Vending Machine

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vending machine for dispensing articles such as sweets, snacks, and toys, and more particularly to a vending machine for use in a taxi.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Vending machines for dispensing various articles of various types have become increasingly popular. Examples of vending machines are for example shown in US 5,261,564, US 7,086,198 B2, and US 7,182,219.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to broaden the application range of vending machines.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a machine for vending articles including sweets, snacks, and toys etc.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vending machine comprises a cylindrical storage compartment or a stack of at least two cylindrical storage compartments, wherein each cylindrical storage compartment has a plurality of storage partitions for housing articles, and a stand panel for supporting the cylindrical storage compartment or the stack of cylindrical storage compartment. The storage partitions of the cylindrical storage compartment or the stack of cylindrical storage compartment can be rotated about an axis of the cylindrical

storage compartment or of the stack of cylindrical storage compartments which is arranged horizontally relative to the stand panel.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0006] hi the drawings, like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon s illustrating the principles of the invention, hi the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. IA is a perspective view of a vending machine for dispensing articles according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. IB is a top view of the vending machine as shown in FIG. IA;

FIG. 1C is a front view of the vending machine as shown in FIG. IA;

FIG. ID is a side view of the vending machine as shown in FIG. IA;

FIG. 2A is a side view of a vending machine according to one embodiment of the present invention which is in a closing state, and which comprises one storage partition access area ;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the vending machine shown in FIG. 2 A in an opening state.

FIG. 3 A is side view of a vending machine according to one embodiment of the present invention which is in a closing state, and which comprises two storage partition access areas;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the vending machine as shown in FIG. 3 A in an opening state;

FIG. 4A is a side view of the vending machine according to one embodiment of the present invention which is in a closing state, and which comprises two doors;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the vending machine as shown in FIG. 4A in an opening state, wherein one door has been opened;

FIG. 5A is a side view of the vending machine according to one embodiment of the present invention which is in a closing state, and which comprises one door;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the vending machine as shown in FIG. 5A in a closing state, wherein the access panel has been rotated;

FIG. 5C is a side view of the vending machine as shown in FIGs. 5A and 5B in an opening state, wherein the door has been opened;

FIG. 6A is a side view illustrating that the rotation of the storage partitions is driven by a storage partition motor, and the rotation of the access panel is driven by an access panel motor;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the access panel motor as shown in FIG. 4A, wherein the access panel motor drives the access panel to rotate;

FIG. 6C is a side view of the storage partition motor as shown in FIG. 4A, wherein the storage partition motor drives the storage partitions to rotate;

FIG. 7A is a side view of the storage partitions according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the depth of all the storage partitions are the same;

FIG. 7B is a side view of the storage partitions according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein certain material has been filled in the bottom of a storage partition, and inside width of the storage partitions may vary;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the vending machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the vending machine comprises one cylindrical storage compartment, and the rotation of storage partitions is driven by a hand wheel;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the vending machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the vending machine comprises two cylindrical storage compartments, and the rotation of storage compartments is driven by a hand wheel;

FIG. 9B is a front view of the vending machine as shown in FIG. 9 A;

FIG. 9C is a side view of the vending machine as shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9D is a top view of the vending machine as shown in FIG. 9 A;

FIG. 1OA is a front view showing that the hand wheel is locked for turning by a pin, which is part of a solenoid;

FIG. 1OB is a close up view of FIG. 1OA showing the locking mechanism of the hand wheel by the pin.

Description

[0007] Referring to FIGs. 1A-1D, a vending machine 10 for dispensing articles is shown from different views. In this embodiment, the vending machine 10 comprises a cylindrical storage compartment 11, wherein the cylindrical storage compartment 11 has a plurality of storage partitions 12 for housing articles. The single storage compartment 11 may be replaced by a stack of at least two storage compartments 11. The storage partitions 12 of the cylindrical storage compartment 11 have the ability to rotate about an axis 13 of the cylindrical storage compartment 11. The vending machine 10 further comprises a stand panel 14 for supporting the cylindrical compartment 11. The cylindrical storage compartment 11 is arranged horizontally relative to the stand panel 14.

