U.S. patent application number 13/243080 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-19 for vending dispenser assemblies for beverage dispensers.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE COCA-COLA COMPANY. Invention is credited to Kirk W. Charles, Craig J. Cochran, Steven C. Pfister.
Application Number | 20120012604 13/243080 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39546284 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120012604 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pfister; Steven C. ; et
al. |
January 19, 2012 |
Vending Dispenser Assemblies for Beverage Dispensers
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention provide vending dispenser
assemblies for beverage dispensers. In particular, embodiments of
the invention can provide a beverage dispenser with a manually
operated vending dispenser assembly that consumes little or no
additional electrical power to dispense a beverage container using
the assembly. Embodiments of a vending dispenser assembly can be
used with a heated or chilled compartment associated with a
beverage dispenser. Furthermore, embodiments of a vending dispenser
assembly can operate in conjunction with a relatively small
dispenser opening to limit heat transfer loss via the dispenser
opening. One embodiment can provide a dispenser for dispensing a
number of products. The dispenser can include at least one storage
column adapted to dispense a number of products, and a product
selection device operable to permit one of the number of products
to advance from the storage column, wherein the advanced product
can be dispensed from the dispenser.
Inventors: |
Pfister; Steven C.;
(Dunwoody, GA) ; Cochran; Craig J.; (Altanta,
GA) ; Charles; Kirk W.; (Austell, GA) |
Assignee: |
THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
39546284 |
Appl. No.: |
13/243080 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11697534 |
Apr 6, 2007 |
|
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13243080 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
221/1 ; 221/208;
221/263; 221/277 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 11/24 20130101;
G07F 11/44 20130101; G07F 11/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/1 ; 221/208;
221/277; 221/263 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/00 20060101
B65D083/00; B65G 59/00 20060101 B65G059/00 |
Claims
1. A dispenser for dispensing a number of products, comprising: at
least one storage column adapted to dispense a number of products;
and a product selection device operable to permit one of the number
of products to advance from the storage column, wherein the
advanced product can be dispensed from the dispenser.
2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the product selection device
comprises a rotatable door.
3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the product selection device
comprises at least one turret-type wheel.
4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the product selection device
comprises a device with a plurality of slots, wherein each of the
plurality of slots is sized to receive one of the number of
products.
5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the product selection device
is adapted to permit manual operation of the device.
6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the product selection device
comprises: an access door; at least one turret-type wheel
positioned adjacent to at least one storage column; and a product
shuttle cooperating with the door and the at least one turret-type
wheel, wherein manipulating the access door causes rotation of the
at least one turret-type wheel which allows one of the number of
products to advance from the at least one storage column to the
product shuttle and towards the access door.
7. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the at least one turret-type
wheel comprises a plurality of slots, wherein each of the plurality
of slots is sized to receive one of the number of products.
8. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the at least one turret-type
wheel comprises a plurality of slots and a plurality of
out-of-phase slots, wherein the plurality of slots is sized to
receive one of a number of products from a first storage column and
the plurality of out-of-phase slots is sized to receive one of a
number of products from a different storage column.
9. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein rotation of the at least
one-turret type wheel is controlled by at least one control
device.
10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the at least one control
device comprises at least one of the following: a ratchet gear, a
toggle, a pawl, or a pawl trigger.
11. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the product shuttle comprises
a pulley drive set.
12. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the product shuttle is
adapted to lift the advanced product when the access door is
opened.
13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the product selection device
comprises: at least one turret-type wheel positioned adjacent to
the at least one storage column; and a device cooperating with the
at least one turret-type wheel, the device operable to receive a
force from a user, wherein the force causes the at least one
turret-type wheel to rotate and allows one of the number of
products to advance from the at least one storage column.
14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein the at least one turret-type
wheel comprises a plurality of slots, wherein each of the plurality
of slots is sized to receive one of the number of products.
15. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the product selection device
comprises: at least one moveable array operable to receive the
advanced product, and advance the product towards an access
opening; and at least one stationary array adjacent to the at least
one moveable array, and operable to retain the position of the
advanced product when movement of the advanced product is
interrupted prior to dispensing of the product from the access
opening.
16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the at least one moveable
array comprises at least one of the following: a series of
pivotable arms, or a series of lift bars.
17. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the at least one stationary
array comprises a series of pivotable arms.
18. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the at least one moveable
array can be manually operated to dispense the advanced product
from the access opening.
19. A method of dispensing a product from a dispenser, comprising:
selecting a product stored in at least one storage column adapted
to dispense a number of products; manipulating a product selection
device operable to permit one of the number of products to advance
from the storage column, wherein the advanced product can be
dispensed from the dispenser; and receiving the selected product
from the dispenser.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the product selection device
comprises a rotatable door.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the product selection device
comprises at least one turret-type wheel.
22. The method of claim 19 wherein the product selection device
comprises a device with a plurality of slots, wherein each of the
plurality of slots is sized to receive one of the number of
products.
23. The method of claim 19, wherein the product selection device is
adapted to permit manual operation of the device.
24. The method of claim 19, wherein the product selection device
comprises: an access door; at least one turret-type wheel
positioned adjacent to at least one storage column; and a product
shuttle cooperating with the door and the at least one turret-type
wheel, wherein manipulating the access door causes rotation of the
at least one turret-type wheel which allows one of the number of
products to advance from the at least one storage column to the
product shuttle and towards the access door.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one turret-type
wheel comprises a plurality of slots, wherein each of the plurality
of slots is sized to receive one of the number of products.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one turret-type
wheel comprises a plurality of slots and a plurality of
out-of-phase slots, wherein the plurality of slots is sized to
receive one of a number of products from a first storage column and
the plurality of out-of-phase slots is sized to receive one of a
number of products from a different storage column.
27. The method of claim 24, wherein rotation of the at least
one-turret type wheel is controlled by at least one control
device.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one control device
comprises at least one of the following: a ratchet gear, a toggle,
a pawl, or a pawl trigger.
29. The method of claim 24, wherein the product shuttle comprises a
pulley drive set.
30. The method of claim 24, wherein the product shuttle is adapted
to lift the advanced product when the access door is opened.
31. The method of claim 19, wherein the product selection device
comprises: at least one turret-type wheel positioned adjacent to
the at least one storage column; and a device cooperating with the
at least one turret-type wheel, the device operable to receive a
force from a user, wherein the force causes the at least one
turret-type wheel to rotate and allows one of the number of
products to advance from the at least one storage column.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least one turret-type
wheel comprises a plurality of slots, wherein each of the plurality
of slots is sized to receive one of the number of products.
