EVENT FURNITURE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to event furniture having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] Nowadays, participation in social events is associated with ever greater expectations and a desire for experiences that go beyond the actual event itself. For example, a visit to a restaurant is increasingly no longer seen solely as an activity for the purpose of consuming food and, perhaps, socializing, but is also intended to be an entertaining experience. Accordingly, there are a growing number of offerings in the area of ​​experiential dining that combine such an experience with the meal. In the simplest case, this can take place within the framework of a themed restaurant, where the decor, menu, and even the staff's outfits are adapted to a specific theme.

[0003] In addition, very popular formats such as murder mystery dinners, Witzigmanns Palazzo or Schuhbecks Teatro have now developed, where the meal is framed by or embedded in a play or show event.

[0004] Another popular approach involves carrying out parts of the usual restaurant routine in an unusual, out-of-the-ordinary way. One step in this direction is show cooking, where the food is prepared right in front of the guests. It is also common for the waiting staff to present interludes. Another variation in this category are the well-known rollercoaster restaurants, which are also described in EP 1 833 331 B1 or DE 10 2015 011 538. In these restaurants, the traditional serving process is replaced by the ordered food and drinks being delivered to the tables via a rollercoaster-like rail system, fully visible to the guests. The loading of this rail system is partly carried out by robots or robot arms.

[0005] However, what all previous concepts have in common is that the guest is essentially statically positioned in a space during the event, and only in a few exceptional cases, such as when the space is located on a pleasure boat or in the case of a dining car on a train, does the space itself move. Therefore, there is a need for event furniture that adds a new dimension of experience to an event, such as a visit to a restaurant, café, or bar, but possibly also to a meeting or cultural event.

[0006] Further prior art is represented by US 7 901 004 B2 and US 2011 309 659 A1.

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing such event furniture. This object is achieved by event furniture having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims.

[0008] As is generally customary, the event furniture according to the invention comprises at least one table and at least one chair as event furniture components.

[0009] It is essential to the invention that the at least one table, a table part of the at least one table, the at least one chair and / or a combination of the aforementioned event furniture components have means for carrying out an individual, machine-controlled movement.

[0010] A machine-controlled movement is understood to be a powered movement that is at least not directly controlled by a user of the event furniture component, even if it can be influenced by the user, e.g., through emergency braking or specifying a desired destination, which is then approached in a manner that is not under the direct control of the user. For example, a machine-controlled movement can be realized using technologies used in driverless transport systems.

[0011] It should be noted in particular that the presence of means for implementing an individual, machine-controlled movement does not preclude the additional presence of means for implementing a movement controlled by the guest themselves, whereby parts of these means can also be used for both purposes. Indeed, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the event furniture additionally includes control elements for influencing the movement by the guest, for example, pedals, drive rockers, hand levers that act like vertical rudders, or the like.

[0012] For the purposes of this disclosure, a machine-controlled movement is "individual" if a machine-controlled movement of different event furniture components can be different at the same time. Conversely, machine-controlled movements in which the relative position of the event furniture components does not change are not individual machine-controlled movements.

[0013] Even if special configurations of means for carrying out an individual, machine-controlled movement are presented in more detail below, it should be noted at this point that such means are already present within the meaning of this disclosure when cooperation with others outside the corresponding event furniture part is necessary to carry out a movement.

[0014] For example, it may be sufficient to provide only one coupling element for coupling to a drive provided outside the event furniture component, such as a magnetic coupling to a magnetic transport system or a mechanical coupling to a conveyor chain; the drive does not necessarily have to be fully integrated into the event furniture component in order for it to have means for implementing an individual, machine-controlled movement.

[0015] Likewise, a connection to an externally provided control system may be sufficient, for example control signals transmitted wirelessly to a drive integrated into the event furniture, so that local control is possible and useful for a number of applications, but not necessary, as the feature that means are available to carry out an individual, machine-controlled movement is fulfilled.

[0016] Thanks to these features, the event furniture according to the invention allows the environment to change in a surprising and unpredictable way for the guest using this event furniture component. For example, with a suitable configuration of the event furniture components, different parts of the meal can be eaten in different areas of the restaurant, the serving process can be reversed by driving the guest to the kitchen to receive their food there, or the seating arrangement at the table can be varied.

[0017] With the right equipment in the restaurant, this approach can also showcase stories or journeys during the meal in a way never before possible. At the same time, with the right implementation, it can also be used to mix guests during a celebration, or even create a singles exchange.

[0018] In an advantageous development of the invention, the event furniture comprises a table composed or assemblable from several table sections and chairs assigned to this table. This event furniture component preferably has means for performing an individual, machine-controlled movement on all of its components or on combined groups of components that form an event furniture component. This makes it possible to vary the table size, as well as the table neighbors, during a restaurant visit. For example, a large shared table can suddenly break up and reconfigure into a plurality of smaller tables.

[0019] This solves one of the typical problems of events where many people sit around a common table and enjoy a multi-course meal. While previously you had to make small talk with the same more or less interesting people all evening, you can now mix things up by automatically changing seats.

[0020] However, particularly in the practice of a restaurant visit, it is generally desirable that a clear assignment of food and drinks to a customer or guest is maintained. It is therefore preferred that some table sections or all table sections are connected to at least one of the chairs assigned to the table in such a way that the table section and the associated chair form a unit that can be moved together in the room and the unit can then be understood as a component of event furniture. These units or event furniture components accordingly have the means for carrying out a machine-controlled movement. This then entails that the table sections and the associated chairs can be reconfigured to form multiple tables or to form a differently composed table.

[0021] In particular, this can be done by arranging several components on a common base plate, which then has the means for carrying out the machine-controlled movement.

[0022] In order to ensure that the arrangement of the chair relative to the table section is still variable even when using such event furniture components, which is desirable on the one hand for seating comfort, on the other hand for taking a seat, and finally, in cases where the meal is accompanied by an animation, also to ensure an optimal perspective of what is being seen, it is preferred that at least one event furniture component has a chair arranged so that it can move relative to the table section, for example by arranging the chair and table section on a common base plate with a guide or bearing in which the chair can be moved, in particular shifted, rotated and / or adjusted in height. In particular, an adjustment option can be provided here that allows the user of the event furniture to set an ergonomically comfortable position for themselves.

[0023] It may be particularly preferred if the movement of the chair relative to the table section alternatively or additionally contains a driven component in at least one item of event furniture and if drive means for this movement are arranged on the item of event furniture. On the one hand, this can enable more convenient, e.g. electrically driven adjustment. On the other hand, if these drive means are designed as mechanical drive means controlled by a controller, the situation can be influenced again, for example by turning the chair of the guest in question in a certain direction in which something is happening in the animation surrounding the meal, by lifting it, or by stimulating a vibration, which can then also be used to underline events in the accompanying animation or story.For example, the tremors of an earthquake, a collapsing house, or a stampeding giant dinosaur can be depicted even more realistically.

