Abstract:
Vending machine product is moved by the use of an “X-Y mechanism” having two stationary electronically controlled drive “motors”. These motors drive (directly or indirectly) tension elements (belt, chain, cable, etc.) that position horizontally and vertically sliding components. A separation and selection system uses a “rotator” to release a product from a tray and a “gate” to separate the products into two columns on the tray. A “lever” (centered by springs) mechanically links these components. Products move off the tray by a spring powered “slider” (one slider for each product column) on the tray. There is only one “rotator-gate-lever” mechanism per pair of product columns in each display tray. That is, when a “cup” engages the “lever” moving to the right, a product from the left side of the display tray is pushed into the “cup” and vice versa. Adjustable side walls in each tray accommodate different sized packages. The delivery mechanism uses the “cup” for transport. A lower surface of the cup engages a sliding “door” to a balanced delivery “port” for delivery of product from the cup to the port. Delivery is made from the cup to the port simultaneously with the opening of the door.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to a clear door vending machine having a product separation and selection tray system, a fixed motor X-Y axis product acquisition and transport system and a controlled delivery of product system.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Although the 1880s are usually considered the dawn of the vending machine era, vending machines have existed for a couple of thousand years. The earliest reference to a vending machine was made by a Greek mathematician, who described and illustrated a coin-operated device used for vending sacrificial water in Egyptian temples. The machine was completely automatic, set in operation by insertion of a five-drachma coin.  
         [0003]     More recent times have seen a vast proliferation of vending machines for all types and sizes of products. These machines have become ubiquitous on the American landscape, primarily dispensing snacks and drinks.  
         [0004]     A common problem encountered during the use of these machines is the absence of a particular desired product. In machines where the product is concealed behind a display panel, it is difficult to determine a product&#39;s availability. Although visual displays may indicate “sold out” or “choose another product”, these messages often go unheeded.  
         [0005]     One step to avoid this problem is the use of clear panel or door vending machines, where the machine&#39;s content is visually accessible. Entry of a particular product&#39;s code into a digital keypad, typically based upon the column (letter) and row (number) of a product, results in dispensing of the product into a bottom trough, after the product dramatically drops over great distances. This may be acceptable for dispensing snacks, but could have disastrous results for dispensing of glass encased liquids or carbonated beverages.  
         [0006]     An X-Y drive mechanism is used in conventional clear panel or door vending machines to pick up a product from a particular row and column and transport the product to a delivery point with minimal gravitational deployment. A drive motor is typically provided for each axis of movement. The drive motor for one axis can remain stationary while the motor for the other axis is movable with the selection assembly.  
         [0007]     One problem encountered by the use of such a selection assembly is that the power and control wiring to a movable motor is difficult to route inside of a vending machine in a safe and controlled manner. It would be beneficial to have both motors and their respective wiring stationary so as to avoid this problem.  
         [0008]     In a conventional vending machine shelf mechanism, the products are separated and dispensed from their shelves by active electronic devices such as driven push bars or rotating corkscrews. These devices are typically require use of motors and/or solenoids having extensive wiring requirements for both power and control of the operation.  
         [0009]     A problem encountered in the use of such a dispensing assembly is that many relatively expensive devices are required and often difficult wiring issues arise. It is desired to eliminate all electronic devices and wiring from the product dispensing shelves.  
         [0010]     In a conventional vending machine, products are often dropped a considerable distance before delivery to the consumer. Also, products are often delivered such that a consumer can reach with their hands for the product before the delivery cycle is complete. There is the potential for damage to the product, the mechanism or harm to the consumer. It is desired that the product be delivered in the most controlled manner possible so as to protect the consumer and the machine.  
         [0011]     In a conventional vending machine, it is common practice to accommodate different sized packages with inserts, shims, or other attachments. The problem with this approach is the necessity to make, supply, insert and maintain these “loose” extra parts. It is desired to make the machine adjustable to accommodate different sized packages for quick refill so that the consumer always has a wide variety of choices of vended product.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an X-Y axis product acquisition and transport system in a clear panel vending machine without translating motors or requiring wiring exposed to movement of motors.  
         [0013]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a product separation and selection tray system without the use of multiple, dedicated electronic devices or wiring exposed to the environment of a vending machine.  
         [0014]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide quick and easy controlled delivery of products without agitation during delivery of the product or contact with the consumer until after the dispensing cycle is complete.  
         [0015]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide quick adjustment to a display tray of a clear panel vending machine to accommodate different sized packages.  
