A table reservation device

Abstract

A table reservation device comprises a housing, an inflatable signal means and an inflation control mechanism, wherein the mechanism is arranged to allow inflation of the signal from the housing, and

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a reservation device, in particular a reservation device for a table or similar; more particularly but not exclusively a portable device for providing a timed signal. Background Increasing demands in catering facilities, due to pressure of customers, expectations, and competing financial, public health and time constraints, leads to reservations becoming more necessary and prevalent. In particular in busy locations it may be necessary to order elsewhere and return to a reserved table to await delivery. However to remain at the table can be problematic, as a user may wish to reserve the table, alert a server and at the same time may not wish to be required to stay at the table in the interim. Prior Art US 9 633 531 (TAYLOR) discloses a signalling device for notifying servers with a pivoting arm for mounting on furniture. KR 2000 005 897 (HWANG) discloses a balloon filled with air on both sides of the balloon when the balloon is inside of the upright position of the balloon to firmly hold securely fixed to a support function. DE 19 542 511 (BECK et al) discloses a service request signalling device has a vertical post and an operating device used to move a signal flag at the top of the post between distinct positions, e.g. a raised and lowered position. US2014 / 0261149 (AMINI) discloses a system for assisting a distressed diver including a gas cannister in connection with an expandable balloon. US2012 / 0214371 (PISOR) discloses an inflatable rescue marker comprising an inflatable bladder on a line and a cylindrical hollow housing. US5231952 (TENNISWOOD) discloses a marker device for marking an underwater location with a heavier than water weight, a reel and an inflatable marker. The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a table reservation device comprising: a housing configured to be supported or mounted on a table, the housing includes a gas supply means; an inflatable signal means which is in communication with the gas supply means, and transitions from a first deflated state to a second inflated state; and an inflation control mechanism which is operative to permit inflation of the inflatable signal means to the second inflated state such that at least a portion of the inflatable signal means extends from the housing, and the inflation control mechanism is operative to deflate the inflatable signal means to the first deflated state and retract the inflatable signal means into or towards the housing at a selected time. The inflatable signal means has a flexible body defining a volume for receiving gas that can be repeatedly inflated and deflated. For example the inflatable signal means may be, or may be similar to, a balloon. In one embodiment, the housing comprises a contact surface or at least one engagement feature(s) for contacting or engaging a portion of a table. In some embodiments the housing comprises a portable housing, for example such that in some embodiments the device may be carried by a user. In some embodiments the housing may be comprised in or on a table or similar at manufacture or retail, such that the table may provide the device in use. The housing may define a cavity for receiving at least a portion of, for example all of, the inflatable signal means therein when not inflated (i.e. when in the deflated state). In this way the inflatable signal means transitions from a first deflated state in the housing to a second inflated state wherein at least part of the inflatable signal means extends from the housing providing a visible marker to notify surrounding people of the reservation. In some embodiments the housing includes a lid. The lid may for example be hingeably connected to the housing. The housing may for example comprise a base portion (providing for example the contact surface and / or engagement feature(s)), at least one side portion extending therefrom, and a lid portion connected to, for example hingeably connected to, the side portion(s). A cavity may be defined between the base portion, side portion(s) and lid portion. In one embodiment, at least a portion (for example the entirety) of the inflatable signal means (in the deflated state) may be received within the cavity of the housing. The base portion, side portion(s) and lid portion preferably substantially seal the cavity (and the inflatable signal means received therein) from the external environment, preventing dirt, grease and water ingress. The lid may be moveable from a first closed position preventing access to a cavity defined by the housing, and a second open position provided access to the cavity and inflatable signal means received therein. The lid may be attached to the housing by a living hinge. The lid may be manually or automatically displaced between the first closed and second open position. The lid and / or housing may further comprise a closure mechanism for maintaining the lid in the first closed position until intentionally moved to the second open position. The closure mechanism being configured to prevent unintentional movement of the lid. The closure mechanism may for example comprise a retaining feature in the form of a tab or clip provided by one of the lid or housing configured to be received within, for example to releasably engage, a complementary recess or aperture provided by the housing or lid. In some embodiments the lid is automatically displaced by inflation of the inflatable signal means and replaces by deflation of the inflatable signal means. For example, during inflation of the inflatable signal means within the housing, a force is exerted by the inflatable signal means onto the lid (for example when the lid is in the first closed position). When the force exerted by the inflatable signal means exceeds a predetermined value the lid automatically displaces towards the second open position. The gas supply means may comprise a means for receiving a gas supply from a gas source, or may comprise a gas source. In a preferred embodiment the