Patent Publication Number: US-2022215713-A1

Title: Apparatus and method for sporting equipment stick vending

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application claims priority to copending U.S. application, Ser. No. 17/464,353, filed on Sep. 1, 2021, entitled Apparatus and Method For Sporting Equipment Stick Vending, which claimed priority to expired U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 63/086,902, filed on Oct. 2, 2020, entitled Apparatus and Method For Tool Vending, which are both hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the arts of providing products using vending machines, and in particular in providing sports equipment such as hockey sticks to players, a hockey player must go to a retail outlet to obtain their hockey stick. Alternatively, a hockey stick may be ordered on line and later delivered to the player by mail. 
     However, during play of a hockey game at an ice rink, if the hockey stick is damaged or cannot be used, a replacement hockey stick will be required. Because of overhead costs, only the largest and busiest ice rinks (hockey rinks) will have an on-site retail outlet that can provide a replacement hockey stick to a player in need. If the retail outlet is closed, or if there is no retail outlet present such as at smaller ice rinks, a replacement hockey stick will not be readily available. 
     Similar situations may be encountered at facilities that host other sports, such as at tennis courts, golf courses, baseball fields, lacrosse fields, field hockey fields, etc. Here, players may encounter similar difficulties in obtaining tennis racquets, golf clubs, cricket bats, baseball bats, lacrosse sticks, field hockey sticks, etc. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the arts for an improved apparatus and method to provide immediate on-site access to sporting equipment, such as a hockey stick at an ice arena. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a sporting equipment stock vending machine configured to provide an example hockey stick to a purchasing player. 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the sporting equipment stick dispensing unit. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the sporting equipment stick dispensing unit. 
         FIG. 4  is an example embodiment of the securing latch of the sporting equipment stick vending machine in a secured or locked position. 
         FIG. 5  is the example embodiment of the securing latch in a released or opened position. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the securing latch in an opened position. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of two adjacent securing latches each in an opened position. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a securing latch. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the securing latch in a secured or locked position. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the securing latch in a released or open position. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a series of securing latches arranged to form the securing latch system. 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram of a vending machine control system embodiment that controls the sporting equipment stick vending machine. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a legacy vending machine that is controllably coupled to an embodiment of the sporting equipment stick vending machine. 
     
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the sporting equipment stick vending machine provide a system and method for dispensing sporting equipment sticks to a purchasing user. Embodiments have a controller that generates a release signal in response to a user completing a purchase of a selected sporting equipment stick that is secured within the sporting equipment stick vending machine; a plurality of securing latches each defining a lockable compartment that receives a portion of a shaft of a sporting equipment stick, and wherein each one of the plurality of securing latches open to release its respective sporting equipment stick in response to the release signal received from the controller; and a stick guide system with a plurality of restraining apertures that are configured to receive a portion of a handle of the sporting equipment stick, wherein a size of reach restraining aperture is sized to receive a proximal end of the sporting equipment stick. The securing latch and corresponding restraining aperture cooperatively secure the sporting equipment stick. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  configured to provide an example hockey stick  102  to a purchasing player. Embodiments of the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  provide a system and method for dispensing sporting equipment sticks, such as the example hockey stick  102 , to a purchasing player. For convenience and brevity, a single hockey stick  102  is illustrated as residing in the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 . The sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  is configured to secure a plurality of sporting equipment sticks, wherein individual sporting equipment sticks can be released in response to a purchase by a person. 
     To conceptually describe operation of the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 , the vending machine  100  is described and illustrated as being configured to dispense hockey sticks. It is appreciated that alternative embodiments may be configured to provide other various types of sporting equipment sticks to players (users) using the novel sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 . For example, but not limited to, embodiments of the vending machine  100  may dispense tennis racquets, golf clubs, cricket bats, baseball bats, lacrosse sticks, field hockey sticks, etc. 
     The sporting equipment stick vending machines  100  may be located at the facility where the sporting event where players use a sporting equipment stick is played, such as, but not limited to, ice rinks, tennis courts, golf courses, cricket fields, baseball fields, lacrosse fields, field hockey fields, etc. Further, alternative embodiments may be configured to dispense other physical devices to users, such as tools or other equipment, and may be located conveniently where such devices are used. 
