Abstract:
A wait staff signaling apparatus and method used to summon wait staff to a restaurant table includes a housing having a plurality of signaling indicators wherein the indicators illuminate by means of a light source driven by a battery and an integral control module when activated by a patron at the table by pressing or touching the respective switch. The indicators are color coded with the color codes corresponding to the type of service required by the patron. The device incorporates a high efficiency secondary optics lens component so as to provide high visibility in all light conditions at a wide variety of viewing angles, including a narrow low angle intense beam for distant viewing, thereby providing a low power, portable, battery driven device with a long service life and a low manufacturing cost.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of use thereof for facilitating restaurant wait staff notification of a patron requiring service and of the type of service required. More particularly, this invention is directed to an apparatus and method for visually communicating the service needs of a patron in a restaurant, or similar establishment, by means of high visibility lit indicators. 
         [0002]    The prior art is typified by signaling devices that comprise a radio frequency transmitting device placed at the restaurant patron&#39;s table with a receiving device located centrally or distributed to pagers to notify wait staff that service is required. Typically transmitting type devices have been preferred due to the wait staff&#39;s generally poor visibility of an alert indicator located at the table. Other types of signaling devices are table based visible semaphore or light emitting devices. Of these devices, the prior art table based signaling devices can generally be grouped as those that signal by means of a lit indicator and those that utilize a non-lit flagging element or marker. Non-lit devices are disadvantaged in restaurant environments where the tables are located in low lighting areas as wait staff may have difficulties identifying that a non-lit flagging or marker device has been activated. Depending upon the environment and construction an activated non-lit device does not draw attention as well as a lighted device. Lighted indicator signaling devices located at the table facilitate the wait staff to survey the tables from a distance to determine if service is required; however, the indicator must be clearly visible to the wait staff without having to visually search for the device. 
         [0003]    A disadvantage of using light emitting devices is the high level power required to activate the light indicator, particularly for battery power driven devices. Consequently, a short battery life is a limiting factor and disadvantage for such devices. In order to provide high visibility from many view angles, as required in a restaurant environment, the distribution of light must be broad thereby requiring yet more power as compared to a light source directed in a narrow field. Battery driven prior art devices that present an indicator light at the table for purposes of signaling for service typically lack sufficient light distribution to provide a distinctive indicator from most angles thus reducing visibility by the wait staff 
         [0004]    It is important that an indicator be visible to staff by merely glancing toward a table without having to search for a device on the table. A portable device may be placed anywhere on the table and hence the staff does not have a known reference point to check when scanning tables to determine if service is required. 
         [0005]    As illustrated, improved communications between the wait staff and the restaurant patron has many beneficiary effects including, but not limited to, an improved overall experience by the patron, increased patron count by decreasing the total meal time, and increased wait staff efficiency. What is needed is an improved battery power driven low cost wait staff signaling apparatus locatable at the patron&#39;s table capable of communicating patron requests to the wait staff and providing high visibility so as to noticeable to the wait staff by glancing at the table and without having to visually search for the device on the table. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Accordingly, the present invention is directed to wait staff signaling devices and methods and, more specifically, to a low power portable wait staff signaling apparatus located at a patron&#39;s table utilizing color coded high visibility illuminated indicators controllable by a patron for purposes of signaling to wait staff and communicating the type of service required, thereby substantially obviating one or more of the problems due to the limitations and disadvantages of the related art. 
         [0007]    The present invention is a portable apparatus with a plurality of illuminating indicators controlled by the restaurant patron to indicate that service is required; the apparatus having large illuminated indicator surfaces capable of distributing light in a broad range of angles. The patron activates a self-powered illuminating indicator or indicators by means of activator switches which cause corresponding indicators to light. The need for service is signaled by activating the device and the type of service required is communicated by the color coding of the illuminated indicator and/or by the combinations of activated indicators. The apparatus is placed on the table by the wait staff and is activated by the patron. The illuminated indicator is typically deactivated after the service is provided or after attention of the wait staff is accomplished. 
         [0008]    A secondary illuminating optic is provided, in each indicator, having substantially a rectangular shape with light collector wing element portions on two sides. The lens provides functionality to maximize the transmission of light from light emitting diodes (LEDs) having a standard T lens thereby increasing the power efficiency of the apparatus. The secondary illuminating optic also distributes the light from the light emitting diodes in a manner to maximize visibility and aesthetics in a table top restaurant application by providing an evenly distributed light glow over the upwardly facing surface of the lens while also providing a high intensity narrow beam from the front and rear exitant sides of the lens and at a low angle to the table top thereby directing a high visibility lighted indication to the wait staff. 
