Patent Abstract:
A bar set includes a collection of independent multipurpose units that can be reduced or increased in number. The set is also capable of flexible configurations. Every multipurpose unit in the bar set can be converted into an art platform and the plurality of these art platforms provides options of use. The display of aquarium, artwork and TV originates from a TV cabinet unit and this unit is also used as a music speaker. The bar cabinet unit includes compartments for electric lift means, movable panel, display shelves, pull out panel, music speaker and a fridge. The table unit includes a built-in container for table surface display of edibles with a container cover that also functions as a table surface. This unit also includes compartments for the display of remote controls, wine openers, plates and serviette dispenser and compartments for the storage of trash bins, champagne bucket and ice bucket.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    A bar is a place for drinking and it is also a place where drink and snack food can be obtained. In public spaces a bar is a counter at which drinks are mixed by a bartender and this is mainly in hotels, taverns and pubs. Public bars typically store a variety of liquors and other nonalcoholic drink ingredients, and are organized to facilitate the bartenders&#39; efficiency. 
         [0002]    It has been suggested that the method of serving from a counter was invented as a means of more quickly serving the sudden rush of customers caused by passenger trains arriving at the refreshment rooms at railway station while the trains changed locomotives. 
         [0003]    In an effort to privately possess and enjoy some of the benefits of a public bar many private bars copy the model of public bars. Advantages enjoyed by copying a public bar model into a private bar include availability of a dedicated space for relaxation and entertainment where drinks and snack food can be obtained and consumed. It also includes a set of furniture for the storage and display of drinks and snack food. Other facilities such as TV, sound system and bar accessories to enhance the self-sufficiency status of a bar are also included. 
         [0004]    However there are some disadvantages inherent in the transfer of a space exclusively designed for public use into private use. 
         [0005]    For example, unsuitability of the counter where there is an absence of a bartender and the user embarks on self service. This disadvantage stems from the physical obstruction by the counter and this obstruction hinders the free flow in the space and therefore makes self service clumsy. Bar accessories are not organized by reason of proximity and comfort as these accessories are usually stored behind the counter. Self service will be relatively less comfortable in the circumstance because of retrieval and storage chore. 
         [0006]    Large private bars are generally custom made to suit particular spaces and therefore usually less able to fit other spaces. This creates a problem of adaptability. 
         [0007]    There is also a problem of flexibility to the size of the bar. These bars are usually fixed in the number parts making up the bar set. It is therefore difficult to either readily remove or add more parts to meet a demand that may arise. For example it is difficult to increase or reduce the capacity of the shelves to display more or less bottles and glasses. 
         [0008]    These private bars are usually not able to be used in different ways other than to obtain and consume drink and snack food. This lack of versatility is disadvantageous especially where space comes at a premium as it will be more efficient to have a bar which has more than one use. 
         [0009]    Another problem is that wide range of diverse object and features belonging to different fields of entertainment are not usually incorporated into a bar to provide options. Lack of diversity in leisure items available for enjoyment in a private bar may lead to infrequent use of the bar. 
         [0010]    Private bars are not easily personalized as they do not provide for the display of personal things and where the bar is already personalized it becomes very difficult to easily change the object of personalization. 
         [0011]    Large bars usually draw attention especially in terms of bar objects, component and functions. A more discreet bar may be appropriate where an attention generated by a large bar is unwanted. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    It is the main object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar but can also be used as a set for the display of artworks. 
         [0014]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar, yet the number of the multipurpose units can be reduced or increased. 
         [0015]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar, yet is adaptable through flexible configuration of the bar set. 
         [0016]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar that has the capability to permit the display of TV, artwork and an aquarium from one single multipurpose unit 
         [0017]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar and has the capability to permit the ease of storage and retrieval of all accessories. 
         [0018]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar that has the capability to permit the use of multipurpose unit as a, music speaker. 
