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WO1996005578A1 - Distribution conjointe d'en-cas et de boissons a partir d'un distributeur automatique - Google Patents

Distribution conjointe d'en-cas et de boissons a partir d'un distributeur automatique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1996005578A1
WO1996005578A1 PCT/US1995/010222 US9510222W WO9605578A1 WO 1996005578 A1 WO1996005578 A1 WO 1996005578A1 US 9510222 W US9510222 W US 9510222W WO 9605578 A1 WO9605578 A1 WO 9605578A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
containers
snack food
product
container
vending machine
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1995/010222
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John L. Center
James William Stalder
Dale W. Elliott
John Michael Pennington
Original Assignee
Recot, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/289,537 external-priority patent/US5445287A/en
Priority claimed from US08/419,605 external-priority patent/US5613620A/en
Priority to BR9508574-2A priority Critical patent/BR9508574A/pt
Priority to DE69529826T priority patent/DE69529826D1/de
Priority to MX9701118A priority patent/MX9701118A/es
Priority to JP8507518A priority patent/JPH10504411A/ja
Application filed by Recot, Inc. filed Critical Recot, Inc.
Priority to AT95929480T priority patent/ATE233928T1/de
Priority to KR1020007013226A priority patent/KR100321447B1/ko
Priority to CA002197421A priority patent/CA2197421C/fr
Priority to KR1019970700914A priority patent/KR100305359B1/ko
Priority to EP95929480A priority patent/EP0775349B1/fr
Priority to AU33218/95A priority patent/AU703172B2/en
Publication of WO1996005578A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996005578A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F1/00—Racks for dispensing merchandise; Containers for dispensing merchandise
    • A47F1/04—Racks or containers with arrangements for dispensing articles, e.g. by means of gravity or springs
    • A47F1/08—Racks or containers with arrangements for dispensing articles, e.g. by means of gravity or springs dispensing from bottom
    • A47F1/10—Racks or containers with arrangements for dispensing articles, e.g. by means of gravity or springs dispensing from bottom having mechanical dispensing means, e.g. with buttons or handles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/10—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other two or more magazines having a common delivery chute
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/72—Auxiliary equipment, e.g. for lighting cigars, opening bottles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to processes for dispensing containers from vending machines or the like and, more particularly, to processes for dispensing both snack food products and beverages from a single vending machine.
  • the present invention also relates to a novel apparatus and process for filling cylindrical containers with snack food and packaging snack food products in cylindrical containers, including containers suitable for being dispensed by a vending machine. Description of Relevant Art
  • Coin-operated vending machines also are used to dispense packages of food products, e.g., candy, snack foods such as potato chips or pretzels, or sandwiches.
  • salty snack food products e.g. corn chips, cheese snacks, pretzels, etc.
  • these packaging films typically are complex laminated structures that provide moisture and oxygen barrier layers to prevent premature staling or loss of product freshness.
  • a plurality of vending machines often are disposed or located together in a common area, e.g., a travel rest area or a snack bar.
  • the machines contain and dispense various beverages, snack foods, candy, etc.
  • the separate vending machines respectively dispense separate types of products. That is, a machine typically dispenses either beverages or food products, but not both. For example, a machine which dispenses cans of soft drinks does not dispense food products. Consequently, a purchaser cannot obtain a beverage and a snack food product from prior art soft drink vending machines.
  • Snack-food or rest-area vending arrangements often include an oven for cooking food products purchased from the machines. It is known in the prior art to combine a microwave oven with a food-vending machine to permit the products to be cooked and then dispensed to the purchaser. See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,068, which teaches that the food products may be dispensed by a conventional soft drink vending machine.
  • the 5,147,068 patent does not teach or suggest dispensing both a beverage product and a food product from a single vending machine but, rather, teaches only the conventional usage of a machine to dispense only one product or the other.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 2,901,964 discloses a vending machine with means for heating refrigerated sandwiches . The purchaser selects a type of sandwich which is then heated and dispensed by the machine.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,784 discloses a monitoring system for monitoring the inventory status of vending machines from a remote location.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,561 discloses a vending machine for dispensing containers having a circular cross-section through a discharge port. The 3,810,561 patent teaches that although the containers typically will be cans of soda, other items also can be dispensed in the circular containers. However, as with the patents mentioned above, the 3,810,561 patent does not teach or suggest dispensing both a beverage and food product from a single soft drink vending machine.
