Dispensing systems and methods

• US 7,320,412 B2
• Filed: 05/20/2004
• Issued: 01/22/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Innovative Product Achievements, LLC (Roper Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Innovative Product Achievements, Inc. (Roper Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: Fitzgerald, Robert M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bollinger; David H
• Application Number:
  US10/851,859
• Publication Number:
  US 20050258184A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,342 Days
• Field of Search: 221/25, 221/75, 221/154, 221/76, 221/82, 221/86
• US Class Current: 221/25
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/16 Delivery means
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/10 Casings or parts thereof, e.g. with means for heating or cooling

Abstract

A dispenser comprising a first barrier, and a second barrier that is spaced apart from the first barrier. These two barriers define a first item-receiving space between the barriers, and the second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind the second barrier. The first barrier is adapted to move between: (A) a first-barrier-closed position in which the first barrier restricts access to the first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which the first barrier permits access to the first item-receiving space. Similarly, the second barrier is adapted to move between: (A) a second-barrier-closed position in which the second barrier restricts access to the second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which the second barrier permits access to the second item-receiving space. The dispenser may comprise a third barrier, and the first, second, and third barriers may be positioned in a substantially horizontal array.

Claims

1. A dispenser comprising:

a first barrier disposed within said dispenser;

a second barrier disposed within said dispenser, said second barrier being spaced apart from said first barrier, and wherein;

said first and second barriers at least partially define a first item-receiving space between said first and second barriers,

said second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind said second barrier,

said first barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a first-barrier-closed position in which said first barrier substantially restricts access to said first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which said first barrier is positioned to permit access to said first item-receiving space, and

said second barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a second-barrier-closed position in which said second barrier substantially restricts access to said second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which said second barrier is positioned to permit access to said second item-receiving space, wherein;

said first barrier is in a substantially vertical orientation when said first barrier is in said first-barrier closed position; and

said second barrier is in a substantially vertical orientation when said second barrier is in said second-barrier closed position.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein:

said first barrier has a front surface and a rear surface;

said second barrier has a front surface and a rear surface; and

when said first barrier is in said first-barrier-closed position and said second barrier is in said second-barrier-closed position, said rear surface of said first barrier and said front surface of said second barrier are co-facing.

3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein when said first barrier is in said first-barrier-closed position, said first barrier also substantially restricts access to said second barrier.

4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein when said first barrier is in said first-barrier-closed position, said first barrier also substantially restricts access to said second item-receiving space.

5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein:

said dispenser comprises a third barrier; and

said first, second, and third barriers are positioned in a substantially horizontal array.

6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said first barrier is mounted to pivot between said first-barrier-closed position and said first-barrier-open position.

7. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein said first barrier is mounted to at least partially retract into a first recess after being pivoted into said first-barrier-open position.

8. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein said first barrier is mounted to at least partially retract into said first recess until said first barrier is disposed substantially entirely within said first recess.

9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein in said first barrier is substantially planar.

10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein said second barrier is substantially planar.

11. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein:

said first item-receiving space is dimensioned to store a first item to be dispensed from said dispenser;

said first barrier is adapted to prevent customer access to said first item when said first barrier is in said first-barrier-closed position; and

said first barrier is adapted to permit customer access to said first item when said first barrier is in said first-barrier-open position.

12. The dispenser of claim 11, wherein:

said second item-receiving space is dimensioned to store a second item to be dispensed from said dispenser;

said second barrier is adapted to prevent customer access to said second item when said second barrier is in said second-barrier-closed position; and

said second barrier is adapted to permit customer access to said second item when said second barrier is in said second-barrier-open position.

13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said first barrier is parallel to and offset from said second barrier when said first barrier is in said first-barrier-open position and said second barrier is in said second-barrier-open position.

14. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein:

said first item-receiving space is dimensioned to store a first item to be dispensed from said dispenser;

said second item-receiving space is dimensioned to store a second item to be dispensed from said dispenser;

said first barrier is adapted to prevent customer access to said first item when said first barrier is in said first-barrier-closed position;

said first barrier is adapted to permit customer access to said first item when said first barrier is in said first-barrier-open position;

said second barrier is adapted to prevent customer access to said second item when said second barrier is in said second-barrier-closed position; and

said second barrier is adapted to permit customer access to said second item when said second barrier is in said second-barrier-open position.

15. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said dispenser further comprises:

a first barrier locking member for selectively locking said first barrier in said first-barrier-closed position.

16. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein said first barrier locking member is positioned adjacent a free end of said first barrier to selectively restrict the movement of said first barrier into said first-barrier-open position.

17. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein:

said dispenser further comprises a third barrier that is positioned so that said third barrier is spaced apart from said second barrier;

said second and third barriers at least partially define said second item-receiving space between said second and third barriers;

said third barrier at least partially defines a third item-receiving space behind said third barrier; and

said third barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a third-barrier-closed position in which said third barrier substantially restricts access to said third item-receiving space, and (B) a third-barrier-open position in which said third barrier is positioned to permit access to said third item-receiving space.

18. The dispenser of claim 17, wherein a rear surface of said second barrier and a front surface of said third barrier are co-facing when said second barrier is in said second-barrier-closed position and said third barrier is in said third-barrier-closed position.

19. The dispenser of claim 17, wherein when said second barrier is in said second-barrier-closed position, said second barrier also substantially restricts access to said third barrier.

20. The dispenser of claim 17, wherein said first, second, and third barriers are substantially planar.

21. A dispenser comprising:

a first barrier disposed within said dispenser;

a second barrier disposed within said dispenser, said second barrier being spaced apart from said first barrier, and wherein;

said first and second barriers at least partially define a first item-receiving space between said first and second barriers,

said second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind said second barrier,

said first barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a first-barrier-closed position in which said first barrier substantially restricts access to said first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which said first barrier is positioned to permit access to said first item-receiving space,

said second barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a second-barrier-closed position in which said second barrier substantially restricts access to said second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which said second barrier is positioned to permit access to said second item-receiving space,

said first barrier is mounted to at least partially retract into a first recess after being pivoted into said first-barrier-open position, and

said second barrier is mounted to retract into a second recess after being pivoted into said second-barrier-open position.

22. The dispenser of claim 21, wherein said second barrier is mounted to retract into said second recess until said second barrier is disposed substantially entirely within said second recess.

23. A dispenser comprising:

a first barrier disposed within said dispenser;

a second barrier disposed within said dispenser, said second barrier being spaced apart from said first barrier, and wherein;

said first and second barriers at least partially define a first item-receiving space between said first and second barriers,

said second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind said second barrier,

said first barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a first-barrier-closed position in which said first barrier substantially restricts access to said first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which said first barrier is positioned to permit access to said first item-receiving space,

said second barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a second-barrier-closed position in which said second barrier substantially restricts access to said second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which said second barrier is positioned to permit access to said second item-receiving space,

said first barrier is mounted to at least partially retract into a first recess after being pivoted into said first-barrier-open position,

said first barrier is mounted to retract into said first recess until said first barrier is disposed substantially entirely within said first recess; and

said second barrier is mounted to retract into a second recess until said second barrier is disposed substantially entirely within said second recess.

24. A dispenser comprising:

a first barrier disposed within said dispenser;

a second barrier disposed within said dispenser, said second barrier being spaced apart from said first barrier, and wherein;

said first and second barriers at least partially define a first item-receiving space between said first and second barriers,

said second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind said second barrier,

said first barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a first-barrier-closed position in which said first barrier substantially restricts access to said first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which said first barrier is positioned to permit access to said first item-receiving space,

said second barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a second-barrier-closed position in which said second barrier substantially restricts access to said second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which said second barrier is positioned to permit access to said second item-receiving space,

said first barrier is mounted to at least partially retract into a first recess after being pivoted into said first-barrier-open position,

said first barrier is mounted to slideably retract into said first recess until said first barrier is disposed substantially entirely within said first recess; and

said second barrier is mounted to slideably retract into a second recess until said second barrier is disposed substantially entirely within said second recess.

25. A dispenser comprising:

a first barrier disposed within said dispenser;

a second barrier disposed within said dispenser, said second barrier being spaced apart from said first barrier, and wherein;

said first and second barriers at least partially define a first item-receiving space between said first and second barriers,

said second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind said second barrier,

said first barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a first-barrier-closed position in which said first barrier substantially restricts access to said first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which said first barrier is positioned to permit access to said first item-receiving space,

said second barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a second-barrier-closed position in which said second barrier substantially restricts access to said second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which said second barrier is positioned to permit access to said second item-receiving space, and

said second barrier is mounted to retract into a second recess after being pivoted into said second-barrier-open position.