[0024] If at least one chair and / or at least one table of an event furniture component is connected to the event furniture component via a quick-connect coupling, these event furniture components can be quickly replaced with other, similar or different, event furniture components. This can, for example, help to quickly adapt the animated restaurant when the restaurant's theme changes—for example, from a space trip to a Wild West adventure—or to events for different age groups, such as an afternoon children's birthday party followed by a singles exchange in the evening.

[0025] Another unusual experience can be created by using two or more table sections that can be positioned partially overlapping in at least one configuration of the event furniture. This allows, for example, a table with guests seated at it to slide apart almost imperceptibly, creating space in the center of the table for other effects that arise from above or below in the center area, which can then be used unexpectedly.

[0026] It has been found that an advantageous further development of the invention is that at least one sensor is arranged on at least one table and / or at least one chair, which sensor is designed and configured to detect the presence, current position, and / or movement of a guest or to detect the presence, current position, and / or movement of another event furniture component. This sensor technology can be particularly advantageous for safety reasons. For example, it can be detected when a guest of the animated restaurant leaves their seat and any movement of the corresponding event furniture component can be appropriately adjusted, e.g., gently stopped.

[0027] It is also very useful to use sensors to monitor the docking processes of different table parts and, if necessary, intervene in the mechanical movement or trigger special (show) effects. For example, a virtual protective barrier with various safety zones can be placed around event furniture components in order to regulate traffic and coupling processes safely and efficiently. In this case, speeds and driving forces can be reduced as a precaution if another event furniture component or other object is located in the safety zone. However, as an additional effect during the critical and final coupling process, red-colored or red-illuminated fog could also be emitted and / or a sound effect could be played or an area could vibrate when touched. The corresponding zones should be freely programmable.

[0028] There are a variety of options for the concrete implementation of such a sensor system. For example, interface scanners, pressure sensors, IR sensors, or optical sensors can be used to implement the system.

[0029] It is also advantageous if at least one user interface is arranged on at least one table and / or at least one chair, for example, for influencing the machine's movement by a guest and / or for carrying out ordering processes. It is also advantageous to additionally or alternatively provide a display for displaying information. Such a user interface can then be implemented, for example, as a touch panel or as a special tablet PC integrated into the event furniture component in question, which communicates via signals with an external controller that further processes user requests.

[0030] Apart from the possibility of offering food and drinks and placing orders, information can also be presented here as a basis for decisions regarding the further course of the restaurant visit and the guest's preferences for the further course of the restaurant visit can be queried.

[0031] For example, if the meal is embedded in an animated adventure story, several possible sequels could be put to a vote, so that, depending on the outcome of the respective votes, multiple visits to the restaurant, despite the same theme, result in different experiences. Alternatively, one could, for example, use a singles exchange to enter preferences for the participant near whom one would like to sit for the next course, possibly supported by brief information about this information available on the display. In this scenario, the preferences of all guests could be evaluated by a central control system, an optimized seating arrangement could be calculated based on this, and the guests could be transported there with their event furniture.A similar concept can be applied when organizing family celebrations to ensure that every family member has the most positive experience possible.

[0032] It is particularly advantageous if at least one device for sensory stimulation of a guest sitting at the table and / or chair is arranged on at least one table and / or at least one chair—regardless of whether the table or chair forms a standalone event furniture component or is part of a unit that constitutes the standalone event furniture component. This device for sensory stimulation of a guest can be implemented in a variety of ways.

[0033] First, visual stimulation is possible, which in the simplest case can be achieved by providing content on a screen. Another type of visual stimulation is projection onto a surface, such as a tabletop. Using modern projection technology, virtual objects can be created on such a surface that can appear deceptively real. For example, when embedding a restaurant visit in an "Expedition to Africa" ​​theme, a stream of giant ants can appear to crawl across the table. This type of projection can also conceal the fact that an object has actually disappeared from the table by replacing it with its projection. Other types of visual effects can be achieved through adjusting the lighting, fogging, confetti projection, and similar measures.

[0034] Secondly, acoustic stimulation is possible. In addition to simply playing content through a locally located loudspeaker, this can also be achieved with a much more complex sound system that generates specific sound effects based on input from a higher-level control system or from read sensors. For example, the position of the chair the guest is sitting on could be monitored, and a creaking sound could be played with each movement, or a camera surveillance could identify a drinking action, which would then be accompanied by loud drinking noises.

[0035] Another highly interesting alternative is to embed a story in a frame story and output locally different information via the respective loudspeaker, for example, listening in on conversations that are possible from some positions in the room but not from others. This way, for example, murder mystery dinners can be made even more interesting and guests can be encouraged to attend the same event multiple times to experience the story again from a different perspective.

[0036] Thirdly, olfactory stimulation is possible by releasing specific local odors. For example, the smell of fire can significantly intensify the experience of a fire in the adventure story that animates the restaurant visit. Or if the story takes place at sea, one can try to olfactorily recreate the salty smell of the sea. If the animation also involves characters and / or actors, their appearance can also be olfactorily underscored, for example, by releasing an intense scent of rum when the pirate captain walks past the table.

[0037] Fourthly, stimulation can also be haptic, for which a variety of implementation options exist. Vibrations, which can be used to underline an event, were already mentioned above. Blowing hot air from a fan, from the direction of a fire depicted in the animation, or from the mouth of a seemingly passing animal, for example, projected, can also create very impressive effects. Liquids can also be used successfully here, for example, through spray devices.

[0038] In a preferred refinement of this embodiment, the device for sensory stimulation is operated in synchronization with the machine-controlled movement to create a harmonious overall experience. This is particularly possible when a local control of devices on the table and / or a control for moving the table (which can also be the same local control on the table as the control of devices) interacts with a higher-level control and / or navigation system. However, such interaction is explicitly considered to be advantageous in its own right even outside of the exemplary embodiments of this refinement or the refined embodiment.

[0039] It has also proven advantageous to have an external controller for controlling the individual machine-controlled movement. This is preferably a higher-level controller that not only controls the machine-controlled movement of an event furniture component by transmitting suitable control commands to the drive, but also coordinates and / or synchronizes the external controller for the individual machine-controlled movement of multiple event furniture components, e.g., multiple tables, multiple table sections of the at least one table, and / or chairs. Accordingly, it preferably also has a navigation module that can determine the target and preferably also the actual position of the event furniture components at any time, or it communicates with such a navigation module.

[0040] Especially if a global device for sensory stimulation is also present, it is advantageous if this is also controlled by the external controller.

[0041] For safety reasons and to ensure orderly operational processes, it is advantageous to have control devices for event staff that communicate with the external control system and allow intervention in the external control system's processes. Technically, this can be achieved, for example, through a wireless connection or a "by-wire" connection. These control devices advantageously feature approval and / or manipulation buttons with which program sequences can be started, stopped, modified in a predefined manner, or interrupted. Thus, just a single keystroke or a few keystrokes are sufficient to control and / or influence even complex processes.

[0042] In this way, visual control can be provided in addition to technical safety features. If, for example, the relevant staff member detects that a guest is endangering themselves or others, a gentle stop or emergency stop can be initiated at the touch of a button. If, for example, they notice that the projection of giant ants mentioned above is causing a guest to panic due to ant phobia, the corresponding projection can be deactivated specifically at that table. This ensures a smooth and harmonious event.

[0043] Another technical option for providing the functionalities described above is voice control, which can be used to trigger or activate security functions and / or show commands—possibly using special voice codes to prevent accidental activation. Such voice control can also be used in interactive formats to enable guests to participate.

[0044] A further advantageous development of the invention provides that the event furniture further comprises at least one buffet device which has means for carrying out an individual, machine-controlled movement which can be realized in the same way as the individual, machine-controlled movements already discussed.

[0045] A buffet device is understood in particular to mean devices on which prepared food is presented for consumption; it could also be a sushi conveyor, for example. An example of an animation scene that can be designed in this way is the replacement of the actual serving process – one sits at the table waiting for the food, which suddenly splits, while the corresponding buffet device moves out of the kitchen and positions itself in the center of the table before the table sections are docked onto the buffet device. Another possible variant is that the food essentially "flees," i.e., moves away with the buffet device and must first be "caught up" or chased by the respective chair-table section units.

[0046] Another advantageously usable event furniture component is a wall, partition, or privacy screen element that features means for executing an individual, machine-controlled movement, which can be implemented in the same way as the individual, machine-controlled movements already discussed. This event furniture component can also fulfill a variety of functions. On the one hand, it can serve, particularly in scenarios with a large table that separates into individual tables, to create privacy in a conventional way, or it can be used at a singles exchange when someone has found a supposed dream partner and thus, in a sense, to remove themselves from the market. On the other hand, it can serve as an additional projection surface or as a mobile source of sensory stimulation within the room.But it can also be used as a tension-enhancing element in the form of an obstacle that only disappears at the last minute, when a collision seems almost inevitable.

[0047] According to the invention, a docking station for supplying other event furniture components, which have means for carrying out an individual, machine-controlled movement, with energy and / or operating material, for example compressed air or components of special effects such as liquids, confetti or the like, is included.

[0048] An advantageous embodiment of the means for implementing the individual, machine-controlled movement comprises at least one air cushion, which enables particularly low-friction movement across the floor. Advantageously, the air cushion has a sealing element with a base body and a sealing lip that is movably arranged on the base body such that it is pressed against the floor when the air cushion is activated. Alternatively or additionally, the air cushion can have a separately inflatable support ring with a sliding coating and, optionally, one or more additional sealing ridges.

[0049] Alternatively, the means for implementing the machine-controlled movement can also be a magnetic system, a friction wheel, and the friction wheels or Mecanum wheels can be software-coupled and freely controllable for controlling the machine-controlled movement. This enables maximum mobility and maneuverability in the tightest of spaces. To facilitate adaptation to different floor coverings, it is advantageous if existing friction wheels or Mecanum wheels are height-adjustable.

[0050] Preferably, a drive or a power supply or a local control or a combination of these assemblies is provided on at least one component of the event furniture with means for carrying out an individual machine-controlled movement.

[0051] Another optional but advantageous event furniture component is a robotic arm or robot, which can be attached, for example, to a rail system suspended from the restaurant's ceiling. This robot can perform serving processes, interact with guests, or take orders.

[0052] Such an interaction can be made particularly interesting if the robot or robot arm is equipped with a bust onto which faces can be projected. This could be the faces of famous people, for example, or other visual material, e.g., from photos or videos taken in advance by relatives or friends. The voice of the robot or robot arm is preferably also adapted accordingly. For example, in such a case, the robot arm could approach the guest, and the guest would be asked in her voice by a face that looks like their mother's, what they want to eat or where they've been.

[0053] Such a robotic arm or robot can alternatively or additionally also ensure the movement of the event furniture components by providing the drive or controlling the drive. To this end, at least one component of the event furniture should preferably have an interface for interaction with a robotic arm or robot, which provides means for performing an individual, machine-controlled movement.

[0054] In concrete terms, this could involve a robot arm engaging a protected section with a positive and force fit, thus either driving the movement or directing it with navigational forces. Of course, the robot or robot arm can also provide the control impulses, for example, by operating a joystick or transmitting contactless signals, such as near-field communication. The latter, in particular, can create the impression that the movement occurs as if by magic.

[0055] In particular, this allows for the realization of moonwalk scenes in which, for example, a robot coming from the ceiling pulls the table and slight changes in speed (acceleration and braking) are also physically perceived.

[0056] Larger robots can also be used as event furniture components, which can then move, for example, a complete buffet module, a guest or a guest together with the event furniture component on which the guest is arranged.

[0057] If several event furniture components in the form of robots are present, it is also possible to have the robots work together, for example by forming a chain along which event furniture components or food are passed on or in a robot-on-robot configuration in which, for example, a larger robot carries a smaller one, which then serves, or vice versa.

[0058] It is also conceivable to give the guest the opportunity to interact with another guest via a piece of event furniture in the form of such a robot or a drone, for example, to have a rose brought to a queen of hearts at a singles event.

[0059] To facilitate this, it can be particularly advantageous if identification features, such as numeric codes, are arranged on the event furniture components. By entering the appropriate information on an input unit located on the individual event furniture component, a type of contact can be initiated, e.g., by vibrating a chair accompanied by a rotating movement, transmitting a short text message to a display on another event furniture component, or by a pointer that can be extended or moved—possibly also from another event furniture component—to draw attention to the trigger.

[0060] Another advantageous way to create such identification features, which can also be used to provide and transmit information, is to equip event furniture components with RFID modules.

[0061] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures illustrating exemplary embodiments. It shows: Fig. 1: a plan of an example of an event system, viewed from above, Fig. 2: an example of a movable event furniture component in the form of a table-chair combination, Fig. 3: a schematic example of a table formation, which can be arranged with the movable event furniture components from Figure 2 is feasible, Fig.4: an example of an interaction with a robot arm, Fig.5a: a cross-section through one of the tables for 4 people from Figure 3during a first phase of a possible loading with food, Fig.5b: a cross-section through one of the tables for 4 people from Figure 3 during a second phase of a possible loading with food, Fig.6: a schematic example of a first table formation, in which the movable event furniture components from Figure 2 are docked to a buffet module, Fig.7: a schematic example of a second table formation, in which the movable event furniture components are made of Figure 2 are docked to a buffet module, Fig.8: an example of the use of a robot arm in the movement of event furniture components that can be moved in the room or a table formation composed of them, Fig.9: a schematic example of a table formation in which the event furniture components that can be moved in the room consist of Figure 2are docked to a show cooking module, Fig.10: an example of the use of a robot arm in supplying a table formation with food, Fig.11: a layout diagram for a control system, Fig.12: an embodiment of an air cushion pad sealing element, Fig.13: a first variant of the event furniture component from Figure 2 , and Fig.14: a second variant of the event furniture system from Figure 2.

[0062] Identical objects are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures unless otherwise stated. However, to improve clarity, not all reference symbols are included in every figure.

[0063] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary restaurant system as an example of an event system 10 for an animated restaurant, which is located in a restaurant with a bar area 9, experience area 2,Appetizer area 3, two areas for main courses 4,5, a dessert area 6 as well as sanitary area 7 and kitchen area 8 and can be operated, for example, with the theme "space travel".

