Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally pertains to a dispensing system, and is directed toward a helmet dispensing system.

Background

[0002] Many large municipalities have established bicycle sharing programs throughout the world. Many more municipalities are currently in the process of establishing bicycle sharing programs. These programs generally have bicycle docking stations that have bicycle docks and an automated kiosk (no attendant) for purchasing an access pass that allows a user to unlock a bicycle from the dock. These passes may be for a specified amount of time, such as 30 minutes, an hour, a day, 7 days, or a month. These bicycle sharing programs allow residents and visitors of a city to travel around the city without the use of automobiles. Thus providing an inexpensive, clean, and healthy option for traversing the city.

[0003] Many individuals are concerned with safety when riding a bicycle and prefer to wear safety gear, such as a helmet, while riding a bicycle. In fact, some municipalities require that an individual wears a helmet while riding a bicycle. However, residents and visitors do not always plan ahead and pack their bicycle helmets. To obtain a bicycle helmet the individual must locate a local retail store, such as a bicycle shop, to purchase the helmet prior to riding the bicycle. The local retail store may not be conveniently located relative to the bicycle docking stations making it difficult for riders to obtain a helmet.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0004] A helmet dispensing system is disclosed herein. In embodiments, the helmet dispensing system includes a dispensing area, a dispensing access location, a dispensing unit, and a processing unit. The dispensing area for receives a helmet package and the dispensing access location for provides access to the dispensing area for retrieval of the helmet package. The dispensing unit is located above the dispensing area and is operable to release the helmet package into the dispensing area. The processing unit includes a payment module and a dispensing module. The payment module is operable to process a payment for the helmet package and the dispensing module is operable to control the dispensing unit to release the helmet package upon confirmation of the payment for the helmet package.

[0005] In embodiments, the helmet dispensing system also includes an enclosure for the dispensing area, dispensing unit, and the processing unit. The dispensing unit includes a chassis secured within the enclosure and a plurality of shelves. Each self is pivotally connected to the chassis for rotating between a first shelf position where the shelf can hold the helmet package and a second shelf position where the helmet package is released to the dispensing area. In some embodiments, each shelf extends horizontally in the first shelf position and each shelf extends downward in the second shelf position.

[0006] In embodiments, the dispensing unit includes a support arm located below each shelf in a first support position to support the shelf in the first shelf position and located adjacent each shelf in a second support position when the shelf is in the second shelf position. In some embodiments, the dispensing unit also includes a release arm that holds the support arm in the first support position when in a first release position and releases the support arm to the second support position when in a second release position. In further embodiments, the support arm includes a first portion extending along the shelf and a second portion joined to an end of the first portion where the second portion contacts the release arm when the release arm is in the first release position. In yet further embodiments, the support arm includes an 'L' shape with the first portion extending horizontally and the second portion extending vertically in the first support position with the first portion supporting the shelf while the second portion is supported by the release arm. In the second support position the first portion extends vertically no longer supporting the shelf and the second portion extends horizontally no longer supported by the release arm.

[0007] In embodiments, the dispensing unit includes a chain with a flag and a motor affixed to the chassis operable to drive the chain. The release arm includes a trigger post protruding into the path of the flag. The dispensing module is operable to control the motor to drive the chain and move the flag to contact the trigger post and move the release arm from the first release position to the second release position allowing the support arm to fall from the first support position to the second support position and allowing the shelf to fall from the first shelf position to the second shelf position. In some embodiments, the release arm is pivotally affixed to the chassis at an end distal to the trigger post and the flag causes the release arm to pivot from the first release position to the second release position. [0008] In embodiments, the dispensing unit includes a sensor electronically coupled to the dispensing module. The sensor is operable to detect the flag for the dispensing module to determine the position of the chain.

[0009] In embodiments, the enclosure includes multiple panels. One of the panels includes a transparent panel, a lighting panel, and a graphic between the transparent panel and the lighting panel. The lighting panel is located inside and adjacent to the transparent panel. The lighting panel includes lighting strips that each include a plurality of light emitting diodes spaced apart to provide light through the transparent panel without any dark spots on the graphic.