     The disclosed sporting equipment stick vending machines  100  will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures merely provide examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description. 
     Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example. 
     The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated. 
     “Substantially” means to be more-or-less conforming to the particular dimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example, a “substantially cylindrical” object means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder. 
     “Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional, elements or method steps not expressly recited. 
     Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to denote a serial, chronological, or numerical limitation. 
     “Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components. 
     “Communicatively coupled” means that an electronic device is communicatively connected to another electronic device, either wirelessly or with a wire based connector, whether directly or indirectly through a communication network. “Controllably coupled” means that an electronic device controls operation of another electronic device. 
     A “sporting equipment stick”  102  is a particular type of sporting equipment used by a player during game play. The sporting equipment stick is defined by a handle, a shaft or shank, and a head. Embodiments of the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  are configured to dispense various types of sporting equipment sticks now known or later developed, and are intended to be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     The proximal end of the sporting equipment stick is a handle portion (handle) that is grasped by the player during game play. The handle is of a suitable length for grasping using one hand or two hands, depending upon the nature of the game being played. Some handles may have a fabric or leather outer shell to facilitate the player&#39;s grasp and/or to provide comfort. 
     The middle portion of the sporting equipment stick is a shaft (interchangeably referred to herein as a shank). The shaft is a long, narrow part of the sporting equipment stick connecting the handle to the head. The shaft may be of any suitable length that extends the head out from the handle to some intended distance. 
     The head is at the distal end of the sporting equipment stick. The head is used by the player to manipulate an object during game play. For example, in ice hockey, the hockey player manipulates a puck using the head of the hockey stick, often referred to as a blade. In baseball, the baseball player uses the head of a baseball bat, referred to as a barrel, to strike a baseball. In tennis, the tennis player uses the head of the racket to strike a tennis ball. In golf, a golfer hits a golf ball using the club head. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  comprises a sporting equipment stick dispensing unit  104 , optionally secured within a tamper proof and secured enclosure  106 . Preferably, an optional access door  108  is provided with an optional viewing window  110 . The purchasing user may view the plurality of hockey sticks  102  secured by the sporting equipment stick dispensing unit  104 , interchangeably referred to herein as the hockey stick dispensing unit  104 . Each individual hockey stick  102  is releasably secured by the hockey stick dispensing unit  104 . 
     In some embodiments, if the secured enclosure  106  is used, the access door  108  remains locked until a purchase has been completed. Here, the purchasing hockey player may view the various secured hockey sticks  102  through the viewing window  110  to identify a particular hockey stick  102  that they wish to purchase. Once a purchase has been completed, a lock that secures the access door  108  is automatically released after payment so that the purchasing user may retrieve their selected hockey stick  102 . Other sporting equipment stick vending machines  100  that dispense other types of sporting equipment sticks  102  operate in a similar manner. 
     In other embodiments, if the secured enclosure  106  is used, the user may open the access door  108  to more closely inspect the plurality of secured hockey sticks  102 . In some embodiments, the secured enclosure  106  may not be used. Here, the user may be able to touch the hockey sticks  102  to gain a tactile appreciation of the various individual secured hockey sticks  102 . For example, different hockey sticks  102  may have different types of hand grips. Allowing the user to touch the hockey stick may facilitate their selection of a preferred hockey stick  102 . Other sporting equipment stick vending machines  100  that dispense other types of sporting equipment sticks  102  operate in a similar manner. 
     The example sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  includes a payment accepting system  112  that is configured to accept payment for a selected sporting equipment stick  102  that the user wishes to purchase. Any suitable payment accepting system  112  now known or later developed to accept cash and/or electronic payment(s) are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure and to be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     Additionally, the payment accepting system  112  includes a user interface that enables the user to specify their selected sporting equipment stick  102  of interest. In some embodiments, the payment accepting system  112  employs a plurality of push buttons or other actuators that the user selects to identify the hockey stick  102  that they are interested in purchasing. 
     Alternatively, or additionally, the payment accepting system  112  incorporates a graphical user interface (GUI) that is configured to receive user input and/or is configured to present various supplemental information and/or cost information pertaining to the various sporting equipment sticks  102  that are currently secured within the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 . For example, the supplemental information may include branding information and/or technical specifications pertaining to an associated hockey stick  102 . Alternatively, or additionally, a placard or the like may be located proximate to an associated hockey stick  102  that shows the branding information and/or technical specifications. 
       FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the sporting equipment stick dispensing unit  104 .  FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the sporting equipment stick dispensing unit  104 . When the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  is configured to dispense hockey sticks  102 , the sporting equipment stick dispensing unit  104  is interchangeably referred to herein as a hockey stick dispensing unit  104 . 
     Preferably, each of the plurality of sporting equipment sticks  102 , such as the example hockey stick  102 , are aligned vertically within sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 . The sporting equipment sticks  102  are secured using a novel dual point (two point) vending machine restraint system that secures a sporting equipment stick  102  in place within the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 . When secured, the sporting equipment sticks  102  are theft proof. Preferably, the position of the stick guide system  118  is adjustable to facilitate the loading of the sporting equipment stick dispensing unit  104  with sporting equipment sticks  102 , and to accommodate sporting equipment sticks  102  of different lengths. 
     A first point of contact is at the securing latch system  114 . The securing latch system  114  is comprised of a horizontal row of adjacent securing latches  116  secured to a support member  302  that extends from a first side wall  202  and a second side wall  204 . In some embodiments, the support member  302  and the game stick head rest  124  are fabricated as a unibody piece of material, such as a plastic material or a suitable metal. 
     Preferably, each securing latch  116  defines a lockable compartment that receives a portion of the shaft of a single sporting equipment stick  102 . The securing latch  116  releasably secures the sporting equipment stick  102  within the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 . When the securing latch  116  is released in response to payment from the purchasing user, the sporting equipment stick  102  secured by that particular releasing securing latch  116  may be removed by the user. 
     A second contact point is provided by a stick guide system  118 . Preferably, the stick guide system  118  is located above the securing latch system  114 . The stick guide system  118  defines a series of restraining apertures  120  configured to receive a proximal end  122  of the handle of the sporting equipment stick  102  (interchangeably referred to herein as a handle portion of the sporting equipment stick  102 ). The game player grasps the handle during game play. In alternative embodiments, the stick guide system  118  may lie below the securing latch system  114 . 
     In the illustrated preferred embodiment, each restraining aperture  120  is oriented directly above, and is aligned with, a corresponding one of the securing latches  114 . The securing latch  116  is separated by its corresponding restraining aperture  120  by some predefined distance that is long enough so that the sporting equipment stick  102  cannot be removed from the game stick dispensing unit  104  while the securing latch  116  remains secured. 
     An optional third point of contact is at a game stick head rest  124 . Gravity maintains the sporting equipment sticks  102  in place within the sporting equipment stick dispensing unit  104 . Here, the distal end  126  of the sporting equipment stick  102  rests on the surface of the game stick head rest  124 . Preferably, the game stick head rest  124  is located at the bottom region of the sporting equipment stick dispensing unit  104 . The securing latch  116  is separated by the corresponding portion of the game stick head rest  124  by some predefined distance that is short enough so that the sporting equipment stick  102  cannot be removed from the sporting equipment stick dispensing unit  104  while the securing latch  116  remains secured. 
     The game stick head rest  124 , when the sporting equipment stick dispensing unit  104  is configured to dispense hockey sticks  102 , is referred to as the hockey stick blade rest  124 . In the illustrated embodiment, the hockey stick blade rest  124  is optionally shaped to conform with the shape of the blade  126  of the hockey stick  102 . The conforming shape of the hockey stick blade rest  124  supports the hockey stick blade  126  along the lower edge of the playing surface of the blade, thereby eliminating, or substantially reducing, any potential warpage of the hockey stick  102  during its stay in the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 . 
     When other types of sporting equipment sticks are secured by the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 , the head rest  124  is preferably shaped to support the head of that particular type of sporting equipment stick. For example, if a tennis racket is secured within the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 , then a portion of the head rest  124  may be concave so as to provide support to the head of the tennis racket. The securing latch  116  may be configured to secure the throat and/or lower part of the handle of the tennis racket. The restraining aperture  120  may be sized to receive the end of the tennis racket handle. 
