Merchandise dispensing system

A merchandise dispensing system for storing and dispensing food products, consumables, and beverages may include a plurality of modules, such as a food module, a consumables module, a beverage module, and one or more container modules. The modules may be positioned adjacent each other or connected to each other to form a merchandise dispensing system.

FIELD

The invention relates generally to a merchandise dispensing system for dispensing food and beverages.

BACKGROUND

Food and beverage dispensers are commonly used in many types of businesses, including hotels that provide food and beverages for their guests. Food and beverage dispensers generally dispense either food or beverages. To obtain both food and beverages, a consumer may have to visit multiple dispensers. An aspect of this invention is to provide a more efficient merchandise dispensing system that dispenses both food and beverages.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention provides a merchandise dispensing system for storing and dispensing food products, consumables, and beverages. The merchandise dispensing system may include a plurality of modules, such as a food module, a consumables module, a beverage module, and one or more container modules. The modules may be positioned adjacent each other or connected to each other to form a merchandise dispensing system.

The food module may contain a plurality of components, such as a food dispensing unit, a plurality of frames, a plurality of panels, and a food storage unit. The food module may dispense any type of food. In at least one embodiment, the food module dispenses breakfast food, such as oatmeal.

The consumables module may contain a plurality of components, such as a consumables unit, one or more panels, storage compartments, and a frame. The consumables modules may stock any type of consumable item, such as silverware or food products, such as toppings.

The beverage module may contain a plurality of components, such as a beverage dispensing unit, a plurality of frames, a plurality of panels, and a beverage storage unit. The beverage module may dispense any type of beverages, including carbonated beverages and juices.

The container modules may include one or more container units configured to store containers or covers for the containers. For example, the container units may be configured to store cups, bowls, and lids.

The merchandise dispensing system may include a messaging system that provides messages to a user of the system. The messages displayed may be based on many different factors, such as the time of day, the product being served, the proximity of a user to the system, etc.

The merchandise dispensing system may include social media capabilities. The merchandise dispensing system may include a social media computer or server, and an interface. The social media computer may be configured to be operatively connected to the interface and receive from the interface instructions for a beverage or food purchase order, a beverage or food gift, a beverage or food redemption, or a beverage or food promotion, and generating a code based on the received instructions. The interface may also be configured to recognize a gesture of a user relating to a beverage order of a customer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A merchandise dispensing system10is generally illustrated inFIG. 1. In at least one embodiment, the merchandise dispensing system10is configured to dispense food and beverages. The merchandise dispensing system may include a plurality of modules, such as a food module100, a consumables module,200, a beverage module300, and one or more container modules400. Any number of modules may be included within the scope of the invention. The modules may be connected to each other or may be separate components that sit adjacent each other, or are in close proximity to each other to form the merchandise dispensing system10. Alternatively, the modules may be of unitary construction. Any suitable attachment means may be used to connect one or more modules together. For example, the modules may be connected together through the use of mechanical fasteners, such as screws or nuts and bolts.

The merchandise dispensing system10may be configured to sit on a table or a counter top. Alternatively, the merchandise display system10may be a stand-alone device or may be portable or mobile. The merchandise dispensing system10may be located in either a manned or an un-manned environment. The merchandise dispensing system10may be configured to store and dispense both hot and cold food and beverages and both wet and dry food. The merchandise dispensing system10may be configured to store and dispense both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages. Any type of beverage or food may be dispensed from the merchandise dispensing system10at any time throughout a day.

FIG. 2illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a food module100. The food module100may be any shape or size and may be configured to dispense any type of food. In at least one embodiment, the food module100may be configured to dispense breakfast food, such as oatmeal. The food module100may include a plurality of components. For example, the food module100may include a food dispensing unit110, a plurality of frames140,170, a plurality of panels120,130,150,160, and a food storage unit180.

In at least one embodiment, the food module100includes an inner frame170that attaches to an inner panel160. The inner frame170and inner panel160may attach to each other in any suitable manner. For example, the inner panel160and inner frame170may snap together or may be mechanically fastened together. The inner frame170and inner panel160may be configured to attach to the front of the food storage unit180. The inner frame170and inner panel160may attach to the food storage unit180in any suitable manner. For example, the inner frame170and inner panel160may be mechanically fastened to the food storage unit180. In at least one embodiment, the inner frame170and inner panel160are lockingly engaged to the food storage unit180. The inner panel160may contain one or more apertures161.

