Patent Description:
Vending machines include many complex mechanisms. Today, many vending machines include electronic systems to select, pay, and dispense a product. Also, many vending machines include complex electro-mechanical systems for delivery of the product from a storage location to a customer accessible product retrieval location. These delivery systems in some of the vending machines may not provide a smooth transition of the product from a column to an access port. In particular, the transition of the product from a column to a cup may be rough.

<CIT> discloses a product discharge and delivery system for a vending machine including a product delivery cup including a carriage portion and a shroud portion having an open bottom section and a discharge element. After receiving a selected product, the product delivery cup is shifted toward a dispensing chamber causing the discharge element to engage with a discharge member mounted within the vending machine. Engagement of the discharge element and discharge member causes the shroud portion to pivot relative to the carrier portion exposing the open bottom section allowing a selected product to release into a dispensing chamber.

<CIT> discloses a vending machine product that is moved by the use of an "X-Y mechanism" having two stationary electronically controlled drive motors. These motors drive (directly or indirectly) tension elements (belt, chain, cable, etc.) that position horizontally and vertically sliding components. A separation and selection system uses a rotator to release a product from a tray and a gate to separate the products into two columns on the tray. The delivery mechanism uses a cup for transport. A lower surface of the cup engages a sliding door to a balanced delivery port for delivery of product from the cup to the port. Delivery is made from the cup to the port simultaneously with the opening of the door.

<CIT> discloses a commodity carrying out device that can reliably carry out even a commodity with a vertically long shape to a predetermined commodity carrying out position without producing a carrying-out failure. That is, when a bucket unit that receives a commodity is moved in a width direction towards a predetermined commodity carrying out position, the commodity is retained in an inclined state. It is thus possible to retain the commodity in a stable posture in the bucket unit that moves towards the predetermined commodity carrying out position, and even when carrying out a commodity that has a vertically long shape, the commodity can be reliably carried out to the commodity outlet portion without producing a carrying-out failure.

The present invention refers to a vending machine das defined in claim <NUM> and a method of dispensing a product from a tray to an access port as defined in claim <NUM>. The dependent claims respectively define preferred embodiments of the vending machine and the method.

In another aspect which is not part of the invention, a method of delivering a product in a vending machine from a column in a tray to a product catch is provided. The method includes providing a product catch coupled to a stage, initiating release of a product from the column, accepting by the product catch the product from the column, and pushing by a pusher assembly a next product in the column towards a release mechanism of the column, wherein the pusher assembly comprises a spring and a damper, and wherein the damper counteracts a force of the spring and decreases a velocity of the pusher assembly when the pusher assembly pushes the next product towards the release mechanism of the column.

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:.

<FIG>, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged device or system.

<FIG> illustrates a simplified perspective view of a vending machine <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Vending machines come in a wide variety of configurations.

Vending machine <NUM> includes a cabinet <NUM> and a service door <NUM> that, together, define an enclosure. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the service door <NUM> is pivotally mounted to the front of the cabinet <NUM> and extends all the way across the front face of the vending machine <NUM>. In alternate embodiments, the service door may extend only part way across the front of the vending machine, or may be formed in two portions (of equal or unequal sizes) that swing open in opposite directions.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the service door <NUM> includes a customer user interface <NUM>, illustrated as a touch screen liquid crystal display (LCD) display. A payment system <NUM> is mounted within the service door <NUM> and includes one or more of a bill validator, a coin acceptor and/or a credit or debit card reader. The payment system <NUM> receives currency, coins or other forms of payment from the customer and returns change as necessary. <FIG> also depicts an access port <NUM> to a delivery receptacle mounted within the service door <NUM> or in the cabinet <NUM>. The access port <NUM> may have a delivery door or other mechanical system (e.g., rotatable delivery receptacle open on one side) for controlling or restricting access by the customer into the delivery receptacle, the interior of the vending machine, or both. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in some vending machines, particularly helical coil snack vending machines, the access port <NUM> may be located near the bottom of the vending machine and extend across most of the width of the machine, below a large glass window allowing the contents within the cabinet to be viewed or a large liquid crystal display selectively presenting images of products available for vending or advertisements. Other vending machines, in particular beverage vending machines, have X-Y product retrieval and delivery mechanisms and a glass front or large liquid crystal display, but may include an access port <NUM> to the side as shown in <FIG>, at a height convenient to the customer for product retrieval.

