Abstract:
This invention involves a Jumping Drink Bar Device. This document discloses a novelty device for installation in a bar or counter whereby when a patron orders a specific drink the bartender or host places a drinking glass upon a designated location on top of the bar and, unknown to the patron, activates a hidden control. The drink then seems to hop from some remote spot on the bar and take one or more leaps, ultimately landing in the patron&#39;s glass.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming a novelty device for use in conjunction with a bar or counter whereby when a patron orders a drink the bartender or host places a drinking glass on a designated location on the top of the bar or counter and upon activation of a control, the drink takes one or more hops from a remote location and lands in the patron&#39;s glass or a designated area on the bar or counter. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is common place in bars, restaurants and lounges, and in some bars located in homes, to provide apparatus for mixing various drinks. This apparatus frequently includes a CO2 container for creating pressure and a variety of mixes including ginger ale, tonic, seven up, coke, etc. to be supplied upon pressing an appropriate control. 
     In addition in some installations alcoholic beverages can also be supplied including beer, gin, whiskey, scotch, or vodka, as examples. 
     In addition in bars both in restaurants and lounges, and at home frequently people who are seated at the bar are telling stories and occasionally tricks are played in a friendly manner by the host or bartender and/or one or more of the guests. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,086 discloses a method and apparatus for forming fluid streams with very laminar flow. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One object of the present invention is to provide a method for generating a drink which appears to hop from a remote spot on the bar or counter and take one or more leaps, before landing in a patron&#39;s glass, or on a designated area on the bar or counter. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus whereby a drink appears to hop from a remote spot on the bar or counter and take one or more leaps and ultimately land in a patrons glass, or on a designated area on the bar or counter. 
     This invention involves a Jumping Drink Bar Device. This document discloses a novelty device for installation in a bar whereby when a patron orders a specific drink the bartender or host places a drinking glass upon a designated location on top of the bar, and unknown to the patron, activates a hidden control. the drink then seems to hop from some remote spot on the bar and takes one or more leaps, ultimately landing in the patron&#39;s glass. 
     Other objects will be apparent from the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the bouncing drink assembly of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the bouncing drink assembly of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the same embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is schematic perspective view of the same embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the same embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the same embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is schematic perspective view of the same embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The bouncing drink of apparatus of the present invention is indicated generally at (10) in FIG. 1. This apparatus includes a bar or counter (12) having laterally spaced supports (14) and (16) supporting the bar or counter on a floor (18). One or more seats (20) are provided for patron or guest (22) to be located adjacent to bar. The bar (12) includes a vertically upstanding flange (24). 
     Means for providing water for the bar is indicated generally at (30) and includes a conduit (32) extending to a water source (not shown). Conduit (32) extends to a T (34), where a first upwardly extending conduit (36) is located. Conduit (36) extends to a nozzle (38) controlled by a solenoid valve (40) of known construction which can be purchased on the open market, such as an ASCO valve, catalog #32, part 8210614. Nozzle assembly (38) may be constructed in a manner according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,086 hereby incorporated into this application by this reference to obtain laminar flow or according to other known constructions for forming a water jet, such as a common smooth-bore nozzle. 
     Conduit (32) extends beyond valve (34) as indicated at (42) and a right angle joint (44) is provided whereby a vertically extending conduit portion (46) is in fluid communication with another nozzle orifice (48) controlled by a solenoid valve (50) also of the above conventional construction. Nozzle (48) maybe constructed in the same manner as nozzle (38). 
     Means for supplying air pressure is indicated generally at (60) and includes a conduit (62) carrying pressurized air from a source (not shown) to a air regulator valve (64) and then into a container (66). Air regulator valve (64) includes a gauge (68) whereby the pressure going through the valve may be observed and a control (70) is provided to vary the air pressure going into the container (66). Such air regulator assemblies are well know in the art and are purchased as shelved items. An example of such a commercially available air regulator assembly is a Speedaire Regulator, stock #1Z885B available from Granger catalogue 382, 1992. 
