Patent Abstract:
A mobile vending machine for transporting and vending a number of products. The mobile vending machine includes a storage compartment for storing the products, a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the products, and a drive mechanism. The storage compartment is positioned about the drive mechanism for movement therewith.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/800,349 filed on Mar. 6, 2001, now allowed now U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,100. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to several methods and apparatus for delivering products to consumers and more particularly relates to several methods and apparatus to deliver vended products to consumers via remote and mobile techniques. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The use of vending machines and other types of product dispensers is well known in the art. Product sales volume from such product dispensers often depends in part on placing the dispenser in a location with sufficient consumer traffic. Because the use of the product dispenser is often an impulse purchase, the dispenser preferably should be located wherever a sufficient number of consumers may gather or pass by. 
     One drawback with the use of many current product dispensers is that the dispensers may not always be placed where the consumers may be gathered. There are many locations where product dispensers simply are not available. This lack of availability may be due to the size of the dispenser, the expense of the dispenser, the availability of electrical power, or even aesthetic reasons. Further, moving the dispensers on a temporary basis is often difficult, expensive, and/or time consuming. 
     In addition to the location of the dispensers, the appearance and operation of the dispensers should be designed to catch the consumer&#39;s eye and ensure that the consumer has a pleasant purchasing experience. Even if the dispensers can be located in a high traffic area, the purchasing experience is rarely considered to be “fun” because of the ubiquity of the dispensers. As such, the product dispensers are considered simply a means to provide the products therein to the consumer as opposed to an attraction in and of itself. 
     What is needed, therefore, are methods and apparatus that ensure that the product dispensers easily may be located wherever the consumers are gathered. Further, there is need for product dispensers that create impulse purchases by being unique, entertaining, and/or interesting. These goals must be accomplished with methods and apparatus that are convenient, safe, and reasonably priced. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention thus provides a mobile vending machine for transporting and vending a number of products. The mobile vending machine includes a storage compartment for storing the products, a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the products, and a drive mechanism. The storage compartment is positioned about the drive mechanism for movement therewith. 
     Specific embodiments of the mobile vendor include the storage compartment having a number of storage rows. Each of the storage rows may include a wall and a floor. The floor may include an elevator port for use with the dispensing mechanism. The elevator port may include a number of apertures surrounding a support flange. Each of the storage rows may include a collar for rotation within the wall and the floor. The collar may include a number of partitions therein and the partitions may form a number of product compartments. A collar motor may rotate the collar. 
     The dispensing mechanism may include an access qport for dispensing one of the products at a time. The dispensing mechanism also may include an elevator so as to transport one of the products from the storage compartment to the access port. The elevator may include a pair of elevator arms. The pair of elevator arms may be positioned so as to pass through the apertures of the elevator port. 
     The drive mechanism may include a number of wheels. A drive motor may power the wheels. The drive mechanism may include a battery. 
     The mobile vendor also may include an internal control device for controlling the storage compartment, the dispensing mechanism, and the drive mechanism. A remote control device may be in communication with the internal control device. The remote control device may control the drive mechanism, the storage compartment, and the dispensing mechanism. The mobile vendor further may include a first speaker and a first microphone while the remote control device may include a second speaker and a second microphone in communication with one another. The storage compartment may include an outer shell with advertising indicia thereon. 
     A further embodiment of the present invention may provide for a remote vending system for vending a number of products. The remote vending system may include a product storage compartment, a product delivery mechanism, and a product drop mechanism, all positioned along a predetermined path. The remote vending systems may further include a control device so as to instruct the product storage device to deliver one of the products to the product delivery mechanism and to instruct the product delivery mechanism to deliver the product to the product drop mechanism. 
     The product storage compartment may include a vending machine. The product delivery mechanism may include a vertical conveyor positioned adjacent to the product storage compartment. The vertical conveyor may include a platform for transporting one of the products. The vertical conveyor may include a pulley system for driving the platform. The product delivery mechanism also may include a horizontal conveyor. The horizontal conveyor may include a first end and a second end such that the first end is positioned adjacent to the vertical conveyor and the second end is positioned adjacent to the product drop mechanism. The horizontal conveyor may include an inclined position, such that the first end of the horizontal conveyor is higher than the second end so that the products can slide from the first end to the second end. The inclined position may be about five (5) to ten (10) degrees. The horizontal conveyor also may include a transport device positioned therein so as to transport one of the products from the first end to the second end. 
     The product delivery mechanism may include a further horizontal conveyor positioned adjacent to the second end of the horizontal conveyor. The product delivery mechanism also may include a directional switch. The directional switch may be positioned adjacent to the second end of the horizontal conveyor, the further horizontal conveyor, and the product drop mechanism so as to direct one of the products from the horizontal conveyor to the further horizontal conveyor or to the product drop mechanism under the control of the control device. The directional switch may include a piston so as to push the horizontal conveyor in the direction of either the further horizontal conveyor or the product drop mechanism. 
     The product drop mechanism may include an elongated member with a first end and a second end and with the first end positioned adjacent to the product delivery mechanism. The product drop mechanism may include a pulley system associated with the elongated member so as to deliver one of the products from the first end to the second end. The product drop mechanism may include a product holder connected to the pulley system. The product holder may include a fixed fork assembly or a rotating fork assembly. 
     The rotating fork assembly may include a pair of forks positioned on an assembly base for rotation thereon. The pair of forks may include a spring so as to bias the pair of forks in the closed position. The forks are capable of supporting one of the products in the closed position and of releasing the product in the open position. The product drop mechanism may include a flipper mechanism positioned adjacent to the second end of the elongated member. The flipper mechanism may include a flipper. The flipper may be driven by a solenoid and the solenoid may be activated by a switch. The switch is positioned about the second end of the elongated member such that the product holder contacts the switch when the product holder descends the elongated member. The flipper is positioned about the second end of the elongated member such that the flipper contacts and causes the rotating fork assembly to rotate when the product holder descends the elongated member and the switch is activated. 