33. The method of claim 19, wherein the product selection device
comprises: at least one moveable array operable to receive the
advanced product, and advance the product towards an access
opening; and at least one stationary array adjacent to the at least
one moveable array, and operable to retain the position of the
advanced product when movement of the advanced product is
interrupted prior to dispensing of the product from the access
opening.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the at least one moveable array
comprises at least one of the following: a series of pivotable
arms, or a series of lift bars.
35. The method of claim 33, wherein the at least one stationary
array comprises a series of pivotable arms.
36. The method of claim 33, wherein the at least one moveable array
can be manually operated to dispense the advanced product from the
access opening.
37. A method of providing a product from a dispenser, comprising:
storing at least one product in at least one storage column adapted
to dispense a number of products; providing a product selection
device operable to permit one of the number of products to advance
from the storage column, wherein the advanced product can be
dispensed from the dispenser; and after receipt of an input from a
consumer, dispensing the advanced product from the dispenser.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the product selection device
comprises a rotatable door.
39. The method of claim 37, wherein the product selection device
comprises at least one turret-type wheel.
40. The method of claim 37, wherein the product selection device
comprises a device with a plurality of slots, wherein each of the
plurality of slots is sized to receive one of the number of
products.
41. The method of claim 37, wherein the product selection device is
adapted to permit manual operation of the device.
42. The method of claim 37, wherein the product selection device
comprises: an access door; at least one turret-type wheel
positioned adjacent to at least one storage column; and a product
shuttle cooperating with the door and the at least one turret-type
wheel, wherein manipulating the access door causes rotation of the
at least one turret-type wheel which allows one of the number of
products to advance from the at least one storage column to the
product shuttle and towards the access door.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one turret-type
wheel comprises a plurality of slots, wherein each of the plurality
of slots is sized to receive one of the number of products.
44. The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one turret-type
wheel comprises a plurality of slots and a plurality of
out-of-phase slots, wherein the plurality of slots is sized to
receive one of a number of products from a first storage column and
the plurality of out-of-phase slots is sized to receive one of a
number of products from a different storage column.
45. The method of claim 42, wherein rotation of the at least
one-turret type wheel is controlled by at least one control
device.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein the at least one control device
comprises at least one of the following: a ratchet gear, a toggle,
a pawl, or a pawl trigger.
47. The method of claim 42, wherein the product shuttle comprises a
pulley drive set.
48. The method of claim 42, wherein the product shuttle is adapted
to lift the advanced product when the access door is opened.
49. The method of claim 37, wherein the product selection device
comprises: at least one turret-type wheel positioned adjacent to
the at least one storage column; and a device cooperating with the
at least one turret-type wheel, the device operable to receive a
force from a user, wherein the force causes the at least one
turret-type wheel to rotate and allows one of the number of
products to advance from the at least one storage column.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein the at least one turret-type
wheel comprises a plurality of slots, wherein each of the plurality
of slots is sized to receive one of the number of products.
51. The method of claim 37, wherein the product selection device
comprises: at least one moveable array operable to receive the
advanced product, and advance the product towards an access
opening; and at least one stationary array adjacent to the at least
one moveable array, and operable to retain the position of the
advanced product when movement of the advanced product is
interrupted prior to dispensing of the product from the access
opening.
52. The method of claim 51, wherein the at least one moveable array
comprises at least one of the following: a series of pivotable
arms, or a series of lift bars.
53. The method of claim 51, wherein the at least one stationary
array comprises a series of pivotable arms.
54. The method of claim 51, wherein the at least one moveable array
can be manually operated to dispense the advanced product from the
access opening.
55. A dispenser for dispensing a number of products, comprising: at
least one storage column adapted to dispense a number of products;
a product selection device operable to permit one of the number of
products to advance from the storage column, wherein the advanced
product can be dispensed from the dispenser, the product selection
device comprising at least one turret-type wheel positioned
adjacent to at least one storage column; an access opening; and a
product shuttle cooperating with the door and the at least one
turret-type wheel, wherein manipulating the access door causes
rotation of the at least one turret-type wheel which allows one of
the number of products to advance from the at least one storage
column to the product shuttle and towards the access opening.
56. A dispenser for dispensing a number of products, comprising: at
least one storage column adapted to dispense a number of products;
a product selection device operable to permit one of the number of
products to advance from the storage column, wherein the advanced
product can be dispensed from the dispenser, the product selection
device comprising: at least one turret-type wheel positioned
adjacent to the at least one storage column; and a device
cooperating with the at least one turret-type wheel, the device
operable to receive a force from a user, wherein the force causes
the at least one turret-type wheel to rotate and allows one of the
number of products to advance from the at least one storage column
towards an access opening; and an access opening for dispensing the
advanced product.
57. A dispenser for dispensing a number of products, comprising: at
least one storage column adapted to dispense a number of products;
a product selection device operable to permit one of the number of
products to advance from the storage column, wherein the advanced
product can be dispensed from the dispenser; and wherein the
product selection device comprises: at least one moveable array
operable to receive the advanced product, and advance the product
towards an access opening; and at least one stationary array
adjacent to the at least one moveable array, and operable to retain
the position of the advanced product when movement of the advanced
product is interrupted prior to dispensing of the product from an
access opening; and an access opening for dispensing the advanced
product.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates generally to a beverage dispenser, and
more particularly relates to vending dispenser assemblies for
beverage dispensers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional beverage dispensers can dispense pre-packaged
beverages in cans, bottles, or other containers. Various concerns
exist for such conventional types of dispensers including packout,
restocking, power consumption, and consumer access to a dispensed
product. Other conventional beverage dispensers can dispense
beverages into cups or other containers for distribution to
customers. Depending on the location and customer, different types
of beverage dispensers can be employed. For example, beverages in
cans and bottles can be dispensed from a dispenser located behind a
store or restaurant counter or can be obtained from an under the
counter refrigerator or storage unit in a store or restaurant.
However, in many instances, store or restaurant personnel must walk
over to a dispenser where pre-packaged cans or bottles are located.
This dispenser-to-consumer process can take time since store or
restaurant personnel must often walk to where the dispenser is
located. Alternatively, store or restaurant personnel must bend
down to access the under the counter refrigerator or storage unit.
This dispenser-to-consumer process also takes time since he or she
may bend down each time to obtain a beverage, which repeated over
time, may cause back pain or stress for personnel.
[0003] In other instances, personnel can dispense beverages
directly into a cup or other container. However, in many such
instances, filling cups or containers takes time, and beverage
spillage can be a recurring or occasional problem. In addition,
personnel may have to walk over to these types of beverage
dispensers in order to dispense each beverage for each
customer.