[0008] ha one embodiment, when the vending machine 10 comprises a stack of at least two cylindrical storage compartments, each of the stack of the cylindrical storage compartments 11 may have the same width 11a (FIGs. 9A and 9B). In another embodiment, width 11a of each of the stack of the cylindrical storage compartment 11 varies to accommodate articles with different sizes.

[0009] As mentioned above, the vending machine 10 may comprise one cylindrical storage compartment 11 or a stack of at least two cylindrical storage compartments 11. For clarity, the invention will be described below primarily in the context of one particular exemplary embodiment, wherein the vending machine 10 comprises one cylindrical storage compartment 11. However, it will be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described, but rather extends to all such embodiments, foπns, configurations, types and combinations.

[0010] The outer surface of the cylindrical storage compartment 11, relative to which the storage partitions 12 are rotatable, comprises two circular surface elements or two at least partly circular surface elements facing each other, and a cylinder jacket surface element positioned between the two circular surface elements. In one embodiment, when the two circular surface elements are partly circular, they can be partly covered by the stand panel 14 (FIGs. IA and ID). The storage partition access areas via which housed articles are accessible for a user face the cylinder jacket surface element. Here, the axis 13 runs through the centers of the circular surface elements. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not restricted thereto. In one embodiment, the circular surface elements of the cylindrical storage compartment 11 can be opened for easy access and quick loading of articles.

[0011] Here, a part (fixed cover element 16) of the cylinder jacket surface element is fixed relative to the stand panel 14. The corresponding complementary part of the cylinder jacket surface element is an access panel 15 which can be rotated around the axis 13 both in forward and backward directions (FIGs. 2B and 3B and 5B). In this context, the word "complementary" in the scope of the present invention also includes the case of overlap, such as the case shown in FIGs. ID, 2A, 3A, and 5A-5C. In one embodiment, the access panel 15 comprises part of the

circular surface element of the outer surface of the cylindrical storage compartment 11. In another embodiment, the access panel 15 is mounted on the circular surface element. In one embodiment, the access panel 15 has a U-like shape, and the ends of the U-like shaped access panel 15 are rotatably fixed to the circular surface elements (FIGs. IA, 2B, 3B, and 5B). In a closing state of the vending machine 10 (FIGs. 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, and 5B), the coverage of the fixed cover element 16 and the access panel 15 leaves no space large enough for accessing any article stored inside the cylindrical storage compartment 11 by a user. Li an opening state of the vending machine 10 obtained by rotating the access panel 15 (FIGs. 2B, 3B), access is given to a user to only one storage partition access area 27 for accessing an article stored in the corresponding storage partition 12.

[0012] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 may comprise one storage partition access area 27, which is at a fixed position relative to the stand panel 14 (as shown in FIGs. 2A and 2B). hi another embodiment, the vending machine 10 may comprise two storage partition access areas 27, which are at fixed positions relative to the stand panel 14 (as shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B). In this context, the fixed storage partition access area refers to the area where no fixed cover element 16 is present, and where upon rotation of the access panel 15, the article in the corresponding storage partition 12 is accessible to a user. However, it would be appreciated that the fixed storage partition access area(s) 27 is/are not limited to the position(s) shown in FIGs 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B. In one embodiment when the vending machine 10 comprises two storage partition access areas 27, one access area 27 is located at a front side of the cylindrical storage compartment 11, and the other access area 27 is located at a back side of the cylindrical storage compartment 11, such that users at both the front side and the back side of the vending machine 10 can purchase a desired article conveniently.

[0013] In one embodiment, when there is one fixed storage partition access area 27, the access panel 15 can rotate both toward forward and backward directions to leave the storage partition access area 27 open for access of a selected article. In another embodiment, when there is one fixed storage partition access area 27, the access panel 15 rotates only in a predetermined direction to leave the storage partition access area 27 open for access of a selected article. For example, the predetermined direction can be either forward direction or backward direction. [0014] In this context, for clarity, when the vending machine 10 comprises two storage partition access areas 27, the storage partition access area 27, that faces or is nearer to the user relative to the other storage partition access area 27, is called the corresponding storage partition access area 27.

