Title Apparatus for dispensing packets of goods

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a dispenser. In particular, although not solely, the present invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing packets of goods from a coin operated machine.

Background of the Invention

Machines for dispensing packets of goods are known in the art. Dispensing machines may be used to dispense a wide range of goods appropriately packaged into small convenient sizes for dispensing from coin operated machines.

Summary of the Invention

In the statement of invention and description of the invention which follow, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for dispensing packets of goods comprising: a feed mechanism having a dispensing opening, the feed mechanism feeding the packets to the dispensing opening; and, a dispensing mechanisms operable to move a packet adjacent the dispensing opening through the dispensing opening,

wherein when a packet moves through the dispensing opening, the feed mechanism feeds a next packet to the dispensing opening.

The feed mechanism may comprise a stop in the dispensing opening wherein the feed mechanism feeds a packet to engage the stop in the dispensing opening.

The dispensing mechanism can operate to move a packet from the stop to eject the packet from the dispensing opening.

In this embodiment the dispensing mechanism passes at least partially across the platform to move the packet from the stop. Moreover the dispensing mechanism can be configured to pass fully across the stop to move a packet engaged with the stop from the stop.

Further, the dispensing mechanism when operated to dispense a packet may move: from a first position, across one side of the stop to push the packet from the stop and out the discharge opening; across an opposite side of the stop and back to the first position.

In one embodiment the dispensing mechanism comprises an arm coupled with a rotary actuator which moves the arm in an arcuate path about the stop.

The feed mechanism may be arranged to hold the plurality of packets in a vertical stack and wherein the stop comprises a platform at one end of the stack. This may be achieved by forming the feed mechanism as a tube which holds the plurality of packets, the tube having one side wall terminating a first distance from the stop on a side engaged by a packet to form the dispensing opening.

The first distance is greater than a height of a packet but less than a height of two packets stacked one upon the

other .

In an alternative embodiment the feed mechanism comprises a plate adjustably coupled to an end of the one side wall nearest the stop wherein the plate can be coupled to the one side wall on a plurality of positions to vary the first distance .

A central longitudinal cut out may be made in the side wall. This enables visualisation of the packet and if required allows access to manoeuvre the packets to ensure proper stacking.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now the described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2a shows an end view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 2b shows a main elevation view of the dispensing apparatus shown in Figure 2a; Figure 3a shows an end view of another embodiment of a dispensing apparatus;

Figure 3b shows a main elevation view of the embodiment of the dispensing apparatus shown in Figure 3a;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2; and,

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of yet another embodiment comprising both the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3 loaded with packets of goods .

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

As shown in the accompanying drawings and with particular reference to Figures 1-4 of the dispensing apparatus 2 for dispensing packets of goods 12 (hereinafter referred to as

"packets 12") comprises a feed mechanism 4 having a dispensing opening 8. The feed mechanism 4 is configured to feed packets 12 to the dispensing opening 8 for dispensing through said opening. Apparatus 2 further comprises a dispensing mechanism 24 operable to move a single packet 12 through the dispensing opening 8 of the feed mechanism 4.

The feed mechanism 4 is configured to vertically stack a plurality of packets 12. Figures 2a and 2b show an embodiment where the feed mechanism 4 is configured to stack a plurality of packets 12 vertically with the dispensing opening 8 provided at a lower end 30 of the mechanism 4. Disposed within the lower end 30 of feed mechanism 4 is a stop in the form of platform 6 located adjacent the dispensing opening 8. The stop or platform 6 is orientated to provide a supporting surface which is engaged by the next packet 12 to be dispensed. The platform 12 thus also forms an abutment or support surface for the stack of packets 12 held by the feed mechanism 4. The packets 12 are loaded into an open upper end 32 of feed mechanism 4.

