US3756455A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Merchandise dispensing module having cooperating hook and tab article support
Assignee: Polyvend Inc
•
Filing: 1971-02-22
•
Granted: 1973-09-04
•
Expires: 1991-02-22
Abstract
Abstract A replaceable vending machine merchandise dispensing module having endless chain -mounted merchandise supporting hooks wherein chain sag is prevented to insure proper dispensing of the merchandise, the chain is guided to the sprockets to prevent its dislodgment therefrom, and the hooks are provided with closure tabs to prevent dislodgment of the merchandise therefrom.
Inventors
- 👤 W Patrick
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:56
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F11/00; G07F11/46; G07F11/58; B; B65; B65G; B65G17/00; B65G17/20; G07F9/00; G07F9/10; B65G2201/00; B65G2201/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
In combination, a vending machine having a support panel including apertures for supporting a plurality of individually removable dispensing modules; and a dispensing module having one end mounted in one of said apertures and detachably secured to said panel; said module comprising an elongated inverted U-shaped housing having idler and driving sprockets journalled in opposite ends of the sides of said housing, an endless chain mounted on said sprockets, and merchandise package-supporting hooks fixed to and depending from said chain at spaced points; spaced pins fixed to said chain and extending laterally outwardly thereof; said housing including a pair of inturned flanges on the sides of said housing coextensive with said chain; and said pins resting on said flanges and supporting the chain against sag.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
In combination, a vending machine having a support panel including apertures for supporting a plurality of individually removable dispensing modules; and a dispensing module having one end mounted in one of said apertures and detachably secured to said panel; said module comprising an elongated inverted U-shaped housing having idler and driving sprockets journalled in opposite ends of the sides of said housing, an endless chain mounted on said sprockets, and merchandise package-supporting hooks fixed to and depending from said chain at spaced points; spaced pins fixed to said chain and extending laterally outwardly thereof; said housing including a pair of inturned flanges on the sides of said housing coextensive with said chain; and said pins resting on said flanges and supporting the chain against sag.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination recited in claim 1 wherein said conveyor includes hooks for supporting the merchandise; and tabs fixed to said conveyor and engaging the hooks to close the open part thereof and maintain the merchandise thereon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
149 words
In combination, a vending machine having a support panel including apertures for supporting a plurality of individually removable dispensing modules; and a dispensing module having one end mounted in one of said apertures and detachably secured to said panel; said module comprising an elongated inverted U-shaped housing having idler and driving sprockets journalled in opposite ends of the sides of said housing, an endless chain mounted on said sprockets, and merchandise package-supporting hooks fixed to and depending from said chain at spaced points; tabs fixed to the links of said chain and engaging the hooks to close the open part thereof and maintain the merchandise thereon; and spaced pins fixed to said chain and extending laterally outwardly thereof; said housing including a pair of inturned flanges on the sides of said housing coextensive with said chain; and said pins resting on said flanges and supporting the chain against sag.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
149 words
In combination, a vending machine having a support panel including apertures for supporting a plurality of individually removable dispensing modules; and a dispensing module having one end mounted in one of said apertures and detachably secured to said panel; said module comprising an elongated inverted U-shaped housing having idler and driving sprockets journalled in opposite ends of the sides of said housing, an endless chain mounted on said sprockets, and merchandise package-supporting hooks fixed to and depending from said chain at spaced points; tabs fixed to the links of said chain and engaging the hooks to close the open part thereof and maintain the merchandise thereon; and spaced pins fixed to said chain and extending laterally outwardly thereof; said housing including a pair of inturned flanges on the sides of said housing coextensive with said chain; and said pins resting on said flanges and supporting the chain against sag.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US972350A
Cited
US2101685A
Cited
US2288620A
Cited
US2298955A
Cited
US2665184A
Cited
US2789726A
Cited
US3288271A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-03 | 1977-03-05 | 1977-09-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-03 | 1981-03-05 | 1981-09-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-03 | 1985-03-05 | 1985-09-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |