Patent Publication Number: US-2023154270-A1

Title: Vending machine

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments generally relate to product dispensers, such as vending machines. In particular, embodiments relate to a vending machine having a vertically displaced product compartment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vending machines enable consumers to purchase a variety of products, such as foods, beverages, or other consumable goods on demand. As an alternative to some retail environments offering similar products for sale (such as, for example, convenience stores or kiosks), vending machines have a number of advantages. For example, some vending machines do not require the presence of an employee to complete a transaction, thereby lowering operating costs and making the machines an inexpensive means for selling goods to consumers. Further, some vending machines allow for quick and efficient transactions, enhancing a consumer&#39;s purchasing experience. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide vending machines that can be used in areas with limited space or limited floor space, or in areas of convenience for consumers that are not traditionally occupied by vending machines. They allow a consumer to conveniently select, purchase, and receive a product from a dispensing port, while the products are stored in a compartment that is out of the way. 
     For example, embodiments include vending machines for storing and dispensing products, where the vending machine includes a U-shaped housing, a product compartment, and a dispensing port. The U-shaped housing includes a first support wall and a second support wall. The product compartment is elongated and displays a row of products to be vended. The product compartment extends horizontally between the first support wall and the second support wall. The product compartment includes a top surface and a bottom surface, and the space between the bottom surface and the support walls define a void below the product compartment. The dispensing port is coupled to the product compartment, and a user may access the dispensing port to receive a vended product. 
     Embodiments also include a product dispenser, where the product dispenser includes a support structure, a product compartment, and a dispensing port. The support structure extends vertically from a floor. The product compartment stores products to be vended and extends horizontally from the support structure. The product compartment includes a top surface and a bottom surface that define a height of the product compartment. The product compartment is vertically elevated and supported by the support structure such that there is a space between the floor and the bottom surface of the product compartment, and the height of the product compartment is less than the distance between the floor and the bottom surface of the product compartment. The dispensing port is coupled to the product compartment, and a user may access the dispensing port to receive a vended product. 
     Embodiments also include a vending machine for storing and dispensing products, where the vending machine includes a product compartment for storing products, a dispensing port, and a passage. The dispensing port is interconnected to but spatially separated from the product compartment. The passage has a first end and a second end. The first end of the passage is coupled to an opening in the product compartment, and the second end of the passage is coupled to an opening in the dispensing port. During a dispensing operation, a product in the product compartment is automatically moved from the product compartment, through the passage, and into the dispensing port. A user may access the dispensing port to receive a vended product. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the invention. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a vending machine according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    is a front perspective view of the vending machine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a front perspective view of the vending machine of  FIG.  1    in an environment in which it may be used. 
         FIG.  4    is a front perspective view of the vending machine of  FIG.  1    in an environment in which it may be used. 
         FIG.  5    is a partial perspective view of a vending machine according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    is a top view of the vending machine of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is a partial perspective view of a vending machine according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  8    is a front perspective view of a vending machine according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a front perspective view of a vending machine according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9 B  is a rear perspective view of the vending machine of  FIG.  9 A . 
         FIG.  10    is a front perspective view of a vending machine according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention(s) will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an exemplary embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     The self-contained nature of some vending machines may allow for selective placement of the machines in locations that maximize consumer convenience. In fact, the profitability of some vending machines may be significantly correlated with the placement of the vending machine in, or in proximity to, locations of convenience for consumers, which may include areas of high consumer traffic. However, some vending machines may have designs and functionality that restrict the placement of the machine to locations with large amounts of available space and, in particular, large amounts of available floor space. 
     Some embodiments may provide flexibility in the placement of product dispensers, such as vending machines, by reducing the amount of floor space that must be dedicated solely to the machine. In this manner, some embodiments may provide a vending machine with a reduced vending footprint. Vending machines as described herein may include a product compartment for storing, displaying, and/or dispensing products (e.g. foods and/or beverages) that is interconnected to, but spatially separated from, a dispensing port whereby a consumer receives a vended product during a dispensing operation. This configuration may allow the dispensing port to be placed in a convenient location accessible by consumers, while the product compartment is spatially separated and out of the way. 
     Vending machines as described herein may include a product compartment for storing and dispensing products, a support structure that supports the product compartment in an elevated position, an empty space beneath the product compartment such that, for example, other structures may occupy the space beneath the product compartment, and a dispensing port coupled to and disposed beneath the product compartment whereby a consumer receives a vended product during a dispensing operation. Vending machines according to some embodiments may be used, for example, in spaces that may not traditionally be occupied by vending machines, such as in proximity to gas station pumps (see, for example,  FIG.  3   ). 
