Patent Description:
Today, there are coffee shops on almost every corner, some malls even have more than <NUM> coffee shops within a one block area (or less). The availability and convenience of picking up a beverage quickly has become the new norm, and very good for the beverage businesses. Other coffee shops have recognized this and have created drive-thru coffee stands in parking lots, which have become increasingly successful and profitable over the past decade. With real estate costs on the rise, brick and mortar coffee shop options may not be feasible or financially possible, thus a mobile battery powered beverage distribution and marketing cart would be desirable.

The ability to pack all of the necessities of a beverage shop (bar, coffee shop, soda fountain, etc.) into a mobile beverage cart allows retailers to sell their product on the go. The battery power of the beverage cart may provide the electrical power to run the electrical componentry thereon, such as: a refrigerator (or cooler), freezer, ice maker, espresso machines, milk steamers, coffee bean grinder(s), speakers, viewing or display screens, or even a television (for the beverage menu, sports/event streaming, or marketing purposes). By being mobile, beverage vendors could move around stadiums or arenas to high-volume areas to alleviate congestion. The beverage vendors could be mobilized at festivals, or concerts in large fields where power supply is limited, or through parking lots prior to sports events, where people are tailgating. Additionally, beverage vendors could also move throughout conventions or exhibits to help appease attendees. The possibilities for use of these mobile battery powered beverage distribution carts are endless.

Additionally, these mobile battery powered beverage distribution carts could be used to test new products, market existing products, give out free samples, or simply to generate significant revenue. Removing the need for a permanent shop or retail establishment greatly increases marketability of such a cart and in turn, increases revenue potential. Thus, there exists a need for mobile battery powered beverage distribution carts.

Other related publications include: <CIT> which describes a beverage dispenser kiosk, <CIT> which describes a mobile beer dispensing system, <CIT> which describes a car for automatic beverage dispensing, <CIT> which describes a mobile medical cart and technology for controlling access to the mobile medical cart, <CIT> which describes a battery powered transport refrigeration unit which uses a an integrated mix of a combination of electrical power generated from an internal combustion engine, and electric grid, a wheel driven generator, and at least one solar panel, and <CIT> which describes a method and system for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing flow of products in a distribution network utilizing a radio device for attachment to product containers.

Further relevant prior art documents are <CIT> and <CIT>.

The present invention comprises a mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart according to claim <NUM> comprising: a wheeled base portion having at least one refrigerated compartment therein for storing and refrigerating beverages; an upper workstation coupled to the wheeled base portion and having a level work surface area and at least one beverage distribution dispenser thereon operatively coupled to the at least one refrigerated compartment for dispensing beverages therefrom; at least one large viewing screen for marketing or entertainment, wherein the at least one large viewing screen is elevated above the upper workstation via two extension arms so that it may be easily seen by anyone in the area and so that the level work surface area is clear of the at least one large viewing screen; at least one battery secured within the cart and electrically coupled to the at least one refrigerated compartment, the at least one beverage distribution dispenser, or the at least one large viewing screen, to provide electrical power thereto; and wherein the cart is configured to be easily maneuverable by rolling to different locations for beverage distribution.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, further comprising an interactive touch screen or computer disposed on the upper workstation of the cart and having Wi-Fi or other wireless communication capability; wherein the interactive touch screen or computer processes beverage orders and payments.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, further comprising security features to securely lock the interactive touch screen or computer, wheeled base, at least one battery compartment, or at least one refrigerated compartment, to prevent theft or unauthorized tampering.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein the interactive touch screen or computer is securely mounted to the upper workstation of the cart.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein the interactive touch screen or computer is removably mounted to the upper workstation of the cart.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein the interactive touch screen or computer comprises its own separate battery pack.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein the interactive touch screen or computer further comprises Wi-Fi, and wherein the interactive touch screen or computer communicates with a central computer, via the Wi-Fi, to provide cart status information.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein content of the at least one large viewing screen is programmed by the central computer.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein the at least one large viewing screen further comprises Wi-Fi.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein the wheeled base portion further comprises a storage compartment for beverage making supplies and accessories.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, further configurable to maintain wireless communications with a central computer or processor to monitor and optimize operations.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, further comprising at least one handle for pushing and/or maneuvering the cart to the different locations.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, further configured for storing, refrigerating, and selling food items.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, further comprising at least one of: coffee and/or espresso machines, beverage warming surfaces, milk steamers, coffee bean grinder, refrigerator, freezer, cooler, kegerator(s), carbonation machine(s), mixers, blenders, ice maker/distributor, and other electric dispensers or taps.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, further comprising at least one of: GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a camera, a printer, a credit card reader, and/or a money slot and/or change dispenser.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable and is not removable.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein the at least one battery is removable for recharging.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein the at least one battery provides sufficient electrical power to operate the cart without needing to plug the cart into an electrical wall outlet.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein the at least one battery provides enough electrical power to operate the cart without electrically hardwiring, or tethering, the cart to another electrical source.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein the at least one battery can be charged when adjacent, and coupled to, another mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, via a daisy chain.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, further comprising a low-powered, low-frequency Bluetooth beacon for tracking and positioning the cart to maintain cart fleet awareness and location.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein the at least one large viewing screen is mounted above the upper workstation for optimal viewing by a large crowd of people.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein the at least one large viewing screen is mounted on a side of the wheeled base portion.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, further configured to maintain and optimize performance by monitoring, at least: beverage supply, beverage quantity remaining, battery power charge level, supply level of beverage accessories, operating efficiency, content of the at least one large viewing screen, status of electrical componentry, malfunctions, employee requests, help needed, supplies needed, financial data, sales data, customer numbers, security, temperature data, and battery charge level of any electrical componentry.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein the computer further comprises Wi-Fi, and wherein the computer communicates with a central computer or processor, via the Wi-Fi, to provide cart status information.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, further comprising at least one viewing screen; wherein content of the at least one viewing screen is programmed by the central computer or the processor.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, further comprising at least one viewing screen.