         [0016]     These objects are accomplished by the use of an “X-Y mechanism” having two stationary electronically controlled drive “motors”. These motors drive (directly or indirectly) tension elements (belt, chain, cable, etc.) that position horizontally and vertically sliding components.  
         [0017]     The separation and selection system of the present invention uses a “rotator” to release a product from a tray and a “gate” to separate the products into two columns on the tray. A “lever” (centered by two springs) mechanically links these components. Products move off the tray with a spring powered “slider” (one slider for each product column) on the tray.  
         [0018]     An important feature of the present invention is that there is only one “rotator-gate-lever” mechanism per pair of product columns in each display tray. That is, when a “cup” engages the “lever” while moving right, a product from the left side of the display tray is pushed into the “cup” and vice versa. Adjustable side walls in each tray accommodate different sized packages.  
         [0019]     The delivery mechanism uses the “cup” for transport. A lower surface of the cup engages a sliding “door” to a balanced delivery “port” for delivery of product from the cup to the port. Delivery is made from the cup to the port simultaneously with the opening of the door to the port.  
         [0020]     During operation of the present invention, the drive motors position the X-Y mechanism to place the cup at the appropriate product location in front of the appropriate tray. Control of the X-Y mechanism is based upon information input to digital keys of a keypad on the front of the vending machine or by any other known mechanism. Stationary drive motors position the cup by X-axis and Y-axis movement controlled by drive belts so that the cup engages a lever of the supply tray. Movement of the lever thereby rotates a rotator and gate to allow a slider to mechanically push product into the cup under spring bias force. The motors then move the cup through X-axis and Y-axis movement to a position above a slidable door.  
         [0021]     The door is movable against a bias force to gain access to a delivery port. The downward movement of the cup slides the port door open against a bias force while simultaneously tilting the cup to an angle greater than approximately 45° or to an angle necessary for the product to slide from the cup. The tilting of the cup forces the product through the port door into the delivery port.  
         [0022]     The delivery port pivots outwardly only when dispensed product is received, making the product available to the consumer. The delivery port may not be tilted out of the plane of the front of the vending machine when the door to the delivery port starts to open. This prevents customer access to the delivery door prior to purchasing a product. Such a feature provides customer protection for engagement with a falling dispensed product until delivery is complete and is also a tamperproof feature to prevent access to the interior of the machine when unauthorized attempts are made to gain access to the machine for illicit purposes.  
         [0023]     The present invention provides for the vending of products with all electronically controlled power provided by two stationary motors. There are no moving wire harnesses. There are no sensors, solenoids, motors, wires or other electronic devices on the product shelves.  
         [0024]     The shelf or tray mechanisms have minimal moving components. In addition, the products are not subject to excessive agitation during vending. The consumer is thereby also protected from moving components or products.  
         [0025]     These and other objects of the invention, as well as many of the intended advantages thereof, will become more readily apparent when reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a clear door vending machine embodying the teachings of the subject invention.  
         [0027]      FIGS. 2 through 9  relate to the product separation and selection tray system which is adjustable and removable from the clear door vending machine.  
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the product separation and selection tray system of the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the product separation and selection tray system.  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the product separation and selection tray system.  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the product separation and selection tray system.  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  is an exploded front perspective view of the product separation and selection tray system.  
         [0033]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the product separation and selection tray system.  
         [0034]      FIG. 8  is a rear view of the product separation and selection tray system.  
         [0035]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the product separation and selection tray system.  
         [0036]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of an X-Y axis product acquisition and transport system aligned with one column of the product separation and selection tray system prior to engagement of a projecting tab portion of a lever for release of product to a cup of the product acquisition and transport system.  
         [0037]      FIG. 11  is a plan view illustrating the engagement of the cup of the product acquisition and transport system by engagement with the projecting tab of the lever of the separation and selection tray system so as to pivot a rotator out of engagement with the product and pivot a gate into engagement with a successive product.  
         [0038]      FIG. 12  illustrates the release of the projecting tab of the lever so as to pivot the gate into alignment with a central wall for advancement of the successive product and engagement with the rotator.  
         [0039]      FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of  FIG. 10 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 14  is a left front perspective view of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 15  is a front view of the vending machine of the present invention with the front door pivoted away from the cabinet to access the interior of the cabinet.  
         [0042]      FIG. 16  schematically illustrates the X-Y axis product acquisition and transport system of the present invention.  