         [0019]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar that has a discreet nature in terms of the concealed and concealable components, objects and functions. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    These, and other, objects are achieved by a multipurpose bar set that can be used in a private bar to provide relaxation and entertainment in homes, hotels, offices or the like. The bar set is a collection of independent multipurpose units that are also compact. The advantage is the enhancement in flexibility in layout and configurations to suit spaces. The fact that the multipurpose units in the bar set can be reduced or increased as desired further enhances its flexibility to suit space. It is easy to add or remove multipurpose units than to change the whole bar set, for instance the requirement for a new private bar because of the desire for more bottle and glass display space can be solved by addition of bar cabinet units to increase capacities for bottles and glass display. Conversely bar cabinet unit with shelves can be used as a standalone bar as it includes a refrigerator, music system, a speaker, shelves for storage and display, pull out panel, and a door panel that can be used to display an artwork. The bar set can therefore be used for small as well as for a large private bar. 
         [0021]    The bar cabinet unit comes with the option to be used as a bar cabinet or an art platform while the TV cabinet unit comes with the option to be used as TV stand, three dimensional artwork platform or an aquarium stand. The automatic lift means helps the movable door panels of the bar cabinet and the art panel of the TV cabinet unit to be lifted in and out of view. The bar set is thus a convertible bar and has the capability to permit the change of use from bar to an art place. 
         [0022]    The bar set includes a single source for listening to music and viewing TV, three dimensional artwork and an aquarium. This TV cabinet unit is a multipurpose unit that gives the power to choose among three diverse field of entertainment. It is also advantageous to watch the three items of entertainment from one source. 
         [0023]    The bar cabinet unit and TV cabinet unit all come with the option to be used as music speakers. Music speaker casings are concealed in these units while speaker grill means exterior of the music speaker casing is mounted on the units&#39; surface. The music speakers are located in the music speaker casing. 
         [0024]    Bar table unit which replaces the bar counter includes the table surface built-in edible display for easy self service. The cover of the edible display container provides an unhindered use of the entire table surface when it is in place and a transparent cover keeps the edibles visible while the container is covered. Bar table unit also includes a compact pedestal on which all accessories are stored and displayed for ease of storing and retrieval and for smooth and easy self service. These accessories include remote controls, wine opener, serviette dispenser, edible plates and a trash bin. The trash bin covers the champagne bucket which in turn contains the ice bucket. Co-operation of the trash slot near the table top and the bin at the base of the table unit makes it easy to bin the trash from the table top. The bar table unit also functions as a display platform through the presence of top and base artifact display containers. 
         [0025]    Proximity of all bar accessories and the central location of the display controls at the bar table unit makes it easier to coordinate and utilize all facilities and amenities. 
         [0026]    Ability to display artifacts or ornaments in the display containers beneath the table top and on the table base enhances personalization of the bar set. This is an advantage as private bars are usually not designed to allow personalization. The art panels also offer additional opportunity for the personalization of the bar set. 
         [0027]    The plurality of independent automatic lift means and the plurality of individual concealable display create choice and options. It also gives the power to selectively display and expose leisure items of the bar and this helps to influence the use of the bar set 
         [0028]    A concealed music system also creates option to shut down all display and still have active use of space even when nothing is displayed. Plurality of concealable objects in the bar set and the independence in concealing these objects enhances the manipulation and discreetness of the bar set especially in terms of the integrated objects and functions. 
         [0029]    The bar set can be used privately in public places such as hotels, offices, and the like. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view for a bar set with the doors closed in the bar cabinet units, bar table unit and TV cabinet unit; 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a front elevational view thereof with the display doors of the cabinet units and bar table unit open. Service panel also pulled out; 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view thereof with all the doors and drawers of the cabinet units open. Doors of the bar table unit open; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a left side elevational view for a bar cabinet unit; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a right side elevational view thereof; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a rear elevational view thereof; 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view from one side thereof with the front panel, right side panel, drawers, shelves and back of shelves removed; 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view from one side thereof; 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  is a front elevational view for a bar set showing artworks mounted to the exterior side of the door panels; 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  is a front elevational view for a bar cabinet unit with the doors of the bar cabinet unit closed; 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  is a front elevational view thereof with the display door of bar cabinet unit open 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  is a left side elevational view thereof; 
           [0042]      FIG. 13  is a right side elevational view thereof; 
           [0043]      FIG. 14  is a rear elevational view thereof; 
           [0044]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view from one side thereof with the front panel and right side panel removed; 
           [0045]      FIG. 16  is a sectional view from one side thereof; 
           [0046]      FIG. 17  is a top plan view for a bar table unit with the edible container covered with its lid; 
           [0047]      FIG. 18  is top plan view thereof with the edible container open; 
           [0048]      FIG. 19  is an isometric view from one side thereof with the pedestal door open, edible container covered with its lid; 
           [0049]      FIG. 20  is an isometric view from one side thereof with the pedestal door open, edible container open and trash bin removed; 
           [0050]      FIG. 21  is a rear elevational view thereof; and 
           [0051]      FIG. 22  is a right side elevational view thereof. 