  • the present invention provides a process for co- dispensing beverages and snack food products from a single vending machine, i.e., dispensing both filled beverage containers and filled food product containers from the same vending machine.
  • the food product containers preferably have a size and shape substantially the same as the size and shape of the beverage containers.
  • both containers can be aluminum cans with a removable opening. This permits a conventional, refrigerated soft drink vending machine to be used to dispense both beverages and food products according to the present invention.
  • the present invention provides a highly economical and efficient system for dispensing both refrigerated beverages and snack foods via pre- existing soft drink vending machines, without any need for modification of the vending machine.
  • the invention also includes an automatic door- opening mechanism for use in vending machines which have a dispensing door that is pushed open by the weight of the dispensed container. For snackfood containers that are too light to push the door open, the mechanism holds the dispensing door open until the containers pass therethrough.
  • This aspect of the invention is desirable, but not necessaryy, to use in connection with the co-dispensing process described immediately above.
  • an apparatus and process for filling containers with snack food product wherein a funnel-shaped member is provided to align the individual pieces of the product in a desired direction prior to placing the product in a container.
  • the funnel-shaped member has a plurality of troughs on its interior which contact the snack food product, for example pretzel sticks, and align the product pieces in a generally lengthwise direction. In this manner, the product pieces are disposed and enter the container lengthwise whereby the container can be completely filled with product to ensure product value to consumers.
  • FIGS. 1A and IB are elevation views of a filled beverage container and a filled food product container which may be dispensed from a single vending machine according to the process of the present invention
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B are plan views of the containers depicted in FIGS. 1A and IB;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view of a vending machine that may be used in carrying out the process of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a process for packaging snack foods in a cylindrical container.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for filling containers;
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view, somewhat schematic, of a vending machine for dispensing beverages and snack food products according to the present invention
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view of the barrier door depicted in FIG. 6 including a mechanism for automatically opening the dispensing door of the barrier door to release a container to the outlet of the vending machine;
  • FIG. 8 is an elevation view of a portion of the barrier door of the vending machine depicted in FIG. 6;
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B are, respectively, plan and elevation views of a funnel member which forms part of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 5;
  • FIGS. 10A and 10B are somewhat schematic views of elongated product pieces disposed within the funnel member of FIGS. 9A and 9B.
  • the present invention provides a process for co-dispensing beverages and food products from a single vending machine.
  • apparatus which may be utilized to carry out the process of the present invention will be referred to collectively as vending machines.
  • Such apparatus include, but are not limited to, conventional coin-operated soft drink vending machines known in the art.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a filled beverage container 10 and a filled snack food product container 30.
  • the beverage container 10 preferably is aluminum and has a shape and size such that the container can be dispensed by a conventional soft drink vending machine.
  • Beverage container 10 can be in the form of a conventional recyclable aluminum soft drink can including a body 12 with suitable advertising indicia as seen in FIG. 1A, and a pop-top or like easy opening closure indicated generally at 14 (FIG. 2A) .
  • Closure 14 is conventional and includes a pull ring 16 which when lifted upward punches section 18 from upper surface 20 to provide an outlet, all as known in the art.
  • Snack food product container 30 likewise can be in the form of a recyclable aluminum can having a body 32 with advertising indicia and an easy-opening closure indicated generally at 34 (FIG. 2B) .
  • Closure 34 differs from the closure 10 of beverage container 1C in that substantially the entire upper surface 40 of container 30 preferably is removed to gain access to the contents thereof, i.e., the snack food product which, in FIG. IB, is a snack food marketed by Frito-Lay, Inc. under the trademark CHEE-TOS ® brand cheese flavored snacks.
  • Pull ring 36 is grasped and lifted upward to depress portion 38 of surface 34 so as to permit easy removal thereof. This type of closure is known in the art and, therefore, is not discussed in further detail herein.
  • containers 10 and 30 may be of any size.
