Patent ID: 12195070

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Additionally, anatomical terms are given their usual meanings. For example, proximal means closer to the trunk of the body, and distal means further from the trunk of the body. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiments

The present invention provides a compact, mobile serving cart2configured for efficient preparation and service of beverages, food, or other items to be served. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mobile serving cart2includes multiple configurations which are quick and easy to transition between depending on the desired use of the serving cart2. Such multiple positions include, but are not limited to, a first, mobile, serve on the go configuration and a second, compact, stationary service configuration. The first, motive configuration accommodates effective service from the same side of the cart2that the user uses to push the cart2, allowing the user to quickly drive the cart2to one location, prepare a drink or food item for a customer, serve the customer, and move on to a next location. The features of the mobile serving cart2in the mobile configuration make the present invention ideal for service tableside, poolside, in casinos, and other places where mobile bar service would be desirable. The second, stationary configuration of the mobile serving cart2allows for quick set-up of a full-service bar in a compact space. Such stationary configuration makes the present invention ideal for setting up a secondary bar, such as but not limited to at a crowded bar or restaurant, a sporting event, a convention, or another crowded event.

Referring to the drawings in more detail,FIGS.1-21show an exemplary embodiment of a mobile serving cart2of the present invention in a mobile service configuration.FIGS.22-31show the same embodiment of a mobile serving cart2of the present invention but in a stationary service configuration.FIGS.32-45show exploded views of this embodiment of the mobile serving cart2at various points in the production process.

The mobile serving cart2of the present invention includes a frame4and connected side panels6which form a main housing3. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame4is made of steel and the side panels6are made of aluminum for a strong yet lightweight construction. However, alternative metals or other materials may be utilized in embodiments of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, as shown inFIGS.1-31, the side panels6are positioned substantially parallel to each other with an end of each panel6forming a curve along a given radius, meeting the other panel and forming a front panel positioned 90 degrees from the sides of the serving cart2. The two panels6attached to the frame4form a front side and right and left sides of the main housing3of the mobile serving cart2. Such curves in the side panels provide rounded, front corners8which result in added ease of maneuverability and added safety with the front corners not having sharp edges.

The mobile serving cart2further includes wheels10, which support the cart2and accommodate movement of the cart2, and a user handle12for directing such movement. In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile serving cart handle12is rear-mounted between the side panels6at an upper, back position of the cart2. Preferably, the mobile serving cart push/pull handle12is round for a comfortable grip for the operator and is mounted approximately flush with the rear of the cart main housing3to not interfere with access to components and contents of the serving cart2. However, alternative handle12positioning may also be utilized in embodiments of the present invention.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile serving cart wheels10are large, caster wheels configured for swiveling and include foot actuated levers14to brake wheel rotation and additional directional rotation. In a preferred embodiment, the mobile serving cart2includes both foot operated, full braking levers14and at least one foot operated lever14which locks the caster wheels10in a straight direction to make the cart2easy to roll in a forward or backward direction and around turns without drifting laterally to avoid collisions. However, alternatively, smaller and/or non-swiveling wheels may be utilized in embodiments of the mobile serving cart2.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS.1-31, the mobile serving cart2includes upper16and lower rail moldings18which extend along the sides and front of the cart2. These rail moldings16,18are spaced out from the cart side panels6a distance with spacer pieces20and serve multiple purposes. In the mobile, serve on the go configuration of the present invention, the rail moldings16,18are configured to act as bumpers when a user moves the serving cart2around tables, crowds, and other objects. In a stationary configuration, the rail moldings16,18are configured to accommodate mounting various service industry tools and/or objects from the moldings16,18. Preferably, the rail moldings16,18also include rounded front corners19, matching up with the rounded front corners8of the main housing3. In embodiments, the rail moldings16,18may be made of metal, wood, durable plastic, or another material configured for mounting objects. Alternative embodiments of the present invention may include one rail molding, rather than two, or more than two rail moldings, as desired.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mobile serving cart2further includes a cooler assembly22; a designated work tray assembly24; a garnish and tool holder assembly26; and driver-side, sliding drawers28,30a,30bopenable toward a user and configured for housing various ingredients, an ice chest32, service tools, glassware, and other objects desirable for service of beverages, food, etc. These components of the mobile serving cart2of the present invention are arranged in such a way to maximize the usable space in the compact design. The lack of wasted space in the mobile serving cart2design is best illustrated by the cross-sectional views inFIGS.8-19.