[0004] Therefore, a need exists for a beverage dispenser with a
vending dispenser assembly that minimizes time in delivering a
beverage to a customer. Furthermore, a need exists for a beverage
dispenser with a vending dispenser assembly that is convenient to
use, and minimizes product wastage. Moreover, a need exists for a
beverage dispenser with a vending dispenser assembly with increased
packout, and decreased power consumption.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Embodiments of the invention can address some or all of the
needs described above. Generally, embodiments of the invention can
provide a beverage dispenser with a vending dispenser assembly. In
particular, embodiments of the invention can provide a beverage
dispenser with a manually operated vending dispenser assembly that
is mechanically reliable and relatively easy to use. Embodiments of
a vending dispenser assembly can be used with a heated or chilled
compartment associated with a beverage dispenser. Furthermore,
embodiments of a vending dispenser assembly can operate in
conjunction with a relatively small dispenser opening to limit heat
transfer loss via the dispenser opening. In addition, embodiments
of a vending dispenser assembly can be manually operated by a
person with little or no additional consumption of electrical power
to dispense a beverage container using the assembly.
[0006] In one embodiment, a beverage dispenser with a vending
dispenser assembly can be used with any number of product lanes.
For example, a beverage dispenser can be used with two product
lanes. Adjacent to the product lanes can be a turret assembly. The
turret assembly can include a turret wheel, a product gate, and any
number of star-shaped wheels. Adjacent to the turret assembly can
be a shuttle assembly. The shuttle assembly can include a shuttle
positioned on any number of rails. When a user pulls on the shuttle
door, the shuttle can ride along the rails to provide access to the
product. When the shuttle door is closed, the product gate can
swing forward by the force of gravity such that gate lever pivots
and the drive pins allow the turret and the star wheels to rotate
and dispense another beverage onto the shuttle. The shuttle can be
operated via a drive belt assembly. The drive belt can pull the
shuttle forward such that the shuttle is within the door open
regardless of how far door is opened.
[0007] In another embodiment, a dispenser for dispensing a number
of products can include at least one storage column adapted to
dispense a number of products. The dispenser can also include a
product selection device operable to permit one of the number of
products to advance from the storage column, wherein the advanced
product can be dispensed from the dispenser.
[0008] In one aspect of an embodiment, the product selection device
can include a rotatable door.
[0009] In another aspect of an embodiment, the product selection
device can include at least one turret-type wheel.
[0010] In another aspect of an embodiment, the product selection
device can include a device with a plurality of slots, wherein each
of the plurality of slots is sized to receive one of the number of
products.
[0011] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product
selection device can be adapted to permit manual operation of the
device.
[0012] In another aspect of an embodiment, the product selection
device can include an access door, at least one turret-type wheel
positioned adjacent to at least one storage column, and a product
shuttle cooperating with the door and the at least one turret-type
wheel, wherein manipulating the access door causes rotation of the
at least one turret-type wheel which allows one of the number of
products to advance from the at least one storage column to the
product shuttle and towards the access door.
[0013] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
turret-type wheel can include a plurality of slots, wherein each of
the plurality of slots is sized to receive one of the number of
products.
[0014] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
turret-type wheel comprises a plurality of slots and a plurality of
out-of-phase slots, wherein the plurality of slots is sized to
receive one of a number of products from a first storage column and
the plurality of out-of-phase slots is sized to receive one of a
number of products from a different storage column.
[0015] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, rotation of the at
least one-turret type wheel is controlled by at least one control
device.
[0016] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
control device can include at least one of the following: a ratchet
gear, a toggle, a pawl, or a pawl trigger.
[0017] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product shuttle
can include a pulley drive set.
[0018] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product shuttle
can be adapted to lift the advanced product when the access door is
opened.
[0019] In another aspect of an embodiment, the product selection
device can include at least one turret-type wheel positioned
adjacent to the at least one storage column, and a device
cooperating with the at least one turret-type wheel, the device
operable to receive a force from a user, wherein the force causes
the at least one turret-type wheel to rotate and allows one of the
number of products to advance from the at least one storage
column.
[0020] In another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
turret-type wheel can include a plurality of slots, wherein each of
the plurality of slots is sized to receive one of the number of
products.
[0021] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product
selection device can include at least one moveable array operable
to receive the advanced product, and advance the product towards an
access opening, and at least one stationary array adjacent to the
at least one moveable array, and operable to retain the position of
the advanced product when movement of the advanced product is
interrupted prior to dispensing of the product from the access
opening.
[0022] In another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
moveable array includes at least one of the following: a series of
pivotable arms, or a series of lift bars.
[0023] In another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
stationary array can include a series of pivotable arms.
[0024] In another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
moveable array can be manually operated to dispense the advanced
product from the access opening.
[0025] Another embodiment of the invention can provide a method of
dispensing a product from a dispenser. The method can include
selecting a product stored in at least one storage column adapted
to dispense a number of products. In addition, the method can
include manipulating a product selection device operable to permit
one of the number of products to advance from the storage column,
wherein the advanced product can be dispensed from the dispenser.
Furthermore, the method can include receiving the selected product
from the dispenser.
[0026] In one aspect of an embodiment, the product selection device
can include a rotatable door.
[0027] In another aspect of an embodiment, the product selection
device can include at least one turret-type wheel.
[0028] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product
selection device can include a device with a plurality of slots,
wherein each of the plurality of slots is sized to receive one of
the number of products.
[0029] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product
selection device can be adapted to permit manual operation of the
device.
[0030] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product
selection device can include an access door, at least one
turret-type wheel positioned adjacent to at least one storage
column, and a product shuttle cooperating with the door and the at
least one turret-type wheel, wherein manipulating the access door
causes rotation of the at least one turret-type wheel which allows
one of the number of products to advance from the at least one
storage column to the product shuttle and towards the access
door.
[0031] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
turret-type wheel can include a plurality of slots, wherein each of
the plurality of slots is sized to receive one of the number of
products.
[0032] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
turret-type wheel can include a plurality of slots and a plurality
of out-of-phase slots, wherein the plurality of slots is sized to
receive one of a number of products from a first storage column and
the plurality of out-of-phase slots is sized to receive one of a
number of products from a different storage column.
[0033] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, rotation of the at
least one-turret type wheel is controlled by at least one control
device.
[0034] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
control device can include at least one of the following: a ratchet
gear, a toggle, a pawl, or a pawl trigger.
[0035] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product shuttle
can include a pulley drive set.
