Device for spreading out dining table covers
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202024106501
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-30
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an automated device for spreading dining table covers, which is capable of spreading and removing a cover over a dining table in an automated manner, and also of cleaning and disinfecting the table autonomously after each use. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dining tables are often the focal point of a dining room or kitchen, providing a place for people to sit and share meals. They range from small tables for a few people to large, banquet-style tables for larger gatherings. Eating at dining tables often carries the risk of spills, making the table dirty and preventing further use. At parties and weddings, where food and drinks are constantly being served and consumed, cleaning the table becomes a continuous task throughout the event, requiring constant vigilance to ensure the table remains presentable.
[0003] Traditionally, people use tablecloths to protect the table surface from spills and stains. The cloth is manually spread across the table and manually removed after use for cleaning. In many cases, such as gatherings, people use disposable paper sheets that are manually placed across the table and also manually removed for disposal after each use. While these traditional methods offer some advantages, they also present some challenges and disadvantages. Manually spreading the sheets is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process, especially with large gatherings where the sheets need to be spread frequently. Furthermore, physical supervision is required to remove the sheets after each use.
[0004] US10993558B2 discloses an invention comprising a table covering system with a garbage bag attached to one end. The table covering can be unrolled onto a tabletop, with the garbage bag unrolled at one end of the covering. This allows for easy and quick disposal of trash from the tabletop. The table covering can also be rolled over the remaining trash and stuffed into the garbage bag for easy disposal. The top of the table covering can include printed elements, such as interactive games, team logos, or symbols or characters from popular movies and television. Other options include menus, schedules, or event information, which can be printed directly onto the table covering or applied after the covering has been laid. US'558 discloses an invention relating to a disposable table covering with an attached garbage bag for easy disposal.However, the cited invention lacks the ability to automatically stretch and remove the table covering over a dining table, and to reduce manual effort.
[0005] US Patent 8117971B1 discloses an invention comprising a combination of a tablecloth and a garbage bag, with an upper portion of the tablecloth sized to fit on a picnic table or other types of tables outdoors or indoors, and made of thin paper, plastic, or similar material. The upper portion features decorative designs of toys, animals, birthday cakes, logos, and similar festive items for birthdays, anniversaries, and other party events. At opposite corners of the upper portion is a first section of drawstrings extending outward. A second section of drawstrings is gathered by seams arranged along the sides of the upper portion of the tablecloth, extending along its length and width.In the center of the upper part of the tablecloth, parallel to its length, is an elongated opening with sides that are attached to the top of a folded lower section of the garbage bag. This opening provides access to the lower part of the folded garbage bag. The lower section consists of a thin plastic film for collecting waste items placed on the upper section and the picnic table. While US 971 discloses an invention relating to a combination of tablecloth and garbage bag used for picnics, parties, and outdoor events, comprising an upper section of the tablecloth to support the table and a lower section of the garbage bag to collect waste, the invention lacks an automated method for cleaning dust particles and debris from the table after each use.
[0006] Many devices have been developed to assist a user in spreading a tablecloth over a dining table. However, these devices are unable to automatically spread and remove the tablecloth and fail to reduce the manual effort and time required for the overall process. Furthermore, these existing devices are also unable to automatically clean and disinfect the table after each successful use.
[0007] To overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, it is technically necessary to develop a device capable of automatically extending and removing a tablecloth. Furthermore, the developed device should also autonomously remove stains, dust, and residues from the table after use, disinfecting it after each use. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0009] One objective of the present invention is to develop a device capable of automatically spreading a cover over a dining table according to the dimensions of the table, thereby eliminating physical labor and time spent manually spreading the cover.
[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is able to remove and dispose of the cover in an autonomous manner after each successful use of the cover, thereby eliminating the need for manual removal of the cover.
[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is able to detect the presence of stains on the table and accordingly scrub and remove the stain from the surface of the table in an automated manner, thereby keeping the table clean for further use.
[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is able to disinfect the table after each use, thereby preventing the formation of bacteria and germs on the dining table.
[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is able to automatically remove dust particles and food residues from the dining table after each successful use of the table, thus preventing the accumulation of dust and food residues.
[0014] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention relates to an automated device for covering dining tables, capable of automatically spreading and removing a cover from a dining table. Furthermore, the proposed device autonomously removes stains, dust, and residue from the table after use.
