Vending machine for hot packaged food
US11688224B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 8, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F17/0078
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides a vending machine for dispensing hot packaged food. The vending machine includes a storage and dispenser unit comprising plural dispensing trays arranged in an array for storing one or more packaged foods, a frame, and a carrier structure. Each individual dispensing tray includes a pivotable gate and a slideway inclined by a tilting angle from a horizontal axis. The carrier structure comprises a carrying arm having an engaging feature; and an engaging mechanism for actuating the pivotable gate. The engaging mechanism is configured to move the carrying arm towards the individual dispensing tray such that the engaging feature actuates the pivotable gate from a locked position to an unlocked position. The packaged food is prevented from sliding down when the pivotable gate is at the locked position. The packaged food is slidable relative to the individual dispensing tray when the pivotable gate is at the unlocked position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.