[0015] Li one embodiment, when there are two fixed storage partition access areas 27, the access panel 15 can be rotated toward forward direction to leave one storage partition access area 27 open for access of an article, or be rotated toward backward direction to leave the other storage partition access area 27 open for access of another article (as illustrated in FIGs. 3A and 3B). In a further embodiment, when there are two fixed storage partition access areas 27, which access area 27 will be left open to a user upon the rotation of the access panel 15 depends on which side of the vending machine 10 the user is facing. For example, when a user operates the vending machine 10 and purchases desired articles, the access panel 15 will rotate in such a manner that only the corresponding access area 27 will be left accessible to the user. [0016] Li one embodiment, the fixed cover element 16 is transparent such that articles can be viewed from outside.

[0017] hi one embodiment, the whole access panel 15 is transparent such that articles can be viewed from outside.

[0018] In one embodiment, the circular surface elements are transparent such that articles can be viewed from outside.

[0019] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 further comprises an access panel motor 24 which can drive the access panel 15 to rotate (FIGs. 6 A and 6B). In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 may further comprise a selection button 18 (FIG. IB), upon actuation of which the access panel motor 24 will drive the access panel 15 to rotate, thereby giving access of a selected article. In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 also comprises an access panel motor holder 26 to hold the access panel motor 24 (FIG. 6A and 6B). [0020] In one embodiment, the selection button 18 is adapted on the stand panel 14. In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 comprises at least a selection button 18 at only one side of the vending machine 10. In another embodiment, the vending machine 10 comprises selection buttons 18 at both sides of the vending machine 10, such that users at both sides of the vending machine 10 can operate the vending machine 10 and purchase desired articles. In this context, for clarity, when the vending machine 10 comprises selection buttons 18 at both sides, the selection button 18, that faces the user, is called the corresponding selection button 18. [0021] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 gives feedback upon pressing a selection button 18 by sound, jingle, light, or blinking, etc.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment of merely rotating the access panel 15 to leave the vending machine 10 in an open state, the access panel 15 may be embodied by or comprise at least one transparent door 28 (FIGs. 4A-5C), wherein the door 28 can be opened for access of a selected article. For example, the access panel 15 may have two transparent doors 28 (FIGs. 4A and 4B), with one being positioned at one end of the access panel 15, and the other being positioned at the other end of the access panel 15, wherein both doors 28 can be opened in order to access a

selected article. In this case, when one door 28 is opened, the other is blocked for opening. In this context, for clarity, when the vending machine 10 comprises two doors 28, the door 28, that faces or is nearer to the user relative to the other door, is called the user facing door. [0023] hi accordance with another embodiment, the access panel 15 only has one door 28 which is positioned in the middle of the access panel 15 and which can be opened (FIGs. 5A- 5C). hi one embodiment, the door 28 can be opened after the access panel 15 is rotated either toward forward or backward direction (FIGs. 5A-5C). hi another embodiment, the door 28 can be opened without rotating the access panel 15 at all (FIGs. 4A and 4B).

[0024] hi one embodiment, the vending machine 10 may comprise at least one selection button 18, and the door 28 can be opened upon a press of the corresponding selection button 18. For example, the vending machine 10 may comprise a selection button 18 at one side of the vending machine 10, and one door 28. For another example, the vending machine 10 may comprise selection buttons 18 at both sides of the vending machine 10, and two doors 28. In such a case, upon a press of a selection button 18, the user facing door 28 can be opened for access of an article. In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 comprises one door 28 (Figs. 5A-5C) and selection buttons 18 at both sides of the vending machine 10. hi such a case, a user (not shown) can first rotate the access panel 15 such that the access panel 15 faces the user (FIG. 5B). The rotation of the access panel 15 can be either by hand or by a motor (not shown). The user then can press the corresponding selection button 18, such that the door 28 is opened for access of the desired article (FIG. 5C).