     As another example, baseball bats may be secured in a sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 . Here, a portion of the head rest  124  may be shaped so as to provide support to the end of the barrel of the baseball bat. The securing latch  116  may be configured to secure the handle and/or the lower part of the grip of the baseball bat. The restraining aperture  120  may be sized to receive the knob of the baseball bat. 
     Embodiments of the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  may be configured to secure and dispense other types of sporting equipment sticks. Further, at multi-sports venues, the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  may be configured to secure and dispense a plurality of different types of sporting equipment sticks. For example, at facility that provides multiple playing fields, the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  may be configured to dispense baseball bats, lacrosse sticks, and/or field hockey sticks. Here, the restraining apertures  120 , the securing latches  116  and the head rests  124  may be selectively sized and/or spaced apart to receive and secure a particular sporting equipment stick type. 
     Optionally, the securing latches  116  may be configured to grasp and secure the shaft of the sporting equipment stick  102 . Here, the securing latch  116  frictionally secures the sporting equipment stick  102  when in the secured or locked position. 
       FIG. 4  is an example embodiment of the securing latch  116  of the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  in a secured or locked position.  FIG. 5  is the example embodiment of the securing latch  116  in a released or opened position.  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the securing latch  116  in the opened position.  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of two adjacent securing latches  116  each in the opened position. 
     This example embodiment of a securing latch  116  comprises a lock mechanism  402 , a hinged door  404 , a side wall member  406 , a back wall member  408 , and lock latch  410 . The back wall member  408  is secured to the support member  302  ( FIG. 3 ) so that the side wall member  406  extends outwardly from the support member  302  of the securing latch system  114 . A surface of a proximal side of the hinged door  404  is secured to the outer surface of the side wall member  406 . 
     The lock mechanism  402  is an electromechanical device, such as an electric lock latch, that is secured to an inside surface of the side wall member  406 . The lock mechanism  402  is aligned such that the hook latch engagement portion is aligned with the outer edge of the side wall member  406 . Any suitable electromechanical locking devices now known or later developed are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure and to be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     A lock latch  410  is secured to a distal outside surface of the hinged door  404  proximate to the outer edge of the side wall member  406 . The lock latch  410  extends outwardly from the hinged door  404  and is aligned to be received by the engagement slot 412  of the lock mechanism  402 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , a series of securing latch systems  114  are secured to the support member  302  in an aligned serial fashion to form the securing latch system  114 . When an adjacent hinged door  404  with the lock latch  410  is rotated to the closed position, the lock latch  410  then enters into an engagement slot  412  of the body of the adjacent lock mechanism  402 . 
     In an example embodiment, the lock mechanism  402  is an electronically controlled rotary latch. When the rotary latch  402  is actuated into a lock mode, as depicted in  FIG. 4 , the rotary latch  402  extends a lock tongue  414  that engages with a distal end of the lock latch  410  that has been inserted into the engagement slot  412 . When the rotary latch  402  is actuated into an open or latch release mode, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , the lock tongue is retracted, thereby releasing the lock latch  410  from the rotary latch  402 . 
     Some rotary latches  402  include a push pin  416 . When the hinged door  404 is in the closed position, the push pin  416  is retracted into the body of the lock mechanism  402 . When the lock mechanism  402  is released, the push pin  416  pushes the hinged door  404  and the lock latch  410  outward and away from the lock mechanism  402 . In some embodiments, a spring is used to extend the push pin  416  outward from the body of the lock mechanism  402 . Alternatively, an electromechanical device, such as but not limited to a solenoid, may be used to extend the push pin  416 . 
     When the lock mechanism  402  is actuated into the open or latch release mode, the purchasing user is able to pull the lower portion of the hockey stick  102  outward and away from the hockey stick rest  110  and the securing latch  116 . The restraining aperture  120  of the stick guide system  118  is sufficiently large enough to allow for the outward pivoting of the hockey stick  102  such that the user may then slide the hockey stick  102  downward. As the user slides the hockey stick  102  downward and outward, the proximal end  122  of the handle of the hockey stick  102  may be pulled through the restraining aperture  120 , thereby dispensing the hockey stick  102  to the user. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a securing latch  802 .  FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the securing latch  802  in a secured or locked position.  FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the securing latch  802  in a released or open position.  FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a series of securing latches  802  arranged in an aligned serial fashion to form the securing latch system  114 . 
