Separation device for single copy newspaper vendor

Claim 1

In a vending machine to dispense single copies of newspaper, magazine or the like comprising; (a) a cabinet, said having a storage area associated therewith; (b) a coin mechanism assembly mounted thereon, said mechanism having a coin receiving means therein and a release means to permit purchaser access to a chamber wherein is contained a single copy thereof; (c) a hinged purchaser access door; (d) a dispensing mechanism associated with said door in such manner that opening of said door will effect the separation of a single copy by inserting a portion of said dispensing mechanism generally between the topmost and secondmost copy thereinunder; said dispensing mechanism moving from the back generally toward the purchaser; (e) an elevator so oriented as to continue presenting copies of the publicaiton to said dispensing mechanism; an improvement comprising the dispensing mechanism including a cam roller, the cabinet including a ramp surface contacting the cam roller; the relationship between the cam roller and ramp surface being such that as the access door is opened and the cam roller moves along the ramp surface a portion of the dispensing mechanism first slides between the topmost and second most copies and then raises the top most copy upwardly above a vertical extending restraining surface whereby the top most copy is allowed to fall to a position of customer access as the access door is moved to an open position.