MEDIA DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Abstract

A media distribution system comprising a housing and at least one media distribution unit configured within the housing. The housing includes a framework and a plurality of exterior panels releasably mounted to the framework. The media distribution unit may include an access door, the access door being movable from an open position to a closed position, and wherein in the closed position, access to a media storage area within the storage unit is restricted. A locking system configured to releasably lock the door in the closed position may also be included. Such locking system may comprise a vending lock configured to release the lock upon receipt of a payment.

Description

PRIORITY

This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 60/806,983 filed Jul. 11, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present technology relates generally to the field of newspaper and other media vending or distribution boxes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Newspaper and other media boxes are often single-media vending boxes, capable of selling or distributing one newspaper, magazine, circular or other media at a time. Often, this leads to a disorganized collections of vending boxes at street corners and elsewhere. Such vending boxes also tend to be targets for vandalism.

Accordingly, the inventors have recognized a need for improved media distribution systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the subject invention is directed toward a media distribution system comprising a housing and at least one media distribution unit configured within the housing. The housing includes a framework and a plurality of exterior panels releasably mounted to the framework. The media distribution unit may include an access door, the access door being movable from an open position to a closed position, and wherein in the closed position, access to a media storage area within the storage unit is restricted. A locking system configured to releasably lock the door in the closed position may also be included. Such locking system may comprise a vending lock configured to release the lock upon receipt of a payment.

In one configuration, the distribution system may also be provided with at least one support leg assembly releasably mountable to the framework. The support leg assembly may include: a frame mounting plate configured to mount the assembly to the framework; a ground mounting plate configured to mount the assembly to a ground surface; a support shell extending between the frame mounting plate and the ground mounting plate. The support shell defines an interior region within the leg assembly and also includes an access port movable from an open to a closed position, and wherein in the closed position, access to the interior region is restricted. When the frame mounting plate is mounted to the framework, the access port is retained in the closed position.

In another configuration, the distribution system may comprise at least one support leg assembly having a ground mounting plate configured to mount the assembly to a ground surface and a support shell defining an interior region within the leg assembly. The support shell comprises an access port movable from an open to a closed position, and wherein in the closed position, access to the interior region is restricted. The leg assembly is configured such that when the frame mounting plate is mounted to the framework, the access port is retained in the closed position.

Preferably at least one exterior panel comprises an exterior surface having a plurality of surface projections.

Additionally, preferably at least two panels possess substantially similar dimensions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a media distribution system made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front, partially transparent and exploded view of various components of the media distribution system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a an alternate configuration of a media distribution system made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a further alternate configuration of a media distribution system made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a replacement rear panel as may be used in association with the media distribution system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a replacement side panel as may be used in association with the media distribution system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a rear or side panel or roof as may be used in association with the media distribution system of FIG. 1, illustrating the projections on the surface of such panel;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a media distribution unit as may be used in association with the media distribution system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an alternate configuration of a media distribution unit as may be used in association with the media distribution system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a further alternate configuration of a media distribution unit as may be used in association with the media distribution system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a leg assembly as may be used in association with the media distribution system of FIG. 1, with the access port in the closed position;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of components of a leg assembly of FIG. 11, with the access port in the open position;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrated therein is a media distribution system, referred to generally as 10, made in accordance with the present invention. The media distribution system 10 comprises a housing 12 and at least one and preferably a plurality of media distribution units 14. Such media distribution units 14 are preferably configured to display and store media for distribution, including for example but not limited to, paper media such as newspapers, magazines, buy-and-sell guides, and advertising circulars.

In FIG. 1, the media distribution system 10 is illustrated as having eight media distribution units 14. However, as will be understood, the media distribution system may be configured to have different numbers of units 14. For example, in FIG. 3 an alternate media distribution system 10′ is illustrated, which has six media distribution units 14. Similarly, in FIG. 4 yet another configuration of a media distribution system 10″ is illustrated which has four media distribution units 14.

The housing 12 includes a framework 16 which may be made of square metal tubing or other suitable framing material, and may be formed of horizontal 18, rear 19 and vertical 20 frame segments. Such segments 18, 19, 20 may be welded or bolted or otherwise mounted together. The housing 12 also includes an exterior shell 22 which includes at least one and often several exterior rear 24 and side 26 panels. The shell 22 also preferably includes a roof member 28. The rear panels 24 are preferably of the same configuration and dimension, to be interchangeable. Similarly, the side panels 26 are also preferably of the same configuration and dimension. The side and rear panels 24, 26 are bolted to, or otherwise releasably mounted to, the framework 16. The roof member 28 is also typically bolted or otherwise releasably mounted to the framework 16. Typically, the panels 24, 26 and the roof member 28 comprise metal, but they may be formed of plastic or other suitably resilient and durable material.

As will be understood, the rear and side panels 24, 26 (and roof member 28) may be replaced with corresponding components 24, 26, 28 in the case of damage or wear over time. Similarly, the panels 24, 26 (and roof member 28) may be replaced to update the system's 10 colour scheme, or with components, 24, 26, 28 which have been painted or otherwise marked with company logos or trademarks corresponding to the media distributed in the media distribution units 14. As the specific media is changed or replaced over time, the panels 24, 26 (for example, as illustrated by replacement panels 24, 26 in FIGS. 5 and 6) and possibly the roof 28 may also be replaced.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the outer surface of a rear 24 or side 26 panel or a roof member 28. As illustrated in FIG. 7, preferably, the exterior surface of the panels 24, 26 and roof 28 is provided with a plurality of surface protrusions 30. Such protrusions 30 are preferably configured to cause imperfect adherence of posters or other undesirable advertisements and the like to the surface of the panels 24, 26. The protrusions 30 preferably cause air pockets to be trapped behind such posters, thereby reducing their adherence to the surface of the panels 24, 26 and facilitating their removal.

The framework 16 is configured to provide one or more recesses sized to receive and support media distribution units 14 which are bolted or otherwise suitably mounted to the framework 16.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 1, 2 and 8, the units 14 may be separately assembled and are provided with a media storage region 31 capable of holding one or more copies of media for sale. Each distribution unit 14 typically comprises its own housing 32, typically formed of metal or other sufficiently durable material. The housing 32 may comprise an overhead projection 33 which extends outwardly from and above the front face of the unit 14, to provide added weather protection.

A door 34 is also typically provided, preferably having a window of plexiglass or other suitably resilient and transparent material through which the media for sale can be displayed and viewed. As will be understood, the door 34 can be moved from an open position 34A (indicated by dotted outline), providing access to the media storage region 31, to a closed position 34B in which access to the media storage region 31 is restricted. Typically, the media distribution units 14 are configured as vending machines, and each may be provided with one or more door locks which open upon receipt of the required payment. Typically, such funds are paid in coinage, but it is anticipated that other electronic payment systems may be employed, such as debit or credit card readers, bill scanners, and cellular or other remote payment communication systems, as will be understood. Referring briefly to FIGS. 9 and 10, illustrated therein are alternate configurations of a media distribution unit 14′, 14″.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, the system 10 may also be provided with one and typically a plurality of support leg assemblies 40. Each assembly 40 may include a frame mounting plate 42 (an possibly one or more mounting brackets 43) configured to mount the assembly 40 to the framework 16, together with a ground support or mounting plate 44. The ground support or mounting plate 44 may be configured to mount the assembly 40 to a ground surface. When configured for mounting the assembly 40 to a ground surface, the ground mounting plate 44 may be provided with bolt holes 46, through which bolts or screws may be threaded to releasably affix the system 10 to concrete or other appropriate ground support surface.

A support shell 48 extending between the frame mounting plate 42 and the ground mounting plate 44 is also provided. Typically the support shell 48 is of metal and of sufficient strength to support the media distribution system 10. The support shell 48 is configured to define an interior region 50 within the leg assembly 40. As well, the support shell 48 is also provided with an access port 52 movable from an open 52A (which may be remote from the main body of the support shell 48) to a closed position 52B. In the illustrated example, the main body of the support shell 48 is provided with a slotted receptacle 54 within which the access port 52 may slide vertically downwardly from the open 52A to the closed 52B position. In the closed position 52B, access to the interior region 50 is restricted. As will be understood, the closed position 52B prevents access to the bolts used to mount the ground mounting plate 44 to the ground, inhibiting the opportunity for vandalism or other mischief. Preferably, the framework 16 is configured such that when the frame mounting plate 42 is mounted to the framework 16 (typically to the underside of the lowermost horizontal frame segment 18), the access port 52 is prevented by the framework 16 from sliding vertically, effectively locking the access port 52 in the closed position 52B.

Thus, while what is shown and described herein constitute preferred embodiments of the subject invention, it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the subject invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A media distribution system comprising:

(a) a housing comprising: (i) a framework; and (ii) a plurality of exterior panels releasably mounted to the framework; and

(b) at least one media distribution unit configured within the housing.

2. The distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the media distribution unit comprises an access door, the access door being movable from an open position to a closed position, and wherein in the closed position, access to a media storage area within the storage unit is restricted.

3. The distribution system as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a locking system configured to releasably lock the door in the closed position.

4. The distribution system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the locking system comprises a vending lock configured to release the lock upon receipt of a payment.

5. The distribution system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one support leg assembly releasably mountable to the framework, wherein the support leg assembly comprises:

(a) a frame mounting plate configured to mount the assembly to the framework;

(b) a ground mounting plate configured to mount the assembly to a ground surface;

(c) a support shell extending between the frame mounting plate and the ground mounting plate;

(d) wherein the support shell defines an interior region within the leg assembly;

(e) wherein the support shell comprises an access port movable from an open to a closed position, and wherein in the closed position, access to a media storage area within the storage unit is restricted.

6. The distribution system as claimed in claim 5, wherein when the frame mounting plate is mounted to the framework, the access port is retained in the closed position.

7. The distribution system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one support leg assembly, wherein the support leg assembly comprises:

(a) a ground mounting plate configured to mount the assembly to a ground surface;

(b) a support shell defining an interior region within the leg assembly;

(c) wherein the support shell comprises an access port movable from an open to a closed position, and wherein in the closed position, access to the interior region is restricted.

8. The distribution system as claimed in claim 7, wherein when the assembly is mounted to the framework, the access port is retained in the closed position.

9. The distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one exterior panel comprises an exterior surface, and wherein the exterior surface comprises a plurality of surface projections.

10. The distribution system as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two panels possess substantially similar dimensions.

11. At least one replacement panel for use with the distribution system of claim 1.