         [0009]    It is an object of the invention to provide an improved visual signal device with high visibility from many angles and a method to communicate service requests to wait staff at a distance without the necessity of wires, radio or other communications linking to a separate receiving system. The secondary illuminating optics are fashioned to provide appropriate light intensity at respective viewing angles. 
         [0010]    Another objective of the invention is to provide an illuminated indicator permits effective signaling in all light level restaurant environments wherein non-lit indicators are not usable due to darkness or lit indicators are not usable due washout in medium to high light levels. The low angle narrow beams generated by the secondary lens optic facilitate visibility in higher light level applications. 
         [0011]    A further objective is facilitate portable use by providing high visibility indicators being battery driven and having an acceptable operational life. The light concentrator appendages of the secondary optics lens minimizes optical coupling losses with the light emitting diodes of the indicators. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the features, advantages, and principles of the invention. 
           [0013]    In the drawings: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the signaling device according to the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the signaling device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of the signaling device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a front side elevation view of the signaling device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a right side elevation view of the signaling device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a cross section view taken along Line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 3  showing the internal elements and their spatial relationship to each other according to the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a cross section view taken along Line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6  illustrating details of the high efficiency lens inserts with the illuminating LEDs in position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a cross section view taken along Line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 6  showing details of the housing lens cover surrounding the projecting surfaces of the high efficiency lens insert according to the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a portion of the cross section view of  FIG. 6  illustrating the touch activation of the green indicator of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of one of the high efficiency lens inserts in position on the printed circuit of the control module with the diffusion portion against the control module touch pad area and the illuminating LEDs in position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of high efficiency lens insert showing the contoured reflecting surfaces of the lens wing portions collecting and reflecting light rays into the interior of the high efficiency lens insert. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a cross section view of the high efficiency lens insert of  FIG. 11  taken along Line  12 - 12  additionally showing the effect of the bottom diffusion surface of the lens insert. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims. Referring now in greater detail to the various figures of the drawing wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown at  10  in  FIG. 1 , wait staff signaling apparatus constructed in accordance with the subject invention. Before describing the details of that apparatus it must be pointed out that while the apparatus is particularly suited for affecting wait staff signaling in restaurants, it can also be used for other applications wherein a server is providing service to patrons. Moreover, the subject invention may also be used for non-restaurant applications wherein patrons require a means of signaling service personnel, such as in waiting rooms. 
         [0027]    An embodiment of the wait staff signaling apparatus  10  of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 1 , comprises a housing, a plurality of illuminating indicators mounted outwardly and upward facing in the housing, a battery power supply mounted in the housing, wherein the illuminating indicators are comprised of a light source mounted into a high efficiency secondary illuminating optics lens for capturing and redirecting the source light uniformly outwardly through a non-refracting lens cover providing color, an integral control module in electrical connectivity with the light source, and an activator switch mounted in the housing and in electrical connectivity with the integral control module being in electrical connectivity with the battery power supply. The non-refractive lens surfaces are capacitive touch sensitive by being in proximity to capacitive touch pads, part of the proximity switch, on the integral control module wherein circuitry is provided to detect a touch and operable to activate or deactivate the light source associated with the non-refractive lens cover. Therefore an illuminating indicator is activated or deactivated by the touch or proximity of a user. 
         [0028]    Referring further to  FIG. 1 , the wait staff signaling apparatus, also referred to as the table unit, is shown in perspective wherein first, second and third illuminating indicator assemblies are mounted in housing  20 . Each illuminating indicator comprises a non-refractive optical lens cover portion at  22 ,  24  and  26  molded into the top surface of the housing  20  which is optionally colored; and, a high efficiency transparent lens insert being a secondary illuminating optic secured in a recess, in the bottom of the non-refractive optical lens covers, sized to receive the lens insert disposed directly below each non-refractive optical lens cover. 