26. A dispenser comprising:

a first barrier disposed within said dispenser;

a second barrier disposed within said dispenser, said second barrier being spaced apart from said first barrier, and wherein;

said first and second barriers at least partially define a first item-receiving space between said first and second barriers,

said second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind said second barrier,

said first barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a first-barrier-closed position in which said first barrier substantially restricts access to said first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which said first barrier is positioned to permit access to said first item-receiving space,

said second barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a second-barrier-closed position in which said second barrier substantially restricts access to said second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which said second barrier is positioned to permit access to said second item-receiving space,

said first barrier is substantially planar; and

when said first barrier is in said first-barrier-closed position, said first barrier forms an angle of between about 60 and 90 degrees with a horizontal plane.

27. The dispenser of claim 26, wherein:

when said first barrier is in said first-barrier-open position, said first barrier forms an angle of between about 30 and −

30 degrees with a horizontal plane.

28. The dispenser of claim 26, wherein:

said second barrier is substantially planar; and

when said second barrier is in said second-barrier-closed position, said second barrier forms an angle of between about 60 and 90 degrees with a horizontal plane.

29. The dispenser of claim 28, wherein:

when said second barrier is in said second-barrier-open position, said second barrier forms an angle of between about 30 and −

30 degrees with a horizontal plane.

30. A dispenser comprising:

a first barrier disposed within said dispenser;

a second barrier disposed within said dispenser, said second barrier being spaced apart from said first barrier, and wherein;

said first and second barriers at least partially define a first item-receiving space between said first and second barriers,

said second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind said second barrier,

said first barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a first-barrier-closed position in which said first barrier substantially restricts access to said first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which said first barrier is positioned to permit access to said first item-receiving space,

said second barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a second-barrier-closed position in which said second barrier substantially restricts access to said second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which said second barrier is positioned to permit access to said second item-receiving space, and

when said first barrier is in said first-barrier closed position and said second barrier is in said second-barrier closed position;

said first barrier defines a bottom edge;

said second barrier defines a bottom edge;

said bottom edge of said first barrier is spaced apart from said bottom edge of said second barrier; and

said bottom edge of said second barrier is vertically lower than said bottom edge of said second barrier.

31. The dispenser of claim 30, wherein, when said first barrier is in said first-barrier open position and said second barrier is in said second-barrier open position, said bottom edge of said second barrier is vertically lower than said bottom edge of said second barrier.

32. A dispenser comprising:

a first barrier disposed within said dispenser; and

a second barrier disposed within said dispenser, said second barrier being spaced apart from said first barrier, and wherein;

said first and second barriers at least partially define a first item-receiving space between said first and second barriers,

said second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind said second barrier,

said first barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a first-barrier-closed position in which said first barrier substantially restricts access to said first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which said first barrier is positioned to permit access to said first item-receiving space,

said second barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a second-barrier-closed position in which said second barrier substantially restricts access to said second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which said second barrier is positioned to permit access to said second item-receiving space, and

said dispenser further comprises;

a first barrier locking member for selectively locking said first barrier in said first-barrier-closed position; and

a second barrier locking member for selectively locking said second barrier in said second-barrier-closed position.

33. A dispenser comprising:

a first barrier disposed within said dispenser;

a second barrier disposed within said dispenser, said second barrier being spaced apart from said first barrier, and wherein;

said first and second barriers at least partially define a first item-receiving space between said first and second barriers,

said second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind said second barrier,

said first barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a first-barrier-closed position in which said first barrier substantially restricts access to said first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which said first barrier is positioned to permit access to said first item-receiving space,

said second barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a second-barrier-closed position in which said second barrier substantially restricts access to said second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which said second barrier is positioned to permit access to said second item-receiving space,

said dispenser comprises a first barrier locking member for selectively locking said first barrier in said first-barrier-closed position,

said dispenser further comprises a second barrier locking member for selectively locking said second barrier in said second-barrier-closed position, and

said second barrier locking member is positioned adjacent a free end of said second barrier to selectively restrict the movement of said second barrier into said second-barrier-open position.