[0064] The event system 10 has a number of special features: A first special feature is that the tables 11 with the associated chairs, which are located in Figure 1 symbolized as a rectangle, and whose current number of seats is entered in the rectangle, are formed by groups of event furniture components with means of movement for mechanical movement in the space, each of which, by way of example, comprises a chair and a table, which forms a table part with respect to a composite table 11, of which the event furniture part can be a temporary component. An exemplary embodiment of such an event furniture part will now be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 2:

[0065] Figure 2shows an example of a mechanically movable event furniture component 100 in the room, which in this case is designed as a chair 110 arranged together with a table or table part 120 on a base plate 130. The position of the chair 110 relative to the table or table part 120 can be changed by a support frame 111, to which a seat 112 with armrests 1121 and movable backrest 1122 is connected via a quick coupling 1111, so that the seat 112 and the attachments arranged on it can be easily and quickly replaced, for example when the theme of the event system changes or when the target group changes, such as when a children's birthday party took place in the afternoon and a speed dating event is to take place in the evening.

[0066] The support frame 111 has a sliding mechanism 1112 for moving the chair 110 toward and away from the table or table part 120, a lifting mechanism 1113 for changing the seat height relative to the base plate 130, a rotation mechanism 1114 for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the base plate 130, and a tilting mechanism 1115, which preferably implements a tilting movement along a guide to move the pivot point to the position of the average body center of gravity. Optionally, these mechanisms can also be driven, for example, by electric motors, and controlled via wireless communication means.

[0067] In this exemplary embodiment, the seating surface 112 itself also contains a device for sensory simulation 1123 of a guest 1 of the animated restaurant, which here is exemplary a vibration element. This device for sensory stimulation 1123 is controlled by a first controller, for example, via a wireless connection. The control is, in particular, synchronized with a mechanical movement of the event furniture component 100. This can be used in a variety of ways—for example, to underline the mechanical movement, for example, to convey the impression of a bumpy track during a driving movement, but also as a signal that a movement will soon occur for which the guest 1 should prepare.

[0068] Furthermore, a sensor 1124 for detecting seat occupancy is integrated into the seat surface 112. The first controller can also access this data, for example, as part of a safety check before initiating the mechanical movement or to save effects in an empty seat. A control element 1125, which can also be designed as a sensor and whose status is read by the controller, is arranged on the armrest 1122; this can, for example, be used to acknowledge a movement or to signal that guest 1 is now ready for an upcoming movement.

[0069] The armrests 1122 can preferably also be adjusted in height and fully lowered, which can be used to meet content-specific requirements and to create surprise effects. For this purpose, a central guide with a drive can be integrated into the backrest.

[0070] The table or table part 120 has a table top 121, which is connected via a quick coupling 122 to a preferably height-adjustable frame 123, which is attached to the base plate 130. In this exemplary embodiment, the table top 121 has a plurality of components, which can also be used individually or in groups and are largely independent of one another.

[0071] For example, transmitters and / or receivers 1211 can be arranged on the edges of the table top 121, which enable the determination of the position and location of the event furniture component 100 in the room and are preferably integrated into a navigation system which, in particular, locates the positions of all event furniture components.

[0072] If such a navigation system is available, this positioning can also be supported by the signals from contact loops that run in the ground.

[0073] The edges of the table top 121 can also have distance sensors 1212, by means of which the coupling processes between different event furniture components 100 are monitored and / or sensors 1213 as safety sensors, for example in the form of pressure sensors or optical sensors, which reliably prevent a body part of a guest that is currently located in the edge area of ​​a table top 121 from being trapped during the mechanical movement or indicate that the guest is ready for the next action or ensure - insofar as this is not already ensured by the transmitters and / or receivers 1211 in cooperation with the navigation system or in addition to this as redundant security - that when approaching another event furniture component, the speed of the movement is adequately adjusted.

[0074] Furthermore, means for generating special effects 1214, i.e. further devices for sensory stimulation, can be arranged directly or indirectly on the table top 121, e.g. LEDs, nozzles for releasing mist, moisture, vibration elements or the like.

[0075] Displays 1215, 1216 can also be arranged on the tabletop 121, which are preferably connected to the tabletop 121 or integrated into it. These also represent additional devices for sensory stimulation; they can inform or entertain the guest 1. If the displays 1215, 1216 are designed as touch displays, they can also serve as input means and control elements for the guest 1; however, separate control elements 1217, such as a pull-out control panel in this case, can also be provided.

[0076] On such a display 1215, 1216 at the assigned location, it may be possible, in particular, to retrieve personalized content that the guest voluntarily disclosed during registration. This can also be done synchronously.

[0077] Furthermore, a type of Jude Box could be integrated in the area of ​​the displays on or at the table, where certain variants suitable for the content, e.g. in the form of film, image, sound or light content, are stored, between which a choice can be made - if necessary by majority decision of all guests.

[0078] Playful interactive opportunities can also be offered, especially related to the respective content, through which the guest can then earn a reward, for example. For example, they could be given the task of identifying and acknowledging certain hidden features in the content during the event. Points could then be credited to a bonus account, which they can then use to receive additional services later in the visit, such as an additional course or a special drink.

[0079] A housing 127 is arranged around the frame 123, which forms a protected technical space for the components accommodated inside it, which are necessary for the operation of the event furniture and in particular some of the components necessary for the mechanical movement.

[0080] The means of movement for mechanical movement can be categorized as follows: Such means for mechanical movement of an object, and in particular of a mechanically movable event furniture component, can generally be categorized as follows: First, there are support elements that bring the object to be moved into a position or hold it there where it can be moved without significant friction. Examples of such support elements include wheels or (ball) rollers, air cushions, but they can also be implemented using suitable magnetic systems. Obviously, this type of support element is absolutely necessary for mechanical movement.

[0081] Secondly, there are drive means that generate the actual movement of the object to be moved. Depending on their design, these can also serve as support means or coincide with them, as is the case with driven wheels, particularly friction or Mecanum wheels, or wheel axles. Such drive means do not necessarily have to be completely mounted on the object to be moved; however, at least a subcomponent must be coupled to a part of the drive means not mounted on the object to be moved, for example, via magnetic interaction in a magnetic system or via mechanical engagement, e.g., in a system with conveyor chains.

[0082] Thirdly, there are control means that specify the movement to be performed by the drive means. These can be located locally on the object to be moved or not on the object to be moved. In the first case, they can be designed to operate semi-autonomously, as in floor transport systems or in concepts for autonomous driving in vehicles. In the second case, the drive means receive the control commands from an external controller. Mixed cases are also possible in which a subordinate controller is located locally on the object to be moved, but also receives and executes control commands from a higher-level controller that is not located on the object to be moved.

[0083] Fourthly, in all cases, to implement the synchronization according to the invention, at least one communication module is usually present on the object to be moved, with which control commands and data can be exchanged with another controller.

