Merchandising – Customer service – Combined services
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-06
2001-08-28
Olszewski, Robert P. (Department: 3652)
Merchandising
Customer service
Combined services
C194S350000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279684
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to dispensing apparatus and methods, and more particularly to a spark proof, automated newspaper dispensing apparatus which may be operably positioning in the vicinity of volatile, flammable or combustible materials.
2. Background Art
The distribution of newspapers to consumers occurs in many ways, including by home delivery, via sales at retail outlets such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and service stations, and by newspaper dispensing machines. Conventional newspaper dispensing machines are well known. Such dispensers are generally fabricated from metal and include a housing with a cavity for storing the newspapers, a door providing access to the cavity, and a locking mechanism for selectively securing the door in a closed position. Typically, a user inserts coins or paper money into the dispenser, releasing the locking mechanism to allow the user to open the door and remove a newspaper.
Prior art dispensing machines are often positioned in remote unsupervised locations, such as adjacent retail stores, in parking lots, or on street comers. As such, the dispensers necessarily have been made from strong, durable materials to deter theft and vandalism. In particular, the locking mechanisms and other important components have been fabricated from high strength steel.
During operation, prior art newspaper dispensers are prone to producing sparks caused by metal-to-metal contact, for example when the door is slammed shut by a consumer after a purchase. As a result, it is not desirable to use such dispensers in proximity to volatile, flammable, or combustible materials, such as at service stations near gasoline pumps. Moreover, local, state and/or federal laws and regulations frequently prohibit the use of these dispensers near such materials. While plastic newspaper dispensers would solve these safety concerns, plastic dispensers have not been used for paid newspaper distribution because of their susceptibility to theft and vandalism.
Providing consumer convenience is a major factor motivating the use of newspaper dispensers. Indeed, consumer convenience often dictates purchasing decisions. An example is the implementation of automated payment systems in connection with retail gasoline pumps whereby the consumer may use credit cards, debit cards or the like to purchase gas “from the pump.” An increasing number of consumers are choosing to “pay at the pump” without physically entering the place of business. As a result, retailers are experiencing a reduction in impulse purchases of merchandise, such as newspapers, periodicals, snack foods and the like, which were previously the result of consumers entering the store to purchase gasoline. Consumers have found it inconvenient to enter the retail place of business to purchase a newspaper when “paying at the pump” for gasoline. As a result, newspapers sales have suffered.
Heretofore, it has been impossible to recapture the newspaper sales lost to “pay-at-the-pump” consumers by placing the dispensers in the vicinity of gasoline pumps because of the overriding safety concerns discussed above. A need exists for a safe, convenient newspaper dispensing apparatus which may be positioned adjacent gasoline pumps and other volatile, flammable or combustible materials.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above problems are solved, and a number of technical advances are achieved in the art, by implementation of a novel newspaper dispensing apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a housing having a cavity for storing newspapers. The cavity defines an opening in a front surface of the housing. A door is pivotally attached to the housing via a pair of hinges. In its closed position the door covers the opening. A locking subassembly is provided to releasably engage the door in the closed position. The door is released or unlocked upon verification of payment from a user, providing the user access to a newspaper.
In one embodiment, the apparatus is constructed substantially from non-corrosive, spark proof materials such as plastic, and does not contain any metal or spark inducing parts which contact similar spark inducing parts. The plastic apparatus may be safely positioned adjacent volatile materials, for example between gasoline pumps at a service station, without the risk of creating sparks or otherwise igniting. Theft and vandalism are not prohibitive concerns associated with using the plastic apparatus because in operation the apparatus is positioned within the view of a service station attendant.
In another embodiment, the apparatus is fabricated from conventional high strength steel. However, the locking subassembly, as well as portions of the door, cavity, and other “contact areas” are covered with non-corrosive, spark proof materials such as cork, rubber, plastic or the like. In operation, due to the provision of the protective coatings, the apparatus may also be positioned immediately adjacent gasoline pumps or other volatile materials without the risk of creating sparks or otherwise igniting. This embodiment provides the dual benefits high strength and safety.
The present invention also discloses a method for providing a paid newspaper from a location substantially adjacent to a gasoline dispensing apparatus whereby a newspaper dispensing apparatus is constructed to withstand deployment in the vicinity of volatile, flammable or combustible materials, and the apparatus is placed in a supervised location substantially adjacent to the gasoline dispensing apparatus.
The present invention also discloses a method for “paying-at-the-pump” whereby a user, in one transaction, can control the purchase and dispensing of gasoline and a newspaper from an apparatus via a control device thereof.
Other advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various features thereof.
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“New TK-97 Service Station Rack Offered by Sho-Rack®,” Sho-Rack Horizon, Jan. 2000, p. 1, author unknown.
Jaketic Bryan
McGinley Brian R.
Olszewski Robert P.
Sigale Jordan A.
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal
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