Portable Vending Building

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to portable buildings outfitted with devices for vending items to consumers at various locations. Such portable buildings may be constructed in a number of fashions including utilizing existing standard sized shipping containers. Vending devices may sell food (hot, room temperature or cold), drinks (hot or cold), personal care items, electronic accessories, or any items that may be desired to be purchased at the location. Vending devices may also include safety items such as first aid kits, electronic defibrillators, breathing apparatus, and chemical spill/wash facilities. Locations include construction sites, remote locations without existing services, or other places where that do not have easy access to items for purchase.

On construction sites in particular, construction companies have a desire to keep their workers on site to minimize disruption to the pace of work. Often with new construction, there may not be ready, nearby access to restaurants, shops and other locations. Further, there may not be easy access to electricity, water, sewer and other utilities required to serve restaurants, shops or other services. Further, access to cash for payment to vendors may be difficult, with banks located far from the job site. These facts may also be true for any remote or new location where food or vending services may be desired.

Current services may be provided by food trucks-often referred derogatorily as “roach coaches,” which may provide substandard, limited, and expensive options. Further, these food trucks only serve construction sites at specific times, so access to products is limited. Lastly, food trucks only serve urban areas, so for construction or remote sites that are not close to a city center, food trucks may not serve them and thus are not a viable option.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a portable vending building for serving construction sites, remote locations and any other location where quick access to portable and self-contained food, drink, cash and various sundry items is desired. The portable vending building is designed to be self-contained and easily portable for quick installation at any site. In the preferred embodiment, the portable vending building is made out of a standard shipping container. Shipping containers are sturdy, plentiful, relatively low cost and easily portable using existing infrastructure such as tractor trailer/semi-trucks.

Modifications to the shipping container are made to install roll-up security doors, vending machines, security features, solar roof panels for electrical power, connections to local power (if available), internet connections, either through local internet or satellite providers, automatic teller machines (ATM), various internal fixtures for inventory and storage, heating and cooling (HVAC), microwave ovens or other heating devices, lighting, fire suppression devices, floor/wall materials, and other functions.

Vending machines may include those that sell food, beverages, personal items, sundry items, safety goods, and electronic accessories. These may be “smart” vending machines with connections to the internet/networks, interactive touch screens, cashless payment options, remote inventory monitoring, remote maintenance/functionality monitoring and other various functions. Vending machines may dispense hot, cold or room temperature items. The portable vending building may include heating devices such as microwave, conventional and convection ovens.

The portable vending building may include rooftop solar panels to generate electricity to power the unit or may include a 220V or 110V connection to local power. Further, the portable vending building may include a wired or wireless connection to the internet. Further, the portable vending machine may include an externally or internally facing automatic teller machine (ATM) for dispensing cash. The building includes heating and air conditioning units (HVAC) to keep the interior at an appropriate temperature for the inventory and consumers.

The building may also have internal structures, shelving and counters installed for storage of inventory, serving customers or other appropriate uses. Portable ramps may be installed to give safe and easy access to the building. Appropriate wall and flooring materials such as diamond pattern stainless steel may be installed to provide durability, easy cleaning and an inviting aesthetic appearance.

Lastly safety and security features may also be included such as internal and external lighting, cameras, a security system, remote GPS tracking and fire suppression devices such as fire extinguishers, halon fire suppressors and sprinklers. The present invention will be disclosed in reference to the below figures and discussion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective exterior view of the portable vending building.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the portable vending building.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the portable vending building.

FIG. 4 is a closed end view of the portable vending building.

FIG. 5 is a door end view of the portable vending building.

FIG. 6 is a roof view of the portable vending building.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the interior of the portable vending building.

FIG. 8 is a rear cross section of the portable vending building.

FIG. 9 is a front cross section of the portable vending building.

FIG. 10 is an end elevation view of the portable vending building showing two vending machines.

FIG. 11 is an end elevation view of the portable vending building showing the storage closet, microwave ovens and ATM.

FIG. 12 is an end elevation view of the portable vending building showing the storage shelves.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description refers to the preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention as shown in the attached figures and in the below description. This detailed description is not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way but is intended to disclose the preferred embodiment/best mode of the invention at the time of filing this application.

The present invention is a portable vending building for serving construction sites, remote locations and any other location where quick access to portable and self-contained food, drink, cash and various sundry items is desired. The portable vending building is designed to be self-contained and easily portable for quick installation at any site. In the preferred embodiment, the portable vending building is constructed out of a standard shipping container. Shipping containers are sturdy, plentiful, relatively low cost and easily portable using existing infrastructure such as tractor trailer/semi-trucks.

