Abstract: An improved locking apparatus for a slidably mounted product carrying shelf in a helical coil vending machine. Each shelf includes a front roller normally retained in a front stop. The locking apparatus comprises a pivotably mounted lock member mounted above the front stop of each shelf. The lock member has a lock surface which in a first or normal position of the lock member prevents the front roller from being removed from the front stop to lock the shelf in position in the vending machine. The lock member may be rotated to either a second or third position where the lock surface clears the front roller to allow the shelf to be slid out of the vending machine. The lock member is counterweighted such that it will remain in its third position to allow an operator to completely remove the shelf from the vending machine.

Abstract: An improved locking system for a vending machine of the type comprising a plurality of vertical magazines each consisting of an endless belt having a plurality of spaced trays thereon. A receiving tray mounted below each of the belts has a lock lever associated therewith. The lock lever is normally biased into a first position which prevents unauthorized rotation of the receiving tray to prevent the dispensing of a product held thereon. Rotation of the endless belt forward causes one of the trays thereon to engage the lock lever to move it to a second position to unlock the receiving tray and thereafter engages the receiving tray to pivot such tray to a dispensing position.