Article packaging system for an automated article dispensing mechanism

An article packaging system for an automated article dispensing mechanism comprising:

• a) a clamshell container including generally semi-cylindrical container halves pivotably mounted together about pivot means to permit opening and closing of an internal chamber thereof;
• b) biasing means for biasing said halves toward one another in a direction of closure of said chamber;
• c) first and second side rails, said first side rail pivotably mounted to said pivot means at one side of said container, said second side rail pivotably mounted to said pivot means at another side of said container;
• d) third and fourth side rails, said third side rail pivotably mounted to said first side rail and including a slot, said fourth side rail pivotably mounted to said second side rail and including a further slot;
• e) one of said halves having a first pin receivable in said slot and a second co-axially disposed pin receivable in said further slot;
• f) whereby when said third and fourth rails are concurrently pivoted with respect to said first and second rails, respectively, in a first direction, said first and second pins leave said slot and further slot, respectively, and said biasing means maintains said halves in a closed position of said chamber;
• and
• g) when said third and fourth rails are concurrently pivoted with respect to said first and second rails, respectively, in a second direction opposite to said first direction, said first and second pins are maintained in said slot and further slot, respectively, and said halves are pivoted with respect to one another to open said chamber.