[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an automated dining table cover device comprises a frame with a rectangular plate positioned at the edge of the dining table, the frame being integrated with a pair of motorized clamping units to provide a grip on the edge section of the table, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame to determine the dimensions of the dining table, and a primary drawer arrangement integrated into the plate for cleaning the table.A pair of telescopic rods attached to the sides of the board and integrated into a C-shaped clamp to grip the free end of the sheet; an ultrasonic sensor mounted on the frame and synchronized with the imaging unit to detect the thickness of the sheet; a secondary drawer assembly integrated into the clamp for gripping the free end, with the rods extending towards the opposite side of the table to cover the sheet across the entire dining table; a waste chamber located on the frame to store the sheet after each use; a retractable horizontal cutting blade attached to the board to be extended onto the table to cut the sheet, and simultaneously the clamps working synchronously with the rods to position the used sheet in the chamber.
[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a color sensor installed on the frame and synchronized with the imaging unit to detect the presence of stains on the table, a motorized disc installed with the rod and equipped with a plurality of bristles that rotate to scrub the stain over the bristles with a view to removing the stain from the surface of the table, and a UV (ultraviolet) cleaning unit configured on the frame to clean the table with UV (ultraviolet) light.After the used sheet has been disposed of in the chamber to eliminate the growth of bacteria and germs on the dining table, a vacuum-based cleaning unit is installed on the frame to clean the dust particles and residue from the dining table. These are then stored in a container integrated with the cleaning unit. A weight sensor is embedded inside the container to detect the weight of the collected dust and residue. As soon as the detected level exceeds a threshold, an alert is sent to a processing unit to notify the user to dispose of the residue. A battery is connected to the device, which is used to power the electrical and electronic components connected to the device.
[0018] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be obvious that variations are possible which would fall within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description, the attached claims and the attached drawings, wherein: Fig. Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an automatic device for spreading dining tablecloths; and Fig. Figure 2 shows the proposed device in its extended state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The following description contains the preferred best embodiment of an embodiment of the present invention. It is clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but that the invention also includes a multitude of modifications and embodiments thereof. Therefore, the present description should be regarded as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is open to various modifications and alternative designs, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed; on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative designs, and equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the claims.
[0021] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with “including,” “with,” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed terms “consists essentially of,” “consists essentially of,” and the like, or the respective closed terms “consists of,” “consists of,” and the like.
[0022] As used herein, the singular forms “ein”, “ein” and “die” refer to both the singular and the plural unless explicitly stated that only the singular is meant.
[0023] The present invention relates to an automated device for spreading dining table covers, capable of automatically spreading and removing a cover over a dining table. Furthermore, the proposed device disinfects the table after each use to eliminate the growth of bacteria and germs on the dining table.
[0024] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an automatic device for spreading tablecloths, comprising a frame with a rectangular plate 101, a pair of motorized clamping units 102 integrated into the frame, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the frame, a primary drawer arrangement 104 integrated into the plate 101, a motorized roller 105 wound with a sheet of paper 201 arranged on the plate 101, a pair of telescopic rods 106 installed on the sides of the plate 101 and integrated with a C-shaped clamp 107, and a waste chamber 108 arranged on the plate 101. with a C-shaped clamp 107, a waste chamber 108,which is arranged on the frame, a retractable horizontal cutting blade 109 which is attached to the plate 101, a motorized disc 110 which is installed with the rod, and a vacuum-based cleaning unit 111 which is installed on the frame.
[0025] The device disclosed here consists of a frame with a rectangular plate 101 positioned at the edge of a dining table. The plate 101 serves as the main structure and is made of strong and lightweight materials, including but not limited to hardened steel, aluminum alloy, hardboard, and composite materials. The outer surface of the platform is coated with a material such as Teflon or other low-friction coatings to improve wear resistance and reduce friction. The frame is equipped with a pair of motorized clamping units 102, actuated by an integrated microcontroller, to provide a grip on the edge of the table.
[0026] The clamping unit 102 is a fastening device used to provide a grip on an edge section of the table. The motorized clamping unit 102 used here comprises a motor connected to a pair of curved motorized clamps. When actuated, the motor converts electrical energy from an external source into rotational energy, which is transferred to the pair of curved motorized clamps to tilt the clamps towards each other, gripping the edge of the table and securely positioning the frame on the table's edge.
