Patent Description:
The present application and the resultant patent relate generally to merchandisers such as coolers and other types of product dispensers and more particularly relate to a merchandiser with a manual intake mechanism for receiving an ambient product and the like and for identifying the product.

Generally described, a merchandiser such as an open front cooler may include a refrigerated open enclosure with a number of chilled products within the reach of a consumer. Because open front coolers offer such quick and easy access and proximity to the chilled products therein, such coolers often spur impulse purchases by consumers. As a result, open front coolers may provide an increase in sales volume as compared to a conventional glass door merchandiser and the like having the same size and/or in similar locations. An open front cooler also may provide an increase in sales volume as compared to similar products stored at ambient temperatures on conventional product shelves or elsewhere.

One drawback with conventional open front coolers, however, is that the cooler may consume several times more energy as compared to a glass door merchandiser of the same size due to the lack of a door or other type of insulated front space to keep the cold air from escaping. The increased sales revenue generally provided by the open front cooler thus may not cover or justify the resulting increase in energy costs.

There is thus a desire for an improved cooler, merchandiser, and the like that promotes impulse purchases with easy accessibility such as in an open front cooler but with the improved efficiency and the reduced energy costs of a glass door merchandiser and the like. The merchandiser thus may dispense a temperature controlled product upon receipt of an ambient product.

<CIT> discloses a merchandiser for vending a temperature controlled product in place of an ambient product inserted by a user into the merchandiser. An identification module approves or rejects the insertion of the ambient product.

Viewed from a first aspect, there is provided an intake mechanism for a product into a merchandiser, comprising: an input tray comprising an input port that is sized and configured to accommodate the product; a refrigerator flap; a reciprocating spring assembly comprising a gas spring, wherein the gas spring comprises a piston therein, the reciprocating spring assembly being configured to permit the input tray to maneuver; an identification module; and an input control system; wherein the input control system is configured to permit access to the merchandiser as the input tray is maneuvered via the reciprocating spring assembly upon receipt of a force by opening the refrigerator flap if the product is identified by the identification module; and wherein the input control system is configured to reject access to the merchandiser as the input tray is maneuvered via the reciprocating spring assembly upon receipt of a force if the product is not identified by the identification module by not opening the refrigerator flap, and wherein subsequently the reciprocating spring assembly is configured to displace the force.

Viewed from a second aspect, there is provided a method of intaking a product into a merchandiser using the intake mechanism described in the first aspect.

Viewed from a third aspect, there is provided a merchandiser for a number of products. The merchandiser includes a temperature controlled compartment and an intake mechanism as described in the first aspect, wherein the input control system is configured to permit or reject access to the temperature controlled compartment as the input tray is maneuvered via the reciprocating spring assembly upon receipt of the force by opening the refrigerator flap if the product is identified by the identification module or by not opening the refrigerator flap if the product is not identified by the identification module.

A number of optional features are set out in the dependent claims.

These and other features and improvements of the present application and the resultant patent will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the several drawings and the appended claims.

The present application concerns the offer for sale or other use of any type or number of products <NUM>. Although the products <NUM> are shown, by way of example only, in the form of bottles, it is understood that the products <NUM> may include any type or size of container including, but not limited to, bottles, cans, pouches, boxes, wrapped items, and/or any type of rigid or flexible packaging. The products <NUM> may include beverages, food items, non-food items, consumer products, and/or any type of product <NUM> that may be positioned on a shelf and/or that may be vended. Similarly, while one use herein is for a chilled product <NUM>, it will be understood that the products <NUM> herein may be at ambient, refrigerated, frozen, heated, or at any desired temperature or state. As will be described in more detail below, the products <NUM> herein may take the form of ambient products <NUM> and temperature controlled products <NUM>. The ambient products <NUM> and the temperature controlled products <NUM> may or may not be the same products <NUM>. Other product variations may be used herein. The scope of this application and the claims herein are in no way limited by the nature of the products <NUM> intended to be used herein.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show a merchandiser as may be described herein. The merchandiser <NUM> may include one or more open or ambient compartments <NUM>. Each ambient compartment <NUM> may include a number of open or ambient compartment shelves <NUM>. Any number of the ambient compartment shelves <NUM> may be used. The ambient compartment <NUM> and the ambient compartment shelves <NUM> may have any suitable size, shape, or configuration. Any number of the products <NUM> may be placed on the ambient compartment shelves <NUM>. The ambient compartment shelves <NUM> may be flat or may be any type of structure that supports the products <NUM> such as angled shelves, gravity fed shelves, neck tracker tubes, product chutes, and the like. Likewise, vertical columns and conventional vending columns may be used. At least the front of the ambient compartment <NUM> may be open to allow for substantially unimpeded access to the products <NUM> on the ambient compartment shelves <NUM>. The ambient compartment <NUM> and the products <NUM> therein may be maintained at an ambient temperature. Part or all of the ambient compartment <NUM>, however, may be heated, cooled, or otherwise temperature controlled on an intermittent or a temporary basis. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