<FIG> illustrates a simplified perspective view illustrating a vending machine <NUM> implementing a plurality of release mechanisms 202a. 202n each for a plurality of gates 204a. 204n according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Vending machines come in a wide variety of configurations. The components of the vending machine <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The vending machine cabinet <NUM> houses a plurality of product trays 206a. 206n, each including a plurality of product columns 208a, 208b. For every product column 208a, there is at least one gate 204a. The plurality of gates 204a. 204n may be, but not limited to, double gates (as shown in <FIG> with one gate on each side of the product <NUM>), cylindrical barriers, bars, rotational containers, and other types of barriers. The gates may be connected to a sidewall, such as sidewall <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, for each gate 204a, there may be a release mechanism 202a. The release mechanism 202a can be manual or automatic. For example, release mechanism 202a can be motor with a gearbox, a knob, a lever, a solenoid, or some other suitable device. During a purchase of a product <NUM>, the release mechanism 202a may interact with gate 204a that is restraining the product <NUM> located in column 208a. The release mechanism may interact with one or more gates that restrain products in a column. The interaction may allow the product <NUM> to move past gate 204a. The release mechanism 202a can be activated by a cup <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, for each tray 206a, there is a release mechanism 202a. At each column, release mechanism 202a can release a product by interacting with a gate. As shown in this example embodiment, cup <NUM> is coupled to a movable stage <NUM> and is configured to move to a product via the movable stage <NUM> for vending of the product. In response to a user selection and a vend command, the movable stage <NUM> moves horizontally to align with a product column 208a, 208b. 208n, and cup <NUM> moves vertically along the movable stage <NUM> to a product to collect the product by activating the release mechanism 202a and capturing the product once released from the column. The cup <NUM> then moves to and dispenses the product into access port <NUM> for customer retrieval.

<FIG> illustrate a tilting cup <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Tilting cups can come in a wide variety of configurations. The tilting cup <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a tilting cup <NUM> in a product retrieval position according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates the tilting cup <NUM> in an initial position according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some vending machine systems, when receiving a product, such as a canned drink, from a column or a product tray into a non-tilting cup or dispenser having a horizontal cup base, the product may tilt or bridge. Bridging occurs when the top of a product tilts during the vending process and is unable to move from the tray into the dispenser. The top of the product is in the dispenser and the bottom of the product remains in the tray, "bridging" the gap between the two. Tilting and bridging lead to failed product exchanges from the tray to the dispenser. Tilting and bridging in a non-tilted cup can happen due to the product transitioning from an angled product tray into a horizontal cup base. A tilted cup, such as tilting cup <NUM>, allows the product to follow the path of motion of a falling product (e.g., can or bottle), eliminating the tilting and bridging.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the tilting cup <NUM> has a shelf or "L" bracket that can be referred to as a base <NUM> of the tilting cup <NUM>. The tilting cup <NUM> can tilt out from an initial position <NUM> to a tilted position <NUM> to accept a product <NUM> from a plurality of products <NUM> included on a product tray <NUM>. The initial position <NUM> can be, for example, a vertical position (as shown in <FIG>). The tilting cup <NUM> can be more stable and follow a path of motion of the falling product <NUM>. To move the base <NUM> of the tilting cup <NUM> into the tilted position <NUM>, the base <NUM> can move out towards the product tray <NUM> into the tilted position <NUM>. The tilted position <NUM> can also be referred to as a receiving position.

The angle of the base <NUM> in the tilted position <NUM> can be similar to that of the angle of the column, or the portion of the column located nearest to the base. This angle of the tilting cup <NUM> when in the tilted position <NUM> can cause the base <NUM> of the tilting cup to be in line with the product tray <NUM> such that the product <NUM> can slide straight into the tilting cup <NUM> without any tilting or bridging of the product <NUM>. The tilting cup <NUM> then returns to the initial position <NUM> for delivery. The tilting cup <NUM> travels to near an access port, such as access port <NUM>, to deposit the product <NUM> into the access port to allow a user to retrieve the product <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a tilting cup <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Tilting cups can come in a wide variety of configurations.

The tilting cup <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a tilting cup <NUM> in a position to receive a product from a product tray according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a tilting cup <NUM> in receipt of a product from a product tray according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The tilting cup <NUM> has a shelf or "L" bracket that can be referred to as a base <NUM> of the tilting cup <NUM>. The tilting cup <NUM> can tilt out from an initial position (not shown) to a tilted position <NUM> to accept a product <NUM> from a plurality of products <NUM> included on a product tray <NUM>. The initial position can be, for example, a vertical position (such as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). To move the base <NUM> of the tilting cup <NUM> into the tilted position <NUM>, the base <NUM> can move out towards the product tray <NUM> into the tilted position <NUM>. The tilted position <NUM> can also be referred to as a receiving position according to the present disclosure.