     Vending machines as described herein may include a product compartment for storing and dispensing products, a support structure that supports the product compartment in an elevated position, an empty space beneath the product compartment of sufficient height and width such that a human may walk beneath the product compartment, and a dispensing port coupled to and disposed beneath the product compartment whereby a consumer receives a vended product during a dispensing operation. Vending machines according to some embodiments may be used, for example, in spaces that may not traditionally be occupied by vending machines, such as narrow hallways (see, for example,  FIG.  4   ). 
     Vending machines as described herein may include a product compartment for storing and dispensing products (e.g. foods or beverages) that is disposed, for example, behind a wall, partially or fully in a wall, or at a remote location that is interconnected to but spatially separated from a dispensing port whereby a consumer receives a vended product during a dispensing operation. 
     Embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures. With reference to  FIGS.  1 - 2   , a vending machine  10  may include a product compartment  100 , a product storage system  110 , a support structure  120 , a dispensing port  130 , and a product delivery system  140 . 
     Product compartment  100  is configured to store, display, and/or dispense one or more products  200  to be vended to a consumer. Products  200  are stored in product storage system  110  and may include perishable and non-perishable products. Products  200  may include, but are not limited to, chips, candy bars, soft drinks, water, carbonated water, juices, alcoholic beverages, sports drinks, or other pre-made packaged goods. 
     Product compartment  100  may include a top surface  101 , a bottom surface  102 , and sides  104 . The distance between top surface  101  and bottom surface  102  may define a height  103  of product compartment  100 . 
     In some embodiments, support structure  120  is configured to support product compartment  100  in an elevated position such that vending machine  10  may be conveniently located and may have a reduced footprint. As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , support structure  120  may include one or more support walls  121 , each of which may include a first end  123  and a second end  124 . In some embodiments, support structure  120  may be generally U-shaped and may include two support walls  121  interconnected to product compartment  100 . The support walls  121  may be substantially parallel to one another and first ends  123  of support walls  121  may be disposed on opposing sides  104  of product compartment  100 . Support walls  121  may be substantially plumb relative to a floor  410 , and second ends  124  of support walls  121  may be in communication with floor  410 . 
     Support structure  120  may support product compartment  100  such that product compartment  100  is disposed vertically above floor  410  and a void  126  (e.g., an empty or unoccupied space) is disposed below the product compartment  100 . The void  126  may be disposed in the area between one or more support walls  121  and beneath bottom surface  102  of product compartment  100 . It will be appreciated that floor  410 , for ease of description, is called a floor, however it may be another surface on which support structure  120  may be disposed such as, for example, the ground, a sidewalk, or a parking lot. In some embodiments, a height  103  of product compartment  100  may be less than the distance between floor  410  and bottom surface  102  of product compartment  100 , which may define the height of void  126 . In this manner, the ratio of the height  103  of product compartment  100  to the height of void  126  may be less than 1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the height  103  of product compartment  100  to the height of void  126  may be less than 0.5. In some embodiments, the ratio of the height  103  of product compartment  100  to the height of void  126  may be less than 0.2. 
     In some embodiments, void  126  may be sufficiently sized, and may have sufficient height, area, and/or volume, such that a structure  420  may be disposed within or partially within void  126 . Structure  420  may be, for example, a fuel dispenser (e.g., a gas station gasoline pump), a shelf, a retail display, or a doorway. Structure  420  may also be, for example, an advertisement structure, an area for consumer engagement, a smaller vending machine, a drinking fountain, a soda fountain, or a bicycle rack. In some embodiments, void  126  may have dimensions such that a human may walk upright into or through void  126 . In some embodiments, bottom surface  102  of product compartment  100  may be vertically displaced from floor  410  by at least 4 feet. In some embodiments, bottom surface  102  of product compartment  100  may be vertically displaced from floor  410  by greater than 6 feet. some embodiments, bottom surface  102  of product compartment  100  may be vertically displaced from floor  410  by a distance between 6.5 feet and 8 feet, inclusive. In some embodiments, two substantially parallel support walls  121  may be laterally displaced by at least 2 feet. 