           [0052]      FIG. 23  is a front elevational view for a TV cabinet unit; 
           [0053]      FIG. 24  is a rear elevational view thereof; 
           [0054]      FIG. 25  is left side elevational view thereof; 
           [0055]      FIG. 26  is a right side elevational view thereof; 
           [0056]      FIG. 27  is an exploded isometric view from one side thereof. 
           [0057]      FIG. 28  is an isometric view from one side thereof with the drawer open. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0058]    Shown in  FIG. 1-3  is a bar set  80  that includes chairs J surrounding a bar table unit  10 . The bar set further includes a bar cabinet unit  50  and there are two of these bar cabinet unit in the bar set  80 . The bar set also includes a bar cabinet unit  90  and this bar cabinet unit are also two in the bar set  80 . Also included in the bar set is a bar table unit  10  and a TV cabinet unit  130 . The bar set can be formed of various materials. However the preferred materials include materials such as acrylic stone, glass, wood, metal, fiberglass-type materials, other plastic-type materials and the like. 
         [0059]    Chair J is known and will not be discussed further. 
         [0060]    Shown in  FIGS.1-9  is a bar cabinet unit  50  that includes a top  61 , a bottom  70 , a first side  56 , a second side  57 , a front  51  and a rear  63 . 
         [0061]    The front  51  includes two doors  54  and  64  and door panel  64  is also used as a panel for the display of artwork as will be discussed later. There are two other covers to the front of the bar cabinet  51  and these covers are the speaker grill means K 1  and ventilation grill means L 1 . The doors and the grills provide access to various compartments inside the cabinet as will be discussed below. As shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  side  56  and Side  57  include anchor openings  59  and  60  for accessing screw nail holes N 3  and N 4 . Side  57  includes another ventilation grill L 2 , and a pull out panel opening  66  as indicated in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 5 . Pull out panel opening  66  is the opening for a pull out panel means  55 . Grill means and the pull out panel means are well known and will not be discussed here. Metal bars M 1  and M 2  ( FIG. 7 ) are attached on both side of the rear  63  and screw nail holes N 3  and N 4  are for connecting the two metal bars to a support. Screw nail holes N 1  and N 2  ( FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 ) are for securing the bar set to a horizontal support above the bar set. The horizontal support enables the bar set to be located anywhere in the space other than beside a vertical support such as wall support. 
         [0062]    The bar cabinet unit  50  include an electric lift means. This means is located inside the electric lift housing X 1  in compartment C 7  ( FIG. 7 ) and the electric housing X 1  is mounted on support  72 . Door panel  64  is suspended with a rope R 1  from the lift means that moves the door panel in a linear vertical direction. H 1  and H 2  guide the door on its path. The partition  73  creates a channel that links the two air ventilation grills L 1  and L 2 . 
         [0063]    As best shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 8  the suspended door panel  64  covers the shelve compartments C 1 , C 2  and C 3  when it is lowered down but reveals the compartments when it is lifted up into the space above the shelves compartment. The door also functions as an art panel when a two dimensional artwork is mounted to the exterior surface of the movable door panel as shown in  FIG. 9 . In this instance the bar cabinet  50  then functions as an art platform. Bar cabinet unit  50  comes with the option to be used for a bar cabinet or for an art platform 
         [0064]    The compartments C 1 , C 2  and C 3  as shown in  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 8  are used to display bottles however they could also be used to display other items including glasses and edibles. Compartments C 1 , C 2  and C 3  are back lighted by electric light means and this means is mounted on  73 . Back lighting means is well known and will not be discussed here. 