The present disclosure also includes disclosure of the mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart, wherein the at least one viewing screen further comprises Wi-Fi.

The disclosed embodiments and other features, advantages, and disclosures contained herein, and the matter of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

<FIG> show an embodiment according to the present invention, which discloses a mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart according to claim <NUM>. Figures 2A and 2B show an embodiment being useful for understanding the invention, which is outside the subject-matter of the claims.

As such, an overview of the features, functions and/or configurations of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described and some of these non-discussed features (as well as discussed features) are inherent from the figures themselves. Other non-discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration. Furthermore, wherever feasible and convenient, like reference numerals are used in the figures and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The figures are in a simplified form and not to precise scale.

It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

<FIG> both illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of a beverage distribution cart <NUM> according to claim <NUM> (shown from different perspectives). 2A and 2B both illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of a beverage distribution cart <NUM> (shown from different perspectives).

In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, 2A, 2B a mobile battery powered beverage cart or kiosk <NUM> is generally shaped as a wheeled rectangular standing workstation having an upper workstation <NUM> at a comfortable viewing height, and a wheeled (<NUM>) base portion <NUM> coupled to and/or supported by a lower base frame <NUM>. The wheeled base portion <NUM> may generally comprise a rectangular metal frame <NUM> having wheels or casters <NUM> thereon for rolling transport of the mobile beverage cart/kiosk <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, 2A, 2B, one embodiment of a mobile battery powered beverage cart/kiosk <NUM> may have <NUM>, <NUM>, or more wheels <NUM> for transport, but any number, size and shape (i.e., round casters) of wheels <NUM> may be used herein. Additionally, the wheels <NUM> may also be lockable, retractable, and/or capable of being lockably recessed into or hidden within rectangular metal frame <NUM> and/or wheeled base portion <NUM>, as an added security feature to prevent unauthorized movement, or theft of, the mobile beverage carts/kiosks <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, 2A, 2B, the wheeled (<NUM>) base portion <NUM> of the mobile battery powered beverage cart <NUM> comprises an upper workstation <NUM> at a comfortable standing height. The upper workstation <NUM> comprises a level work surface area <NUM> and, may comprise at least one, interactive touch screen and/or computer <NUM> that may be any size and shape and may be disposed on the upper workstation <NUM> and/or <NUM>. The upper workstation <NUM> and/or <NUM> comprises at least one beverage distribution dispenser <NUM> mounted thereon. Additionally, the mobile battery powered beverage cart <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, 2A, 2B, comprises a refrigeration <NUM> compartment, for storing beverages and/or beverage supplies and for keeping the beverages cold (as necessary or desired).