FIG. 1 shows an exterior view of portable vending building 100. In this view, first door 101 and second door 102 are visible, with each of the doors open to display the interior of the building. The first door 101 and second door 102 are steel roll up doors as well known in the art. These types of door are opened and closed with a rolling sheet of steel, a sheet of connected slats or a grill. The rolling sheet, slats or grill are formed such that they can be rolled into a circular formation above the door (when in the open position) and locked into place. Such roll up doors include tensioners that allow the door to be opened with minimal force and lock in place in the open position with a variety of various latches. Roll up doors come in a variety of configurations and strength to provide security against intrusion and protection against weather. Any configuration of roll-up door known in the art may be used in the preferred embodiment, and any configuration and number of exterior doors may be used within the bounds of the present invention. First door 101 and second door 102 may also be hinged doors that swing inward or outward. Any type of door or combination of doors well known in the art may be used for door 101 and/or second door 102.

First ramp 104 and second ramp 105 are shown in this view. First ramp 104 and second ramp 105 are ramps that provide a smooth entrance to the portable vending machine for easy access. These ramps, when installed, are secured to the building with an appropriate connection such as a tab or latch. These ramps may be disengaged from the building when the portable vending building 100 is in transport.

Building 103 of portable vending building 100 is constructed out of a shipping container in the preferred embodiment. Specifically Conex shipping containers in 10, 15 and 20 foot lengths may be used. Each of these configurations are 8 feet wide by 8 feet tall. Shipping containers are readily available, very sturdy and easily transported. As a shipping container is designed to withstand being shipped on a cargo ship and attached to a shipping container trailer (chassis), they are extremely strong, durable and can withstand extreme weather. Also, because they are designed to be attached to a trailer and moved with a semi-truck or tractor trailer, the infrastructure is readily available to move and deliver the portable vending building to construction sites or other remote locations. In some configurations of the portable vending building 100 include exterior walls that are insulated using building insulation types and methods well known in the art.

Building 103 maybe positioned on a poured concrete foundation, piers or level cross members. Any method well known in the art of positioning, leveling and securing the portable vending building 100 may be utilized.

Exterior signage 104 is shown in this view. Signage 104 may be formed of any type of sign well known in the art, including lighted or unlighted. LED, incandescent, fluorescent or neon lighting may be utilized. Unlighted signs formed of steel, wood, paint or any other combination of materials well known in the art may be utilized.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of portable vending building 100. In this view building 103 includes a first window 106 and a second window 107 to provide natural light to the interior of the unit. First window 106 and second window 107 may be any window well known in the art, including windows with fixed glass or the ability to open and close. Any type of glass or other material may be used including regular glass, double paned/thermal glass, security glass, glass blocks, polycarbonate or any material well known in the art. The preferred embodiment includes two windows, first window 106 and second window 107, but any number (including zero) or configuration of windows may be utilized.

Building 103 is shown positioned on foundation 108. Foundation 108 may be any suitable secure and level foundation well known in the art, including poured concrete, piers and/or cross beams made of steel or wood. The main function of the foundation is to secure and level building 103 on the installation location so any foundation 108 that is well known in the art and adequately provides a secure and level installation may be used.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the portable vending building 100 with first door 101 and second door 102 in the closed position. Also visible in this view are first ramp 104 and second ramp 105. Exterior signage 104 can be seen installed on the front of building 103. Foundation 108 provides a secure and level surface for installation of building 103.

FIG. 4 shows a closed end view of the portable vending building 100. In the preferred embodiment, building 103 is constructed of a shipping container. Each shipping container has a closed end and an end with an access door. The closed end of building 103 constructed of shipping container is shown in this view.

Electrical junction 109 is shown in this view. Electrical junction 109 is the location of connection circuits to local electrical power, rooftop solar power, gas or diesel powered electrical generator, and if available wired internet access. Electrical junction 109, depending on the services connected, may include a high voltage (220V) or a household voltage (110V) connection to electrical services. Electrical junction 109 may also include an electrical connection to rooftop solar panels. If utilized a gasoline or diesel powered electrical generator may also be connected to electrical junction 109. Electrical junction 109 may also include a telephone, cable or fiber optic connection to wired local internet. Electrical junction 109 also includes circuit breakers, well known in the art, to interrupt electrical flow over a certain current flow (amperage). In the preferred embodiment, the circuit panel has a rating of 100 AMPs but any suitable amperage rating could be used. Also included is a low voltage transformer and a second connector for main power or generator power. Electrical junction 109 may also be comprised of a 50-Amp electrical inlet plug that provides electrical power from an external source. Electrical junction 109 and any wiring connected to electrical junction on both the exterior or interior of the portable vending building 100 is compliant with national building code standards and requirements. Foundation 108 is also shown in this view.