[0036] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product shuttle
is adapted to lift the advanced product when the access door is
opened.
[0037] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product
selection device can include at least one turret-type wheel
positioned adjacent to the at least one storage column, and a
device cooperating with the at least one turret-type wheel, the
device operable to receive a force from a user, wherein the force
causes the at least one turret-type wheel to rotate and allows one
of the number of products to advance from the at least one storage
column.
[0038] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
turret-type wheel can include a plurality of slots, wherein each of
the plurality of slots is sized to receive one of the number of
products.
[0039] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product
selection device can include at least one moveable array operable
to receive the advanced product, and advance the product towards an
access opening, and at least one stationary array adjacent to the
at least one moveable array, and operable to retain the position of
the advanced product when movement of the advanced product is
interrupted prior to dispensing of the product from the access
opening.
[0040] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
moveable array can include at least one of the following: a series
of pivotable arms, or a series of lift bars.
[0041] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
stationary array can include a series of pivotable arms.
[0042] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
moveable array can be manually operated to dispense the advanced
product from the access opening.
[0043] Another embodiment of the invention can provide a method of
providing a product from a dispenser. The method can include
storing at least one product in at least one storage column adapted
to dispense a number of products. Furthermore, the method can
include providing a product selection device operable to permit one
of the number of products to advance from the storage column,
wherein the advanced product can be dispensed from the dispenser.
Moreover, the method can include after receipt of an input from a
consumer, dispensing the advanced product from the dispenser.
[0044] In one aspect of an embodiment, the product selection device
can include a rotatable door.
[0045] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product
selection device can include at least one turret-type wheel.
[0046] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product
selection device can include a device with a plurality of slots,
wherein each of the plurality of slots is sized to receive one of
the number of products.
[0047] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product
selection device is adapted to permit manual operation of the
device.
[0048] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product
selection device can include an access door, at least one
turret-type wheel positioned adjacent to at least one storage
column, and a product shuttle cooperating with the door and the at
least one turret-type wheel, wherein manipulating the access door
causes rotation of the at least one turret-type wheel which allows
one of the number of products to advance from the at least one
storage column to the product shuttle and towards the access
door.
[0049] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
turret-type wheel can include a plurality of slots, wherein each of
the plurality of slots is sized to receive one of the number of
products.
[0050] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
turret-type wheel can include a plurality of slots and a plurality
of out-of-phase slots, wherein the plurality of slots is sized to
receive one of a number of products from a first storage column and
the plurality of out-of-phase slots is sized to receive one of a
number of products from a different storage column.
[0051] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, rotation of the at
least one-turret type wheel is controlled by at least one control
device.
[0052] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
control device can include at least one of the following: a ratchet
gear, a toggle, a pawl, or a pawl trigger.
[0053] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product shuttle
can include a pulley drive set.
[0054] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product shuttle
is adapted to lift the advanced product when the access door is
opened.
[0055] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product
selection device can include at least one turret-type wheel
positioned adjacent to the at least one storage column, and a
device cooperating with the at least one turret-type wheel, the
device operable to receive a force from a user, wherein the force
causes the at least one turret-type wheel to rotate and allows one
of the number of products to advance from the at least one storage
column.
[0056] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
turret-type wheel can include a plurality of slots, wherein each of
the plurality of slots is sized to receive one of the number of
products.
[0057] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the product
selection device can include at least one moveable array operable
to receive the advanced product, and advance the product towards an
access opening, and at least one stationary array adjacent to the
at least one moveable array, and operable to retain the position of
the advanced product when movement of the advanced product is
interrupted prior to dispensing of the product from the access
opening.
[0058] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
moveable array can include at least one of the following: a series
of pivotable arms, or a series of lift bars.
[0059] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
stationary array can include a series of pivotable arms.
[0060] In yet another aspect of an embodiment, the at least one
moveable array can be manually operated to dispense the advanced
product from the access opening.
[0061] Yet another embodiment of the invention can provide a
dispenser for dispensing a number of products. The dispenser can
include at least one storage column adapted to dispense a number of
products. Furthermore, the dispenser can include a product
selection device operable to permit one of the number of products
to advance from the storage column, wherein the advanced product
can be dispensed from the dispenser, the product selection device
comprising at least one turret-type wheel positioned adjacent to at
least one storage column. Moreover, the dispenser can include an
access opening, and a product shuttle cooperating with the door and
the at least one turret-type wheel, wherein manipulating the access
door causes rotation of the at least one turret-type wheel which
allows one of the number of products to advance from the at least
one storage column to the product shuttle and towards the access
opening.
[0062] Another embodiment of the invention provides a dispenser for
dispensing a number of products. The dispenser includes at least
one storage column adapted to dispense a number of products. In
addition, the dispenser provides a product selection device
operable to permit one of the number of products to advance from
the storage column, wherein the advanced product can be dispensed
from the dispenser. The product selection device can include at
least one turret-type wheel positioned adjacent to the at least one
storage column. In addition, the product selection device can
include a device cooperating with the at least one turret-type
wheel, the device operable to receive a force from a user, wherein
the force causes the at least one turret-type wheel to rotate and
allows one of the number of products to advance from the at least
one storage column towards the access opening, Moreover, the
product selection device can include an access opening for
dispensing the advanced product.
[0063] Yet another embodiment of the invention can provide a
dispenser for dispensing a number of products. The dispenser can
include at least one storage column adapted to dispense a number of
products. In addition, the dispenser can include a product
selection device operable to permit one of the number of products
to advance from the storage column, wherein the advanced product
can be dispensed from the dispenser. The product selection device
can include at least one moveable array operable to receive the
advanced product, and advance the product towards an access
opening. In addition, the product selection device can include at
least one stationary array adjacent to the at least one moveable
array, and operable to retain the position of the advanced product
when movement of the advanced product is interrupted prior to
dispensing of the product from the access opening. Moreover, the
product selection device can include an access opening for
dispensing the advanced product.
[0064] Other embodiments and aspects of embodiments of the
invention will become apparent from the following description taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0065] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0066] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example stand alone-type
beverage dispenser with a vending dispenser assembly according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0067] FIG. 2 is a front view of the stand alone-type beverage
dispenser with a vending dispenser assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0068] FIG. 3 is a side view of the stand alone-type beverage
dispenser with a vending dispenser assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0069] FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of the stand alone-type
beverage dispenser with a vending dispenser assembly shown in FIG.
1.
[0070] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the stand alone-type
beverage dispenser with a vending dispenser assembly shown in FIG.
1.