         [0065]    The speaker grill means K 1  covers the drawer D 1  of compartment C 4  as shown in  FIG. 3  and the drawer D 1  is mounted on the cabinet by rollers in tracks to move into and out of the cabinet. This compartment C 4  contains the music speaker casing SK 1  which has speaker grill means K 1  as its exterior skin. The music speaker is located in the speaker casing SK 1 . This music speaker casing and the speaker grill means conceal the music speaker while sound from the music speaker passes through the speaker grill means. Music control panel is also located in compartment C 4  and is powered from the main power cord. The presence of two bar cabinet unit  50  enables the location of right and left of speaker separately in each of the bar cabinet unit in the bar set  80 . 
         [0066]    As best shown in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  the bar set includes a refrigeration means which is accessed through door  54 . This means is located in compartment C 5  and is powered from the main power cord. Ventilation means include grill means L 1 , L 2  and compartment C 6 . Refrigeration and ventilation means are well known and will not be discussed here. 
         [0067]    Shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and  FIGS. 9-16  is a bar cabinet unit  90  that includes a top  97 , a bottom  101 , a first side  94 , a second side  95 , a front  91  and a rear  98 . 
         [0068]    The front  91  includes two doors  102  and  93  as indicated in  FIG.1 ,  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 10 . The doors provide access to various compartments inside the cabinet as will be discussed below. Door  102  provides access to a display compartment and the door is also used as panel for the display of artwork as will be discussed later. 
         [0069]    Side  94  has an anchor opening  106  while second side  95  also includes an anchor opening  108  as shown in  FIG. 3   FIG. 12 ,  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 15 . Anchor opening  106  and  108  are for accessing the screw nail holes N 7  and N 8  as indicated in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 . Metal bars M 3  and M 4  ( FIG. 15 ) are attached on either side of the rear  98  and screw nail holes N 7  and N 8  are for connecting the two metal bars to a support. Screw nail holes N 5  and N 6  ( FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 ) are for securing the bar set to a horizontal support above the bar set. The horizontal support enables the bar set to be located anywhere in the space other than beside the vertical support such as wall support. 
         [0070]    Bar cabinet unit  90  include an electric lift means. This means is located inside the electric lift housing X 2  in compartment J 5  while the electric lift housing X 2  is mounted on lift support  105  ( FIG. 15  and  FIG. 16 ). The door panel  102  is suspended with a rope R 2  from the lift means that moves the panel door in a linear vertical direction. H 3  guides the door on its path. 
         [0071]    As best shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 16  the door  102  covers the glass display compartment J 1  when it is lowered down but reveals the compartments when it is lifted up into the space above the glass display compartment. The door also functions as an art panel when a two dimensional artwork is mounted to the exterior surface of the door panel as shown in  FIG. 9 . In this instance the bar cabinet then functions as an art platform. Bar cabinet unit  90  comes with the option to be used for a bar cabinet or for an art platform. 
         [0072]    As best shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 15  compartment J 1  includes pairs of protruded hangers Y on which the glasses are displayed and this compartment is back lighted by electric light means. This electric light means is mounted on rear  98 . The electric lighting means is well known and will not be discussed here. 
         [0073]    Compartment J 2 , J 3  and J 4  as best shown in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 16  are used for glass storage and the three compartment are accessed through door  93  as indicated in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 15   
         [0074]    Shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and  FIGS. 17-22  is a bar table unit  10  that includes a table top  35 , a collection of artifact containers on a platform  11 , a cabinet  12  which functions as the table pedestal and a table base  45 . 