The food storage unit180may be any size or shape and may contain any necessary components to store and dispense hot and/or cold food products. For example, the food storage unit180may contain heating units, cooling units, dispensing tubes, and/or storage units. The food storage unit180may also store and dispense wet and/or dry food products. In at least one embodiment, the food storage unit180includes a liquid source for reconstituting a dried food product. For example, the food storage unit180may be configured to dispense a dry food product such as oatmeal or dried mashed potatoes and also be configured to dispense hot water into the dry food product in order to reconstitute the food product. The fluid may be added to the dry food product before, during or after dispensing the food product. The food storage unit180may include a catch tray181to catch excess food product.

In at least one embodiment, the food module100includes an outer frame140and an outer panel130. The outer frame140and outer panel130may attach to each other in any suitable manner. For example, the outer panel130and outer frame140may snap together or may be mechanically fastened together. The outer frame140and outer panel130may be configured to attach to the inner frame170and/or inner panel160. The outer frame140and outer panel130may attach to one or both of the inner frame170and inner panel160in any suitable manner, for example, via mechanical fasteners.

The inner frame170and outer frame140may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic. In at least one embodiment, the inner frame170and outer frame140are made of steel. The inner panel160and outer panel130may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic. In at least one embodiment, the inner panel160and outer panel130are made of plastic. The inner panel160and the outer panel130may include graphics on the outer surfaces of the panel. For example, the graphics may be logos, pictures, or descriptions of the food being dispensed from the food module100.

In at least one embodiment, the outer panel130includes a plurality of apertures131,132,133. In at least one embodiment, the aperture131on the outer panel130corresponds to the aperture161on the inner panel160. The apertures131and161may be configured to receive a food dispensing unit110. The apertures131and161may further be configured to receive the catch tray181.

In at least one embodiment, the food module100includes one or more panels120,150for displaying information. The panels120,150may be made out of any suitable material and may be attached to the inner panel160and/or outer panel130in any suitable manner. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the panels120,150include an electronic display. In at least one embodiment, the display is customizable. For example, the display may change based on a time of day or based on the product dispensed from the food module100. In at least one embodiment, the display may be an interactive display that a user of the merchandise dispensing system10may interact with.

The food dispensing unit110, as illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3A, 3B, and 3C, may include a plurality of components, such as a bezel111, a bottom surface112, a button assembly113, a wiring assembly116, one or more nozzle covers114, and a rear surface115. The components may be attached to each other in any suitable manner. Alternatively, two or more components may be of unitary construction. The components may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the components of the food dispensing unit110has a metallic finish. The food dispensing unit110may attach to one or more of the outer panel130, inner panel160and/or food storage unit180in any suitable manner, for example, via mechanical fasteners or adhesives.

The bottom surface112of the food dispensing unit110may be attached to the bezel111and may have a surface defining a plurality of apertures, which allow food product to pass through the apertures. Alternatively, the bottom surface112may be a solid surface. The button assembly113may include one or more buttons. In at least one embodiment, the button assembly113includes a plurality of buttons. The wiring assembly116may be attached to the button assembly113and configured to attach the button assembly113to components within the food storage unit180, to allow the food module100to dispense food product when the one or more buttons on the button assembly113are pressed. The rear surface115of the food dispensing unit110may be any suitable shape that allows food product to be dispensed and collected within a container placed in the food dispensing unit110. In at least one embodiment, the rear surface115is concave shaped to allow a cup or bowl to sit on the bottom surface112. The food dispensing unit110may include one or more nozzle covers114that cover nozzles located on the food storage unit180, which are configured to dispense food. In at least one embodiment, the dispensing unit110includes a nozzle for micro-dosing an additive or flavoring into the food product. In at least one embodiment, the dispensing unit110includes a nozzle for injecting air into the food product.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, a consumables module200may include a plurality of components. For example, the consumables module200may include one or more panels210,220, a frame230, and a consumables unit240. The consumables module200may be any necessary shape or size to store and dispense consumable items. The frame230may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal. In at least one embodiment, the frame230is made of steel. The panels210,220may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the panels210,220are made of plastic. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the panels210,220include graphics. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the panels210,220include an electronic display, which may be interactive.