[0025] hi one embodiment, the depth 12a of all the storage partitions 12 are the same (FIG. 7A). hi another embodiment, depth 12a (FIG. 7B) of each of the storage partitions 12 may vary to accommodate different sized articles. For example, the depth 12a of a certain storage

partition 12 can be shortened by filling certain material at the inside end of the storage partition 12 (FIG. 7B). In a further embodiment, the inside width 12b of the storage partitions 12 may vary to accommodate different sized articles (FIG. 7B).

[0026] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 further comprises an interference sensor (not shown) to detect whether there is interference with the storage partition access area 27 wherein a selected article is accessible to a user when the vending machine 10 is in an opening state obtained by rotating the access panel 15, or when the door 28 is opened for access of a selected article. The interference sensor can be, for example, a cam switch or an optical sensor, but is not limited thereto.

[0027] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 further comprises a storage partition motor 23 (FIGs. 6A and 6C) being connected to the axis 13, wherein the storage partition motor 23 can drive the axis 13, hence the storage partitions 12 that are connected to the axis 13, to rotate both toward forward and backward directions. In a further embodiment, the vending machine 10 may comprise at least one direction button 17 (FIG. IB), upon actuation of which the storage partition motor 23 starts to drive the storage partitions 12 to rotate, so that a selected article can be placed such that it faces a corresponding storage partition access area 27, or a user facing door 28 that can be opened for access of a selected article upon a press of selection button 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the vending machine 10 may comprise two direction buttons 17, wherein upon the press of one direction button 17, the storage partition motor 23 will drive the storage partitions 12 to rotate toward forward direction, and upon the press of another direction button 17, the storage partition motor 23 will drive the storage partitions 12 to rotate toward backward direction.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment of the storage partition motor 23, the vending machine 10 may comprise a hand wheel 40 being connected to the axis 13 (FIGs. 8-9D), wherein by rotating the hand wheel 40, the storage partitions 12 that are connected to the axis 13 are correspondingly rotated, so that a selected article can be placed facing a storage partition access area 27, or a door 28 that can be opened for access of a selected article upon a press of the selection button 18. hi one embodiment, the hand wheel 40 is rotatable towards both forward and backward directions, hi one embodiment when the vending machine 10 comprises at least two cylindrical storage compartments 11, upon a rotating of the hand wheel 40, storage partitions 12 of the at least one cylindrical storage compartment 11 will be rotated, hi another embodiment, upon a rotating of hand wheel 40, the storage partitions 12 of all cylindrical storage compartments 11 will rotated simultaneously.

[0029] hi one embodiment, the vending machine 10 comprises one cylindrical storage compartment 11, and the hand wheel 40 is located at one side of the cylindrical storage compartment 11 (FIG. 8).

[0030] hi another embodiment, the vending machine 10 comprises two cylindrical storage compartments 11, and the hand wheel 40 is located between the two cylindrical storage compartments 11 (FIGs. 9A-9D).

[0031] However, it would be appreciated that the vending machine 10 can comprise any number of cylindrical storage compartments 11 and the hand wheel 40 can be located at any position between the two ends of the axis 13. For example, the hand wheel 40 can be located at one end of the axis 13 or at a middle part between the two ends of the axis 13. hi a further embodiment, the vending machine 10 can comprise more than one hand wheel 40.

[0032] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 further comprises an index mechanism (not shown), so that after rotation of storage partitions 12 either by a storage partition motor 23 or by a hand wheel 40, storage partitions 12 are naturally aligned with the storage partition access area 27 (FIGs. 2A, and 3A) or the door 28 (FIGs. 4A, 5A, and 5B). The index mechanism, for example, provides a resistance (e.g. by spring force) at each aligned position, such that the rotation is likely to stop at this position. A higher force is required to rotate it forward or backward away from its aligned position than the force required in between aligned positions. [0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, articles stored in a same cylindrical storage compartment 11 are sold at the same price.

[0034] hi another embodiment, articles stored in the same cylindrical storage compartment 11 are sold at least at two different prices. For example, articles stored in a cylindrical storage compartment 11 are sold at two price levels. One half of a cylindrical storage compartment 11 are sold at one price level, and articles stored in the other half of the cylindrical storage compartment 11 are sold at another price level. For another example, articles stored in a cylindrical storage compartment 11 are sold at three or more different prices. For a further example, article in each storage partition 12 can be sold at difference price levels. A price sensor (not shown) can be installed in the vending machine 10 to detect on which group of the storage partitions 12 or which individual storage partition 12 of the cylindrical storage compartment 11 a selected article is stored, thereby deciding the price at which the article should be sold. The price sensor can be, for example, switches activated by cam features on the cylinders, or optical sensors, but is not restricted thereto.