     Container (66) includes a top (72) through which extends a tube (74) downwardly adjacent bottom (76) of the container (66). Tube (74) extends upwardly through top (72) into an opening (12c) in the bar (12). 
     Openings are aim provided in the bar at (12a) adjacent nozzle assemble (38) and opening (12b) is provided adjacent nozzle assemble (48). 
     The substance in container (66) may be water, a soft drink, beer, gin, vodka, whiskey, scotch or other beverages. 
     Tube (74) includes an upper portion (78) which is in fluid communication with a solenoid (73) valve of known construction and a nozzle assembly (75) which is communicating with the opening (12c) in the bar. 
     A control system (80) for operation of the assembly is included including an electrical circuit (82) having a pair of wires (84), which provides electrical connection to solenoid valve (40), electrical wire (86) which provides electrical connection to solenoid valve (50) and electrical wire (88) which provides electrical connection to solenoid valve 73. Electrical control wires (83) provide electrical connection to an electrical control button (89) which is located at a place hidden from view of the patron, but accessible to the bartender or attendant. 
     The control system (80) includes a controller (98). Such controllers (98) are commercially available and an example is a Klockner-Moeller model PS4-111-DR1. Alternatively controller (98) includes a computer (99) which is programmed with a suitable computer programs (100). Controller (98) activates solenoid valves (40), (50) and (73) in sequence. Thus when the bartender or attendant touches the control button (102) water is dispensed from nozzle assemble (38) through opening (12a) to cause water to flow to a flow in an arcuate manner S1, to area on the bar adjacent to opening (12b). Then the controller activates solenoid valve (50) causing nozzle assembly (48) to cause a second arcuate fluid stream (S2) to go through opening (12b) to a point in the area on the bar adjacent opening (12c). After this occurs the controller activates solenoid valve (73) causing nozzle assembly (75) to cause a third arcuate stream (S3) to go through opening (12c) to a designated spot on the bar or counter where the bartender or attendant has previously placed glass D. It is within the scope of the present invention that the complete method and apparatus may embody three hops as shown or may embody more or less than three. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is shown FIG. 2. In this embodiment indicated generally at (101) a tray (102) is provided conveniently made of metal or plastic and is adopted to receive a splash guard (104) which aim functions as part of the bar top or counter top. 
     This splash guard is formed of material which maybe of the type described in grater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,086 as diffuser material in columns 3 and 4 hereby incorporated into the present application by this reference. 
     A plurality of openings are provided in the tray indicated at (102a), (102b) and (102c). A larger opening is also provided in the tray as a drain indicated at (102d). 
     A source of municipal water is indicated at (110). This source of municipal water includes a conduit (112) having a main shut off valve (114) operative by means of a handle (116). 
     The conduit (112) includes a (118) right angle bend and a vertical conduit portion (120) containing a check valve (122). Check valve (122) is of conventional construction and an example is a ball check valve #2X611 available from Granger Catalogue #382, 1992. These are thus available on the open market. 
     A conduit portion (124) above the check valve (122) extends to a T (126). Fluid may flow through a first conduit (128) through right angle bend T (130) to a valve (132) having an operating handle (134) which is used to control the height that the water will flow above the splash guard. 
     Above valve (132) is another vertical conduit portion (136) which extends to a operating valve (138) which is preferably electrically operated through wires (139), but optionally maybe air operated. Suitable valves of the type indicated are commercially available and an example is given with reference to valve (38). If laminar flow is desired the nozzle means describe in U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,086 hereby incorporated into this application maybe utilized. In this regard splash absorbent material (104) may be made of material described in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,086. 
     In any event, above valve (138) is a conduit portion (140) which extends through opening (102a) in tray (102) and also extends through diffuser material (104). By proper adjustment of valve (130) an arcuate spray S4 will extend above diffuser material (104) and go to the point generally in the area of opening (102b). 
     Conduit (124) through conduit (141) also extends to an accumulator (142) to maintain sufficient water available for operation of the valve system. 
