Table Cleaning Tray With Debris Receptacle for Faster Resetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing table cleaning methods are inefficient, leading to prolonged table unoccupancy and increased dissatisfaction among customers due to the time-consuming process of sweeping debris and resetting tables, which affects the profitability of dining establishments.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held table cleaning implement with a three-sided upper portion, a curved handle, and a scraper for efficient debris collection and storage, allowing one-handed operation and reduced floor cleaning time, featuring a tub or receptacle for easy disposal of trash and a scraper for stuck-on food removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional bus tubs and rags are used for table cleaning, then debris can be collected, but floor cleaning time increases due to scattered crumbs and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the debris collection function and floor protection function into a single integrated device. The tray with sloped edges and containing walls captures debris at the table edge, preventing it from falling to the floor, thereby eliminating the need for separate floor cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray acts as an intermediary device between the table surface and the floor. It intercepts debris before it can reach the floor, serving as a protective barrier that simplifies the overall cleaning process by containing debris in one location.
2Reliability
If multiple separate cleaning tools are used, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs multiple cleaning functions in a single unit: the tray collects and contains debris, the scraper removes stuck-on food, and the contained debris can be disposed of together. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate tools while maintaining comprehensive cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of debris collection, stuck-on food removal, and waste containment into a single integrated device, reducing the number of tools needed while maintaining thorough cleaning effectiveness.
3Reliability
If heavy-duty cleaning equipment is used, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the cleaning function into lightweight, manageable components: a tray for debris collection and a separate scraper for stuck-on food. This segmentation allows the use of simple, lightweight materials that are easy to handle while maintaining effective cleaning capability through the coordinated action of multiple functional elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cleaning device by using lightweight materials and simple geometric forms (sloped edges, containing walls) that maintain cleaning effectiveness while dramatically reducing weight and improving handling convenience compared to heavy-duty equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held table cleaning implement has upstanding rear and laterally opposed side walls, a handle on the backside of the rear wall, a flat horizontal platform extending a distance forwardly from the side walls for insertion beneath a table top, an intermediate portion adjoined to bottom ends of the rear and side walls and back end of the platform defining a central opening tapering downwardly and inwardly therefrom, and a trash receptacle extending downwardly from the intermediate portion for receiving trash, refuse, crumbs, and debris swept or scraped from the table top surface. A generally rectangular scraper may be provided that can be clipped onto a flat surface of the table cleaning implement, and removed therefrom for use in scraping and sweeping debris, crumbs, and food remnants from the table top and into the receptacle. The implement can be hooked over an edge of another object, and is easily stored.