[0035] hi one embodiment, the vending machine 10 further comprises at least one display 19. For example, the display 19 may be positioned on the stand panel 14. In one embodiment, the

vending machine 10 comprises one display 19 (FIGs. IA and IB). In another embodiment, the vending machine 10 may comprise two displays 19, with one being positioned at one side of the stand panel 14, and the other positioned at the other side of the stand panel 14, such that users at both sides of the vending machine 10 can operate the vending machine 10 and purchase desired articles. In this context, for clarity, when the vending machine 10 comprises two displays 19, the display 19, that faces the user, is called the corresponding display 19.

[0036] In one embodiment, the display 19 shows the price of a selected article, which is positioned in the corresponding storage partition access area 27 (FIG. 2A) or in front of the user facing door 28.

[0037] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 creates electronic record of total purchase since a reset carried out after the vending machine 10 is reloaded with articles, and the display

19 will show the total purchase each time upon activating.

[0038] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 further comprises a storage sensor (not shown) to detect whether there is an article stored in a selected storage partition 12 that is in the storage partition access area 27, or in front of the door 28. The storage sensor can be, for example, switches or optical sensors, but is not restricted thereto.

[0039] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 further comprises an LED (not shown) on the stand panel 14, which indicates to a user to make a new selection in case the user presses the selection buttonl8 while there is no article stored in the corresponding storage partition access area 27, or in front of the corresponding door 28. In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 comprises a LED at one side of the stand panel 14. In another embodiment, the vending machine 10 comprises LEDs at both sides of the stand panel 14, such that users at both sides of the vending machine 10 can operate the vending machine 10 and purchase desired articles. In

this context, for clarity, when the vending machine 10 comprises LEDs at both sides of the vending machine 10, the LED, that faces the user, is called the corresponding LED. [0040] In one embodiment, payment can be via cash, coin, or card etc.

[0041] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 comprises a coin system. For example, the coin system may be adapted in the stand panel 14 (FIGs. 1A-1C). In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 comprises an coin insert slot 20 for accepting the coins. In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 comprises a coin reject button 21 for rejecting the coins that are not acceptable to the vending machine 10. In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 comprises a coin return slot 22 for returning extra value of coins, hi one embodiment, the coin system is adapted in the stand panel 14. hi one embodiment, the vending machine 10 comprises a coin system at one side of the vending machine 10. hi another embodiment, the vending machine 10 comprises the coin systems at both sides of the vending machine 10. In this context, for clarity, when the vending machine 10 comprises coin systems at both sides of the vending machine 10, the coin system, that faces the user, is called the corresponding coin system. [0042] In one exemplary process, a user selects an article by first rotating storage partitions 12 by pressing a direction button 17, such that a selected article is left in a corresponding storage partition access area 27 or in front of a user facing door 28. The storage sensor will detect whether the storage partition 12 that is in the corresponding storage partition access area 27 or in front the corresponding door 28 stores an article. If there is an article stored in the selected partition 12, the corresponding display 19 will show the price of the selected article. Otherwise, the display 19 will indicate there is no article stored inside the selected partition 12. [0043] The user further presses the corresponding selection button 18, and the vending machine 10 will give feedback by sound, jingle, light, or blinking etc. If there is no article stored in the

