Apparatus for providing coupons in cooperation with operation of a companion device

An apparatus for use in cooperation with a companion product vending device;

• said companion product vending device having an actuator and an interior storage cavity for storing a first product;
• said actuator being configured for setting in a first orientation or a second orientation;
• at least one unit of said first product being made accessible to said user when said actuator is set in one orientation of said first orientation and said second orientation;
• the apparatus comprising:
• (a) a control unit for controlling the apparatus in dispensing at least one coupon in response to at least one of said user effecting said setting;
• said at least one coupon being redeemable toward at least one second product;
• (b) a providing means for effecting said dispensing;
• said providing means being coupled with said control means and responsive to said control means;
• and
• (c) a link coupling the apparatus and said actuator for effecting said cooperation.

An apparatus for dispensing at least one coupon in cooperation with operation of an attached product vending device;

• said vending device availing a user of access to a product in response to at least one of payment to a payment receiving unit and exercising an actuator;
• the apparatus comprising:
• (a) a control unit for controlling said dispensing in response to at least one of said payment and said exercising;
• (b) a providing means coupled with said control means for effecting said dispensing;
• (c) a printing means coupled with said control unit for populating said at least one coupon with information;
• and
• (d) a link coupling the apparatus with at least one of said payment receiving unit and said actuator.