The drawers28,30a,30bof the present invention form a back side of the mobile serving cart2. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cart drawers28,30a,30bhouse removable caddies configured for holding bottles, glassware, bar tools, supplies, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, below the handle12on the rear end of the cart is a top drawer28which is approximately the full width of the mobile serving cart2and has a drawer panel29approximately half the height of a standard one-liter bottle. Between the top drawer panel29and the top of the serving cart2is an opening into the top drawer28large enough to remove and replace a standard one-liter bottle to and from the top drawer28. The top drawer28extends to a vertical midplane52of the mobile serving cart2and is configured for housing a removable caddy34having two rows of compartments for one-liter bottles and/or glassware, forming an upper speed rail. Behind the upper speed rail34in the top drawer28, positioned closer to the front of the serving cart2, is an ice chest32.

While the opening into the top of the top drawer28allows removal of bottles and glasses without opening the drawer28, in the embodiment shown inFIGS.1-31, opening the top drawer28halfway allows further access to the eight-compartment removable caddy34for storing standard beverage bottles and glassware. Preferably, the speed rail caddy34is equipped with padded holders to prevent glass from breaking, but other embodiments include caddies with no holder padding. Opening the top drawer28all the way or nearly all the way also allows access to the ice chest32. When the top drawer28is closed, the ice chest32is configured to nest just below a top central compartment or cavity26for garnishes and tools, and the ice chest32is removable.

In an exemplary embodiment, two adjacent drawers30a,30bare located below the top drawer28. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom drawers30a,30bare equal in width and extend into the cart approximately 50 percent further toward the front of the cart2than the top drawer28. One of the bottom drawers30ais configured for housing a removable trash can36and a removable storage bin38for extra bartending supplies or materials. The other bottom drawer30bis configured for housing mountable components of the mobile serving cart2for the stationary service configuration. Such mountable components include two elongated, removable caddies40,42configured for forming mountable speed rails; a mountable bar top44; and a mountable shelf46.

Preferably, the two removable caddies40,42housed in one of the bottom shelves30bare long and narrow, configured for housing one row of standard, one-liter bottles and for providing mountable bartending speed rails for attachment to the mobile serving cart rail moldings16,18in the stationary service configuration via mounting clips48. In an exemplary embodiment, the mountable speed rails include an upper40and lower mountable speed rail42, the upper rail40being deeper than the lower rail42. In an exemplary embodiment, a mountable shelf46is configured to be mounted with clips48onto the serving cart lower rail molding18, and the lower mountable speed rail42sits on the mountable shelf46. Such an arrangement suspends the speed rail42above the ground in a desirable, usable position. This embodiment further includes a stowable bar top attachment44configured for being mounted on the serving cart2in the stationary configuration to give customers a space to place their drinks and/or other belongings. Preferably, the bar top attachment44includes grooves50configured for mating with wingnuts or knobs49located near the top of the customer-facing side panel6of the cart2in the stationary service configuration and mounting at approximately bar height. Embodiments of the present invention may further include additional mountable shelves and/or additional mountable features desirable for serving beverages, food, or other items.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the drawers28,30a,30bhas a drawer handle102and an associated locking mechanism104for keeping the drawer28,30a,30bin closed position when the mobile serving device2is in motion. When the mobile serving cart2of the present invention is moving, whether on flat surfaces, uneven surfaces, bumps, ramps, etc., the drawers28,30a,30bneed to be locked primarily for safety reasons. Friction latches and magnets are prone to failure, so a latch that is secure and easy to disengage for quick operation is desirable.FIGS.44-45show an exploded view of a drawer latch104of an embodiment of the present invention, which comprises a unique spring, sprocket, and cable locking mechanism. The drawer latches106in this embodiment are spring biased downward, keeping the latch106in a locking position. To open, a user lifts up the drawer handle102, which rotates the locking mechanism104and pulls a cable105which releases the latch106. In this embodiment, simply pulling up a small amount on the handle102disengages the lock106and allows access to the drawer28,30a,30b. Closing the drawer28,30a,30bthen automatically reengages the lock104. Alternatively, a locking mechanism utilizing locking buttons or levers to prevent the drawers28,30a,30bfrom inadvertently sliding open when traveling over bumps or on inclines may also be used. In such embodiments, pushing the button or pulling the lever near the handle would release a drawer28,30a,30band allow it to slide open. Similarly, closing the drawer28,30a,30bwould automatically re-engage a spring-loaded locking mechanism to prevent the drawer28,30a,30bfrom sliding open without operating the mechanism again. Alternative drawer arrangements and configurations may also be used in embodiments of the present invention.

