Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for individually dispensing an item such as a newspaper from among a set of items. The dispensing machine includes a mechanism for individually dispensing an item from among a vertically stacked set of items; a money collection device for activating the dispensing mechanism upon payment of particular sum of money, and a housing containing the dispensing mechanism and the money collection device. Each article is urged against the front of the machine, and upon activation, is lifted slightly to clear a barrier, then discharged to the exterior of the machine.