     The product drop mechanism may include a product dispenser positioned adjacent to the second end of the elongated member. The product dispenser may include a product platter positioned for rotation therein. The product platter also may include a number of product basins so as to support the products therein. The product platter may include a number of position switches in communication with the control system so as to determine whether one of the products is positioned in each of the product basins. The product dispenser may include a platter. The product dispenser may include a vending cone positioned on top of the product platter. The vending cone may include a transparent material. The vending cone may include a loading aperture such that the one of the products may be delivered through the loading aperture from the product drop mechanism to one of the product basins on the product platter. 
     A further embodiment of the present invention provides for a dispensing system for dispensing a number of products from a vending machine. The dispensing system may include an elevator and a storage row. The storage row may include a wall and a floor. The storage row also may include an elevator port for use with the elevator. The storage row further may include a collar for rotation within the wall and the floor. The collar may include a number of partitions therein. The partitions may form a number of product compartments for rotating the products along the floor to the elevator port for transport by the elevator. 
     The dispensing system may include a number of the storage rows. The elevator port may include a number of apertures and a product support flange. The elevator may include a pair of elevator arms. The elevator arms may be positioned to pass through the apertures of the elevator port and to pick up one of the products. 
     A product dispenser may be positioned adjacent to the storage row and in communication with the elevator. The product dispenser may include a product platter positioned for rotation therein. The product platter may include a number of apertures positioned therein. The apertures may each include a product support rotatably positioned therein. The product support may be sized to allow the elevator arms to pass through each aperture and to support one of the products. The product support may include a hinge attached to the product platter such that the product support will rotate upward when the elevator lifts one of the products through the aperture and then rotate downward after the product passes therethrough. The product dispenser may include a platter. The product dispenser may include a vending cone positioned on top of the product platter. The vending cone may include a transparent material. The dispensing system further may include an outer shell positioned around the storage row with one or more storage racks positioned thereon. 
     The method of the present invention provides for the delivery of a vended product. The method may include the steps of removing a first product from a product vending machine, sensing that the first product has been removed from the vending machine, activating a product storage facility to release a second product, elevating the second product along a first predetermined vertical path, transporting the second product along a predetermined substantially horizontal path, and lowering the second product along a second predetermined vertical path into the product vending machine. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile vendor of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the mobile vendor of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the mobile vendor of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the storage and elevation system and the drive system of the mobile vendor of FIG. 1 with the outer shell shown in phantom lines. 
     FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the storage and elevation system of the mobile vendor of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the storage and elevation system of the mobile vendor of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the drive system of the mobile vendor of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 8 is a plan view of the remote control device for use with the mobile vendor. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the remote vending system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the vertical conveyor of the remote vending system of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the horizontal conveyor of the remote vending system of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 12 is a side plan view of a transport device with the horizontal conveyor shown in phantom lines. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the directional switch of the remote vending system of FIG. 9 with the switch aligning with the drop mechanism. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the directional switch of the remote vending system of FIG. 9 with the switch aligning with the further horizontal conveyor. 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a drop mechanism of the remote vending system of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the product holder of the drop mechanism of FIG.  15 . 
     FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a further drop mechanism of the remote vending system of FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the bottle fork assembly of the further drop mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the bottom end of the base cone of the further drop mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the product dispenser of the further drop mechanism of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 21 is a top exploded view of the product dispenser of FIG.  20 . 
     FIG. 22 is a bottom exploded view of the product dispenser of FIG.  20 . 
     FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the partner cooler of the present invention. 
     FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the partner cooler of FIG.  23 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-8 show a mobile vendor  100  of the present invention. The mobile vender  100  may store and vend a number of products  105 . Each of the products  105  may be, for example, a beverage container  110 . The product  105 , however, may be any type of item that may be stored in a conventional product dispenser and vended therefrom. 
     The mobile vendor  100  may include an outer shell  115 . The outer shell  115  may be a substantially hollow, cylindrical structure, but any convenient size or shape may be used. The outer shell  115  is preferably made from a lightweight, substantially rigid material such as steel, aluminum, or similar metals; thermoplastics such as polycarbonate or PETG (polyethylene terephthalate-glycol); or similar materials. The outer shell  115  preferably is insulated with foam or similar materials. 
     An access lid  120  may enclose the outer shell  115 . The access lid  120  may be attached to the outer shell  115  by hinges, springs, or other types of conventional joinder mechanisms. The access lid  120  may be removed or opened so as to permit access to the interior of the outer shell  115  so as to load the products  105  therein. The access lid  120  may be made from the same materials as the outer shell  115 . Alternatively, the access lid  120  may be made out of a rigid foam or similar materials. The access lid  120  is preferably insulated. 
     The access lid  120  may have an access port  130  positioned therein. The access port  130  preferably is sized to permit the vending of one of the products  105  therethrough. As is shown, the access port  130  may have a vending lid  140  or a similar type of enclosing structure attached by hinges, springs, or other types of conventional joinder mechanisms. The vending lid  140  may be omitted if desired. Further, more than one access port  130  may be used. The access port  130  and the vending lid  140  allow the products  105  to be pushed out of the mobile vendor  100  at least one at time and/or allows the consumer to grasp one of the products  105 . The access lid  120  of the mobile vendor  100  also may have a number of conventional selection panels  150  and a coin slot  160  positioned thereon. Alternatively, the selection panels  150  and the coin slot  160  may be positioned anywhere on the mobile vendor  100 . 
