Vending mechanism

A system and method of vending product items may include storing product items within a product storage area. A product item may be released from the product storage area. The product item may be hoisted over at least a portion of the product storage area. The hoisted product item may be presented to a user. In one embodiment, the product storage area may be positioned within a vending machine, and the vending machine may be mobile. The vending machine may also be self-propelled. In an embodiment, the vending machine may be moved via a controller being used by an operator. Alternatively, the vending machine may be moved autonomously.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vending machines are equipment used to dispense products, such as foods and beverages, to people who want to conveniently purchase products. Conventional vending machines come in many different designs, but are typically rectangular in shape with rows or columns of product items. As an example, in the event of a beverage company using a vending machine to deliver beverages to customers, one or more beverage type is loaded into the vending machines, and made available for selection by a user for purchase via a user interface.

Vending machines have a variety of different vending mechanisms, including rows with screw mechanisms for dispensing one product item at a time, columns with screw mechanisms for dispensing one product item at a time, rows with robotic selector arms that select a product item, vertical elevators that lift product items from a bottom position to an upper position to deliver a product item to a user, and so forth. These vending machines are generally fixedly positioned and weigh a significant amount due to the weight of the product items, refrigeration units, and overall mass of the vending machines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To provide for a vending machine that has sufficient product storage space, a product storage area with angled walls having a wider base than top may be utilized. The vending machine may be self-propelled, mobile, and have a robotic (e.g., humanoid, with or without arms) appearance. In one embodiment, the product storage area may include a product storage serpentine that enables product items to be gravitationally guided and into an elevator shaft so that an elevator mechanism inclusive of a cradle or otherwise configured may be used to hoist a product item upward and dispensed into a dispenser area for a user to receive. The product items may be beverages, food products (e.g., snacks), promotional items, tickets, messages, or otherwise, and include containers that have a circular shape so that the product items may roll as a function of gravity within the product storage serpentine.

One embodiment of a vending machine may include a housing and a product storage area in which product items to be dispensed by the vending machine are stored. An elevator shaft may be positioned adjacent to the product storage area, and have an acute angle relative to a base and towards the product storage area. An elevator member, such as a cradle, may be configured to hoist a product item along the elevator shaft. A drive mechanism, such as a motor, may be configured to cause the elevator member to move from a first position to a second position along the elevator shaft to hoist the product item. An opening may be defined by the housing, and be configured to enable the product item to be received by a user.

One embodiment of a method of vending product items may include storing product items within a product storage area. A product item may be released from the product storage area. The product item may be hoisted over at least a portion of the product storage area. The hoisted product item may be presented to a user.

One embodiment of a vending machine may include a product storage area and at least one sensor configured to capture data of a user. The vending machine may further include a processing unit in communication with the sensor(s), and be configured to (i) process the captured data to determine if the user performs a physical action, and, responsive to determining that the user performs a physical action, cause the vending machine to perform an action.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With regard toFIG. 1, an illustration of an illustrative vending machine100aconfigured in the shape of a humanoid robot capable of being self-propelled is shown. The vending machine100a, of course, may have any other shape and/or appearance. The vending machine100a, in being self-propelled, may be self-propelled through use of a drive mechanism (not shown), such as a motor, that causes one or more wheel (seeFIG. 3B) or other elements (e.g., tank tracks) to cause the vending machine100ato move along a floor or otherwise. The motor may be an electric motor, such as a direct drive motor, or any other motor or power conversion device, as understood in the art, that causes a wheel or other mechanism to propel the vending machine100aforward. Although described as a vending machine, the vending machine100amay operate in a dispensing mode to dispense product items without a financial transaction occurring (i.e., provide free products or promotional giveaways). The vending machine100amay be used indoors or outdoors, and a drive mechanism and wheels or other elements may be properly sized and powered to accommodate different environments in which the vending machine100amay be operated.

The vending machine100a, when shaped as a humanoid, has limited storage capacity for products, such as food or beverage items, within a product storage area (seeFIG. 2A). As an example, the vending machine100amay have a storage capacity of 4-6 beverage cans. The reason for the limited storage capacity is, in part, due to the narrow or tapered body portion102a. Other products, such as promotional items (e.g., fast pass to rides), toys, vouchers, stuffed animals, coupons, messages (e.g., jokes), and so on, may also be vended by the vending machine100aor100b(seeFIG. 1B), as further described herein. To enable the other products to be more easily dispensable, the products may be placed in a container with at least a portion (e.g., circumference) of the container being circular so that the container can roll due to gravitational forces through the vending machine, as further described herein. Alternative designs may be utilized to provide for the same vertical travel functionality to be possible. For example, carriages on tracks, rails, or otherwise on which products may be placed to be dispensed utilizing gravitational forces may be utilized.

