Abstract:
A combined service area, having a first service area; a second service area; and one or more panels movable between: a first configuration wherein the first service area is at least partially covered by the one or more panels and the second service area is accessible; and a second configuration wherein the second service area is at least partially covered by the one or more panels and the first service area is accessible.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Hotels and other lodging establishments often incorporate common space providing a multitude of services to their guests. Such services include dining venues, media lounges, business centers, bars serving alcoholic beverages and the like. Typically, each type of service has its own dedicated area within the larger common space. For example, a hotel may include separate eating and working areas. 
         [0002]    Some hotel services are only applicable to specific times of the day, and require different workspaces or presentations. For example, a hotel bar may be open only at night, and an omelet station may be open only in the morning. Thus, areas providing certain services often stand idle at times of the day when such services would not be appropriate or profitable to provide to guests. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0003]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
         [0004]    Embodiments herein are directed to a sliding panel system for blocking access to disparate features of a room. The sliding panel system includes a plurality of service areas, the service areas being separate regions of a room; and one or more panels, the panel(s) being located in front of the service areas so as to block access to one or more room features while leaving at least one other room feature at least partially accessible, and wherein the panel(s) are movable such that a user may select a different room feature to expose or block. 
         [0005]    The system can include a support structure located above the panels; and a sliding mechanism, the sliding mechanism being simultaneously attached to the panel(s) and the support structure, wherein the sliding mechanism enables the panel(s) to slide to selectively expose service areas. 
         [0006]    In an embodiment, the service areas include: a beverage preparation and serving area, including a plurality of shelves having horizontal surfaces for supporting bottles; and a food preparation and serving area. 
         [0007]    In still further embodiments, the room features include a media center, including one or more electronic display devices, one or more electronic media playback devices, and an enclosure to support and display said electronic display devices and electronic media playback devices; and a food preparation and serving area. 
         [0008]    In still more embodiments, the system includes at least two panels, the panels being movable such that they can overlap one another. 
         [0009]    In embodiments, wherein there is at least one non-functional area between two or more room feature(s). 
         [0010]    In accordance with further embodiments, a combined service area is provided, comprising: a first service area; a second service area; and one or more panels movable between: a first configuration wherein the first service area is at least partially covered by the one or more panels and the second service area is accessible; and a second configuration wherein the second service area is at least partially covered by the one or more panels and the first service area is accessible. 
         [0011]    In embodiments, the first service area comprises a bar, and the second area comprises a cooking or food service area. In another embodiment, the first service area comprises a media center, and the second service area comprises a breakfast bar. If a media center is used, the media center can include two televisions, wherein the second configuration comprises two panels, one each in front of the two televisions. A third configuration can be provided wherein the two panels are positioned, front to back, in front of either one of the two televisions. 
         [0012]    In further embodiments, a stop may be provided for aligning one of the panels at a position in the combined service area. In embodiments where the panels are movable such that they can overlap one another, the stop can be a protrusion on one of the panels that is engaged by another of the panels. 
         [0013]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a sliding panel system as adapted for nighttime use in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of the sliding panel system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the sliding panel system of  FIG. 1 , as adapted for daytime use in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  shows a front view thereof. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a sliding mechanism for the sliding panels of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an alternate sliding panel system adapted for media use. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  shows a front view thereof, with the panels in a breakfast bar access position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  shows a front view thereof, with the panels in a hybrid position with one television exposed and the other covered by the panels, with the panels stacked front to back. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described. 
         [0023]    Given that common space as described above is often limited in size, there is considerable value in being able to use a given area for multiple purposes, as well as to quickly and easily switch between such purposes, without detracting from the suitability for the area for each service it provides. The embodiments described below are demonstrative but in no way limiting. 
         [0024]    In accordance with embodiments herein, a common area includes two or more service areas. These service areas may be, for example, a bar, a media center, a television module, a cooking area, a breakfast bar, or other areas available for access and/or use by service personnel and/or patrons. Embodiments herein are particularly of use in hotel common areas, but may be used in other service industries. 
         [0025]    Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views,  FIG. 1  shows a combined cooking and bar area  20 . In accordance with embodiments, the combined cooking and bar area  20  is configurable between nighttime use, where a bar is available, and daytime use, where a cooking area is exposed. In the embodiment shown, the cooking and bar area  20  are configured for nighttime use in a typical lodging common area, in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in the drawing, an embodiment includes a bar  22  for making and serving beverages, a cooking area  24  (best shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) for preparing and serving food to the right of the bar, and a wall surface  26  that extends between the bar  22  and the cooking area  24 . Two panels  28  are mounted for sliding movement across the front of the bar  22 , the wall surface  26  and the cooking area  24 . To this end, the panels are mounted on a sliding mechanism  30  ( FIG. 5 ) that attaches to and slidingly supports the panels  28  from a ceiling  32 . In the embodiment shown in the drawings, an eating counter  34  is positioned in front of the bar and is separated from the bar  22  by empty space, within which food preparers and other service personnel can move about. 
