Vending distribution system

• US 20080058985A1
• Filed: 08/24/2006
• Published: 03/06/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Nicholas Alcov
• Original Assignee: Nicholas Alcov
• Inventors: Alcov, Nicholas
• Application Number:
  US11/508,787
• Publication Number:
  US 20080058985A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/234
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0092 for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles medical dispensers for private use, A61J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/00 Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus

Abstract

A vending distribution system having an enclosure capable of housing a storage assembly containing a plurality of actual and sample items. Access to and controls for the storage assembly are separate from the access area thus creating a system with potential for two distinct areas. Interaction with the system determines the ability exclude items from vending without staff intervention thus providing usage for drive up unattended vending.

Claims

1. A vending distribution system, comprising;

An enclosure capable of housing a storage assembly, the storage assembly capable of storing a plurality of actual items, said storage assembly also capable of storing a plurality of sample items, the sample item capable of being examined by a user on accessing the vending distribution system to determine if said actual item, is indeed the desired item, having a means to deter the theft of said sample item, and a means of retrieving said actual item.

2. A vending distribution system of claim 1, wherein the storage assembly further comprises a securing mechanism for holding said sample item on to said storage assembly.

3. A vending distribution system of claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism is an extendable apparatus selected from a group consisting of springs, coils, retraceable cords, elastic cords and the like.

4. A vending distribution system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the front of the enclosure has a reader capable of determining identification for access to the items.

5. A vending distribution system of claim 1, wherein the remaining portion of the front of the enclosure has an input device with a plurality of user interface features for selection of products, interacting with the information in the display screen, entry of authentication PIN numbers, manipulating the vending mechanisms, dispensing the product and the like.

6. A vending distribution system of claim 1, wherein a barcode or RFID scanner monitor the items in the storage assembly.

7. A vending distribution system of claim 1, wherein the item desired may be vended by entering information with user interface buttons. swiping a driver license and/or other authentication source.

8. A vending distribution system of claim 1. wherein the item desired may be vended by user inter face of information displayed on a display screen and/or inter face buttons.

9. A vending distribution system of claim 1, wherein a soft ware program is integrated to query the user to determine if vending can occur without intervention by personnel.

10. A vending distribution system of claim 1, wherein a means is provided to obtain information on if a specific item is stocked and the information can be accessed from a remote location.

11. A vending distribution system, comprising;

a storage assembly capable of storing a plurality of items;

an access section disposed on a side of the storage assembly, preferably the front side, the access section capable of storing and providing access to or display of a plurality of items;

an enclosure capable of housing the storage assembly and the access section; and

an authentication mechanism capable of authenticating a user prior to accessing the items, a stocking section disposed on a different side of the storage assembly, the stocking section having control buttons to move the positions of the storage assembly for stocking and a means of preventing access or control by the access section when the stocking section is in use.

12. A vending distribution system of claim 11, wherein access to the stocking section is limited by means of doors, an authentication system, a locking mechanism and/or the like.

13. A vending distribution system of claim 11, wherein a barcode or RFID scanner monitors the items in the storage assembly.

14. A vending distribution system of claim 11, wherein a items can be accessed through user interaction with the vending distribution system by means of a card reader, a display screen, user interaction buttons, audible interaction, and/or the like.

15. A vending distribution system of claim 11, wherein a software program is integrated to query the user to determine if vending can occur without intervention by personnel.

16. A vending distribution system of claim 11, wherein the access section is integrated for use with a drive up window.

17. A vending distribution system of claim 11, wherein a barcode or RFID label is integrated with the vending distribution system to regulate that the items dispensed are the items required by means of the card reader, display screen, user interface buttons, voice integration and/or the like.

18. A vending distribution system of claim 11, wherein a microchip retains information capable of being downloaded and/or printed.

19. A vending distribution system of claim 11, wherein the item desired may be vended by entering information with user inter face buttons, swiping a drivers license and/or other identification sources.

20. A vending distribution system of claim 11, wherein the item desired may be vended by user inter face of information displayed on a display screen and/or user inter face buttons.

21. A vending distribution system of claim 11, wherein a means is provided to obtain information on if a specific item is stocked and that information can be accessed from a remote location.