34. A dispenser comprising:

a first barrier disposed within said dispenser;

a second barrier disposed within said dispenser, said second barrier being spaced apart from said first barrier, and wherein;

said first and second barriers at least partially define a first item-receiving space between said first and second barriers,

said second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind said second barrier,

said first barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a first-barrier-closed position in which said first barrier substantially restricts access to said first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which said first barrier is positioned to permit access to said first item-receiving space,

said second barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a second-barrier-closed position in which said second barrier substantially restricts access to said second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which said second barrier is positioned to permit access to said second item-receiving space,

said dispenser comprises a first barrier locking member for selectively locking said first barrier in said first-barrier-closed position, and

said first barrier locking member is adapted to rotate between a first-barrier-locked position in which said first barrier locking member restricts the movement of said first barrier into said first-barrier-open position, and a first-barrier-unlocked position in which said first barrier locking member does not substantially restrict the movement of said first barrier into said first-barrier-open position.

35. The dispenser of claim 34, wherein said first barrier locking member defines a recess for receiving a free end of said first barrier when said first barrier is in said first-barrier-closed position and said first barrier locking member is in said first-barrier-locked position.

36. The dispenser of claim 35, wherein said first barrier locking member is structured to physically restrict the movement of said free end of said first barrier out of said recess when said first barrier locking member is in said first-barrier-locked position and said first barrier is in said first-barrier-closed position.

37. The dispenser of claim 36, further comprising a locking member actuation device that is configured to selectively prevent said first barrier locking member from rotating from said first-barrier-locked position to said first-barrier-unlocked position.

38. The dispenser of claim 37, wherein:

said locking member actuation device comprises an elongate member comprising a first projecting portion; and

said locking member actuation device is mounted adjacent said first barrier locking member so that said locking member actuation device may be moved between;

(A) a first position in which said first projecting portion engages a portion of said first barrier locking member to thereby prevent the movement of said first barrier locking member from said first-barrier-locked position to said first-barrier-unlocked position; and

(B) a second position in which said locking member actuation device does not prevent the movement of said first barrier locking member from said first-barrier-locked position to said first-barrier-unlocked position.

39. The dispenser of claim 38, further comprising a biasing member for biasing said first barrier locking member towards said first-barrier-unlocked position, said biasing member being adapted to substantially automatically move said first barrier locking member from said first-barrier-locked position to said first-barrier-unlocked position in response to said locking member actuation device moving from said first position to said second position.

40. The dispenser of claim 38, wherein said locking member actuation device is pivotably mounted adjacent said first barrier locking member and configured to pivot between said first and second positions.

41. The dispenser of claim 38, further comprising an actuation device control member that is configured to selectively move said locking member actuation device from said first position into said second position.

42. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein:

said dispenser further comprises a second barrier locking member that is configured to be moved between a second-barrier-locked position in which said second barrier locking member maintains said second barrier in said second-barrier-closed position, and a second-barrier-unlocked position in which said second barrier locking member does not maintain said second barrier in said second-barrier-closed position; and

said actuation device control member is configured to selectively move said locking member actuation device from said first position into said second position while also maintaining said second barrier locking member in said second-barrier-locked position.

43. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein:

said actuation device control member comprises a first extending portion; and

said actuation device control member is mounted adjacent said locking member actuation device so that said actuation device control member may be moved between;

(A) a first orientation in which said first extending portion engages a portion of said locking member actuation device to thereby move said locking member actuation device from said first position to said second position; and

(B) a second orientation in which said actuation device control member does not move said locking member actuation device into said second position.

44. The dispenser of claim 43, further comprising:

a biasing member for biasing said locking member actuation device toward said first position, said biasing member being adapted to substantially automatically move said locking member actuation device from said second position to said first position in response to said actuation device control member moving from said first orientation to said second orientation; and

a biasing member for biasing said first barrier locking member toward said first-barrier-unlocked position, said biasing member being adapted to substantially automatically move said first barrier locking member from said first-barrier-locked position to said first-barrier-unlocked position in response to said locking member actuation device moving from said first position to said second position.

45. The dispenser of claim 44, wherein said actuation device control member is mounted adjacent said locking member actuation device and configured to rotate between said first and second orientations.

46. The dispenser of claim 44, wherein:

said dispenser further comprises a second barrier locking member that is configured to be moved between a second-barrier-locked position in which said second barrier locking member maintains said second barrier in said second-barrier-closed position, and a second-barrier-unlocked position in which said second barrier locking member does not maintain said second barrier in said second-barrier-closed position; and

said locking member actuation device is configured so that when said locking member actuation device is in said first position, said locking member actuation device engages a portion of said second barrier locking member to thereby prevent the movement of said second barrier locking member from said second-barrier-locked position to said second-barrier-unlocked position.