In at least one embodiment, the frame230attaches to panel220. The panel220may attach to the frame230in any suitable manner. For example, the panel220and frame230may snap together or may be attached by mechanical fasteners. The frame230and panel220may attach to the front of the consumables unit240in any suitable manner. In at least one embodiment, the frame230and panel220are lockingly engaged to the consumables unit240.

The consumables unit240may include one or more of storage compartments241. The storage compartments241may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic. In at least one embodiment, the storage compartments241are made of aluminum. The storage compartments241may be any shape or size and configured to store and dispense consumable items. For example, the storage compartments241may be configured to hold silverware, such as spoons, or food products, such as toppings for oatmeal. In at least one embodiment, the storage compartments241are slidably engaged with the consumable unit240to allow the consumables to be restocked. The storage compartments241may be restocked from either the back or the front of the consumables unit240. The panel220may include a plurality of apertures221that correspond with the location of the storage compartments241to allow access to the storage compartments241. The consumables module200may further include dispensing nozzles or any type of dispensing means, such as handles or knobs, to aid in dispensing consumable items.

FIG. 5illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a beverage module300. The beverage module300may be any shape or size and may be configured to dispense any type of hot or cold beverage. In at least one embodiment, the beverage module300may be configured to dispense breakfast juices, such as orange juice and grapefruit juice. Alternatively, the beverage module300may dispense carbonated beverages or a combination of non-carbonated and carbonated beverages. The beverage module300may include a plurality of components. For example, the beverage module300may include a beverage dispensing unit310, a plurality of frames340,370, a plurality of panels320,330,350,360, and a beverage storage unit380.

In at least one embodiment, the beverage module300includes an inner frame370that attaches to an inner panel360. The inner frame370and inner panel360may attach to each other in any suitable manner. For example, the inner panel360and inner frame370may snap together or may be mechanically fastened together. The inner frame370and inner panel360may be configured to attach to the front of the beverage storage unit380. The inner frame370and inner panel360may attach to the beverage storage unit380in any suitable manner. For example, the inner frame370and inner panel360may be mechanically fastened to the beverage storage unit380. In at least one embodiment, the inner frame370and inner panel360are lockingly engaged to the beverage storage unit380. The inner panel360may contain one or more apertures361.

The beverage storage unit380may be any size or shape and may contain any necessary components to store and dispense hot and/or cold beverages, including carbonated and non-carbonated beverages. For example, the beverage storage unit380may contain heating units, cooling units, dispensing tubes, carbonation units, and/or storage units. The beverage storage unit380may include a catch tray381to catch excess product.

In at least one embodiment, the beverage module300includes an outer frame340and an outer panel330. The outer frame340and outer panel330may attach to each other in any suitable manner. For example, the outer panel330and outer frame340may snap together or may be mechanically fastened together. The outer frame340and outer panel330may be configured to attach to the inner frame370and/or inner panel360. The outer frame340and outer panel330may attach to one or both of the inner frame370and inner panel360in any suitable manner, for example, via mechanical fasteners.

The inner frame370and outer frame340may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic. In at least one embodiment, the inner frame370and outer frame340are made of steel. The inner panel360and outer panel330may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic. In at least one embodiment, the inner panel360and outer panel330are made of plastic. The inner panel360and the outer panel330may include graphics on the outer surfaces of the panel. For example, the graphics may be logos, pictures, or descriptions of the food being dispensed from the food module100.

In at least one embodiment, the outer panel330includes a plurality of apertures331,332,333. In at least one embodiment, the aperture331on the outer panel330corresponds to the aperture361on the inner panel360. The apertures331and361may be configured to receive a beverage dispensing unit310. The apertures331and361may further be configured to receive the drip tray381.

In at least one embodiment, the beverage module300includes one or more panels320,350for displaying information. The panels320,350may be made out of any suitable material and may be attached to the inner panel360and/or outer panel330in any suitable manner. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the panels320,350include an electronic display. In at least one embodiment, the display is customizable. For example, the display may change based on a time of day or based on the product dispensed from the beverage module300. In at least one embodiment, the display may be an interactive display that a user of the merchandise dispensing system10may interact with.