A top, front portion of the mobile serving cart2of the present invention houses an insulated cooler22accessed with an insulated door110and associated handle111. Insulation115within the cooler22and cooler door110provides protection from heat transfer to the contents of the cooler22. In a preferred embodiment, the cooler22includes a sliding cooler door110, configured for sliding outward toward the front of the mobile serving cart2. In a preferred embodiment, the cooler door110provides a secondary work space and slides to allow access to the inside of the cooler22. In an exemplary embodiment, the cooler door assembly108includes seals112along its cooler door sliding mounts129and includes a magnetic seal113at the front of the cooler door110similar to a refrigerator door for efficient prevention of heat transfer into the cooler22. While the magnetic seal113is sufficient for keeping the cooler door110closed in most circumstances, in a preferred embodiment, the cooler22is further equipped with a latch lock114for totally locking the cooler door110when the cart2is being moved.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mobile serving cart molded cooler22includes a stair step116design to allow for maximum use of space within the structure of the cart22. An optional, removable divider117accommodates separation of the spaces within the cooler22with differing depths. The upper area is ideal for isolating bottles so they do not intermingle with ice in the adjacent cavity, which allows for quicker handling of the bottles in the cooler22. In an exemplary embodiment, a small hole in the divider117allows excess water from melted ice to drain into the lower portion of the cooler22. A drain120at the bottom of the cooler22runs to the bottom of the cart2via a hose122and a valve121with a release lever so that the cooler22may be easily drained.

In an alternative embodiment, the cooler door may be hinged rather than a sliding door. In such a hinged cooler door arrangement, the door may be configured for automatically holding this position when rotated past a vertical position. Alternatively, the door can swing 180 degrees and become a work or serving surface.

In further alternative embodiments, the empty space below the cooler22may contain a battery and associated electronic components to power a refrigeration system for the cooler, eliminating the need for ice to provide cooling. Alternatively, a heating system could also be utilized to keep beverages or food warm in certain applications.

In an exemplary embodiment, at the rear of the top portion of the mobile serving cart2is a designated work surface24for making cocktails and beverages. Preferably, the work surface24is equipped with a rubber drain mat for quick clean up. At the top of the cart between the work surface24and the cooler door110forms an open storage compartment or cavity26configured for receiving and housing miscellaneous items, such as but not limited to garnishes, napkins, bar tools, utensils, and glassware. In alternative embodiments, this compartment26could have a door. In an exemplary embodiment, the work surface24, cooler22, and central storage area26are all configured for being accessible from the standing position at the rear or operator end of the cart2and from a stationary position from the side of the cart2with mounted speed rails40,42.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile serving cart2further includes a light on its front panel so the operator can easily see obstacles in dark or low light conditions. Additionally, a pocket underneath moldings16,18,21can accept an LED light strip or other type of lighting so that light can shine on the side panels6or the ground.