     The securing latch  802  comprises a body  804  and a securing latch  116  that is secured on an inside surface of a wall  806  of the body  804 . An engagement slot  808  is defined at an outer edge on the opposing wall  810  of the body  804 . The engagement slot is configured to receive a distal end of a locking pin  902  that is moved (rotated) into place when the securing latch  802  is actuated into the secure or locked position as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . When the end of the locking pin  902  is engaged with or resides in the engagement slot  808 , the lockable compartment of the securing latch  802  receives a portion of the shaft of a single sporting equipment stick  102 . The locking pin  902 , the side walls of the body  806 ,  810 , and the back wall  804  of the body cooperatively define the lockable compartment of the securing latch  802 . Accordingly, the secured sporting equipment stick  102  cannot be removed while the securing latch  802  is operated in the secured or locked position. 
     In an example securing latch  802 , the securing latch  802  is an electromechanical device. When a lock control signal is received, the securing latch  802  rotates a proximal end of the locking pin  902  outwardly from the body of the securing latch  802  so that a distal end of the locking pin  902  is received into the engagement slot  808 . When a release control signal is received, the securing latch  802  rotates the locking pin  902  in the opposite direction so that the lockable compartment is opened. Then, the sporting equipment stick  102  can be removed from the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  by the purchasing user. 
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram of a vending machine controller  1202  embodiment that controls the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 . The vending machine controller  1202  provides control signals that secure (close) or release (open) the individual securing latches  116  in response to a user purchasing a selected one of the sporting equipment sticks  102 . Each of the securing latches  116  are electromechanical devices that receive power from a power source  1204 . In an example embodiment, each securing latch  116  includes a power semiconductor (PS) switch  1206 . When a selected one of the securing latches  116  is actuated to secure or release, the vending machine controller  1202  sends a control signal to the power semiconductor switch  1206 . The power semiconductor switch  1206  then provides the securing latch  116  power from the power source  1204  to open or close. 
     The vending machine controller  1202  comprises a processor system  1208 , a memory  1210 , a user interface  1212 , a security latch interface  1214  and an optional communication interface  1216 . The memory  1210  comprises portions for storing the latch module  1218 , the payment module  1220 , the optional reporting module  1222 , and a securing latch identification (ID) database  1224 . In some embodiments, latch module  1218 , the payment module  1220 , and the optional reporting module  1222  may be integrated together, and/or may be integrated with other logic. In other embodiments, some or all of these memory and other data manipulation functions may be provided by using a remote server or other electronic devices suitably connected via the Internet or otherwise to a client device. Other vending machine controllers  1202  may include some, or may omit some, of the above-described components. Further, additional components not described herein may be included in alternative embodiments. 
     The memory  1210  stores the unique identifier (ID) of each individual securing latch  116  in the securing latch database  1224 . When the user specifies the sporting equipment stick  102  of interest that they wish to purchase, via the user interface  1212 , the vending machine controller  1202  identifies the particular securing latch  116  that is securing the selected sporting equipment stick  102  based on the ID. 
     The vending machine controller  1202 , executing the payment module  1222  logic, processes payment made by the purchasing user via the payment accepting system  112  ( FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, the user interface  1212  is an integrated component of the payment accepting system  112 , In some embodiments, the communication interface  1216  is communicatively connected to the Internet or another suitable communication system so that payment processing can be verified and/or completed by the vending machine controller  1202 . 
     Then, using the latch module  1218  logic that is executed by processor system  1306 , the vending machine controller  1202  communicates a release control signal, via the security latch interface  1214 , to the identified securing latch  116 . In response to receiving the release signal, the identified securing latch  116  releases (opens). Any suitable electromechanical actuator now known or later developed may be used for releasing the securing latch  116 . 
     In some embodiments, the optional reporting module  1222  generates inventory reports and other reports of interest that are communicated to a remote device, such as a computer, server, smart phone or the like. Accordingly, operators of the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  can obtain information about purchases and inventory. 