gas supply means is a mouthpiece to allow a user to manually inflate the inflatable signal means. In this way a user is the gas source providing gas (air) by blowing through the mouthpiece. In other embodiments the gas supply means may comprise an electric pump mechanism that pumps gas (air) into the inflatable signal means. In another embodiment the gas supply means may be a manual pumping mechanism such as a bulb that is squeezed, or a lever that is repeatedly pumped in order to inflate the inflatable signal means. Alternatively the gas supply means includes a container or cannister of pressurised gas. Ideally pressurised gas is released selectively through a valve. For example a user may depress a button that opens the valve to release pressured gas through a channel from the container / cannister to the inflatable signal means. The inflation control mechanism enables inflation and deflation of the inflatable signal means. Preferably the inflation mechanism is separate to, or discrete to, the deflation mechanism. In some embodiments the inflation control mechanism (or inflation mechanism) comprises a gas mechanism. For example in such embodiments the inflation of the signal may be accomplished through the introduction of gas from the gas supply means into the inflatable signal means. In such embodiments deflation of the inflatable signal means may be accomplished through release of gas from the inflatable signal means. The deflation mechanism may in some embodiments comprise manual deflation. For example, a user may exert force on the inflatable signal means to urge the gas out of the signal, for example through a release valve, thereby causing deflation. It is appreciated that the device may be envisaged to comprise one or more valves, for example one way valves to control the inward and outward flow of gas from the device and in particular the flow of gas into and from the inflatable signal means. The inflation control mechanism comprises an inlet configured to provide gas to the inflatable signal means and an outlet configured to enable release of gas from the inflatable signal means. The inlet may comprise a one-way valve preventing release of gas from the inflatable signal means therethrough. The outlet may be sized to control the rate of flow of gas from the inflatable signal means therethrough, thereby controlling the rate of deflation. The outlet may include a one-way valve to allow release of gas from the inflatable signal means. In a preferred embodiment the device has three valves. A first valve is associated with the inlet, such as a mouthpiece, to prevent gas escaping through the inlet during inflation. A second valve is a pressure relief valve to allow gas to be released from the device when the desired volume of gas in the inflatable signal means has been reached, thereby preventing overinflation. A third valve is a release valve that allows controlled release of gas from the inflatable signal means during deflation. In some embodiments the inflation control mechanism comprises an electric mechanism for controlling inflation, for example when inflation is permitted and when it is stopped. For example in some embodiments the inflation control mechanism may control an electric pumping mechanism, and / or may control opening or closing of the one or more valves. In some embodiments the inflation control mechanism may include a mechanism for opening and / or closing the one or more valves under certain conditions. For example the device may include a microcontroller in communication with the one or more valves that opens a valve upon receipt of a first signal and closes a valve upon receipt of a second signal. The first or second signals may be generated upon an input by a user, such as pressing a button to indicate a reservation, or the end of a reservation. The act of pressing the button generates a signal that is processed by the microcontroller to open or close the and / or each valve. Or in an alternative embodiment a first signal may be generated to open a valve only for a predetermined time period, such as a time sufficient for the inflatable signal means to be inflated. In this way a second closing signal is not required. In some embodiments the device includes a timer. The timer may be electronically activated or mechanically activated. For example in some embodiments the timer may comprise a winder or similar. In this way the duration for which the inflatable signal means is inflated or deflated may be set to a predetermined time period. For example the inflatable signal means may remain inflated for a two hour time period to reflect a period for dining. In some embodiments the device may include a local power or energy source. For example the power or energy source may comprise at least one battery, which may be rechargeable and / or displaceable. In some embodiments the device may include a charging port in communication with the power or energy source. In some embodiments the device may comprise an energy harvesting means for a battery, for example a mechanical or photovoltaic harvesting means. In some embodiments the device may comprise an anchor configured in use to anchor the device to a surface. The anchor may be configured to anchor the device to a surface of a table for a predetermined time period, and to subsequently disengage the surface of the table. In this way it may be envisaged that the device may be effective in maintaining a position and providing to a user (for example a waiter) of a visual signal provided by the inflatable signal means. After expiration of the predetermined time period, the device is configured to no longer be anchored to the surface of the table thereby enabling a user to determine whether the inflatable signal means is providing an authentic visual indications regarding that table. In particular, the device may be used by a first diner located at a table to provide a visual indication to a waiter. After a predetermined time period, the device is no longer anchored to the table so that the waiter will be able to easily determine, as a result of free movement of the device, that the inflatable signal means has not been activated in relation to a subsequent diner. The anchor may include a locking means