     Conduit (124) also is in communication through a conduit (144) and right angle bend T (146) with another valve (148) similar to valve (132) having a handle (150) to control the height of another arcuate stream (S5) to be described hereinafter. Valve (148) is commercially available. An example is given with reference to valve (38). Valves (148) and (132) thus may be similar. 
     Valve (148) is in fluid communication through a vertical conduit portion (152) with a valve (154) which is similar to valve (138). 
     Again this valve (138) is preferably electrically operated through a control system including wires (156). Alternatively it maybe air operated. 
     As discussed previously if laminar flow is desired the nozzle assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,086 is preferred. In this regard the splash absorbent material maybe similar to the diffuser material described in this patent in columns 3 and 4. 
     Valve (154) includes a conduit portion (158) which extends through opening (102b) and tray (102). 
     Upon proper adjustment of valve handle (150) and activation from the electrical system through wires (156) another arcuate jet or stream of water (85) will exit opening (102b) and go to the area indicated at (102c) and tray (102). 
     Means for supplying a drink is indicated at (160) and preferably includes a CO2 pressure container (162) having a pressure regulating valve (164) of known construction which is commercially available. An example of which is described in connection with valve (70). This CO2 container provides pressure through conduit (166) to a container indicated at (170) having a top portion (172) having an opening (174) which receives a tube (176) extending downwardly to a location (178) near the bottom (180) of the container (170). Tube (176) is in fluid communication with a coupling (182) through conduit (184), which extends to a valve (186) which is electrically operated by means of wires (188) or maybe air operated. Conduit (166) extends through the top of container (170) downwardly into the container (170) as indicated at (188). 
     Soft drinks or acholic beverages described above, or a mixture of the two may be provided in conduit (170). It is within the scope of the present invention to provide another conduit (171) similar to (170) which for example would contain an alcoholic beverage while conduit (170) would contain water or a mixer for the alcoholic beverage. Valve (186) also contains a handle (190) to control the height of a third stream (S6) which exits opening (102c) and goes to a drink glass (G) located upon the foam diffuser material (104). 
     The valve (186) may be a commercially available valve for example as described in connection with valves (38). If laminar flow is desired the valve assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,086 maybe utilized. The splash absorbent material (104) maybe of the type described in columns 3 and 4 of this patent. The handle (190) may be utilized to control the extent of the arcuate movement (S6). 
     A control system (192) is provided. Preferably control system (192) is located in a area which is not visible by patrons on the opposite side (194) of the bar (104). This control system includes a system for providing three pulses in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 in timed sequences to first activate valve (138) then valve (152) and then valve (186). This may be done with an IRC circuit or with a computer and appropriate programs, both techniques of which are presently known in the art and commercially utilized. Examples include a Klockner-Moeller Programmed Logic Controller model #PS4-111-DR1. 
     Is further within the scope of the present invention that the control system (192) be partly electrically and partly pneumatic, in which case operation of the valves (138), (154) and (186) are pneumatically operated. Timers are commercially available to activate such pneumatic operation from P. R. Mallory Co. &amp; Inc for 0.10 to 10 sec., stock #7630K12 in McMaster-Carr catalogue #98, 1992. 
     In use, an operating button, (194) is pressed by the bartender or host which activates the control system (192), which activates the valve (138) to cause a first stream (S4) to arcuately flow above the foam material (104) to an area adjacent opening (102b) in the tray (102). When this occurrence is completed another fluid stream (S5) is activated by valve (154) to cause second fluid stream (S5) to flow to the area adjacent opening (102c). After this occurs a final fluid stream (S6) is activated from valve (186) to cause the final fluid stream (S6) to flow from the conduit (102c) into drinking glass (G) from the pressure from conduit (162) containing CO2 into one or more of the conduits (170) containing drink ingredients. Accumulator (142) insures that there will be plenty of water available for operation of the valves (138) and (154) 
     Modifications are within the scope of the present invention. Both the embodiment FIG. 1 and the embodiment in FIG. 2 may be modified to only include the final fluid streams (S3) or (S6) from the drink container to the drink, by simply not activating or leaving out the conduit and valve assembly necessary to produce the first fluid streams (S2) and (S4) and (S5) or by virtue of the control system only the last fluid stream (S3) or (S6) be utilized by appropriate adjustment of the control system. 
