Systems, methods and devices for dispensing products from a kiosk
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A device for storing and delivering an article on demand comprising:
- a kiosk;
a storage container that comprises an enclosed container configured to contain a plurality of the articles and configured to be readily removable from the kiosk;
a user interface configured to enable a user to indicate a selection of at least one of the articles to be delivered by the device to a location accessible to the user; and
a retainer within the storage container configured to secure the plurality of articles within the storage container and to release only the article selected by the user;
wherein the retainer is constructed so that it releases the selection without mechanical motion of any part of the retainer configured to secure the plurality of articles; and
wherein each article is retained in a package and the retainer comprises, for each package, a projection comprising an electrically conductive material from which the package hangs, wherein, when an electrical current is applied to the electrically conductive material, the projection heats and melts through a portion of the package contacting the projection, thereby releasing the package.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to a kiosk that dispenses products with no moving parts. The kiosk can dispense a rental product, and the rental product can be returned via a mail service, or it can be retained for a purchase price. The kiosk comprises a removable cartridge containing the products, and the cartridge can be readily replaced with a new cartridge to replenish the inventory of products in the kiosk.
44 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A device for storing and delivering an article on demand comprising:
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a kiosk; a storage container that comprises an enclosed container configured to contain a plurality of the articles and configured to be readily removable from the kiosk; a user interface configured to enable a user to indicate a selection of at least one of the articles to be delivered by the device to a location accessible to the user; and a retainer within the storage container configured to secure the plurality of articles within the storage container and to release only the article selected by the user; wherein the retainer is constructed so that it releases the selection without mechanical motion of any part of the retainer configured to secure the plurality of articles; and wherein each article is retained in a package and the retainer comprises, for each package, a projection comprising an electrically conductive material from which the package hangs, wherein, when an electrical current is applied to the electrically conductive material, the projection heats and melts through a portion of the package contacting the projection, thereby releasing the package. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A device for storing and delivering an article on demand comprising:
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a kiosk; a storage container configured to contain a plurality of the articles, and configured to be readily insertable into the kiosk; a user interface configured to enable a user to indicate a selection of at least one of the articles to be delivered by the device to a location accessible to the user; and a retainer within the storage container configured to secure the plurality of articles within the storage container and to release only the article selected by the user; wherein the retainer is constructed so that it releases the selection without mechanical motion of any part of the retainer configured to secure the plurality of articles; and wherein each article is retained in a package and the retainer comprises, for each package, a projection comprising an electrically conductive material from which the package hangs, wherein, when an electrical current is applied to the electrically conductive material, the projection heats and melts through a portion of the package contacting the projection, thereby releasing the package. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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20. A device for storing and delivering an article on demand comprising:
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a storage container configured to contain a plurality of the articles; a user interface configured to enable a user to indicate a selection of at least one of the articles to be delivered by the device to a location accessible to the user; and a retainer within the storage container configured to secure the plurality of articles within the storage container and to release only the article selected by the user, wherein the retainer comprises at least one securing component, at least a portion of which comprises an electromagnet, wherein the retainer is constructed so that it releases the selection without mechanical motion of any part of the retainer configured to secure the plurality of articles; and wherein each article is retained in a package and the retainer comprises, for each package, a projection comprising an electrically conductive material from which the package hangs, wherein, when an electrical current is applied to the electrically conductive material, the projection heats and melts through a portion of the package contacting the projection, thereby releasing the package.
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21. A device for storing and delivering an article on demand comprising:
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a kiosk; a storage container that comprises an enclosed container configured to contain a plurality of the articles and configured to be readily removable from or insertable into the kiosk; a user interface configured to enable a user to indicate a selection of at least one of the articles to be delivered by the device to a location accessible to the user; and a retainer within the storage container configured to secure the plurality of articles within the storage container and to release only the article selected by the user; wherein the retainer is constructed so that it releases the selection without mechanical motion of any part of the retainer configured to secure the plurality of articles; and wherein the retainer comprises, for each article, a projection comprising an electrically conductive material from which the article hangs, wherein, when an electrical current is applied to the electrically conductive material, the projection heats and melts through a portion of the article contacting the projection, thereby releasing the article.
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Specification