[0071] FIG. 6 is a detail schematic view of an example vending
dispenser assembly for the stand alone beverage dispenser shown in
FIGS. 1-5.
[0072] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example rotatable device or
turret for a vending dispenser assembly in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0073] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate another example of a vending dispenser
assembly for a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0074] FIG. 11 is an example under the counter-type beverage
dispenser with a vending dispenser assembly according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0075] FIG. 12 is a side schematic of an example vending dispenser
assembly for a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0076] FIG. 13 is a detail side schematic of the example vending
dispenser assembly shown in FIG. 11.
[0077] FIG. 14 is another detail side schematic of the example
vending dispenser assembly shown in FIG. 11.
[0078] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another example vending
dispenser assembly for a beverage dispenser according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0079] FIG. 16 is a side schematic view of the example vending
dispenser assembly shown in FIG. 15.
[0080] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another example vending
dispenser assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0081] FIG. 18 is perspective view of another example vending
dispenser assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0082] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer
to like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a
perspective view of an example beverage dispenser 100 with a
vending dispenser assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention described herein. The beverage dispenser 100 shown is a
stand alone-type dispenser, which can be mounted in a variety of
locations depending on space requirements. Another type of beverage
dispenser, an under the counter-type dispenser, is shown and
described as 1100 in FIG. 11. Embodiments of a vending dispenser
assembly are not limited to, and can be implemented with, either
type of beverage dispenser, and with other types of beverage
dispensers.
[0083] FIG. 2 is a front view, and FIG. 3 is a side view of the
stand alone-type beverage dispenser with a vending dispenser
assembly shown in FIG. 1. In general, a beverage dispenser, such as
100 in FIG. 1, can include a storage compartment 102, a product
identification panel 104, a consumer access opening 106, a
personnel access opening 108, and a vending dispenser assembly 110
(shown in the interior of the dispenser 100 in this example).
Typically, the beverage dispenser 100 can dispense pre-packaged
beverages in cans or other containers. Multiple cans or containers
can be loaded into the storage compartment 102 within the dispenser
100 via the personnel access opening 108. FIG. 4 described below
illustrates sectional view A-A, wherein further details associated
with the storage compartment 102 and vending dispenser assembly 110
are shown. When a consumer is interested in obtaining a beverage
from the dispenser 100, the consumer can select a particular
beverage from the product identification panel 104. Upon selection
of the beverage or payment for the beverage, the vending dispenser
assembly 110 can be manipulated to dispense the selected beverage
from the storage compartment 102. FIG. 5 described below
illustrates sectional view B-B, wherein further details associated
with the vending dispenser assembly 110 are shown. In this example,
the vending dispenser assembly 110 can be manually manipulated by a
user to dispense the selected beverage from the storage compartment
102. The vending dispenser assembly 110 can receive the selected
beverage from the storage compartment 102, and can transfer the
selected beverage to the consumer access opening 106, where the
consumer can obtain the selected beverage.
[0084] Other embodiments of a stand alone-type beverage dispenser
can include some or all of the above components, and some
embodiments can include other components in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0085] FIG. 4 shows front sectional view A-A of the beverage
dispenser 100 and the storage compartment 102. As shown in FIG. 4,
the beverage dispenser 100 can have one or more product lanes or
columns 400 within the storage compartment 102. In this example,
there are three columns 402, 404, 406 separated by
vertically-oriented partitions 408, 410 between columns 402, 404,
406. Within each column 402, 404, 406, multiple beverage containers
412, such as bottles or cans, can be arranged for gravity-fed type
dispensing from the respective column. Different types of
beverages, such as different flavors or drinks, can be organized
between columns. That is, bottles of a regular soft drink can be in
one column, bottles of a diet soft drink can in the adjacent
column, and bottles of another flavor drink can in the other third
column. In any instance, the columns 402, 404, 406 are adapted to
receive multiple containers, and by way of gravity, the containers
412 can be channeled towards the vending dispenser assembly 110
adjacent to a lower portion of the respective column 402, 404,
406.
[0086] FIG. 5 shows side sectional view B-B of the beverage
dispenser 100 and the vending dispenser assembly 110. As shown in
this view, containers 500 from a column 502 are gravity fed and
channeled towards the vending dispenser assembly 110. The vending
dispenser assembly 110 can receive containers from the column 502,
and direct a particular beverage container 504 towards the consumer
access opening 106 in accordance with a consumer's beverage
selection.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 6, which is a detail schematic view of the
example vending dispenser assembly shown in FIGS. 1-5, the assembly
110 can include a rotatable device, such as a turret 600 with
multiple slots 602, 604, 606, 608, and a control device, such as an
actuating arm 610, adapted to control the rotation of the rotatable
device or turret. In one embodiment, the turret 600 can generally
be cylindrically-shaped with multiple spaced apart slots 602, 604,
606, 608 molded or machined into the surface of the turret 600.
Each slot 602, 604, 606, 608 can be sized to receive a single
beverage container 612. In another embodiment, the rotatable device
or turret 600 may include multiple turrets or star-shaped wheels
mounted on an axle. The multiple turrets or star-shaped wheels may
cooperate to receive one beverage container, such as 612, at a
time.
[0088] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example rotatable device or
turret for a vending dispenser assembly in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of a
cylindrically-shaped turret 700 with multiple slots 702 adapted to
receive a beverage container from one column, such as 402, and
multiple out-of-phase slots 704 adapted to receive a beverage
container from a second or different column, such as 404. The
out-of phase slots 704, also shown in the side or cross-sectional
view of turret 700 in FIG. 7B, can receive containers from a
different column at a different time, when the turret 700 is
rotated, and an out-of-phase slot 704 is aligned with it
corresponding column. In other embodiments, additional out-of-phase
slots adapted to receive a beverage container from other columns at
other times can exist, and can be integrated within a single
turret, or similarly sized turrets positioned axially adjacent to
the turret 700 shown.