     Alternatively only one of the water streams (S2) or (S5) may be activated and the only the second stream (S3) or (S6) flow from the drink container (66) or (170). 
     While air pressure is utilized to activate the liquid drink substances in FIG. 1 and CO2 is utilized in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a wide variety of gaseous or non-gaseous means maybe provided to activate the fluid streams (S3), (S6) from the drink substance container (170) and/or (66). Also, streams (S3), (S6) may be supplied from a municipal water supply in the manner of streams (S1), (S2), (S4), (S5). 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is indicated in FIG. 3 generally at (200). This embodiment contains the features described herein above with respect to FIG. 2. However, FIG. 2, the embodiment is modified to include a water supply for example from a municipality (202). This water supply, generally at (211), includes an off/on control valve (204) and a conduit (206) extends to a three way valve (208). Valve (208) is in fluid communication through conduit (210) with an opening (212) to direct fluid above the bar or counter (214). 
     In another position the valve (208) is in fluid communication with a conduit (216), which is in fluid communication with drain pipe (218) which is in fluid communication with drain conduit (222) at T connector (224) leading to the municipal drain at (223). 
     The three way valve (208) is designed to provide an initial short period of time 0.10-0.40 sec in a dump position in fluid communication with conduit (216), and then to cause a fluid pressure to go through conduit (210) and allow a stream (S7) to go through opening (212) and above the bar (214) to the area of the opening (225). An example of the dump valve (208) is an ASCO valve, catalog #32, part #8210614. 
     The dump valve allows the stream to build up speed before making the leap from the point (212) to the Point (225) and avoids dripping on the bar which some customers may find to be disadvantageous. A manual valve (203) in series with the two solenoid valves (206) and (208) provides an adjustment for the height of stream (S7). Another valve and conduit assembly at (221) is essentially the same as the assembly at (211) and provides for the second leap (S8). A third valve and conduit assembly at (231) is essentially the same as at (211) and (221) and provides for the third leap (S9). 
     Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4 at (250). This embodiment includes a conduit (252) from a source of supply (not shown) containing a control valve (254). Valve (254) is in fluid communication with a conduit (256) through which fluid may exit and go above the bar in a stream (S10). An example of control valve (254) is to valve (38). 
     A deflector assembly indicated generally at (260) includes a deflector body portion (262) and a control shaft (264). Body portion (262) blocks flow of fluid from conduit (256) from exiting the area. FIG. 5 shows a close-up view of the control valve (254), conduit (256), deflector body portion (262), control shaft (264), solenoid rod and coil assembly (266) and return spring (268), shown in the de-activated or blocking position. FIG. 6 shows the solenoid rod and coil assembly (266) in the activated position with the deflector body portion (262) shown in the blocking position, by the back and forth motion of the solenoid rod and coil assembly (266) and the return spring (268) in a known manner. A suitable rod and coil assembly (266) adopted to engage such a shaft (264) is number 70155K43 from the McMaster-Carr catalog #98, 1992. 
     In operation, the control valve (254) would first be activated to allow the water or beverage to attain full flow velocity exiting from the conduit (256) while still blocked from exiting the assembly as fluid stream (S10) by the deflector body portion (262). From 0.1 to 1.0 second later the solenoid rod and coil assembly (266) would be activated to retract and move the deflector body portion (262), (FIG. 6) to the unblocking position to allow fluid stream (S10) to exit the assembly. This embodiment allows the fluid stream to build up speed before making the leap as fluid stream (S10) and avoids dripping on the bar. 
     Alternatively the structure and method described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,740 may be used to generate discrete stream segments. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is indicated in FIG. 7, generally at (350). this embodiment contains the features described herein above with respect to FIG. 2. However, the FIG. 2, embodiment is modified to include a laser or other high intensity light source, shown as (361) on the first leap assembly shown generally at (351), as (362) on the second leap assembly at (352), and as (363) on the third leap assembly 358. Water or other beverage enters conduit (301) under pressure from some external source (not shown) at (300), whereupon it enters the first leap assembly through the manual height control valve (302), through the solenoid control valve (304) and enters the lighted nozzle assembly (306). 
