Minibar

• US 20070083288A1
• Filed: 05/02/2005
• Published: 04/12/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Oppie Design AS
• Original Assignee: Oppie Design AS
• Inventors: Opheim, Styrk
• Application Number:
  US10/569,518
• Publication Number:
  US 20070083288A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/237
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 5/18 specially adapted for controlling several coin-freed apparatus from one place
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/001 Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/002 Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/026 for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty

Abstract

A device for a mini bar is described that can be operated by a customer to remove goods with the removal being registered by the mini bar operator simultaneously, and possibly invoiced, and is characterized in that the mini bar is a product unit vending machine, that the product unit vending machine comprises a control system with which restrictions for delivery of product units from the vending machine can be regulated.

Claims

1. A system for delivery of product units from a vending machine to a customer, comprising:

a control central; and

a closed vending machine comprising a control unit configured to control conditions for delivery of the product units from the closed vending machine and configured to register information about product content in the closed vending machine, wherein the control central is configured to continuously collect information about the product content from the control unit and is configured to control the conditions of delivery in the closed vending machine for each customer, wherein the conditions of delivery are sent to the control unit.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the control central is configured to continuously register the products units that are delivered to the customer, and wherein product unit that the customer buys is debited by the control center automatically after the purchase.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is programmed via the control central to regulate which of the products units can be delivered from the vending machine and which of the products units are blocked from delivery.

4. A system as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the control central comprises arrangements to rebate the customer for some or all products in the closed vending machine.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the closed vending machine is configured to be operated by a feed-unit, wherein said feed-unit is selected from a group comprising a keyboard, a remote control unit and other wireless unit.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein a TV set is connected to the control central, and the vending machine is arranged to be operated via the remote control of the TV set.

7. A system according to claim 1, wherein access to the vending machine is conditioned by the use of a correct room key, wherein the access to the room gives a corresponding access to the closed vending machine against a simultaneous invoicing of all withdrawals.

8. A system according to claim 5, further comprising:

a card reader coupled to the vending machine, wherein said card reader reads at least one of a magnetic card of and another storing body and is used in combination with a code that can be keyed into the feed unit to activate the closed vending machine.

9. A system according to claim 1, wherein said conditions of delivery comprise delivery of products units which are subjected to restrictions of at least one of age limits and time related restrictions.

10. A system according to claim 9, further comprising:

a display coupled to the closed vending machine and configured to show selection possibilities and to present information.

11. A system according to claim 1, wherein the closed vending machine is located in a hotel room, and the control central is operated from the hotel reception by an operator.

12. A system for delivery of product units from a lobby vending machine to a plurality of customers, comprising:

a control central; and

a closed vending machine, placed in a common area, comprising a control unit configured to control conditions for delivery of the product units from the vending machine, and configured to register information about the product content in the closed vending machine, wherein the control central controls the conditions for delivery in relation to which product units can be delivered from the vending machine to the customer, and which product units are prevented from being delivered.

13. System according to claim 12, wherein the closed vendor machine is located in a hotel'"'"'s facilities selected from the group consisting of lobbies, well-being departments, spa and massage parlors, swimming pools, fitness rooms, squash and tennis courts, discos, restaurants, internet cafes, and cinemas.

17. System according to claim 12, wherein the closed vending machine is located in public areas selected from the group consisting of travel terminals, companies, and schools.

18. System according to claim 12, further comprising:

a corresponding card reader coupled to the vending machine, wherein said card reader reads at least one of a magnetic card and another storing body and is used in combination with a code that can be keyed into the feed unit to activate said closed vending machine.

14. Method for delivery of product units from a vending machine to a customer, comprising:

a control central; and

a vending machine comprising a control unit that controls conditions for delivery of the product units from the vending machine and registers information about product stock in the vending machine, wherein the control central continuously collects information about product stock from the control unit and wherein the conditions for delivery in the vending machine are controlled by an operator that inserts conditions for a customer that are sent to the control unit.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the control central registers the products units that are delivered to the customer continuously, and debits the customer automatically, after the purchase of the product unit.

16. Method according to claims 14 or 15, wherein the vending machine releases the product unit from the vending machine stock and delivers the chosen product unit to the customer via a delivery chute if the control of the control unit cancels the blocking function.