Vending machine for hot packaged food

A vending machine, comprising:

• a storage and dispenser unit comprising plural dispensing trays arranged in an array for storing one or more packaged foods, a frame, and a carrier structure, wherein:
• each individual dispensing tray comprises a pivotable gate and a slideway inclined by a tilting angle from a horizontal axis;
• the carrier structure comprises:
• a carrying arm having an engaging feature;
• an engaging mechanism for actuating the pivotable gate;
• and
• a collection mechanism configured to receive the packaged food from the individual dispensing tray, wherein the collection mechanism comprises a first lever arm and a second lever arm, both disposed on the carrying arm;
• the engaging mechanism is configured to move the carrying arm towards the individual dispensing tray such that the engaging feature actuates the pivotable gate from a locked position to an unlocked position;
• the packaged food is prevented from sliding down when the pivotable gate is at the locked position;
• the packaged food is slidable relative to the individual dispensing tray when the pivotable gate is at the unlocked position;
• the first lever arm is rotatable between an upright position and a flat position;
• the first lever arm at the upright position stops a subsequent packaged food from sliding down to the carrying arm;
• and
• the first lever arm is rotated to the flat position when the engaging feature moves away from the pivotable gate.