Abstract: A combined dispensing and amusement device has a reciprocating plunger on a transparent dome for rotating parallel disks. An upper first disk on an internal rotary housing supports articles and has an aperture that can aline with an aperture in a parallel adjacent lower second disk. The upper first disk frictionally drives the lower second disk at a lower speed so that the apertures periodically aline. Alinement of the apertures permits random dispensing of articles. Dispensing is into one of several chutes in the legs of a base support. Due to the random nature of dispensing, with the inclusion of indicia, the legs can be used as part of a game. Carousel arms on the internal rotary housing can act as stops and can variably deflect articles and/or can act as an animated indicia amusement support.

Abstract: An improvement in the design of gumball dispensing mechanisms is described, and, more specifically, resides in the size and shape of the gumball dispensing openings formed through the dispensing wheel. In one embodiment, the openings are generally arcuate shaped, and in another embodiment they are generally “peanut” shaped. In either case, the openings are designed to dispense two large gumballs, relatively jam-free, for each use of the gumball machine by a customer.

Abstract: A combined dispensing and amusement device has a reciprocating plunger on a transparent dome for rotating parallel disks. An upper first disk on an internal rotary housing supports articles and has an aperture that can aline with an aperture in a parallel adjacent lower second disk. The upper first disk frictionally drives the lower second disk at a lower speed so that the apertures periodically aline. Alinement of the apertures permits random dispensing of articles. Dispensing is into one of several chutes in the legs of a base support. Due to the random nature of dispensing, with the inclusion of indicia, the legs can be used as part of a game. Carousel arms on the internal rotary housing can act as stops and can variably deflect articles and/or can act as an animated indicia amusement support.

Abstract: A merchandise dispensing system and device are provided. The merchandise dispensing device is positioned in a preselected environment and includes a main body, a rotatable display positioned in the main body, and an outer thematic facade corresponding to the preselected environment and positioned to connect to the main body. The merchandise dispensing system includes a main body and a plurality of outer thematic facades connected thereto. The merchandise dispensing system also includes a server, a communications network positioned in communication with the server, and a plurality of merchandise dispensing devices positioned in communication with the server.

Abstract: A candy racer designed so that a child or any other person can observe one or more pieces of candy racing along a track within a housing. A race track is provided within the housing so that the candy pieces pass from one part of the track to another part in succession until the candy piece or pieces reach a reservoir. Axially aligned housings joined to each other may be used for forming a longer race track. The candy racer could be used as a game by at least two players to see which racing piece reaches the bottom first. The race track may be reversed for racing back to the start receptacle.

Abstract: A mechanically operated product dispenser which has a push button that engages one end of a pivoted arm. The opposite end of the pivoted arm is pivotably connected to a slide gear that drives a drive gear. The drive gear drives a spindle on which a cam and a dispenser cog are secured. The cam has a sloping surface groove which receives an arm of a secondary housing in order to pivot the secondary housing as the cam is rotated. The dispenser cog is rotated by the spindle and forces a product in a product reservoir into a dispensing track in the secondary housing. Therefore, the device easily dispenses a product into a receptacle or into one's hand if desired.

Abstract: A novelty dispenser, in particular a novelty dispenser for dispensing small sweets such as jelly beans or chocolate drops. The dispenser comprises a body providing a reservoir for articles to be dispensed through an outlet formed therein. It also comprises an actuator adapted to cause movement of a moveable gate thereby allowing articles to pass through the outlet in response to an action from a user of the dispenser upon the actuator. The gate comprises at least one pivotable blade adjacent the outlet. Typically but not necessarily the blade is within the reservoir.

Abstract: A plurality of different operative candy dispensers which can be interconnected as one device through which candy pieces are dispensed from a first candy dispenser and which are dispensed in order through each of the interconnected candy dispensers. Each of the candy dispensers includes a main housing, a motor, gear train, power supply, control switch, candy reservoir, exit spout from said housing and a mechanism for moving and dispensing the candy from the exit spout of the housing. Each of the separate candy dispensers are equipped with an auxiliary electrical plug or connection by which each of the candy dispensers can be connected to a master switch which when closed will bypass the control switch of each separate candy dispenser to operate all of the interconnected dispensers together.

