Rf point of purchase apparatus and method of using same

Abstract

The present invention provides a checkout device that includes a purchasable item having an RFID tag affixed thereto and a scanner for detecting the RFID tag. A dispenser proximate to the scanner dispenses a point of purchase product upon selection by a user of the checkout device. A controller in operative communication with the scanner and the dispenser subsequently calculates the cost of the purchase item and the point of purchase product. A display device in operative communication with the controller displays the cost to the person using the checkout device.

1 - 33 . (canceled)  
   
   
       34 . A point of purchase device that operates with an automated purchasing device that allows a retail operator to input purchasable items through use of an RFID tag and accumulate a cost for the purchasable items, the point of purchase device comprising: 
 a body housing a stock of confectionary products at a point of purchase location, the stock of confectionary product not accessible to the consumer until dispensed from the body;    a controller maintained within the body;    a prompt to encourage a consumer to request from the retail operator a confectionary product; and    a dispenser within the body that dispenses a confectionary product from the stock upon a signal from the controller, the signal initiated by the retail operator, wherein a cost for the product is automatically added to the cost for the purchasable items having an RFID tag by the controller.    
   
   
       35 . The point of purchase device of  claim 34 , wherein the automated purchasing device includes a scanner and a cash register.  
   
   
       36 . The point of purchase device of  claim 34 , including a display that communicates with the controller and prompts the consumer to purchase the product.  
   
   
       37 . The point of purchase device of  claim 34 , wherein the body is modular and physically independent from the automated purchasing device.  
   
   
       38 . A point of purchase device that operates with an automated purchasing device that allows a retail operator to input purchasable items through use of an RFID tag and accumulate a cost for the purchasable items, the point of purchase device comprising: 
 a body housing a stock of confectionary products at a point of purchase location, the stock of confectionary product being not accessible to the consumer until dispensed from the body;    a controller maintained within the body;    a video monitor that can generate a prompt to encourage a consumer to request from the retail operator a confectionary product; and    a dispenser within the body that dispenses a confectionary product from the stock upon a signal from the controller, the signal initiated by the retail operator, wherein a cost for the product is displayed on the video monitor and automatically added to the cost for the purchasable items having an RFID tag by the controller.    
   
   
       39 . A point of purchase device that operates with an automated purchasing device that allows a retail operator to input purchasable items through use of an RFID tag and accumulate a cost for the purchasable items, the point of purchase device comprising: 
 a body housing a stock of confectionary products at a point of purchase location, the stock of confectionary product not accessible to the consumer until dispensed from the body;    a controller maintained within the body;    an audio prompt to encourage a consumer to request from the retail operator a confectionary product; and    a dispenser within the body that dispenses a confectionary product from the stock upon a signal from the controller, the signal initiated by the retail operator, wherein a cost for the product is automatically added to the cost for the purchasable items having an RFID tag by the controller.    
   
   
       40 . A point of purchase device that operates with an automated purchasing device comprising: 
 a body housing a stock of confectionary products at a point of purchase location, the stock of confectionary product being not accessible to the consumer until dispensed from the body;    a controller maintained within the body;    a video monitor that can generate an audio prompt to encourage a consumer to purchase a confectionary product; and    a dispenser within the body that dispenses a confectionary product from the stock upon a signal from the controller, the signal initiated by the consumer, wherein a cost for the product is displayed on the video monitor and automatically added to the cost for the purchasable items having an RFID tag by the controller.