         [0043]      FIG. 17  is a front view of the cup of the product acquisition and transport system holding a product on one side of the front door of the vending machine with the details of the interior of the control panel and delivery port having been omitted for clarity.  
         [0044]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the cup holding the product as shown in  FIG. 17  to illustrate the horizontal rail on which the cup slides.  
         [0045]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view from the opposite side of  FIG. 18 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 20  schematically illustrates the mechanism for tilting of the cup by engagement of a projection on a side of the cup with a projection extending from a fixed wall of the product delivery system.  
         [0047]      FIG. 21  illustrates the opening of a slidable outlet port door or window and subsequent tilting of the cup to slide the product into the outlet port basket which is tiltable towards the consumer for access to and withdrawal of the product.  
         [0048]      FIG. 22  illustrates the elevator cup first opening the port latch and contacting the delivery door.  
         [0049]      FIG. 23  illustrates the complete opening of the delivery door and the pivoting of the elevator cup to deliver product to the port box while the port latch has dropped down to engage a weld pin to prevent the delivery box from being opened during delivery of the product.  
         [0050]      FIG. 24  shows additional details of the delivery mechanism.  
         [0051]      FIG. 25  is a rear view of the delivery box.  
         [0052]      FIG. 26  is an enlarged view of the area encircled in  FIG. 25 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 27  shows a detailed view of an approaching elevator cup including product for delivery and initial engagement of the port latch of the delivery door.  
         [0054]      FIG. 28  illustrates the initial opening of the port latch and the contact of the delivery door.  
         [0055]      FIG. 29  illustrates a rear view of  FIG. 23  where the elevator cup has completely opened the delivery door, delivered the product to the port box and allowed the port latch to drop down and engage a weld pin to prevent the delivery box from being opened.  
         [0056]      FIG. 30  is a rear view of the port latch having moved from the position shown in  FIG. 25  so as to engage the weld pin.  
         [0057]      FIG. 31  is a rear view where the elevator cup has released the delivery door allowing the port latch to disengage the weld pin, allowing the weight of the product being vended to rotate the port box forward to present the product to the customer.  
         [0058]      FIG. 32  is a side view of the delivery box pivoted forward to allow release of the product to the consumer. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0059]     In describing a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.  
         [0060]     With reference to the drawings, in general, and to  FIG. 1  in particular, a clear door vending machine embodying the teachings of the subject invention is generally designated as  30 . With reference to its orientation in  FIG. 1 , the clear door vending machine includes a cabinet  32  with a front door  34  having a clear panel portion  36 .  
         [0061]     On the front face of the door  34  is located a control panel  38  having a digital keypad  40 . Information entered into the digital keypad is displayed in display panel  42 . In addition, the control panel  38  includes coin slot  44  and dollar bill receiver  46 , as well as a change return slot  48 .  
         [0062]     Representative samples of product separation and selection tray systems  50  for dispensing product through a delivery port  52  are seen through the panel  36 . A random scattering of the product separation and selection tray systems  50  is shown in  FIG. 1 , it being understood that each of the shelves  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c ,  52   d  and shelf  52   e  (not shown) can accommodate up to four systems  50  on each shelf in the present width configuration of the systems  50 . The sidewalls of each system  50  are movable laterally to accommodate smaller or larger sized product to be dispensed by the vending machine  30  of the present invention.  
         [0063]      FIGS. 2 through 9  are various views of the product separation and selection tray system according to the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, the system  50  includes a base  54  and two opposed L-shaped side walls  56  and  58 . The side walls  56  and  58  are slidably mounted on the base  54  so as to be able to be varied in lateral separation distance from each other and from central fixed dividing wall  60  to accommodate various sized products to be dispensed. An indicia display holder  62  (made of component parts  62   a  and  62   b , as shown in  FIG. 6 ) is located on a leading edge of base  54  to identify a product&#39;s name, a price of the product and/or to identify indicia to be entered into keypad  40  to select a particular product.  
         [0064]     Projecting in front of the label holder  62  is an actuating lever  64 . Actuating lever  64  controls operation of a rotator  66  and a gate  68  for dispensing of product from a space  70  defined between side wall  56  and central wall  60  or a space  72  defined between central wall  60  and end wall  58 .  
         [0065]     As shown in  FIG. 9 , product is moved toward the leading edge of the system  50  by the use of feet  74  having a projection  76  which is slidable in a track  78  of the central wall  60  for placement of the feet relative to the forward end of the base  54 . Alternatively, the track may be positioned in the base.  
