable containers are placed on conveyor belt racks inside of a vending dispenser.

The customer can purchase a bundle of firewood (or other items such as bottled water, propane). As part of purchase a deposit it collected on the container. After the product is used the empty container can be returned and the deposit refunded back to the customer. The system can verify that the correct recyclable container is being returned by detecting the activator tag on the container with a sensor and confirming the container with security sensors, and then the vending machine automatically refunds the deposit at a deposit return dispenser.

The novel system components can include a vending machine, recyclable container, activator, sensor, PLC, receptacle, push button and coin changer.

The vending dispenser is capable of dispensing large items and has a storage and transfer system that is adaptable to different types of containers For payments of the goods and the deposit, the vending machine can collect coins, paper money as well as be capable of accepting credit cards and debit cards. The vending dispenser can vend multiple items at multiple prices. The vending dispenser can vend products that require a deposit on the container and also those that do not require any deposits.

The vending dispenser can refund money that has been previously collected as a deposit The refund can be made at any time that a recyclable container is returned to the vending return unit and is not a function of a purchase that is made at the same time. The vending return unit can have a return drawer or door for the acceptance of returnable containers on which a deposit has been collected and the ability to automatically refund the deposit back to the customer.

The PLC (programmable logic controller) can receive signals from the sensor(s) on the returning containers, and c, controls door operations (to open and accept the returned container), and instructs a coin changer to dispense funds.

The instruction to dispense funds (returning the deposit) is contingent on the sensor verifying that the activator was in presence of the sensor. That the article containing the activator was moved to a new location and that the article was generally the size and shape of the article that contained the activator.

The receptacle return chute can be an enclosure with several attributes. The interior size should be sufficient to accept the article that contains the activator. The receptacle can have two doors, one of which is exposed to the exterior of the enclosure.

The second door provides access to the interior of the unit from the receptacle. Both doors have locking mechanisms that are controlled by the PLC. The sensor can be mounted on the inside of the receptacle in such a manner that activation will occur if an activator is placed in any location within the receptacle.

The receptacle and the doors attached to it can be shielded to prevent false activation from false activation signals. This shield protection can prevent an activator that is outside of the receptacle from triggering the sensor.

A control outside the unit, such as a push button can be attached to the outside of the vending machine and when pushed instructs the PLC to begin the process of verification of the activator.

The coin changer (coin box) can contain a bank of funds and returns the amount of the deposit when instructed to do so by the PLC. The funds can be returned to the coin box or to a deposit return adjacent to the container return.

Although the sensors described above reference optical transmitters and receivers, the sensors, can include other types of technology such as but not limited to ultrasonic transducers, sound detectors, and the like, and combinations, thereof.