Vending machines

Abstract

The present invention relates to vending machines, in particular to vending machines for vending discrete products, such as confectionery (sweets and candies). We describe a vending machine for dispensing discrete products, wherein the vending machine comprises at least one storage container for products to be dispensed and a dispensing assembly in communication with the storage container; wherein the storage container includes a plurality of baffles to support products within the container and direct flow of products from the storage container to the dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly comprises a dispensing cylinder mounted for rotation within the machine and the dispensing assembly includes indexing means adapted to cause stepwise rotation of the dispensing cylinder. Preferably, the indexing means comprises at least one indexing disc associated with the dispensing cylinder and the dispensing assembly further comprises an actuator arm associated with the or each indexing disk, the actuator arm being mounted for reciprocal motion.

1 . A vending machine for dispensing discrete products, wherein the vending machine comprises at least one storage container for products to be dispensed and a dispensing assembly in communication with the storage container; wherein the storage container includes a plurality of baffles to support products within the container and direct flow of products from the storage container to the dispensing assembly; wherein the dispensing assembly comprises a dispensing cylinder mounted for rotation within the machine and the dispensing assembly includes indexing means adapted to cause stepwise rotation of the dispensing cylinder; and wherein the indexing means comprises at least one indexing disc associated with the dispensing cylinder and the dispensing assembly further comprises an actuator arm associated with the or each indexing disk, the actuator arm being mounted for reciprocal motion. 
     
     
         2 . A machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the indexing means comprises a toothed disc or gear; the actuator arm has a distal end adapted sequentially, in use, to engage and bear against a tooth of the toothed disc to advance the dispensing cylinder. 
     
     
         3 . A machine as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the actuator arm has a proximal end mounted to a reciprocatable member, wherein the reciprocatable member is moveable between a first configuration in which the distal end of the arm does not bear against a respective tooth of the toothed disc and a second configuration in which distal end of the arm bears against a tooth to advance the cylinder. 
     
     
         4 . A machine as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the reciprocatable member is moveable by means of an electric motor. 
     
     
         5 . A machine as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the electric motor has an eccentric, cam or elliptical gear mounted to the output shaft thereof and wherein the reciprocatable member includes a surface against which the eccentric, cam or elliptical gear bears, in use, to cause reciprocal movement of the reciprocatable member. 
     
     
         6 . A machine as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the reciprocatable member is moveable by means of a user-operated mechanical mechanism. 
     
     
         7 . A machine as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the baffles are arranged in opposed pairs, comprising an operatively upper pair and an operatively lower pair. 
     
     
         8 . A machine as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the upper pair of baffles are arranged in an inverted-V shape. 
     
     
         9 . A machine as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the lower pair of baffles are arranged in a V-shape configuration with a space between the baffles. 
     
     
         10 . A machine as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the storage cavity is provided with a base and the reciprocatable member is arranged, as it moves between the first configuration and the second configuration, to push products along the base to the dispensing cylinder. 
     
     
         11 . A machine as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the dispensing cylinder comprises a shaft having a plurality of axial dividing walls or vanes dividing the cylinder into a plurality of axial product-receiving cavities. 
     
     
         12 . A machine as claimed in  claim 11  wherein each wall or vane includes an axial aperture proximal the shaft. 
     
     
         13 . A machine as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  10  wherein the dispensing cylinder comprises a plurality of radially arranged rods. 
     
     
         14 . A machine as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the dispensing cylinder further comprises an elasticated cover or sheath. 
     
     
         15 . A machine as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the elasticated cover or sheath is formed of a rubber material, preferably polyurethane rubber. 
     
     
         16 . A machine as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising at least one agitation bar. 
     
     
         17 . A machine as claimed in  claim 16  wherein the agitation bar is longitudinally positioned generally centrally between side walls of the hopper and mounted between front and rear walls of the hopper. 
     
     
         18 . A machine as claimed in  claim 16  or  claim 17  wherein the agitation bar is formed of a bar or rod having a tube provided thereover for free rotation about the rod. 
     
     
         19 . A machine as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a control or metering arrangement provided vertically intermediate the dispensing cylinder and a second dividing wall or baffle. 
     
     
         20 . A machine as claimed in  claim 19  wherein the metering arrangement includes at least one tube mounted for free rotation about a rod. 
     
     
         21 . A machine as claimed in  claim 20  wherein a pair of tubes and rods are mounted between the front and rear walls of the hopper in a vertical orientation with a small gap therebetween, preferably the gap being slightly larger than the diameter of the tubes.