     As is shown in FIG. 1, the mobile vendor  100  of the present invention also may include decorative aspects. For example, the access lid  120  is shown in the shape of a baseball cap  170 . The outer shell  115  includes a pair of sunglasses  180  and one or more trademarks or logos  190  that may be associated with the products  105  positioned within the mobile vendor  100 , with the location of the mobile vendor  100 , or with third party advertising. In this case, the Dynamic Ribbon device of The Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, Ga. is shown as a kind of “mouth” for the vender  100 . Any type of aesthetic design, however, may be used to “personalize” the outer shell  115 , the access lid  120 , and the mobile vendor  100  as a whole. Further, the decorative aspects may include the use of color, lights, sound, and other types of accessories. The decoration shown herein is not intended to be limiting in any manner. 
     As is shown in FIGS. 4-6, the mobile vendor  100  may include a storage and elevation system  200 . The storage and elevation system  200  may include a number of storage rows  210 . In the present embodiment, three storage rows  210  are used, a first storage row  220 , a second storage row  230 , and a third storage row  240 . Any number of storage rows  210 , however, may be used. The storage rows  210  are largely circular in shape so as to fit within the outer shell  115 . Any convenient size or shape, however, may be used. The storage rows  210  may each form a central aperture  215  therein. In this example, the aperture  215  is largely cylindrical in shape. Any size or shape, however, may be used. The apertures  215  may be filled with ice so as to keep the products  105  within the storage rows  210  cold. Alternatively, the mobile vendor  100  may use any type of conventional cooling or heating system. 
     Each of the storage rows  210  may include a fixed floor  260 . The fixed floor  260  may be attached to an inner wall  265  of the outer shell  115 . The floor  260  may include an elevator port  270 . The elevator port  270  may include a pair of apertures  280 . The apertures  280  may surround a product support flange  290 . By a “pair” of apertures  280 , we mean that the apertures  280  surround the support flange  290 . The apertures  280  may or may not be contiguous. The apertures  280  may be sized to accommodate the elevator as described in more detail below. The product support flange  290  may be sized to accommodate and support one of the products  105 . The product support flange  290  is rotatable and may be attached to the floor  260  via springs, hinges, or conventional type of joinder means. 
     Positioned on the floor  260  and within the inner wall  265  may be a rotatable inner collar  300 . The rotatable inner collar  300  may rotate along the floor  260  by sliding or via rollers, bearings, or similar means. The rotatable inner collar  300  may include a number of partitions  310  thereon that form a number of product compartments  320 . As is shown in FIG. 4, several of the products  105  may be positioned on the storage rows  210  in the product compartments  320 . The inner collar  300  may be driven to rotate along the floor  260  by a collar motor  330 . The collar motor  330  may be a conventional electric motor with about 0.01 to about 0.2 horsepower. The collar motor  330  may also include other types of conventional drive means. When the products  105  are positioned within the compartments  320 , the partitions  310  of the inner collar  300  force the products  105  to slide along the floor  260  and the inner wall  265 . An internal control device  340  may control operation of the motor  330 . The internal control device  340  may include a conventional microprocessor or a similar type of control device. 
     The storage and elevation system  200  also may include an elevator  350 . The elevator  350  may include an elongated shaft  360 . The elongated shaft  360  may be fixedly attached to each of the floors  260  of the storage rows  210  by brackets or similar types of connection mechanisms. Attached to the elongated shaft  360  may be an elevator base  370  with a pair of elevator arms  380  attached thereto. The elevator base  370  and the elevator arms  380  may maneuver up and down the elongated shaft  360 . The elevator base  370  may have a flange or other type of guide mechanism so as to attach to the elongated shaft  360  for movement therewith. The elevator base  370  may be of sufficient size to support the elevator arms  380  with a product  105  therein. 
     The elevator arms  380  each may have an elongated straight portion  390  attached to the base  370  and an angled portion  400  extending toward the outer shell  115 . The straight portion  390  is essentially the width of one of the products  105 . The elevator arms  380  are sized to maneuver up and down the elongated shaft  360  and through the apertures  280  of the elevator port  270  on each storage row  210 . The elevator arms  380  may travel through the apertures  280  until the arms engage one of the products  105  positioned on the support flange  290 . The elevator arms  380  may then pick up the product  105  and support it against the elevator base  370 . The elevator arms  380  may be made out of a substantially rigid material such as stainless steel or similar types of materials. 
     The elevator base  370  and the elevator arms  380  may maneuver up and down the elongated shaft  360  as powered by an elevator motor  410 . The elevator motor  410  may be an electrical motor with about 0.01 to about 0.25 horsepower or a similar type of drive mechanism. The internal control device  340  may control the elevator motor  410 . 
     The mobile vendor  100  may further include a transport system  450 . As is best shown in FIGS. 3,  4 , and  7 , the transport system  450  may be based upon a typical wheelchair transport system. As such, the transport system  450  may include a frame  460 . The frame  460  may include tubular elements made from aluminum, or similar types of low weight, high strength materials. Attached to the rear of the frame  460  may be a drive mechanism  470 . The drive mechanism  470  may include a pair of drive motors  480  positioned on either side of the frame  460 . Also attached to the frame  460  are the rear wheels  490 . The drive motors  480  drive the rear wheels  490  in a conventional manner. Further, the drive motors  480  may include a gearbox, a clutch, mounting brackets, and similar types of drive components. The drive motors  480  may have a power output of about 0.5 to about 1.5 horsepower. One or more batteries  500  may power the drive motors  480 . The batteries  500  may be conventional lead-acid, nickel cadmium, metal-air, or similar types of low weight, long run time energy sources. The batteries  500  are preferably rechargeable. 