  • the containers may have a 12 or 16 fluid ounce (350 or 500 cc) capacity, or any other fluid capacity.
  • Fluid capacity refers to both containers 10 and 30 although only container 10 contains a beverage.
  • both container 10 and container 30 have a 12 fluid ounce (350 cc) capacity, and, therefore, may be dispensed by a conventional soft drink vending machine.
  • FIG. 3 shows a perspective schematic view of a vending machine for dispensing both food and drink containers according to the present invention.
  • the vending machine 100 includes an outer housing 102, a payment mechanism 104, a selector panel mechanism 106, and a dispensing outlet 108.
  • the vending machine 100 further includes a front door 110 which is pivotally connected to housing 102 and can be opened to provide access to the interior of the machine to, e.g., refill the product supply and collect the money deposited in the machine.
  • the front door 110 of vending machine 100 can have a suitable advertising display or indicia 112 which, in FIG. 1, depicts a beverage item and a snack food item contained therein.
  • vending machine 100 The operation of vending machine 100 is well known to and appreciated by those skilled in the art and thus will not be explained in any great detail herein.
  • the process of the present invention can be carried out utilizing conventional soft drink vending apparatus, i.e., the present invention does not require a specifically designed vending machine.
  • the operation of such apparatus in response to the insertion of money therein will not be described in detail .
  • the process of the present invention can be practiced with a vending machine having sufficient internal space for storage of filled beverage and snack food containers, and means for permitting a user to select a specific beverage or food item which item is dispensed upon the insertion of sufficient money in the machine.
  • the structure used to convey or direct soft drink containers to the outlet from the stacks in that portion of the storage area, according to the present invention, instead direct snack food containers to the outlet from the stacks in that storage portion.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,991,740 discloses a known type of vending machine that may be used in carrying out the process of the present invention.
  • the 4,991,740 patent discloses a vending machine including horizontally-spaced container stacks with respective release mechanisms and a single machine outlet, as disclosed in FIGS. 1-5 and columns 4-8 of the 4,991,740 patent, which disclosure is expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.
  • FIGS. 1-5 and columns 4-8 of the 4,991,740 patent which disclosure is expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,483,459 discloses a machine having vertically- spaced container stacks, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 therein. The operation of -the vending machine in the 4,483,459 patent is disclosed in FIGS. 2-5 and columns 2-5, which disclosure also is expressly incorporated by reference in the present application.
  • FIG. 6 depicts a vending machine 200 constructed according to the present invention.
  • the vending machine 200 includes a housing 202, a barrier door 220, and a front door 240.
  • the housing 202 may include separate sections or areas 204 for receiving stacks of containers as is known in the art and has a drop chute 208 which the containers slide down upon being selected and paid for by a purchaser.
  • machine 200 is provided with drive motors (not shown) which operate a dispensing gate or other means disposed at the outlet of each container section 204 for releasing the container to the drop chute 208.
  • the container slides down tne drop chute and passes through an outlet formed in barrier door 220, as explained below.
  • the barrier door 220 is connected to the housing 202 at a hinge 210 so as to be movable toward and away from the housing.
  • the barrier door typically will be formed from an insulative material and when closed prevents or reduces heat transfer between the interior of the housing 202 and the ambient environment.
  • a hinged dispensing or trap door 224 closes the outlet of the barrier door 220 and is pushed open by the container as it slides down the drop chute 208 of housing 202 under the force of gravity, the container contacting the door 224 so as to pivot it open.
  • the present invention includes a mechanism (indicated schematically at 226 in FIG. 6) for automatically opening the dispensing door 224 of barrier door 220.
  • the mechanism is actuated each time a snack food container is selected and opens the dispensing door 224 before the container has passed down the chute 208 to the door 224.
  • the container passes through the open dispensing door 224 of barrier door 220 and then travels down dispensing passage 246 formed in the front door 240 of machine 200 to a dispensing outlet 248 where it can be accessed by the purchaser.
  • the front door 240 also is hinged at 210 to the housing 202 and includes a display area 242, a coin insertion mechanism 244, and the aforesaid dispensing passage 246 and outlet 248.
  • FIG. 7 shows in somewhat schematic fashion a dispensing door-opening mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention which is indicated generally by reference numeral 226.
  • the mechanism 226 includes a solenoid 227 secured to the inside surface 222 of barrier door 220 (FIG. 6) .
  • the solenoid 227 includes an arm 230 which is moved in a desired direction upon actuation of the solenoid by a suitable electrical signal.
  • the solenoid 227 includes a wire(s) 236 and receives the same signal used to power the motor for the dispensing gate of each dispensing section 204 of the machine.
  • the electrical signal which powers the motor for the dispensing gate for the section 204 in which the product is located also powers the solenoid 227.
  • the container When the dispensing gate is opened, the container is free to move from the stack or storage rack and onto the drop chute 208.
  • the electrical signal causes the arm 230 of solenoid 227 to move downward in the direction of arrow B.
  • a door- contacting member 228, which may be a stiff wire, has two ends, one end 232 being secured to the arm 230 of solenoid 227 and the other end 225 configured with a portion that projects outward toward the outside of the machine, i.e., in the direction that dispensing door 224 is opened.
  • the member 228 is secured to the surface 222 at a pivot connection (indicated schematically at P in FIG. 7) located between the two ends. While a stiff wire is used in the illustrated embodiment, any type, size, or shape actuating member could be used to contact the door.
  • FIG. 8 depicts one possible arrangement which may be used to translate the motion of the arm 230 of the solenoid 227 into a force which acts in a generally transverse direction A to pivot open the door 224.
  • a bracket 250 is secured to surface 222 and has a pair of ears 252 with openings passing therethrough.
  • the door- contacting member 228 has a projection 254 located between the ears 252 with an opening aligned with the openings in ears 252 and a pivot pin 256 disposed in the aligned openings.
  • the arm 230 moves downward in direction B (into the page in FIG. 8) which causes the door-contacting member 228 to pivot about connection P so as to move the end 225 of member 228 in an outward direction along arrow A as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8.
  • the solenoid 227 opens the dispensing door 224 before the container C (shown in phantom in Fig. 7) travels from the supply stacks, down the drop chute and to the barrier door 220.
  • the door-opening mechanism of the present invention includes a time delay feature to ensure that the door 224 will be held open a sufficient length of time.
  • a capacitor may be used to provide the mechanism with a desired time constant that will hold the door open long enough to allow the containers to reach the open dispensing door regardless of their position in the machine. The particular capacitor may be selected taking into consideration the electrical capacitance of the vending machine, etc., so that the desired time constant is obtained and the door is held open for the necessary length of time.
  • the automatic door-opening feature of the present invention can be constructed in many different ways and a solenoid-operated mechanism is only one possible construction.
  • the particular configuration of the door-contacting member is not critical and can be in any form which permits it to open the door.
  • a solenoid it can be mounted at virtually any location on the vending machine and, likewise, the door-opening member can be configured to engage the dispensing door from virtually any location.
  • the particular configuration of the vending machine may influence or determine how or where the mechanism will be placed, e.g., adjacent the wires which will be used to supply power to the solenoid, on a wall that has open surface area, etc.
  • any type of vending machine may be used.
  • a machine having more than one outlet door could be utilized with the mechanism(s) of the invention controlling some or all of the doors.
  • the invention resides primarily in providing an automatic door-opening mechanism which opens the dispensing door of the machine before the containers filled with snack food product reach the door and, if necessary, maintains the door open a sufficient length of time to permit the containers to reach the door.
  • the mechanism could open the door automatically for every product selected if desired.
  • the snack food container 30 is pressurized at about 5-15 psi (pounds per square inch) to give it added strength so as to prevent the container (and snack food product) from being crushed or damaged during transportation, storage, etc.
  • the empty containers 300 which are open at the top thereof, preferably are flushed with nitrogen gas at a flushing station 310 to remove any oxygen present therein.
  • the containers then are fed or directed to a filling station 320 equipped with a device or assembly that includes a filling head for dispensing precise metered amounts of the snack food product, e.g. corn chips, pretzels, cheese snacks, etc., from a supply 330 into the empty containers 300.
  • the filling equipment can be in the form of a rotary table, conveyor belt or system, etc.
  • the present invention provides an apparatus and process for filling the containers which permits each container to be properly and completely filled with product.
  • the containers 300 should be positively captured or controlled during the filling process so that the amount of product placed therein can be controlled very accurately. It may be desirable to also flush the product itself with nitrogen gas so as to substantially remove the oxygen captured or trapped therein to provide longer shelf life for the product. This can be done before the product is placed in the containers or, alternatively, may be accomplished after filling (but before sealing) of the containers by passing the filled containers through area 340 (shown in phantom) . Area 340 may be in the form of a tunnel, chamber, etc., that contains a nitrogen rich environment to remove oxygen from the product as the containers pass therethrough. It is desirable to reduce the oxygen content of the product to about 2% or less in order to provide long shelf life and product freshness.
  • the containers are then sealed with a lid at a sealing station 350.
  • the sealing of the containers may take place while the containers still are within the nitrogen environment, i.e., area 340 in FIG. 4.).
  • the lids used to seal the containers, as described above with respect to FIG. 2B, are designed for easy removal.
  • a small amount of liquid nitrogen is placed in the filled containers before the containers are sealed, as indicated by reference numeral 345 in FIG. 4.
  • the liquid nitrogen evaporates after the containers are sealed to provide additional internal pressurization of the container, which in turn provides increased columnar and overall strength against crushing or deformation.
  • the pressurization of the snack food container causes an audible noise upon opening which indicates the fresh and untampered condition of the product.
  • the purchaser simply pulls up the ring 36 and completely removes cover 40 to gain access to the product.
  • Another aspect of the present invention relates to the filling of containers with product that includes elongated pieces or portions by aligning the product pieces prior to placing them in the container.
  • This aspect of the invention is described below in connection with the filling of containers with snack food product; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it may be used in filling containers with other products, food and non-food alike.
  • a statistical weigher which is known in the art, may be used to accurately separate the product into portions which are conveyed, e.g., by gravity, to a container filling apparatus.
  • the portions are passed into a receiver (in the form of a large funnel) and then into a transition chute.
  • the transition chute preferably is a flexible hollow member which couples the receiver with the filling apparatus.
  • the filling apparatus includes a discharge or filling funnel disposed above the location at which the container is supported, which funnel dumps a product portion into the open end of the container.
  • the snack food containers particularly when the containers are of a size and shape corresponding to that of beverage containers or cans, have a relatively small opening at the end thereof.
  • the container opening may be in the range of from about 1.5 to about 3 inches in width 'or diameter (which is less than the opening of a small snack food package or bag which is typically in the range of 3 to 4 inches) .
  • filling such containers with snack food product that includes large or elongated pieces can be difficult due to the tendency of the pieces to bridge at the open end of the container. That is, product pieces that have a small diameter (or thickness) to length ratio can become blocked in the open end of the container upon being dumped from the filling funnel.
  • Various snack food products are in the form of (or include) large or elongated pieces, for example, pretzel sticks. Accordingly, problems arise in filling containers with such product.
  • the weighed portions of product are sequentially formed and dropped at a rate of up to 125 per minute and are maintained separate from each other.
  • the desired size of the portions may range from 0.5 to 4.5 ounces depending on the product density and shape.
  • the weight of each portion is maintained within 1 to 2 grams or less of the desired weight. If all the product pieces in a portion are released at the same time and arrive at the container-filling apparatus simultaneously, the pieces often bridge and block the open end of the container, thereby preventing successful and complete filling. To prevent such bridging, the product is spread out or staggered ("trailed out") so as to arrive at the container separately.
  • the funnel of the filling apparatus used to place product in the container is vibrated to aid in filling, and the container itself preferably is vibrated from just before the product arrives until the product is settled therein.
  • snack food product which includes pieces that are either large or have a small thickness to length ratio, such as pretzel sticks or large corn chips, pose additional problems in filling the containers.
  • such pieces tend to bridge or block the open end of the container when they arrive at said end in a random fashion.
  • filling of the containers is greatly improved by aligning such product pieces prior to their being dumped into the open end of the container.
  • one (or more) of the funnel members used to convey the product is provided on its interior with at least one trough that forms an undulating surface having a raised portion and a lowered portion.
  • any of the funnel or conveying members may be vibrated to enhance alignment of the product, the frequency and amplitude of the vibration depending on the particular product being handled.
  • an apparatus for filling containers with snack food product includes a circulation conveyor or the like 500 which conveys snack food product 510.
  • the conveyor is provided with a slide gate 520 which is actuated to dump a desired quantity of product 510 into a vibrating cross feeder 530.
  • the cross feeder 530 conveys the product 510 to a weigher indicated generally by the reference numeral 540 in response to a demand for the product.
  • the weigher may a statistical weigher having a structure known in the art.
  • the weigher 540 develops accurate portions of product and conveys them to a receiver 550 which is in the form of a large funnel.
  • the receiver 550 may be formed as an integral part of the weigher and is shown supported by the frame 542 of the weigher in FIG. 5.
  • the receiver 550 could also be a separate component mounted to or positioned adjacent the weigher 540.
  • the product portions pass through the receiver 550 and into a transition chute 570.
  • the transition chute couples the outlet of the receiver 550 with the container-filling apparatus indicated by reference numeral 580.
  • the product passes from the receiver 550, through the transition chute 570, and into the filling funnel 582 of filling apparatus 580 which includes a support 584 for supporting and vibrating the container C during filling thereof to settle the product and further prevent bridging.
  • the receiver 550 as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, is formed as a funnel and has an inlet 552, an outlet 554, an interior 556, and an exterior 558.
  • the interior of the receiver 550 is provided with one or more troughs 560 that include lowered portions 562 and raised portions 564.
  • the troughs 560 may be formed as part of the receiver 550 or, optionally, may be formed as a separate member (or members) which is positioned and secured in the receiver. In either case, the interior 556 of the receiver 550 has a fluted or undulating configuration provided by the troughs 560 (as seen in
  • the troughs preferably are oriented so as to extend lengthwise from the inlet to the outlet of the receiver such that the product passes lengthwise therethrough to the container filling apparatus.
  • the product P is dumped into the receiver 550 in a random orientation as shown in FIG. 10A.
  • the elongated pieces of product P become aligned in the lowered portions 562 of the troughs 560 as shown in FIG. 10B.
  • the pieces are aligned in a generally lengthwise direction so as to slide down the trough in an "end first" manner.
  • the product thus enters the filling funnel 582 of the apparatus 584 in an aligned manner and is discharged into the open end of the container without bridging or blocking of product.
  • the troughs 560 preferably include a portion 566 having a gradual slope which receives the falling product and prevents excessive bouncing or undesired movement of the product within the receiver to further aid in aligning the pieces.
  • the receiver 550 preferably is provided along its entire interior surface with the troughs 560, although such is not necessary to carry out the invention. Further, while only the receiver 550 is shown as including troughs 560, the transition chute, the filling funnel, and any other member used to convey the product may also be provided with such troughs to assist in aligning the product pieces prior to their reaching the container.
  • the filling funnel 582 is formed in an "S" shape with an offset portion to provide increased distance over which the product travels and is aligned before entering the container.
  • the filling funnel itself is in the form of a trough.
  • the funnel may be one half of a tube and have a semi-cylindrical shape over at least a portion of its length.
  • the product may be passed from the transition chute into the vibrating filling funnel where it is aligned for subsequent placement in the can.
  • the receiver (or other conveying member) upstream from the filling funnel may or may not be provided with a trough(s) .
  • any or all of the other conveying members may be vibrated to assist in conveying and aligning of the product.
  • a significant benefit of packaging the snack foods in a container having substantially the same size and shape as a soft drink can is that conventional soft drink vending machines may be used to carry out the present invention. Therefore, while it is not necessary to utilize such similarly sized cans for packaging or containing the snack food products, a preferred embodiment of the present invention employs the same size can for both the beverage and snack food containers.
  • Another benefit of utilizing the soft drink vending machine in carrying out the process of the present invention is that the refrigerated environment present in the machine will maintain freshness of the snack food product for a longer period of time compared with storing such products at ambient temperatures.
  • the lower storage temperature retards the oxidation of oil within the snack food, which in turn preserves the snack food's flavor for a longer period of time.
  • the present invention provides an improved process for dispensing both beverages and snack food products from a vending machine, as well as a process for packaging snack foods in cylindrical containers suitable for being dispensed from a vending machine. It is further apparent that the present invention provides an apparatus and process for filling containers with product which includes elongated pieces or portions by aligning the product prior to placement thereon in the container. This aspect of the invention is particularly useful in filling cylindrical cans with snack food product such as pretzel rods.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Confectionery (AREA)

Abstract

Procédé de distribution de boissons et d'en-cas à partir d'un seul distributeur automatique. Des conteneurs à boisson remplis et des conteneurs à en-cas remplis sont stockés dans le distributeur, et un acheteur peut, après avoir payé et sélectionné le produit, obtenir à la fois une boisson, telle qu'une boisson non alcoolisée, et un en-cas, tel qu'un paquet de pop-corns à partir d'un seul distributeur. Les conteneurs à boisson et en cas sont, de préférence, sensiblement de la même taille de sorte qu'il soit possible d'utiliser un distributeur du type distribuant des conteneurs de taille uniforme. En outre, un mécanisme d'ouverture des portes automatique est décrit qui ouvre la porte d'un distributeur lorsqu'un conteneur à en-cas trop léger pour ouvrir la porte par gravité est distribué. L'invention traite aussi d'un procédé et d'un appareil pour emballer des en-cas dans des conteneurs, selon lequel des parties de produits de taille précise sont formées et envoyées dans un élément d'entonnoir, ce dernier comportant des auges qui alignent le produit dans un sens requis.
PCT/US1995/010222 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Distribution conjointe d'en-cas et de boissons a partir d'un distributeur automatique WO1996005578A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU33218/95A AU703172B2 (en) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Co-dispensing snack food products and beverages from a vending machine
EP95929480A EP0775349B1 (fr) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Distribution conjointe d'en-cas et de boissons a partir d'un distributeur automatique
DE69529826T DE69529826D1 (de) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Verkauf von sowohl getränken als auch imbissprodukten durch einen verkaufsautomaten
MX9701118A MX9701118A (es) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Co-surtido de productos alimenticios de botana y bebidas por una maquina expendedora.
JP8507518A JPH10504411A (ja) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 スナック食品と飲料を自動販売機から共同分配すること
BR9508574-2A BR9508574A (pt) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Distribuição simultânea de produtos alimentìcios tipo aperitivo e bebidas a partir de uma máquina de vender
AT95929480T ATE233928T1 (de) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Verkauf von sowohl getränken als auch imbissprodukten durch einen verkaufsautomaten
KR1020007013226A KR100321447B1 (ko) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 원통 용기에 스낵을 포장하는 방법 및 스낵이 담겨있는 밀봉용기
CA002197421A CA2197421C (fr) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Procede permettant la vente d'aliments casse-croute et de boissons au moyen d'un meme distributeur automatique
KR1019970700914A KR100305359B1 (ko) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 하나의자동판매기로스낵제품과음료수를판매하는방법

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/289,537 1994-08-12
US08/289,537 US5445287A (en) 1994-08-12 1994-08-12 Co-dispensing snack food products and beverages from a vending machine
US08/419,605 US5613620A (en) 1994-08-12 1995-04-10 Co-dispensing snack food products and beverages from a vending machine
US08/419,605 1995-04-10
US48266095A 1995-06-07 1995-06-07
US08/482,660 1995-06-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996005578A1 true WO1996005578A1 (fr) 1996-02-22

Family

ID=27403901

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1995/010222 WO1996005578A1 (fr) 1994-08-12 1995-08-11 Distribution conjointe d'en-cas et de boissons a partir d'un distributeur automatique

Country Status (12)

Country Link
EP (2) EP0858058A3 (fr)
JP (1) JPH10504411A (fr)
KR (3) KR100321447B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN1159239A (fr)
AT (1) ATE233928T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU703172B2 (fr)
BR (1) BR9508574A (fr)
CA (1) CA2197421C (fr)
DE (1) DE69529826D1 (fr)
ES (1) ES2193199T3 (fr)
MX (1) MX9701118A (fr)
WO (1) WO1996005578A1 (fr)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1998042593A1 (fr) * 1997-03-05 1998-10-01 Frans Christiaan Vangertruyden Boites a bonbons
EP1063621A1 (fr) * 1999-06-25 2000-12-27 FAS International S.p.A. Une machine de vente pour des produits solides et liquides
WO2001001358A1 (fr) 1999-06-28 2001-01-04 The Procter & Gamble Company Co-distribution a partir d'un distributeur automatique de recipients presentant des poids relatifs differents
WO2005104911A1 (fr) * 2004-05-05 2005-11-10 Nestec S.A. Armoire de distribution de capsules destinee a approvisionner des machines de preparation de boissons ou d'autres preparations alimentaires
EP1748695A4 (fr) * 2004-03-22 2012-08-08 Candwich Food Corp Produits alimentaires et sandwichs pour distributeurs automatiques
BE1024967B1 (nl) * 2017-09-01 2018-08-29 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Nv Automatisch verkoopautomaat voor drankblikken
US11332355B2 (en) 2017-09-01 2022-05-17 Anheuser-Busch Inbev S.A. Opening tool for beverage cans

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB0504861D0 (en) * 2005-03-09 2005-04-13 Green Adam L Package dispenser
DE202009012335U1 (de) 2009-09-10 2011-01-20 Fischer, Rouven Gesteuerte Zapfanlage
JP6157867B2 (ja) * 2013-02-05 2017-07-05 株式会社ライズ・アップ 非常用商品搬出機構を備えた自動販売機
CN108230556A (zh) * 2018-01-11 2018-06-29 杭州纳戒科技有限公司 自助售货设备及系统