The merchandiser <NUM> also may include a temperature controlled compartment <NUM>. The temperature controlled compartment <NUM> may be substantially enclosed and/or insulated. Although the temperature controlled compartment <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a standalone unit with respect to the ambient compartment <NUM>, the compartments <NUM>, <NUM> may be integral or otherwise arranged. The temperature controlled compartment <NUM> may be at any desired temperature from freezing, chilled, ambient, warm, or hot. The temperature controlled compartment <NUM> may be in communication with a convention heating/cooling module <NUM> and the like. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

The merchandiser <NUM> may include an internal dispensing mechanism <NUM> positioned within the temperature controlled compartment <NUM>. The internal dispensing mechanism <NUM> may receive an ambient product <NUM> and the like and dispense a temperature controlled product <NUM> and the like. The internal dispensing mechanism <NUM> may take many different configurations. Examples of different types of internal dispensing mechanisms may be shown in commonly owned <CIT>, entitled "Merchandiser"; <CIT>, entitled "Merchandiser"; <CIT>, entitled "Merchandiser"; <CIT>, entitled "Merchandiser"; <CIT>, entitled "Merchandiser with Product Dispensing Chute Mechanism"; and PCT Application No. <CIT>. Each of these patents, publications, and applications are incorporated herein by reference in full.

The temperature controlled compartment <NUM> of the merchandiser <NUM> also may include an intake mechanism <NUM> and a dispensing port <NUM>. The intake mechanism <NUM> and the dispensing port <NUM> may be in communication with the internal dispensing mechanism <NUM> to receiver an ambient product <NUM> and dispense a temperature controlled product <NUM>. Any number of the intake mechanisms <NUM> and the dispensing ports <NUM> may be used herein. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show an example of the intake mechanism <NUM>. The intake mechanism <NUM> may be positioned on top of or otherwise adjacent to the temperature controlled compartment <NUM> or elsewhere. Generally described, the input mechanism may include an input tray <NUM> moveably mounted about a base <NUM>. The input tray <NUM> may maneuver about the base <NUM> via a reciprocating spring assembly <NUM>. Alternatively, the input tray <NUM> may be secured directly to the temperature controlled compartment <NUM> or elsewhere. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

The input tray <NUM> of the intake mechanism <NUM> may include an input port <NUM>. The input port <NUM> may be sized and configured so as to accommodate the intended product <NUM> to be used therein. The input port <NUM> may have any suitable size, shape, or configuration. The input port <NUM> may be surrounded by one or more lights <NUM>. In this example, one or more lighting emitting diodes may be used. The lights <NUM> may use any type of colors and/or brightness in any suitable size, shape, or configuration. The input port <NUM> may be positioned within an outer frame <NUM>. The outer frame <NUM> may have any suitable size, shape, or configuration. The input tray <NUM> may include a push handle <NUM> or other type of structure thereon. The push handle <NUM> may be a separate structure extending from the input tray <NUM> or the push handle <NUM> may be integral therewith. The push handle <NUM> may have any suitable size, shape, or configuration. An instruction <NUM> such as "PUSH" may be positioned thereon. Any other type of instruction, indicia, or design may be used herein. The input tray <NUM> may be positioned at a slight angle to ensure that the tray <NUM> may fall by gravity to a starting position. The angle may range from about one (<NUM>) to about twenty-five (<NUM>) degrees. Other angles may be used herein. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

<FIG> shows the intake mechanism <NUM> with the outer frame <NUM> removed. As is shown, the intake mechanism <NUM> may include an identification module <NUM> positioned adjacent to the input port <NUM>. The identification module <NUM> may include an optical recognition device, a barcode scanner, a RFID tag reader, photoelectric cells, and/or any type of device that may read indicia on the product <NUM>, identify the shape of the product <NUM>, or otherwise identify or receive the identity of the product <NUM>. For example, a camera may read the label or other indicia on the product <NUM> for identification. Alternatively, a liquid level in a bottle, the color of the fluid within the bottle, cap color, or other types of indicia may be used.