     Attached to the front of the frame  460  may be a pair of front wheels  520  connected by a pair of steering brackets  530 . The front wheels  520  may be of conventional design. The front wheels  520  may be mounted on the steering brackets  530  in a conventional manner. The steering brackets  530  may be made out of steel or similar types of rigid materials. The steering brackets  530  may be connected to the frame  460  in a conventional manner. The wheels  520  may be generally passive with respect to steering. Steering may be provided by altering the speed of the rear wheels  490 . For example, the frame  460  will turn to the left by increasing the speed to the right rear wheel  490 . Any conventional type of steering mechanism also may be used. 
     The internal control device  340  may operate in conjunction with a remote control device  570 . The internal control device  340  and the remote control device  570  may communicate via radio frequency signals, infrared light, or via other conventional communication means. The internal control device  340  and the remote control device  570  also may be connected via cables or other types of direct connections. The remote control device  570  may have a joystick  575  or a similar type of control mechanism so as to steer the mobile vender  100 . The remote control device  570  also may control the speed of the mobile vendor  100 , other aspects of the transport system  450 , and the operation of the storage and elevation system  200 . 
     The mobile vendor  100  may further include a communication system  580 . Both the mobile vendor  100  and the remote control device  570  may include a microphone  590  and a speaker  595 . Any conventional type of microphone  590  and speaker  595  may be used. The user of the remote control device  570  therefore may speak into the microphone  590  of the remote control device  570  such that it appears that the mobile vendor  100  is speaking. Likewise, the consumer may speak into the microphone  590  of the mobile vendor  100  and have that speech heard by the user of the remote control device  570  via the speaker  595 . The microphone  590  and the speaker  595  may be positioned within the access lid  120  or anywhere on the mobile vendor  100 . The mobile vendor  100  thus may be interactive with the consumer. 
     In use, a number of the products  105  may be loaded into each of the product compartments  320  on the storage rows  210 . A different type or flavor of product  105  may be inserted on each row  210 . For example, a regular carbonated beverage product  105  may be placed in the first storage row  220 , a diet carbonated beverage product  105  may be placed on the second storage row  230 , and a water product  105  may be placed on the third storage row  240 . Any number of product variations may be used. The apertures  215  within the storage rows  210  may be filled with ice or other types of heating or cooling devices may be used to bring the products  105  therein to the desired serving temperature. 
     Under the direction of the remote control device  570 , the mobile vendor  100  may travel to wherever the consumers may be gathered. For example, the consumers may be waiting in line at an amusement park, a sporting event, a concert, or at a similar type of event or attraction. The user of the remote control device  570  may control the transport system  450  such that the mobile vendor  100  travels along the line of consumers. The user of the remote control device  570  also may use the microphone  590  and the speaker  595  so as to interact with the consumers in line and to gain their attention. 
     For example, the mobile vendor  100  may stop in front of a consumer. The consumer may place coins, coupons, or currency into the coin slot  160  and then make a selection from the selection panel  150 . The selection panel  150  thus activates the internal control device  340  to turn on the collar motor  330  of the storage row  210  with the products  105  thereon that correspond to the selection of the selection panel  150 . The collar motor  330  rotates the inner collar  300  until one of the products  105  is positioned on the product support flange  290  of the elevator port  270 . The elevator  350  is then activated such that the elevator arms  380  travel through the apertures  280  and pick up the selected product  105 . The product  105  is then elevated through the access port  130  and the vending lid  140  of the access lid  120 . The product support flange  290  of the other storage rows  210  rotates upward as the elevator  350  passes therethrough. The consumer may then remove the product  105  from the access port  130 . The mobile vendor  100  may then continue down the line of consumers and repeat the sales process. 
     FIGS. 9-21 show another embodiment of the present invention, a remote vendor system  600 . The remote vendor system  600  may include a control system  610 . The control system  610  coordinates and activates each of the elements within the remote vendor system  600  as a whole as is described in more detail below. The control system  610  may include a conventional microprocessor or a similar type of control system. The control system  610  may be similar to the control system  340  described above. 
     The remote vendor  600  may include a product storage device  620 . The product storage device  620  may be a conventional vending machine  630 . For example, the vending machine  630  may be made by The Vendo Company of Fresno, Calif. The vending machine  630  may vend products  105  from the front via a front chute  640  in a conventional manner. The vending machine  630  preferably also may vend products  105  via a rear chute  650 . Alternatively, the vending machine  630  may be oriented such that the front chute  640  is used with the remote vendor  600 . The vending machine  630  may be refrigerated or heated as desired. Activation of the vending machine  630  may be controlled by the control system  610 . 
     The remote vendor system  600  also includes a delivery system  660 . As is shown in FIG. 9, the delivery system  660  may include a vertical conveyor  670 . The vertical conveyor  670  may be positioned adjacent to the rear chute  650  of the vending machine  630 . The vertical conveyor  670  may include a frame  680 . The frame  680  may include a pair of parallel rails  690  with a platform  700  positioned in-between for movement up and down the rails  690 . The rails  690  may be made out of any type of rigid material, such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or plastic. The platform  700  may maneuver along the rails  690  by a pulley system  710 . 