The beverage dispensing unit310, as illustrated inFIGS. 5, 6A, 6B, and 6C, may include a plurality of components, such as a bezel311, a bottom surface312, a button assembly313, a wiring assembly316, one or more nozzle covers314, and a rear surface315. The components may be attached to each other in any suitable manner. Alternatively, two or more components may be of unitary construction. The components may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the components of the beverage dispensing unit310has a metallic finish. The beverage dispensing unit310may attach to one or more of the outer panel330, inner panel360and/or beverage storage unit380in any suitable manner, for example, via mechanical fasteners or adhesives.

The bottom surface312of the beverage dispensing unit310may be attached to the bezel311and may have a surface defining a plurality of apertures, which allow liquid to pass through the apertures into the drip tray381. Alternatively, the bottom surface312may be a solid surface. The button assembly313may include one or more buttons. In at least one embodiment, the button assembly313includes a plurality of buttons. The wiring assembly316may be attached to the button assembly313and configured to attach the button assembly313to components within the beverage storage unit380, to allow the beverage module300to dispense beverages when the one or more buttons on the button assembly313are pressed. The rear surface315of the beverage dispensing unit310may be any suitable shape that allows beverages to be dispensed and collected within a container placed in the beverage dispensing unit310. In at least one embodiment, the rear surface315is concave shaped to allow a cup to sit on the bottom surface312. The beverage dispensing unit310may include one or more nozzle covers314that cover one or more nozzles located on the beverage storage unit380, which are configured to dispense beverages.

In at least one embodiment, the merchandise dispensing system10includes a dispensing means for dispensing flavor capsules or pods into a beverage. In at least one embodiment, the flavor capsules are dispensed into the beverage through a nozzle in the beverage dispensing unit310. Alternatively, the flavor capsule may be added to the merchandise dispensing system10through a door or compartment and dispensed into the beverage through a nozzle in the beverage dispensing unit310. In another embodiment, the merchandise dispensing system10may include a dispensing means for dispensing flavor cartridges into a beverage. The flavor cartridges may be stored within beverage dispensing unit310and dispensed through a nozzle in the beverage dispensing unit310.

FIGS. 7A and 7Billustrate a plurality of container modules400. The container modules400may be configured to hold any type of container and/or cover for a container. For example, the container modules400may be configured to hold bowls or cups and lids for the bowls or cups. The container modules400may include one or more container units401configured to hold the containers and/or covers for the containers. The container units401may be any shape or size to hold the necessary container. The container units401may be attached to the container modules400in any suitable manner. For example, the container units401may be slidingly engaged with the container modules400to allow the container units401to be stocked. The container units401may be stocked from either the front or rear of the container module400. The container modules400and container units401may be made of any suitable material. In at least one embodiment, the container modules400are made of steel and the container units401are made of aluminum.

In at least one embodiment, the containers, such as a cup or bowl, may store some or all of the necessary ingredients within container. For example, a bowl may include a dry ingredient, such as oatmeal mix, and liquid such as water, milk, or other flavorings and ingredients may be added to the bowl from the merchandise dispensing system10. In one or more embodiments, the containers, such as cups and bowls, may be compressed or reduced in size during transit and storage and may be expanded prior to use. In at least one embodiment, the user manually expands the container. Alternatively, the merchandise dispensing system10may be configured to expand the container prior to use. In at least one embodiment, the lids for the containers include an element that opens and closes or “pops up” to allow a user to access the inside of the container without removing the lid.

The container module400may be included within one or more of the food module100, consumables module,200or the beverage module300. In at least one embodiment, the food module100and the beverage module300includes a container module400. The container module400may be separate from the other modules and positioned adjacent to one or more of the food module100, consumables module,200or the beverage module300. Alternatively, the container module400may be part of or unitary construction with one or more of the food module100, consumables module,200or the beverage module300. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 8, a container module400is placed adjacent a food storage unit180within a food module100.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures132,133located in the outer panel130of the food module100and the apertures332,333located in the outer panel330of the beverage module300correspond with the container units401. In this embodiment, the outer panel130of the food module100is a sufficient width to extend across the food storage unit180and the container module400. Further, the outer panel330of the beverage module300is a sufficient width to extend across the beverage storage unit180and the container module400.

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 9, the food storage unit180includes a door182. The door182may cover the entire front portion of the food storage unit180or may cover only a portion of the front portion of the food storage unit180. The door may open and shut in any suitable manner. In at least one embodiment, the door182pivots from a closed position to an open position. One or more struts183may keep the door182in an open position. In at least one embodiment, the door pivots upwardly and extends at a 110 degree angle from the front portion of the food storage unit180when the door182is in an open position.