[0084] Fifthly, resource storage and / or resource generators can also form an essential part of the means for mechanical movement, for example in a system with air cushions a compressed air reservoir as resource storage and a compressor as resource generator, or for example a storage capacitor (CAP), a supercapacitor super CAP, a battery or an accumulator as resource storage for the needs of a local, electrically driven drive means, a local control and / or the communication module or means for inductive power transmission as resource generation.

[0085] In the Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment of a mechanically movable event furniture component 100, the support means 131 are provided on the underside of the base plate 130, which can be designed, for example, as air cushion pads, magnets, ball rollers or the like.

[0086] The drive system used in Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment of a mechanically movable event furniture item, at least one electrically driven friction wheel 132, preferably a pair of electrically driven friction wheels 132, is arranged to rotate about a preferably vertically extending axis, wherein this rotational movement is also driven. This rotatability is preferably realized at the quadrant point of the friction wheel 132. Irrespective of this, it is preferred if the rotation is realized with the highest possible resolution of the angular increments.

[0087] Additionally, a powered height adjustment mechanism 133 is provided for the electrically driven friction wheel 132 or the pair of electrically driven friction wheels to enable fine adjustment of the load distribution and contact pressure. It goes without saying that the base plate 130 has an opening through which the friction wheels 132 are in contact with the ground. Of course, such an arrangement can be implemented in the same way with Mecanum wheels.

[0088] The friction wheels 132, including their electric drive and the height adjustment mechanism 133, are housed in the housing 127 together with an operating medium storage device 134, specifically a battery for the power supply of the electrical components and, in the case of the use of an air cushion or air cushion pad, a compressed air storage device, as well as local control means 135 and a communication module 136, which preferably operates wirelessly and establishes the signal communication with the controller 13.

[0089] It is particularly preferred if the support means 131 are designed as air cushions, which is particularly advantageous in conjunction with a drive means in the form of at least one friction wheel 132 or Mecanum wheel, which is height-adjustable by a height adjustment mechanism 133. Air from an operating fluid reservoir 134, which has a compressed air reservoir, preferably in the form of a replaceable compressed air cartridge, is guided via a corresponding line system (not shown) to openings in the base plate 130. The openings are each surrounded individually or in groups on the side facing the floor by air cushion pad sealing elements, the shape of which corresponds, for example, to the circumference of a rectangle, square, circle or another geometric shape. Air cushion pad sealing elements 150, as shown in Figure 12 shown in half-side cross-section.

[0090] The Figure 12The air cushion 140 with sealing element 150 shown has a base body 155. In the outer edge region of the base body 155, a sealing lip 151 is arranged, which is pressed against the floor 152 by the supply of compressed air when the air cushion 140 is activated, but is matched to the respective floor covering - preferably a hard flooring without recessed joints, such as parquet - in such a way that the best possible sliding properties of the sealing lip 151 on the floor 152 are achieved, which can be verified using the experimentally determinable friction coefficients.

[0091] In addition, a support ring 153 with a sliding coating is provided on the base body 155, separate from the sealing lip 151 and preferably arranged further toward the nearest outer edge of the sealing element 150. The internal pressure of the support ring can be adjusted by being separately inflated with supplied compressed air or by releasing compressed air in a finely metered manner via a valve (not shown). Additional sealing ridges 154 can be arranged on the underside of the support ring 153 as a secondary seal.

[0092] The sealing element 150 thus enables variable control of pressures in the air cushion and support ring 153, allowing the relationship between air demand and sliding properties to be precisely controlled. Another parameter that can be used for adjustment is the height position of a height-adjustable drive means, in particular friction wheels 132 or Mecanum wheels.

[0093] As the Figures 13 and 14However, other event furniture components 200, 250, 300, 350 with means of mechanical movement are also conceivable, which do not have both a seat and a table component. Figure 13 Specifically, a variant with an event furniture component 200 is shown, which differs from the event furniture component 100 in that it does not have a table top and, accordingly, the components arranged on the table top 121 of the event furniture component 100 are omitted. Instead, the table - which can optionally also be an add-on part of a buffet device - is shown here as a separate event furniture component 250 with - for the embodiment of the Figure 2 identical means for mechanical movement, to which the separate chair forming the event furniture component 200 can be coupled with an optional coupling device 201.

[0094] The Figure 14The variant shown is particularly suitable for cases in which a bar-like atmosphere is desired, for example when an event such as speed dating is the theme of the animated restaurant. The event furniture component 300 is fundamentally identical to the event furniture component 100 and differs from it primarily with regard to the table height and the height of the chair. The event furniture component 350 has no seating at all, but only a (standing) table; here the guest stands on a base plate 350 during movement. The means for mechanical movement and the sensor technology can, however, be designed for both the event furniture component 300 and the event furniture component 350 in the same way as described above for the event furniture component 100.

[0095] As a consequence of the fact that the event furniture components 100, 200, 250, 300, 350 are equipped with means for mechanical movement within the room, a first controller can control the movement of these event furniture components in particular within the room. For example, a number of tables can be moved together through the restaurant and then split up or reconfigured into other groups of tables with associated chairs 11.

[0096] A second special feature of the event system 10 is that it has devices 12—shown only schematically here—for sensory stimulation of guests of the animated restaurant, which are distributed across the various areas. In particular, this is realized here as visual stimulation through projection devices and the underpinning of these visual effects with sound effects, as will become clear below. However, olfactory effects can also be realized through the release of aromatic substances or haptic effects, e.g., vibrations, spray mist, air currents, or the like. The output of the sensory stimulation can be easily adapted to the desired theme through appropriate programming; even individualization of the content may be possible.

[0097] The third special feature of the event system 10 is that the movement of the event furniture components and the sensory stimulation of the guests 1 arranged thereon are controlled by a component of a control system 13, which is also Figure 1 is only shown schematically, but now based on the Figure 11 will be explained in more detail.

[0098] In the execution figure of the Figure 12 The controller 13 is constructed such that the first controller 1901, which is configured according to the invention to synchronize the mechanical movement and the output of the device for sensory stimulation of guests of the animated restaurant, is formed by a master or main controller. This first controller 1901 is in signal communication with a plurality of subordinate controllers, from which it receives data and to which it issues control commands, namely in particular a chair controller 1902, which controls the degrees of freedom of movement and special effects, such as the vibration of the chair 110 of the event furniture component 100, and forwards sensor data from sensors arranged on the chair 110 to the first controller 901; a table controller 1903, which controls the degrees of freedom of movement and special effects of the table or table part 120 of the event furniture component 100, and forwards sensor data from sensors arranged on the table or table part 120 to the first controller 1901; a lighting controller 1904, which controls lighting and lighting effects in the various areas of the animated restaurant; a fan controller 1905, which controls locally and globally provided fans for circulating the air and generating haptic effects through the air flow; a buffet controller 1906;with which, in particular, event furniture components in the form of mechanically moved buffets are moved around the room and which transmits their coordinates to the first controller 1901 for navigation, a robot controller 1907, with which, in particular, event furniture components in the form of mechanically moved robots are moved around the room, which controls their interaction with guests and the environment and which transmits their coordinates to the first controller 1901 for navigation, a sound controller 1908, with which the sound effects are generated and coordinated during the operation of the animated restaurant, a projection controller 1909, with which the visual effects, in particular the projections, are generated and coordinated during the operation of the animated restaurant, a navigation controller 1910, with which, in particular, the movement of the mechanically moved event furniture components 100 is controlled and monitored, a calibration controller 1911 WHAT DOES??? an operator controller 1912,with which event employees can actively intervene in the running of the animated restaurant via an operating device and which, on the other hand, provides the event employees with information when certain operating materials are running low, and a docking station control 1913, with which the charging of the event furniture components 100 with electricity, compressed air and / or other consumables is controlled by a docking station.