     The pulley system  710  may include a pulley wire  720  positioned along one or more pulley wheels  730 . The pulley wire  720  may be made out of wire rope, stainless steel, or other types of conventional materials. One of the pulley wheels  730  may be positioned at the top end of the vertical conveyor  670  and one of the pulley wheels  730  may be positioned at the bottom end of the conveyor  670  below the rear chute  650  of the vending machine  630 . Specifically, one of the pulley wheels  730  may be positioned at the top of the rails  690  such that as the platform  700  rises up the rails  690  and then rotates from a horizontal position to a vertical position as it passes over the pulley wheel  730 . A pulley motor  740  may engage the pulley wire  720  so as to raise and lower the platform  700 . The pulley motor  740  may be a conventional electric motor with about one-tenth or one-eighth horsepower or the like. Operation of the pulley motor  740  may be controlled by the control system  610 . 
     The delivery system  660  also may include a horizontal track  760 . The horizontal track  760  may be made out of any substantially rigid material such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or similar materials. The horizontal track  760  may be substantially U-shaped in cross-section with two bottom lips  770  forming an aperture  780 . Preferably, the bottom lips  770  and the aperture  780  are spaced so as to accommodate the product  105 . Specifically, the neck ring of the typical beverage bottle  110  may be supported by the horizontal track  760 . The horizontal track  760  may be angled with a high end  790  adjacent to the vertical conveyor  670  such that the products  105  may slide from the vertical conveyor  670  and the high end  790  along the horizontal track  760  to a lower end  795 . The horizontal track  760  may have about a drop of about five (5) to about ten (10) degrees with a drop of about seven degrees (7°) preferred. 
     Alternatively, a powered transport device  800  may be used. The transport device  800  may be a small electrically operated or battery operated device with wheels or a track and with a coupling  805  for accepting one of the products  105 . The transport device  800  may be positioned within the aperture  780  of the horizontal track  760 . The coupling  805  of the transport device  800  may accept one of the products  105  as it emerges from the vertical conveyor  670 . The transport device  800  may then carry the product  105  down the horizontal track  760 . If the powered transport device  800  is used, the horizontal track  760  need not be inclined. Operation of the transport device  800  may be controlled by the control system  610 . 
     The delivery system  660  also may have one or more directional switches  810 . The directional switches  810  may guide one of the products  105  from the horizontal track  760  to either a drop mechanism  820  or to a further horizontal track  830 . Operation of the switch  810  may be controlled by the control system  610 . The switch  810  may be mounted to the horizontal track  760 , the further horizontal track  830 , and a support structure  835 . The switch  810  may include a piston  840  or a similar device so as to push the horizontal track  760  either towards the drop mechanism  820  or towards the further horizontal track  830 . The piston  840  may push the horizontal track  760  about 1.5 to about 2.0 inches into position adjacent to the drop mechanism  820  or the further horizontal track  830 . 
     When the piston  840  is extended as is shown in FIG. 13, the horizontal track  760  aligns with the drop mechanism  820  and delivers one of the products  105  thereto. When the piston  840  is in the retracted position as is shown in FIG. 14, the horizontal track  760  aligns with the further horizontal track  830  such that the product  105  passes from the horizontal track  760  to the further horizontal track  830 . Operation of the piston  840  may be controlled by the control system  610 . 
     The further horizontal track  830  may lead to a further drop mechanism  825  or to another switch  810 . Any number of switches  810 , horizontal tracks  760 ,  830 , and drop mechanisms  820 ,  825  may be used in the remote vending system  600  as a whole. 
     FIGS. 15 and 16 show the drop mechanism  820 . The drop mechanism  820  may include an elongated tube  860 . The elongated tube  860  may be made from any substantially rigid material such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or similar types of materials. The elongated tube  860  has a first end  870  and a second end  880 . Positioned about the first end  870  may be a pulley  890 . The pulley  890  may have a pulley cap  900  and a pulley wheel  910 . A pulley cable  920  is positioned within the pulley wheel  910  for movement thereon. The pulley cable  920  may be made out of wire rope, stainless steel, or other types of conventional materials. Positioned within the elongated tube  860  is a counter-weight  930 . The counter-weight  930  may be made out of brass, bronze, or similar types of materials. The counterweight  930  preferably weighs about one pound. The counterweight  930  may have a piston  935  positioned thereon. The piston  935  may be mounted at the top of the counter-weight  930  so as to slow the ascent of the counter-weight  930  as it rises near the end of its travel. The pulley  890  may have an internal bore (not shown) therein in communication with the elongated tube  860 . As the piston  935  and the counter-weight  930  rise within the elongated tube  860 , the piston  935  enters the bore and may be slowed due to restricted airflow therein. The counter-weight  930  is attached to the pulley cable  920 . 
     Positioned about the elongated tube  860  may be a product holder  940 . The product holder  940  may include a roller assembly  950 . The roller assembly  950  may include a tube  960  with an upper roller cap  970  and a lower roller cap  980 . The roller caps  970 ,  980  may include one or more rollers  990  or bearings therein so as to reduce friction on the product holder  940  as it moves down the elongated tube  860 . The pulley cable  920  may be attached to the roller assembly  950  at or near the upper roller cap  970 . 
     The product holder  940  also may include a bottle holder  991 . The bottle holder  991  may have two fixed forks  992 . The fixed forks  992  may support the product  105 . Specifically, the fixed forks  992  may support the neck ring of the beverage bottle  110  therein. The fixed forks  992  may be configured so as to support any type of product  105 . The forks  992  may be made out of acetal, polycarbonate, or similar materials. Once the fixed forks  992  support the product  105 , the combined weight of the product holder  940  and the product  105  should be sufficient to overcome the weight of the counter-weight  930 . The product holder  940  and the product  105  thus descend down to the second end  880  of the elongated tube  860 . 
     The second end  880  of the elongated tube  860  preferably is fixedly attached to a table or another structure via a base  993 . The product holder  940  and the product  105  will remain at the second end  880  of the elongated tube  860 . Once the consumer removes the product  105  from the fixed forks  992 , the counter-weight  930  again raises the product holder  940  to the first end  870  of the elongated tube  860 . 
     FIGS. 17-19 show a further drop mechanism  825  positioned at the end of the further horizontal track  830 . The further drop mechanism may use an identical elongated tube  860  and pulley  890  with a second product holder  995 . Instead of the bottle holder  991  of the product holder  940 , the second product holder  995  may use a bottle fork assembly  1000 . The bottle fork assembly  1000  may include a first bottle fork  1010  and a second bottle fork  1020 . The bottle forks  1010 ,  1020  also may be configured to support any type of product  105 . The forks  1010 ,  1020  may be made out of acetal, polycarbonate, or similar materials. 
     The bottle forks  1010 ,  1020  may be positioned on a bottle fork base  1030 . The bottle forks  1010 ,  1020  are maneuverable about the bottle fork base  1030 . The bottle forks  1010 ,  1020  may be spring loaded by a spring  1040 . The bottle forks  1010 ,  1020  may be biased by the spring  1040  in the closed position. In other words, the bottle forks  1010 ,  1020  will resemble the fixed forks  992  described above when in the closed position. The bottle forks  1010 ,  1020  also may have one or more flanges  1050  on the rear thereof so as to form a first side flange assembly  1051  and a second side flange assembly  1052 . A pin  1055  may halt the movement of the bottle forks  1010 ,  1020  about the base  1030 . 
     Positioned on the second end  880  of the elongated tube  860  on the further drop mechanism  825  may be a base cone  1060 . The base cone  1060  may be made out of a substantially rigid material such as a thermoplastic or similar materials. The base cone  1060  may include a cutout  1070  for the delivery of one of the products  105  within the product holder  995 . As is shown in FIG. 19, a solenoid  1070  may be positioned within the base cone  1060 . The solenoid  1070  may be of conventional design and provides for reciprocating movement. Attached to the solenoid  1070  may be a plunger  1080 . The plunger  1080 , in turn, may be attached to a fork flipper assembly  1090 . The fork flipper assembly  1090  may include a shaft  1100  attached to the plunger  1080  and to an elongated flipper  1110 . The elongated flipper  1110  extends on the top of the base cone  1060 . The flipper  1110  is capable of rotation. The solenoid  1070  may be activated by a switch  1120  positioned on the base cone  1060  on the opposite side of the elongated tube  860  from the flipper  1110 . The flipper  1110  is sized to fit within the first side flange assembly  1050  of the bottle fork assembly  1000 . 
     When the second product holder  995  descends onto the base cone  1060 , the flipper  1110  is positioned within the first side flange assembly  1051  of the bottle fork assembly  1000 . Activation of the switch  1120  by the bottle fork base  1030  causes the solenoid  1070  to operate and the flipper  1110  to rotate. This rotation opens the first side flange assembly  1051  and hence the bottle forks  1010 ,  1020 . The bottle forks  1010 ,  1020  thus release the product  105 . Once the product  105  is released, the counterweight  930  again raises the second product holder  995  to the first end  870  of the elongated tube  860 . 
     As is shown in FIGS. 20-22, the further drop mechanism  825  may be mounted onto a product dispenser  1150 . The product dispenser  1150  may surround at least the base cone  1060  portion of the further drop mechanism  825 . The product dispenser  1150  may include a dispenser base  1160 . The dispenser base  1160  may be made out of any substantially rigid material, such as a thermoplastic, steel, or similar materials. 
     Positioned within the dispenser base  1160  may be a product platter  1170 . The product platter  1170  also may be made from a substantially rigid material, such as a thermoplastic, aluminum, or similar materials. The product platter  1170  may have a number of product basins  1180  formed therein. The product basins  1180  may be sized to support the products  105 . The product platter  1170  also may have a number of divider pins  1190  formed therein or attached thereto. The divider pins  1190  ensure that the products  105  positioned within the product basins  1180  remain separated and supported. 
     The product platter  1170  may be positioned within the product dispenser base  1160  via a spindle  1200 . The product platter  1170  may rotate about the spindle  1200 . The product platter  1170  also may have a number of platter rollers  1210  positioned thereon. The platter rollers  1210  may assist in the rotation of the product platter  1170 . The product platter  1170  may be motorized via a drive motor and gear assembly  1220 . The drive motor and gear assembly  1220  may include a conventional electric motor  1230  or a similar type of drive device. Rotation of the product platter  1170  and the operation of the drive motor and gear assembly  1220  may be controlled by a number of switches  1240  positioned within the dispenser base  1160 . The switches  1240  may be conventional position switches. The switches  1240  may determine whether a product  105  is in position in each product basin  1180 . Monitoring of the switches  1240  and operation of the drive motor and gear assembly  1220  may be controlled by the control system  610 . 
     Positioned on top of the product platter  1170  may be a drop mechanism base  1250 . The drop mechanism base  1250  may be fixedly attached to the platter  1170 . The base cone  1060  may be positioned on top of the base  1250 . The dispenser base  1160  also supports a product cone  1260 . The product cone  1260  is preferably made from a clear thermoplastic such that a consumer may view the products  105  positioned within the product basins  1180 . Mounted on top of the product cone  1260  may be a plate  1270 . The plate  1270  may be made out of sheet metal or any other substantially rigid material. The plate  1270  may have a number of apertures  1280  therein so as to allow removal and insertion of the products  105  into and out of the product platter  1170 . 
