Apparatus for dispensing articles

A dispensing apparatus is disclosed for sequentially vending articles upon movement of an actuator. The dispensing apparatus includes a platform for supporting the articles to be vended; a display assembly disposed adjacent to the platform; a forward support assembly disposed between the platform and the display assembly and wherein the forward support assembly is biased in the direction of the display assembly and wherein a single article to be vended is disposed in sandwiched relation between the display assembly and the forward support assembly; a rearward support assembly is slidably mounted above the platform and operable to urge the articles along the platform; a carriage assembly is movably borne by the platform; a metering assembly is pivotally mounted on the carriage assembly and operable for movement along a path of travel from a first position, wherein the metering assembly substantially inhibits movement of the articles along the platform, to a second position, wherein the metering assembly permits the articles to advance along the platform; a movement limiting member disposed in movement impeding relation relative to the metering assembly, and wherein the movement limiting member permits the metering assembly to travel increasing distances along the path of travel as the thickness of the article to be vended increases; and a drive assembly disposed in force receiving relation relative to the actuator and in forced transmitting relation relative to the rearward support assembly, and the metering assembly, respectively, the drive assembly under the influence of the actuator simultaneously urging the rearward support assembly along the platform and the metering assembly from the first to the second position thereby vending a single article.