Abstract: A candy dispenser may be provided with a housing shaped like an animated figure and having first and second housing openings formed therein, a candy container operatively positioned relative to the second housing opening so that pieces of candy that are inserted into the second housing opening may pass into the candy container, and a movable animated figure associated with the housing. The movable animated figure may be provided with a candy holder that is sized to hold a piece of candy, and the movable animated figure may be movable between a concealed position in which the movable animated figure is disposed within the housing and a revealed position in which the movable animated figure extends out of the first housing opening.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an accommodating and positioning device of a tissue paper case, comprising a main suspending body, and the exterior of the main suspending body is designed as a predetermined decoration so that the case body can be suspended in the car or indoors. The axial bottom of the main suspending body has an accommodation space for accommodating the tissue paper case, and the interior of the accommodation space has a suspending member to suspend the tissue paper in position such that the opening from where the tissue paper is drawn will always face downward. Such arrangement makes use of the gravity of the tissue paper to facilitate the operation of drawing the tissue paper from the tissue paper case, and it attains the purpose of not occupying too much space, definite drawing of paper, and giving an artistic appearance to the tissue paper case.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a figure having a head supporting a rotating plate and a torso supported upon a base. The torso defines a token dispensing passage in communication with the head and further supports a pivotably moveable arm. The arm is pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position against a return spring which urges it toward its raised position. A gear mechanism is operable in response to downward movement of the arm against the return spring to rotate the plate within the figures head and agitate a plurality of disc-like tokens received within the head chamber. A single token is discharged through the torso and outwardly through the door formed in the figures torso to complete token dispensing. The arm is released and the cycle repeated by each player to dispense game tokens.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus with a novel structure is provided for lifting and taking out articles such as candies, stored in a stack within a case body, one by one from the top one. The article dispensing apparatus has a case body for storing articles in a stack. A dispensing opening that can take out the stored articles one by one from the top one is formed in the upper part of the case body, and an elastic member for biasing the stored articles toward the dispensing opening is provided in the lower part of the case body. A pair of engaging members are provided in the vicinity of the dispensing opening of the case body for engaging the both sides of the top article among a plurality of articles biased by the elastic member to prevent the plurality of articles from being dispensed from the dispensing opening. A rotating body is rotatably provided in the upper part of the case body, and a pair of holding pieces are provided in the rotating body for holding the both sides of the.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wearable dispenser for enabling a user to carry at least one article. The wearable dispenser includes a container having at least a portion of a three-dimensional character for containing at least one article and a connector attachable to the container and to the user or the user's clothing. Desirably, the wearable dispenser is suitable for containing tissues, and the connector is a wristband which can be worn about a wrist of a child.

Abstract: A candy dispenser may be provided with a housing having a candy reservoir formed therein in which a plurality of pieces of candy may be disposed, a spin top having a downwardly extending member that is centrally located on the spin top to facilitate spinning of the spin top while the downwardly extending member supports the spin top, a candy dispensing mechanism including a candy dispensing opening that allows a piece of candy to be dispensed from the candy reservoir, and an actuator associated with the spin top and the candy dispensing mechanism. The actuator may be movable to a first position and to a second position, with movement of the actuator to the first position causing the spin top to be launched from the housing so that the spin top may land on a surface and spin on its downwardly extending member, and with movement of the actuator to the second position causing one of the pieces of candy to be dispensed through the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A machine and method for vending products perform the operational steps of storing a multiplicity of products in a plurality of vertical columns thereof that are organized in a circular row wherein the products in each vertical column are disposed one above another and can feed downward due to the influence of the force of gravity, incrementally rotating the plurality of vertical columns of products simultaneously about a circular path wherein lowermost ones of the products in the vertical columns thereof one at a time per revolution advance and cross over an inlet opening to a dispensing path, and dispensing the lowermost ones of the products of the vertical columns thereof through the inlet opening by use of a separation fixture that prevents products from dropping directly into the inlet opening from the vertical columns when aligned above the inlet opening while letting products drop into a lowermost circular row thereof located below the columns and from the lowermost circular row one at a time through t