         [0066]     Projecting forwardly from the feet  74  is either a single helix spring  80  or double helix spring  82  terminating in a slider  84 . The force of the springs  80  or  82  is sufficient to advance product in the direction of rotator  66  for dispensing of product into a delivery cup as will be explained in more detail later.  
         [0067]     As will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the product separation and selection tray system of the present invention includes rotator  66  having flat side surfaces  66   a  and  66   b  intersecting at one end and terminating at an opposite end in curved surfaces  66   c . At the intersection of flat surfaces  66   a ,  66   b , is located an extended pin  86  having head  88  engaged in recess  90  at a leading edge  92  of central wall  60 . The opposite end  90  of pin  86  is engaged in a bushing  92  mounted on the upper surface of base  54 .  
         [0068]     The pin  86  fixed in the rotator  66  allows pivotal movement of the rotator during movement of the tab portion  94  of the lever  64 . A pin  96  extends through arcuate slot  102  in the base  54  and through a slot  98  in the lever  64  to engage at its bottom end in bushing  100 . Pin  96  then passes into arcuate slot  104  of retaining plate  106 . Retaining plate  106  is secured to the underside of the base  54  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The upper end of pin  96  is secured within rotator  66  at a point midway between sides  66   a  and  66   b  along a radial line projecting from pin  86  in the direction of curved side  66   c . The lever  64  is pivoted around boss  110  by the anchoring of circular opening  108  of the lever  64  in the boss  110  projecting upwardly from the retaining plate  106 .  
         [0069]     For example, the rotators  66  shown on shelves  52   a ,  52   c ,  52   d  and  52   e  in  FIG. 1 , illustrate the normal, at rest positioning of the rotators  66 . However, when the tab  94  is contacted and moved to the right as shown in the system  50  on shelf  52   b , the rotator  66  is pivoted such that side  66   a  is in line, parallel with central wall  60 . Then rotator  66  allows product  112  to be advanced past rotator  66  under the bias force of spring  80 .  
         [0070]     Simultaneous with the shifting of the rotator  66  is the movement of the gate  68  in an opposite direction. Gate  68  is mounted at one end on an elongated pin  114  having pin head  116  mounted in a recess  118  in central wall  60 . The bottom end  120  of the pin  114  is mounted in a circular recess  122  defined in a partition  124  separating the rotator  66  from the gate  68 .  
         [0071]     A pin  126  extends through a circular opening  128  in the lever  64  and then passes through arcuate slot  129  in base  54  and arcuate slot  130  in the retaining plate  106 . The opposite end of pin  126  is secured in a recess in a trailing edge  132  of gate  68 . A rear terminal flange  134  of the lever  64  is slidable in arcuate slot  136  in retaining plate  106 .  
         [0072]     In operation, when the tab  94  of lever  64  is moved in one direction, the lever  64  pivots about pivot boss  110  and the retaining flange  134  at the opposite end of the lever  64  moves in the opposite direction to the tab  94 . This action causes side  66   a  of rotator  66  to move to a position parallel to central wall  60 . Gate  68  will simultaneously move its rear edge  132  in a direction perpendicular to central wall  60  in channel  70  so as to prevent advancement of a second, successive product in channel  70  against the bias force of spring  80 .  
         [0073]     When force on tab  94  of lever  64  is released, two springs  109   a ,  109   b  return the lever  64  to its central, at rest position. This bias force would then force gate  68  to its at rest position, parallel to and within the confines of central wall  60 . The rotator  66  would also pivot to its at rest position as shown in the system  50  on shelf  52   a , for example. The return of the gate  68  to its alignment with central wall  60  would allow advancement of the second, successive product under the force of spring  80  until engaging with the rotator  66 , ready for the next dispensing operation.  
         [0074]     By the adjustment of the sidewalls  56 ,  58 , different sized products may be preloaded at a remote location onto a product separation and selection tray system of the present invention. When refilling the vending machine, an existing empty tray system  50  may be removed and replaced by a preloaded tray system  50 . Determination of product to be dispensed may thereby be made at a remote location with removal of an existing tray system and insertion of a new tray system at the vending machine.  
         [0075]     Alternatively, new product may be pushed in from the front. Also, it is possible to remove the tray “on site” and add new product from the rear of the tray.  