In addition to the limited capacity, because the body portion102ais in the shape of a humanoid body (e.g., chest, stomach, and/or legs), the product storage area has a high center-of-gravity. Thus, to expand product storage capacity and lower the center-of-gravity, the shape of the vending machine102amay be altered to be wider at the base, such as shown inFIG. 1B, and include a diagonal elevator shaft to provide an efficient use of space within the body portion102a. A dispensing area104alocated in the center of the body portion102aof the vending machine100amay enable a user to receive the product items from the vending machine100a. In this case, the dispensing area104ais circular, has a downward angle (e.g., 45 degrees), and is centrally positioned. However, it should be understood that any shape (e.g., heart shape) and configuration of a dispensing area104amay be utilized for providing product items to users. In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing area104amay be repositioned to be in another location of the vending machine100a. For example, the dispensing area104amay be repositioned to be at the head (e.g., mouth) or hand. The vending machine100ais shown to include a top portion106a, which in this case is a head with a face. If the vending machine100ahad a different shape, such as a tree, the top portion may have a different shape (e.g., branches and leaves, cartoon character, etc.). So as to maintain a lower center-of-gravity to reduce the risk of the vending machine100atipping over and improving mobility, the top portion106amay be lightweight.

Although not shown, one or more user interface elements (not shown), such as buttons, electronic displays, or otherwise, may be provided on the vending machine100ato enable a user to interact with the vending machine100ato select and/or pay for products. The user interface may be located anywhere on the vending machine100a. In one embodiment, the user interface may be provided or otherwise be available via an electronic device (e.g., smartphone via the Internet), and the vending machine100amay include a wireless device that enables the user to interact specifically with the vending machine100ato make his or her selection and/or pay for a selected product. Payment may be performed using a credit card, online account (e.g., PayPal®), cash, coins, or any other form of payment locally or remotely.

With regard toFIG. 1B, an alternative embodiment of an illustrative vending machine100bis shown. This vending machine100bis less humanoid in appearance, and is configured to have a larger storage capacity (e.g., 20+ beverage cans) and a lower center-of-gravity with more product capacity by having a wider lower region108athan upper region108b. In one embodiment, a product storage area may be positioned within the vending machine100b, and the vending machine100bmay be mobile. The vending machine100bmay also be self-propelled. In an embodiment, the vending machine100bmay be moved via a controller, wired or wireless, with a user interface being used by an operator. Alternatively, the vending machine100bmay be moved autonomously, such as the vending machine100btracking a wireless device, object, individual, or otherwise using one or more sensors (e.g., image, RF, IR, UV, etc.) and a processing unit to cause movement of the vending machine100b.

The housing102b, as shown, is configured to be triangular and symmetric. It should be understood that alternative configurations, such as semi-spherical, stacked spheres or sphere portions (e.g., snowman shape), trapezoidal, or otherwise (e.g., non-symmetric), may be utilized. A dispensing area104bis shown to be offset to where a heart may be located, and be positionally more accessible to dispense products stored in the vending machine100bdue to having an elevator or lift positioned adjacent to or beside the product storage area, as further described herein. The dispensing area104bis shown to be circular, but non-circular (e.g., heart shaped) or dynamically shaped (e.g., mouth that opens and closes) configurations may be utilized, as well. A sensor may be located at the dispensing area104bto sense that a product item is removed therefrom prior to dispensing another product item.

In one embodiment, the housing102bmay be configured to form fit the dispensing area104bso that a profile of the housing102bis minimized. In such an embodiment, the dispensing area104bmay be configured without a refrigerator or heater unit so that the product items are maintained at ambient temperature. In an alternative embodiment, a refrigerator unit (not shown) may be positioned within the housing102bto maintain a cool temperature, such as desirable for beverages. In yet another embodiment, a heater unit (not shown) may be positioned within the housing102bto maintain an elevated temperature, such as desirable for warm food. In yet another embodiment, both a refrigerator unit and heater unit, optionally configured as a single unit, may be positioned within the housing102b. Still yet, a refrigerator unit and/or heater unit may be located outside the housing102b. If a refrigerator unit and/or heater unit were used, then the housing102band/or dispensing area104bmay be insulated to maintain a constant temperature. The vending machine100bmay be configured with a battery (not shown), uninterruptable power supply (not shown), or wall powered.