Abstract: A toy jewel trader which can be used easily docked universally to the same type toy jewel trader without the need for male and female models and allow for the fun and accurate trading and display of toy jewels among children. The toy cleanup toy jewel trader compromises: a swivelled clip for quick attachment to belt loops, knapsacks or book-bags; a transparent chambered container for storing and displaying three jewel value types; a dock platform with pegs and holes for aligning and permitting docking of a similar toy jewel trader while simultaneously disengaging transfer piston brakes; a dock platform with mating north and south magnets for attracting a similar toy jewel trader and securing firmly during jewel transfer; spring loaded transfer buttons for the forcible transferring of jewels through cross-cut transfer ports of docked toy jewel traders; piston brakes for preventing accidental jewel ejection and eliminating direct handling of jewels by children.

Abstract: A candy dispensing apparatus is provided with a housing having an opening formed therein, a reservoir disposed in the housing and shaped to hold a plurality of pieces of candy, and an animated figure having a hand that is shaped to hold a piece of candy. The animated figure is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position, and a dispensing mechanism disposed in the housing and operatively coupled to the animated figure. The hand of the animated figure is movable from a retracted position in which the hand is positioned within the housing to an extended position in which the hand extends out of the housing through the opening in the housing. The hand moves from the retracted position to the extended position upon the animated figure being moved from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: A candy dispenser in the form of a toy spacecraft having a single user action dispensing mechanism is provided. The candy dispenser may include an internal cavity to store candies. The internal cavity may be provided in the form of a cockpit for the spacecraft, with a cockpit windshield serving as a lid to retain candies therein. The dispensing mechanism may include a user-depressable button in the form of a passenger of the spacecraft, which upon a single depression, both loads a candy into a firing chamber, and fires the candy from the spacecraft. After each depression of the passenger button, the button is automatically reset to facilitate ease of use and rapid firing.

Abstract: A candy racer designed so that a child can observe a piece of candy racing along a track within a plastic housing. The track is formed by an inner housing with a spiral surrounding the inner housing so that candy follows the spiral from an upper reservoir to a lower reservoir. The upper reservoir has an aperture in the reservoir and an aperture in a rotatable cover on the reservoir in which the two apertures will correspond to permit a piece of candy to be dispensed from the upper reservoir when the upper reservoir is in a down position.

Abstract: A confectionery dispensing device that dispenses gum balls or other confectioneries at a point remote from the user's hand with a popping sound and action. Confectioneries are stored in a container with a spring, gravity, or other biasing means which delivers a plurality of confectioneries to a conduit serially. A plunger ejects the confectioneries one at a time through the conduit so that the confectionery gently pops out of the device. A face or other figure can be placed around the ejecting end of the flexible finger tube, which face can remain permanently open, or open in a door or jaw-like manner upon ejection of the confectionery.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing candy and simulating at least one candy making process. The apparatus has a chamber for storing real candies and a dispensing opening through which the candies are discharged. A dispensing mechanism is located between the chamber and the dispensing opening and adapted to periodically dispense pieces of candy. The apparatus includes at least one simulated candy processing station, such as a mixing station, a candy forming station, or a candy wrapping station. The dispensing mechanism and simulated candy processing station(s) are coupled to a drive assembly, such as a gear train, disposed within an apparatus housing. The drive mechanism simultaneously operates the dispensing mechanism and simulated station(s) when actuated, such as by a switch. The apparatus dispenses real candies while the simulated candy processing stations operate to create the appearance that the apparatus is actually making the candy.