         [0076]     It is understood as being within the scope of the present invention that an engaging mechanism  140  as shown on the underside of the base  54  in  FIG. 5 , can be used to engage with complementary shaped openings in a rear portion of shelves  52   a  through  52   e . Therefore, as long as the total width of each shelf is known, the modular feature of the tray system  50  may be used to design mounting of an appropriate number of tray systems  50  on each shelf.  
         [0077]     In  FIGS. 10 through 14 , the progression of release of product  112  into an elevator cup  150  of a product acquisition and transport system is illustrated. Initially, the X-Y axis product acquisition and transport system is driven, based upon keypad actuation of a desired choice of product to raise the elevator cup in the Y-direction with selection channel  95  surrounding tab  94  of lever  64 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , when the tab  94  of lever  64  is engaged by a sidewall  152  of channel  95 , upon sideways movement of the cup  150 , the rotator  66  moves out of the way of the product  112  and the gate  68  engages the next successive bottle  154 . The forward movement of the bottle  154  is actuated by the slider  84 , as biased by spring  80 , until the bottle  154  engages the gate  68  as shown in  FIG. 11 . Alternatively, foot  74  is biased by a flat wound spring. This could be the primary force on the bottles. Spring  80  and slider  84  could be used to move the last bottle past the gate and rotator. The release of the tab  94  by reverse lateral movement of the cup  150  to the position shown in  FIG. 12  releases the gate from engaging the bottle  154  and allows forward movement of the bottle  154  until engaging the rotator  66 .  
         [0078]     During forward movement of the bottle  112 , a sensor confirms placement of product in the elevator cup  150 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , vertically extending flange  151  extends across the path of product in the cup  150 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the flange  151  is pivoted about pin  153  when product is pushed into the cup  150 . Pivotable flange  155  stabilizes the bottle in the cup. A switch  153  is not actuated by flange  151  thereby indicating presence of a bottle.  
         [0079]      FIGS. 13 and 14  show details of the flange  157  for use in guiding movement of the cup  150  with respect to horizontal movement by connection to a tension element such as a horizontal toothed belt. Also guide wheels  159   a ,  159   b ,  159   c  assist in traversing along a horizontal guide rail as the guide rail is raised vertically for positioning of the cup in front of a tray system  50 .  
         [0080]      FIG. 16  schematically illustrates the product acquisition and transport system  160  for movement of the cup  150  to any position in front of a product to be dispensed as well as for movement of the cup to deliver the product to a discharge port. Cup  150  is secured to tension element  162  which may be a belt, chain or cable for movement of the cup by rotation of a fixed motor  164 . The motor is connected by a drive shaft  166  to a drive roller  168 . Actuation of the motor causes the tension element  162  to run across driven rollers  170 ,  172 ,  174  and  176 . The rollers  170 ,  172 ,  174  are mounted on a horizontal rail  178 . When the rail  178  is fixed in position, movement of the tension element  162  causes the cup  150  to traverse the rail so as to be located in front of a particular separation and selection tray system  50 .  
         [0081]     Movement of the cup vertically is accomplished by a tension element  180  driven by a fixed motor  182  having drive shaft  184  and drive roller  186 . The tension element  180  is fixed to the rail  178  so upon actuation of the motor  182 , the tension element  180  rotates around driven roller  188  for vertical movement of the rail and thereby also the cup  150 .  
         [0082]     In  FIGS. 17 through 19 , various views are shown of the positioning of the cup adjacent to a delivery door (not shown). The product is shown in dotted lines, since for illustrative purposes, the elevated position of flange  151  indicates that product should not be present in the cup  150 .  
         [0083]     For delivery of product from the cup, the discharge mechanism  150  as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21  is used. The product is delivered through a discharge window  192  by engagement of an upper wall portion  194  of the cup  150  with a projecting tab  196  fixed on a sidewall  198  of the discharge port. Continued downward movement of the cup causes three interconnected sidewalls  200 ,  202 ,  204  of the cup to pivot around pivot point  206 . The sidewalls  200 ,  202  and  204  engaging a product, tilt the product until the bottom of the product clears the bottom wall  208  of the cup to allow the product to slide at an angle of approximately 45 degrees into open delivery window  192 . Smooth movement of the sidewalls  200 ,  202  and  204  is ensured by a cam slot  210  of wall  202  passing along a fixed screw or a bolt, pin or rivet  212 .  
