US 9,541,120 B2 · Prize dispenser and prize dispensing hook assembly therefor

Abstract

A prize dispensing hook assembly is provided for retaining a prize suspended from a base of a prize dispenser and releasing the prize therefrom at a predetermined release location. The hook assembly includes a hook structure mounted on the base for movement relative thereto. The hook structure is engageable with the prize in a prize retaining position and is disengagable from the prize in a prize releasing position corresponding to the predetermined release location. The biasing arrangement is continuously engaged with both the base and the hook structure, and provides a biasing force continuously urging an open of the hook structure into direct engagement with the base. An actuator arrangement is mounted within the prize dispenser and is provided with a movable release element which is selectively engageable with the hook structure to move the hook structure to the prize releasing position.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A prize dispensing hook assembly for retaining a prize suspended from a base of a prize dispenser and releasing the prize therefrom at a predetermined release location, the hook assembly comprising:

a hook structure mounted on the base for movement relative thereto, the hook structure being engageable with the prize in a prize retaining position, and being disengagable from the prize in a prize releasing position corresponding to the predetermined release location, wherein the hook structure includes an upper portion extending above the base and a lower portion extending beneath the base and provided with an open end;
and
a biasing arrangement continuously engaged with both the base and the hook structure and providing a biasing force for continuously urging an open end of the hook structure into direct engagement with the base,
wherein the open end of the hook structure is movable into and out of direct engagement with the base in the prize retaining and prize releasing positions, respectively, and wherein the upper portion of the hook structure is adapted to be selectively engaged by a release element for overcoming the force of the biasing arrangement and moving the hook structure to the prize releasing position.

1 more element

A prize dispenser provided with a hook assembly for retaining a prize suspended therefrom and releasing the prize therefrom at a predetermined release location, the prize dispenser comprising:

a cabinet;
a base mounted within the cabinet;
a hook structure mounted on the base for movement relative thereto, the hook structure being engageable with the prize at a prize retaining position, and disengagable from the prize at a prize releasing position corresponding to the predetermined release location;
a biasing arrangement continuously engaged with the base and the hook structure and providing a biasing force for continuously urging an open end of the hook structure into direct engagement with the base;
an actuator arrangement mounted on the cabinet and provided with a movable release element which is selectively engageable with the hook structure to overcome the force of the biasing arrangement, and move the open end of the hook structure away from the base to the prize releasing position such that the prize is disengaged from the hook structure;
a discharge passage provided in the cabinet in alignment with the predetermined release location for receiving the prize disengaged from the hook structure;
and
a discharge port provided in the cabinet in communication with the discharge passage for accessing the prize disengaged from the hook structure.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Prize dispenser and prize dispensing hook assembly therefor

Life of this patent

Prize dispenser and prize dispensing hook assembly therefor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15