A head region106bis shown to be representative of a head and face, but in this case, rather than having a humanoid face, face region is shown to be blank (e.g., flat, translucent panel). In alternative embodiments, indicia representative of facial features may be included. Still yet, the face region may be blank or translucent, but include an electronic display of LEDs behind a translucent panel, LCDs as the panel that forms the face, or any other electronic display for use in displaying images, messages, text, or any other information to provide for entertainment, information, payment, or otherwise. In one embodiment, speakers or any other device for communicating information, entertainment (e.g., music), or feelings (e.g., happy, sad, excited, melancholy, inquisitive, etc.), for example, to the user may be configured as part of the vending machine100b. Still yet, the face may provide for a user interface to provide for vending operations (e.g., select product item, pay for product item, etc.). Mechanical buttons or user interface elements may also be available on the vending machine100bto cause a product item to be dispensed.

While the vending machine100bdoes not specifically appear to be a humanoid, certain humanoid functions may be integrated into the vending machine100b. As an example, the vending machine100bmay have a human expression and/or action reading function(s) integrated therein. In order to support the human expression or action reading function, sensors, including at least one of one or more cameras110, microphones112, presence sensors (e.g., proximity, pressure, contact, ultrasound, light, radar, etc.) sensors114and116may be utilized. The sensors114and116may be the same or different types. The cameras110may be used to image, either in a static photograph or video, a person engaging with the vending machine100b, and operate in a 2D or 3D (stereoscopic) manner. The microphones112may be used to listen to audio from a user (e.g., request for a beverage), as well as an operator or handler of the vending machine100b(e.g., to listen for verbal or other audible commands).

A voice recognition system may be configured to recognize a voice of an operator using formant, pitch, cadence, pattern matching, or other analysis, thereby only responding to commands by approved operators. In some embodiments, the sensors114may include transmitter/receiver pairs that are capable of (i) transmitting RF or other wavelength signals and (ii) receiving reflected signals from a person in front of or otherwise positioned relative to the vending machine104. The sensors116, which may also extend along the opposite side of the vending machine100b, may include pressure sensors and/or light sensors to sense hands or arms, for example, pressing or covering the sensors116. It is noted that the sensors114and/or116may be positioned at a height and location to image or otherwise sense a child and/or adult so as to identify the category of user of the vending machine100b.

To support the functionality, computer processing may be integrated into the vending machine100b. The computer processing may include a processing unit, which may include a general processor, image processor, audio processor, signal processor, and/or any other specialized processing device and/or electronics along with specific algorithms. The processor(s) may be configured to manage sensed signals from one or more sensors and perform image, audio, or other processing. As an example, a “facial emotion expression” (such as smile from a user) may trigger dispensing a product item. An another example, an “emotion action,” such as a hug from a child, may trigger the dispensing of a product item, optionally at a reduced cost or free of charge. That is, a combination of sensing and signal processing may enable operation of the vending machine100bto be operated by touch or non-touch by a user to cause some level of consideration to be valued by the vending machine (e.g., verbal “please” and “thank you” is worth 50.50 discount, verbal password is worth a free beverage, smile is worth 50.25 discount, speaking “ABCs” is worth 50.25, waving is worth 50.25, hug is worth 50.50, etc.).

With regard toFIG. 1C, a schematic of illustrative circuit elements shows the sensors112,114, and116to be in electrical communication with the processing unit118. The processing unit118, which may include one or more computer and/or signal processors, executes software120that is configured to determine visible, audible, and/or physical, both touch and non-touch, gestures by a user. A touch pad, touch screen, or other device (not shown), may be positioned on the vending machine100bmay enable a user to provide for gestures, such as drawing a smiley face. In one embodiment, one or more touch sensor (e.g., capacitive sensor, pressure sensor, etc.) or proximity sensor, as understood in the art, may be configured to determine that the user touches one or more portions of the vending machine100b. As an example, the vending machine100bmay be configured to sense via touch and/or proximity sensor(s) in communication with the processing unit118that a user shakes a hand, rubs a tummy, pats on the back, or otherwise physically interfaces with the vending machine100bin an appropriate manner (e.g., soft or courteous touches as opposed to slapping or hitting).

One or more electromechanical dispenser drivers122may be in communication with the processing unit118, and be configured to drive electromechanical devices, such as a gate124that is configured to release one or more product items into an elevator shaft such that an elevator drive126may lift the product item(s) for dispensing to the user. Again, rather than using an elevator, alternative electromechanical mechanisms may be utilized to perform the vending function, as further described herein.

