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:
Nov. 07, 2006
Filed:
Oct. 06, 2003
Edmund Scott Richardson, Simpsonville, SC (US);
Edmund Scott Richardson, Simpsonville, SC (US);
Maytag Corporation, Newton, IA (US);
Abstract
A vending machine includes a cabinet frame having top, bottom, side and rear walls that collectively define a central cavity. A plurality of column walls are arranged within the central cavity that, together with the side walls, form an associated plurality of stack or column areas for receiving product containers to be vended. The vending machine includes a door that is pivotally mounted to the cabinet frame for selectively closing off the central cavity. In order to prevent unauthorized access to the product stored in the central cavity, the vending machine is provided with a lock assembly including a main body and a lock member. The main body includes first and second fixed end portions and an intermediate portion that spans one of the plurality of stack areas. The lock member is attached to the main body and receives a locking element of the door.