The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 16, 1988
Filed:
Jul. 25, 1986
Scott C Lauffer, Atlanta, GA (US);
Frank B Golley, Decatur, GA (US);
Don S Summerville, Snellville, GA (US);
The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, GA (US);
Abstract
A storage rack assembly and vending channel structure for a vending machine that stores packages such as bottles and cans and feeds the same to a release mechanism upon the insertion of one or more coins or tokens in payment for the article. A release mechanism allows the product to travel down a vend chute and into a delivery port. Each channel is comprised of a pair of mutually opposing serpentine side members having a predetermined separation distance providing a storage column for both bottles and cans. The support surfaces of both members comprise side walls which are furthermore skewed or inclined from the horizontal downwardly. A rear support surface comprising a back wall and/or a serpentine guide bar is also provided so the package, whether it be a bottle or can or both is guided by its side and base rather than by its end or side only, thus providing compatibility with various types of packages including reduced neck bottles and cans which will not normally feed properly through conventional serpentine mechanisms.