In operation, responsive to one or more of the sensors116sensing a user hugging the vending machine100bthrough physical touch or light sensing, sensor signal(s)128may be communicated from the sensor(s)116to the processing unit118for processing. The processing unit118, in determining that the user performed a certain action by processing the sensor signals128, may provide for a discount or take a particular action (e.g., enable vending, provide free beverage, etc.) along with issuing a command to the electromechanical dispenser drivers122that, in response, generate drive signals132and134that are coordinated to cause the gate124to release a product item into the elevator shaft and to cause the elevator drive126(e.g., motor) to lift a cradle used to lift the product item to a dispensing area for the user to receive his or her product item. Moreover, the processing unit120may cause the vending machine100bto generate an audible sound, such as a simple “thank you,” “clapping sound,” “whistle,” or other audible sound, to cause the vending machine to autonomously move, such as spin in a circle, shift side-to-side, move forward and backward, move a “body part,” such its head, arm(s), fingers, or otherwise, turn on light(s), display a message, or perform any other action to communicate an emotion, sentiment, notification, or message to the user.

The processing unit118may further be in communication with (i) payment device(s)136that enable a user to pay for product items, (ii) motor138that may be used for moving the vending machine100b, and user interface140that enables the vending machine to communicate visually, audibly, or otherwise with the user. In response to a user using one of the payment devices136, such as a card reader, near field communication (NFC) device, cash reader, or otherwise, the vending machine may communicate a signal142to the processing unit118that, in response, determines that sufficient money or credit (e.g., coupon or promotional code) has been tendered. The vending machine100bmay utilize a wireless link for communicating card information to a remote server to confirm that a credit, debit, or prepaid card of a user has sufficient balance to pay for a product item, as understood in the art.

Responsive to payment being made, the processing unit118may cause the product item to be dispensed and drive the motor138with signal144to move the vending machine100bin a particular pattern, randomly, or otherwise, if desired, to show appreciation for the purchase. Additionally, the processing unit118may communicate a signal146to the user interface140to display information, play audio, cause a vibration, or perform any other sensory communication of which the user interface is capable. As an example, the user interface140may include LEDs at the face106bof the vending machine100b, and a message, such as “enjoy your drink,” may be displayed for the user. In an alternative embodiment, a graphic, image, video, facial expression, or otherwise may be displayed to the face106b.

With regard toFIG. 1D, a block diagram inclusive of illustrative software modules148that may form part of the software120ofFIG. 1Cto enable a user to interface with the vending machine and to operate the vending machine106bofFIG. 1Bis shown. The modules148may include a user interface module150that supports a user interface, such as a touchscreen, keypads, buttons, or any other user interface elements. A user interaction module152may include executing an interactive voice response (IVR) system on the processing unit118that enables a user to speak commands to the vending machine100b. The commands may include, “purchase a product,” “how much does a product cost?” “what flavors are available” or any other user interactive command. Since the vending machine100bmay be self-propelled, the commands may include movement commands, such as “spin,” “dance,” “smile,” or any other command. In that regard, the processing unit118may be configured to drive at least one wheel and/or rotate at least one wheel, thereby self-propelling and driving the vending machine100bin one or more directions. A payment module154may enable a user to pay for a product item. The payment module154may support payment using conventional payment mechanisms, along with supporting discounting or giveaways based on the user interaction.

The user interaction module152may be configured to receive and process images, touch signals, audio signals, or any other signals measured by sensors112,114, and/or116, as described with regard toFIG. 1B, and provide a discount amount to the payment module154for discounting, setting a price, issuing a free-of-charge product item, or providing any other value by the vending machine. A dispense module156may be configured to dispense a product item in response to payment or other value based on the user interaction module152determining that the user spoke or gestured an action (e.g., wave, smile, hug, spin, dance, blink, say “hello,” say “I like your smile,” or speak or gesture anything else) that is determined by the user interaction module152to be worth some value.

With regard toFIG. 1E, an illustrative flow diagram for an illustrative process158for providing vending of product items from a vending machine, such as, but not limited to, the vending machine ofFIG. 1Bis shown. The process158may start at step160, where a user interface may be provided to a user to purchase a product item. The user interface may be physically represented on the vending machine (e.g., card reader, bill reader, coin reader, NFC reader, code reader, etc.) or may be embedded within the vending machine (e.g., voice recognition system, scanner, or otherwise). In one embodiment, the user interface may include a wireless feature that may enable a user to use a local (e.g., Bluetooth) or long distance (e.g., mobile network) to purchase a product item from the vending machine. In one embodiment, a network server may receive an order for a product item, and the vending machine may be commanded to dispatch a product item.

