Systems and methods for providing a lightweight kiosk structure

Abstract

A portable kiosk structure formed from lightweight, impact‑resistant materials such as marine‑grade fiberglass. The kiosk includes a modular shell, an internal base frame, and an optional movable top actuated by extendable cylinders. The kiosk can be rapidly assembled or disassembled, transported to various indoor or outdoor locations, and secured when closed. The structure incorporates a hinged entry door, optional electrical and plumbing connections, and a top‑position control for automated or manual raising and lowering of the top. The kiosk provides an attractive, durable, and portable solution for commercial use.

Description

[0001] The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application serial number 63 / 761,706 filed on 02 / 21 / 2025.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for providing a kiosk structure that is attractive and portable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Portable kiosks are widely used in commercial environments such as shopping centers, parks, beaches, and stadiums. Existing kiosks often suffer from drawbacks including excessive weight, unattractive appearance, difficult assembly, and limited portability. Many require specialized tools or labor to install, and few provide a secure, movable top that protects the interior when not in use.

[0004] There is a need for an improved kiosk structure that is lightweight, aesthetically appealing, easy to assemble, and capable of being transported and deployed in a wide variety of environments. The present invention addresses these needs.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention provides a portable kiosk constructed from marine‑grade fiberglass or similar lightweight materials. The kiosk includes a modular shell, an internal base frame, and a hinged entry door. In certain embodiments, a movable top is connected to the base via extendable cylinders that allow the top to be raised or lowered manually or automatically. The kiosk may include electrical wiring, plumbing connections, and a wastewater tank. The structure is designed for rapid assembly, portability, and secure closure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain various principles and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a kiosk, showing both opened and closed views.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the interior of the example kiosk.

[0009] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of fiberglass component assemblies that are attached together to create an example embodiment of the kiosk.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of the example kiosk with the top in the opened position.

[0011] FIG. 5 is an end view of the example kiosk with its top in the opened position.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the example kiosk.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the example kiosk with a lid.

[0014] FIG. 8 is bottom plan view of the example kiosk.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a side view of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 10 is front view of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a side view of the present invention with the top open.

[0018] FIG. 12 shows a user standing in the example kiosk.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a front view of the present invention with the top open.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a top view of the lid of the kiosk.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a side view of the lid of the kiosk showing the reinforcement rib.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a front view of the lid of the kiosk showing the reinforcement rib.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a top view of a kiosk structure of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 18 is a top view of a section of the kiosk structure.

[0025] FIG. 19 is a front internal view of a section of the kiosk structure.

[0026] FIG. 20 is a side view of a section of the kiosk structure.

[0027] FIG. 21 is a top view of a section of the kiosk structure.

[0028] FIG. 22 is a front internal view of a section of the kiosk structure.

[0029] FIG. 23 is a side view of a section of the kiosk structure.

[0030] FIG. 24 is a top view of a section of the kiosk structure.

[0031] FIG. 25 is a front internal view of a section of the kiosk structure.

[0032] FIG. 26 is a side view of a section of the kiosk structure.

[0033] FIG. 27 is a top view of a section of the kiosk structure.

[0034] FIG. 28 is a front internal view of a section of the kiosk structure.

[0035] FIG. 29 is a side view of a section of the kiosk structure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0037] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

[0039] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and / or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

[0040] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

[0041] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

[0042] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

[0043] The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in the context of systems and methods for providing a lightweight kiosk structure, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

[0044] The kiosk comprises a lightweight shell formed from marine‑grade fiberglass with a gelcoat finish. The shell is supported by an internal base frame made from aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, or plastic. A hinged section forms an entry door with a lock.

[0045] In embodiments including a movable top, four extendable cylinders connect the top to the base. The cylinders may be hydraulic, electric, or mechanical, and may include locking mechanisms to secure the top in either the open or closed position. A top‑position control may be mounted inside the kiosk to automate movement of the top.

[0046] The kiosk may include electrical wiring, power receptacles, a wastewater tank, and a single external water and electrical connection. The kiosk is designed to be assembled in under one hour and transported easily due to its lightweight construction.

[0047] Materials for the shell, frame, roof supports, and floor may be selected based on strength, weight, and environmental considerations.

[0048] FIGS. 1-29 together illustrate an example embodiment of a kiosk incorporating features of the present invention, to provide an improved kiosk structure that can be used, for example, as a bar. In preferred embodiments, the kiosk can be used both indoors and outdoors and positioned in any desired location. For example, the kiosk can be used in shopping centers, parks, beaches, stadiums, offices, and other locations.

[0049] In the example embodiment, the kiosk shell is constructed using marine-grade fiberglass with a gelcoat finish, providing an attractive appearance and high impact resistance. The shell surface in this embodiment has a clean appearance and requires very little maintenance. Preferably the surface is constructed from a sturdy layer of fiberglass, for example 1cm in thickness.

[0050] In the example embodiment, the kiosk can typically be assembled in less than one hour. The example design is lightweight; for example, a kiosk having dimensions of 140 inches long by 70 inches wide including wheels (64 inches wide without wheels) when closed, constructed according to the design shown in FIGS. 1-8, weighs only 330 lbs. and can thus be readily disassembled and moved when needed. When fully opened the dimensions of the example kiosk are 101 x 140 inches with wheels, and 95 x 140 inches without wheels.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, one section of the kiosk is preferably hinged to function as a door for entry and exit and provided with a lock to allow securing the kiosk when it is not open for business.

[0052] In some embodiments, the kiosk is provided with electrical wiring for power receptacles and a waste water tank. A single water supply connection and a single electrical connection are provided on the exterior of the kiosk.

[0053] The kiosk is provided with four extendable cylinders that connect the top of the kiosk to the base assembly and allow the top to be raised and lowered. When the kiosk is closed, the top can be lowered to prevent access to the kiosk. In some embodiments, a top position control is provided inside the kiosk near the entry door. This top position control allows a user to electrically or hydraulically operate the cylinders to automate raising and lowering of the top. In other embodiments, the cylinders are provided with locking mechanisms to selectively hold the top in the open position, and these locking mechanisms can be latched or unlatched to allow the top to be manually raised to the open position and latched open or released and manually lowered to the closed position and latched closed.

[0054] For situations where the kiosk is to be used indoors and security is a less significant concern, embodiments of the kiosk may be constructed without the movable top cover and extendible cylinders.

[0055] Materials used to assemble the kiosk can be selected based on expected weight-bearing and strength requirements, considering their weight and the portability requirement for the particular kiosk. As noted previously the outer shell is preferably made from fiberglass but can also use other appropriate materials including thermoformed plastic, The internal base framing structure is preferably made of aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, or plastic. Preferably the roof support bars are made of iron, although other sturdy materials can be used for these components. The floor is preferably constructed with wood, fiberglass, plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel depending on the intended floor load and considerations of weight, cleanability, and resistance to spills.

[0056] Although illustrative embodiments have been described herein in detail, it should be noted and understood that the descriptions and drawings have been provided for purposes of illustration only and that other variations both in form and detail can be added thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The terms and expressions in this disclosure have been used as terms of description and not terms of limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with the claims and their equivalents. The terms and expressions herein should not be interpreted to exclude any equivalents of features shown and described, or portions thereof.

Claims

1. A portable kiosk structure comprising:a shell formed from a lightweight, impact‑resistant material;an internal base frame supporting the shell;a hinged entry door integrated into the shell; anda movable top connected to the base frame by a plurality of extendable cylinders configured to raise and lower the top between an open position and a closed position.

2. The kiosk of claim 1, wherein the shell comprises marine‑grade fiberglass having a gelcoat finish.

3. A kiosk comprising:a modular shell;a base assembly;a plurality of extendable cylinders connecting a top portion to the base assembly; anda top‑position control configured to actuate the cylinders to raise or lower the top.

4. A portable kiosk comprising:a fiberglass shell;an internal frame constructed from aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, or plastic;a floor constructed from wood, fiberglass, plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel; anda locking mechanism configured to secure the kiosk when the top is in a lowered position.

5. The kiosk of claim 1, wherein the extendable cylinders include hydraulic cylinders.

6. The kiosk of claim 1, wherein the extendable cylinders include electric linear actuators.

7. The kiosk of claim 1, wherein the extendable cylinders include mechanical locking mechanisms configured to hold the top in the open position.

8. The kiosk of claim 1, wherein the top is manually movable between the open and closed positions.

9. The kiosk of claim 1, wherein the top‑position control is located inside the kiosk adjacent to the entry door.

10. The kiosk of claim 2, wherein the fiberglass shell has a thickness of approximately 1 centimeter.

11. The kiosk of claim 2, wherein the shell is formed from thermoformed plastic instead of fiberglass.

12. The kiosk of claim 3, further comprising electrical wiring integrated into the shell.

13. The kiosk of claim 3, further comprising a wastewater tank disposed within the base assembly.

14. The kiosk of claim 3, further comprising a single external water supply connection.

15. The kiosk of claim 3, further comprising a single external electrical connection.

16. The kiosk of claim 4, wherein the roof support bars are constructed from iron.

17. The kiosk of claim 4, wherein the kiosk weighs less than 350 pounds.

18. The kiosk of claim 4, wherein the kiosk is configured to be assembled in less than one hour.

19. The kiosk of claim 1, wherein the kiosk is configured for use in indoor or outdoor environments.

20. The kiosk of claim 1, wherein the kiosk is configured to be transported to multiple locations and reassembled without specialized tools.

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