         [0026]    In general, the bar may include alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages, mixers, or other bar accoutrements that may be stored behind the panels  28 . As illustrated in accordance with an embodiment, the bar  22  includes a plurality of shelves  36 , arranged as three vertical columns  38  with four flat, horizontal shelves  36  per column  38 . The columns  38  of shelves  36  are separated by dividers  40  that protrude such that the shelves  36  are recessed relative to the dividers  40  and the surrounding wall surface  26 . The shelves  36  are designed to hold, support and display a plurality of beverage bottles or other bar accoutrements (not shown, but known). The dividers  40  extend downward to a bar counter  44 , which is attached to the wall surface  26  and provides a horizontal space  46  on which to prepare beverages and which can hold additional beverage bottles and/or beverage draft taps (not shown, but known). As discussed previously, the bar may take any configuration, and can include more or less shelves and/or columns than are shown, and/or can utilize different configurations. 
         [0027]    The wall surface  26  surrounds both the bar  22  and the cooking area  24 , and a portion  50  lies to the right of the bar  22  and to the left of the cooking area  24 , effectively separating them. This portion  50  of the wall surface  26  contains an entryway  52  to an adjacent area or to the back of the cooking area  24 . In an alternative embodiment, the bar  22  and the cooking area  24  are immediately adjacent, with no intervening portion  50  of the wall surface  26 , and subsequently, no intervening entryway  52 . 
         [0028]    As previously mentioned, the eating counter  34  is separated from the bar  22  by empty space and runs from the leftmost to the rightmost portion of the bar  22  and to and beyond the cooking area  24 . Although not shown, the eating counter  34  can turn ninety degrees to run perpendicular to the wall surface  26 , eventually intersecting with and ending at the wall surface  26 , thus enclosing a service area between the cooking and bar area  20  and the counter  34 . The eating counter  34  has a broad, flat horizontal surface  58  upon which food preparers can place prepared drinks and food for patrons, also located within the eating counter&#39;s  34  proximity, to consume. 
         [0029]    In general, the cooking area  24  can include any structure at which food may be prepared or served, and which can be completely or partially covered by the movable panels  28 . In an embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the cooking area  24  is recessed behind the wall surface  26 , and includes a counter  62  that is attached to the wall surface  26  and that extends beyond the wall surface  26 . The food serving counter  62  provides a surface upon which a person standing within the cooking area  24  and behind the food serving counter  62  may place food items that are ready to serve. In addition, if desired, a griddle or other cooking surfaces may be provided on or near the counter  62 . The area behind the cooking area  24  may be accessed by food preparers via the entryway  52 , or via a different doorway (not shown) that is beyond the cooking area  24 . 
         [0030]    In an embodiment, a TV projector  64  may be provided that projects an image on the panels  28  when in any position. In accordance with an embodiment, such a feature is provided when the panels are in front of the cooking area. This arrangement allows enhanced television viewing when the combined area  20  is in a bar configuration. 
         [0031]    As previously noted, the panels  28  are horizontally slidable via functionality enabled by the attached sliding mechanism  30 . The panels  28 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , are translucent and sized so that when slid to an appropriate position  66 , they obscure the recessed area of the bar  22  and leave the cooking area  24  exposed. This configuration is appropriate for morning and daytime use, when the bar  22  has little applicability. Likewise, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the panels  28  are also sized such that the cooking area  24 , of similar dimensions to the recessed area of the bar  22 , is obscured if said panels  28  are slid to the appropriate position. This position of the panels  28  exposes the bar  22  and prevents access to the cooking area  24 , as would be appropriate for nighttime use. The sliding operation of the panels  28  to obscure either the bar  22  or cooking area  24  does not, however, foreclose any part of the eating counter  34  from being accessed by either food preparers or patrons. In alternate embodiments, the invention may include either a single sliding panel  28  or three or more sliding panels  28 , as differing needs dictate. Additionally, the panel(s) may be configured and positioned such that portions of the bar  22 , cooking area  24  or other types of service areas are only partially obscured, or so that the bar and cooking area are both available at the same time, for example by aligning the panels  28  at a position against the wall area. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  illustrates the sliding mechanism  30  in an embodiment of the invention. As noted, the sliding mechanism  30  provides support for the panels  28  from a ceiling  32  and enables the panels  28  to slide horizontally, providing the functionality as previously described. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the sliding mechanism  30  includes rollers  70  mounted on the top of the panels  28  and that engage a rail  72  attached to the ceiling  32 . Both panels may be mounted on a single rail, and abut one another in use, or the two panels  28  can be mounted on separate rails so that they can be positioned front to back and stored together in one location, such as against the wall portion, or to one side of the cooking area. This feature is described in more detail below in additional embodiments. Other sliding mechanisms configurations may be used, including bearings/tracks, slots/grooves, or other suitable arrangements. Translation of the panels  28  can be restricted by stops or caps (not shown). A second sliding apparatus may be replicated at the bottom of the panels in order to improve the system&#39;s structural characteristics, and a system involving different components, may be contemplated within the context of the invention. Embodiments contemplate manual translation of the panels  28 , but the panels may be altered to provide electronic or motor-operated movement. 