At step162, a physical action or words may be identified to provide a discount value and/or payment. In identifying the physical action or words, a camera or other sensor may be used to image or sense physical characteristics and/or motions of a user. A processing unit that performs signal processing, such as image processing, voice recognition, audio recognition, etc., may be used to determine whether the user performs a physical action (e.g., smiles, waves, laughs, says a word or phrase, or performs any other motion or gesture) that merits providing the user with a discount or free product item to offset payment for the product item. The image processing may utilize shape and/or pattern recognition to identify a specific physical action, such as a wave or smile. The vending machine may utilize a timer to determine whether the user performs an action in a predetermined time, such as 5 seconds, and, if the user does not perform a requested action, cancels a potential discount award for the user. In one embodiment, at step164, payment or payment balance (e.g., full price minus offset due to performing an action) may optionally be received as a function of discount value. At step166, one or more product items may be dispensed by the vending machine, as further described herein.

With regard toFIG. 2A, an illustration of a front view of an illustrative vending mechanism200aconfigured to be positioned within a vending machine, such as a self-propelled vending machine, and shaped to maximize space and flow of products (e.g., food or beverages) to be vended to a user of the vending machine is shown. The vending mechanism200amay include a product storage area202in which a product storage serpentine204traverses. As shown, the product storage area202has a triangular shape defined by walls203aand203b(collectively203) in which a bottom area is wider than a top area. The triangular-like shape (i.e., shape that is not a triangle per se, but has certain triangular characteristics) of the product storage area202lowers a center-of-gravity of a vending machine in which the vending mechanism202ais positioned. Alternative configurations that fit within a housing of the vending machine and provide for high-capacity may be utilized. In one embodiment, the walls203may be angled at approximately 75 degrees (e.g., 74-76 degrees). Alternative angles may be utilized, but the higher the angle, the less stable a vending machine will be, and the lower the angle, the wider the vending machine will be so a design tradeoff is to be made based on deployment location criteria.

Varying the width relative to the height may provide for configurations of the vending mechanism that may increase or decrease the product capacity of the vending machine along with the configuration of the product storage serpentine204. A center point (CP) of the product storage area202is shown to be above a center-of-gravity (COG), which shows how using a triangular configuration or other expanded lower region for the product storage area202lowers the center-of-gravity for the product storage area202and a vending machine in which the product storage area202is positioned. Although lowering the center-of-gravity in the product storage area202reduces the potential for the vending machine in which the vending mechanism from tipping while maximizing storage capacity, it is conceivable that a higher center-of-gravity of the vending mechanism200ais possible while still achieving the functionality of maximizing product storage area by including other features in the vending machine to lower the center-of-gravity.

As shown, the product storage serpentine204may have a top opening206through which products may be loaded into the product stores serpentine204, and the products may be lowered or guided along the product storage serpentine204as a function of gravity (i.e., gravitationally guiding or propelling product items along the product storage serpentine204). Alternatively, the product storage serpentine204may have a closed top without an opening. The product store serpentine204may be sized in length, width, and height to accommodate a beverage can (e.g., 12 ounce soda or beer can), bottle (e.g., 20 ounce bottles). For vending non-beverage containers (e.g., food, snacks, promotional items, etc.) or beverage containers with non-circular shapes, a container sized and shaped to fit within the product store serpentine204may be used to encapsulate such product items. The product storage serpentine204may have rounded or angled corners, and straight sections may have downward (e.g., 3-7 degrees) so that product that is disposed within the product storage serpentine204may be gravitationally lowered or guided (e.g., rolled) from top to bottom to minimize potential of products becoming jammed or otherwise to not automatically pass through an exit208from the product storage serpentine204into an elevator shaft210. The product storage serpentine204may have an outer surface212that, at least in one portion, contacts or shares a wall203bof the product storage area202. The wall203bmay also be a wall that, in part, defines the elevator shaft210. The product storage serpentine204may extend between the walls203aand203bto provide maximum capacity for product items disposed therein. To provide for additional capacity, a portion213of the product storage serpentine204may extend over the elevator shaft210. In an embodiment, the product storage area202and elevator shaft210may be formed as a single, modular unit that can be removed from one vending machine and placed into another vending machine, thereby making assembly and repair easier.