[0027] After the frame is positioned, the microcontroller activates an AI-based imaging unit 103, which is installed on the frame and integrated with a processor to capture and process multiple images near the frame. The AI-based imaging unit 103 consists of a high-resolution camera lens, a digital camera sensor, and a processor. The lens uses the digital camera sensor to capture multiple images near the frame from different angles and perspectives to enable comprehensive scanning of the table.
[0028] The captured images then undergo preprocessing steps by the processor integrated into the camera. The processor performs a series of image processing operations, including preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification, to improve image quality. This includes adjusting brightness and contrast, as well as eliminating distortion and noise. The preprocessed images are then transmitted to the microcontroller connected to the processor in the form of electrical signals.
[0029] The microcontroller further processes the received signals to determine the dimensions of the dining table. Based on this, the microcontroller actuates a primary drawer assembly 104 integrated into the panel 101 to extend / retract the panel 101 so that it covers the entire width of the table. The drawer assembly 104 used here consists of several panels that are slid over one another by a sliding unit. The sliding unit contains a motor and a wheel that is connected to the motor via a shaft.When the drawer assembly 104 is actuated by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit draws electrical energy from an external source and converts it into a mechanical torque, which is transmitted via the shaft to the wheel to rotate it clockwise, thereby setting the slider in the drawer assembly 104 in motion to extend / retract the panel 101 and thus cover the entire width of the table.
[0030] Once the plate 101 is properly covered across the entire width of the table, the microcontroller controls a motorized roller 105, which is wound with a sheet of paper 201 placed on the plate 101, to rotate and unwind the sheet onto the table. The motorized roller 105 is a mechanical unit that rotates around its axis with the aid of an integrated electric motor. The cylindrical roller tube serves as the support surface for winding and unwinding the sheet of paper 201. When activated, the electric motor provides the necessary torque to rotate the roller 105. The motor is connected to the roller tube by a drive mechanism comprising gears and belts to transmit the motor's torque to the roller, causing it to rotate and unwind the sheet of paper 201 onto the table.After the paper sheet 201 is unwound, the microcontroller actuates a pair of telescopic rods 106, which are attached to the sides of the plate 101 and integrated into a C-shaped clamp 107, to grip the free end of the sheet. Simultaneously, the microcontroller activates an ultrasonic sensor, which is installed on the frame and operates synchronously with the imaging unit 103 to detect the thickness of the sheet. The ultrasonic sensor consists of a transmitter that emits high-frequency sound waves towards the paper sheet 201. These sound waves strike the sheet and are reflected back and received by a receiver inside the sensor.
[0031] The sensor measures the return time of the switching waves after they strike the sheet. By calculating the cycle time and applying the speed of sound, the sensor determines the thickness of the paper sheet 201 and sends the acquired data to the microcontroller connected to the ultrasonic sensor. The microcontroller processes and interprets the received data to determine the thickness of the paper sheet 201. Based on the thickness of the paper sheet 201, the microcontroller actuates a secondary drawer assembly integrated into the C-shaped clamp 107 to grip the free end of the sheet. The drawer assembly used here consists of a drawer that typically slides on rails inside the clamp and is driven by a DC motor. These rails ensure a smooth and stable path for the compression and expansion of the clamp 107.When activated by the microcontroller, the motor rotates, and its rotary motion is converted into linear motion by gears. As the motor rotates, the drawer moves either outwards or inwards along the guide rails. This extension and retraction increases or decreases the size of the C-shaped clamps 107 according to the measured sheet thickness, thus helping the clamp 107 to properly grip the free end of the sheet.
[0032] After grasping the free end of the sheet, the microcontroller actuates the telescopic rods 106 to extend them toward the opposite side of the table, covering the entire dining table. The extension of the telescopic rods is driven by a pneumatic unit connected to the device, comprising an air compressor, air valves, and a piston. The air compressor used here draws in ambient air and increases its pressure by reducing its volume. The air compressor consists of two main parts: a motor and a pump. The motor drives the compressor pump, which uses the motor's energy to draw in atmospheric air and compress it to a higher pressure. The compressed air is then directed through an outlet pipe and a valve into the cylinder.The compressed air in the cylinder pushes out the piston, which extends the rods 106 towards the opposite side of the table to lay the cloth over the entire dining table.