FIG. 5 is a door end view of portable vending building 100. In this view, building 103 is constructed of a standard shipping container and the door end is visible. Building 103 shows end door 110 which is a standard shipping container door. This door may be opened and closed to load equipment or inventory into the portable vending building 100. Door 110 is very strong, weather resistant and includes locking latches. Foundation 108 is also shown in this view.

FIG. 6 shows a view of the roof 114 of portable vending building 100. In this view, two vents 111 are shown. In the preferred embodiment, vents 111 include a motor to open and close the vent. The motor is battery powered and the battery is charged with solar power panels located on vent 111. Vent 111 motor may also be powered by wired electrical power supplied by local electrical connection or by solar panels 112. Vents 111 may also be manually operated and building 103 may include any number, including zero, of vents 111. They may be arrayed in any desired configuration. HVAC 113 provides heating and cooling of the interior of building 103. This provides suitable conditions for the inventory of food, drinks and other products to be sold as well as a comfortable environment for consumers. Solar panels 112 generate electrical power from sunlight and are connected to a local battery that is charged by the panels. In the preferred embodiment, three solar panels 112 are utilized but any number or configuration may be used based on the electrical power needs of the portable vending building 100. Solar panels 112 may be comprised of any type of solar panel well known in the art.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the interior of portable vending building 100. In this view, vending machines 117 are seen in the interior of the building. In this configuration, there are six total vending machines but any other number and configuration of vending machines 117 is anticipated with the invention. Vending machines 117 sell any goods suitable to be sold through a vending machine: food, fruit, candy, snacks, sandwiches, chips, nuts, hot and cold drinks, personal care items (toothbrushes, sunscreen, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene products), gum, mints, electronic items (batteries, electronic device charging cables, cases), safety equipment, first aid items and/or any other item that may be sold through a vending machine 117. Vending machines 117 store goods at cold temperatures, warm temperatures, and at ambient/room temperatures. Vending machines 117 may be standard vending machines or “smart” internet connected vending machines. Such smart vending machines 117 may include interactive touch screens, cashless/credit card/mobile payment systems, real time tracking and sending of goods inventory, remote monitoring of vending machine 117 functionality and physical operation and iVend delivery sensor system. Any suitable vending machine well known in the art may be utilized including those that accept paper currency, coins, credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Venmo, Paypal, Cash App or any other electronic payment method.

Portable vending building 100 also includes multiple interior and exterior lights 115. In the preferred embodiment, these lights 115 are light emitting diode (LED) type lights for low energy consumption, durability and long life, but any suitable type of lights may be used such as incandescent, fluorescent or appropriate lighting types well known in the art. In this configuration, there four lights 115 on the interior of the building and one light 115 on the exterior.

Portable vending building 100 also includes multiple security features including cameras 119. In this configuration, there are four cameras 119 observing the interior of the building, but any number of cameras 119 could be used. In the preferred embodiment, cameras 119 are industrial digital cameras that record footage to the internet via the building internet connection. Further security features include a security alarm on all exterior doors, an alarm on the ATM and on each vending machine 117. Each of these alarms may be remotely monitored by third party security resources. In addition to security features, the portable vending building also includes fire suppression systems such as fire extinguishers and in some configurations, halon powered or water powered sprinklers.

Electrical junction 109 is shown on the exterior of building 103. Electrical junction 109 is connected via electrical wiring to a number of electrical outlets 116. In this configuration, there are four electrical outlets 116, but any suitable number could be utilized. These electrical outlets 116 may be household 110V outlets or high voltage 220V outlets. All electrical wiring in the portable vending building 100 complies with national building code standards and regulations.

Storage closet 120 allows storage of vending inventory. Storage closet 120 further includes multiple storage shelves 121 and is secured by door 127. Automatic teller machine (ATM) 123 is secured to the same wall as storage closet 120 and allows easy access to cash at the location. Lastly, heating device 122 is also installed along the same wall. In the preferred embodiment, heating device 122 is a microwave oven but may be any type of heating device well known in the art such as ovens and convection ovens. Fans 124 are installed on the ceiling of building 103 to provide air flow within the unit. A food preparation counter may also be included as an optional feature of the portable vending building 100. In addition, a video screen and/or television may be mounted on the exterior or interior of the building to display entertainment and/or advertising.