The angle of the base <NUM> in the tilted position <NUM> in some embodiments can be lower than that of the angle of the column and product tray <NUM>, or the portion of the column located nearest to the base. For example, the angle of the base <NUM> can be near <NUM> degrees from the product tray <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. This angle of the tilting cup <NUM> when in the tilted position <NUM> causes the product <NUM> to fall into the tilting cup without any tilting of the top of the product <NUM> against the tilting cup <NUM> or any bridging of the product <NUM>. The tilting cup <NUM> then can return to the initial position for delivery of the product. In some embodiments, the tilting cup <NUM> travels to near an access port, such as access port <NUM>, to deposit the product <NUM> into the access port to allow a user to retrieve the product <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a tilting cup apparatus <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Tilting cup apparatuses can come in a wide variety of configurations. The tilting cup apparatus <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in an initial position, <FIG> illustrates a rear perspective view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in the initial position, <FIG> illustrates a rear perspective view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in the initial position with a bottom cover removed exposing a motor; and <FIG> illustrates a cross sectional view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in the initial position. <FIG> illustrates a side view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in a mid-way position and <FIG> illustrates a cross sectional view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in the mid-way position. <FIG> illustrates a side view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in a retrieval position, <FIG> illustrates a rear perspective view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in the retrieval position, and <FIG> illustrates a cross sectional view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in the retrieval position. <FIG> illustrates a rear perspective view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in a product ejection position.

The tilting cup apparatus <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> on which a plate <NUM> is rotatably coupled at a pivot point <NUM>. A product catch <NUM> resides next to the plate <NUM> with a bottom of the product catch <NUM> disposed on top of a platform <NUM>. The frame <NUM> is coupled to a movable stage, such as movable stage <NUM>. The product catch <NUM> is directly or indirectly coupled to the movable stage. The connection to the plate <NUM> can constrain the motion of the platform <NUM>. This allows the product catch <NUM> to travel with the plate <NUM> and the platform <NUM>. The product catch <NUM> can be rectangular in shape with three sides closed and one open side for receiving a product from a tray in a vending machine. The product catch <NUM> can be transparent in some embodiments to allow a user of the vending machine to see the drink being delivered through the product catch <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the product catch <NUM> could be opaque.

The plate <NUM> includes a hinge <NUM> near a top of the plate <NUM>. Tabs <NUM> of the product catch <NUM> are installed on the hinge <NUM>. A ledge <NUM> at the top of the product catch <NUM> opposite the hinge <NUM> can come into contact with a wall or other component within the vending machine as the tilting cup apparatus travels down towards an access port, such as access port <NUM>. When the ledge <NUM> comes into contact with a wall or other component in the vending machine the tabs <NUM> of the product catch <NUM> rotate around the hinge <NUM>, rotating the product catch <NUM> out and away from the platform <NUM> to a product ejection position <NUM>. The product ejection position <NUM> causes a product to be swept off the platform <NUM>, where a bottom of the product is resting, by the product catch <NUM> and into an access port, such as access port <NUM>, for retrieval by a user of the vending machine. In other embodiments, the product catch <NUM> extends out from the frame <NUM> without rotating, in order to deliver the product to the access port. For example, the product catch <NUM> can have an extendable arm coupled between the product catch <NUM> and the frame <NUM>, or another component of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM>. The extendable arm may, by operation of the motor or another mechanism, extend horizontally from the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> such that the product catch <NUM> slides sideways, without rotating, off the platform <NUM> and out over the access port, causing the product to be swept off the platform <NUM> and into the access port.

The tilting cup apparatus <NUM> further includes a rotation motor <NUM> that can be enclosed within a housing <NUM> in a bottom portion of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> that is below the platform <NUM>. The rotation motor <NUM> rotates a gear <NUM> that meshes with teeth <NUM> of a hinged plate <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>. The hinged plate <NUM> includes a pivot point <NUM> near a front of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM>. The pivot point <NUM> can be a hole in the hinged plate <NUM> through which a bolt or other fixation device can be installed. The hinged plate <NUM> also includes a curved slot <NUM> near a top of the hinged plate <NUM> through which another fixation device <NUM> is installed. The fixation device <NUM> is also installed through a frame slot <NUM> of the frame <NUM> of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM>. The fixation device <NUM> is connected between the hinged plate <NUM> and the plate <NUM> on the other side of the frame <NUM>, with the fixation device <NUM> traveling through the curved slot <NUM> of the hinged plate <NUM> and through the frame slot <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fixation device <NUM> can be connected to the platform <NUM>.

As the rotation motor <NUM> rotates the gear <NUM> meshed with the teeth <NUM>, the hinged plate <NUM> rotates around the pivot point <NUM>, while the fixation device <NUM> moves within both the curved slot <NUM> and the frame slot <NUM>, pushing the plate <NUM> forward and causing the plate <NUM> to rotate around the pivot point <NUM>. In other embodiments not according to the claims, the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> may slide forward instead of rotating. For example, in such embodiments not according to the claims, the motor may instead push the platform <NUM> or the plate <NUM> forward at or near pivot point <NUM> or at or near the frame slot <NUM>. For instance, the frame slot <NUM> may be a horizontal slot rather than a curved slot, with the fixation device <NUM> sliding forward through the horizontal slot such that the cup moves forward rather than rotating. <FIG> illustrates the plate <NUM> in an initial position <NUM>. The initial position <NUM> allows for a product to rest on the platform <NUM> and travel with the tilting cup apparatus <NUM>, and the initial position <NUM> also allows the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> to travel through a vending machine without coming into contact with other components in the vending machine. The plate <NUM> rotates from the initial position <NUM> to a retrieval position <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, passing a mid-way position <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, to move to the retrieval position <NUM>, the hinged plate <NUM> rotates forward, with the teeth <NUM> traveling across the gear <NUM> until reaching an end of the teeth <NUM>. At the retrieval position <NUM>, the platform <NUM> can contact a release mechanism such as release mechanisms 202a. 202n of <FIG>. Depressing the release mechanism releases a product onto the platform <NUM>. The plate <NUM> can then be rotated back to the initial position <NUM>, now holding a product for delivery to a user of the vending machine. The hinged plate <NUM> provides for product retrieval that is configured to rotate about an X-axis while the hinge <NUM> rotates about a Z-axis.