47. The dispenser of claim 46, wherein:

said locking member actuation device is configured to be moved into a third position when said first barrier locking member is in said first-barrier-unlocked position and said second barrier locking member is in said second-barrier-locked position; and

said locking member actuation device is configured so that when said locking member actuation device is in said third position, said locking member actuation device does not prevent the movement of said second barrier locking member from said second-barrier-locked position to said second-barrier-unlocked position.

48. The dispenser of claim 47, wherein:

said locking member actuation device is configured so that when said locking member actuation device is in said third position, said locking member actuation device does not prevent the movement of said first barrier locking member from said first-barrier-unlocked position to said first barrier locked position.

49. The dispenser of claim 48, wherein:

said first barrier locking member is configured so that when said first barrier locking member moves from said first-barrier-unlocked position to said first-barrier-locked position, said first barrier locking member moves said locking member actuation device from said third position to said first position.

50. The dispenser of claim 49, wherein:

said locking member actuation device is a first locking member actuation device; and

said dispenser further comprises a second locking member actuation device that is configured to selectively prevent said second barrier locking member from rotating from said second-barrier-locked position to said second-barrier-unlocked position.

51. The dispenser of claim 50, wherein:

said second locking member actuation device comprises an elongate member comprising a second projecting portion; and

said second locking member actuation device is mounted adjacent said second barrier locking member so that said second locking member actuation device may be moved between;

(A) a first configuration in which said second projecting portion engages a portion of said second barrier locking member to thereby prevent the movement of said second barrier locking member from said second-barrier-locked position to said second-barrier-unlocked position; and

(B) a second configuration in which said second locking member actuation device does not prevent the movement of said second barrier locking member from said second-barrier-locked position to said second-barrier-unlocked position.

52. The dispenser of claim 51, further comprising a biasing member for biasing said second barrier locking member toward said second-barrier-unlocked position, said biasing member being adapted to substantially automatically move said second barrier locking member from said second-barrier-locked position to said second-barrier-unlocked position in response to said second locking member actuation device moving from said first configuration to said second configuration.

53. The dispenser of claim 52, wherein said second locking member actuation device is pivotably mounted adjacent said second barrier locking member and configured to pivot between said first and second configurations.

54. The dispenser of claim 52, wherein:

said actuation device control member is a first actuation device control member; and

said dispenser further comprises a second actuation device control member that is configured to selectively move said second locking member actuation device from said first configuration into said second configuration.

55. The dispenser of claim 54, wherein:

said second actuation device control member comprises a second extending portion; and

said second actuation device control member is mounted adjacent said second locking member actuation device so that said second actuation device control member may be moved between;

(A) a first arrangement in which said second extending portion engages a portion of said second locking member actuation device to thereby move said second locking member actuation device from said first configuration into said second configuration; and

(B) a second arrangement in which said second actuation device control member does not urge said second locking member actuation device into said second configuration.

56. The dispenser of claim 55, further comprising:

a biasing member for biasing said second locking member actuation device toward said first configuration, said biasing member being adapted to substantially automatically move said second locking member actuation device from said second configuration to said first configuration in response to said second actuation device control member moving from said first arrangement to said second arrangement; and

a biasing member for biasing said second barrier locking member towards said second-barrier-unlocked position, said biasing member being adapted to substantially automatically move said second barrier locking member from said second-barrier-locked position to said second-barrier-unlocked position in response to said second locking member actuation device moving from said first configuration to said second configuration.

57. The dispenser of claim 56, wherein said second actuation device control member is mounted adjacent said second locking member actuation device and configured to rotate between said first and second arrangements.

58. The dispenser of claim 55, wherein:

said dispenser comprises a control shaft that is used to permit one or more items to be dispensed from said dispenser; and

both said first actuation device control member and said second actuation device control member are mounted on said control shaft.

59. The dispenser of claim 58, wherein said dispenser further comprises a control shaft locking member for selectively restricting the rotation of said control shaft.

60. The dispenser of claim 59, wherein said control shaft locking member is configured for selectively restricting the rotation of said control shaft from a first angular position in which said first actuation device control member is in said first orientation, and a second angular position in which said first actuation device control member is in said second orientation.

61. The dispenser of claim 60, wherein said control shaft is adapted to be manually moved between said first and second angular positions by a user.