Floor 118 covers the two areas where consumers access the vending machines. In the preferred embodiment, floor 118 is formed of diamond plate material which is typically stainless steel or plated steel with a diamond pattern that provides traction. The material is high durability, easy to clean and aesthetically pleasing. While this material is used in the preferred embodiment, any suitable high durability flooring material well known in the art could be used.

Some configurations of portable vending building 100 may include various health and safety apparatus. Examples include a first aid kit that includes various bandages, salves, pain relievers, and other items well known in the art that allow one to administer first aid for an injury, either to a third party or to oneself. Examples of such first aid kits are those sold by Mfasco™ at https://www.mfasco.com/first-aid-kits/though any first aid kit well known in the art may be used. Another health related item that may be included is a portable defibrillator for suspected cardiac arrest. An example of this type of device is the Philips HeartStart OnSite automated external defibrillator, but any defibrillator known in the art may be used. Portable breathing apparatus may also be included the portable vending building 100 as may chemical spill clean-up kits or chemical eye/body wash stations. These options may be installed in any suitable location in the building.

Also seen in this view are first door 101, second door 102, first ramp 104 and second ramp 105.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of portable vending building 100 from the rear of the building. The first window 106 and second window 107 are shown to indicate that this view is from the rear of the building on the opposite side as the doors. Here, the storage shelves 121 are visible as are the vending machines 117. Also shown are the upper wall 125, which in the preferred embodiment is stain grade plywood panels but any suitable panel material well known in the art may be utilized. Also shown is wall base 126 which is a material that covers the area from the floor to the base of the wall, similar to a baseboard. In the preferred embodiment, the wall base 126 is formed of diamond plate material with a height of 4″.

FIG. 9 is a front cross sectional view of the portable vending building 100. In this view, the vending machines 117, heating devices 122 and storage shelves 120 are visible. Also shown are the locations of the openings for first door 101 and second door 102. Both doors are roll up security doors in the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an end elevation view of the portable vending building 100 with two vending machines 117 shown. The roll up security door mechanism of first door 101 is shown as is first ramp 104. The roll up security door is door formed of panels with foldable elements that allow the door to be rolled up in a circular or coiled fashion in a location above the door frame. When closed, the roll up security door provides a sturdy and secure door that is difficult to access without special cutting tools. Also shown is solar powered roof vent 111.

FIG. 11 is an end elevation view of the portable vending building 100 showing the door 127 for the storage closet 120, the ATM and two heating units 122. In this embodiment the two heating units 122 are microwave ovens, but any suitable heating device known in the art may be utilized. Also visible is the roll up security door mechanism of first door 101 and first ramp 104.

FIG. 12 is an end elevation view of the portable vending building 100 showing the storage shelves 121, heating unit shelves 128, and portable generator 129. Storage shelves 121 are located in storage closet 120 and are used to store inventory for the vending machines 117. They are formed of metal shelves in the preferred embodiment. Heating unit shelves 128 support heating units 122 in their installed position. These are also constructed of metal shelves in the preferred embodiment. Lastly, portable generator 129 is shown in its storage location. This portable generator 129 may be used to power the portable vending building 100 in the event of lost power. The portable generator 129 may be of any suitable type well known in the art.

An additional feature that may be included in certain embodiments is a mobile device charging station. This charging station is designed to charge the various mobile devices that users may have at the remote site, including mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, various construction related items like rechargeable power tools and any other device that requires AC or DC power to be recharged. This mobile device charging station may be located in a cabinet, on a shelf, on a table, or any other suitable location in the portable vending building. The mobile device charging station may positioned to face the exterior with a door securing the station or it may be located inside the building. The mobile charging station may have various charging interfaces including 110V AC power outlets, Lightning™ charging, USB B/C, micro USB or any other suitable interface well known in the art.

Some embodiments of the present invention may also include portable toilet facilities built into the portable vending building 100 at the closed end of the shipping container. These portable toilet facilities are anticipated to be included in portable vending buildings of the 40 foot length but could be offered in any configuration. These facilities are anticipated to be of the “porta-potty” variety but facilities that are connected to public water and sewer could also be included.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to the above disclosed preferred embodiment, many modifications in design, implementation, systems and execution are possible while still maintaining the novel features and advantages of the invention. The preferred embodiment is not meant to limit the scope of the patent in any way, and it should be given the broadest possible interpretation consistent with the language of the disclosure on the whole.

Portable Vending Building

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