The frame4of the present invention is made up of a chassis having chassis supports54arranged in a rectangular shape and attached to four vertical supports56. A lower midplane60attaches to the base of the chassis54and includes a perpendicular midplane vertical support62. An upper midplane58attaches to the midplane vertical support62and to the vertical supports56above the midplane vertical support62. A vertical midplane52attaches to a front edge of the upper midplane58and to two of the vertical supports56. A cooler slide assembly126frame is formed by a cooler slide chassis127and cooler slide chassis brackets128(seeFIG.40) and then attached to the vertical midplane52and vertical supports56. Caster brackets68attach to the frame chassis54. The cooler slide assembly126and caster brackets68attach to a vertical joiner66at the front side of the frame4. A work tray24and garnish and tool cavity26frame is connected via work tray doubler plates149(seeFIG.42) and then attached to the vertical midplane52and vertical supports56and are further connected to back vertical doubler plates64. Finally, with the frame in place, two side panels6, each curved about a radius to also form a front side, attach to the frame4on the right and left sides and to the vertical joiner66on the front side. These connections may be made by fasteners through designated drilled holes, welds, or any other type of heavy-duty connection. Together, the frame4and side panels6form the main housing3of the mobile serving cart2.

The cooler main body22is configured for insertion into and attachment to the mobile cart main housing3. The cooler door110is formed by attaching top and bottom pieces of a hollow cooler door foam pan131configured for being filled with insulation115and enclosed with four cooler door frame members130. The cooler door assembly108further includes cooler door mounting spacers132and cooler seals112configured for efficiently counteracting heat transfer into the cooler22. The assembled cooler door110is connected to cooler slides129attached to a cooler slide chassis127, and the cooler slide chassis127is attached to the cooler main body22.

With the main housing3formed and attached, the back side of the mobile serving cart is configured for receiving the top drawer28and bottom drawers30a,30band associated drawer slides. In a preferred embodiment, the drawer slides are located underneath the drawers28,30a,30b. However, alternative embodiments include drawers with side-mounted drawer slides. In an exemplary embodiment, a garnish tray holder146is configured for receiving a series of garnish trays27. The garnish tray holder146and a napkin and/or tool bin147are configured for fitting within the central, garnish and tool holder cavity26.

Lastly, in this embodiment, the outer moldings16,18,21and the cart handle12are attached to the mobile serving cart2. The upper16and lower rail moldings18are attached to the side panels6with spacers20between the panels6and moldings16,18to accommodate mounting of serving accessories and/or functioning as serving cart bumpers. The cart handle12, in this embodiment is attached between the back sides of the upper rail molding16and the back sides of the side panels6. Additionally, a vertical molding21is installed with spacers20over the vertical joiner66to complete the front side of the mobile serving cart2.

In a motive, serve on the go configuration, the compact, mobile serving cart2of the present invention is configured to be driven or rolled by an operator around a facility, such as but not limited to a hotel, restaurant, bar, special event, sporting event, or pool area, to make and serve beverages and/or cocktails wherever guests may be. Every detail of the serving cart2is specifically tailored and engineered to achieve this task in a professional and efficient manner. There are many uses for a serving cart2of the present invention, including but not limited to special table side service of a special house cocktail or serving cold refreshments to guests lounging around a pool.

Pushing a mobile serving cart2of the present invention around a facility may be aided by engaging one of the caster wheel pedals14located at the operator end, which locks the cart2into a straight directional mode and eliminates drifting or axial rotation of the cart2. Disengaging the directional lock allows the entire cart2to swivel in an axial motion, which is often desired for maneuvering within tight spaces such as between tables.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile serving cart2includes a full lighting system for enhancing both its safety and its visual appeal, activated by a switch behind the cart handle12or elsewhere on the cart2. In this embodiment, the system2includes a vertically mounted light strip on the front between the seam of the formed side panels6to illuminate the path as the serving cart2is rolled. Additionally, light strips may be mounted underneath and within the upper16and lower bumper moldings18for lighting graphic side panels6and for creating ground effect lighting underneath the cart2.

