US 2011/0087369 A1 · Dispenser For Product Packages

Abstract

A modular vending and display system and a method of operation of the system, which is especially applicable to high-value and pilfer-prone products such as prestige fragrances, and to self-service shopping environments. The system enables shoppers to self-sample various scents and self-dispense fragrance product packages for later purchase. The system uses a plurality of modules which, upon actuation by a shopper, convey a package toward the shopper within individual enclosures such that only one package can be removed at a time, and then de-activate for a time delay period to prevent rapid removal of multiple packages from the module. The modules may interact, so that once a shopper has selected a product at one module in the system, other modules are also de-activated during the delay period. This reduces pilferage by making it difficult to remove more than one package during the delay period from a group of modules.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A method of vending product packages using at least one module for vending a plurality of product packages, the packages being housed in an enclosed row such that only a single package in the row can be removed by a shopper when it is advanced to a selection position, all other packages in the row remaining enclosed such that the remaining packages cannot be removed by the shopper, the module comprising a selection input and a pusher for moving the product packages in the enclosed row, the method comprising:

a) accepting an indication on the selection input that the shopper wishes to remove a package;
b) advancing the row of packages forward until a package is in the selection position, allowing removal of a package;
c) de-activating the selection input for a delay period, such that no further packages can be removed during the delay period;
d) activating the selection input after the delay period;
and
e) repeating the method from step (a) until no more packages remain in the row.

3 more elements

A module for vending a plurality of product packages, comprising:

a conveyor module having a front and a rear and an top surface for supporting a plurality of product packages arranged in a row, comprising:
a pusher on the top surface of the conveyor module, movable from a rear position adjacent to the rear of the conveyor module to an empty position adjacent to the front of the conveyor module, for moving the row of product packages along the top surface of the conveyor;
a controller coupled to the pusher;
a selection input coupled to the controller;
and
a pair of row dividers and a roof, located over the conveyor module, forming an enclosure for the plurality of packages in a row,
the row dividers and roof being arranged such that when a row of product packages is in the enclosure, with the package closest to the front of the conveyor module being in a selection position, only the package in the selection position can be removed by a shopper, all other packages in the row remaining enclosed and unavailable for removal by the shopper;
such that when the selection input is activated, the controller causes the pusher to move toward the front of the conveyor module, advancing the row of packages until a package is in the selection position, allowing removal of the package.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Dispenser For Product Packages

Life of this patent

Dispenser For Product Packages

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26