CPC G07F 11/48 (2013.01) [G07F 17/0078 (2013.01)] | 18 Claims |
1. A vending machine, comprising:
a storage and dispenser unit comprising plural dispensing trays arranged in an array for storing one or more packaged foods, a frame, and a carrier structure, wherein:
each individual dispensing tray comprises a pivotable gate and a slideway inclined by a tilting angle from a horizontal axis;
the carrier structure comprises:
a carrying arm having an engaging feature;
an engaging mechanism for actuating the pivotable gate; and
a collection mechanism configured to receive the packaged food from the individual dispensing tray, wherein the collection mechanism comprises a first lever arm and a second lever arm, both disposed on the carrying arm;
the engaging mechanism is configured to move the carrying arm towards the individual dispensing tray such that the engaging feature actuates the pivotable gate from a locked position to an unlocked position;
the packaged food is prevented from sliding down when the pivotable gate is at the locked position;
the packaged food is slidable relative to the individual dispensing tray when the pivotable gate is at the unlocked position;
the first lever arm is rotatable between an upright position and a flat position;
the first lever arm at the upright position stops a subsequent packaged food from sliding down to the carrying arm; and
the first lever arm is rotated to the flat position when the engaging feature moves away from the pivotable gate.
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