for lockably engaging with the table. In this way the anchor and thereby the device can be locked to the table to prevent removal. In a preferred embodiment an authorised user activates or deactivates the locking means. For example the locking means may include a key that is held by an authorised user, such as a waiter or by the person reserving the table. In some embodiments the device may be capable of easily demonstrating time periods that are close to elapsing, for example wherein visible and / or partial deflation of the inflatable signal means is noticeable. After a predetermined time period, the inflation control mechanism may be configured to partially deflate the inflatable signal means to indicate the near end of a reservation period. In one embodiment, the inflation control mechanism may be configured to continuously deflate the inflatable signal means from the inflated state to the deflated state over a predetermined time period, thereby providing an indication of the time period remaining or a “countdown). In other embodiments a countdown timer may provide a mechanical or digital countdown. The countdown timer may be mounted or supported on the housing and / or lid of the device. In some embodiments the device may comprise a numbering system or means operable to provide an indication of the number of factors such as for example number of people within a group (for example number of diners) associated with the table. The number system or means may comprise a mechanical or digital means, for example comprising a rotatable dial or digital input. In some embodiments the device may comprise a separate or separable part, such as an activation card, number or code. For example a user may be required to display a number to a server which relates to a device on a table. In some embodiments such separate part may be envisaged to function as an activation part for the device, for example comprising a key, without which the device may be inoperable and / or have no intrinsic value. In some embodiments the table reservation device may include an illumination means to light up the inflatable signal means. For example at least one light such as a light emitting diode (LED) may be arranged within or adjacent to the inflatable signal means so that the signal is illuminated in order to be more noticeable. The at least one light is preferably connected to a battery provided within the housing to provide a power supply for the one or more light. In some embodiments the one or more light may be adapted to flash. The light may be programmed to flash when the reservation is nearing the end of a time period, for example the light may commence flashing after a period of one hour has elapsed. Alternatively or additionally the at least one light may be programmed to flash when a table is available for reservation. It is appreciated that the lights may be operatively connected to at least one battery and to a printed circuit board with a microcontroller that activates the light(s) under certain conditions. In another embodiment the lights may be adapted to change colour. For example the colour of the light may change when a reservation is nearing the end of a time period of reservation. In some embodiments lights may be arranged to indicate numbering. For example an array of LEDs may be provided to selectively illuminate different numbers to reflect the number of the table, or number of guests on the table. In yet a further embodiment the device may include a pressure transducer to detect when the inflatable signal means is being inflated. Upon detection of increasing pressure the pressure transducer may convert applied fluid pressure to an electrical signal to activate the one or more light. In some embodiments the device may be envisaged to be provided with or comprise information such as a set of rules of operation, so as to limit potential for dispute. In some embodiments such information may be provided locally, for example whereby the device may include printed information of usage. In other embodiments such information may be provided remotely, for example being accessible through the internet. For example the device may include a machine readable or scannable code for access to a page on the World Wide Web. According to a further aspect of the present invention therefore there is provided apparatus comprising a device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures and a source of information for operation for a table booking system comprising timed intervals. In some embodiments the device may provide advertising means, for example on an inflated signal or similar, and as such, according to a further aspect of the present invention there may be provided advertising apparatus comprising one or more of the device substantially as described herein. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention, in a second position; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, with lid open; Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, with lid closed; Figures 5 show isometric views of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1, with lid closed; Figure 6 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 1; and Figure 7 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1. Detailed Description of Figures With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the table reservation device 99 comprising a housing 2 configured to be supported or mounted on a table (not shown). The housing 2 has a substantially circular base 22 with an annular side portion 23 extending upwardly therefrom. The side portion 23 extends substantially perpendicular to the base 22. It is however to be understood that the side portion(s) may extend at any suitable angle from the base. Furthermore, although in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 2 has a substantially circular cross-section, it is to be understood that the housing 2 may have any suitable cross-section. The housing may be formed in a rigid plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or similar, or aluminium. The housing has a suction cup table attachment means to anchor the device to the table, wherein the suction cup 7 is located in use below the base 22 of the