Bayonet locking system for vending machines and the like

A vending machine having a stationary body and at least one moveable door and a locking system to releasably secure the door in a closed position to the stationary body, the vending machine comprising:

• a first engaging member operatively coupled with one of either the door or the stationary body of the vending machine;
• a second engaging member operatively coupled with the other of the door or the stationary body of the vending machine;
• a motor coupled to one of either the first or second engagement member for movement of that member with respect to the other member, at least in part, by operation of the motor;
• the first and second engaging members being cooperatively configured to engage and disengage each other to optionally permit access to an interior of the stationary body or to secure the door in a closed position, and at least the disengagement of the first and second engaging members being accomplished, at least in part, by operation of the motor;
• and,
• the engaging member that is operatively coupled for movement at least in part by operation of the motor, has at least one engaging portion, and that engaging member being configured with respect to the motor so that the at least one engaging portion may by operation of the motor, be extended away from and toward a fixed position relative to the motor position, such that when the first and second engaging members are engaged and the engaging portion is moved toward the fixed position relative to the motor, the door is urged toward the stationary cabinet.