The base <NUM> of the intake mechanism <NUM> may include a refrigerator flap <NUM> positioned thereon. The refrigerator flap <NUM> may enclosed a refrigerator port <NUM>. The refrigerator flap <NUM> may provide entry into the internal dispensing mechanism <NUM> of the temperature controlled compartment <NUM> via the refrigerator port <NUM>. The refrigerator flap <NUM> may be an open and shut type door that may swing, slide, or otherwise open and close. The refrigerator flap <NUM> may have one or more bosses <NUM> extending from one or more sides thereof. The refrigerator flap <NUM> and the bosses <NUM> may have any suitable size, shape, or configuration. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show portions of the reciprocating spring assembly <NUM>. The reciprocating spring assembly <NUM> may include a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM>. For clarity, only the first side <NUM> is completely shown with the second side <NUM> being substantially identical. Both sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the reciprocating spring assembly <NUM> may have a pair of frame members, a first frame member <NUM> and a second frame member <NUM>. The frame members <NUM>, <NUM> may have any number of frame member slots <NUM> positioned therein. The slots <NUM> may have a downward dip <NUM> at a back end thereof. The frame members <NUM>, <NUM> may be secured to the base <NUM>, to the temperature controlled compartment <NUM>, or elsewhere.

A gas spring <NUM> may be positioned within the frame members <NUM>, <NUM>. The gas spring <NUM> may include a piston <NUM> attached to the outer frame <NUM> or the push handle <NUM> of the input tray <NUM> for movement therewith. The gas spring <NUM> may provide for smooth and steady in and out motion. The gas spring <NUM> may be of conventional design. Any type of reciprocating motion device may be used herein. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

The reciprocating spring assembly <NUM> also may include a number of input rods, a first input rod <NUM> and a second input rod <NUM>. The input rods <NUM>, <NUM> may extend between the frame members <NUM>, <NUM>. One or both of the input rods <NUM>, <NUM> may swivel therein. The input rods <NUM>, <NUM> may be sized to accept and carry a product <NUM> therein. One or more of the input rods <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected to one or more input rod linkages <NUM>. The input rod linkages <NUM> may have any suitable size, shape, or configuration. The input rod linkages <NUM> may be mounted on the frame members <NUM>, <NUM> for movement thereon. Specifically, the input rod linkages <NUM> may ride within the slots <NUM> of the frame members <NUM>, <NUM> via one or more rollers <NUM>. The input rod linkages <NUM> in turn may pivot in any direction about one or more pivot points. As the input rod linkages <NUM> are force along the downward dip <NUM> in the slots <NUM> via the gas spring <NUM>, at least the input rod <NUM> is swiveled backward so as to separate the input rods <NUM>, <NUM>.

The input rod linkages <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to an input control device <NUM>. The input control device <NUM> may include a magnet <NUM> and a pawl <NUM> or other type of linkage. When the magnet <NUM> of the input control device <NUM> is on or activated, the pawl <NUM> remains engaged and may come in contact with the boss <NUM> of the refrigerator flap <NUM> for movement therewith. If the magnet <NUM> is not on or activated, the pawl <NUM> may be pivotable such that the boss <NUM> of the refrigerator flap <NUM> may pass thereby without engagement. Alternatively, the input control device <NUM> may deactivate the magnet <NUM> upon recognizing an authorize product <NUM> so as to maintain the pawl <NUM> in an engaged position and activated the magnet <NUM> to position the pawl <NUM> in a non-engaged position if the product <NUM> is not identified. Other types of control schemes may be used herein. Other components and other configurations also may be used herein.

Other types of rods and linkages may be used herein. For example, a trigger flap <NUM> and rod <NUM> may extend between the frame members <NUM>, <NUM>. The trigger flap <NUM> may be positioned about the refrigerator flap <NUM>. The trigger flap <NUM> may determine when the product <NUM> has fallen through the refrigerator port <NUM>. This determination may trigger the internal dispensing mechanism <NUM>. A number of position sensors <NUM> also may be positioned the input tray <NUM> so as to determine the position of the input tray <NUM> and/or the refrigerator flap <NUM>. The position sensors <NUM> may be conventional contact or non-contact sensors. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

Alternatively, a motorized version also may be used herein in whole or in part. Specifically, the gas spring <NUM> may be replaced with an electro-mechanical device to actively pull and push the various input rods and linkages. For example, a stepper motor and screw, a linear actuator, and the like may be used. The intake mechanism <NUM> thus may be trigger by a push as in a conventional compact disc player. Other triggers may include push bottom and the like.