     Positioned on top of the plate  1270  may be a vending cone  1290 . The vending cone  1290  may be made out of a substantially rigid material, such as a thermoplastic, aluminum, or similar materials. The vending cone  1290  may have an aperture  1300  for the base cone  1060  of the drop mechanism  825  and a second aperture  1310  so as to provide access to the products  105  within the product dispenser  1150 . The second aperture  1310  may be enclosed with a vending door  1320 . The vending door  1320  also may be made out of a substantially rigid thermoplastic or similar materials. Operation of the vending door  1320  may be controlled by a vend door switch  1330 . The vend door switch  1330  may be operated by the insertion of coins or currency into a coin slot  1340 . The coin slot  1340  may be positioned on the vending cone  1290  or anywhere on the product dispenser  1150 . The vend door  1320  also may be operated by the control system  610 . The product dispenser  1150  may be positioned on a base  1350  of suitable height and dimensions. As is shown in FIG. 9, the base  1350  may include a rack  1360  for magazines, candy, or other types of consumer goods. 
     In use, the product platter  1170  of the product dispenser  1150  may rotate via the drive motor and gear assembly  1220 . A consumer can pay for the product  105  at the time or take the product  105  to a checkout line. The consumer may place coins or currency within the coin slot  1340  or the customer may simply open the vending door  1320  to remove one of the products  105  out of one of the product basins  1180 . The rotation of the product platter  1170  stops when the vend door switch  1330  is activated as the vending door  1320  opens. Once the product  105  has been removed from one of the product basins  1180 , the appropriate switch  1240  signals the control system  610  that the product  105  has been removed. Each product basin  1180  may contain a specific product  105  such that the control system  610  knows what type of product  105  has been removed. 
     The control system  610  then activates the vending machine  630 . A further product  105  is dispensed out of the rear chute  650  and onto the platform  700  of the vertical conveyor  670  of the delivery system  600 . The pulley motor  740  is activated so as to raise the platform  700  via the pulley system  710 . Once the platform  700  is raised to the top of the rail  690 , the platform  700  rotates the product  105  from a horizontal position to a vertical position where the product  105  is captured by the horizontal track  760 . 
     The product  105  then moves down the horizontal track  760  under the force of gravity or via the powered transport device  790 . The product  105  continues down the horizontal tract  760  to the switch  810 . The control system  610  determines whether the product  105  should exit onto the drop mechanism  820  or continue down the further horizontal track  830 . Alternatively, the horizontal tract  760  may lead directly to the drop mechanism  820 . 
     In this case, the switch  810  shifts the product  105  down the further horizontal tract  830  to the second drop mechanism  825  because the product  105  is intended to refill the empty product basin  1180  of the product dispenser  1150 . The product  105  continues into the second product holder  995  of the further drop mechanism  825 . The product  105  is secured between the bottle forks  1010 ,  1020  as the product holder  995  moves down the elongated tube  860  via the pulley system  890 . The product holder  995  continues down to the base cone  1060  where the bottle fork base  1030  of the bottle forks  1010 ,  1020  activates the switch  1120 . The switch  1120 , in turn, activates the solenoid  1070  so as to cause the flipper  1110  to open the first side flange assembly  1051  and the bottle forks  1010 ,  1020 . As the bottle forks  1010 ,  1020  open, the product  105  falls into the product basin  1180  of the product dispenser  1150 . While the product  105  is being delivered to the product dispenser  1150 , the drive motor gear assembly  1220  rotates the product platter  1170  into position adjacent to the aperture  1300  of the base cone  1060 . The product  105  then falls into the appropriate product basin  1180 . Once the product  105  has been delivered, the drive motor and gear assembly  1220  again rotate the product platter  1170 . 
     Alternatively, the product  105  may descend down the horizontal tract  760  to the switch  810 . The switch  810  may cause the product  105  to fall into the drop mechanism  820 . The product holder  940  of the drop mechanism  820  then descends down the elongated tube  860  where the consumer may remove the product  105  by hand. The product holder  105  then returns up the elongated tube  860  under the force of the counter-weight  930  once the product  105  has been removed. 
     The remote vendor  600  thus not only ensures that the product dispenser  1150  is always filled with the products  105 , but also ensures that the delivery of the products  105  will catch the consumer&#39;s eye and attract further purchases of the products  105 . It is important to note that although the remote vendor  600  has been described with respect to the use of the beverage bottle  110 , the product  105  may be any type of package, goods, foods, beverages, etc. Further, the vending machine  630  and the product dispenser  1150  may be heated or refrigerated as appropriate. 
     FIGS. 23-24 show a further embodiment of the present invention, a partner cooler  1400 . Operation of the partner cooler  1400  may be controlled by a control system  1405 . The control system  1405  may be similar to the control systems  340 ,  610 . The partner cooler  1400  may incorporate the storage and elevation system  200  of the mobile vendor  100  with the some or all of the exterior appearance of the product dispenser  1150  of the remote vendor  600 . Specifically, the partner cooler  1400  may include a support base  1410 . The support base  1410  may be sized according to the desired size of the partner cooler  1400  as a whole. The support base  1410  may be made out of any conventional material and can be made in any conventional shape. Mounted to the support base  1410  may be a storage and elevation system  1420 . The storage and elevation system  1420  may be substantially identical to the storage and elevation system  200  described above. As such, the storage and elevation system  1420  may include an elevator  1425  with a base  1426  and a pair of arms  1427  similar to those described above with the elevator  350 . 
