Abstract:
A newspaper dispensing apparatus includes a housing having a cavity for storing newspapers. A door is pivotally attached to the housing via a pair of hinges. A locking subassembly releasably engages the door in a closed position. The disclosed apparatus is fabricated entirely from plastic to eliminate concern of corrosion and the risk of sparks. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus is fabricated from high strength steel, but selected portions of the apparatus including the locking subassembly, hinges and portions of the door, are covered with non-corrosive, spark proof materials to prevent metal-to-metal contact. Thus, the apparatus can be positioned immediately adjacent gasoline pumps at a service station without the risk of creating sparks, fire or an explosion. A method is also disclosed for providing a paid newspaper from a location substantially adjacent to a gasoline dispensing apparatus and further for the purchase of gasoline and a newspaper in one transaction via a payment mechanism attached to the apparatus.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to dispensing apparatus and methods, and more particularly to a spark proof, automated newspaper dispensing apparatus which may be operably positioning in the vicinity of volatile, flammable or combustible materials. 
     2. Background Art 
     The distribution of newspapers to consumers occurs in many ways, including by home delivery, via sales at retail outlets such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and service stations, and by newspaper dispensing machines. Conventional newspaper dispensing machines are well known. Such dispensers are generally fabricated from metal and include a housing with a cavity for storing the newspapers, a door providing access to the cavity, and a locking mechanism for selectively securing the door in a closed position. Typically, a user inserts coins or paper money into the dispenser, releasing the locking mechanism to allow the user to open the door and remove a newspaper. 
     Prior art dispensing machines are often positioned in remote unsupervised locations, such as adjacent retail stores, in parking lots, or on street comers. As such, the dispensers necessarily have been made from strong, durable materials to deter theft and vandalism. In particular, the locking mechanisms and other important components have been fabricated from high strength steel. 
     During operation, prior art newspaper dispensers are prone to producing sparks caused by metal-to-metal contact, for example when the door is slammed shut by a consumer after a purchase. As a result, it is not desirable to use such dispensers in proximity to volatile, flammable, or combustible materials, such as at service stations near gasoline pumps. Moreover, local, state and/or federal laws and regulations frequently prohibit the use of these dispensers near such materials. While plastic newspaper dispensers would solve these safety concerns, plastic dispensers have not been used for paid newspaper distribution because of their susceptibility to theft and vandalism. 
     Providing consumer convenience is a major factor motivating the use of newspaper dispensers. Indeed, consumer convenience often dictates purchasing decisions. An example is the implementation of automated payment systems in connection with retail gasoline pumps whereby the consumer may use credit cards, debit cards or the like to purchase gas “from the pump.” An increasing number of consumers are choosing to “pay at the pump” without physically entering the place of business. As a result, retailers are experiencing a reduction in impulse purchases of merchandise, such as newspapers, periodicals, snack foods and the like, which were previously the result of consumers entering the store to purchase gasoline. Consumers have found it inconvenient to enter the retail place of business to purchase a newspaper when “paying at the pump” for gasoline. As a result, newspapers sales have suffered. 
     Heretofore, it has been impossible to recapture the newspaper sales lost to “pay-at-the-pump” consumers by placing the dispensers in the vicinity of gasoline pumps because of the overriding safety concerns discussed above. A need exists for a safe, convenient newspaper dispensing apparatus which may be positioned adjacent gasoline pumps and other volatile, flammable or combustible materials. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The above problems are solved, and a number of technical advances are achieved in the art, by implementation of a novel newspaper dispensing apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a housing having a cavity for storing newspapers. The cavity defines an opening in a front surface of the housing. A door is pivotally attached to the housing via a pair of hinges. In its closed position the door covers the opening. A locking subassembly is provided to releasably engage the door in the closed position. The door is released or unlocked upon verification of payment from a user, providing the user access to a newspaper. 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus is constructed substantially from non-corrosive, spark proof materials such as plastic, and does not contain any metal or spark inducing parts which contact similar spark inducing parts. The plastic apparatus may be safely positioned adjacent volatile materials, for example between gasoline pumps at a service station, without the risk of creating sparks or otherwise igniting. Theft and vandalism are not prohibitive concerns associated with using the plastic apparatus because in operation the apparatus is positioned within the view of a service station attendant. 
