Vending

Patent granted for vending machine side displays

Photo: Adobe Stock

April 21, 2026

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Gary and Nathaniel Whittington, inventors in Van Buren, Arkansas, have received a patent for the design of a "side display vending machine," according to a filing with the U.S. Patent Office.

The patent covers the machine's external appearance, emphasizing product visibility and user interaction rather than internal mechanics.

Unlike traditional vending machines with front-facing displays, the design suggests a layout that showcases items along the side, aligning more closely with retail-style merchandising.

Such designs could be especially useful in high-traffic locations like hospitals, airports and campuses, where quick product recognition is critical.

Vending