     FIG. 8 shows a close-up view of the solenoid control valve (304&#39;), lighted nozzle assembly (306&#39;) and light source (361&#39;). The lighted nozzle assembly (306&#39;) is a generally cylindrical vessel in which liquid enters by an inlet port (308) and flows out through an outlet port (312) to form the fluid stream (530&#39;). 
     The rear portion of the lighted nozzle assembly is bounded by a fluid seal comprising of a transparent or color tinted window (310). A light source (361&#39;) is positioned just behind the window (310) in a manner to focus a beam of light through the window (310) and out of the nozzle through the orifice (312) so as to be embedded within the stream (530&#39;). 
     The effect of this embodiment will be to cause the leaping drink effect to be lighted and for the light to follow the leaping drink along the bar with the final leap to light up the patron&#39;s glass. 
     In this embodiment, three leap stages are shown for convenience. It is within the scope of the present invention for the actual mechanism to be built for one leap or hop along a bar or counter, or for two, three or any number of hops. It is further within the scope of this invention for some hops to be lighted as in the fourth embodiment while others are not, for some hops to utilize a pressurized beverage container as in the first embodiment while others to utilize a municipal water supply or some other source. Likewise, it is within the scope of the present invention that some hops utilize the deflector plate of the third embodiment while others utilize the dump valve of the second embodiment or merely the solenoid control valve of the first and fourth embodiments 
     Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 9 at (250)&#39;. This embodiment includes a conduit (252)&#39; from a source of supply (not shown) containing a control valve (254)&#39;. Valve (254)&#39; is in fluid communication with a conduit (256)&#39; through which fluid may exit and go above the bar in a stream (S10). An example of control valve (254)&#39; is to valve (38). 
     A detector assembly indicated generally at (260)&#39; includes a deflector body portion 262&#39; pivotably mounted at 264&#39;. Body portion (262) blocks flow of fluid from conduit (256)&#39; from exiting the area. FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of the control valve (254&#39;), conduit (256&#39;), deflector body portion (262&#39;), control shaft (264&#39;), solenoid rod and coil assembly (266)&#39; and return spring (268)&#39;, shown in the de-activated or blocking position. FIG. 10 shows the solenoid rod and coil assembly (266&#39;) in the activated position with the deflector body portion (262&#39;) shown in the blocking position, by the back and forth motion of the solenoid rod and coil assembly (266&#39;) and the return spring (268) in a known manner. A suitable rod and coil assembly (266&#39;) adopted to engage such a shaft (264)&#39; pivots body portion 262&#39; between the positions shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. A suitable rod and coil assembly (266&#39;) is part #70155K43 from the McMaster-Carr catalog #98, 1992. 
     In operation, the control valve (254)&#39; would first be activated to allow the water or beverage to attain full flow velocity exiting from the conduit (256)&#39; while still blocked from: exiting the assembly as fluid stream (S10&#39;) by the deflector body portion (262&#39;). From 0.1 to 1.0 second later the solenoid rod and coil assembly (266)&#39; would be activated to pivot and move the deflector body portion (262&#39;), (FIG. 10) to the unblocking position to allow fluid stream (S10&#39;) to exit the assembly. This embodiment allows the fluid stream to build up speed before making the leap as fluid stream (S10&#39;) and avoids dripping on the bar. 
     In this embodiment, three leap stages are shown for convenience. It is within the scope of the present invention for the actual mechanism to be built for one leap or hop along a bar or counter, or for two, three or any number of hops. It is further within the scope of this invention for some hops to be lighted as in the fourth embodiment while others are not, for some hops to utilize a pressurized beverage container as in the first embodiment while others to utilize a municipal water supply or some other source. Likewise, it is within the scope of the present invention that some hops utilize the deflector plate of the third embodiment while others utilize the dump valve of the second embodiment or merely the solenoid control valve of the first and fourth embodiments. 
     Other modifications will be apparent within the scope of the following claims.