[0033] Once the dining table is completely covered with the sheet, the user reaches for the meal. After each successful use, the microcontroller actuates a retractable horizontal cutting blade 109, connected to the plate 101, to extend onto the table and cut the sheet. The blade 109 used here is preferably a piece of metal, e.g., made of iron, steel, or carbide, with a sharp edge on one side that cleanly cuts the paper sheet 201. Simultaneously with cutting the sheet, the microcontroller actuates the clamp 107s, which operates synchronously with the rods 106, to grasp the used sheet and position it in a waste chamber located on the frame for storage after each use.When the used sheet is placed in chamber 108, the microcontroller activates a UV (ultraviolet) disinfection unit mounted on the frame to disinfect the table with UV light. The UV cleaning unit consists of an ultraviolet lamp that penetrates pathogens and destroys their DNA with ultraviolet light. Since DNA is the basis for an organism's ability to function and reproduce, its destruction prevents these organisms from becoming active and spreading. The ultraviolet photons have an energy similar, in small amounts, to that of the sun, but they are generated at a higher intensity using an electric discharge lamp, ideally known as an ultraviolet lamp.The ultraviolet lamp emits ultraviolet light onto the table for a specific period of time to disinfect it and prevent the growth of bacteria and germs on the dining table.
[0034] After disinfecting the table, the microcontroller activates a color sensor mounted on the frame and synchronized with the imaging unit 103 to detect the presence of stains on the table. The color sensor emits light, usually white light, onto the table surface via a white light emitter. The table surface reflects the white light, and the color sensor captures this reflected light. The sensor then activates three filters with three wavelength sensitivities to measure the wavelengths of the RGB colors in the reflected light. Based on the measured wavelengths, the color sensor classifies the color of the table and sends the data to the microcontroller as an electrical signal. The microcontroller processes the received signal to detect the presence of stains on the table.Upon successful stain detection, the microcontroller actuates a motorized disc 110, which is mounted on rods 106 and equipped with a plurality of forty to fifty bristles, to rotate and scrub the stain over the bristles. The disc 110 consists of a motor connected to it to rotate the disc 110. The motor is the key component that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to set the disc 110 in motion.
[0001] After actuation of the disc 110 by the microcontroller, the motor begins to rotate the disc 110 clockwise or counterclockwise, setting the disc 110 into rotational motion to scrub and remove the stain present on the surface of the table.
[0035] After the stain is removed from the table, the microcontroller activates a vacuum-based cleaning unit 111, which is mounted on the frame, to remove the dust particles and residue from the dining table. The vacuum-based cleaning unit 111 operates on the principle of airflow from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure. The unit consists of an electric motor connected to a blower, which rotates the blower at high speed. The rapidly rotating blower creates a low-pressure area within a suction hose of the cleaning device. Due to the pressure difference between the outside and inside of the suction hose, air, along with the dust particles and residue on the table, is drawn into the hose and collected in a container integrated into the cleaning device.The microcontroller then controls a weight sensor embedded in the container to measure the weight of the collected dust and food scraps. The weight sensor used here is a special type of transducer, specifically a weight transducer, which converts the mechanical force applied by the weight of the dust and scraps (the input signal) into a change in electrical resistance that is proportional to the force applied to the sensor. This change in electrical resistance is then detected by the microcontroller connected to the sensor as an electrical signal.When processing the received signals, the microcontroller determines the weight of the collected dust and food residue in the container and compares the determined weight with a threshold value that is specified for the microcontroller, and as soon as the determined weight exceeds the threshold value, the microcontroller sends a warning via a communication module to a computing unit, which
[0036] These include a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, a Bluetooth module and a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module, which are integrated into the microcontroller to dispose of the waste.
[0037] The communication module used here acts as an intermediary between various electronic components, establishing communication between the user's computer and the microcontroller. The communication module is designed to establish a wireless connection between the computer and the microcontroller. This module is capable of receiving serial data from radiation monitoring devices such as the computer and transmitting the data to the microcontroller.
[0038] Finally, a battery is connected to the device to power the electrically operated components used here. The battery consists of a pair of electrodes, called the cathode and anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation / reduction to do work on the charge and generate a voltage between its anode and cathode, thus producing electrical energy that is used to perform work in the device.