[0010] In embodiments, a bicycle docking station includes any of the embodiments of the helmet dispensing system. In some embodiments, the bicycle docking station includes a plurality of docks. Each dock includes a locking mechanism operable to lock a bicycle into the dock and a locking module operable to open and close the locking mechanism. The processing unit further includes a ride share module operable to confirm payment for a bicycle rental and to control the locking module.

[0011] A method for dispensing a helmet from a helmet dispensing system is also disclosed herein. In embodiments, the method includes a processing unit including a payment module receiving payment for a helmet package. The method also includes the processing unit including a dispensing module confirming receipt of the payment from the payment module. The method further includes the dispensing module releasing the helmet package from a dispensing unit into a dispensing area below the dispensing unit that is accessible via a dispensing access location.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method also includes the dispensing module releasing the helmet package from the dispensing unit includes releasing a shelf of the dispensing unit from a first shelf position that holds the helmet package to a second shelf position that allows the helmet package to drop. In further embodiments, the method includes the dispensing module releasing the helmet package from the dispensing unit further includes releasing a support arm of the dispensing unit from a first support position to a second support position which allows the shelf to release from the first shelf position to the second shelf position. In yet further embodiments, the method also includes the dispensing module releasing the helmet package from the dispensing unit further includes displacing a release arm of the dispensing unit from a first release position to a second release position which allows the support arm to release from the first support position to the second support position. In still further embodiments, the method also includes the dispensing module releasing the helmet package from the dispensing unit further includes the dispensing module causing a motor of the dispensing unit to drive a chain including a flag so that the flag contacts and moves a trigger post extending from the release arm displacing the release arm from the first release position to the second release position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method also includes a ride share module of the processing unit confirming payment for a bicycle rental and the ride share module operates a locking module to move a locking mechanism from a closed position to an open position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a bicycle docking station.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a standalone helmet dispensing system.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a front view of a portion of the inside of the helmet dispensing system.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a dispensing unit of FIG. 3.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a back view of the dispensing unit of FIG. 4.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the dispensing unit of FIG. 4.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a back view of a portion of the dispensing unit of FIGS. 4-6 with the shelf in the first shelf position.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a back view of a portion of the dispensing unit of FIGS. 4-7 with the shelf in the second shelf position.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a back view of a portion of the dispensing unit of FIGS. 4-8.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the dispensing unit.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a back view of the alternate embodiment of the dispensing unit of FIG. 10.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the dispensing unit of FIG. 10.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a back view of a portion of the dispensing unit of FIGS. 10-12 with the shelf in the first shelf position.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a back view of a portion of the dispensing unit of FIGS. 10-13 with the shelf in the second shelf position.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a back view of a portion of the dispensing unit of FIGS. 10-14. [0029] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the helmet dispensing system of FIG. 3.

[0030] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the back of a lower access panel 309 of the enclosure of FIG. 3.

[0031] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the back of an upper access panel of the enclosure of FIG. 3.

[0032] FIG. 19 is a front view of a lighting panel for the enclosure of FIG. 3.

[0033] FIG. 20 is a side view of the lighting panel of FIG. 19.

[0034] FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram of the processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2. Detailed Description

[0035] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a bicycle docking station 100. The bicycle docking station 100 includes a docking system 200 and a helmet dispensing system 300. The docking system 200 includes one or more docks 210. Each dock 210 may include a locking module 212 and a locking mechanism 214.

[0036] The helmet dispensing system 300 may generally be an enclosed unit. The enclosure may be of any shape that will reasonably hold the various elements of the helmet dispensing system 300. The enclosure generally includes a number of side panels. The helmet dispensing system 300 includes a pay point 310, a processing unit 320, a modem 315, one or more dispensing units 330, a dispensing access location 306, a power supply 302, and a power source 304.