<FIG> illustrate a product retrieval mechanism <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Product retrieval mechanisms can come in a wide variety of configurations. The product retrieval mechanism <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of a product retrieval mechanism <NUM> in a closed position according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a side view of the product retrieval mechanism <NUM> in the closed position according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the product retrieval mechanism <NUM> in the open position according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a side view of the product retrieval mechanism <NUM> in the open position according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The product retrieval mechanism <NUM> includes gates <NUM>. The gates <NUM> serve to restrict products stored on a product column or a tray <NUM> from falling off the tray <NUM>. The products can stand in a row between brackets <NUM>, as the products move towards the end of the tray <NUM>. Each of the gates <NUM> is installed on one of the brackets <NUM>. Each of the gates <NUM> includes a first panel <NUM> and a second panel <NUM> connected by a hinge <NUM>. The first panel <NUM> can be fixed to the front of one of the brackets <NUM> and the second panel can be slidably fixed to a top of the bracket through one or more slots <NUM>. A release mechanism <NUM> (e.g., a button) is disposed in an open space in the tray <NUM> and below the gates <NUM> and the brackets <NUM>.

A tilted cup base, such as platform <NUM> of <FIG>, can depress the release mechanism <NUM> to open the gates <NUM>. When the release mechanism <NUM> is depressed (i.e., activated), the gates <NUM> can move from a closed position shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to an open position shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to allow product vending. The gates move between the closed position and the open position by extending down a length of the brackets <NUM>, and through the slots <NUM>, causing the panels <NUM> and <NUM> to press inward via the hinge <NUM> towards the brackets <NUM> and away from products on the tray <NUM>. Thus, in the open position, the gates <NUM> flatten, allowing a product to escape and fall into a tilting cup. In various embodiments, the tilting cup can rotate forward to depress the release mechanism <NUM> and open the gates <NUM>. In various embodiments, a shelf that is moved by a gear can extend outward to activate (i.e. depress) the release mechanism <NUM>. In different embodiments, the mechanism restraining the product can be, in addition to a gate, cylindrical barriers, bars, rotational containers, and other types of barriers.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> interacting with product retrieval mechanism <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Tilting cup apparatuses and product retrieval mechanisms can come in a wide variety of configurations. The tilting cup apparatus <NUM> and the product retrieval mechanism <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. It should be understood that other titling cups and product retrieval mechanisms provided by the present disclosure can be substituted into the vending machine illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in an initial position before interacting with the product retrieval mechanism <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a side view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in product retrieval position interacting with the product retrieval mechanism <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in the initial position can move in front of a tray <NUM> containing one or more products <NUM>. The one or more products <NUM> can be held on the tray <NUM> by the gates <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, when the plate <NUM> is rotated against the frame <NUM> as described in the present disclosure, the platform <NUM> comes into contact with and depresses the release mechanism <NUM>, causing the gates <NUM> to open, releasing one of the one or more products <NUM>. The one of the one or more products <NUM> falls onto the platform <NUM>, and is surrounded by the product catch <NUM> on three sides, to keep the product securely on the platform <NUM> while the tilting cup apparatus travels through the vending machine to dispense the one of the one or more products <NUM> to a user of the vending machine. Dispensing the product <NUM> can be performed by the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> moving to the ejection position as shown in <FIG> to drop the product into an access port, such as access port <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> engaging a discharge frame <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Discharge frames can come in a wide variety of configurations. The discharge frame <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a rear view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> positioned above a discharge frame <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a rear view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> engaging the discharge frame <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The discharge frame <NUM> is disposed at a location in a vending machine near an access port <NUM>. The discharge frame <NUM> includes a discharge ledge <NUM> secured to a wall of the vending machine. As the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> moves down towards the discharge frame <NUM>, the ledge <NUM> of the product catch <NUM> comes into contact with the discharge ledge <NUM>, causing the product catch <NUM> to rotate via the tabs <NUM> secured around the hinge <NUM>. The rotation of the product catch <NUM> causes the product catch <NUM> to rotate up and away from the platform <NUM>, where a product can be resting, into the product ejection position. The rotation thus causes the side of the product catch <NUM> that is near the plate <NUM> to come into contact with a product and push the product off the platform <NUM> and into the access port <NUM>. The tilting cup apparatus <NUM> can then move back up, causing the ledge <NUM> to cease contacting the discharge ledge <NUM>. Once the ledge <NUM> ceases contact with the discharge ledge <NUM>, the product catch <NUM> can then rotate back to the initial position.