In a first embodiment according to claim <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the mobile battery powered beverage cart <NUM> comprises one or more large viewing screens <NUM>. The large viewing screen <NUM> is elevated above the upper workstation <NUM> via support arms <NUM>, so that it may be easily seen by anyone in the area. The large viewing screen <NUM> is used for marketing, advertising, and/or entertainment purposes and may be positioned to attract maximum attention from potential customers. Additionally, the large viewing screen <NUM> itself may comprise a computer or processor or Wi-Fi, so that it may communicate wirelessly with another electronic device, such as central computer. The embodiment shown in <FIG> illustrates a single large viewing screen <NUM>, but it should be understood that any number, size, shape, and arrangement of viewing screens <NUM> may be used. In some embodiments, there may be a combination of several different sized viewing screens, etc..

In a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the large viewing screen <NUM> may be mounted on the wheeled base portion <NUM>. In these embodiments, the large viewing screens <NUM> may be programmed to display the same information, or different information, depending upon the cart's <NUM> available beverages, location, etc..

As shown in <FIG>, 2A, 2B, the interactive touch screen and/or computer <NUM> may generally be coupled to the upper workstation <NUM>. The interactive touch screen and/or computer <NUM> may be either securely, or removably, mounted to upper workstation <NUM> and/or <NUM>, while still allowing the screen <NUM> to be tilted and/or angled for optimal visibility. In some embodiments, the interactive touch screen <NUM> or computer may be tilted away from the customer, for operation by an employee or barista. In other embodiments, the customers can comfortably operate the interactive touch screen <NUM> themselves for order selection, such as in the case of a self-serve beverage cart <NUM>. The interactive touch screen <NUM> itself may comprise a computer <NUM> and/or be may be operably/electrically coupled to a computer, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (such as low-frequency, low-powered beacons), and/or GPS (not shown) in order to communicate the information received from the interactive touch screen <NUM> and/or computer <NUM> to a central order fulfillment center or central computer. A central order fulfillment center, or central computer, such as a center of operations or a kitchen, for example, may be where additional backup or refill beverage supplies str stored, and called upon, depending upon customer beverage demands.

The mobile battery powered beverage carts <NUM> herein may be operated by a trained employee (or multiple employees) or may be self-service. In the case of a self-serve mobile battery powered beverage cart/kiosk <NUM>, the interactive touch screen <NUM> may also run a program that appeals to, or is familiar to, a large variety of users/consumers, such as using lots of simple large sized icons/pictures, for example. Alternatively, the interactive touch screen <NUM> may be operated by a trained employee/employees to process beverage orders. The interactive touch screen <NUM> and/or computer may be Wi-Fi or Bluetooth operable to communicate with other computers and/or a central computer, control center, or CPU, for processing credit card payments, and/or for fulfilling the customer orders placed via the beverage carts/kiosks <NUM>. The GPS may be used for security, to track the mobile carts/kiosks <NUM>, and/or to help prevent theft of the carts/kiosks <NUM> and/or to relocate any carts/kiosks <NUM> which may have been relocated without authorization. In some embodiments, the carts/kiosks <NUM> may also include low-powered and/or low-frequency Bluetooth beacons (not shown) for tracking and positioning of the carts/kiosks <NUM> and to maintain fleet awareness and location.

Additionally, the upper workstation <NUM> may also optionally include a camera (not shown), credit card/chip reader (not shown), and/or a printer (not shown), and/or a money slot and/or change provider (not shown). Depending upon the needs of each customer, these mobile battery powered carts/kiosks <NUM> may be customized to include some combination of these accessories. For example, for large sporting events or concerts, the large viewing screen <NUM> may show a live feed of the sporting event or concert so that customers don't miss any of the event while waiting for a beverage. In another example, some mobile battery powered beverage carts/kiosks <NUM> may be configured only for credit card/chip use, and won't include a money slot and/or change provider for cash purchases (not shown). In other embodiments, the mobile battery powered beverage carts/kiosks <NUM> may be configured for use with both cash and credit cards and thus, may include both the credit card reader and money slot and/or change provider (not shown). In these embodiments, the money slot and/or change provider would certainly be securely lockable to prevent theft.