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 10, the beverage storage unit380includes a plurality of doors382,384. In at least one embodiment, the beverage storage unit380includes an inner door384. The inner door184may cover a portion of or the entire front of the beverage storage unit380. In at least one embodiment, the inner door384covers a portion of the beverage storage unit380, such as a refrigeration portion. The inner door384may open and shut in any suitable manner. For example, the inner door384may pivot on one side during movement. The outer door382may cover a portion of or the entire front of the beverage storage unit380. In at least one embodiment, the door382pivots from a closed position to an open position. One or more struts383may keep the door382in an open position. In at least one embodiment, the door pivots upwardly and extends at a 110 degree angle from the front portion of the beverage storage unit380when the door382is in an open position.

In at least one embodiment, the configuration or layout of the merchandise dispensing system10suggests the steps and/or order of the steps for obtaining the food and beverage product to the consumer. For example, the merchandise dispensing system10may include a food module100on the left, a consumables module200in the center, and a beverage module300on the right. The merchandise dispensing system10may also include a container module400to the left of the food module100and a container module400between the beverage module300and the consumables module200. This layout may suggest the following steps to the user: 1) take a container from the container module400next to the food module100; 2) fill the container with food from the food module300; 3) select any desired consumables from the consumables module200to add to the dispensed food; 4) take a container from the container module400next to the beverage module300; and 5) fill the container with a beverage from the beverage module300.

In at least one embodiment, the merchandise dispensing system10includes a messaging system that may display messages to a user. The messages may be displayed at any suitable location on the merchandise dispensing system10. For example, the messages may be displayed on one or more of the panels120,150,210,320,350on modules100,200, or300. The messages displayed may be based on any number of events or factors. For example, the messages may be based on the time of day, the product being dispensed, or may be based on the proximity of a user to the merchandise dispensing system10. The messages may also be based on the weight, volume, or temperature of the product dispensed. The messages may also be based on the time of day, the time elapsed during a transaction, or the time a user is at the merchandise dispensing system10. The messages may be based on the size or weight of a cup, bowl, or container for holding the food or beverage products. The messages may also be based on whether a container is present. Additionally, the messages may be based on an intelligent understanding of the dispenser and whether product has been dispensed.

In at least one embodiment, the merchandise dispensing system10includes a wireless network access point that allows electronic devices to wirelessly connect with the merchandise dispensing system10. For example, a user may connect with the merchandise dispensing system10through a personal computer or a smart phone. In at least one embodiment, a user may use an application on a smart phone to connect to the merchandise dispensing system10. The application may store the user's preferences or may give the user information about the products being dispensed on the merchandise dispensing system10. In at least one embodiment, the wireless connection allows a user to complete all of the functions of the merchandise dispensing system10remotely.

In at least one embodiment, the merchandising system10includes social media capabilities. The merchandise dispensing system10may include a social media computer and an interface. The social media computer may be configured to be operatively connected to the interface and receive from the interface instructions for a beverage or food purchase order, a beverage or food gift, a beverage or food redemption, or a beverage or food promotion. The social media computer may be configured to generate a code based on the received instructions. The social media computer may be configured to be operatively connected to a communications network. In one aspect, the social media computer may be configured to transmit the code through the communications network to an interface of a device, which may be a mobile device. The mobile device may be remote from the merchandise dispensing system10. The social media computer may be configured to transmit an electronic communication to the interface of the device. The electronic communication may be one or more of a text message, an audio message, and a video message. A user of a device may access an interface to gift beverages or food. A user of a device may access an interface using to receive information regarding a gift, as well as a message, and video playback of a recorded message from the giver of the gift.

In at least one embodiment, the merchandise dispensing system10is configured to provide beverages or food based on a gesture made at the merchandise dispensing system10. The merchandise dispensing system10may be configured to have a gesture interface with a gesture interface reader or detector. A user may be able to gesture how much flavoring to add to a beverage or toppings to a food product, and the gesture interface may provide a screen display that corresponds to the user's gesture movement. The interface may also display an icon, such as a teaspoon, to depict the amount of an additive, such as a flavoring or a topping, to be included with, or reduced or eliminated from a beverage or food in accordance with the user's gesture(s) or other signals to the interface.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention.