GB2192180A - Beverage can vending machine, advertising and illuminating - Google Patents

Description

SPECIFICATION Vending machine This invention relates to a vending machinefor beverage containers. More specifically the invention relates to a vending machine with increased illumination for sign panels thereof, creative styling for increasing product sales and interactive customer communication functions for inducing higher sales and simplifying the operation ofthe machine.

In recent years, substantial improvements have been made to vending machines, including increased illumination of sign panels, creative styling in connection therewith, and the inclusion of devices for providing interactivecustomercommunication, all of which are useful in increasing the sales of products to be vended. Examples of these recent developments ofvending machines in connection with improved styling are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,380,130 to Bachmann, et al., issued April 19,1983, and U.S.

Patent4,414,768 also to Bachmann, etal., issued November 15,1983. In the first Bachmann patent, the sign panel on the obverse face of the vending machine is configured in the shape ofthe first letter or abbreviation of the primary productto be vended, to provide a dominance of the primary product and inducethe sales thereof. In the second Bachmann patent, an enlarged, primary product selection button is provided and disposed immediatelyadjacent to the coin slot of the machine, which also tends to induce and increase the sales ofthe primary product to be vended. Both of the above patents have been very successful in achieving their objectives of increasing prod uct sales. Both of these patents are assigned to the same assignee as the present invention.

An additional advance in the vending machine art is exemplified by U.S. Patent 4,454,670 to Bachmann, et al., issued June 19, 1984. This patent discloses a plurality of interchangeable utility module devices, all of which provide interactive customer communication, either by way of instructions to the customer with respect to vending machineoper- ation, advertising with respect to products to bevended or video games which involve the customer in the operation and use of the vending machine. These interactive communications are disclosed as being either audio or visual. This patent is also assigned to the same assignee as the present invention.

As stated above, these vending machines have been very successful in the marketplace with respect to achieving their objectives. However,there is room forsomeimprovementwith respecttothesemach- ines in the level and uniformity of illumination of the sign panel, the overall styling, and the provision of adequate space behind the sign panel and obverse face of the vending machinefor housing the various devices which provide the interactive customer communication functions.

According to the present invention there is provided a vending machine for beverage containers, comprising a frame having front, side and rearfaces; a bowed sign panel substantially covering the front face and extending outwardly therefrom, said sign panel being fabricated from transparent material and having translucent displayfields formed thereon; illumination means disposed behind said bowed sign panel for backlighting the same; a control panel disposed within the bowed sign panel; and a discharge portfor presenting said beverage containers to customers through said bowed sign panel.

In a preferred embodiment, the beverage containers to be dispensed are cans, and the sign panel contains a product-identifying logo thereon corresponding to at least one type of beverage cans, such as a primary product to be vended, the logo being displayed on the sign panel in the same manner as the logo on the primary product beverage can. The curved or bowed shape ofthe sign panel may be such that the overall appearance and con figuration ofthe vending machine, viewed from the front face thereof, suggests the appearance of a can of beverage ofthe primary product.

The bowed shape ofthe sign panel is advantageous in achieving uniform illumination ofthesign panel from a plurality of light sources disposed therebehind.

More uniform lighting is achieved because the bowed configuration of the sign panel provides sub- stantially equidistant spacing between the light sources which backlightthe panel. This is true because with a cylindrical light source, light is emitted from a curved surface which approximates the curve of the sign panel. Therefore, all portions ofthe curved or bowed sign panel may be subjected to backlighting of substantially the same intensity.

In an alternative embodiment ofthe invention, one side ofthe vending machine may also be provided with a backlighted sign panel for the display of additional advertising in connection with the sale of vended products. This may comprise a rectangular light box, removably attached to that side of the vending machine which forms a flush interconnection with one edge of the bowed sign panel to define a front cornerofthevending machine.

The control panel of a preferred form of vending machine of the present invention and the associated interactive customer communication devices are provided in a central,flat section ofthe bowed sign panel in vertical alignment above a discharge port of the vending machine. All of the interactive customer communications devices are disposed above the coin slot or money bill validator slot of the vending machine. Just belowthe coin slot and paper money validator is a selector button array, including an enlarged primary product selection button overlying a pair ofvertical columns of secondary product selector buttons.A coupon dispenser is provided adjacent the discharge port below the product selector button array and includes a discharge slot in a common escutcheon plate with the discharge portforvending redeemable coupons to a customer along with the vend of a product. Also provided within the same escutcheon plate is a coin return slot. yVith the above grouping of controls, interactive customercom- munication devices and dispenser slot openings, all devices involved in the operation ofthe machine during a typical vend cycle, are conveniently grouped to provide devices of similar functions in common loca tions.In addition, these groups are located from top to bottom in the vending machine in a logical sequence, so that all initial functions of a vend cycle begin adjacent to the coin slot atthetop of the machine and progress toward the discharge port atthe bottom where products are vended, coupons are dispensed and coins are returned.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure lisa top and left front perspective view of a vending machine according to the presentinvention; Figure2 is a top and right front perspective view of the vending machine of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view ofthe product selector button array of the vending machine of Figures 1 and 2; and Figure4is a diagrammatic illustration of the backlighting illumination system utilized in the vending machine.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a vending machine 10 according to the invention is generally illustrated as a substantially rectangular,three-dimensional cab inetincluding a frame with sides 12S, a front 12F, and a top 12T. Afront door ofthe vending machine is provided with a hinge strip 16 along one vertical edge thereof and a latch 17 on the opposite vertical edge. The door includes a bowed, transparent plastic panel 15 fabricated from polycarbonate orthe like, such as LEXAN,which is supported within upper and lower door frame members 14T and 14B, respectively. Suitable transparent art work and coloring is silk screened on the rear of bowed sign panel 15 to define translucent display fields. This includes red and white coloring configured to display the primary product logo L, such as "COKE".The bowed panel 15 has a substantiallyflat, central portion 15C and curved side portions 15S.

The substantially flat, central portion 1 5C of the bowed panel has a control panel formed therein of a type similarto that disclosed in published British Patent Specification No.2151081, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. Rectangular area 18 is silkscreened with a dark red, substantially opaque material to increase yontrast with transparent windows which are left in the control panel at the rectangular areas PS, PL, SC, BP, and BSI-BS6.

Window PS is provided for displaying appropriate point-of-sale advertising which may be in the form of translucent adhesive stickers disposed behind panel 15 and backlighted to project images of the point-ofsale information through the window PS. Window PL may be provided for displaying pricing information our special instructions in connection with the initiation of a vend. This instruction information may also be provided by. backlighting an appropriate sticker from within the vending machine and projecting the information through window PL. Window SC maybe provided for the screen of a video game or a cathode raytube utilizedfordisplaying audiovisual advertisemens to customers in the vicinity of the machine.

All ofthe above provide interactive communication between customers and the vending machine.

The escutcheon plate ES is provided with a paper money validator slot DV, a coin slot CS, and a coin ejector CE.

The product selector button array ofthe control panel of the present apparatus preferably includes a primary product display window BP associated with the primary product to be vended, such as "COKE" and a plurality of secondary product selector windows BS1 to BS6, disposed in vertical columns underlying the primary product display window BP.

Each ofthese windows has a touch-sensitive, push bar, actuator switch associated therewith such as those disclosed in the aforementioned published Patent Specification No.2151081. The product selector button array of a control panel of the present apparatus is illustrated in more detail in the enlarged fragmentary view of Figure 3.

The vending machine of the present embodiment is provided with a discharge port DP defined within a suitable escutcheon plate adjacent the bottom ofthe vending machine. Within the same escutcheon plate and adjacentto the discharge port is a coupon dis penser slot CDS for dispensing redeemable coupons in association with the vend of a product as a further inducement to increase product sales. Also disposed within the same escutcheon plate adjacent to the discharge port DP is a coin return slot CR.

Figure 4 illustrates the manner in which bowed sign panel 15 is illuminatedfrom the rearthereofin ordertofully and uniformly illuminatethe same. As illustrated in Figure 4, three light sources S1,S2,S3 are provided, S1 and S3 being disposed behind curved side portions 15S of bowed sign panel 15. It can be seen from the illustration in Figure 4thatthe light beams given off by each oflightsources S1 and S3 traverse substantially equal distances to the sign panel portions 15S, because of the complimentary curvature ofthe cylindrical sources S1 and S3 and the curved portions 15S.Therefore, these curved portions are uniformly illuminated, improving the quality and illumination level ofthe display, as viewed from the obverse face of the bowed sign panel 15. The light sources S1,S2 preferably compriseelongate,fluorescentlighttubeswhich extend along substantially the entire vertical length of the bowed sign panel 15. The central lightsource S2 is provided primarily for backlighting the control panel and the associated product selector buttons illustra ted in Figure 3, aswell asfor backlighting any point- of-sale information or instructions within transparent windows PS and PL, described hereinbefore.

The bowed sign pa nei 15 ofthe present apparatus provides some distinct advantages over previously used flat sign panels in thatthe curved, backlighted sign panel 15 dramatically increases the visibility of the vendor and contributes to the uniform lighting effect, as illustrated in Figure 4. In addition, the bowed sign panel 15 ofthe present apparatus increases the structural strength ofthe sign panel, as compared to a flat panel, and allows a reduction in material thickness.Furthermore, the bowed shape of sign panel 15 provides a concave space or pocket behind sign panel 15 in which control circuitry and devices associated with the interactive customercom- munication devices, the coupon dispenser, and so forth, may be disposed without interfering with the space provided in the normal three-dimensional, re ctangularvending machine frame.

The bowed sign panel 15 provides the additional advantage in that the entire vending machine as viewed from the front suggests the shape of a can of beverage and, in conjunction with the logo thereon which is disposed in a similar manner as on a can of the primary product to be vended, such as "COKE", it suggests the appearance of a can of that primary product.

The vending machine of the present embodiment also provides an advantageous location of the components ofthe control panel,the coupon dispenser slot CDS, the coin return slot CR, and the discharge port DP. These components are disposed in functional groups so that a customer approaching the vending machine should first direct his attention to the coin slot and the windows thereabove during the entry of a required coin or money bill into the paper money validator. The customer then makes an appropriate selection on one of the selector buttons, and when a product is vended to the discharge port DP, the customer bends over to simultaneously and conveniently retrieve a beverage product, a coupon from slot CDS and/or change from coin return slot CR.Stated another way, all ofthe interactive customer communication devices are disposed above the coin slot, the product selection panel is disclosed directly below and adjacent to the coin slot, and all articles to bevended, ordischargedfrom the vending machine, are dispensed in the region of the discharge port DP. This is a very efficient and functional arrangement ofthe components on the face ofthevending machine which dictates a logical and convenient sequence of operations by a user of the vending machine.

Additional illumination may be achieved with the use of an optional backlighted sign panel L2, as illustrated in Figure 2. Panel L2 may be removably sec ured to the rig ht face of the vending machine frame.

It may have translucent advertising material or logo thereon and be backlighted. If a panel L2 is used,the front door, inclusive of bowed panel 15, must be widertoallowforthethicknessofpanel L2andthe backlighting devices therefor. Additional logo such as L1 may also be provided an the left side face of the vending machine.

It will thus be seen that, at least in its preferred forms, the present invention provides a coinoperated vending machine with increased visibility and uniform lighting with respect to the sign panel on the obverse face thereof; a sign panel which is so shaped that it can be made thinner than a flat sign panel of the same material, while maintaining suf ficientstructural strength; a vending machine wherein all dispenser openings for objects such as vended products, change and redeamable coupons, are located in a common area below the product selector buttons for customer convenience; a sign panel for the obverse face of a vending machine which is so shaped that it provides increased room forthe location of interactive customer communica- tion devices and other related controls; and a vending machine wherein the overall machine configuration and appearance suggests the appearance of a can of the product corresponding to a primary product to bevended in the machine.

It is to be clearly understood that there are no part icularfeatures ofthe foregoing specification, or of any claims appended hereto, which are at present regarded as being essential to the performance of the present invention, and that any one or more of such features or combinations thereof may therefore be included in, added to, omitted from or deleted from any of such claims if and when amended during the prosecution of this application or in the filing or prosecution ofanydivisional application based thereon.

Claims (10)

1. Avending machine for beverage containers comprising: a) a frame having front, side and rearfaces; b) a bowed sign panel substantially covering the front face and extending outwardly therefrom, said sign panel being fabricated from transparent mat erial and having translucent display fields formed thereon; c) illumination means disposed behind said bowed sign panel for backlighting the same; d) a control panel disposed within the bowed sign panel; and e) a discharge port for presenting said beverage containers to customersthrough said bowed sign panel.

2. Avending machine according to claim 1, wherein the beverage containers are cans and said sign panel contains product identifying logo thereon corresponding to at least one type of beverage can to be vended, said logo being displayed on said sign panel in the same manner as the logo on said beverage can, and said bowed sign panel being so shaped that the entire vending machine viewed from the front face suggests the appearance of said beverage can.

3. Avending machine according to claim 1 or2, wherein said bowed side panel has a substantially flat, central portion along the entire vertical length thereof and curved side portions extending from said flat portion to the side faces of said frame, said control panel being disposed in said flat, central portion.

4. Avending machine according to claim 3, wherein said illumination means includes one el ongate cylindrical light source disposed behind each curved side portion, the light sources extending vertically behind substantiallythe entire vertical length of the curved side portions.

5. Avending machine according to claim 4, wherein said illumination means further includes an elongate cylindrical light source extending vertically behind the flat, central portion of said sign panel for illuminating said control panel.

6. Avending machine according to any preceding claim, wherein said control panel includes, as arranged from top to bottom, audiotvisual communication means for interactive communication with customers, credit insert means and a product selector button array for controlling the vending of primary and secondary products from said vending machine, said selector button array including, first and second adjacent vertical columns of secondary product selector buttons, each having a sec ondary product display area thereon bearing indicia representative of a given secondary product to be vended;; a primary product selector button, which is larger than the respective secondary product selector buttons, positioned above said secondary product selector buttons adjacent said credit insert means, said primary product selector button being so shaped and so proportioned as to overlie and extend across both said vertical columns of secondary product selector buttons and presenting a primary pro duct display area thereon largerthan said secondary product display area to provide a dominant presence thereon in said control panel; and said primary product display area bearing sub stantiallythe same primary product logo as said sign panel inducing, in conjunction therewith, the predominate selection of said primary product over said secondary products by å user of said vending machine.

7. Avending machine according to claim 6, wherein said secondary productselector buttons in saidvertical columns are disposed ion a pluralityof parallel rows with two selector buttons per row.

8. Avending machine according to claim 7, wherein there are at leasttwo of said rows.

9. A vending machine according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein said control panel is disposed above and in-line with said discharge port and is further provided with coupon dispenser meansfordispens- ing redeemable coupons to customers, said coupon dispenser means having a discharge slot adjacent said discharge port.

10. Avending machine according to any preceding claim, wherein said control panel includes a plurality of spaced product selection areas disposed in a column extending vertically.

10. Avending machine according to claim 9, further including a coin return slot adjacent said discharge port.

11. A vending machine according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one side of said vending machine has a backlighted sign panel thereon.

12. Avending machinesubstantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompany drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed, and have the following effect: (a) Claims 1-12 above have been deleted.

(b) New claims 1-10 have been filed as follows:- CLAIMS

1. A vending machine for beverage containers, comprising: a) a frame having front, side and rear faces; b) a bowed sign panel substantially covering said front face and extending forwardly therefrom, said sign panel being fabricated from transparent mat erial with translucentdisplayfields thereon; c) illumination means disposed behind said bowed sign panel for backlighting the same, said il lumination means comprising at least two elongate cylindrical light sources which extend substantially the entire vertical height of said bowed sign panel; d) a control panel disposed within said front face; and e) a discharge port for presenting said beverage containers to customers through saidfrontface.

2. Avending machine according to claim 1, wherein said control panel is in contact with said bowed sign panel.

3. Avending machine according to claim 1 or2, wherein said illumination means are disposed at least on opposite sides of said discharge port.

4. Avending machine according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said illumination means includes at least one cylindrical light source disposed behind the central portion of said bowed sign panel and above said discharge port.

5. Avending machineaccording to any preceding claim, wherein the beverage containers are cans and said bowed sign panel contains product identify ing logo thereon corresponding to at least one type of beverage can to be vended, said logo being displayed on said sign panel in a similar mannertothe logo on said beverage can, and said bowed sign panel being so shaped that the entire vending machine viewed from the frontface suggests the appearance of said beverage can.

6. Avending machine according to any preceding claim, wherein said bowed sign panel has a sub stantiallyflat, central portion extending the entire vertical heightthereof and curved side portions extending from said flat portion to the side faces of said frame, said control panel being disposed in said flat, central portion.

7. A vending machine according to claim 6, wherein said illumination means includes one said elongate cylindrical light source disposed behind each said curved side portion.

8. Avending machine according to any preceding claim, wherein said cylindrical light sources are substantially evenly spaced with respect to each other horizontally of the sign panel to provide even illumination ofthe entire sign panel.

9. A vending machine according to anypreceding claim, wherein said discharge port is disposed within a central portion of said sign panel.