Patent ID: 6966455

Claim:
A container release assembly for use with a vending machine for vending items from a queue, the assembly comprising: (a) a first release apparatus having a first front engaging member and a first rear engaging member, each of the first front engaging member and the first rear engaging member pivotally positioned in relation to a first gate, the first release apparatus positioned on a first side of the item to be vended; (b) a second release apparatus having a second front engaging member and a second rear engaging member, each of the second front engaging member and the second rear engaging member pivotally positioned in relation to a second gate, the second release apparatus positioned on a second side, opposite the first side, of the item to be vended; (c) the first release apparatus and the second release apparatus being operably and pivotally connected together; and (d) the first and second front engaging members being operative to engage a first item in the queue, and the first and second rear engaging members being operative to engage a second item in the queue.