Method and apparatus for individually dispensing stored articles

摘要

A vending apparatus for individually vending an article from a set of articles and for vending a display article after the set of articles has been depleted. The apparatus includes a rack for vertical storage of a stack of newspapers, and a bracket for positioning a display newspaper in a front window of the vending apparatus. The invented vending apparatus includes means for individually dispensing newspapers from the stack of newspapers and includes means for discharging the display newspaper after the stack of newspapers has been depleted. The dispensing means includes a dispensing bar having spikes for engaging the front newspaper in the stack of newspapers. The dispensing bar is protected by a dispensing bar cover that encases the dispensing bar and spikes when the door is in an opened position for loading newspapers. The cover has an extension with a distal roller for engaging a guide on the housing. When the door is closed, the guide displaces the cover away from the dispensing bar thereby exposing the spikes. The dispensing means also includes a pneumatic cylinder which slows the return of the handle thereby providing sufficient time for a vended newspaper to exit the interior chamber formed by the housing. Finally, the discharging means includes a discharge bar that is mounted to the rear support plate on the rack. After the stack of newspapers has been depleted, the spikes on the dispensing bar engage the exposed discharge bar causes an arm to pivot. The arm includes a hook to support the displayed newspaper until the arm is pivoted to a point where the hook releases the displayed newspaper to a catch.