Patent ID: 8038018

Claim:
A vending machine comprising: a shelf divided into at least two rows separated by a divider; a product advancement tool associated with a first row of the at least two rows, wherein the product advancement tool is adapted to move product forward in response to a vend command from a customer; and a resilient member, distinct from the product advancement tool and associated with the first row and adapted to abut product positioned in the first row so as to urge product into an upright position, wherein the resilient member comprises a first vertical surface and a second vertical surface hingedly connected to one another, wherein the first vertical surface is adapted to abut the product, and wherein the first vertical surface and the second vertical surface are connected through a spring hinge and form a triangle shape in a rest position, but flatten to allow passage of product as product is vended, and wherein as product is pushed past the resilient member by force exerted by the product advancement tool, the resilient member slides out of the way as a function of movement of the product, allowing the product to advance past the resilient member, and the resilient member returns to a default position after passage of the product.