<FIG> show examples of the use of the intake mechanism <NUM>. In <FIG>, the intake mechanism <NUM> is in a "ready" mode. The gas spring <NUM> of the reciprocating spring assembly <NUM> is in its fully extended position. The refrigerator flap <NUM> is closed. The input rods <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned underneath the input port <NUM> and ready to receive the product <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the intake mechanism <NUM> in a "mid-acceptance" mode. In this mode, the product <NUM> has been positioned within the input port <NUM> on the input rods <NUM>, <NUM>. The identification module <NUM> identifies the product <NUM> as an authorized product <NUM>. Once so identified, the magnet <NUM> of the input control device <NUM> thus forces the pawl <NUM> into a locking position. The user then pushes the input tray <NUM> by the push handle <NUM> or otherwise. The reciprocating spring assembly <NUM> carries the product <NUM> within the input rods <NUM>, <NUM> via the input rod linkages <NUM>. The input rod linkages <NUM> also carry the input control device <NUM>, the identification module <NUM>, and the like. The pawl <NUM> then engages the boss <NUM> and begins to slid open the refrigerator flap <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the intake mechanism <NUM> in a "release" mode. As the user compresses the reciprocating spring assembly <NUM>, the pawl <NUM> of the input control device <NUM> continues to slide the refrigerator flap <NUM> to the open position. Likewise, the input rod linkages <NUM> pull one or both of the input rods <NUM>, <NUM> apart such that the product <NUM> may fall through the open refrigerator flap <NUM> into the internal dispensing mechanism <NUM> of the temperature controlled compartment <NUM> via the refrigerator port <NUM>. Once the consumer releases the push handle <NUM>, the reciprocating spring assembly <NUM> again may force the input tray <NUM> back into the "ready" mode to accept the next product <NUM>. The position sensors <NUM> may determine when the intake mechanism <NUM> is in the release mode and/or the ready mode.

<FIG> shows the intake mechanism <NUM> in a "mid-reject" mode. In this mode, the identification module <NUM> does not recognize the product <NUM> as an authorized product. As such, the input control device <NUM> turns off the magnet <NUM> such that the pawl <NUM> is disengaged. The reciprocating spring assembly <NUM> acts in a similar manner to that described above, but the pawl <NUM> does not engage the boss <NUM> of the refrigerator flap <NUM>. As is shown in <FIG> in a "reject" mode, the product <NUM> remains on top of the refrigerator flap <NUM> as the reciprocating spring assembly <NUM> contracts and then again expands so as to return the product <NUM> to the input port <NUM> via the input rods <NUM>, <NUM>. The input rods <NUM>, <NUM> still may swivel as described above, but the product remains on the closed refrigerator flap <NUM>. Upon returning to the "ready" mode, the input rods <NUM>, <NUM> will be re-positioned under the product <NUM>. A user may then replace the rejected product <NUM> with a valid product <NUM>.

The lights <NUM> of the intake mechanism <NUM> may be used to signal the different types of input modes. For example, the "ready" mode may be signaled by oscillation of the light output between about <NUM> to about <NUM> percent of output capacity over a given timeframe. An "identifying" mode may be signaled by a rapid oscillation of the light output. An "identified/verified" mode may be signaled by a full, constant light output. An "unidentified/reject" mode may be signal by turning the lights off. Many other modes and many other signal types may be used herein.

Claim 1:
An intake mechanism (<NUM>) for a product (<NUM>) into a merchandiser (<NUM>), comprising:
an input tray (<NUM>) comprising an input port (<NUM>) that is sized and configured to accommodate the product (<NUM>);
a refrigerator flap (<NUM>);
a reciprocating spring assembly (<NUM>) comprising a gas spring (<NUM>), wherein the gas spring (<NUM>) comprises a piston (<NUM>) therein, the reciprocating spring assembly being configured to permit the input tray to maneuver;
an identification module (<NUM>); and
an input control system (<NUM>);
wherein the input control system (<NUM>) is configured to permit access to the merchandiser (<NUM>) as the input tray (<NUM>) is maneuvered via the reciprocating spring assembly (<NUM>) upon receipt of a force by opening the refrigerator flap (<NUM>) if the product (<NUM>) is identified by the identification module (<NUM>); and
wherein the input control system is (<NUM>) configured to reject access to the merchandiser (<NUM>) as the input tray (<NUM>) is maneuvered via the reciprocating spring assembly (<NUM>) upon receipt of a force if the product (<NUM>) is not identified by the identification module (<NUM>) by not opening the refrigerator flap (<NUM>), and wherein subsequently the reciprocating spring assembly (<NUM>) is configured to displace the force.