[0039] The proposed invention functions well in the following manner, where the frame with rectangular plate 101 is positioned on the edge of the dining table via a pair of motorized clamping units 102, which grip the edge section of the table. Furthermore, the imaging unit 103 is activated by the microcontroller to determine the dimensions of the dining table, whereupon the primary drawer assembly 104 extends / retracts the plate 101 to cover the entire surface of the table.The microcontroller then actuates the motorized roller wound with the sheet of paper 201 to unwind the sheet onto the table, followed by actuation of the pair of telescopic rods 106, which are integrated with the C-shaped clamp 107, to grasp the free end of the sheet according to its thickness as detected by the ultrasonic sensor and extend it towards the opposite side of the table to cover the entire dining table so the user can eat over it. After each use, the microcontroller actuates the extendable horizontal cutting blade 109, which cuts the sheet, and simultaneously actuates the clamp 107 and the rods 106 to position the used sheet in the waste chamber 108. After the used sheet is placed in the chamber 108, the microcontroller actuates the UV cleaning unit to clean the table with UV light.The color sensor then detects the presence of stains on the table, and if stains are successfully detected, the microcontroller activates the motorized disc 110, which is equipped with a variety of bristles for scrubbing and removing the stains.
[0040] In this way, the vacuum-based cleaning unit cleans the dining table of dust particles and food scraps, which are then collected in the container. The weight sensor detects the weight of the collected dust and food scraps. If the detected weight exceeds the threshold, the microcontroller sends a warning to the processing unit to notify the user to dispose of the food scraps.
[0041] Although the scope of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] US 10993558B2
[0004] US 8117971B1
[0005]
Claims
[1] An automated device for spreading dining tablecloths, comprising i) a frame having a rectangular plate 101 designed to be positioned on the edge of a dining table, the frame being integrated with a pair of motorized clamping units 102 actuated by the microcontroller to obtain a grip on the edge portion of the table; ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the frame and integrated with a processor to capture and process multiple images in the vicinity of the frame or to determine the dimensions of the dining table, whereupon the microcontroller actuates a primary drawer assembly 104 integrated in the plate 101 to expand / contract the plate 101 to cover the entire surface of the table; iii) a motorized roller 105 wound with a paper sheet 201 arranged on the plate 101, wherein the microcontroller actuates the roller 105 to rotate to unwind the sheet on the table, followed by the actuation of a pair of telescopic rods 106 installed on the lateral sides of the plate 101 and integrated with a C-shaped clamp 107 for gripping the free end of the sheet; iv) an ultrasonic sensor installed on the frame and synchronized with the imaging unit 103 to detect the thickness of the sheet, wherein, based on the detected thickness of the sheet, the microcontroller actuates a secondary drawer assembly integrated into the clamp to grip the free end, followed by actuation of the rods 106 to extend towards the opposite side of the table, resulting in the sheet being covered over the entire dining table; v) a waste chamber 108 arranged on the frame to store the sheet after each use, wherein after each successful use the microcontroller actuates an extendable horizontal cutting blade 109 connected to the plate 101 to be extended on the table to cut the sheet, and the microcontroller simultaneously re-actuates the clamp 107 to work synchronously with the rods 106 to position the used sheet in the chamber 108; and vi) a color sensor installed on the frame and synchronized with the imaging unit 103 to detect the presence of stains on the table, wherein upon successful detection of stains on the table, the microcontroller actuates a motorized disc 110 installed on the rod and equipped with a plurality of bristles, which is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate to scrub the stain across the bristles to remove the stain from the surface of the table. [2] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a UV (ultraviolet) disinfection unit is configured on the frame, which is actuated by the microcontroller to disinfect the table with UV light when the used sheet is placed in the chamber 108 to eliminate the growth of bacteria and germs on the dining table. [3] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a vacuum-based cleaning unit 111 is installed on the frame to clean the dust particles and residues from the dining table, which are further stored in a container integrated into the cleaning unit. [4] The device according to claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is embedded in the container to detect the weight of the collected dust or residues, and once the detected level exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller sends an alert to a computing unit to notify the user to dispose of the residues. [5] The device according to claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is wirelessly connected to the computing unit via a communication module comprising, among others, a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, a Bluetooth module or a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. [6] The device of claim 1, wherein the device is associated with a battery used to power electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Table cover system with affixed garbage bag
US10993558B2
Table cloth and trash bag combination
US8117971B1