selected partition 12, the access panel 15 will not rotate to give access of the selected storage partition 12, or the door 28 will not open. In the meantime, the LED will indicate that the user should select another storage partition 12, and no purchase amounts will be displayed on display 19. If there is an article stored in the selected partition 12, the display 19 will indicate to the user to insert coins into the coin insert slot 20. After a predetermined amount of coins have been accepted by the vending machine 10, the corresponding access panel 15 will rotate to give access of the selected article, or the door 28 will open for access of the selected article, hi the meantime, the purchase amount is shown on the display 19.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the vending machine 10 remains at an opening state for a minimum time, and the access panel 15 will rotate or the door 28 will close to bring the vending machine 10 back into the closing state after a prescribed period of time has elapsed if the interference sensor (not shown) detects there is no interference with the storage partition access area 27 or the door 28. The storage sensor will then detect whether the selected article was taken out. If the selected article was not taken, the access panel 15 will rotate to give access to the selected article or the door 28 will open again upon pressing selection button 18 without further charging. This mode will be cancelled once the storage partitions 12 are rotated again. [0045] In one embodiment, if several purchases occur, the purchase amount will be added up to a total amount on display 19.

[0046] The vending machine 10 may further comprise a lock mechanism (not shown), so that after the access panel 15 is rotated to give access to a selected article, or the door 28 is opened, the access panel 15 and the storage partitions 12 can not be rotated. The rotation of both the access panel 15 and storage partitions 12 will be released after the access panel 15 is rotated to bring the vending machine 10 back into a closing state, or the door 28 is closed.

[0047] As an illustration of the lock mechanism, FIGs. 1OA and 1OB show how the hand wheel 40 can be locked from rotation. For example, the hand wheel 40 may comprise several holes 30, and a solenoid 31 with a pin 32 is provided to lock the hand wheel 40 by inserting the pin 32 into the corresponding hole 30 in the hand wheel 40. In one embodiment, the amount of the holes 30 is the same as the number of storage partitions 12 of one cylindrical storage compartment 11. In one embodiment, after each rotation of storage partitions 12, one of the holes 30 will align with the pin 32, such that the pin 32 can be successfully inserted into the hole 30 for locking the hand wheel 40. Similarly, the access panel 15 and the storage partitions 12 can be locked using the same lock mechanism. However, the lock mechanism is not limited thereto.

[0048] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 may be provided with a light (not shown) to illuminate the storage partitions 12. In another embodiment, the vending machine 10 may comprise a highlight mechanism, wherein the storage partition 12 in the corresponding storage partition access area 27 or facing the user facing door 28 is highlighted for a good view of the article stored inside the storage partition 12. In another embodiment, once the user starts to manipulate the vending machine 10, an increase in light level may be triggered. [0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vending machine 10 is equipped with a cooling module (not shown) to stabilize the internal temperature inside the vending machine 10.

[0050] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 may be provided with a article sensor (not shown), which can detect the kind of article that has been purchased, so that a record of the purchase amount of each kind of article can be obtained. The article sensor can be, for example, switches or optical sensors, but is not restricted thereto.

[0051] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 may be provided with a unique ID for accounting purpose, wherein the ID can be in form of machine numbers, bar code, or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) etc.

[0052] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 may have an electronic record of total purchase since reset carried out when the vending machine 10 is refilled. The vending machine 10 may further comprise an accumulative total purchase record since factory reset for crosschecking purposes in accounting. In one embodiment, the total purchase will be shown on the display 19 upon activating the vending machine 10 or a dedicated switch. [0053] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 can be switched off remotely or by hand. [0054] hi one embodiment, the vending machine 10 is located horizontally for a good visibility to users.

[0055] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 may be provided with an alarm mechanism, so that if the vending machine 10 is destroyed, the alarm will, for example, give a loud sound, and send alarm signals to a central management system.

[0056] According to one specific exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the vending machine 10 is adapted for use in a taxi, and is mounted between two front seats (not shown) of the taxi. However, it will be appreciated that the vending machine 10 may also be used in many other environment including buses, air planes, trains, etc.

[0057] hi one embodiment, the vending machine 10 can be fixed at a location with a quick-lock fastener on a bracket. Thus, the vending machine 10 can be detached easily for reloading of products at service stations.

[0058] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 is installed in a taxi, and the access panel 15 of each cylindrical storage compartment 11 can be rotated towards both forward and backward.