62. A dispenser comprising:

a first barrier disposed within said dispenser;

a second barrier disposed within said dispenser, said second barrier being spaced apart from said first barrier, and wherein;

said first and second barriers at least partially define a first item-receiving space between said first and second barriers,

said second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind said second barrier,

said first barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a first-barrier-closed position in which said first barrier substantially restricts access to said first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which said first barrier is positioned to permit access to said first item-receiving space,

said second barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a second-barrier-closed position in which said second barrier substantially restricts access to said second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which said second barrier is positioned to permit access to said second item-receiving space, and

said dispenser further comprises a second barrier locking member for selectively locking said second barrier in said second-barrier-closed position.

63. The dispenser of claim 62, wherein said second barrier locking member is positioned adjacent a free end of said second barrier to selectively restrict the movement of said second barrier into said second-barrier-open position.

64. The dispenser of claim 63, wherein said second barrier locking member is adapted to rotate between a locked position in which said second barrier locking member restricts the movement of said second barrier into said second-barrier-open position, and an unlocked position in which said second barrier locking member does not substantially restrict the movement of said second barrier into said second-barrier-open position.

65. A dispenser comprising:

a first barrier disposed within said dispenser;

a second barrier disposed within said dispenser, said second barrier being spaced apart from said first barrier, and wherein;

said first and second barriers at least partially define a first item-receiving space between said first and second barriers,

said second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind said second barrier,

said first barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a first-barrier-closed position in which said first barrier substantially restricts access to said first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which said first barrier is positioned to permit access to said first item-receiving space,

said second barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a second-barrier-closed position in which said second barrier substantially restricts access to said second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which said second barrier is positioned to permit access to said second item-receiving space,

said dispenser further comprises a third barrier that is positioned so that said third barrier is spaced apart from said second barrier,

said second and third barriers at least partially define said second item-receiving space between said second and third barriers,

said third barrier at least partially defines a third item-receiving space behind said third barrier, and

said third barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a third-barrier-closed position in which said third barrier substantially restricts access to said third item-receiving space, and (B) a third-barrier-open position in which said third barrier is positioned to permit access to said third item-receiving space,

said first barrier is mounted to pivot between said first-barrier-closed position and said first-barrier-open position,

said first barrier is mounted to retract into a first recess after being pivoted into said first-barrier-open position,

said second barrier is mounted to pivot between said second-barrier-closed position and a second-barrier-open position, and

said second barrier is mounted to retract into a second recess after being pivoted into said second-barrier-open position.

66. The dispenser of claim 65, wherein said third barrier is mounted to pivot between said third-barrier-closed position and said third-barrier-open position;

and

said third barrier is mounted to retract into a third recess after being pivoted into said third-barrier-open position.

67. The dispenser of claim 66, wherein:

said first barrier is mounted to retract into said first recess until said third barrier is disposed substantially entirely within said third recess;

said second barrier is mounted to retract into said second recess until said second barrier is disposed substantially entirely within said second recess; and

said third barrier is mounted to retract into said third recess until said third barrier is disposed substantially entirely within said third recess.

68. A dispenser comprising:

a first barrier disposed within said dispenser;

a second barrier disposed within said dispenser, said second barrier being spaced apart from said first barrier, and wherein;

said first and second barriers at least partially define a first item-receiving space between said first and second barriers,

said second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind said second barrier,

said first barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a first-barrier-closed position in which said first barrier substantially restricts access to said first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which said first barrier is positioned to permit access to said first item-receiving space,

said second barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a second-barrier-closed position in which said second barrier substantially restricts access to said second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which said second barrier is positioned to permit access to said second item-receiving space,

said dispenser further comprises a third barrier that is positioned so that said third barrier is spaced apart from said second barrier,

said second and third barriers at least partially define said second item-receiving space between said second and third barriers,

said third barrier at least partially defines a third item-receiving space behind said third barrier,

said third barrier is adapted to move between;

(A) a third-barrier-closed position in which said third barrier substantially restricts access to said third item-receiving space, and (B) a third-barrier-open position in which said third barrier is positioned to permit access to said third item-receiving space, and

when said first barrier is in said first-barrier closed position, said second barrier is in said second-barrier closed position, and said third barrier is in said third-barrier closed position;

said first barrier defines a bottom edge;

said second barrier defines a bottom edge;

said third barrier defines a bottom edge;

said bottom edge of said first barrier is spaced apart from said bottom edge of said second barrier;

said bottom edge of said first barrier is vertically lower than said bottom edge of said second barrier;

said bottom edge of said second barrier is spaced apart from said bottom edge of said third barrier; and

said bottom edge of said second barrier is vertically lower than said bottom edge of said third barrier.