     In some embodiments, product compartment  100  comprises an elongated rectangular cuboid shape. In some embodiments, product compartment  100  may comprise other shapes, including, for example, cubical, tubular, cylindrical or frustoconical, and may or may not be symmetrical about any axis. Product compartment  100  may include a door  107  that is disposed on top surface  101 , bottom surface  102 , or a side  104  of product compartment  100 . Door  107  may provide access to the interior  108  of product compartment  100 , where products  200  are stored in product storage system  110 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5 - 6   , product storage system  110  may be used for storing and organizing products  200 , and may include one or more product receptacles  114 . In some embodiments, products  200  may be arranged into a column  111  within product receptacle  114 . Multiple columns  111  of products  200  may be positioned adjacent to one another, forming a row  112  of products  200 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , product compartment  100  may include a single horizontal row  112  formed by twelve columns  111  of products  200 . However, product compartment  100  may include any number of rows  112  in any arrangement (e.g., horizontal, vertical, and/or diagonal) formed by any number of columns  111 . 
     In some embodiments, product receptacle  114  may include one or more product actuators  119  in which, or on which, for example, products  200  are disposed. Product actuator  119  may be a mechanism for displacing products  200  during a dispensing operation. In one embodiment, product actuator  119  comprises a coil that linearly displaces products  200  when rotated. In other embodiments, product actuator  119  may comprise a conveyer system that linearly displaces products  200 , or a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical actuator that pushes or pulls products  200 . 
     As shown, for example, in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B , one or more sides  104  of product compartment  100  may include one or more display windows  106 , thereby allowing a consumer to see into product compartment  100 . The number and/or position of display windows  106  may or may not correspond to the number and/or position of rows  112  of products  200 . In some embodiments, one of more sides  104  of product compartment  100  may be made of a transparent material (e.g., glass or plastic), thereby allowing a consumer to see into the product compartment  100 . In some embodiments, the display window  106  may include a lens or other component to magnify the size of the product  200  displayed within the window. Because the product compartment  200  may be elevated at a vertical height away from the user, magnifying the product  200  may facilitate the consumer viewing the product selections from a greater distance. 
     In some embodiments, the position of product storage system  110  may be rigidly interconnected to product compartment  100 . In other embodiments, however, the position of product storage system  110  may be adjustable (or product storage system  110  may be removable from product compartment  100 ) to facilitate the addition of products  200  to product storage system  110 , as shown, for example, in  FIG.  7   . Similarly, each of product receptacles  114  of product storage system  110  may be individually adjustable or removable from product compartment  100 . For example, in one embodiment, a product receptacle  114  may be tilted or lowered to facilitate loading. Door  107  may be opened to allow for the adjustment or removal of product receptacle  114 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , in some embodiments, a first end  116  of product receptacle  114  may be rotatably interconnected though a hinge  115  to product compartment  100 , and a second end  117  of product receptacle  114  (or a point along the length of product receptacle  114 ) may be interconnected through a biasing member  118  to product compartment  100  such that product receptacle  114  is supported in a substantially horizontal position within product compartment  100 . A tangential force  430  may then be applied at second end  117  of product receptacle  114 , thereby causing product receptacle  114  to rotate about hinge  115 . Biasing member  118  may be, for example, a gas strut, gas spring, coil spring, or other linear or non-linear biasing mechanism. Biasing member  118  may also be located at first end  116 , and may be, for example, a torsional spring. 
     In some embodiments, hinge  115  and biasing member  118  may be interchanged with another means for operably raising or lowering one or both ends  116 ,  117  of product receptacle  114 . For example, one or more hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical actuators may be used to raise or lower one of first or second ends  116 ,  117  of product receptacle  114 , or to raise or lower both first and second ends  116 ,  117  of product receptacle  114  simultaneously. In some embodiments, product receptacle  114  may be raised or lowered manually, and secured in place in a variety of ways, such as, for example, with a pin or other locking mechanism. 
     Product receptacle  114  may also be configured to receive a product cartridge  210 , which may be filled with products  200  (e.g., a column  111  of products  200 ) prior to its placement in product receptacle  114 . 
     Product compartment  100  may include a cooling system for cooling products  200  or maintaining products  200  at a consistent temperature. Cooling system may be, for example, an air conditioning system, a heat pump, a refrigeration or freezer system, an evaporative cooler, or other temperature reduction system. 
     In some embodiments, product compartment  100  may include an inventory tracking system for monitoring the quantity and types of products  200  disposed in product storage system  110 . The inventory tracking system may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) information about the quantity and types of products  200  in product storage system  110  to a remote location. 