Abstract: An article dispenser is disclosed for dispensing articles, such as pieces of candy, out a dispensing opening in the dispenser. Articles are stored in a storage chamber inside the dispenser. An inclined flipper plate forms the bottom of storage chamber. A flipper arm is positioned near the bottom edge of flipper plate. An actuator is included for vibrating the flipper plate and flipper arms causing the articles to slide down the flipper plate onto the flipper arms where they are flipped up onto a dispensing slide located above the storage chamber. Articles flipped up onto the dispensing slide are dispensed out of the dispenser through the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A plurality of different operative candy dispensers which can be interconnected as one device through which candy pieces are dispensed from a first candy dispenser and which are dispensed in order through each of the interconnected candy dispensers. Each of the candy dispensers includes a main housing, a motor, gear train, power supply, control switch, candy reservoir, exit spout from said housing and a mechanism for moving and dispensing the candy from the exit spout of the housing. Each of the separate candy dispensers are equipped with an auxiliary electrical plug or connection by which each of the candy dispensers can be connected to a master switch which when closed will bypass the control switch of each separate candy dispenser to operate all of the interconnected dispensers together.

Abstract: A coin-operated vending machine includes a cabinet defining a game area and a reservoir for receiving pieces of product. A transparent front panel may be vertically slidably received in the cabinet to form a front boundary of the game area. A propelling mechanism is configured to propel a product piece through the game area to an output mechanism. The output mechanism may include a slot having a V-shaped cross-section and a hole defined by a front surface of the cabinet opening to the slot. A rod may be vertically received through a coin mechanism to retain the coin mechanism in the cabinet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a confectionary holder which simulates the sound of rain as the holder is vertically positioned. The holder comprises a transparent tube having ends, two sides, and at least two sets of indents directed inward toward the center of the tube and one set of indents per side of the tube. Each indent has a peak, a peak depth, a sloping upper face, a sloping lower face, and between each indent is a space length. The peaks of the indents alternate from one side to the other side along the tube length. The angle of incline of each indent face and the length of the space between each indent are selected to allow rigid items, e.g., candy or gum, when placed in the holder, to create the sound of rain as the confectionary pieces flow downward dropping onto each indent face, sliding off each face, and moving from side to side from one end of the holder to the other end when the holder is vertically positioned.

Abstract: A puzzle candy dispenser 10 which includes a spherical inner body 12 having a plurality of grooves 14 provided on its outer surface and sized to allow a ball-shaped confection 16 to roll therein. The grooves 14 form a maze between an entry aperture 18 and exit aperture 20 in the outer surface of the inner body 12. A spherical outer shell 22 of slightly larger diameter is adapted to substantially enclose the inner body 12 and has an indentation 24 sufficiently large to allow one of the ball-shaped confections 16 to roll therein when the indentation 24 is located over one of the grooves 14. The ball-shaped confection can be steered by the indentation 24 from the entry aperture 18 through the maze of grooves 14 to the exit aperture 20 by manipulating the outer shell 22 relative to the inner body 12 in order to dispense a confection. A release mechanism 40 is provided for releasing a single candy from a hollow interior of the inner body 12 through the entry aperture 18.

Abstract: A bulk vending amusement device has multiple, visible tracks extending from a bin for moving a product to a dispenser for dispensing the product to entertain a user. A diverter, disposed between the bin and the multiple tracks, diverts the product from the bin to one of the tracks so that a user is unable to ascertain which of the multiple tracks will dispense the product. The diverter has a plurality of chutes disposed on a rotating plate each under a plurality of holes. The plate incrementally rotates, sequentially disposing each chute under a hole in the bin. Each chute is configured and oriented to divert the product to a different track as it is located under the bin by the rotating disk.

Abstract: A combination toothpick holder and toothpick which is formed of a tube having cylindrical openings in which a plurality of toothpick ends are inserted, stored and used. The toothpick holder inside diameter is such to frictionally grip the toothpick ends and hold them in place both in the holder and in the ready to use position. The toothpick ends are made of a reusable plastic material and are provided with pointed ends especially configured for cleaning teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a confectionary holder which simulates the sound of rain as the holder is vertically positioned. The holder comprises a transparent tube having ends, two sides, and at least two sets of indents directed inward toward the center of the tube and one set of indents per side of the tube. Each indent has a peak, a peak depth, a sloping upper face, a sloping lower face, and between each indent is a space length. The peaks of said indents alternate from one side to the other side along the tube length. The angle of incline of each indent face and the length of the space between each indent are selected to allow rigid items, e.g., candy or gum, when placed in the holder, to create the sound of rain as the confectionary pieces flow downward dropping onto each indent face, sliding off each face, and moving from side to side from one end of the holder to the other end when the holder is vertically positioned.