[0037] The pay point 310 is generally located on one of the side panels. The pay point 310 is generally operable to obtain payment information, such as credit card information, from a customer. The pay point 310 communicates this information with the processing unit 320. The processing unit 320 is operable to process the payment for the bicycle rental, for the helmet purchase, or both. In the embodiment illustrated, a single pay point 310 is used for both the helmet purchase and bicycle rental. In other embodiments, a first pay point 310 is used for the helmet purchase and a second pay point 310 is used for the bicycle rental.

[0038] The processing unit 320 may include a payment module 322, a dispensing module 324, and a ride share module 326. The payment module 322 may be operable to process the payment for the helmet purchase and for the bicycle rental. The dispensing module 324 is operable to control the one or more dispensing units 330 to dispense a helmet upon confirmation of the payment for the helmet purchase. The ride share module 326 may be operable to control the customer's access to a bicycle. The ride share module 326 may be operable to communicate with the locking module 212 allowing a customer to unlock the locking mechanism 214 to release a bicycle upon confirmation of payment or confirmation of an access code provided by the customer. The processing unit 320 may include memory, such as non-transitory memory. In the embodiment illustrated, a single processing unit 320 is used. In other embodiments, the dispensing module 324 and the ride share module 326 are in separate processing units 320. Each separate processing unit may include a separate payment module 322.

[0039] The modem 315 is operable to communicate with the payment module 322 and a payment network to process the payment for the helmet purchase, the bicycle rental, or both. In some embodiments, the helmet purchase and bicycle rental may be processed through separate modems 315.

[0040] The one or more dispensing units 330 may each include one or more columns configured to hold one or more rows of helmet packages. The one or more dispensing units 330 may be operable to release a helmet package into a dispensing area upon confirmation that a payment has been received for the helmet. In some embodiments, the helmet package includes only a helmet. In other embodiments, the helmet package includes a helmet and a daypack. The daypack may include a disposable backpack, rain gear, such as a rain slick rolled into a small bag, a rain cap, suntan lotion, promotional material, discount coupons for local establishments, and the like. In yet other embodiments, the daypack may be dispensed as a separate package. Upon release of the helmet package, the customer can access and collect the helmet package through the dispensing access location 306.

[0041] The power supply 302 is configured to provide the power needed for the various systems of the helmet dispensing system 300, such as the processing unit 320, the dispensing unit(s) 330, the pay point 310, the modem 315, and the docking system 200. The power supply 302 may include one or more batteries. The power supply 302 may be connected to a power source 304. In embodiments, the power source 304 includes solar cells which may be arranged in one or more solar panels.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a standalone helmet dispensing system 300. In the embodiment illustrated, the stand alone helmet dispensing system 300 includes the various components and modules that are needed to receive payment information from a customer, process the payment for the helmet purchase, and dispense the helmet package to the customer. These components and modules may include pay point 310, a processing unit 320 including a payment module 322 and a dispensing module 324, a modem 315, one or more dispensing units 330, a dispensing access location 306, a power supply 302, and a power source 304.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a front view of a portion of the inside of the helmet dispensing system 300. In the embodiment shown, each helmet dispensing unit 330 includes a chassis 340, a column of shelves 350, a motor 331, and a chain 332. Any number of shelves 350 may be used depending on the size of the enclosure 301. Each shelf 350 holds one helmet package 50. In the embodiment illustrated, each helmet package 50 includes a helmet that is made of corrugated recyclable material. However, the dispensing unit 330 may be used to dispense other types of helmets and helmet packages 50.

[0044] The chassis may be secured within the enclosure 301. The chassis 340 may include a chassis body 341 and chassis sides 342. The chassis body 341 may be a rectangular plate. The chassis sides 342 may extend perpendicular to the chassis body 341. The chassis sides 342 may be joined to the chassis body 341, such as by metallurgical bonding. The chassis sides 342 may be used to secure the chassis 340 to the enclosure 301. The chassis 340 may be secured to the enclosure 301 with fasteners 338, such as wing nuts. The use of wing nuts or similar types of fasteners may allow the dispensing unit to be removed without the use of tools. In the embodiment illustrated, a support bar 339 is used to secure one of the dispensing units 330 to the enclosure 301.

