Article release mechanism for a vending machine
US6571988B2 · kind B2 · utility
16Cited by
11References
32Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F11/06
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A release mechanism for a vending machine includes a frame for supporting a plurality of hinged plates which are movable between article retention and dispensing positions. As the release mechanism is moved to the dispensing position, a sub-plate member of one of the plurality of plates projects into a dispensing path and abuts an article to be dispensed to force the article along the dispensing path. A pusher link is used to shift the sub-plate member, with the pusher link being adapted to extend through a central opening provided in a main plate member when the release mechanism assumes the article dispensing position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.