     In an alternative embodiment, by modifying the lock housing, the design can be changed from a single stick bay to a multi stick bay allowing a securing latch  116 ,  802  to stock more sporting equipment sticks  102  into one bay. In another embodiment, by modifying the latch hinge system into a full-length door system, each door would run the full length of the sporting equipment stick  102  containing a polycarbonate or tempered glass window, allowing a viewing of each sporting equipment stick  102 , and providing additional security. Another embodiment would be to have a split, polycarbonate window/door design. The window/door design would preferably extend the full length of the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 . The doors would be automated and open in the middle of the machine, and the securing latch  116 ,  802  would release when the sporting equipment stick  102  has been purchased. 
     One skilled in the art of vending machine technologies appreciates that a legacy vending machine is able to dispense various items to a purchasing user. In some situations, a legacy vending machine may be available at the vending site that may be modifiable to be controllable coupled to the securing latch system  114 . 
     Alternatively, a stand-alone kiosk  1302  or the like may be substituted for the modified legacy vending machine  1302  to control the securing latch system  114 . Here, the modified legacy vending machine  1302  and/or the kiosk  1302  may be configured to control any number of sporting equipment stick vending machines  100  and/or securing latches  116 ,  802 . 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a legacy vending machine  1302  that is controllably coupled to an embodiment of the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 . Like components described above with respect to  FIG. 12  are identified using like references numerals and are not described again for brevity. 
     A user interface  1212  and controller  1202  resides in a legacy vending machine  1302 . The user interface  1212  receives a user request/specification that identifies an item of interest that is available from the legacy vending machine. Typically, the purchaser specifies the item by entering an identification number (ID), via the user interface, that is associated with the item of interest. Alternatively, the purchaser may actuate (press, push or touch) a controller that is associated with the item of interest. After the purchaser pays for the specified item of interest, that item is dispended by the legacy vending machine  1302 . 
     In this alternative embodiment, the securing latches  116  of the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  are controllably coupled to a modified legacy vending machine  1302  that has been modified to control the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 . The legacy vending machine controller  1202  is accessed and is modified (or is replaced by a new modified controller) so that the modified legacy vending machine  1302  becomes configured to control the securing latches  116  residing in one or more vending machines  100 . As noted herein, each securing latch  116  preferably secures and retains a single sporting equipment stick  102 . Each securing latch  116  is uniquely identified by an ID, such as a numeral or the like. In an example embodiment, each one of the securing latches  116  are controllably coupled to the modified legacy vending machine  1302  via a control wire  1304 . In an alternative embodiment, the securing latches  116 ,  802  are controllably coupled to the modified legacy vending machine via a suitable wireless connection, such as a near field communication connection. A nonlimiting example near filed communication system is WiFi. 
     In practice, the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  would be placed adjacent to, or in close proximity to, the modified legacy vending machine  1302 . The purchasing user may use the user interface  1212  of the modified legacy vending machine to select a sporting equipment stick  102  for purchase, and/or use the payment accepting system of the modified legacy vending machine to pay for the selected sporting equipment stick  102 . 
     When the purchaser has paid for their sporting equipment stick  102 , the controller of the modified legacy vending machine communicates a release signal that is received by the associated securing latch  116 . In response to receiving the release signal, the securing latch  116  releases. The purchaser may then remove the selected sporting equipment stick  102  from the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 . 
     An unexpected advantage provided by embodiments of the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  is that since the modified legacy vending machine controls each of the securing latches  116  using the user interface and controller of the modified legacy vending machine  1302 , embodiments of the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  do not need their own independent user interface, payment accepting system, and/or controller. Accordingly, construction of embodiments of the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  are simplified and fabrication costs can be minimized. 
     Embodiments of the sporting equipment stick vending machine  100  are scalable to accommodate any number and/or types of sporting equipment sticks  102  and/or other objects that may be dispensed. For example, any suitable number of securing latches  116 ,  802  can be provided in a sporting equipment stick vending machine  100 . Multiple sporting equipment stick vending machines  100  may be placed next to each other, or in close proximity to the modified legacy vending machine, wherein all vending machines  100  are controlled by the modified legacy vending machine. 
     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the sporting equipment stick vending machines  100  are merely possible examples of implementations of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. 
     Furthermore, the disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. 
     Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.