     An outer shell  1430  may enclose the storage and elevation system  1420 . The outer shell  1430  may be similar to the outer shell  115  described above. The outer shell  1430  may be made out of any conventional materials such as steel, aluminum or similar metals; a thermoplastic such as polycarbonate or PETG; or similar materials. The outer shell  1430  is preferably insulated. Positioned on the outer shell  1430  may be one or more promotion racks  1440 . The promotion racks  1440  may hold magazines, books and newspapers, candy, or any type of consumer goods or other items. The promotion racks  1440  may be conventional shelving. The promotional racks  1440  made out of metal wire or any conventional type of materials may be used. Any conventional shape also may be used. The outer shell  1430  also may include advertising indicia thereon. 
     Positioned on top of the storage and elevation system  1420  may be a product dispenser  1450 . The product dispenser  1450  may have a similar exterior appearance to that of the product dispenser  1450  described above. As such, the product dispenser  1450  may include a dispenser base  1460  similar to the dispenser base  1160  described above. The dispenser base  1460  may be made out of any substantially rigid materials, such as a thermoplastic, steel, or similar materials 
     Positioned within the dispenser base  1460  may be a product platter  1470 . The product platter  1470  may be somewhat similar to the product platter  1170  described above. The product platter  1470  may have a number of apertures  1475  therein. The apertures  1475  may be sized to accommodate one of the products  105  and the elevator arms  1427  passing therethrough. A product support  1480  may be positioned within each of the apertures  1475 . The product supports  1480  may be rotatably attached to the product platter  1470 . The product supports  1480  are formed so as to support one of the products  105  and also to allow one of the products  105  to be elevated from the storage and elevation system  1420 . The product supports  1480  preferably do not fill each aperture  1475  completely. Rather, sufficient space remains for the elevator arms  1427  to pass therethrough. Springs, hinges, or other conventional types of joinder means may attach the product supports  1480  to the product platter  1470 . The product platter  1470  and product supports  1480  may be made from a substantially rigid material, such as a thermoplastic, steel, or similar materials. 
     The product platter  1470  also may have a number of platter rollers  1490  positioned thereon. The platter rollers  1490  may be similar to the platter rollers  1210  described above. The platter rollers  1490  may assist in the rotation of the product platter  1470  within the dispenser base  1460 . The product platter  1470  may be driven via a drive motor and gear assembly  1500  similar to the drive motor and gear assembly  1220  described above. The drive motor and gear assembly  1500  may include a conventional electric motor  1510  or a similar type of drive device. Rotation of the product platter  1470  and the operation of the drive motor and gear assembly  1500  may be controlled by a number of switches  1520  positioned within the dispenser base  1460 . The switches  1520  may be conventional position switches. The switches  1520  may indicate whether a product  105  is in position in each of the product supports  1480 . Monitoring of the switches  1520  and operation of the drive motor and gear assembly  1500  may be controlled by the control system  1405 . 
     The dispenser base  1460  also may support a product cone  1530 , similar to the product cone  1260  described above. The product cone  1530  is preferably made from a clear thermoplastic such that a consumer may view the products  105  positioned within the product supports  1480 . Positioned on top of the product cone  1530  may be a vending cone  1540  similar to the vending cone  1290  described above. The vending cone  1540  may be made out of a substantially rigid material, such as a thermoplastic, or similar materials. The vending cone  1540  may have an aperture  1550  positioned therein. The aperture  1550  may be sized to permit the removal of one of the products  105  therethrough. The aperture  1550  may be enclosed with a vending door  1560  similar to the vending door  1320  described above. The vending door  1560  also may be made out of a substantially rigid thermoplastic or similar materials. Operation of the vending door  1560  may be controlled by a vend door switch or a similar mechanism. The vending door  1560  may be operated by insertion of coins or currency into a coin slot  1580 . The coin slot  1580  may be positioned on the vending cone  1540  or anywhere on the product dispenser  1450 . Operation of the vending door  1560  also may be controlled by the control system  1405 . 
     In use, the drive motor and gear assembly  1500  may rotate the product platter  1470  of the product dispenser  1450 . If a consumer desires one of the products  105  from the partner cooler  1400 , the consumer can pay for the product  105  at the time or take the product  105  to a checkout line. The consumer may place coins or currency within the coin slot  1580  or the customer may simply open the vending door  1560  and remove one of the products  105  out of one of the product supports  1480 . The rotation of the product platter  1470  stops when the vending door  1560  is opened. 
     Once the product  105  has been removed from one of the product supports  1480 , the switch  1520  signals the control system  1405  that the product  105  has been removed. Each product support  1480  may be dedicated to a specific product  105  such that the control system  1405  knows what type of product  105  has been removed. Once the vending door  1560  has been closed, the control system  1405  activates the storage and elevation system  1420 . The product platter  1470  is also rotated such that the empty product support  1480  is aligned with the elevator  1425 . The elevator  1425  of the storage and elevation system  1420  picks up one of the products  105  in a manner largely identical to that described above with respect to the storage and elevation system  200 . As the product  105  is elevated, the top of the product  105  causes the empty product support  1480  to rotate upward. The elevator  1425  continues to elevate the product  105  above the product platter  1470  and into the vending cone  1540  until the product  105  has cleared the product support  1480 . Once the product  105  clears the product support  1480 , the product support  1480  swings backward and closes. The elevator  1425  then reverses direction and places the product  105  into the product support  1480 . The arms  1427  of the elevator  1425  pass through the apertures  1475  surrounding the product support  1480 . Once the product  105  has been delivered, the drive motor and gear assembly  1500  again rotates the product platter  1470 . 
     The present invention thus provides a new and novel means to deliver vended products to consumers wherever they may be located. Further, the present invention provides a means to reload the product storage area in a unique and eye-catching manner. The present invention also provides a means to combine a vending machine with merchandising space so as to partner a vended product with another type of product. 
     It should be understood that the foregoing relates only to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and that numerous changes may be made herein without departing from the general spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6