[0045] The shelves 350 are connected to the chassis 340. The shelves may be a plate generally extending perpendicular to the chassis body 341 and perpendicular to the chassis sides 342 when in a first shelf position. The shelf 350 may extend horizontally when in the first shelf position. When the shelf 350 is in the first shelf position the shelf 350 can hold a helmet package 50. When a helmet package 50 is released from a helmet dispensing unit 330, the shelf 350 is released and falls into a second shelf position allowing the helmet package 50 to be released and fall to a dispensing area 305. In the second shelf position the shelf 350 may extend in the vertical direction and may be parallel to the chassis body 341. The shelf released from the first shelf position to the second shelf position may be the lowest shelf 350 in the dispensing unit 330 that is currently in the first shelf position. [0046] The motor 331 may be connected to the chassis body 341 and is configured to drive the chain 332.

[0047] The helmet dispensing system 330 may also include a control panel 390. The control panel 390 may include a first button 391, a control switch 392, and a second button 393. The first button 391 may be configured to reset dispensing unit(s) 330, such as by returning the chain 332 to a home position. The first button 391 may send a signal to the dispensing module 324. The dispensing module 324 may then move the chain 332 to the home position with the motor 331. In some embodiments, the reset includes returning the shelves 350 to the first shelf position. In other embodiments, the shelves 350 are manually returned to the first shelf position. The control switch 392 may turn the machine on or off. The control switch may also be used to place the system into a test mode for testing the dispensing unit(s) and into an online mode for dispensing the helmet packages. The second button 393 may be configured to send a signal to the dispensing module 324. The dispensing module 324 may release a shelf 350 from the first shelf position to the second shelf position.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a dispensing unit of FIG. 3. In the embodiment shown, the dispensing unit 330 includes six shelves. Any number of shelves can be used. The number of shelves 350 used may depend on the available vertical space within the enclosure 301. Each shelf 350 may include one or more pads 351. The pads 351 may be used to shield the chassis body 341 and the shelf 350 from the impact of the falling shelf 350 when the shelf 350 is released from the first shelf position to the second shelf position. The pads 351 may also reduce the noise produced during the dispensing process. The chassis 340 may include a slot 345 in the chassis body 341 below each shelf 350.

[0049] The dispensing unit 330 may also include a release mechanism 360 that is configured to hold the shelf in the first shelf position and release the shelf into the second shelf position. The release mechanism 360 includes a support arm 361 that holds the shelf 350 when the shelf is in the first shelf position. The support arm 361 is released during the dispensing process allowing the shelf 350 to fall into the second shelf position. Once the support arm 361 is released the weight of the shelf 350 may be all that is necessary for the shelf 350 to move from the first shelf position to the second shelf position. The support arm 361 may include an 'L' shape or a similar shape. The support arm 361 may support the shelf 350 when the support arm is in a first support position and may fall into a second support position when the shelf 350 falls into the second shelf position. [0050] FIG. 5 is a back view of the dispensing unit of FIG. 4. The release mechanism 360 may also include a release arm 362 and a trigger post 363. The release arm 362 may extend generally horizontally along the back of chassis body 341. The release arm 362 may include a pivot 364 that is at the end of release arm 362 distal to the location of the chain 332. The release arm 362 may hold the support arm 361 in place when the release arm 362 is in a first release position and may release the support arm 361 and the shelf 350 to fall into the second support position and second shelf position when the release arm is displaced to a second release position. In some embodiments, the release arm is pivotally displaced from the first release position to the second release position.

[0051] The trigger post 363 may extend from the release arm 362 at the end opposite the pivot 364. The trigger post 363 may extend perpendicular from the release arm 362. The trigger post 363 may extend horizontally and in the direction opposite to that of the shelves 350 in the first shelf position.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the dispensing unit 330 includes a chain wheel 334, a chain guide 335, and a sensor 337. The chain wheel 334 is configured to turn the chain 332. The chain wheel 334 is driven by the motor shaft 333. The chain guide 335 may be a self-lubricating material that is configured to guide the chain along its path.

[0053] The chain 332 may include one or more flags 336. One of the flags 336 may be configured to contact the trigger post 363 during the dispensing process. The sensor 337 may be configured to sense the flags 336, which may be evenly spaced along the chain 332. The sensor 337 may be used by the dispensing module 324 to sense the flags 336 and to detect the position of the chain 332 and the flag 336 used to contact the trigger post 363.

[0054] The dispensing unit 330 may include a support bracket 370. The support bracket 370 may extend vertically along the back of chassis body 341. Support fasteners 371 may secure support bracket 370 to chassis body 341. Support bracket 370 may serve as a guide for the release arms 362 and may keep the end of release arm 362 up against chassis body 341 without preventing the rotation of release arm 362. Support bracket 370 may also act as a stop for the release arm 362. Release arm 362 may only be able to rotate until trigger post contacts support bracket 370. Support fasteners 371 may also support the end of release arm 362 when the release mechanism 360 is holding shelf 350 in the first shelf position. While the embodiment illustrated uses a single support bracket 370, any number of support brackets 370 may be used, such as one support bracket 370 for each release mechanism 360. [0055] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the dispensing unit 330 of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the shelves 350 may be connected to the chassis body 341 with one or more brackets 352. As described above, the support arm 361 may have an 'L' shape and may include a first portion 368 and a second portion 369. As shown, the first portion 368 may extend parallel to the shelf, while the second portion 369 extends perpendicular to the shelf.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a back view of a portion of the dispensing unit 330 of FIGS. 4-6 with the shelf 350 in the first shelf position. As shown in FIG. 7, the second portion 369 extends vertically and contacts release arm 362. Second portion 369 may be perpendicular to release arm 362.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a back view of a portion of the dispensing unit 330 of FIGS. 4-7 with the shelf 350 in the second shelf position. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, during the dispensing process, the chain 352 is moved so that the flag 336 contacts the trigger post 363. This contact lifts the end of release arm 362 distal to the pivot 364 and causes the release arm to rotate about the pivot 364. In the embodiment shown, the trigger post 363 and the end of release arm 362 distal to the pivot 364 are lifted in the vertical direction. When release arm 362 is rotated about pivot 364, the contact between second portion 369 and release arm 362 that holds support arm 361 in place is removed, allowing support arm 361 to freely rotate. The weight of shelf 350 pushes first portion 368 down, rotating the support arm 361. The first portion 368 is then in a more vertical position, while the second portion 369 is in a more horizontal position protruding through the slot 345 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a back view of a portion of the dispensing unit 330 of FIGS. 4-8. As shown, the sensor 337 is positioned to detect the flags 336 as they pass the sensor 337. The Dispensing mechanism may include a second chain wheel 329. The second chain wheel 329 may include teeth that engage the chain 332.

[0059] FIG. 10 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the dispensing unit 330. As shown in FIG. 10, the shelves 350 released into the second shelf position may hang down along the chassis body 341. FIG. 11 is a back view of the alternate embodiment of the dispensing unit of FIG. 10. In the embodiment shown, the dispensing unit 330 includes two support brackets 370 and two support fasteners 371 for each release mechanism 360. Further, the dispensing unit 330 may include a second sensor 337. The second sensor 337 may be used to determine which direction the chain is moving by the detection of a flag 336 by both sensors 337. [0060] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the dispensing unit 330 of FIG. 10. In the embodiment shown, the support arm 361 of the release mechanism 360 is a solid block, such as a cuboid. The support arm 361 is joined to the shelf 350. The back of the support arm 361 is configured to contact the release arm 362 and hold the shelf 350 in the first shelf position.