     In another embodiment, the apparatus is fabricated from conventional high strength steel. However, the locking subassembly, as well as portions of the door, cavity, and other “contact areas” are covered with non-corrosive, spark proof materials such as cork, rubber, plastic or the like. In operation, due to the provision of the protective coatings, the apparatus may also be positioned immediately adjacent gasoline pumps or other volatile materials without the risk of creating sparks or otherwise igniting. This embodiment provides the dual benefits high strength and safety. 
     The present invention also discloses a method for providing a paid newspaper from a location substantially adjacent to a gasoline dispensing apparatus whereby a newspaper dispensing apparatus is constructed to withstand deployment in the vicinity of volatile, flammable or combustible materials, and the apparatus is placed in a supervised location substantially adjacent to the gasoline dispensing apparatus. 
     The present invention also discloses a method for “paying-at-the-pump” whereby a user, in one transaction, can control the purchase and dispensing of gasoline and a newspaper from an apparatus via a control device thereof. 
     Other advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. 
     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various features thereof. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a newspaper dispensing apparatus exemplifying the present invention, and showing a locking subassembly and a receptacle thereof each in hidden lines. 
     FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along line  2 — 2 . 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of a first modified embodiment of the present invention showing a newspaper dispensing apparatus having a pair of newspaper dispensers in a “back-to-back” configuration. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the apparatus in operation adjacent gasoline pumps at a service station. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a newspaper dispensing apparatus comprising a second modified embodiment of the present invention, showing the apparatus attached to a conventional gasoline pump. 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 5, taken along line  6 — 6 , and showing a locking subassembly thereof. 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5, and showing a hinge thereof. 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged, sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 taken along line  8 — 8 , and showing a payment mechanism thereof 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and discussed herein a few specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered only as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
     Referring to FIG.  1  and FIG. 2 in greater detail, the reference number  100  refers to a newspaper dispensing apparatus  100  embodying the present invention. The apparatus  100  is fabricated substantially of non-corrosive, sparkproof materials such as plastic, fiberglass, phenalic or the like to eliminate the possibility of sparks or any other ignition which may be caused by contact between cooperating parts of the apparatus  100  or by accidental collision between an automobile and apparatus  100 . The apparatus  100  does not contain any metal components or spark inducing components which contact similar components. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus  100  includes a housing  105  having a front  110 , a pair of opposed sides  112 , a top  113 , a rear  114 , and a bottom  115 . Referring to FIG. 2, a cavity  116  which defines a first opening  118  in the front  110  is formed within the housing  105 . Newspapers  119  are stored within the cavity  116 . A door  120  is pivotally secured to the front  110  by a pair of hinges  122 . In its closed position as shown in FIG. 1, the door  120  covers the first opening. A handle  124  is formed an upper portion of the door  120 . In operation, the handle  124  may be grasped by a user and pulled to pivot the door  120  about the hinges  122 , providing access to the cavity to remove the newspapers  119 . The door  120  may include a transparent panel or window  128  formed therein, allowing a user to look into the cavity  116 . 
     As discussed more below, the apparatus  100  also includes a payment mechanism  130 , such as a coin or bill depository, or an electronic ATM, credit or debit card scanner for receiving and processing electronic payment from users. Deposited coins and bills can be accessed and removed from the apparatus  100  via a key at lockbox  131 . A change return mechanism  132  is also provided for dispensing change or for providing a receipt for a transaction. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a locking subassembly  134  is provided for releasably engaging the door  120  in its closed position. For example, referring to FIG.  1  and FIG. 2, the locking subassembly  134  may comprise a pair of solenoids  136  having respective latches  138  slidably attached thereto, and a pair of coupling brackets  140  sized for receiving the latches  138 . The solenoids  136  are fixedly attached to an inner surface of the front  110  near the top  114 . The brackets  140  are fixedly attached to an inner surface of the door  120  in alignment to receive the latch  138  when the door  120  is in its closed position. Other locking subassemblies well-known for use with newspaper dispenser may also be used in conjunction with apparatus  100 , requiring perhaps, in some instances, materials modifications to comply with safety issues. 