69. The dispenser of claim 68, wherein, when said first barrier is in said first-barrier closed position, said second barrier is in said second-barrier closed position, and said third barrier is in said third-barrier closed position:

said bottom edge of said first barrier is vertically lower than said bottom edge of said second barrier; and

said bottom edge of said second barrier is vertically lower than said bottom edge of said third barrier.

70. A dispenser comprising:

an item housing; and

a barrier disposed adjacent said item housing, said barrier being adapted to selectively restrict access to one or more items within said item housing, wherein;

said barrier is adapted to rotate between;

(A) a closed position in which said barrier is in a substantially vertical orientation and restricts access to said one or more items within said item housing and (B) an open position in which said barrier does not substantially restrict access to said one or more items,

said barrier is adapted to slide from said open position to a storage position, and

said dispenser is configured for selectively dispensing items to one or more users.

71. The dispenser of claim 70, wherein:

said dispenser further comprises a storage chamber for storing said barrier; and

said barrier is disposed at least partially within said storage chamber when said barrier is in said storage position.

72. The dispenser of claim 71, wherein:

said barrier is disposed substantially entirely within said storage chamber when said barrier is in said storage position.

73. The dispenser of claim 71, wherein:

said barrier is a first barrier;

said item housing is a first item housing;

said open position is a first-barrier open position;

said closed position is a first-barrier closed position;

said dispenser comprises a second barrier that at least partially defines said first item housing; and

said second barrier is adapted to selectively restrict access to one or more items within a second item housing adjacent said second barrier.

74. The dispenser of claim 73, wherein:

said second barrier is adapted to rotate between;

(A) a second-barrier closed position in which said second barrier restricts access to said one or more items within said second item housing; and

(B) a second-barrier open position in which said second barrier does not substantially restrict access to said one or more items within said second item housing.

75. The dispenser of claim 74, wherein said second barrier is adapted to slide from said second-barrier closed position to a second-barrier storage position.

76. The dispenser of claim 75, wherein:

said storage chamber is a first storage chamber;

said dispenser further comprises a second storage chamber for storing said second barrier; and

said second barrier is disposed at least partially within said second storage chamber when said second barrier is in said second-barrier storage position.

77. The dispenser of claim 76, wherein:

said second barrier is disposed at substantially entirely within said second storage chamber when said second barrier is in said second-barrier storage position.

78. The dispenser of claim 74, wherein:

said first barrier is in a substantially vertical orientation when said first barrier is in said first-barrier closed position; and

said first barrier is in a substantially horizontal orientation when said first barrier is in said first-barrier open position.

79. The dispenser of claim 78, wherein:

said second barrier is in a substantially vertical orientation when said second barrier is in said second-barrier closed position; and

said second barrier is in a substantially horizontal orientation when said second barrier is in said second-barrier open position.

80. The dispenser of claim 79, wherein said first and second barriers are substantially planar.

81. The dispenser of claim 80, wherein:

said first and second barriers are positioned in a step configuration.

82. A method of dispensing items comprising:

providing a horizontal array of barriers comprising a first barrier, a second barrier, and a third barrier;

positioning a first item between said first and second barriers;

positioning a second item between said second and third barriers;

dispensing said first item by rotating said first barrier from a first-barrier closed position in which said first barrier restricts access to said first item, to a first-barrier open position, in which said first barrier does not substantially restrict access to said first item; and

dispensing said second item by rotating said second barrier from a second-barrier closed position in which said second barrier restricts access to said second item, to a second-barrier open position, in which said second barrier does not substantially restrict access to said second item, wherein;

said first barrier is substantially planar; and

when said first barrier is in said first-barrier-closed position, said first barrier forms an angle of between about 60 and 90 degrees with a horizontal plane.

83. The method of dispensing item of claim 82, further comprising the step of, after dispensing said first item, sliding said first barrier from said first-barrier open position to a first-barrier storage position.

84. The method of dispensing item of claim 83, further comprising the step of, after dispensing said second item, sliding said second barrier from said second-barrier open position to a second-barrier storage position.