Abstract: In a coin processing device in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, coin storage means (4) comprises a plurality of coin tubes (10, 11, 12, 13) which are separately formed, and linking means (30) which is formed for each one of the coin tubes (10, 11, 12, 13) and inter-links adjacent coin tubes. In a coin processing device in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, coin storage means (64) comprises integrated type coin tubes (74) where a plurality of coin tubes are integrated into one unit, and adapter tubes (80, 81, 82) which are inserted in each one of the plurality of coin tubes (71, 72, 73) for changing the internal diameters thereof.

Abstract: A wheeled dispenser capable of storing and dispensing one or more objects from the interior of the dispenser. The wheeled dispenser is generally in the shape of an automobile and has a body having a deflector spaced in front of an opening and a recessed portion to collect items inside the dispenser body. The dispenser body is supported by rotatable wheels affixed to rotatable axles, one of which has a rotatable cog thereon. The rotatable cog strikes a deflector plate located beneath the dispenser body causing a striker to push objects inside the interior of the dispenser body off the deflector and through the opening and out into a collection bin where the user may remove the objects.

Abstract: A candy holding and dispensing device which combines a lollipop with loose candy or gum pieces in one convenient holder. The device comprises a main housing of clear plastic which contains loose candy or gum pieces. The upper end of the main housing is provided with an aperture to which a lollipop is secured. The upper end or lower end of the housing can be made with threads so it can be separated. The main housing can also be made with threads so the main housing can be refilled with candy or gum pieces or it can be made as a self-contained non-refillable main housing. The lower end of the main housing contains a spring and a dispensing shaft which has slots for dispensing candy or gum pieces near the top of the shaft. The end of the dispensing shaft extends out of the lower end cap of the main housing.

Abstract: A kinetic activity gumball-dispensing device has a hopper containing a plurality of gumballs and has at least one alternate-material ball, where the alternate-material ball travels along a first visible route which begins and ends in an opaque enclosure and which is defined by a series of visually interesting kinetic activities. The gumballs are dispensed along a second visible route after the return of the alternate-material ball from the first route, which second route begins adjacent the opaque enclosure. The gumball-dispensing device thus gives the appearance that the gumball dispensed is the ball which traveled the first visible route. The series of kinetic activities includes an inclined, pendular staircase with a series of pivoting, pendular steps; a turntable; an elevator having a pivoting carrier; a swivelling bucket mechanism; and a trampoline means aligned to intercept the alternate-material ball falling from the bucket.

Abstract: A dynamic bulk vending machine including a merchandise globe assembly sitting on an upper hopper, an intermediate chamber containing a unitary, multi-layer, serpentine, wire-form track defining an irregular pathway for spherical merchandise which sits on a lower hopper, all of which sit on a base containing a coin receiving actuation mechanism which is mechanically linked to both hoppers.

Abstract: A vending machine installation includes a misting accessory which discharges an evaporative cooling mist and is provided for interactive operation by a customer purchasing a product. The misting accessory is disposed above the vending machine or machines and includes a mist nozzle assembly within a simulated beverage bottle surrounded by a simulated bed of ice. Also provided is a sound generator for simulating the sound of gas escaping from the opening of the container of the beverage in response to vend signals generated by the customer operating the machine. The sound generator and the mister are initiated simultaneously. The simulated beverage bottle may be provided with a hinged bottle cap which flips open during operation of the mister. A pavilion incorporating vending machines and an array of misting nozzle assemblies provides evaporative cooling to persons within the pavilion.