     In operation, the payment mechanism  130  determines if the payment from the user is adequate. Upon verification, the payment mechanism  130  transmits a signal to energize the solenoid  136  whereupon the latch  138  retracts into the solenoid  134 , removing the latch  136  from the bracket  138 . Upon release of the latch  136 , the user may pull the door  120  open via the handle  124 , whereby the door  120  rotates about the hinges  122  and against a biasing force applied by springs (not shown). 
     The apparatus  100  also includes a receptacle  150  accessible via a second opening  152  in the front  110 . The receptacle  150  is provided for the deposit and collection of trash, recyclables, cigarettes, etc. A hinged access door  154  and a lock  156  are also provided in connection with the receptacle  150 . 
     Referring to FIG. 4, in operation the apparatus  100  may be positioned adjacent gasoline pumps  170  at a service station. The fabrication of the apparatus substantially from spark proof materials eliminates the risk of sparks or other ignition which may otherwise result, for example, when a user releases the door  120 , causing the door to impact the front  110  and/or the locking subassembly  134 . It should also be noted that the apparatus  100  is positioned between the pumps  170  such that it is readily within the view of a service station attendant  175 . Thus, the attendant  175  can monitor the apparatus  100  to greatly reduce the risk of theft or vandalism to the apparatus  100  which may be increased by the use of many non-corrosive materials, such as plastic. 
     Referring to FIG. 3, the reference number  200  refers to another embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  200  differs from the apparatus  100  in the provision of a housing  205  comprising a pair of newspaper dispensers  206 . Each dispenser  206  includes a cavity  207  for storing newspapers and a respective door  220  pivotally attached to the housing  205  covering the cavities  207 . The cavities  207  are adjacent one another in “backto-back” alignment. A wall or divider  225  is provided to isolate the cavities  207  from one another. The doors  220  face outward away from one another, providing access to newspapers  226  within the apparatus  200  from either door  220 . In operation the apparatus  200  may be conveniently positioned adjacent one or more gasoline pumps such that the newspapers  226  can be dispensed from either side of the gasoline pumps. In other regards, the apparatus  200  is substantially similar to the apparatus  100 . It is also foreseen that the dispensers  206  may be operably positioned in a side by side configuration instead of a back to back configuration. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, the reference number  300  refers to another newspaper dispensing apparatus exemplifying the present invention. The apparatus  300  differs from the apparatus  100  in that, as discussed more below, the apparatus  300  may be fabricated from a metal such as high strength steel. 
     The apparatus  300  includes a housing  305  having a front  310 , a top  315 , a pair of sides  320  and a bottom (not shown). A cavity  325  for storing newspapers and the like is formed within the housing  305 . The cavity  325  includes upper and lower edges  330 , 331 , and a pair of sides  332 . Outer surfaces of the edges  330 , 331  and the sides  332  are covered with cork, rubber, plastic coatings, or similar non-corrosive, spark proof materials. 
     Referring to FIGS. 5-7, a door  340  is pivotally attached to the front  310  via a pair of hinges  345 . As indicated in FIG. 7, outer surfaces  347  of a shaft  346  of the hinges  345  may be covered with cork, rubber, plastic coating, or similar non-corrosive, spark proof materials. Referring to FIG.  5  and FIG. 6, the door  340  includes an upper lip  350  having upper and lower surfaces. As shown at coating  351  in FIG. 6, an outer surface of the upper lip  350  is covered with cork, rubber, plastic coatings, or similar non-corrosive, spark proof materials. 