<FIG> illustrate a tilting cup apparatus <NUM> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Tilting cup apparatuses can come in a wide variety of configurations. The tilting cup apparatus <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a side perspective view of a motor of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a side cross sectional view of a bottom portion of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a side perspective view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> interacting with a release mechanism of a vending machine according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The tilting cup apparatus <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> on which a plate <NUM> is rotatably coupled. A product catch <NUM> is attached to the plate <NUM> via tabs <NUM> disposed near the top of the product catch <NUM> on one side. The tabs <NUM> are installed on a hinge <NUM> that is secured to the plate <NUM>. A bottom of the product catch <NUM> is disposed on top of a platform <NUM>. The product catch <NUM> can be rectangular in shape with three sides closed and one open side for receiving a product from a tray in a vending machine. The product catch <NUM> can be transparent in some embodiments to allow a user of the vending machine to see the drink being delivered through the product catch <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the product catch <NUM> could be opaque.

A ledge <NUM> at the top of the product catch <NUM> opposite the hinge <NUM> can come into contact with a wall or other component within the vending machine as the tilting cup apparatus travels down towards an access port, such as access port <NUM>. When the ledge <NUM> comes into contact with a wall or other component in the vending machine the tabs <NUM> of the product catch <NUM> rotate around the hinge <NUM>, rotating the product catch <NUM> off and out from the platform <NUM> to a product ejection position, such as that described with respect to <FIG>. The product ejection position causes a product to be swept off the platform <NUM>, where a bottom of the product was resting, by the product catch <NUM> and into an access port, such as access port <NUM>, for retrieval by a user of the vending machine.

The tilting cup apparatus <NUM> further includes a rotation motor <NUM> enclosed within a housing <NUM> in a bottom portion of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> below the platform <NUM>. The rotation motor <NUM> rotates a gear <NUM> that meshes with teeth <NUM> of a plate <NUM>, installed on a side of the platform <NUM> near the frame <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the plate <NUM> is not installed on the platform <NUM>, but is simply a part of the platform <NUM> that extends down to the gear <NUM>.

As the rotation motor <NUM> rotates the gear <NUM> meshed with the teeth <NUM>, the gear <NUM> drives the platform <NUM> to extend the platform <NUM> out so that the platform <NUM> can contact a release mechanism, such as release mechanism <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrates the platform <NUM> in an initial position. The initial position allows for a product to rest on the platform <NUM> and travel with the tilting cup apparatus <NUM>, and the initial position also allows the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> to travel through a vending machine without coming into contact with other components in the vending machine. As the gear <NUM> rotates across the teeth <NUM>, the platform <NUM> extends out to a retrieval position, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. At the retrieval position <NUM>, the platform <NUM> can contact a release mechanism <NUM>, which can also be one of release mechanisms 202a. 202n of <FIG>, or release mechanism <NUM> of <FIG>. The release mechanism <NUM> releases a product onto the platform <NUM>. The plate <NUM> can then be rotated back to the initial position, now holding a product for delivery to a user of the vending machine. The plate <NUM> provides for product retrieval that is configured to rotate about an X-axis while the hinge <NUM> rotates about a Z-axis.

As described with respect to <FIG>, various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a rotating platform or shelf. A motor can rotate a gear attached to the shelf bottom. When the motor drives the bottom shelf, the back lip can catch the transparent product catch to allow for the tilting cup position. After returning to an initial position, wherein the shelf surface is horizontal and the product catch surface is vertical, the cup proceeds to the port area (access port) where the existing lip can catch and open the product catch.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment of a rotating platform <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Rotating platforms can come in a wide variety of configurations. The rotating platform <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or other tilting cup apparatuses described in the present disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the rotating platform <NUM>, according to embodiments of the present disclosure and <FIG> illustrates a front view of the rotating platform <NUM> showing a bevel gear of a motor according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The rotating platform <NUM> includes a shelf or platform <NUM> for receiving and holding a product from a vending machine. An underside of the platform <NUM> can include teeth <NUM> that can mesh with a bevel gear <NUM> of a motor <NUM>. Alternatively, the teeth <NUM> may be included on a gear, plate, or other component coupled to the platform and meshing with the bevel gear <NUM> of the motor <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is oriented vertically, allowing the bevel gear <NUM> to be positioned below the platform <NUM> within a housing of a tilting cup apparatus to engage the teeth <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. As the motor <NUM> rotates the bevel gear <NUM>, the platform <NUM> can be rotated forward.

<FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the rotating platform <NUM>, according to embodiments of the present disclosure and <FIG> illustrates a side view of the rotating platform <NUM> showing a worm gear of a motor according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The rotating platform <NUM> includes a shelf or platform <NUM> for receiving and holding a product from a vending machine. An underside of the platform <NUM> includes teeth <NUM> that can mesh with a worm gear <NUM> of a motor <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is oriented horizontally to allow the worm gear <NUM> to be positioned below the platform <NUM> within to engage the teeth <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. As the motor <NUM> rotates the worm gear <NUM>, the platform <NUM> can be rotated forward. The horizontal motor <NUM> and the worm gear <NUM> can allow for reduced speeds and a compact apparatus of the rotating platform <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the rotating platform <NUM>, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a side perspective view of the rotating platform <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a side view of the rotating platform <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The rotating platform <NUM> includes a shelf or platform <NUM> for receiving and holding a product from a vending machine. An underside of the platform <NUM> includes teeth <NUM> that can mesh with a gear <NUM>. A motor <NUM> is oriented horizontally on a frame <NUM>. The motor <NUM> turns a first knob <NUM> disposed on the other side of the frame <NUM>. The first knob <NUM> has installed thereon a belt <NUM> that loops around the first knob <NUM> and around a second knob <NUM>, the second knob <NUM> disposed on an opposite side of the frame <NUM> from the gear <NUM>. The belt can also be made of any suitable material. The belt can be smooth or include teeth configured to engage gears. As the motor <NUM> rotates the first knob <NUM>, the belt <NUM> rotates the second knob <NUM>, causing the gear <NUM> to rotate. As the gear <NUM> rotates against the teeth <NUM> of the platform <NUM>, the platform <NUM> is pushed forward from an initial position into a product retrieval position in order to receive a product.

<FIG> illustrates a back perspective view of the rotating platform <NUM> in an initial position according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a back perspective view of the rotating platform <NUM> in a product retrieval position according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a side perspective view of the rotating platform <NUM> showing a series of gears according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The rotating platform <NUM> includes a shelf or platform <NUM> for receiving and holding a product from a vending machine. An underside of the platform <NUM> can include teeth that mesh with a first gear <NUM> of the series of gears. The first gear <NUM> meshes with a second gear <NUM> of the series of gears, and the second gear meshes with a third gear <NUM> of the series of gears, and the third gear <NUM> meshes with a fourth gear <NUM> of the series of gears. A motor <NUM> is oriented horizontally on a frame <NUM>. The motor <NUM> rotates the fourth gear <NUM> disposed on the other side of the frame <NUM>, the fourth gear <NUM> rotating the other gears <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in turn. As the first gear <NUM> rotates against the teeth of the platform <NUM>, the platform <NUM> is pushed forward from the initial position into a product retrieval position in order to receive a product.

<FIG> illustrate a tilting cup apparatus <NUM> with an "L" bracket extension according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Tilting cup apparatuses can come in a wide variety of configurations. The tilting cup apparatus <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in an initial position according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in a product retrieval position according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in a product ejection position according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The tilting cup apparatus <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> on which a product catch <NUM> is rotatably connected to the frame <NUM> by a hinge <NUM>. The product catch <NUM> can rotate via the hinge <NUM> from a resting position shown in <FIG> to a product ejection position shown in <FIG>. A ledge <NUM> on a side of the product catch <NUM> opposite the hinge <NUM> can come into contact with a ledge or other component within the vending machine as the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> travels down towards an access port, such as access port <NUM>. When the ledge <NUM> comes into contact with a ledge or other component in the vending machine, the hinge <NUM> activates and rotates to a product ejection position, as shown in <FIG>. The product ejection position causes the product catch <NUM> to sweep a product off a platform <NUM> into an access port, such as access port <NUM>.

The platform <NUM> can act at as at least part of a base of an "L" bracket <NUM>. The product catch <NUM> can be rectangular in shape with two sides closed and two side open, the front and back sides being the open sides. The product catch <NUM> can be transparent in some embodiments to allow a user of the vending machine to see the drink being delivered through the product catch <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the product catch <NUM> could be opaque.

The open front side allows for receipt of a product from a tray in a vending machine onto the platform <NUM> of the "L" bracket <NUM>. The "L" bracket <NUM> is rotatably connected to the frame <NUM> via a hinge <NUM> at a top of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM>. The "L" bracket <NUM> can rotate via the hinge <NUM> to extend from the initial position into a product retrieval position, extending to a product tray to retrieve a product from a vending machine. In the initial position, the "L" bracket <NUM> can reside within the back open wall of the product catch <NUM>, such that the product catch <NUM> passes by the "L" bracket <NUM> when the product catch <NUM> rotates to the product ejection position, as shown in <FIG>. The tilting of the "L" bracket <NUM> can be created by utilizing a number of electro-mechanical mechanisms including a motor and gear. Other electro-mechanical mechanisms not according to the claims include a motor and belt, solenoid, and other types of motors and linkages. The electro-mechanical mechanisms are attached to the "L" bracket <NUM> and create motion that allows the "L" bracket <NUM> to rotate about the hinge <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in the product retrieval position and depressing a release mechanism <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Tilting cup apparatuses and release mechanisms can come in a wide variety of configurations. The tilting cup apparatus <NUM> and the release mechanism <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in a product retrieval position according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> in a product retrieval position and depressing the release mechanism <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