The upper workstation <NUM> comprises (at least one) beverage distribution dispenser <NUM> mounted thereon, as well as beverage related supplies such as cups, lids, additional coffee add-ons (such as stirring sticks, sugar, honey, creams, lemon slices etc.). In the case of coffee making beverage carts/kiosks <NUM>, the carts/kiosks <NUM> may further comprise coffee and/or espresso machines, beverage warming surfaces, milk steamers, coffee bean grinder, mixers, blenders, ice maker/distributor, and other electric dispensers, etc. In the case of a beer or alcohol dispensing beverage carts/kiosks <NUM>, the carts/kiosks <NUM> may further comprise a kegerator(s), carbonation machine(s), mixers, blenders, ice maker/distributor, etc. The mobile battery powered beverage carts/kiosks <NUM> may be customized to meet specific customer needs and may be equipped with any number of beverage making machines or supplies.

The mobile battery powered carts/kiosks <NUM> may also include at least one handle <NUM> for easily maneuvering, pushing, and/or rolling the mobile battery powered beverage carts/kiosks <NUM> between locations. The handle <NUM> may be a folding handle, or a pull-out or pop-out handle, or in other embodiments may be rigid. Regardless, the handle <NUM> may be used to easily maneuver (i.e. by pushing or pulling) the mobile battery powered beverage carts/kiosks <NUM> to different locations.

The mobile battery powered beverage carts/kiosks <NUM> includes a battery therein. The battery may be positioned inside the wheeled base portion <NUM> operably coupled to the electronic components (interactive touch screen/computer <NUM>, camera (not shown), credit card reader (not shown) printer (not shown), beverage distribution dispensers <NUM>, at least one large viewing screen <NUM>, and any additional equipment such as coffee and/or espresso machines, beverage warming surfaces, milk steamers, coffee bean grinder, kegerator(s), carbonation machine(s), mixers, blenders, ice maker/distributor, and other electric dispensers) of the cart <NUM> to provide power thereto. In some embodiments, some of the electronic components themselves may also comprise their own rechargeable battery, such as the touch screen and/or computer <NUM>, for example.

As best shown in <FIG>, the mobile battery powered beverage carts/kiosks <NUM> may also have a charging port <NUM> thereon, electrically coupled to a battery (inside wheeled base portion <NUM> and/or storage or refrigeration compartment <NUM>), for providing power to the battery, such as by plugging the mobile battery powered beverage cart/kiosk <NUM> into a wall outlet. Charging port <NUM> may be positioned anywhere on the cart/kiosk <NUM> and is shown in <FIG> only for exemplary purposes of illustration herein. The battery (inside wheeled base portion <NUM> and/or storage or refrigeration compartment <NUM>) may be a lithium battery, for example, and may be large enough to provide battery power for at least <NUM> hours and/or the length required by most customers for events, concerts, etc. The battery (inside wheeled base portion <NUM> and/or storage or refrigeration compartment <NUM>) can be recharged, such as by plugging the cart/kiosk <NUM> and/or the battery into a wall outlet and/or by replacing or swapping the battery with another fully charged battery. In some embodiments, the mobile battery powered beverage carts/kiosks <NUM> may be plugged into a wall outlet for charging during use (such as when a wall outlet happens to be conveniently close). Optionally, the carts/kiosks <NUM> can be charged simultaneously when stored adjacent one together, such as in a daisy chain, for example. Employees can recharge and/or replace batteries on the beverage carts/kiosks <NUM> between shifts, for example, and battery life is anticipated to be customizable for consumer needs.