         [0033]    The invention&#39;s functionality is adaptable to expose or obscure other types of service areas in lodging common areas, such as media centers, breakfast areas and concierge stations. In accordance with yet another embodiment,  FIG. 6  illustrates a combined media station and breakfast bar  84  including a television station  86  for storing and displaying televisions, media devices and like items, a breakfast bar  88  for serving, storing and displaying food items immediately to the right of the television station  86 , and panels  128  in front of both the television station  86  and the breakfast bar  88 , the panels  128  being slidably supported similar to the panels  28  described previously. The embodiment as illustrated shows the system configured for daytime or evening use, with the panels  28  obscuring the breakfast bar  88  in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0034]    The television station  86  is situated to the left of and immediately adjacent to the breakfast bar  88 . The television station  86  as illustrated consists of a left television enclosure  88  and right television enclosure  90 , with a central storage area  92  in between. Each of the left television enclosure  88 , the right television enclosure  90 , and the central storage area  92  are of equal vertical height. The left television enclosure  88  and right television enclosure  90  each have a large television compartment  94  within which a television  96  or other display may be supported and displayed. A media device enclosure  98  that holds and displays a media device such as a game machine or video playback device is situated immediately below and adjacent to the television compartment  94 . A covered storage unit  100  is located immediately below and adjacent to the media device enclosure  98 . The covered storage unit  100  is split into left and right subsections  102  of horizontally and vertically equal size, each subsection  102  having a door to obscure the covered storage unit&#39;s  100  contents. A partially covered storage unit  106  is located above and immediately adjacent to the television compartment  94 . The partially covered storage unit  106  is separated into four portions, the lower two subsections being situated side to side and of equal horizontal and vertical size, and the upper two subsections also being situated side to side, above and immediately adjacent to the lower two subsections, and of equal horizontal and vertical size. 
         [0035]    The central storage area  92  in between the left  88  and right television enclosure  90  consists of four subsections in a vertical column. The television station  86  may take any different configuration than described here, such as having only one television enclosure, no central storage area, or differently configured storage units. 
         [0036]    Moving to  FIG. 7 , an embodiment is shown where the sliding panels  128  have been configured to obscure the television station  86  and expose the breakfast bar  88 . As illustrated, the breakfast bar  88  is situated immediately to the right of the television station  86  and includes a counter surface  122 . The breakfast bar  88  may include a number of other features that permit it to be used as a service counter, such as a sneeze guard and cooking area. In embodiments, the breakfast bar may be any type of cooking or service area for a common area, including, but not limited to, the functions described for the cooking area  24 . 
         [0037]    The counter surface  126  provides a flat common surface for preparing, displaying and storing prepared food, and protrudes beyond the vertical plane of the television station  86 . The cooking area  126  can include an embedded hot cooking surface, such as a griddle, that is surrounded by a splash guard to prevent food particles from leaving the cooking area  126  or for preventing access by patrons standing outside the cooking area  126 . Empty space behind the breakfast bar  88  is provided within which food preparers may move about. The breakfast bar  88  may take any other configuration, and may include other features, such as a hot food trays, multiple griddles, or differently configured counter surfaces. 
         [0038]    The panels  128  in the embodiments described herein have functionality similar to the panels  28  described in a previous embodiment. Analogously, the panels  128  may be manipulated such that part or all of the television station  86 , breakfast bar  88  or any combination thereof is exposed and/or obscured. In the embodiment pictured in  FIG. 6 , when the panels  128  are configured such that the breakfast bar is partially or fully obscured, the counter surface  126  protrudes slightly relative to the front plane of the panels  28 . In alternate embodiments, there may be any number of panels  28 , the breakfast bar  88  and television station  86  may be configured differently relative to one another, the counter surface  126  may be flush with the panels  28 , there may be a wall surface or any other feature intervening between the breakfast bar  88  and television station  86 , or any other configuration not heretofore mentioned. 
         [0039]    In accordance with an embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the panels  128  may cover one or both of the television enclosures  88 ,  90 . To this end, in  FIG. 7 , both panels  128  are shown as moved so that each covers a television enclosure  88 ,  90 . Alternatively, the two panels  128  may be stacked, front to back, in front of only one of the stations, as shown in  FIG. 8 . As described above, to provide this feature, the two panels would need to be movable so that one is positioned in front of the other, for example, by providing two rails, one each for the two panels. Also, if desired, a stop or other feature may be provided along the sliding mechanism or on one of the panels to provide an alignment function. For example, a protrusion may extend out of a front, side edge of the back panel that engages and stops the front panel when the two are stacked. 
         [0040]    In embodiments, the panels may be aligned away from all service areas, so that all service areas are exposed. For example, the panels  28  may be stored on the wall surface  26 , such that the bar  22  and the cooking area  24  are both available for use at the same time. The panels can be stacked away from the service areas, stored adjacent to one another, or may be positioned at different locations in the service areas, for example, one each on opposite sides of the bar  22 . 
         [0041]    Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. 
         [0042]    The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
         [0043]    Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
         [0044]    All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.