At the product retrieval position, the platform <NUM> of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> can contact the release mechanism <NUM>. The release mechanism can be similar to release mechanisms 202a. 202n of <FIG>, or the release mechanism <NUM> of <FIG>. The gates <NUM>, when closed, restrict one or more products from sliding off a tray <NUM>. Depressing the release mechanism <NUM> opens gates <NUM> to release a product onto the platform <NUM> of the tilting cup apparatus <NUM>. The "L" bracket <NUM> can then be rotated back to the initial position, now holding a product for delivery to a user of the vending machine.

<FIG> illustrates a tilting cup apparatus <NUM> with a product column <NUM> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Tilting cup apparatuses and product columns can come in a wide variety of configurations. The tilting cup apparatus <NUM> and/or the product column <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

In a vending machine, it is desirable for the product to smoothly transition from a product column to the cup. Part of the transition is movement along the product column. The product column <NUM> includes a high friction zone <NUM> that can hold a plurality of products thereon. The high friction zone <NUM> can include a high friction material or textures/patterns that resist bottle advancement due to tray angle. The high friction zone can be positioned along most of the product column, except for the portion near the cup, where a low friction zone <NUM> can be positioned. The low friction zone <NUM> can be at a greater angle than the high friction zone <NUM> to encourage a product released for retrieval by the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> to quickly exit the product column <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the high friction zone <NUM> can be at a <NUM> degree angle and the low friction zone <NUM> can be at a <NUM> degree angle. The low friction zone <NUM> can include a polyoxymethylene material to provide less friction in the low friction zone <NUM> to allow products to more quickly slide across the low friction zone <NUM>. The low friction zone <NUM> can also be made of, for example, but not limited to, polyetrafluoroethylene, ultrahigh- molecular-weight polyethylene, or nylon.

In some embodiments, the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> can include an "L" bracket <NUM>, such as that described with respect to <FIG>, and <FIG> and <FIG>. The "L" bracket <NUM> rotates forward to depress a release mechanism, which can open a gate <NUM> to release a product from the product column <NUM>. The tilting cup apparatus <NUM> includes a rotating shelf or platform such as that described with respect to <FIG> or as described with respect to other embodiments of the present disclosure. A damped pusher plate combined with the tilting cup apparatus <NUM> allows for a smooth transition from the column to the cup.

<FIG> illustrate a pusher slide assembly <NUM> and a rotational damper <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Pusher slide assemblies and rotational dampers can come in a wide variety of configurations. The pusher slide assembly <NUM> and/or the rotational damper <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of a damped pusher plate <NUM> installed on a product tray <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a top perspective view of a rotational damper <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, a damped pusher plate <NUM> installed on a product tray <NUM> can include a spring force increased to a limit of product loading feasibility. The rotational damper <NUM> can be added to slow the advancement of the pusher plate <NUM> and the product tray <NUM> when vending. When using a pusher plate <NUM> as described in the present disclosure, a spring <NUM> can be loaded with different levels of force. The spring <NUM> can be loaded with a high level of force to provide more torque to the pusher plate <NUM>, or a low level of force to provide a lower torque to the pusher plate <NUM>. The more force, the easier it is for the pusher plate <NUM> to move the products down the product tray <NUM>. Additionally, an angled tray can provide gravitational support to the pusher plate <NUM> for movement of the product down the product tray <NUM>. The greater the force of the spring <NUM>, the less angled the tray <NUM> can be to provide enough force to move the product down the tray <NUM>.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pusher plate <NUM> with a spring <NUM> including a high level of force. To reduce the speed and acceleration of the pusher plate <NUM> during a vending action, the pusher plate <NUM> can also include the rotational damper <NUM>. The different embodiments of the present disclosure recognize and take into account that it is desirable to have a smooth transition of product down the tray <NUM> and into the cup. A high acceleration and speed of the pusher plate <NUM> during a vending action can cause undesirable shaking or otherwise abrupt movement of the product during the vending action. In some embodiments, the product tray <NUM> can also have high and low friction zones such as that described with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate a gear damper assembly <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Gear damper assemblies can come in a wide variety of configurations. The gear damper assembly <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a top perspective view of the gear damper assembly <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a side perspective view of the gear damper assembly <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a front view of the gear damper assembly <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The gear damper assembly <NUM> includes a gear damper <NUM> installed on a pusher plate <NUM>, the pusher plate <NUM> installed on a product tray <NUM>. A spring <NUM> can be installed on the pusher plate <NUM> to provide force to push products along the product tray <NUM>. The spring <NUM> can be uncoiled within a track of the product tray <NUM>. During operation, the spring <NUM> can re-coil to pull the pusher plate <NUM> towards the front of the product tray <NUM>. The gear damper <NUM> can provide for decreased speed and acceleration of the pusher plate <NUM> by increasing the torque used to move the pusher plate <NUM>. The gear damper <NUM> can be a rotational gear with a material inside that slows the rotation of the gear. For example, the interior of the damper <NUM> could include high-density silicon. During rotation, the silicon interacts with the interior of the damper to slow the rotation of the damper <NUM>, and therefore slow the advancement of the pusher plate <NUM>. The damper <NUM> can also be a pinion gear that engages molded rack geometry <NUM> on the product tray <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the damper <NUM> can be mounted in a horizontal orientation, with the gear damper <NUM> disposed within a recessed lane <NUM> of the product tray <NUM>. The molded rack geometry <NUM> can be disposed on either side of the recessed lane <NUM>. As the pusher plate <NUM> moves along the product tray <NUM>, the gear damper <NUM> interacts with the molded rack geometry <NUM> to slow the movement of the pusher plate <NUM>. When using a constant force spring, the damper <NUM> can be applied as a barrel within the spring <NUM>, at its axis, to resist spring rotation during uncoiling.