The battery (inside wheeled base portion <NUM> and/or storage or refrigeration compartment <NUM>) provides electrical power for many or all of the electrical components on the beverage cart/kiosk <NUM>, such as, large viewing screen or television <NUM> for marketing videos, public relations videos, sports/music/speaker event streaming, streaming sticks (Apple TV, Roku, etc.), lights, speakers, mobile hotspot device, point of sale device(s) such as interactive touch screen and/or computer <NUM>, credit card reader, phone/tablet chargers, and beverage distribution dispenser <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the mobile battery powered distribution cart <NUM> may have a slide out, or removable, battery (inside wheeled base portion <NUM> and/or storage or refrigeration compartment <NUM>). In this embodiment <NUM>, the battery may be housed within the storage or refrigeration compartment <NUM> of wheeled base portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the battery may be accessed by opening the storage or refrigeration compartment <NUM> to easily slide out the battery for convenient swapping and/or charging of the battery, for example. It should be understood that any part of wheeled base portion <NUM> may house the battery, or multiple batteries, and may further be lockable or otherwise secured, to prevent theft. If a cart/kiosk <NUM> needs to be used for a longer time, it may be designed to operate using several batteries, or there may be spare batteries within the cart/kiosk <NUM> for easy swapping by employees.

Alternatively, the mobile battery powered distribution cart <NUM> may have a non-removable rechargeable battery (also housed inside wheeled base portion <NUM> and/or storage compartment <NUM>). In this embodiment <NUM>, the battery may be housed within the storage or refrigeration compartment <NUM> of wheeled base portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the battery may be recharged via charging port <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. For example, when the mobile battery powered beverage carts/kiosks <NUM> are in a storage area or near a wall outlet, the battery may be recharged by electrically coupling the carts/kiosks <NUM>, via charging port <NUM>, with a wall outlet or other power charging unit (not shown), such as via a plug-in cord. The carts/kiosks <NUM> may also be charged simultaneously when nested or stacked together, in a daisy chain.

In operation, these mobile battery powered beverage carts/kiosks <NUM> may be rolled out (with the battery(ies) already fully charged) for use at events, concerts, arenas, conferences, or when customer demand is higher. When the event is over, or the customer no longer needs so many point-of-sale beverage carts/kiosks <NUM>, the employees may use the handle <NUM> to guide or roll the carts/kiosks <NUM> between locations, such as into a secure storage area for charging and/or resupplying, for example. Once in the storage or charging area, a few employees can manage or maintain a large number of the mobile battery powered beverage carts/kiosks <NUM>, such as by swapping or charging batteries, refilling beverages and supplies, removing and/or refilling change or cash dispensers, and/or performing other maintenance tasks.

In some embodiments, the mobile battery powered beverage carts/kiosks <NUM> may also be designed to fit together, in nested or stacked configurations, to provide the ability for many mobile battery powered beverage carts/kiosks <NUM> be stored together in a small amount of space. This compact design profile is ideal for many consumers with limited storage space and/or limited retail space, and also allows for many mobile battery powered beverage carts/kiosks <NUM> to be rolled out and managed by only a few employees. Furthermore, when the mobile battery powered beverage carts/kiosks <NUM> are nested or stacked together they may also be electrically coupled together to allow the stack of nested carts <NUM> to all charge at the same time, with only one being plugged in, such as by daisy chaining.

While various embodiments of devices and systems and methods for using the same have been described in considerable detail herein, the embodiments are merely offered as nonlimiting examples of the disclosure described herein.

Claim 1:
A mobile battery powered beverage distribution cart (<NUM>), comprising:
a wheeled base portion (<NUM>) having at least one refrigerated compartment (<NUM>) therein for storing and refrigerating beverages;
an upper workstation coupled (<NUM>) to the wheeled base portion and having a level work surface area (<NUM>) and at least one beverage distribution dispenser (<NUM>) thereon operatively coupled to the at least one refrigerated compartment for dispensing beverages therefrom;
at least one large viewing screen (<NUM>) for marketing or entertainment,
at least one battery secured within the cart and electrically coupled to the at least one refrigerated compartment, or the at least one beverage distribution dispenser, or the at least one large viewing screen, to provide electrical power thereto; and
wherein the cart is configured to be easily maneuverable by rolling to different locations for beverage distribution,
characterized in that the at least one large viewing screen is elevated above the upper workstation via two extension arms (<NUM>) so that it may be easily seen by anyone in the area and so that the level work surface area is clear of the at least one large viewing screen.