Popcorn Distribution Machine
DESCRIPTION:
The “Popcorn Distribution Machine” is a unique method that uses Popcorn to upsell vending products such as DVDs, soft drinks, candy, etc.
How the Popcorn can be used to promote specific products is entirely up to the individual vendor, and the distribution process of the Popcorn to the customers, in association with their purchase of the vending products would be defined by the vendor through an internal computer program that controls all functionality.
For instance, in the case of using Popcorn to “upsell” DVD Rentals, the vendor may elect to give customers who purchase three (3) or more DVDs through their DVD vending machine a Free Popcorn with purchase. If multiple Popcorn portion sizes are available, the vendor may choose a variety of criteria to define what purchase quantity of their own products would make a given size FREE or even discounted (e.g. Rent 5 DVDs and get a Large Popcorn of Free). These parameter may be customized to fit any product or service, and may be modified as frequently as the vendor may choose (i.e. daily, weekly, monthly) through a computer interface that could be self contained within the unit, or available online so that vendors who manage machines at multiple locations may control updates from a central location rather than updating each machine individually, thus saving maintenance time.
With the purchasing parameters programmed, a vending customer begins their purchase by simply swiping their debit or credit card using the card processor mounted on the face of the machine. The LCD/LED screen guides the customer through the purchasing process, and if the customer purchases the predefined quantity of products allowed for a “Popcorn Free with Purchase,” the Popcorn portion control touch screen becomes active, permitting the customer to select their size as well as customize their order by adding toppings such as butter, salt, caramel and/or cheese. When the toppings have been selected to the customer’s satisfaction, the cooking process begins by pressing the “Done” key on the menu panel (pressing the “Cancel” key allows the user to modify their toppings, portion size or completely cancel the order).
SPECIFIC, UNIQUE FUNCTIONS OF INVENTION:
The “Popcorn Distribution Machine,” in most cases, would be attached to any existing vending machines that are normally placed in public settings (i.e. storefronts, lobbies, cafeterias, food courts, amusement parks, etc.) and would use a variety of functions to promote and draw attention to the vending products to better increase sales.
An example of an “upselling” functions would be the use of an internal fan that is activated by internal computer control while the microwave is cooking the popcorn, to waft the fresh smell of the cooking popcorn out to attract the attention of potential customers. The fanning mechanism serves a practical purpose, as well, by keeping the internal components of the machine cool at all times.
Another example of an “upselling” function would be the use of the LED or LCD monitor, built onto the face of the unit. While the popcorn is being made inside, customers can watch an entertaining sequence on the LED message panel. With the LED option, a user can see messages like a countdown to order completion, operator controlled feedback, or (as an added up-sell to the store-owners), pre-programmed offers and incentives specific to the store where the machines are located.
Where the optional LCD screen is in use, customers can watch short video commercials specific to the store where the machines are located, motion picture trailers (if positioned in movie theaters or near DVD rental vending machines), or an interactive and entertaining animation display… specifically entertaining to the kids. This animation could show a life-like version of the popcorn popping, and, to make it more interesting, pop each kernel to a musical tune… Imagine watching the kernels fly to the tune of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture!
While most configurations of the “Popcorn Distribution Machine” would attach it to existing vending machine models, it can also be designed as a stand-alone vending machine, as multi-shoot units that allow for multiple customers to place orders at the same time, in smaller models made for drive-thrus and ATM machines or a smaller model without the display screen for traditional food service applications or more subdued locations (banks, libraries, etc.).
The cooking process of the popcorn within the durable frame of the “Popcorn Distribution Machine” begins automatically in the internal microwave unit once the vending product purchase, portion and topping selections have been made. The portion of un-cooked popcorn kernels that are dispensed into the microwave (based on the customer’s portion selection), as well as the popping cycle itself are computer controlled to guarantee a perfect serving of popcorn each time.
Likewise, the portion and application of selected toppings is also computer controlled.
Once the cooking process is completed, the cup size chosen by the customer upon placing their order (either large, medium or small) is dropped onto the container holding tray, located on the front of the machine. Next, the vending products (i.e. Rented DVDs) and the cooked popcorn in its portion container are dropped into the cup and the plastic, protective door unlocks and slides open, making the popcorn accessible to the customer for consumption.
All internal systems, product containers and machinery is accessible by maintenance staff through the maintenance door located on the front of the device. From here, the maintenance crew can easily remove, replace and clean parts as needed, as well as replenish all products (including those specific to the popcorn; kernels, butter, salt, etc.).