[0099] In order to make the operating principle of Event System 10 more understandable, an exemplary operation with the topic "space travel" will now be described.

[0100] The guests first enter the bar area 1, which can be decorated like a spaceport hangar, for example, and wait there with an aperitif until everyone has arrived, has decided on a particular menu, and the event furniture is ready for use.

[0101] A door to the experience area 2 then opens, whereby the guests can be led to believe, through projection, for example by means of the sensory stimulation device 12 in the bar area 1, that it is the door of a spaceship that they are now entering.

[0102] In the section of the experience area 2 that they have now entered, the guests first find a table 11 with 12 seats, which - although this does not necessarily have to be recognizable at first, but can even be concealed to achieve surprise effects, in particular by means of the device for sensory stimulation 12 through a suitable projection - actually consists of 12 individual event furniture components, e.g. the chair-table assemblies 100, which were described above in connection with Figure 2 described in detail, each of which is individually mechanically movable.

[0103] It should be noted that this area in particular is also well suited to providing docking stations 16, at which the event furniture components are supplied with operating resources such as electricity in the form of charging an accumulator, compressed air, operating resources for special effects and the like; firstly because this ensures that the operating resources required during the event are available at the beginning of the event and secondly because at this point the event furniture components usually remain in one place for quite some time.

[0104] After all guests have sat down and an acknowledgement signal has been given, a countdown 14 begins, which ends with a rocket launch simulated by the sensory stimulation device 12 in the experience area 2.

[0105] During the rocket launch, the 12-seat table 11 in experience area 2 begins to move, accompanied by the corresponding acoustic accompaniment provided by the sensory stimulation device 12. The control system 13 moves the twelve individual event furniture components together and synchronously through experience area 2. Synchronized with this movement, the control system 13 causes the sensory stimulation device 12 in experience area 2 to project moving images onto the walls of experience area 2 to create the impression of the rocket moving. Sound effects can also be added to the background.

[0106] A particularly convincing perception can be created if mechanically movable wall, partition or privacy screen elements 15 with windows are moved by the control system synchronously with the table 11 with 12 seats, so that the moving projection onto the walls of the experience area 2 is followed through the windows and the impression of being stationary in a spaceship is thus further reinforced.

[0107] Furthermore, additional effects can be produced by the same or a different sensory stimulation device 12 to enhance the space travel experience. For example, vibrating devices located in the chairs of the event participants can be vibrated by the controller during the launch sequence.

[0108] At the end of the simulated "space flight," for example, the arrival at a space station can be projected. A mechanically moved wall element 15 is lowered into the ground, and the appetizer area 3, designed as another hangar, opens up to the guests' view. To their astonishment, however, the table 11 for 12 people, at which they have been sitting together, now begins to divide, and the individual event furniture components 100 independently perform mechanical movements under the control of the controller 13, which ultimately transform them into, for example, four tables 11 for four people, which, by means of mechanical movement, can be arranged at predetermined locations in the room, each consisting of four event furniture components 100, according to Figure 2 configured, i.e. a configuration as exemplified in Figure 3 is outlined. Of course, other groupings are also possible.

[0109] The way this configuration is generated can be defined in different ways. For example, it can be based on a previous order, such as in Bar Area 1, so that people who want the same appetizer end up at the same multi-person table, or the number of different appetizers available at each table is maximized.

[0110] A very attractive variant from an experience perspective can be that the grouping of event furniture components is given an interaction with another mechanically movable event furniture component in the form of a robot or robot arm 400, as can now be seen from the Figure 4 described in more detail.

[0111] In Figure 4 are two examples of mechanically movable event furniture components 100, as described above in the context of Figure 2described, in an interconnected state and with guest 1 arranged thereon. Furthermore, another event furniture component can be seen in the form of a robot or robot arm 400 hanging from a guide rail 401 with the aid of its driven automated drive unit as a movement means 402 for carrying out a mechanical movement.

[0112] In principle, such a robot or robot arm 400 can also move on the floor, but the embodiment suspended from the guide rail 401, which is part of a rail system, has the advantage that the already complex control of the mechanically movable event furniture components 100 is not further simplified by additional event furniture components moving on the floor, which do not necessarily have to be present there.

[0113] The robot or robot arm moves in response to a command from the first controller 901 and begins interacting with the guests 1. A voice interface, such as that used in computer assistance systems such as Siri or Alexa, can be used to evaluate the results of the interaction and, if necessary, to translate them into actions, for example, during an ordering process.

[0114] This can, for example, take the form of a type of access control for entering the space station, which is carried out by the robot or robot arm 400. The robot or robot arm 400 queries certain preferences, and the controller 901 determines or calculates the configuration of the mechanically movable event components 100 based on this query, so that, for example, initially unknown people with similar interests or professional backgrounds are brought together at a given table configuration. However, it is also possible to carry out the ordering process only at this point through interaction with the robot or robot arm.

[0115] At this point, it should be mentioned that, even if this is not always explicitly mentioned, a sensory accompaniment of the experience and / or embedding of the restaurant visit in a story or theme can be continued by the respective sensory stimulation devices 12, for example by projecting images, sound effects, vibrations and other haptic experiences or generating smells.

[0116] After a given table configuration has been established, the starter can then be prepared in the starter area 3. In principle, this can be done by event staff or by robot arms, but another very astonishing variant is to have the food appear on the table from above or from below, so to speak, from the table, as is now the case with the example of the Figures 5a and 5b is explained in detail.

[0117] In Figure 5aare two examples of mechanically movable event furniture components 100, as described above in the context of Figure 2 described, in an interconnected state and with guest 1 arranged thereon. Furthermore, in the interior formed by the housings 127, a means for the automated provision of food 501 can already be seen, implemented as a stamp that can be moved out of an opening in the floor, on which a buffet container 502 is arranged, which contains the selected starter of the guest 1.

[0118] In order to actually bring the appetizer onto the table or table part 120, the mechanically movable event furniture components 100 slide imperceptibly apart a little, as shown in Figure 5bis shown, so that the extendable stamp with the buffet container 502 arranged thereon can be moved out to the level of the table tops 121 and the food in the buffet container 502 becomes accessible to the guests 1.

[0119] However, it is also possible to arrange the buffet container in the event furniture component from the beginning and then have it appear on the table top using a lifting mechanism that the event furniture component has.

[0120] This procedure is particularly effective when the food is provided while the sensory stimulation device 12 distracts attention.