[0089] Turning back to FIG. 6, the control device is shown as an
actuating arm 610. An external portion 614 of the actuating arm 610
can be part of or in communication with the product identification
panel, shown as 104 in FIGS. 1 and 2. An internal portion 616 of
the actuating arm 610 can be in contact with a portion of the
rotatable device, such as a turret 600, to control, limit, or
otherwise permit selective rotation or movement of the rotatable
device or turret 600. For example, in an initial position, the
internal portion 616 of the actuating arm 610 may prevent further
rotation of the turret 600 until the arm 610 is released or
actuated. When the external portion 614 of the actuating arm 610
receives sufficient force, such as a manual force applied by a user
towards the beverage dispenser 100 or actuating arm 610, the
actuating arm 610 can pivot slightly to another position to permit
the internal portion 616 of the arm 610 to release from or
otherwise decrease the amount of force applied by the arm 610 to a
surface, such as the slot 608, of the rotatable device or turret
600. Thus, when the arm 610 is actuated, the rotatable device or
turret 600 can be rotated to permit a container, such as 612, to
move from an adjacent column, such as 402, and into a corresponding
slot 602 of the turret 600. The rotatable device or turret 600 can
be further rotated to permit the rotatable device or turret 600 to
direct the container 612 from the slot 608 towards a consumer
access opening 106. In this embodiment, the arm 610 may be adapted
to have a return action or spring-type force to permit the arm 610
to return to the initial position when little or no force is
applied to the external portion 614 of the arm 610.
[0090] Other embodiments of a control device or actuating arm 610
can have other configurations or components, and may cooperate with
the product identification panel and/or the rotatable device or
turret 600 in other or similar manners in accordance with the
invention.
[0091] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate another example of a vending dispenser
assembly for a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment of the
invention. In the embodiment shown, a vending dispenser assembly
800 can include a rotatable device, such as a turret 802 with
multiple wheels 804, 806, 808, 810, and a control device, such as a
bevel gear set 812, adapted to control the rotation of the
rotatable device or turret 802. In one embodiment, the turret 802
can include an axle 814 with multiple spaced apart wheels 804, 806,
808, 810 mounted to the axle 814. Each wheel 804, 806, 808, 810 can
generally be cross or star-shaped, and can further be sized to
receive a single beverage container 816 between two cross or star
arms, such as 818, 820. In another embodiment, the rotatable device
or turret 802 may include a generally cylindrical shaped device
with multiple slots molded or machined into the device or turret
802.
[0092] The embodiment of a vending dispenser assembly shown in
FIGS. 8-10 also includes a shuttle assembly 822 adapted to direct a
container received from the rotatable device or turret 802 towards
a consumer access opening, such as 824. As shown, the shuttle
assembly 822 can include a shuttle 826 positioned on at least one
rail or track 828. When a user manipulates or pulls on an
associated shuttle handle (not shown), the shuttle 826 can ride
along the rail or track 828 to direct a container 816 on the
shuttle 826 towards a consumer access opening, such as 824, to
provide consumer access to the container 816. When an empty shuttle
826 is returned, by either a return force or other force applied by
a user, a product gate 830 can swing forward by the force of
gravity such that a gate lever 832 pivots and associated drive pins
834 can cooperate to allow the turret 802 and the star wheels 804,
806, 808, 810 to rotate and dispense another container 816 onto the
shuttle 826 for directing towards the consumer access opening
824.
[0093] The shuttle 826 shown in FIGS. 8-10 can be operated via a
drive belt assembly or similar type of drive. A drive assembly 836,
including a belt 838, drive gear 840, pulley 838, and door pulley
840, can pull the shuttle 826 towards or away from the consumer
access opening 824 as needed. Other drive assembly components, such
as a drive stop 840, drive spring 842, and shuttle spring 844 can
cooperate to pull the shuttle 826 towards or away from the consumer
access opening 824. Other embodiments of a shuttle assembly can
have other types of drive configurations or components, and may
cooperate with the rotatable device or turret 802 or other parts of
a vending dispenser assembly in other or similar manners in
accordance with the invention.
[0094] The product gate 830 shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 can cooperate
with various components including a gate lever 832, drive pins 834,
a pivot positioner arm 846, and positioner gear 848. These
components can cooperate to permit the product gate 830 to limit
the transfer of containers to the shuttle 826. Other embodiments of
a product gate can have other types of drive configurations or
components, and may cooperate with the rotatable device or turret
802, and shuttle 826, or other parts of a vending dispenser
assembly in other or similar manners in accordance with the
invention.
[0095] FIG. 11 illustrates another example of a vending dispenser
assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. This
example assembly 1100 can be implemented with a stand alone-type
beverage dispenser similar to the dispenser shown as 100 in FIG. 1.
The assembly 1100 shown includes at least one product storage
column 1102, and a product selection device 1104. Similar to the
example in FIG. 4, this assembly 1100 can include one or more
columns 1102 separated by vertically-oriented partitions between
columns. Within each column 1102, multiple beverage containers
1106, such as bottles or cans, can be arranged for gravity-fed type
dispensing from the respective column. By way of gravity, the
containers 1106 can be channeled towards the product selection
device 1104 adjacent to a lower portion of the respective column
1102.
[0096] The product selection shown 1104 can include a series of
rotatable devices or turrets 1108 mounted to an axle 1110. A push
button-type device 1112 can be manipulated by a user to rotate the
axle 1110, thereby rotating the series of rotatable devices or
turrets 1108 to permit at least one container 1106 to be dispensed
from the column 1102 and towards an access opening or door 1114.
Various configurations for a push button-type device 1112 can be
used with embodiments of the invention, such as a ratchet-type gear
device or other similar device. In the example shown, the push
button-type device 1112 can include an arm 1116 that selectively
engages an external rotatable device or turret 1118. When the arm
1116 disengages a portion of the external turret 1118, such as
disengaging a tooth or notch in the turret 1118, the axle 1110 can
rotate. When the arm 1116 engages a portion of the external turret
1118, such as engaging a tooth or notch in the turret 1118, the
axle 1110 is prevented or otherwise limited from rotating. In this
example, the arm 1116 can be manually manipulated by a user to
dispense a selected beverage container, such as 1106, from the
column 1102.
[0097] FIG. 12 illustrates another example of a vending dispenser
assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. This
example assembly 1200 can be implemented with a stand alone-type
beverage dispenser similar to the dispenser shown as 100 in FIG. 1.
The assembly 1200 shown includes at least one product storage
column 1202, and a product selection device 1204. Similar to the
example in FIG. 4, this assembly 1200 can include one or more
columns 1202 separated by vertically-oriented partitions between
columns. Within each column 1202, multiple beverage containers
1206, such as bottles or cans, can be arranged for gravity-fed type
dispensing from the respective column. By way of gravity, the
containers 1206 can be channeled towards the product selection
device 1204 adjacent to a lower portion of the respective column
1202.
[0098] The product selection device 1204 shown can include a
rotatable device or pivoting door 1208. The pivoting door 1208 can
be manipulated by a user to permit at least one container 1206 to
be dispensed from the column 1202 and towards an access opening and
door 1208. In this example, the pivoting door 1208 can be manually
manipulated by a user to dispense the selected beverage, such as
1206, from the column 1202. Various configurations for a rotatable
device or pivoting door 1208 can be used with embodiments of the
invention, such as a gate or other type of selective access door.