Abstract: A gumball machine which has a transparent support column supporting a partially transparent gumball housing. The support column encloses several individual plates. The plates are spaced apart and arranged in a descending manner. Each of the plates has an opening located thereon so that a gumball can gravitationally descend from one plate to another and eventually ends up in a dispensing aperture for removal by a customer. The plates can also be manually manipulated by an exterior handle for additional customer amusement.

Abstract: A device for dispensing and holding artificial fingernails for decoration includes a housing having an upper work platform, and a plurality of magazine assemblies disposed within the housing. Each of the magazine assemblies includes a body for storing a plurality of artificial fingernails in stacked relation, and a spring biased plunger disposed in the body for urging the artificial fingernails upwardly within the body. The device further includes a slide having a plurality of slide members which are slidable through the respective magazine bodies for engaging the rear edge of the uppermost fingernail in each of the magazine assemblies and advancing the fingernail outwardly through an exit opening in the body of each of the magazine assemblies. The exit openings are disposed on the upper work surface of the work platform.

Abstract: A portable gumball dispenser has a reservoir mounted atop a pedestal formed of a nested assembly of concentric tubular members and a base. When offset apertures in top walls of the tubular members are in register with each other and with an opening in the bottom of the reservoir to permit a single gumball to drop into a dispensing chamber within the pedestal, apertures in the side walls are out of register to retain the gumball. Rotation of the tubular members to register the side wall apertures rotates the top wall apertures out of register to block any further gumballs dropping from the reservoir. A directional channel in the base facilitates a gumball rolling out when the side wall apertures in register. A cooperating annular ridge on the outside of the inner tubular member and an annular groove on the outer tubular member retain the tubular members in nested assembly.

Abstract: A marketing apparatus comprising a housing having the appearance of an antique jukebox; a display supported by the housing; an aromator supported by the housing and selectively emitting an aroma; and a sensor supported by the housing and triggering the display in response to sensing presence of a person spaced apart from but proximate the housing.

Abstract: An ammunition feed mechanism for an automatic or semiautomatic weapon which includes a mechanism for retarding the cyclic feeding of ammunition into the chamber of the weapon. The mechanism for retarding the cyclic feeding of ammunition includes an impeder which engages the bolt of the weapon. The ammunition feed mechanism also includes a magazine having a ramped bottom which directs ammunition projectiles to an exit therein where the ammunition projectiles are fed into the chamber of the weapon. The magazine includes a plurality of curved projections in the bottom which define a plurality of spaces into which the ammunition projectiles are received. The plurality of curved projections also guide the ammunition projectiles through the exit.

Abstract: A dispenser for candy or other objects that is formed in the shape of an animal. Any large animal body can be used. The body of the animal is hollow and acts as a storage bin for the candy or other dispensing material. A hole is formed in the rear, lower portion of the body. A sliding gate that covers the hole to prevent the dispensing items from being dispensed is used to operate the dispenser. The head is attached to the body at a pivot point. The sliding gate is attached to the head. When the head is lifted, the sliding gate is pulled forward, which opens the hole that allows a number of candy pieces or other items to be dispensed. Pushing down on the head slides the gate back, covering the hole, and preventing further dispensing. A spring can be installed between the head and the body to pull the head down, ensuring that the gate returns to its closed position, ready for the next operation.

Abstract: A fountain beverage center or the like has a main component being a beverage dispenser cabinet having an external shape and appearance which simulates a serving cup for the beverages to be dispensed therefrom. The cabinet includes a base unit with a bowed panel having a frusto-conical shaped outline for simulating the shape of a portion of the serving cup. The top unit includes a pair of side panels having frusto-conical shaped outlines and bowed exterior surfaces which simulate the appearance of other portions of the serving cup. A beverage dispenser assembly is provided between the side panels of the top unit on a countertop of the base unit. At least one refreshment dispenser assembly can be disposed adjacent to the cabinet for dispensing secondary refreshment products.