[0061] FIG. 13 is a back view of a portion of the dispensing unit 330 of FIGS. 10-12 with the shelf 350 in the first shelf position. FIG. 14 is a back view of a portion of the dispensing unit 330 of FIGS. 10-13 with the shelf 350 in the second shelf position. As shown, when the flag 336 contacts the trigger post and rotates the release arm 362, the release arm 362 is moved above the back of the support arm 361, allowing the shelf 350 and the support arm 361 to rotate. The rotation may be caused by the weight of the shelf 350. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the trigger post 363 may be a flat plate. The trigger post 363 may have any shape that will place it in the path of the flag 336 so as to cause the release arm 362 to move when the flag 336 contacts the trigger post 363.

[0062] FIG. 15 is a back view of a portion of the dispensing unit of FIGS. 10-14. In the embodiment shown, the two sensors 337 are mounted to the chassis body 341 adjacent one another. This allows the dispensing module 324 to detect the direction that the chain 332 is moving.

[0063] The various components of the dispensing system 330 may be made from sturdy and durable materials such as metal or plastic. Other materials may also be used.

[0064] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the helmet dispensing system 300 of FIG. 3. In the embodiment illustrated, the enclosure 301 includes deflection panels 307 at the bottom of the enclosure and situated below the dispensing units 330. The deflection panels are angled so as to direct the dispensed helmet packages 50 toward the center of the dispensing area 305 so that the helmet packages are easily accessed through the dispensing access location 306.

[0065] The enclosure 301 may include one or more hangers 303. Hangers 303 may be configured to support and hold a panel of the enclosure 301.

[0066] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the back of a lower access panel 309 of the enclosure 301 of FIG. 3. The bottom of lower access panel 309 may be mounted on hangers 303. Hangers 303 may be configured to slot into the bottom of lower access panel 309 to hold the bottom of front access panel 309 in place. Mounting hardware 311 may be located at the top corners of the lower access panel 309 to secure lower access panel 309 in place.

Mounting hardware 311 may include a quick release mechanism to allow lower access panel 309 to be removed from the enclosure 301 quickly.

[0067] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the back of an upper access panel 312 of the enclosure 301 of FIG. 3. The upper access panel may be attached to the enclosure by hinges. The upper access panel 312 when closed may be secured by a locking mechanism 316. The locking mechanism may require a key to access the enclosure through the upper aces panel 312.

[0068] The upper access panel 312 may include a transparent panel 314 and lighting brackets 313. The transparent panel 314 may be made of a plastic or glass material. The transparent panel 314 may be used to show graphics, such as advertising. The lighting brackets 313 may surround the transparent panel 314 along the inside of the upper access panel 312. While the transparent panel 314 and lighting brackets 313 are described for use with the upper access panel 312, they may also be used in conjunction with other panels of the enclosure.

[0069] FIG. 19 is a front view of a lighting panel 380 for the enclosure 301 of FIG. 3. FIG. 20 is a side view of the lighting panel of FIG. 19. Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the lighting panel 380 includes lighting strips 381 that each include a number of light emitting diodes 382, such as Maxbrite Aladdin series lighting strips. Lighting strips 381 are arranged in such a manner to provide light through the graphic, such as an advertisement without any dark spots on the graphic. The Light strips 381 are arranged so that the lighting panel can have a reduced footprint within the enclosure 301. In some embodiments, the sides 383 of the lighting panel 380 are less than 2 inches thick. In other embodiments, the sides 383 of the lighting panel 380 are from 1.5 to 1.75 inches thick. The lighting panel may also include an upper bracket 384 and a lower bracket 385. The Upper bracket 384, lower bracket 385 and sides 383 may be used to mount lighting panel 380 to the mounting brackets 313.

[0070] FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram of the processing unit 320 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The processing unit 320 is an embodiment of a device that can be configured and can be operable to implement all or portions of the various methods described herein. The processing unit 320 can include one or more processors or processor units 52. The processor 52 can controls operation of the processing unit 320. The processor 52 can also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). The processing unit 320 can also have a memory 54 coupled to the processor 52. The memory 54 can include both read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). The memory 54 can provide instructions and data to the processor 52. At least a portion of the memory 54 can also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). The processor 52 can perform logical and arithmetic operations based on program instructions stored within the memory 54. The instructions in the memory 54 can be executable to implement the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the memory 54 can be implemented to store, for example, which dispensing unit(s) 330 includes helmets and how many helmets each of the dispensing unit(s) 330 currently hold for vending.