In the example shown, the pivoting door 1208 can include a specific
geometry, such as an angled surface, that permits the door 1208 to
rotate to receive a single container 1206 from the column 1202,
while maintaining other containers in the column 1202 for
subsequent dispensing. Furthermore, the geometry of the door 1208
permits the door 1208 to rotate in another direction to permit
access to the dispensed container 1206.
[0099] FIG. 13 is an example under the counter-type beverage
dispenser with a vending dispenser assembly according to an
embodiment of the invention. The beverage dispenser 1300 shown can
be mounted in a variety of locations depending on space
requirements, such as beneath a countertop 1302 in a retail
establishment. In general, an under the counter-type beverage
dispenser, such as 1300 in FIG. 13, can include a storage
compartment 1304, a consumer access opening 1306, a maintenance
door 1308, and a vending dispenser assembly 1310 (shown in the
interior of the dispenser 1300 in this example). Typically, the
beverage dispenser 1300 can dispense pre-packaged beverages in cans
or other containers. Multiple cans or containers can be loaded into
the storage compartment 1304 within the dispenser 1300 via the
maintenance opening 1308. FIGS. 14 and 15 described below
illustrate side and detail views, wherein further details
associated with the storage compartment 1304 and vending dispenser
assembly 1310 are shown. When a consumer is interested in obtaining
a beverage from the dispenser 1300, the consumer or retail
personnel can manipulate an access door 1312 to access a beverage
within the consumer access opening 1306. In this example, the
vending dispenser assembly 1310 can be manually manipulated by a
user to dispense the selected beverage from the storage compartment
1304. Upon opening the access door 1312, the vending dispenser
assembly 1310 can direct a beverage stored in the storage
compartment 1304 towards the access door 1312. The consumer or
retail personnel can obtain the beverage from the consumer access
opening 1306.
[0100] Other embodiments of an under the counter-type beverage
dispenser can include some or all of the above components, and some
embodiments can include other components in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0101] FIG. 14 is a side schematic of an example vending dispenser
assembly for a beverage dispenser according to an embodiment of the
invention. The beverage dispenser 1300 shown includes an access
door 1312, an access opening 1306, one or more product columns
1400, and a vending dispenser assembly 1310 including one or more
turret assemblies 1402 and a shuttle assembly 1404. In this
example, similar to the beverage dispenser described in FIGS. 1-5,
multiple product columns 1400 can be separated by
vertically-oriented partitions between columns. Within each column
1400, multiple beverage containers 1406, such as bottles or cans,
can be arranged for gravity-fed type dispensing from the respective
column. By way of gravity, the containers 1406 can be channeled
towards the vending dispenser assembly 1400 adjacent to a lower
portion of the respective column.
[0102] FIG. 15 shows a detail side view of the beverage dispenser
1300 and the vending dispenser assembly 1310. As shown in this
view, containers from a column 1400 are gravity fed and channeled
towards the vending dispenser assembly 1310. The vending dispenser
assembly 1310 can receive containers from the column 1400, and
direct a particular beverage container such as 1406 towards the
access opening 1306 when needed. The vending dispenser assembly
1310 can include a rotatable device, such as a turret 1402 with
multiple slots, such as 1500. In addition, the vending dispenser
assembly can include a control device, such as a combination
ratchet gear 1502, toggle 1504, and pawl 1506, adapted to control
the rotation of the rotatable device or turret. In one embodiment,
the turret 1402 can generally be star-shaped with multiple spaced
apart slots, such as 1500, molded or machined into the surface of
the turret 1402. Each slot 1500 can be sized to receive a single
beverage container, such as 1406. The rotatable device or turret
1402 may include multiple turrets or star-shaped wheels mounted on
an axle, such as 1508. The multiple turrets or star-shaped wheels
may cooperate to receive one beverage container, such as 1406, at a
time. Similar to the turret shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a rotatable
device or turret 1402 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15
can include multiple out-of-phase slots adapted to receive a
beverage container from one or more other columns. When the turret
1402 is rotated, the out-of phase slots can receive containers from
other or different columns at different times when each
out-of-phase slot is aligned with a corresponding column.
[0103] In this embodiment, the control device shown is a
combination ratchet gear 1502, toggle 1504, and pawl 1506. The
example ratchet gear 1502 can be mounted to the turret 1402, and
rotation of the ratchet gear 1502 can transmit a corresponding
rotation on the turret 1402 and corresponding slots such as 1500,
and any out-of phase slots. A portion of the toggle 1504, such as
an arm 1510, can extend towards and contact a portion of the
ratchet gear 1502, such as a tooth 1512. The toggle 1504 is adapted
to control, limit, or otherwise permit selective rotation or
movement of the ratchet gear 1502 as needed. As the toggle 1504 is
rotated, other extended portions or arms can contact other teeth of
the ratchet gear 1502. For example, in an initial position, the
extended arm 1510 of the toggle 1504 may limit or otherwise prevent
further rotation of the ratchet gear 1502 and turret 1402 until the
aim 1510 is released or actuated. When the toggle 1504 receives
sufficient force, such as a manual force applied towards the
beverage dispenser 1300 or toggle 1504, the extended arm 1510 can
pivot slightly to another position to permit the toggle 1504 to
release from or otherwise decrease the amount of force applied by
the arm 1510 to a surface, such as tooth 1512, of the ratchet gear
1502. Thus, when the extended arm 1510 is actuated, the rotatable
device or turret 1402 can be rotated to permit a container, such as
1406, to move from an adjacent column, such as 1400, and into a
corresponding slot 1500 of the turret 1402. The ratchet gear 1502
and rotatable device or turret 1402 can be further rotated to
permit the rotatable device or turret 1402 to direct the container
1406 from the slot 1500 towards the shuttle assembly 1404 for
further manipulation towards the consumer access opening 1306. In
this example, the vending dispenser assembly 1310 can be manually
manipulated by a user to dispense the selected beverage from the
product column 1400 as needed.
[0104] The cradle assembly shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 includes a
shuttle 1514, a shuttle track 1516, a shuttle drive assembly 1518
including a set of pulleys 1520 and a drive cable 1522. These
components can cooperate together such that when the access door
1312 is manually opened by a consumer or retail personnel, the
shuttle 1514 and a single container, such as 1406, can be
manipulated upward from the lower portion of the column 1400
towards the consumer access opening 1306.