housing 2 so as to allow for easy attachment to the table when needed. The housing 2 defines an internal volume or cavity which holds the inflation control mechanism 3. The inflation control mechanism 3 has an inlet extending through one side of the housing 2 in use through a mouthpiece 9, and an outlet valve 14 extending through a hole in an opposing side of the housing. The inlet 9 comprises a one-way valve. It is to be understood that the inlet 9 and outlet valve 14 may be provided at any suitable location on the housing 2. The housing 2 further comprises a lid 8 hingeably connected to the free end of the side portions 23 of the housing 2. The lid 8 is moveable between a first closed position preventing access to the cavity defined by the housing 2, and a second open position provided access to the cavity and inflatable signal means 10 received therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 8 is connected to the housing 2 via a living hinge, for example an elongate living hinge 11, which is held in place in a vertical channel 4 in the side of the housing, covering over the outlet when covering over the housing, and which extends below the channel when freed for placement under the housing. The lid may be manually or automatically displaced between the first closed and second open position. In particular reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment comprises a short or shallow cylindrical housing 2, with a circular hinged lid 8 on a top face. It is however to be understood that the housing 2 may have any suitable shape and / or dimensions. Furthermore, the device 99 may comprise a plurality of lid portions rather than a single lid 8. The lid 8 further comprises a magnetic closure mechanism to prevent unintentional movement of the lid between the open / closed position. The lid 8 comprises an inner face configured in use, in the closed position, to face the cavity defined by the housing 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner face of the lid 8 provides the suction cup 7. In use, the lid 8 may be configured to be positioned beneath the base 22 of the housing 2 such that the suction cup 7 is positioned to engage a surface of a table. In one embodiment, the lid 8 in the open position may be held in position relative to the base 22 by ferromagnetic means. The device 99 in the illustrated embodiment is configured to be portable, for example pocket-sized allowing for easy deployment when needed. The housing 2 further comprises a lanyard attachment point 6 on one side of the housing, which lanyard attachment point includes a split ring 5 in the embodiment as pictured. It is to be understood that the housing 2 and / or lid 8 may comprise a lanyard attachment point at any suitable location. The housing 2 receives a gas supply which is in communication with an inflatable signal means 10 via mouthpiece 9. A user blows gas into the inflatable signal means by using the mouthpiece. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 2 comprises a single inflatable signal means. It is however to be understood that in some embodiments the device may comprise a plurality of inflatable signal means. Each inflatable signal means may be in communication with the gas supply and may be configured to be independently inflatable by the inflation control mechanism. The inflatable signal means 10 is moveable, on supply or removal of gas from the gas supply so as to transition between a first deflated state (not shown) and a second inflated state (Figures 1,2 and 7). In the illustrated embodiment, the inflatable signal means 12 is elongate in shape having a first end in communication with the housing and / or gas supply, and a second opposed end. It is however to be understood that the inflatable signal means may have any suitable shape upon inflation. The inflation control mechanism 3 is arranged to allow inflation of the inflatable signal means 10 to the second inflated state such that at least a portion of the inflatable signal means extends from the housing, and deflation of the inflatable signal means to the first deflated state into or towards the housing with respect to a preferred time period. The inflatable signal means 10, for example balloon, is located on top of the inflation control mechanism, such that in the inflated position the signal 10 extends above the housing 2. As illustrated, the inflatable signal means 10 may comprise one or more additional visual indicators in the form of form example a printed or writeable surface or otherwise provide information 1 regarding the reservation. The inflatable control mechanism 3 is provided as a metal or alloy unitary part, with a top valve 13 onto which the mouth 21 of the signal is placed in use The embodiment is envisaged to be substantially portable, being pocket-sized allowing for easy deployment when needed, such that the user simply blows up the balloon signal 10 through the mouthpiece 9 and attaches the embodiment to the table with the suction cup 7. In use, the user manually opens the lid 8 and positions the lid beneath the base 22 of the housing 2 such that the suction cup 7 engages the table. The inflation control mechanism is operated to provide air from the gas supply, through the mouthpiece, and into the inflatable signal means 10. The inflatable signal means 10 is inflated to the inflated position as shown in Figure 1. The air from the inflatable signal means 10 is unable to return through the mouthpiece 9, as the mouthpiece includes a one-way valve. As a consequence the air exits through the outlet 14, which is a restricted size to ensure the deflation takes a predetermined length of time. This may be adjustable for example with a plurality of settings of valve size, such as for example a screw collar, which may display adjustment times available. For the pictured embodiment the length of time needed for deflation of the inflated 5 balloon signal will be 15 minutes approximately. On deflation of the inflatable signal means 10, the suction cup 7 releases engagement from the table enabling a user to understand that the table reservation device 99 is no longer operable and that the time period has expired. 10 The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims. 15

