Combination storage system and compact ejection mechanisms

An ejection apparatus for dispensing an item from a plurality of stored items, comprising:

• an ejector member operatively mounted for contacting and moving an item from the stored items during an ejection stroke and returning to a start position during a return stroke;
• a movable member connected to the ejector member, the movable member having a partial U-shaped configuration with a plurality of teeth centrally located relative to a groove on an opposite side of the movable member, the movable member is elongated and relatively rigid when moved in a linear direction of movement and is flexible when bent to extend in a nonlinear direction;
• guide means for contacting the movable member during the ejection stroke to maintain its rigidity;
• means for driving the movable member along a linear direction to contact a stored item during the ejection stroke and to return the movable member during the return stroke, includes a motor with a drive gear for engaging the plurality of teeth and idler roller for engagement with the groove;
• and
• means for bending a portion of the movable member as it is driven during the return stroke.

In a vending machine, the improvement of an ejection apparatus for dispensing an item from a plurality of stored items, comprising:

• a container for vertically storing a stack of stored items that are to be dispensed one at a time;
• an ejector member operatively mounted beneath the container for contacting and moving an item from the stored items during an ejection stroke and returning to a start position during a return stroke, including a contact arm that extends upward during the ejection stroke and is retracted during the return stroke;
• a movable resin member connected to the ejector member, the movable member being elongated and relatively rigid when moved in a linear direction of movement and being flexible when bent to extend in a nonlinear direction;
• means for driving the movable member along a linear direction to enable the contact arm to contact a stored item during the ejection stroke and to return the movable member during the return stroke;
• and
• means for bending a portion of the movable member 180.degree. relative to the linear direction as it is driven during the return stroke to provide compact storage of the movable member includes a U-shaped pipe.

In a vending machine, the improvement of an ejection apparatus for dispensing an item from a plurality of stored items, comprising;

• a container for holding the stored items in a stacked position with a lower opening;
• a pair of shelf plates spaced on either side of the lower opening to support the stored item to be dispensed;
• an ejector member operatively mounted for contacting and moving an item from the stored items in the container between the shelf plates during an ejection stroke that extends below and across the lower opening of the container and returning to a start position during a return stroke, including a contact arm that extends upward during the ejection stroke to engage the lowermost stacked item between the shelf plates and is retracted during the return stroke as it contacts the subsequent item that is then supported by the shelf plates;
• a movable member connected to the ejector member, the movable member being elongated and relatively rigid when moved in a linear direction of movement and being flexible when bent to extend in a nonlinear direction;
• means for driving the movable member along a linear direction to enable the contact arm to contact a stored item during the ejection stroke and to return the movable member during the return stroke;
• and
• means for bending a portion of the movable member as it is driven during the return stroke to provide compact storage of the movable member includes a U-shaped pipe.