     Although shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2    as having two substantially parallel support walls  121 , support structure  120  may include more than or fewer than two support walls  121 . In some embodiments support structure  120  may include two substantially parallel support walls  121  and a back support wall  122  disposed on three adjacent sides  104  of product compartment  100 . Void  126  may be formed in the area between walls  121 ,  122  and beneath bottom surface  102  of product compartment  100  (see, for example,  FIG.  8   ). Similarly, support structure  120  may include two support walls  121  disposed on adjacent sides  104  of product compartment  100 , or may include only one support wall  121 . Support walls  121  may also be replaced with another means for supporting product compartment  100  such as, for example, a frame, a mount, or one or more legs, columns, arches, or beams. 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , in some embodiments, support structure  120  may include building walls  125  configured to support product compartment  100  in an elevated position, where product compartment  100  extends between building walls  125 . One or more sides  104  with one or more display windows  106  may be substantially perpendicular to the building walls  125 . Void  126  may be formed in the area between building walls  125  and beneath bottom surface  102  of product compartment  100 . 
     In some embodiments, a single building wall  125  may support product compartment  100  in an elevated position, and a side  104  with one or more display windows  106  may be substantially parallel to the building wall  125 . In some embodiments, a single building wall  125  may support product compartment  100  in an elevated position, and one or more sides  104  with one or more display windows  106  may be substantially perpendicular to the building wall  125 . In some embodiments, product compartment  100  may be partially disposed within and supported by a building wall  125 , and a side  104  with one or more display windows  106  may be substantially parallel to the building wall  125 . 
     In some embodiments, support structure  120  may be removably coupled to product compartment  100 , for example, with bolts. In some embodiments, support structure  120  may be permanently affixed to product compartment  100 , for example, with welds or an adhesive. In some embodiments, support structure  120  and product compartment  100  may form an integral housing. 
     In some embodiments, dispensing port  130  may include a dispensing opening  131  and a user interface  132 . Dispensing opening  131  may be an aperture whereby a consumer receives a vended product. As shown, for example, in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , dispensing opening  131  may comprise a generally square shape, however it may take other shapes, including, for example, circular or rectangular. User interface  132  may include a means for receiving consumer input (e.g., electromechanical buttons), a means for communicating with a consumer (e.g., a visual display), and/or a combined means for receiving input and communicating with a consumer (e.g., a touch screen display). User interface  132  may include a combination of buttons, visual displays, and/or touch screens. User interface  132  may display information about products  200  in product compartment  100 . User interface  132  may include one or more means for accepting payment from a consumer (e.g., a bill validator, coin slot, or credit card reader). In some embodiments, a consumer may use an application on a mobile communications device (e.g., a smartphone) to select and purchase product  200  to be vended. 
     In some embodiments, dispensing port  130  may be disposed within void  126 . In some embodiments, dispensing port  130  may be disposed outside of void  126 . In some embodiments, dispensing port  130  may be coupled to a support wall  121 . In some embodiments, dispensing port  130  may be disposed above, below, or at a side of product compartment  100 . In some embodiments, dispensing port  130  may be disposed in a different room than product compartment  100 . 
     In some embodiments, dispensing opening  131  and user interface  132  may be disposed within a housing  133 . Housing  133  may be fully or partially hollow. The position of housing  133  may be fixed relative to product compartment  100  or may be manually or automatically adjustable as described further below. 
     Dispensing port  130  may be interconnected to product compartment  100  by way of a passage  136 . A first end  137  of passage  136  may be disposed at a compartment opening  109  in product compartment  100 , and a second end  138  of passage  136  may be disposed at a housing opening  134  in housing  133 , such that a product  200  may be moved from product compartment  100 , though passage  136 , and into housing  133  where a consumer may receive the product  200  from dispensing port  130 . Although shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2    as being substantially straight, passage  136  may take many forms and may include one or more bends, curves, and/or transitions, and may pass through other structures, for example, a wall. 
     In some embodiments, passage  136  may be telescoping such that the distance between first and second ends  137 ,  138  of passage  136  is adjustable, and, therefore, the position of dispensing port  130  is variable relative to product compartment  100 . Similarly, in some embodiments, passage  136  may be flexible or collapsible such that the distance between first and second ends  137 ,  138  of passage  136  is adjustable, and, therefore, the position of dispensing port  130  is variable relative to product compartment  100 . In some embodiments, dispensing port  130  may be spatially separated from product compartment  100  by at least 1 foot (e.g., between 2 and 10 feet). In some embodiments, vending machine  10  may include one or more sensors  135  (see, for example,  FIG.  6   ) that measure the height of an approaching consumer and adjust the position of housing  133  (using, for example, an actuator) such that dispensing opening  131  and user interface  132  are at a comfortable and convenient height for the consumer. 
