Abstract:
A connection apparatus for a vending machine of a type having a helically shaped member which is connected to a drive shaft in a novel manner. A one piece molded plastic member has a hub section for connection to the drive shaft and a plurality of radially extending arms for connection to a convolution of the helically shaped member.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to vending machines and more particularly to vending machines of a type including helical members for moving and dispensing articles or packages. 
     There have been many different structures used to connect such helix to a drive shaft for facilitating selective rotation of such helix. Examples of structures are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,861,561; 3,883,039; 3,929,255; 3,986,637; and 3,989,163. 
     Most of such prior art connections have been solid connections made by rivets or the like, to a plate which is then connected to a drive shaft, especially in the helix structures which are formed of flat wire rather than wire of a round cross section. One problem with such prior art structures is that they cannot be adjusted easily, for example to change the rotary position of the helix with respect to the drive shaft. 
     Another problem with prior art structures is the excessive time and expense of construction and the excessive time needed for disassembly and re-assembly when necessary. 
     Consequently there is a need for an improved connection structure between the helix and drive shaft of vending machines. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A connection apparatus for a vending machine of a type utilizing helically shaped members for selectivity delivering items to be vended to the discharge chute of such vending machine by rotation of such helically shaped members. A hub section is utilized for facilitating the attachment to a drive shaft and a plurality of arm members radially extending from the hub section form a connection to a convolution of a helically shaped member. 
     An object of the invention is to provide a new and improved connection apparatus for connecting a helix of a vending machine to a drive shaft for turning it. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a connecting mechanism of the type described which is economical to make, easy to install and dependable in its performance. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a connecting mechanism which allows relative adjustment between the helix and the drive shaft. 
     Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows a top plan view of a vending machine utilizing the connection device of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the present invention installed on the helix of a vending machine; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged perspective view of the invention installed in a modified fashion on the helix of a vending machine; 
     FIG. 5 is a front view of the connection device of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a side view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a back view of the present invention showing the side opposite FIG. 5; and 
     FIG. 8 is a view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 7. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a vending machine 10 looking down on a number of helix members 11 which are driven by electric motor assemblies 12 through drive train assemblies 13 for rotating a shaft 14 and thereby ultimately rotating the helix 11. A connection device 15 is provided for interconnecting the helix 11 to the shaft 14. Packages 16 are inserted within the convolutions of the helix 11 and on each side of a divider 17, if desired. Actuation of the electric motor 12 to turn the helix by one-half of a revolution thereby allows the forwardmost package 16 to drop into a discharge chute 18 and thereby be delivered to the customer. 
     Referring now more specifically to the connection device 15 which is the subject of this invention, it is noted that the connection member 15 is preferably molded in one piece from a plastic material such as Deldrin. There is a central hub section 20 for reception of a drive shaft 21 as will be discussed below. The hub section 20 has a central opening 22 disposed therein and a plurality of slots 23 on one side thereof and slots 24 on the opposite side thereof. First and second arm members 26 and 27 extend radially from the hub section 20 in opposite directions. Braces 28 and 29 are connected to the hub 20 and to the arm members 26 and 27 respectively for the purpose of adding strength to this connection. A pair of projections 30 and 31 are connected to the first and second arm members 26 and 27 respectively for reasons which will be explained below. Additionally, third and fourth arm members 32 and 33 extend radially from the hub section 20. 
     In order to install the connection member 15 onto a helix 11, the helix 11 must first have a pair of openings 34 and 35 disposed therein. The connection member 15 is placed in the position shown in FIG. 2 and 3 by inserting the projections 30 and 31 into the openings 34 and 35 and by bending the resilient arm members 32 and 33 somewhat so that they are disposed on the other side of the convolution from the first and second arm members 26 and 27. The resiliency of the arms 32 and 33 pushing against one side of the convolution of the helix 11 and the other arms 26 and 27 on the other side of the convolution of helix 11 serve to hold the connection member 15 secured within the convolution. The projections 30 and 31 which project through openings 34 and 35 function to prevent the connection member 15 from rotating with respect to the helix 11. It is to be understood however that other means for accomplishing this function are equivalent thereto. Once the connection member 15 has been installed onto the helix 11 as is shown in FIG. 3, then the helix and connection member 15 are placed onto the drive shaft 14 by placing the hub 20 over the drive shaft 14 such that the drive shaft 14 extends through the opening 22 in the connection member 15. Once this has been done, then a pin 36 is placed through an opening 37 through the shaft 21 and through one of the slots 24 in the hub 20. This completes the connection. 
     If it is desired that the helix be oriented 90 degrees with respect to the position of orientation shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, then the connection member 15 is removed from the helix and inserted in a reverse fashion to the position shown in FIG. 4. In this position the arm members 26 and 27 are on one side of the end convolution of the helix 11 and the projections 30 and 31 extend through the openings 34 and 35 but in the opposite direction as in the FIG. 3 installation. The arm members 32 and 33 are on the opposite side of the convolution from arm members 26 and 27 and, as in the instance of the FIG. 3 installation, the arm members 32 and 33 push in opposite directions against the arm members 26 and 27 to hold the connection member 15 securely in place. Once this has been done, then the hub 20 is placed on the shaft 14 and the pin 36 is inserted into the opening 37 in the shaft 21 in the desired orientation. 
     Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.