The rotational damper <NUM> can be added to the gear damper assembly <NUM> to allow for high pushing forces without rapid ejection. This provides time for a front gate to re- engage with the product tray <NUM>, without a secondary gate or separator system, after the product has moved past the gate. By lowering a shelf angle, adding a gear damper <NUM> to the pusher plate <NUM> and gear rack <NUM> to the tray <NUM>, the speed that the pusher plate <NUM> moves down the tray can be reduced. In some embodiments, the product tray <NUM> can also have high and low friction zones such as that described with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a side perspective view of a vertical mounting of a gear damper assembly <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Gear damper assemblies can come in a wide variety of configurations. The gear damper assembly <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The gear damper assembly <NUM> includes a gear damper <NUM> and a pusher plate <NUM> installed on a product tray <NUM>. The pusher plate <NUM> has a spring <NUM> installed thereon to provide a movement force to the pusher plate <NUM>. The product tray <NUM> can include a recessed lane <NUM> having molded rack geometry <NUM>. In <FIG>, the molded rack geometry <NUM> includes teeth that are disposed up from the product tray <NUM>. A side of the gear damper <NUM> is disposed within the recessed lane <NUM> such that the gear or teeth of the gear damper <NUM> face, and mesh with, the molded rack geometry <NUM> on one side of the recessed lane <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a side mounting of a gear damper assembly <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Gear damper assemblies can come in a wide variety of configurations. The gear damper assembly <NUM> could be used with the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or the vending machine <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The gear damper assembly <NUM> includes a gear damper <NUM> and a pusher plate <NUM> installed on a sidewall <NUM> of a product tray. The pusher plate <NUM> can have a spring installed thereon to provide a movement force to the pusher plate <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> can include a recessed lane <NUM> having rack geometry <NUM>. The rack geometry <NUM> can include teeth oriented into the recessed lane <NUM>. Sides of the gear damper <NUM> are disposed within the recessed lane <NUM> such that teeth of the gear damper <NUM> face, and mesh with, the rack geometry <NUM> on both sides of the recessed lane <NUM>. The pusher plate <NUM> extends sideways from the sidewall <NUM> such that the pusher plate <NUM> is disposed above the product tray. As the pusher plate <NUM> travels along the sidewall <NUM>, the pusher plate <NUM> contacts products on the product tray to push the products towards a front of the product tray for dispensing within a vending machine.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms "transmit," "receive," and "communicate," as well as derivatives thereof, encompasses both direct and indirect communication. The phrase "associated with," as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like.

Claim 1:
A vending machine (<NUM>; <NUM>), comprising:
an access port (<NUM>);
a chassis (<NUM>) including a plurality of trays (206a-206n) and a plurality of columns (208a-208n);
a movable stage (<NUM>);
a tilting cup apparatus (<NUM>) comprising a product catch coupled to the movable stage (<NUM>),
wherein the product catch is operable to move in a first direction to accept a product from one of the plurality of trays (206a-206n), and
wherein the product catch is operable to move in a second direction to deposit the product in the access port (<NUM>),
characterized in that the tilting cup apparatus (<NUM>) includes a motor (<NUM>) and a gear (<NUM>) coupled to the motor (<NUM>),
wherein the motor (<NUM>) is configured to rotate the gear (<NUM>) that meshes with teeth of a hinged plate coupled to the product catch to rotate the hinged plate (<NUM>) to apply force to the product catch in the first direction in order to move the product catch to receive a product from the plurality of trays (206a-206n).