Freezer door opener/closer for a vending machine
US7021491B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2400/10
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An article handler having an article storage area and an article dispensing opening at a top portion thereof, with a hinged lid mounted so as to have at least a predetermined range of arcuate movement thereover. The lid has a lifting portion thereon adapted for engagement with a lid opening/closing mechanism, and a lid opening/closing mechanism mounted adjacent the cooled article storage area. The mechanism has an engaging portion adapted for positively engaging the lid lifting portion, and a drive portion for positively and alternately driving the engaging portion in a direction toward the lid lifting portion and then in a reverse direction, wherein the engaging portion is adapted to positively engage the lid lifting portion while being driven toward the lid lifting portion and at a time after initial contact with the lid lifting portion, and the engaging portion is adapted to then positively disengage the lid lifting portion while being driven in the reverse direction, after a substantial portion of the entire predetermined range of arcuate movement of the lid has been completed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.