[0071] The processor 52 can include or be a component of a processing system

implemented with one or more processors 52. The one or more processors can be

implemented with any combination of general-purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate array (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware components, dedicated hardware finite state machines, or any other suitable entities that can perform calculations or other manipulations of information.

[0072] The processing system and the memory 54 can also include machine-readable media for storing software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean any type of instructions, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. Instructions can include code (e.g., in source code format, binary code format, executable code format, or any other suitable format of code). The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the processing system to perform the various functions described herein.

[0073] The processing unit 320 can also include a transmitter 62 and/or a receiver 64 to allow transmission and reception of data between the processing unit 320 and other components of the helmet dispensing system 300, such as the modem 315, the pay point 310, and the locking module 212 of the docking system 200. The transmitter 62 and the receiver 64 can be combined into a transceiver 60. The processing unit 320 can also include (not shown) multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, and/or multiple transceivers as needed for various communication standards.

[0074] The transmitter 62 can be configured to transmit packets having different packet types or functions. For example, the transmitter 62 can be configured to transmit packets of different types generated by the processor 52. The receiver 64 can be configured to receive packets having different packet types. In some examples, the receiver 64 can be configured to detect a type of a packet used and to process the packet accordingly.

[0075] The transmitter 62 and the receiver 64 can be configured to transmit and receive information via wired or wireline systems or means.

[0076] The processing unit 320 can also include a signal detector 56 that can be used in an effort to detect and quantify the level of signals received by the transceiver 60. The processing unit 320 can also include a digital signal processor (DSP) 58 for use in processing signals. The DSP 58 can be configured to generate a packet for transmission.

[0077] The various components of the processing unit 320 can be coupled together by a bus system 70. The bus system 70 can include a data bus, for example, as well as a power bus, a control signal bus, and a status signal bus in addition to the data bus. The components of the processing unit 320 can be coupled together or accept or provide inputs to each other using some other mechanism.

[0078] The pay point 310 can include a user interface 312. The user interface 312 can include a keypad, a credit card reader, a cash receptacle, and/or a display. The user interface 68 can include any element or component that conveys information to a user of the pay point 310 and/or receives input from the user.

[0079] Although a number of separate components are illustrated in FIG. 21, one or more of the components can be combined or commonly implemented. For example, the processor 52 can be used to implement not only the functionality described above with respect to the processor 52, but also to implement the functionality described above with respect to the payment module 322, dispensing module 324, the ride share module 326, the pay point 310, and the locking module 212. In some embodiments, each of the components illustrated in FIG. 21, such as the payment module 322, the dispensing module 324, the ride share module 326, the pay point 310 and the locking module 212 can be implemented using a plurality of separate elements. Each separate element can include a processor 52, a memory 54, a signal detector 56, a DSP 58, a transceiver 60, and a bus system 70.

[0080] Those of skill will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled persons can implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such

implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the invention. In addition, the grouping of functions within a module, block, or step is for ease of description. Specific functions or steps can be moved from one module or block without departing from the invention.

[0081] The various illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor can be a

microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor can be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0082] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor (e.g., of a computer), or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC.

[0083] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0084] The preceding detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. The described embodiments are not limited to use in conjunction with a bicycle docking station. Hence, although the present disclosure, for convenience of explanation, depicts and describes a helmet vending system as part of a bicycle docking station, it will be appreciated that the helmet vending system in accordance with this disclosure can be implemented in various other configurations, can be used with other types of bicycle docking stations, and can be used in as a standalone machine. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or detailed description. It is also understood that the illustrations may include exaggerated dimensions to better illustrate the referenced items shown, and are not consider limiting unless expressly stated as such.