     In some embodiments, vending machine  10  may include more than one dispensing ports  130  disposed on various sides  104  of product compartment  100  such that vending machine  10  may dispense products  200  to consumers at several locations (see, for example,  FIGS.  9 A- 9 B ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , product delivery system  140  may include a first robotic implement  142  and a second robotic implement  144 . In some embodiments, first robotic implement  142  and/or second robotic implement  144  may include a robotic arm configured to automatically lift, hold, and/or transport a product  200 . In some embodiments, first robotic implement  142  and/or second robotic implement  144  may include a cup, container, clamp, suction system, or claw configured to hold a product  200 . In some embodiments, first robotic implement  142  and/or second robotic implement  144  may include a robotic track system, a linear actuator, a conveyer, and/or another component configured to automatically receive and transport a product  200 . In some embodiments, first robotic implement  142  may be disposed within product compartment  100  and may move transversely along a horizontal axis (e.g., an x-axis direction) of product compartment  100 . In some embodiments, second robotic implement  144  may be disposed within passage  136  and may move longitudinally along a vertical axis (e.g., a y-axis direction) within passage  136 . Although shown in  FIG.  5    as having two robotic implements  142 ,  144 , product delivery system  140  may take other forms, and may include more than, or fewer than two robotic implements. In some embodiments, product delivery system  140  may include one or more shoots, slides, or passageways to move product  200  from product compartment  100  to dispensing port  130  using the force of gravity. 
     During a dispensing operation according to some embodiments, a consumer may approach dispensing port  130 , which may automatically adjust to the consumer&#39;s height. Then, the consumer may select and provide payment for a product  200  to be vended using, for example, user interface  132  or an application on a mobile communications device. Next, first robotic implement  142  may move such that first product holder  143  is positioned to receive the selected product  200  from product receptacle  114 . Product actuator  119  may then move product  200  into first product holder  143  or, alternatively, first product holder  143  may take product  200  from product receptacle  114 . Then, first robotic implement  142  may move horizontally through product compartment  100  toward second robotic implement  144 , where second product holder  145  may receive product  200  from first product holder  143 . Then, second robotic implement  144  may move vertically though passage  136  toward dispensing port  130 . Finally, second product holder  145  may release product  200  into dispensing port  130 , where the consumer may receive product  200  from dispensing opening  131 . 
     During a dispensing operation according to some embodiments of the invention, a consumer may select and provide payment for a product  200  to be vended using, for example, user interface  132  or an application on a mobile communications device. Next, first robotic implement  142  may move such that first product holder  143  is positioned to receive the selected product  200  from product receptacle  114 . Product actuator  119  may then move product  200  into first product holder  143  or, alternatively, first product holder  143  may take product  200  from product receptacle  114 . Then, first robotic implement  142  may move through product compartment  100  toward second robotic implement  144 , where second product holder  145  may receive product  200  from first product holder  143 . Then, second robotic implement  144  may move though passage  136  toward dispensing port  130 . Finally, second product holder  145  may release product  200  into dispensing port  130 , where the consumer may receive product  200  from dispensing opening  131 . 
     During a dispensing operation according to some embodiments of the invention, a consumer may select and provide payment for a product  200  to be vended using, for example, user interface  132  or an application on a mobile communications device. Next, first robotic implement  142  may move such that first product holder  143  is positioned to receive the selected product  200  from product receptacle  114 . Product actuator  119  may then move product  200  into first product holder  143  or, alternatively, first product holder  143  may take product  200  from product receptacle  114 . Then, first robotic implement  142  may move through product compartment  100  toward passage  136 . Then, first product holder  143  may release product  200  into passage  136 , where the force of gravity moves product  200  though passage  136  and into dispensing port  130 , where the consumer may receive product  200  from dispensing opening  131 . 
     During a dispensing operation according to some embodiments of the invention, a consumer may select and provide payment for a product  200  to be vended using, for example, user interface  132  or an application on a mobile communications device. Next product actuator  119  may move product  200  from product receptacle  114 , where the force of gravity moves product  200  though passage  136  and into dispensing port  130 , where the consumer may receive product  200  from dispensing opening  131 . 
     It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention(s) as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention(s) and the appended claims in any way. 
     The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention(s) that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention(s). Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance. 
     The breadth and scope of the present invention(s) should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.