Abstract: A novelty dispenser for solid objects, such as condoms. The novel features are specifically based on a spring loaded movement of a dispensing element, which element moves an object such as a packaged condom from inside a compartment out through an opening. The dispenser is an everyday entertainment device that conceals a condom therein. It uses a spring, such as a coil spring, which feeds the condom from a magazine compartment and through a shutter to be released for use. The spring is returned to its original position once it has been used. Pulling a tab of the dispenser causes the spring to release within the magazine, forcing the condom through the shutter, such as miniature doors. The spring opens the magazine and doors, allowing the spring to advance the condom into the dispensed position for delivery to the user.

Abstract: A container and dispenser including a main housing. The main housing has a top enclosure with an aperture therein with the bottom having a balance ring and a semi-spherical enclosure. The balance ring and bottom enclosure is such that the main housing will stand at an angle and will wobble on the bottom end in an upright position. A top cap is provided to close the aperture in the upper end enclosure. Hard pieces of candy having a size smaller than the aperture can be dispensed from the housing by shaking the housing with the cap removed.

Abstract: An improved crane type vending machine is disclosed. It provides the customer the opportunity to position a vacuum suction inlet over a selected product item and initiate the descent of the suction inlet so as to pick up the product. The machine deposits the item in a dispensing chute. The suction device may be a vacuum motor housed in a flying saucer. A telescoping structure prevents the motor from twisting the electrical lead. A limit switch disconnects the suction motor from electrical power when it is over the product outlet and reconnects the power when it moves away. The product items may be encased in plastic bags.

Abstract: A vending machine for selling card-like articles having a coin insert located off-center in the front of the vending machine and a handle for advancing card-like article for output. An output maybe provided on the front side of the vending machine. A display panel is provided for showing a display having a depiction or description of the card-like article. Optionally a ceiling cover may be provide which can be slid back for removal and insertion of the display in the vending machine.

Abstract: A gumball machine attracts and entertains users by enabling a user, after he purchases a gumball from the machine, to visually observe the gumball as it travels from the storage area of the gumball machine to the dispenser where the user removes the gumball from the machine.

Abstract: A vending system employs a vending machine with a cylindrical body and removably mounted top and bottom endpieces that allow the external appearance of the machine to be changed according to the type of product to be vended. The ornamentation can be formed in shapes resembling standard types of beverage cans, bottles, and other types of containers. A preferred version of the machine has two arcuate doors on opposing sides of the machine to allow vending access and refilling on both sides of the machine. Door-mounted components, including payment mechanism, selection buttons, and dispenser slot, are arranged vertically in a line at the deepest part of the door, and an offset two-array stacking configuration of the beverage units is used to obtain an optimal storage capacity of the machine. Other versions include a full cylindrical version or a semi-cylindrical one with one door for installations allowing vending access from the front only.

Abstract: A portable dispenser for spherical confectioneries such as gumballs has a clear tubular reservoir that is movable with respect to a base. Within a substantially hollow interior of the base, a pivoting ramp is mounted to receive a single gumball and convey it to an opening in the base while blocking other gumballs from dropping out of the tubular reservoir. Mounted for pivotal movement adjacent a free end of the ramp is a door for closing the opening in the base as the ramp itself pivots to convey the gumball toward the opening. Adjacent the bottom of the tubular reservoir are a pair of actuators that lock the tubular reservoir to the base for limited movement relative to the base. The actuators engage the ramp upon the tubular reservoir being moved toward the base. An integrally formed spring on the bottom of the ramp biases the ramp and biases the tubular reservoir away from the base. Adjacent the top of the tubular reservoir is a pivotally mounted head for capping the tubular reservoir.

Abstract: A holder for a tissue container is disclosed in which the tissue container is held in an inverted position to enable the tissues to be withdrawn therefrom in a generally downward direction. The holder is formed as a portion of a decorative article which may completely or partially conceal the tissue container. The decorative article may take any aesthetically pleasing form and may comprise a doll-like article. The decorative article has a hanger attached to an upper portion thereof so that the tissue container holder may be supported from above, thereby eliminating the need for a horizontal surface on which to store the tissue container.