The elevator shaft210may include a base214that is normal to wall203b, in this case 15 degrees. The base214of the elevator shaft210may be positioned near the floor, such as ½ inch, of the vending machine. Elevator mechanism(s), including a motor (not shown), elevator screw shaft216aand elevator guide shaft216b, may be utilized to drive an elevator member, such as a cradle218, which is configured to fit and move within the elevator shaft210. In operation, a product (not shown) may exit the product store serpentine204via the exit208to enter into the elevator shaft210and onto the cradle218. In one embodiment, the cradle218may be configured to tilt to accommodate an angular dispensing area (e.g., 45 degree dispensing area). A sensor (not shown) may be used to determine when a product item is in or supported by the cradle218, and responsive to the sensor sensing that the cradle218does not have a product item, a next dispensing cycle may be performed. Electronics, such as a microprocessor, may be in communication with the sensor and elevator mechanism(s), and be configured to control dispensing operations. The sensor may be a light sensor, weight sensor, contact sensor, proximity sensor, or any other sensor capable of sensing and providing an indication as to whether or not a product item is within the cradle218, whether the product storage serpentine204is empty or has a certain number of product items remaining, or otherwise. The elevator screw shaft216amay drive the cradle218upward within the elevator shaft210to be released into a product dispensing area (see, for example,FIG. 1B). It should be understood that the elevator mechanisms, including the elevator screw shaft216a, elevator guide shaft216b, and/or cradle218, may be any other elevator mechanism(s), such as a belt or other mechanisms, that provide for hoisting or otherwise moving product items to a product dispensing area.

The elevator shaft210has an acute angle relative to a base or floor219of the product storage area202, and a product item is hoisted diagonally and above at least a portion of the product storage area202via the elevator shaft210. Other elevator shaft configurations and orientations are possible (e.g., vertical or diagonally away from the product storage area202), but having the elevator shaft210in the orientation presented, a more compact and stable vending mechanism may be provided. It should also be understood that rather than using the product storage serpentine204that may be limited to storing a single product type that multiple product storage serpentines or multiple angled shelves with multiple elevator entryways (seeFIG. 2E), one at each shelf, may be used to store the same or different product types.

With regard toFIG. 2B, an illustration of a side view of the vending mechanism200aofFIG. 2Ais shown. The elevator screw shaft216aand elevator guide shaft216bare shown to extend along the elevator shaft210. In this embodiment, a common wall203bis shared between the product storage area202and elevator shaft210. Other elevator configurations are envisioned.

With regard toFIG. 2C, an illustration of a perspective view of the vending mechanism200aofFIG. 2Ais shown. The vending mechanism200ais shown with the product storage serpentine204. A movable stopper member (alternatively known as a gate or dam)221may be positioned at the exit208of the product storage serpentine204that, in an extended position, retains products in the product store serpentine204, and, in a retracted position, enables a product to pass through the exit208of the product storage serpentine204. A processing unit (not shown) in combination with position and/or proximity sensors (not shown) may synchronize the movable stopper member221with the position of the cradle218to ensure that a product item is released into the cradle218and not below the cradle218. A base220may be used to mount the product storage serpentine204. The vending mechanism200ais modular in that it may be included in and removed from one or more vending machines. A bracket222along with fastening members (not shown) may be used to secure the product storage serpentine204to the base220. Rather than using fastening members, adhesive or welding may be used to secure the product storage serpentine204to the base220. Although the elevator shaft is shown without walls other than the wall203bof the product storage area202. It should be understood that walls that define the elevator shaft may be included or incorporated into a housing of the vending machine. Although not shown, multiple elevator shafts, such as one on each side of the product storage area202, may be utilized to dispense one or more types of product items (e.g., different beverages, beverages and food, beverages and promotional items, etc.). In such a configuration, larger dimensions of the product storage area202may be utilized.

With regard toFIG. 2D, an illustrative of a top view of the vending mechanism200aofFIG. 2Ais shown.

With regard toFIG. 2E, an illustration of an alternative illustrative embodiment of a vending mechanism200bis shown. In this embodiment, rather than including a product storage serpentine204within a product storage area224of the vending mechanism200aas shown inFIG. 2A, angled shelves226a-226e(collectively226) may be utilized to enable multiple types of product items to be loaded into and dispensed from the vending mechanism200b. The use of the angled shelves226provides for a more limited number of product items to be dispensed, but supports different product types. It should be understood that the use of shelves for dispensing multiple types of items is illustrative and that alternative configurations of utilizing the product storage area224of the vending mechanism200bmay be possible. For example, multiple product storage serpentines may be used. Irrespective of the configuration of the storage members, in this case angled shelves226, utilized for dispensing multiple types of product items, the elevator shaft228may include a wall230that forms multiple openings or doors232a-232e(collectively232) that enable product items to exit the product storage area224in which the angled shelves226are located. As an alternative to using doors232, gates, such as those shown inFIG. 2F, may be utilized to meter the product items into the elevator shaft228. A cradle234may be automatically adjusted within the elevator shaft228utilizing a controller and elevator mechanism(s) to be positioned from whichever of the doors232a product item is to dispensed. It should be understood that rather than using a cradle, other configurations of elevator members configured to hoist or lift a product item may be utilized.