[0121] For example, a view of a portion of the space station into space could be projected onto a wall of the appetizer area. Suddenly, a dot in this image begins to move, which guests 1 are alerted to by an audible message, "Intruder alert! Intruder alert!" Additionally, the first controller 901 automatically rotates the chairs 110 so that guests can see the moving dot while looking straight ahead. The dot grows larger and larger and reveals itself to be an alien spaceship. Laser cannons open fire on the spaceship, which shoots back and continues toward the space station. It is hit and loses control.An acoustic warning "Impact! Impact" sounds, and the spaceship collides with the projected portion of the space station. At the same time, a shock is simulated by the chairs' vibration modules. This moment is used to separate the mechanically movable event furniture components 100 and prepare the appetizer. After a large explosion accompanied by visual, acoustic, and vibrational noises, the chairs 110 are returned to their original position by command from the first control 1901 to the chair control 1902, and the guests are surprised to find their appetizer on the table.

[0122] It should be noted that, not least because the entire visit to the animated restaurant can be lengthy, the need to use the restroom must also be taken into account, for which purpose sanitary area 7 is provided. Due to the mechanical movements of event furniture components that occur, it is preferable if, when visiting sanitary area 7, the movement there also occurs while guest 1 is positioned on a piece of event furniture. Guest 1 can initiate the restroom visit, for example, by registering a corresponding need on a control tablet. The control system then calculates a suitable time and route and controls the mechanical movement of the corresponding piece of event furniture, whereby it can also take into account the current occupancy level of sanitary area 7, so that waiting times in the queue for the restrooms can be minimized.However, access to sanitary area 7 should preferably take place during the consumption phases in areas 3, 4, 5 or 6 and not in the transition phases between stays in these areas.

[0123] After the starter has been consumed, the tables 11 or the event furniture components from which they are composed move independently again, i.e. controlled and choreographed by the control system 13, so that a synchronization with the output of the device for sensory stimulation 12 takes place - for example in a form of movement coordinated with the type of musical accompaniment, e.g. in rotating movements to the sounds of waltzes - in movement to the next area, the first area for main courses 4.

[0124] In principle, this can take place after the used dishes and cutlery have been removed - by staff, robots, or elevators. Another entertaining possibility is for the event furniture components to first be placed in a sector of the kitchen area 8, in order to return the used dishes and cutlery themselves. While the guest moves into this area with the event furniture, a film can be projected in this area, for example, by the device 12 for sensory stimulation, which expands the perceived reality. For example, the used plates could be placed by a real gripper arm onto a real conveyor belt, which disappears into a projection screen, but which is continued in the projection into a kitchen operated by aliens, where, for example,a food monster takes plates from the conveyor belt, pours leftovers into its mouth, and then hands the plate to another alien type, who licks it with an oversized tongue and then places it on a conveyor belt of "clean" plates.

[0125] Event furniture component 100 then moves past such a conveyor belt with clean plates emerging from the projection screen, and guest 1 is acoustically and / or visually prompted to take such a plate—which, for example, could also have a slightly moist or slightly slimy surface, an unusual temperature, and / or a strange smell, to create connections to the "cleaning" of the plates by the aliens in the film—from the conveyor belt if the first area for main courses 4 is operated as a buffet area. This illusion is particularly powerful when guests receive individually distinguishable plates and the plate taken from the conveyor belt looks exactly like the one they handed over.

[0126] The event furniture component then moves to a buffet element and docks onto it. Possible example configurations of the event furniture components for a first area for main courses 4 in a buffet operation are shown in the Figures 6 and 7 .

[0127] In the Figure 6 In the configuration shown, two event furniture components in the form of hexagonal buffet tables 600 can be seen, to each of whose sides a mechanically movable event furniture component 100 is docked. Here, but not necessarily, the event furniture components 600 designed as buffet tables each have means of movement for carrying out a mechanically controlled movement, which makes it possible, while the guests 1 are in another area, to move the event furniture components 600 designed as buffet tables in a mechanically controlled manner into a section of the kitchen area 8 and to refill them there for the next guests.

[0128] In the Figure 7 In the configuration shown, an event furniture component 700 designed as a sushi belt can be seen, on the sides of which six mechanically movable event furniture components 100 are docked. In this example, but not necessarily, the event furniture component 700 designed as a sushi belt itself has movement means for carrying out a mechanically controlled movement, which makes it possible, while the guests are in another area, to move the buffet tables mechanically into a section of the kitchen area 8 and refill them there for the next guests.

[0129] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that it is also possible to move an event furniture component 600,700 together with the event furniture components 100 docked to it.

[0130] This process can also be enhanced by action elements, for example, if the buffet elements themselves, embedded in the output of the sensory stimulation device 12, have means for performing a mechanical movement, move in the space, and must be "captured" by the event furniture components 100 with chair 110 and table or table section 120, which then gradually dock. Alternatively, tables can first form from the event furniture components, which then move apart when buffet tables or sushi conveyors approach and take them into their center.

[0131] After the first main course has been consumed at the buffet in the first area for main courses 4, the process continues to the second area for main courses 5. The mechanical movement of the event furniture components there can, for example, be carried out as shown by the Figure 8explained in more detail, be synchronously accompanied or controlled by an event furniture component in the form of a robot or robot arm 800, which is preferably guided on a rail system mounted on the ceiling.

[0132] In Figure 8 are two examples of mechanically movable event furniture components 100, as described above in the context of Figure 2described, in an interconnected state and with guest 1 arranged thereon. Furthermore, another event furniture component can be seen in the form of a robot or robot arm 800 suspended from a guide rail 801 with the aid of its driven automated drive unit as a movement means 802 for executing a mechanical movement. The robot or robot arm 800 moves to the robot controller 1907 in response to a command from the first controller 1901 and brings a probe 803 into proximity of the tables or table parts 120 of the connected, mechanically movable event furniture components 100.

[0133] The first controller 1901 then controls the robot or robot arm 800 via the robot controller and the mechanically movable event furniture components 100 via the navigation controller 1910 simultaneously and synchronously in such a way that the guests have the impression that their movement is caused by the robot or robot arm 800, which they, of course, cannot explain, since no interaction or coupling is recognizable (and in fact does not exist at all).

[0134] Also shown is an event employee 99 with an operating device 98, which allows the first control 1901 to be influenced via the operator control 1912 in order to be able to intervene immediately in dangerous situations that are recognizable or predictable for humans.

[0135] The movement apparently initiated by the robot or robot arm 800 can in particular also lead back over the kitchen area 8, where, for example, depending on the order, one of several show cooking stations is docked, as in Figure 9 is shown as an example.

[0136] Figure 9shows an event furniture component 900 in the form of a show cooking station 900, in the center 901 of which the chef is arranged and on each side of which four mechanically movable event furniture components 100 are docked. The guests 1 arranged thereon can then directly follow the preparation of their dishes or at least their final phase, and receive the plates freshly placed on the tables or table sections 120. After receiving the prepared meal, the event furniture components 100 move mechanically controlled further into the second area for main courses 5, where they are then configured again with other event furniture components to form a table 11 for a specific number of people.

