Access panel for a vending machine face

Abstract

A vending machine includes a vending machine face having an access panel therein for providing access to a graphics piece in the vending machine face. The access panel is movable from a closed position prohibiting access to the graphics piece, to an open position permitting access to the graphics piece for removal of the graphics piece. The access panel allows a person to change the graphics piece without opening the vending machine door. A locking mechanism is provided for locking the access panel in the closed position. The access panel is openable by using a special key or tool which is different from the key used to open the vending machine door. This allows the vending machine owner to give someone the task of changing the graphics piece without having to worry about the security of the money inside the vault area by giving that person only the special key to the access panel instead of a key to the vending machine door. Without the special key, the graphics piece is securely held in the vending machine face to prevent theft of the graphics piece. The access panel may be incorporated into the exterior trim of the face, such as the upper trim piece.