With regard toFIG. 2F, an illustration of another illustrative vending mechanism200cthat operates within a vending machine236is shown. The vending mechanism200cmay include a first product pathway238aand second product pathway238b(collectively238) positioned on respective sides of the vending machine236. Although shown as different lengths, it should be understood that the product pathways238may be identical lengths. Moreover, the lengths may extend upwards along each sidewall240aand240bas much as possible so as to maximize storage capacity of product items242aand242b(collectively242). In one embodiment, the product items242aand242bare the same. Alternatively, the product items242aand242bare different. As an example, the product items242amay be cans of a first beverage type, and the product items242bmay be cans of a second beverage type.

To dispense the product items242, gates244aand244bthat include servos246aand246bto control cams248may be utilized to release the product items242into a cradle250. The cradle250may be hoisted upward via an elevator shaft252to a dispensing area254. As shown, multiple cams248may be utilized for moving each of the product items242aand242b. It should be understood that alternative number of cams248may be utilized. Alternatively, different mechanism(s) may be utilized for metering or moving the product items242into the cradle250. In one embodiment, an operator may select which of the product items242aor242bto deliver. Alternatively, the user may select which of the product items242aor242bto deliver to the user by performing an action (e.g., performing a physical action, such as raising a left or right hand, shaking a left or right hand of vending machine236, moving left or right, or otherwise).

With regard toFIGS. 3A-3D, illustrations of an illustrative vending machine300inclusive of a housing302and vending mechanism304is shown. The vending machine300is shown to include wheels306a-306d(collectively306) that may be driven by a drive mechanism (not shown), such as a motor. The four wheels306include (i) two wheels306band306cin the front and (ii) two wheels306aand306din the rear of the vending machine300. Alternative number of wheels and configurations may be utilized to enable the vending machine to be mobile or self-propelled. In one embodiment, a first motor (not shown) may drive the rear wheels306aand306d, and a second motor (not shown) may control angles of the front wheels306band306c. The vending machine300may be locally controlled by a wired controller, remotely controlled by a local wireless channel (e.g., Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, RF, or any other short range communications path), or remotely controlled by a wireless communications channel, such as a mobile communications channel. A controller may be configured to cause the vending machine300to move and travel in a desired direction. The controller may be a specialized electronic device or a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile telephone, configured with a mobile app executed by the mobile electronic device that communicates with the vending machine300to control motion and, optionally, operation of the vending machine300.

With regard toFIGS. 7A and 7B, illustrations of an illustrative elevator drive system700are shown. The elevator drive system700is shown to include a guide rail702that is fixedly mounted within a vending machine (see, for example, vending machine236ofFIG. 2F) to provide stability for lifting and dispensing a product item703. A carriage704may be configured to support a cradle706on which the product item703is supported to be dispensed. A belt708may be utilized to provide vertical or any other directional motion for the carriage704, where the carriage704is connected to the belt708via belt/carriage, connectors710. The belt708may be engaged to pulleys712aand712bthat allow for the belt to move upwards and downwards by a causing rotation of the pulley712a, as understood in the art. The motor714may be a low RPM motor that is driven in one direction to lift the product item703for dispensing, and reversed to lower the cradle for receiving a next product item to be dispensed. The motor714may be any type of motor, including a direct drive motor, electromechanical motor, hydraulic motor, pneumatic motor, or any other motor, as understood in the art.

With regard toFIG. 8, an illustration of an alternative illustrative elevator drive system800is shown. A guide rail802may be fixedly positioned within a vending machine, such as vending machine236ofFIG. 2F, to provide stability for lifting and dispensing a product item803, in this case, a beverage can. The guide rail802may be secured to the vending machine via mounting brackets804aand804balong with fastening members806aand806b, such as screws, bolts, or otherwise. Alternative hardware or fastening configurations (e.g., welds, adhesives, etc.) may be utilized to fixedly positioned the guide rail802in the vending machine. A carriage808may be slidably engaged to the guide rail802via a carriage connector810. A cradle812may be connected to the carriage808via a cradle/carriage connector813.