[0059] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 is adapted in a taxi, and has a coin system. In a further embodiment, the vending machine 10 that is adapted in the taxi may be operated by passengers at both the front seat and rear seats. In an alternative embodiment, the vending machine 10 that is adapted in the taxi may be operated by passengers at the rear seats only. [0060] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10 is installed in a taxi, and has operating buttons, which include selection button(s) 18, direction button(s) 17, and coin system etc., and the display 19 only at one side of the vending machine 10. For example, the vending machine 10 only has operating buttons and a display 19 at one side facing the rear seats in the taxi, so that only passengers sitting on the rear seats can operate the vending machine 10 and purchase desired articles stored in the vending machine 10.

[0061] hi another embodiment, the vending machine 10 is installed in a taxi, and has operating buttons and the display 19 at both sides of the vending machine 10, so that passengers sitting both in the front seat or the rear seats can operate the vending machine 10 and purchase desired articles stored in the vending machine 10. A passenger in the taxi sitting on the front seat can use operation button(s) facing the front window of the taxi to collect an article that he desires, while passenger(s) sitting on the back seat(s) can use operation button(s) facing the rear window of the taxi to collect an article that he/they desire(s).

[0062] hi one exemplary process, the vending machine 10 is installed in a taxi, and a passenger selects an article by first rotating the storage partitions 12 by pressing direction button 17 until the selected storage partition 12 is in front of the corresponding storage partition access area 27

or the user facing door. The storage sensor will detect whether the storage partition 12 that is in front of the corresponding storage partition access area 27 or the user facing door 28 stores an article. If there is an article stored in the selected storage partition 12, the display 19 will show the price of the selected article. Otherwise, the display 19 will show there is no article inside the selected partition 12.

[0063] The user further presses the corresponding selection button 18, and the vending machine 10 will give a feedback by sound, jingle, light, or blinking etc. If there is no article stored in the selected partition 12, the access panel 15 will not rotate or the user facing door 28 will not open to give access of the selected storage partition 12. In the meantime, the LED will indicate that the user should select another storage partition 12, and no purchase amounts will be shown on display 19. If there is an article stored in the selected partition 12, the displays 19 will indicate to the user to insert a prescribed value of coins hi the coin insert slot 20. After a prescribed amount of coins have been accepted by the vending machine 10, the access panel 15 will rotate, or the corresponding door 28 will open to give access of the selected article to the user. The purchase amount will be shown on the display 19.

[0064] The vending machine 10 remains at an opening state for a minimum of time, and the access panel 15 will rotate or the door 28 will close to bring the vending machine 10 back into the closing state after the prescribed period of time if the interference sensor (not shown) detects there is no interference with the storage partition access area 27 or the door 28. The storage sensor will then detect whether the selected article was taken out. If the selected article was not taken, the access panel 15 will rotate to give access to the selected article, or the corresponding door 28 will be opened again upon actuating of selection button 18 without further charging. This mode will be cancelled once the storage partitions 12 are rotated again.

[0065] In one alternative embodiment of adapting a coin system, the vending machine 10 may be provided with a man-machine interface (not shown) providing article selection information of a user to the taxi driver, wherein the man-machine interface further comprises confirming means (not shown) for confirming the purchase, upon which the access panel 15 is allowed to rotate, or the corresponding door 28 is allowed to be opened for access of the selected article, and a communication means (not shown) between the vending machine 10 and the man- machine interface. In one embodiment, the man-machine interface is part of a taxi meter or connected to the taxi meter. In one embodiment, the communication means may be a wired communication means or a wireless communication means.

[0066] In one embodiment, if several purchases occur, the taxi driver needs to confirm every time of the selection, and the purchase amount will be added up to total on the display(s) 19. [0067] In one embodiment, the amount of purchase can be cleared by the driver through the man-machine interface .

[0068] hi one embodiment, collection of payment is through taxi driver or through card etc. [0069] In one embodiment, the vending machine 10, edges of the vending machine 10 may be rounded over all, and have no hard parts at exterior elements exposed to passengers. [0070] In one embodiment, materials used in the vending machine 10 may be non-brittle plastics such as polypropylene.

[0071] hi one embodiment, when the vending machine 10 is installed in a taxi, light and sound levels may be defined such as not to be too distracting to the taxi driver.

[0072] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as

defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.