Gumball machine


A gumball machine is a type of bulk vending machine that dispenses gumballs, usually for a small fee.
Originally one penny, the standard cost of one gumball in the United States is now one quarter.

History

Although vending machines for stick or block shaped gum were seen as early as 1888, the first machines to carry actual gumballs were not seen until 1907. Patented in 1923, the Norris Manufacturing Company produced their "Master" line of chrome gumball machines during the 1930s. These machines could accept either pennies or nickels.
Founded in 1934, the Ford Gum and Machine Company of Akron, New York was another early manufacturer of gum for gumball machines in the U.S. The Ford brand of gumball machines had a distinct shiny chrome color; sales of gum from Ford gumball machines went to local service organizations such as the Lions Club and Kiwanis International.
Founded in 1909, Northwestern Corporation started with kitchen matches and eventually came out with the Northwestern Model 33 in 1933 and eventually the Model 60 and Model 80, both of which are still sold today.

Description

Generally, a gumball machine consists of a clear sphere which is filled with gumballs, sitting on top of a metal base. It has a metal top on top of it with a keyhole in top of it so that the top can be removed and gumballs can be put in. The coin is inserted into the base and a handle is turned around clockwise 360 degrees, depositing the coin in the base of the machine and allowing a gumball or trinket to be dispensed into a chute at the bottom of the machine that is closed off by a little metal hanging flap.
Most gumball machines have a simple mechanism for dispensing the gumball, to the point of the actual dispensation being largely invisible. However, some gumball machines have more elaborate methods. Most of them utilize the potential energy of the gumball's location above the base, by, for instance, causing it to roll down a spiral ramp, or a set of diagonal disks with holes in lowest point. The most elaborate mechanisms also use electricity to power various forms of transit as well as ramps and drops for the gumball upon its way to dispensation.

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