[0105] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the pawl 1506 can be an
extended portion of the shuttle 1514 associated with the shuttle
assembly 1404. The pawl 1506 can be adapted to cooperate with the
toggle 1504 when the shuttle assembly 1404 is available to receive
a container, such as 1406. That is, when there is no container
being transferred by the shuttle assembly 1404, the pawl 1506 can
be in position to actuate the toggle 1504 to permit rotation of the
ratchet gear 1502 and turret 1402 until a container 1406 is
released from a column, such as 1400, to the shuttle assembly 1404.
After a container 1406 is released from the column 1400 to the
shuttle assembly 1404, the pawl 1506 can be positioned to limit or
stop further rotation of the ratchet gear 1502 and turret 1402. For
example, as shown in FIG. 15, the pawl 1506 can include a pivotable
or actuating portion adjacent to a shuttle 1514 of the shuttle
assembly 1404.
[0106] Other embodiments of a control device or combination ratchet
gear 1502, toggle, 1504, and pawl 1506 can have other
configurations or components, and may cooperate with the rotatable
device or turret 1402 in other or similar manners in accordance
with the invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, a pawl
trigger 1600 or other pawl-type device may be associated with a
toggle 1602 rather than a shuttle, such as 1520 or 1604, and the
shuttle 1604 may pivot depending on whether a container is loaded
on the shuttle 1604. In this example, the shuttle may assume an
initial, pivoted position when there is no container loaded on the
shuttle 1604. When the shuttle 1604 is manipulated in an upward
direction, an extended portion of the shuttle 1604 can actuate the
pawl trigger 1600 to actuate the toggle 1602 and permit rotation of
the ratchet gear 1606 and associated turret 1608. Rotation of the
turret 1608 permits a single container 1610 to be transferred from
a column 1612 to the shuttle 1604, and loading of the shuttle 1604
can cause the shuttle 1604 to pivot to an upright, relatively
horizontal position. After the container 1610 is loaded onto the
shuttle 1604, and the shuttle 1604 be moved upward along a shuttle
track and clear the pawl trigger 1600 without contacting with the
trigger 1600. In this manner, the pawl trigger 1600 and toggle 1602
can limit or otherwise prevent further rotation of the ratchet gear
1606 and turret 1608 until the pawl trigger 1600 is further
actuated by the shuttle 1604. This permits the shuttle 1604 and
container 1610 to be manipulated or lifted upward for dispensing to
a consumer or retail personnel. After the container 1610 is removed
from the shuttle 1604, the shuttle 1604 returns to an initial,
pivoted position, and the pivoted shuttle 1604 can be moved
downward along a shuttle track to receive another container from
the column 1612. As the pivoted shuttle 1604 approaches the pawl
trigger 1600, the pawl trigger 1600 can be actuated upon contact
with the pivoted shuttle 1604. The actuation of the pawl trigger
actuates the toggle 1602 and permits rotation of the ratchet gear
1606 and associated turret 1608 such that another container can be
transferred from the column 1612 to the shuttle 1604 for subsequent
dispensing to a consumer or retail personnel.
[0107] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another example vending
dispenser assembly for a beverage dispenser according to an
embodiment of the invention. The example vending dispenser assembly
1700 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 can be implemented with an under the
counter-type beverage dispenser, similar to 1300 in FIG. 13, and
according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 18,
which is a side schematic view of the example vending dispenser
assembly shown in FIG. 17, the vending dispenser assembly 1700 can
operate adjacent to one or more product columns 1800. In this
example, similar to the beverage dispensers described in FIGS. 1-5,
and 6-16, multiple product columns 1800 can be separated by
vertically-oriented partitions between columns. Within each column
1800, multiple beverage containers 1802, such as bottles or cans,
can be arranged for gravity-fed type dispensing from the respective
column. By way of gravity, the containers 1802 can be channeled
towards the vending dispenser assembly 1700 adjacent to a lower
portion of the respective column.
[0108] The vending dispenser assembly shown can include at least
one moveable array 1702 and at least one stationary array 1704. The
moveable array 1702 shown can include a series of pivotable lift
arms or extensions 1706 and a corresponding series of lift bars
1708 which are mounted to the lift arms or extensions 1706 in a
spaced apart relation along a portion of the array 1702. Each bar
1708 can be mounted to at least one arm or extension 1706 mounted
adjacent to a lateral side of the array, but in the configuration
shown, can be mounted to an arm or extension adjacent to each
lateral side of the array. In this example, the extensions 1706 and
arms 1708 can be spaced apart to permit at least one container,
such as a can or bottle, to be horizontally positioned between
adjacent bars 1708.
[0109] The stationary array 1704 can include a series of relatively
flexible or pivotable arms or extensions 1710 which are spaced
apart along a portion of the length of the stationary array 1704.
In this example, the extensions 1710 can be spaced apart to permit
at least one container, such as a can or bottle, to be horizontally
positioned between adjacent extensions 1710. As shown, the moveable
array 1702 and stationary array 1704 can be positioned opposing
each other such that the respective series of arms or extensions
1706, 1710 of each array 1702, 1704 generally face each other.
[0110] As each container in the product column 1800 is directed
towards the vending dispenser assembly 1700, the moveable array
1702 can be positioned to receive at least one container 1802 from
the lower portion of the column 1800 such that the container 1802
is oriented adjacent to the lift bar 1708 and between adjacent
extensions 1706. As the moveable array is manipulated upward by a
consumer or retail personnel, the container 1802 is directed upward
between the moveable array and the stationary array such that the
container 1802 contacts a portion of at least one relatively
flexible or pivotable arm or extension 1710 associated with the
stationary array 1704. As the container contacts the flexible or
pivotable arm or extension 1710, the extension flexes or pivots
from an initial position towards a flexed or pivoted position to
permit the container to continue traveling upward. After the
container has traveled further, the extension 1710 returns or
pivots back to the initial position. In this manner, the container
can be retained at a certain position by the extensions of the
stationary array if the moveable array is manipulated downward, or
if the moveable array continues to move upward, the container can
continue to be directed upward past one or more flexible or
pivotable arm or extensions associated with the stationary array.
Furthermore, in this example, the vending dispenser assembly 1700
can be manually manipulated by a user to dispense a selected
beverage from the product column 1800.
[0111] Other embodiments of a moveable array and stationary array
for a vending dispenser assembly can have other types of array
configurations or components, and may cooperate with each other, or
other parts of a vending dispenser assembly in other or similar
manners in accordance with the invention.
[0112] It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
that the foregoing relates only to embodiments of the invention and
that numerous changes and modifications can be made herein without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the
following claims and equivalents thereof.
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