Item dispensing apparatus

摘要

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispenser configured for storing one or more items and dispensing the stored items to authorized users. According to various embodiments, the dispenser generally includes a housing defining an interior portion dimensioned to receive one or more items and a laterally sliding access door comprised of a flexible barrier configured to provide restricted access to items stored within the dispenser. In various embodiments, the dispenser also includes a biasing system configured bias the access door to a closed position.

主权项

1. A dispenser for storing one or more items and providing selective access to the items, the dispenser comprising:
a housing defining an access opening and an interior portion dimensioned for receiving the one or more items, wherein the access opening defines a first lateral side and a second lateral side; one or more upper horizontal support members disposed adjacent an upper perimeter of the access opening and extending at least substantially the width of the access opening from the access opening's first lateral side and to the access opening's second lateral side; and an access door disposed adjacent the access opening, the access door comprising:
a rigid vertical support member slidably engaged to at least one of the one or more upper horizontal support members and configured to slide laterally relative to the one or more upper horizontal support members between the access opening's first lateral side and the access opening's second lateral side;a flexible barrier having a first side edge operatively connected to the rigid vertical support member, wherein the flexible barrier comprises a tear-resistant fabric sheet;a plurality of door attachment members disposed adjacent an upper edge of the flexible barrier and engaged with at least one of the one or more upper horizontal support members, wherein the plurality of door attachment members are configured to slide relative to the one or more upper horizontal support members and permit the access door to move laterally to:
(i) a closed position in which the access door prevents access to one or more items stored within the interior portion of the housing through the access opening, and(ii) an open position in which the access door permits access to one or more items stored within the interior portion of the housing through the access opening; anda close locking mechanism configured to selectably lock the rigid vertical support member adjacent the first lateral side of the access opening to selectably lock the access door in the closed position.