         [0075]    As best shown in  FIG. 17 ,  FIG. 18 ,  FIG. 19 , and  FIG. 20  the table top comprises of a panel  35  and the container cover  4  which is the part cut out from the middle of panel  35 . Panel  35  and container cover  4  together form a continuous flat table surface and the container cover  4  can be moved manually with the handle  2  from a closed position best shown in  FIG. 17  and  FIG. 19  to a open position shown in  FIG. 18  and  FIG. 20 . Cover  4  provides access to container  6 . The preferred material for the table top is transparent material however the container cover  4  may also be of opaque nature to conceal the contents of the container  6 . 
         [0076]    The bar cabinet  12  includes a first side  37 , a second side  38 , a front  39  and a rear  40  as shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 19 ,  FIG. 20   FIG. 21  and  FIG. 22   
         [0077]    The front  39  includes two doors  25  and  26  best shown in  FIG. 1 . The doors provide access to various compartments inside the cabinet as will be discussed below. The cabinet  12  has a container  6  ( FIG. 18  and  FIG. 20 ) for the display of edibles at the apex of the cabinet. This edible container continues right to the outside of the bar table unit through the artifact container platform  11  and table top  35  as indicated in  FIG. 18  and  FIG. 20 . 
         [0078]    As best shown in  FIG. 19  and  FIG. 20  the cabinet compartments are designed for storage and display of the bar accessories. Remote controls are stored and displayed in compartments E 1  and E 2 . Wine openers are stored and displayed in compartment E 3  and E 4 . The serviette dispenser is stored and displayed in compartment E 5  while the plates are stored and displayed in the same compartment E 5 . Compartment E 6  and E 7  holds the trash bin  21 . Ice bucket is kept inside a Champagne bucket and both are stored in compartment E 6 . The trash slot T at the rear  40  co-operates with a trash bin  21  through compartment E 7 . 
         [0079]    The bar table unit as best shown in  FIG. 19  and  FIG. 20  also include a collection of artifact containers A 1 , A 2 , A 3  and A 4 . These artifact containers are seen through the transparent table top  35  and are held in place by a platform  11 . Also included in the bar table unit is the table base  45  with artifact containers A 5  and A 6   
         [0080]    Shown in  FIG. 1-3  and  FIGS. 23-28  is a TV cabinet unit  130  that includes a top  131 , a bottom  133 , a first side  135 , a second side  137 , a front  140 , and a rear  142 . 
         [0081]    The first side  135  has a speaker grill means K 2  and this speaker grill means is the outer skin of a speaker casing SK 3  as shown in  FIG. 28 . The rear  142  includes a translucent panel P ( FIG. 24  and  FIG. 27 ) which allows natural light to reach the aquarium when it is concealed in compartment O 3 . Front  140  also include a pull out drawer D 2  ( FIG. 28 ) that contains the music speaker casing SK 2 . Located in this compartment is a music control panel powered from the main power cord. As shown in  FIG. 27  the top  131  is comprised of three covers F 1 , F 2  and F 3  through which compartments O 1 , O 2  and O 3  inside the cabinet unit are accessed. The music system means is well known and will not be discussed here. 
         [0082]    The music system drawer D 2  shown in  FIG. 28  is mounted on the cabinet by rollers in tracks to move into and out of the cabinet. 
         [0083]    The TV cabinet unit includes three electric lift means. These means are located in compartments O 1 , O 2  and O 3  ( FIG. 27 ) and are powered from the main power cord. The electric lift means is well known and thus will not be discussed in detail. 
         [0084]    TV, three dimensional artwork and aquarium which are mounted on the electric lift means are located in compartments O 1 , O 2  and O 3  respectively ( FIG. 27 ). Independence of the three electric lift means provides for the independent display of the TV, artwork and aquarium. This means enables three diverse field of entertainment to originate from the same source—the TV cabinet unit. Only one of the displayed objects can be viewed at a time. This independence also, allows the TV cabinet unit to also function variously as a TV stand, three dimensional artwork platform and an aquarium stand. 
         [0085]    Art platforms of the duplicated bar cabinet  50  and bar cabinet  90  as well as the three dimensional art platform of TV cabinet unit  130  give rise to a plurality of art platforms. Plurality of art platforms in a bar set makes it suitable for the display and view of artwork. 
         [0086]    It is understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts described and shown.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0