Bulk vending apparatus, system and method
AssigneeLama Group, LLC
InventorsRobert Bruck, Christopher Gerding
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vending machine is provided that includes optional modules. A first module includes a plurality of bins, each sized to contain a consumable product, each bin including a pivotable product container. An optional capsule dispensing apparatus is sized to fit on a side of the first module, the optional capsule dispensing apparatus including a plurality of capsules, each containing either a consumable product or a non-consumable product. An optional second module includes a second plurality of bins, each also sized to contain a consumable product, each bin also having a pivotable product container, the optional second module sized to be removeably attachable to the first module.
Claims20
A vending machine, comprising:
- a first module comprising:
- a plurality of bins, each sized to contain a consumable product;
- a capsule dispensing apparatus sized to fit on a side of the first module, the capsule dispensing apparatus comprising an elongated shape, and sized to be capable of containing a plurality of capsules, each containing either a consumable product or a non-consumable product, with a portion of the capsule dispensing apparatus positioned within the first module so that the plurality of capsules are dispensed from a capsule outlet located on a front of the first module;
- and
- an optional second module comprising a second plurality of bins, each also sized to contain a consumable product, the optional second module sized to be removeably attachable to the first module.
A vending machine, comprising:
- a first module comprising:
- a first plurality of bins, each sized to contain a consumable product;
- a capsule dispensing apparatus sized to fit on a side of the first module, the capsule dispensing apparatus sized to be capable of containing a plurality of capsules, with a portion of the capsule dispensing apparatus positioned within the first module so that the plurality of capsules are dispensed from a capsule outlet located on a front of the first module;
- an interface structured to receive a user request for one of the consumable products;
- a controller for dispensing the requested consumable product from the associated bin in an amount corresponding to the user request;
- and
- a second module comprising a second plurality of bins, the second module removeably attachable to the first module, each bin also sized to contain a consumable product, the second module responsive to the interface and the controller so that the consumable products in the second plurality of bins are dispensed in response to the user request.
A vending machine, comprising:
- a first module comprising:
- a plurality of bins, each sized to contain a consumable product;
- a capsule dispensing apparatus located on a side of the first module, the capsule dispensing apparatus comprising an elongated shape, and sized to be capable of containing a plurality of capsules, each capsule containing either a consumable product or a non-consumable product, with a portion of the capsule dispensing apparatus positioned within the first module so that the plurality of capsules are dispensed from a capsule outlet located on a front of the first module;
- and
- a second module comprising a second plurality of bins, each also sized to contain a consumable product, the second module removeably attachable to the first module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.