     Referring to FIG.  5  and FIG. 6, a locking subassembly  360  is used in connection with the apparatus  300  to releasably engage the door  340  in its closed position. FIG. 6 shows the door  340  in its closed or locked configuration. The locking subassembly  360  includes a hook  365  attached to an outer surface of the door  340 , and a latch  370  fixedly attached to a lower surface of the housing top  315 . The hook  365  includes an opening  372  for receiving the latch  370  when the door  340  is in its closed position. As indicated by arrow A1 in FIG. 6, the latch  370  is designed to travel upwards and downwards to selectively release or engage the hook  365 , thereby locking or unlocking the door. 
     Outer surfaces of the hook  365  are coated with cork, rubber, plastic or similar non-corrosive, spark proof materials as indicated at coating  374  in FIG.  6 . Similarly, outer surfaces of the latch  370  are covered with cork, rubber, plastic or similar non-corrosive, spark proof materials as indicated at coating  376  in FIG.  6 . 
     In operation, the provision of the coatings  351 ,  374 ,  376  prevents metal-to-metal contact which would otherwise exist. For example, when the door  340  is in its closed position the latch  370  engages the hook  365 , and the upper lip  350  engages and the upper edge  331  of the door  320 . The provision of the coatings  351 ,  374 ,  376  in these contact areas eliminates the creation of sparks caused by metal-to-metal contact. Similarly, the provision of the coating  351  at the hinges  345 , will further reduce the possible creation of sparks caused by metal-to-metal contact or friction at the hinges  345 . 
     As shown in FIG.  5  and FIG. 8, a control device or payment mechanism  380  is provided in connection with the apparatus  300 . The payment mechanism  380  includes a L.C.D. or C.R.T. display  382 , a keypad and microprocessor  384 , a credit/debit card reader  386 , a bill changer  388  and coin collector/change dispenser  390 . 
     The payment mechanism  380  allows users to selectively control the purchase and dispensing of gasoline from a gasoline dispensing apparatus or pump  392 , and newspapers from the apparatus  300  in one transaction by “paying at the pump.” For example, by well known methods the user can select transaction payment type, such as payment by ATM, debit or credit card by indicating an electronic, such as credit card, transaction at the keypad  384  and then swiping or entering his or her credit card number at the reader  386 . Alternatively, the user can select cash transaction and input cash and coins into the changer  388  and the dispenser  390 . 
     Upon verification of proper payment, the microprocessor  384  will prompt the user via the display  382  with a series of questions relating to the transaction. For example, the user will be asked whether he or she wants to purchase gasoline. The user will input “yes” or “no” via controls at the keypad  384 . If the user inputs “yes,” the microprocessor  384  will transmit a control signal to the gasoline dispensing apparatus to dispense gas. The microprocessor  384  will then prompt the user via the display  382  to indicate whether he or she wants to purchase a newspaper. The user can again input “yes” or “no” at keypad  384 . If the user inputs “yes,” the microprocessor  384  sends a control signal to the locking subassembly  360  to disengage the latch  370 , allowing the user to open the door  340  and remove a newspaper. Alternatively, the microprocessor may send a control signal to a pneumatic device or piston (not shown) to automatically open the door  340  if the user inputs “yes” at the microprocessor  384 . In any event, the entire transaction (i.e., the purchase of gasoline and newspapers) may be controlled by the user at the payment mechanism  380 , and further may be billed as one transaction should the user pay by credit card or the like. Of course, the user can alternatively select a cash transaction at the keypad  384 , and similarly use the changer  388  to pay for gasoline and a newspaper in one transaction. 
     It should be recognized that there are many options regarding how and where to place the various interfaces and the variations should not limit the spirit or intent of the present invention. It should be further recognized that any of the known technologies utilized for automated dispensing of newspapers, periodicals, beverages, foodstuffs or similar may be incorporated within the present invention. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The description was selected to best explain the principles of the invention and practical application of these principles to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by the specification, but be defined by the claims set forth below.