         [0084]     As shown in further detail in  FIG. 21 , release of product through the window  192  is allowed by the vertical movement of the cup  150  to engage a sliding delivery door  214  which normally covers the window  192  of a delivery box. The door  214  is moved by engagement of an edge of bottom  208  of the cup with a tab  216  of the door. The product is thereby released into a delivery box  218  which is allowed to tilt forward by gravity or by engagement with a finger of the consumer in a finger hole or finger recess  220 . The delivery box  218  is tilted so that the product  112  may be grabbed by its cap  222  and removed from the machine.  
         [0085]     A mechanism prevents the delivery box  218  from tilting out of the machine until after the door  214  is moved to the retracted position shown in  FIG. 21  and the product is dropped into the basket. Not until upward movement of the cup and release of the sliding door, so that the door may cover the delivery window  192 , will the basket be allowed to be pivoted towards the consumer for access to the product. The prevention of pivoting of the delivery box  218  until the sliding delivery door  214  is closed, prevents the customer&#39;s hand from being injured during delivery of the product into the basket.  
         [0086]      FIGS. 22 through 32  illustrate the delivery of product from the elevator cup  150  through the delivery window  192  after opening of the delivery door  214  and passage of the product into the delivery box  218 .  
         [0087]     As shown in  FIG. 22 , the product  250  approaches the delivery door  214  by rollers  159   a ,  159   b  and  159   c  resting upon edge  252  of horizontal rail  254 . Horizontal rail  254  is moved vertically as was explained with reference to  FIG. 16 . Driven rollers  256   a ,  256   b  are engaged by a tension element such as a driven chain (not shown), for example, so as to move the elevator cup  150  along the horizontal rail  254 .  
         [0088]     When the delivery cup  150  is in the position shown in  FIG. 22 , a port latch  258  located adjacent to an uppermost edge  260  of the delivery door  214  is engaged by a horizontally extending flange  262  located underneath the elevator cup  150 . As the elevator cup  150  is lowered with the horizontal rail  254 , the upper wall portion  194  engages the projecting tab  196  as was explained with reference to  FIG. 20  and as shown in  FIG. 23 . Simultaneously, the delivery door  214  is lowered vertically to open window  192  so that the bottle  250  may be tilted, and by gravity, fed through the delivery window  192 . The downward movement of the port latch  258  causes engagement with a weld pin to lock the delivery box in position and prevent the delivery box from being opened. This is a safety feature so that the customer&#39;s hand is not inside the delivery box as the product is being dispensed.  
         [0089]     In  FIG. 24 , the bias force on the delivery door  214  is caused by anchoring a spring at one end on projection  264  whereas the other end of the spring (not shown) is secured to a projection  266  located at the bottom of the delivery door  214 . The door  214  slides in guide track  268  to ensure smooth movement.  
         [0090]     As shown in  FIG. 25  from the opposite side of the delivery door  214 , turned 90 degrees from that shown in  FIG. 24 , an optic sensor emitter board  270  projects light beam  272  through holes  274 ,  276  so that the line of sight with optic sensor detector board  278  is clear. When a clear line of sight is present, a signal is produced indicating that the delivery box is in position to receive a product. Counterweights  280 ,  282  maintain the position of the delivery box in a closed position until a product is ready to be delivered and the delivery box is pivoted about pivot point  284 .  
         [0091]     As shown in greater detail in  FIG. 26 , the area encircled in  FIG. 25  illustrates the port latch  258  in a rest position prior to the dispensing of product through the delivery door  214 . In this position, the delivery box  218  is movable. Movement is allowed because the port latch  258  has not yet engaged weld pin  286  in groove  288  of the port latch.  
         [0092]     In operation, when the elevator cup  160  approaches the delivery door  214  as shown in  FIG. 27 , a sensor switch  290  indicates engagement with the exterior wall  292  of the vending machine. The downward movement of the elevator cup first opens the port latch and then contacts the delivery door as shown in  FIG. 28 .  
         [0093]     As shown in  FIG. 29 , the elevator cup  150  has completely opened the delivery door. The product  250  is delivered to the delivery box  214 . The delivery box is maintained in position by engagement of the port latch with the weld pin  286  as shown in  FIG. 30 . This prevents the delivery box from being opened.  
         [0094]     As shown in  FIG. 31 , the bottle  250  is located within the delivery box  214  so that, as shown in  FIG. 32 , after upward movement of the door  214 , the weld pin  286  is released from the port latch  258  and is allowed to travel along arcuate guide groove  290  for controlling the pivotal movement of the delivery box. The weight of the product being vended rotates the delivery box forward to present the product to the customer.  
         [0095]     The foregoing description should be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.