Claims

1. A table reservation device comprising: a housing configured to be supported or mounted on a table, the housing includes a gas supply means; an inflatable signal means which is in communication with the gas supply means, and transitions from a first deflated state to a second inflated state; and an inflation control mechanism which is operative to permit inflation of the inflatable signal means to the second inflated state such that at least a portion of the inflatable signal means extends from the housing, and the inflation control mechanism is operative to deflate the inflatable signal means to the first deflated state and retract the inflatable signal means into or towards the housing at a selected time.

2. A table reservation device according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a displaceable lid operable to be displaced from a first closed position to a second open position.

3. A table reservation device according to either of claims 1 or 2, in which the housing defines a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the inflatable signal means therein, and in which the lid is moveable between a first closed position, to prevent access to the cavity of the housing, and a second open position to provide access to the cavity of the housing.

4. A table reservation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which in the first deflated state the entirety of the inflatable signal means is received within the housing.

5. A table reservation device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the housing comprises a contact surface or at least one engagement feature for contacting or engaging a portion of a table.

6. A table reservation device according to claim 5, wherein the at least one engagement feature is a suction cup to attach to a table.

7. A table reservation device according to claim 5 wherein the engagement feature is an anchor which includes a locking means for lockably engaging with the table.

8. A table reservation device according to any preceding claim, in which the inflatable signal means is an inflatable balloon signal.

9. A table reservation device according to any preceding claim, further comprising an inlet with a mouthpiece configured to enable inflation of the inflatable signal means.

10. A table reservation device according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one valve.

11. A table reservation device according to claim 10 including three valves, a first valve associated with the inlet to prevent gas escaping through the inlet during inflation, a second valve to allow gas to be released from the device when the desired volume of gas in the inflatable signal means has been reached, and a third valve that allows controlled release of gas from the inflatable signal means during deflation.

12. A table reservation device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a lanyard attachment means.

13. A table reservation device according to any preceding claim wherein the inflation control mechanism is adjustable with a plurality of settings of deflation time.

14. A table reservation device according to claim 13, further comprising an adjustable valve means, such as a screw collar, for varying gas flow therethrough.

15. A table reservation device according to claim 13, further comprising a plurality of inflatable balloon signal means, each inflatable balloon signal means being configured to provide a different time period of deflation.

16. A table reservation device according to any preceding claim wherein the gas supply means includes a pump.

17. A table reservation device according to any preceding claim wherein the gas supply means includes a container or cannister of pressurised gas.

18. A table reservation device according to any of claims 9 to 16 including a microcontroller in communication with the at least one valve for controlling opening and / or closing of the at least one valve.

519. A table reservation device according to any preceding claim wherein an illumination means is provided within or adjacent to the inflatable signal means.10 20. A table reservation device according to claim 19 wherein the illuminationmeans is adapted to flash.

21. A table reservation device according to claim 19 or claim 20 including a pressure transducer operative to convert an applied fluid pressure created15 during inflation to an electrical signal to activate the illumination means.

Images