To provide for vertical or angular motion of the cradle812, a lead screw814, as understood in the art, may be supported by bearings816aand816bthat enables the lead screw814to be rotated. A ball nut818may be configured to convert rotational motion of the lead screw814into linear motion to move the cradle812carrying the product item803from a first position to a second position to dispense the product item803. An attachment member or portion of the ball nut818may be configured to attach the ball nut818to the carriage808, as shown. A motor822may be coupled to the lead screw814via a coupler824, thereby causing rotation of the motor822to drive the lead screw814. A mounting bracket826may be configured to mount the motor to the mounting bracket804b. Alternative mounting configurations for the motor822may be utilized. The motor822may be electromechanical, as understood in the art. Alternatively, the motor822may utilize any other motor type, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, or otherwise. Utilizing the elevator drive system800with a direct drive configuration with the lead screw814eliminates the use of the elevator drive system700with the belt708of theFIG. 7. Although the elevator drive systems ofFIGS. 7 and 8provide for belt and screw drive mechanisms, it should be understood that alternative drive mechanisms may be utilized to move a product item from a first position to a second position for dispensing the product item from a mobile or fixed-position vending machine.

With regard toFIG. 4, a flow diagram of an illustrative process for manufacturing a vending machine is shown. The process400may start at step402, where the product storage area having walls that define an area with a center-of-gravity below a center point of the height of the product storage area is formed. In one embodiment, the walls are aligned at acute angles. As an example, the walls may have an approximately 75 degree acute angle relative to a floor of the product storage area. In one embodiment, the walls are separated at a distance that enables a product item to pass between the walls. The closest point of the walls may be formed by a top of one wall relative to a point along a second wall (seeFIG. 2A, for example). At step404, a product pathway, such as a storage serpentine, with outer edges that extend to the walls of the product storage area may be formed. If the product pathway is a product storage serpentine, the product storage serpentine may wind between the walls such that the outer edges of the product storage serpentine extends between the walls that define the product storage area. The product storage serpentine may have rounded or angled corners, and each of the straight sections may have a downward slope so that product items within the product storage serpentine are gravitationally directed downward through the product storage serpentine. In one embodiment, the slope of a straight areas of the product storage serpentine may range from approximately 3 degrees to approximately 7 degrees. It should be understood, however, that alternative downward slope and angles may be utilized to enable product items to gravitationally flow through the product storage serpentine.

At step406, the product storage serpentine may be positioned within the product storage area. In positioning the product storage serpentine within the product storage area, fastening members and/or adhesives may be utilized to secure the product storage serpentine within the product storage area. At step408, a hoisting mechanism that enables a product item that is output from the product storage serpentine into an elevator shaft external from and extending along a wall of the product storage area may be configured. In one embodiment, the hoisting mechanism may include an elevator screw shaft, an elevator guide shaft, and a cradle that contacts or engages a product item that exits from the product storage serpentine and hoists the product item along the elevator shaft and outside of a wall of the product storage area. At step410, the product storage area with the product storage serpentine and elevator shaft may be configured within a housing inclusive of a dispensing area for a user to receive the product item. The dispensing area may include an opening defined by the housing and include a catch or receiver region, such as a basket, into which a product item may be positioned after being released from the elevator shaft.

With regard toFIG. 5, a flow diagram of an illustrative process500for operation of a vending machine is shown. The process500may start at step502, where a product storage area may be filled with product items (e.g., individual packages of products that may be individually dispensed to a user). The product storage area may have a center-of-gravity below a halfway vertical point of the product storage area. At step504, a product item may be released from the product storage area into an elevator shaft inclusive of a hoisting mechanism. At step506, the product item may be hoisted to a dispensing area for a user to receive the product item. In hoisting the product item, the product item may be hoisted diagonally along an outside of the product storage area.

With regard toFIG. 6, a flow diagram of an alternative illustrative process600for operation of a vending machine is shown. The process600may start at step602, where product items may be stored in a product storage area. The product storage area may have a center-of-gravity below a halfway vertical point of the product storage area. At step604, a product item may be released from the product storage area. In one embodiment, the product item is released into an elevator shaft inclusive of a hoisting mechanism. At step606, the product item may be hoisted over at least a portion of the product storage area. In hoisting the product item, the product item may be hoisted diagonally along an outside of the product storage area. At step608, the hoisted product item may be presented to a user for taking away from the vending machine. The hoisting mechanism may be synchronized with a metering device that enables and disables product items to be released from the product storage area into the elevator shaft such that an elevator member of the hoisting mechanism is at or below an entranceway of the elevator shaft to receive the product item to be hoisted.