[0137] After this course has been consumed, the event furniture components then move to the dessert area 6, where they are again assembled into a large table 11 for 12 people. The dessert can be served by a mechanically movable event furniture component in the form of a robot or robot arm 1000, as in Figure 10shown, which is suspended on a guide rail 1001, which is part of a rail system with a movement means 1002 in the form of an automated drive unit, as a buffet 1003 in a mechanically movable event furniture component 1004 in the form of a buffet module or can be served individually. During or after the consumption of the dessert, the device 12 for sensory stimulation can project the fall back to Earth onto the walls of the dessert area 6. After that, the space journey is over, and the guests are released back into the lobby area 9, where they can of course process their adventure and the many unique impressions they have experienced over a drink. List of reference symbols

[0138] 1 Guest 2 Experience area 3 Appetizer area 4, 5 Area for main courses 6 Dessert area 7 Sanitary area 8 Kitchen area 9 Bar area 10 Event system 11 Table 12 Device for sensory stimulation 13 Control system 15 Wall, partition, or screen element 16 Docking station 98 Control device 99 Event staff 100 Event furniture component 110 Chair 111 Support frame 112 Seat 120 Table or table section 121 Table top 122 Quick coupling 123 Frame 127 Housing 130 Base plate 131 Supporting means 132 Friction wheel 133 Height adjustment mechanism 134 Operating fluid storage 135 Control means 136 Communication module 140 Air cushion 150 Sealing element 151 Sealing lip 152 Floor 153 Support ring 154 Sealing comb 155 Base body 200 Event furniture component 201 Coupling device 250 Event furniture component 300 Event furniture component 350 Event furniture component 400 Robot or robot arm 401 Guide rail 402 Means of movement 501 Means for the automated provision of food 502 Buffet container 600 Event furniture component700 Event furniture component 800 Robot or robot arm 801 Guide rail 802 Means of movement 803 Probe 900 Event furniture component 901 Center 1000 Robot or robot arm 1001 Guide rail 1002 Means of movement 1003 Buffet module 1111 Quick coupling 1112 Sliding mechanism 1113 Lifting mechanism 1114 Rotation mechanism 1115 Tilting mechanism 1121 Armrest 1122 Backrest 1123 Sensory stimulation device 1124 Sensor 1125 Control element 1211 Transmitter and / or receiver 1212 Distance sensor 1213 Safety sensor 1214 Means of generating special effects 1215, 1216 Display 1217 Control element 1901 First control 1902 Chair control 1903 Table control 1904 Lighting control 1905 Fan control 1906 Buffet control 1907 Robot control 1908 Sound control 1909 Projection control 1910 Navigation control 1911 Calibration control 1912 Operator control 1913 Docking station control

Claims

1. Item of event furniture which comprises, as event furniture components (100, 200, 250, 300, 350), at least one table and at least one chair, wherein the at least one table (11, 250), a table part (120, 300, 350) of the at least one table (11), the at least one chair (110, 200), and / or a combination of the mentioned event furniture components (100, 200, 250, 300, 350) comprise means for performing an individual machine-controlled movement, such that a machine-controlled movement of different event furniture components (100, 200, 250, 300, 350) can be different at the same point in time, wherein the item of event furniture further comprises at least one docking station (16) for supplying components of the item of event furniture, which comprise means for performing an individual, machine-controlled movement, with energy and / or operating material.

2. Item of event furniture according to claim 1, characterised in that the item of event furniture comprises, as an event furniture component, a table (11) that is or can be assembled from a plurality of table parts (120, 300, 350), and chairs (110, 200) associated with said table (11).

3. Item of event furniture according to claim 2, characterised in that some table parts (120, 300) or all the table parts (120, 300) are each connected to at least one of the chairs (110) associated with the table (11) such that the table part (120, 300) and the chair (110) connected thereto form a unit as an event furniture component (100) which can be moved together in space, and that these restaurant furniture components (100) comprise means for performing a machine-controlled movement, such that the table parts (120, 300) and the chairs (110) connected thereto can be reconfigured to form a plurality of tables (11) or to form a differently assembled table (11).

4. Item of event furniture according to claim 3, characterised in that in the case of at least one event furniture component (100) a chair (110) is arranged so as to be movable relative to the table part (120).

5. Item of event furniture according to claim 4, characterised in that the movement of the chair (110) relative to the table part (120) in the case of at least one event furniture component (100) contains a driven component, and that drive means for this movement are arranged on the event furniture component (100).

6. Item of event furniture according to any of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that at least one chair (110) and / or at least one table (120) of an event furniture component (100) on the event furniture component (100) is connected to the event furniture component (100) via a quick coupling (1111, 122).

7. Item of event furniture according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that two or more table parts are provided, which can be positioned so as to overlap one another in part in at least one configuration of the item of event furniture.

8. Item of event furniture according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that at least one sensor (1124, 1213) is arranged on at least one table (120) and / or on at least one chair (110), which sensor is designed and configured for detecting the presence, the current position, and / or a movement of a guest (1) or of another event furniture component (100, 200, 250, 300, 350).

9. Item of event furniture according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that at least one device is arranged on at least one table (120) and / or on at least one chair (110), for sensory stimulation (1123, 1214) of a guest (1) sitting at the table (120) and / or on the chair (110).

10. Item of event furniture according to claim 9, characterised in that the device for sensory stimulation (1123, 1214) is operated in a manner synchronised with the machine-controlled movement.

11. Item of event furniture according to claims 1 to 10, characterised in that a global device (12) for sensory stimulation is provided, which is also controlled by the external controller (13).

12. Item of event furniture according to claim 11, characterised in that operating devices (98) for event staff (99) are present, which are in signal communication with the external controller (13) and allow for intervention in the processes of the external controller (13).

13. Item of event furniture according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the item of event furniture further comprises at least one buffet device (600, 700) which comprises means for performing an induvial, machine-controlled movement.

14. Item of event furniture according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the item of event furniture further comprises at least one wall, separating or screen element (15) which comprises means for performing an individual, machine-controlled movement.

15. Item of event furniture according to any of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the means for performing the machine-controlled movement comprise at least one air cushion (140).

16. Item of event furniture according to claim 15, characterised in that the air cushion (140) comprises a sealing element (150) having a main body (155) and a sealing lip (151) which is arranged movably on the main body (155) in such a way that it is pressed against the base (152) upon actuation of the air cushion (140).

17. Item of event furniture according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the means for performing the machine-controlled movement comprise a rail system and / or a magnet system and / or a friction when (132).

18. Item of event furniture according to claim 17, characterised in that more than one friction wheel (132) or Mecanum wheel is present, and that the friction wheels (132) or Mecanum wheels can be coupled on the software side and controlled as desired during control of the machine-controlled movement.

19. Item of event furniture according to any of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that a drive or an operating means store (134), which can in particular ensure the energy supply, or a local control means (135), or a communications module (136), or a combination of these modules, are provided on at least one event furniture component (100) with means for carrying out an individual machine-controlled movement.