         [0029]    Each indicators is optionally labeled with text or a symbol representing the type of service requested with the indicator is activated. Example symbols are shown in the top plan view of  FIG. 2  wherein lens  22  has a waiter, being a symbol for general service, lens  24  has a coffee cup, being a symbol for beverage refill, and lens  26  has a dollar sign for requesting the check. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the apparatus being battery operated has a power switch  30  located in a recess  32  in the bottom housing plate  28  which is removable by releasing securing fastener  34  so as to gain access to a battery compartment for replacement purposes. The power switch  30  is provided to deactivate the device thereby eliminating any power drain of the internal batteries when not in use. 
         [0031]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , being a front elevation view of the apparatus, the generally rectangular shape of the housing  20  is visible. The housing has a top portion  36  and a bottom portion  38  wherein the bottom portion has expanded dimensions and has an inner recess sized to fit over the outside of the top portion  36  of the housing  20  such that the devices may be stacked upon each other for storage. 
         [0032]    The right side elevation view in  FIG. 5 , further illustrates the rectangular shape of the housing  20  with the lower portion  38  sized to fit over the top portion  36  of another identical device. 
         [0033]    Details of the spatial arrangement of the elements of the device are illustrated in  FIG. 6  where the first, second and third high efficiency secondary illuminating optic lens inserts  40 ,  42  and  44  are positioned below and in contact with the corresponding colored white, blue and green translucent lens covers  22 ,  24  and  26 . The integral control module  46  is positioned below the lens inserts and provides the electrical control for the apparatus. The control module  46  is in electrical connectivity with a battery power supply, illustrated, in part, at  52  and  54 . The control module  46  comprises a printed circuit board having capacitive touch pad traces etched in positions directly adjacent and below the lens inserts  40 ,  42 , and  44 . The control module  46  further has electronic circuitry for detecting the presence of a user in proximity of the touch pad by means of capacitive touch detection circuitry. A microprocessor, also incorporated in the control module, is programmed to activate or deactivate light emitting diode (LED) lamps responsive to a touch being detected. The microprocessor is further programmed to provide power management so as to maximize battery life wherein the device enters a low power mode when no touch activity is detected. Further the microprocessor may flash the lamps to indicate a low battery condition, provide a variable flash rate dependent upon the time the lamps have been active, or shut the lamps off after a period of time to save power. Still further, the microprocessor is programmed to allow only one indicator to be illuminated at any given time. 
         [0034]    Again in  FIG. 6 , the control module  46  further comprises a power switch  30  protruding downwardly through inner housing  50 . The inner housing  50  also forms a battery holder with electrical battery contacts  56  and  58  providing electrical communication to the integral control module. The power switch  30  is accessible through power switch recess opening  32  to allow a user to disable the device when not in use. Note that the inner housing  50  is secured to housing  20  by means of inner housing fastener  48  thereby allowing a user to remove the bottom plate  28  by removing bottom fastener  34  to gain access to the batteries without gaining access to the integral control module  46 . 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , being a cross section view taken on Line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 , the top of the first, second, and third lens inserts  40 ,  42 , and  44  are shown separated by light baffles  60 ,  62 ,  64 , and  66  thereby preventing light from leaking over from one illuminator assembly to the next. The lens inserts are secondary illuminating optics designed to maximize the light capture from two LEDs each at  70  and  72 ,  74  and  76 , and  78  and  80  respectively. The secondary illuminating optic is designed to capture and redirect the light from the LEDs across the top surface of the lens insert upwardly and out opposing vertical exitant side surfaces so as to direct light out the front and back sides of the apparatus. The projection of light out the side provides a narrow rectangular distribution of light at a low angle relative to a table top surface and having a higher intensity than out the top surface. This low angle higher intensity beam is designed to provide further distance for visibility to wait staff, that typically would be viewing at a lower angle as they are distant from a table, while providing a lower intensity upward illumination towards guests seated at the table. 
         [0036]      FIG. 8  illustrates the recessed fit of the lens insert  40  within the non-refractive lens cover  22 . Note that the outwardly faces side edges of the lens insert  40  are also flush with and behind the cover  22  so as to provide an exit path for the exitant light beam out the side of the apparatus. Note also the spacing between the inner housing  50  and the integral control module  46 , therein provided to distance the batteries  52  and  82  from the integral control module as a closer proximity of the batteries to the integral control module is disruptive to the capacitive touch detection mechanism. 
         [0037]    Further in  FIG. 8 , the bosses  86 ,  88 ,  90 , and  92  are representative of bosses, extending from the bottom of the housing bottom plate  28 , positioned periodically around the exterior of the recess of the bottom portion  38  of the housing  20  so as to provide a snug fit over the top portion  36  of the housing  20  of another device. The stacking facility is illustrated in  FIG. 9  wherein the top of the housing of another device  84  is positioned within the recess of the bottom plate and cradled by bosses  90  and  86 . 