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US4326568A (en) * 1980-02-07 1982-04-27 Rexham Corporation Packaging machine with continuous motion filler
US4730750A (en) * 1986-04-30 1988-03-15 Unidynamics Corporation Vending machine for dispensing refrigerated and unrefrigerated foods
US4899790A (en) * 1987-09-05 1990-02-13 Ostma Maschinenbau Gmbh Filling apparatus for a powdery product
EP0411769A1 (fr) * 1989-08-03 1991-02-06 Fmc Corporation Machine pour le remplissage de récipients avec un produit alimentaire
DE4110368A1 (de) * 1991-03-28 1992-10-01 Automaten Ag Snackskiosk
US5176287A (en) * 1991-06-28 1993-01-05 Dixie-Narco, Inc. Can vending machine

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US3245806A (en) * 1962-05-28 1966-04-12 Marlen Equipment Company Method and apparatus for inserting frankfurters into containers
GB2089191B (en) * 1980-12-10 1985-03-20 Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd Method and apparatus for making a hermetically sealed food container

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4326568A (en) * 1980-02-07 1982-04-27 Rexham Corporation Packaging machine with continuous motion filler
US4730750A (en) * 1986-04-30 1988-03-15 Unidynamics Corporation Vending machine for dispensing refrigerated and unrefrigerated foods
US4899790A (en) * 1987-09-05 1990-02-13 Ostma Maschinenbau Gmbh Filling apparatus for a powdery product
EP0411769A1 (fr) * 1989-08-03 1991-02-06 Fmc Corporation Machine pour le remplissage de récipients avec un produit alimentaire
DE4110368A1 (de) * 1991-03-28 1992-10-01 Automaten Ag Snackskiosk
US5176287A (en) * 1991-06-28 1993-01-05 Dixie-Narco, Inc. Can vending machine

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1998042593A1 (fr) * 1997-03-05 1998-10-01 Frans Christiaan Vangertruyden Boites a bonbons
BE1010790A3 (nl) * 1997-03-05 1999-01-05 Frans Christiaan Vangertruyden Verpakking voor pralines.
AU738145B2 (en) * 1997-03-05 2001-09-13 Frans Christiaan Vangertruyden Container for bon-bons
EP1063621A1 (fr) * 1999-06-25 2000-12-27 FAS International S.p.A. Une machine de vente pour des produits solides et liquides
WO2001001358A1 (fr) 1999-06-28 2001-01-04 The Procter & Gamble Company Co-distribution a partir d'un distributeur automatique de recipients presentant des poids relatifs differents
EP1748695A4 (fr) * 2004-03-22 2012-08-08 Candwich Food Corp Produits alimentaires et sandwichs pour distributeurs automatiques
US7793797B2 (en) 2004-05-05 2010-09-14 Nestec S.A. Capsule-dispensing cabinet for supplying machines for the preparation of drinks or other food preparations
CN1950002B (zh) * 2004-05-05 2010-12-08 雀巢技术公司 预备饮料或其它食物的供应机的膜盒分配箱
WO2005104911A1 (fr) * 2004-05-05 2005-11-10 Nestec S.A. Armoire de distribution de capsules destinee a approvisionner des machines de preparation de boissons ou d'autres preparations alimentaires
BE1024967B1 (nl) * 2017-09-01 2018-08-29 Anheuser-Busch Inbev Nv Automatisch verkoopautomaat voor drankblikken
WO2019043158A1 (fr) * 2017-09-01 2019-03-07 Anheuser-Busch Inbev S.A. Distributeur automatique de canettes de boisson
US11332355B2 (en) 2017-09-01 2022-05-17 Anheuser-Busch Inbev S.A. Opening tool for beverage cans
US11495079B2 (en) 2017-09-01 2022-11-08 Anheuser-Busch Inbev S.A. Automatic vending machine for beverage cans
US11873202B2 (en) 2017-09-01 2024-01-16 Anheuser-Busch Inbev S.A. Opening tool for beverage cans

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE233928T1 (de) 2003-03-15
KR100305359B1 (ko) 2001-09-28
AU3321895A (en) 1996-03-07
EP0858058A3 (fr) 2000-05-17
EP0858058A2 (fr) 1998-08-12
CA2197421A1 (fr) 1996-02-22
EP0775349B1 (fr) 2003-03-05
KR100321879B1 (ko) 2002-02-01
KR100321447B1 (ko) 2002-03-18
DE69529826D1 (de) 2003-04-10
AU703172B2 (en) 1999-03-18
JPH10504411A (ja) 1998-04-28
ES2193199T3 (es) 2003-11-01
CA2197421C (fr) 2001-06-05
CN1159239A (zh) 1997-09-10
BR9508574A (pt) 2002-05-07
EP0775349A1 (fr) 1997-05-28
MX9701118A (es) 1997-05-31

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