The dispensing mechanism 24 (see in particular Figures 2-4) is located adjacent the lower end 30 and is selectively operable so as to move a packet 12 engaged by the platform

6, off the platform thereby ejecting the packet 12 through said dispensing opening 8 substantially in an outward direction 18. As a packet 12 is moved through the dispensing opening 8 by the dispensing mechanism 24, a subsequent packet 12 replaces the previously dispensed packet 12 on platform 6. Accordingly, all packets 12 stacked within the feed mechanism 4 are sequentially indexed

toward the dispensing opening 8 and engaged by the platform 6.

Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a detailed region of the dispensing mechanism 24 of the embodiment shown in Figure 2. A vertical stack 22 of packets 12 is supported on the platform 6. The dispensing mechanism 24 comprises a striking member 14 coupled to a rotary actuator in the form an electric motor 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the striking member 14 is in the form of a right angle arm. The striking member 14 and platform 6 are relatively configured and arranged so that the striking member 14 can fully rotate about the platform 6 to dispense a packet 12 through the dispensing opening 8.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment incorporating two side by side feed mechanisms 4, each loaded with a plurality of goods packets 12. The respective dispensing mechanisms 24 may be selectively operable, either together or independently, to dispense said packets 12 from each respective dispensing opening 8. Thus the striking member 14 is initially positioned on one side of a packet 12 bearing on the platform 6. When the motor 10 is activated it moves the member 14 in an arcuate path across the platform at a height where it strikes or pushes the packet 12 off the platform 6 which is then ejected from the dispensing opening 8. Once the member 14 clears the platform 6 the feed mechanism 4 feeds the next packet 12 onto the platform 6 and the arm continues its arcuate motion passing under the platform 6 back to its initial position. This cycle is repeated each time a packet 12 is required to be dispensed.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 2 may comprise a means of determining the number of rotations of the striking member 14. Such information may be recorded and fed into a PLC controller and used to monitor and/or control the operation of the dispenser apparatus 2 accordingly. This information

may also be automatically sent via telemetry equipment to a central control office to provide status information and in particular notify an operator that the apparatus 2 requires re-filling of packets 12.

In a further embodiment, the feed mechanism 4 may be configured to feed packets 12 when orientated in any direction. The feed mechanism 4 may comprise a biasing means to bias packets 12 toward said platform 6 as each packet 12 is moved through the dispensing opening 8 by the striking member 14. The biasing means may comprise a spring suitably disposed within said feed mechanism to directly or indirectly bias at least one of said packets 12 toward said platform 6. When the feeder mechanism is loaded with packets 12, the spring is compressed and extends as each packet 12 is moved through the dispensing opening 8, thus forcing the loaded stack of packets 12 toward platform 6 for sequential dispensing, said at least one packet 12 toward platform 6 for dispensing.

The feed mechanism 4 as illustrated comprises a tube 30 of a cross-sectional shape substantially identical to the shape of the footprint of packets 12. A side wall 32 of the tube 30 containing the opening 8 formed with a central longitudinal cut out 33 leaving two longitudinal side wall portions 34. These side wall portions 34 prevent the packets 12 other than the packet 12 engaged with do platform 6 from falling out of the feed mechanism 4.

Figure 5 shows two slightly different forms of feed mechanism 4. On the right hand size the side wall portions 34 terminate a distance above the platform 6 greater than the height of one packet 12 but less than the height of two packets 12 stacked upon each other. On the left hand side the side wall portions 34 terminate several packet heights above the platform 6, and a plate 36 is coupled between the side wall portions 34 and the platform 6. The plate 36 is

attached in a manner to allow adjustment of the distance between its lower edge 38 and the platform 6. This allows the feed mechanism 4 to be easily adapted to dispense packets 12 of a height that may differ from a standard or nominal height. The plate 36 can be attached to the tube 30 by mechanical fastener that pass through say a slot formed on perpendicular flanges (not shown) on each side of plate 36 and respective holes on each side of the tube 30. In an alternate embodiment the plate 36 may be attached by magnetic force to the tube 30, e.g. by making the plate 36 of a magnetic material .

Numerous variations and modifications will suggest themselves to persons skilled in the relevant art, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description and the appended claims.