Once the serving cart2of the present invention is in position to serve a guest, the operator can lock the wheels10by pressing the lever14on one or two wheels, if the cart2is on an uneven surface. To begin, the operator typically opens the top drawer28by lifting up on the drawer handle102. Once the drawer28is open, the operator can retrieve a glass and fill it with ice from the ice chest32within the drawer28. The glass is then placed on the work surface24at the rear of the cart. With the top drawer28still open, various bottles can be accessed. The central top compartment26may also optionally be loaded with various glasses and bottles, as desired. Once the drink is poured, garnishes, straws, and napkins can be accessed as well in the top central compartment26. If cold beverages or items are required for a beverage to be made, the cooler22on the front can be implemented and those beverages or items received from the cooler22. The completed beverage can either be handed to the guest or it can be placed on a drink rail adjacent to the cooler to be served later or retrieved by the guest. Any items that need to be disposed of, such as empty cans, wrappers, or used garnishes, can be placed into the trash can36housed in a lower drawer30a. This trash can36is easily removed and emptied.

Preferably, all the glasses and bottles in the drawers28,30a,30bare contained in padded compartments that are part of a series removable caddies. In an exemplary embodiment, one caddy34is placed within the upper drawer28, and two caddies40,42are placed within one of the bottom drawers30b. These caddies34,40,42preferably each incorporate a handle102so that they can easily be lifted out for reloading in a remote area and for cleaning.

In an exemplary embodiment, the serving cart2of the present invention is constructed from panels6, and the joints and seams of these panels6are filled with a sealant prior to being painted. Cleaning is as simple as removing the bottles, glasses, bar supplies, and bar tools and wiping the cart2down with some mild cleanser or sanitary solution. To drain the cooler, the serving cart2includes a valve121beneath the cooler22near the front and center portion of the cart2. The serving cart2can be rolled over a drain and the valve121opened to drain, or a small pan or alternative reservoir can be placed underneath the valve121.

The serving cart2can also be configured as a side operated, stationary bar. To operate as a stationary bar, the mountable upper40and lower speed rails42, the mountable shelf46, and the mountable bar top44are removed from the appropriate bottom drawer30band mounted on the rail moldings16,18and knobs49via clips48and knob-engaging grooves50, as desired. The user may also open the top drawer28for quick access to the ice chest32and/or an additional speed rail34. The cooler door110may also be slid open, if desired, for access to the cooler22and/or for an auxiliary work surface. These stationary configuration accessories can be quickly set-up and quickly removed to restore the serving cart2to its mobile serving on the fly configuration, as desired.

The mobile serving cart2of the present invention provides many advantages to users, most notably in the service and hospitality industry. These advantages include improved speed of beverage delivery to customers by decreasing the bartender's workload behind the bar while a separate employee makes and serves beverages using the serving cart2of the present invention. The serving cart2of the present invention also provides added entertainment value for customers seated at tables and allows for input from customers when preparing beverages. Additionally, the compact design of the serving cart2accommodates easy maneuvering of the cart around dining tables, people, and other obstacles. The rounded front edges8,19also help to prevent injury or damage caused by a user running the cart2into people or objects. While being compact, the serving cart2of the present invention has spaces and features strategically arranged to maximize the capacity of the cart2. The capacity for bottles, glassware, garnishes, ice, bar supplies, and bar tools allows for extended periods of time preparing and serving beverages without needing to restock the cart2. Moreover, the features of the serving cart2are arranged with everything in reach for most users, with the most-used items positioned closest to the user. This arrangement of designated spaces and features accommodates efficiency in making beverages of the same quality as a bartender at a bar. The construction of the device2allows for efficient drink mixing from the same side of the cart2as when driving the cart2, resulting in smooth transitions from rolling to mixing and serving drinks. It also allows for efficient use as a stationary bar with a full-service set-up. Furthermore, the parts of the serving cart2are all sealed making cleaning and sterilization quick and easy.

While use of the serving cart2of the present invention as a mobile or stationary bar is an exemplary embodiment, serving carts2of the present invention can be adapted for other uses. Alternative embodiments include use in serving food or selling merchandise. The cooler22could be utilized for cold food, such as but not limited to ice cream. Alternatively, the cooler22could be used as a warmer for warm foods. The cooler22could also be used as a warmer for hot beverages, such as but not limited to coffee, hot tea, and hot chocolate. In another alternative embodiment, multiple mobile serving devices of the present invention could be positioned together and/or connected to provide a larger service configuration.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.