         [0038]    Also note in  FIG. 9  that the user&#39;s figure, when touching or in close proximity to the lens cover  26  provides an increase in electrical capacitance which is detected by the integrated control panel which in turn directs the LED lamps associated with the lens cover to be activated or deactivated. 
         [0039]    Of particular importance in this embodiment of the present invention is the secondary illuminating optic lens insert. The design is critical to operation of the apparatus. An embodiment of the lens is shown at  100  in  FIG. 10 . An LED lamp with a T type design generally emits light in a conical projection from the top of the LED at typically 20 to 30 degrees. In order to provide high efficiency, a secondary illuminating optic lens is provided to maximize the capture of the emitted light and redirect the light for useful purposes. As shown in  FIG. 100 , the secondary illuminating optic lens comprises a flat rectangular optic having a top surface and bottom surface, a front  118  and rear  120  vertical exitant surface, a first and second wing shaped portions  106  and  108 , each comprising an incident refractive surface  114  and  116  and an optically active reflective surface  112  and  110 , forming the sides of the lens. The lens thickness is the same or greater than the width of the LED T lens utilized and may be constructed of any suitable optical material. The incident refractive surfaces  116  and  114  are designed in an arch shaped curvature to match the cross sectional profile of the LED for providing efficient light and optical coupling between the LED and the lens. The second optically active surface being a reflective surface, within the wing portion, is shown at  110  and  112 , along the outer surface of the wing portion, wherein the surface is contoured outwardly relative to the top of the lens so as to reflect light inwardly and downwardly into the interior of the lens. Further, these surfaces are contoured to distribute and direct light across the interior of the lens so as to provide even illumination of the bottom surface of the lens and positioned to allow even distribution of light out the vertical exitant side surfaces  118  and  120 . Two wings are provided, positioned on opposite sides and opposing, such that each wing illuminates the respective half of the lens towards which the LED is directed. Light is directly channeled to the vertical exitant side surface in the direction of the illuminating LED. The bottom of the lens  100  further comprises a grating  122  designed to reflect and diffuse light from the wing portions  106  and  108  upwardly and uniformly to the top surface of the lens thereby providing even upward illumination across the entire top surface of illuminating optic lens. 
         [0040]    Example light ray pathways are illustrated in  FIG. 11 , at top plan view of the secondary illuminating lens  100 . Light emitted by LED  104  is captured by the incident surface  116  of the first wing portion and reflected by the reflective surface  110  into the interior and bottom of the lens at  130  and  132  while the opposing vertical exitant surface is directly illuminated, without reflection, from the LED at  134 . Similarly, light emitted by LED  102 , facing the opposing direction, is captured by the incident surface  114  of the second wing portion and reflected by reflective surface  112  into the interior and bottom of the lens at  124  and  126  while the opposing vertical exitant side surface is directly illuminated, without reflection, at  128 . 
         [0041]    Note that the reflective surfaces of the wing portions may also be contoured to illuminate the same interior and bottom portions of the lens as the exitant side surface. 
         [0042]    Referring lastly to  FIG. 12 , the optical effect of the grated surface  122  of the lens  100  is illustrated wherein the example ray pathways  142 , initially reflected by wing surface  110 , is reflected to and out the top surface  140  of the lens by the grating  122 . Many pathways are available and, like pathway  146 , light may be reflected to the top surface directly. The net resulting illumination is even and uniform across the top surface thereby providing a uniform glow appearance to the entire lens cover when the LEDs are activated. 
         [0043]    The apparatus is powered on by pressing the power switch. After placement on a table, a user brings one&#39;s finger within close proximity of the lens cover illustrating the type of service required. The integral control module detects the increased capacitance induced by the user&#39;s finger near the lens cover and, performing as a proximity switch, activates the LED lamps within the associated indicator assembly. The secondary illuminating optic lens of the assembly directs the LED light and provides a uniform upwardly directed light through the lens cover. A high intensity narrow beam of light is also projected from the front and rear of the device to provide high visibility to wait staff at a distance and a low viewing angle to the table top. The indicator is deactivated by means of placing one&#39;s finger in close proximity to the indicator a second time.