Waiter signal device

• US 4,250,491 A
• Filed: 10/15/1979
• Issued: 02/10/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 10/15/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Andy S. Dotson
• Original Assignee: Andy S. Dotson
• Inventors: Dotson, Andy S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Caldwell, Sr., John W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US06/084,919
• Time in Patent Office: 484 Days
• Field of Search: 340/321, 340/330, 340/380, 340/686, 362/32, 362/84, 362/154, 362/162, 362/188, 362/190, 116/202, 116/321, 116/323, 40/324, 40/902, 40/606, 40/607, 40/624, 200/51.09, 200/51.12, 200/61.53, 200/61.71, 200/61.72, 200/61.74, 200/61.76, 200/61.79, 200/61.8, 200/60, 200/61.45 R, 200/61.49
• US Class Current: 340/321
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 5/00 Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 7/068 calling personnel in a restaurant, e.g. waiter call

Abstract

A table signal device for signalling for service in a restaurant, lounge and the like includes a signal mechanism which may be raised by the patron to signal for service and lowered by the waiter or waitress upon rendering service to the patron wherein the signal mechanism is illuminated and is highly visible both in lighted and dark rooms.

Claims

1. A table signal device for signalling a service attendant in a restaurant or lounge and the like comprising:

a base for supporting said device on a table;

an upstanding elongated pole carried by said base terminating at a free tip end;

a signal mechanism slidably carried by said pole for movement generally along the entire length thereof;

said signal mechanism being manually movable between a lowered non-signal position adjacent said base and a raised signal position adjacent said tip end of said pole;

said raised signal position presenting said signal mechanism as a signal for service;

illumination means carried by said signal mechanism;

power means for energizing said illumination means; and

switch means for activating said power means to energize said illumination means automatically in response to said signal mechanism reaching said raised signal position;

whereby said raised signal mechanism provides a visual service signal in a lighted room while said illumination means illuminates said signal mechanism to provide a visual service signal as required by darkness in a room.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said signal mechanism includes a three-dimensional box having aperatures formed in opposing surfaces for receiving said pole therethrough and a central bearing bore slidably received over said pole.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said upstanding pole includes a main diameter section with said tip end section being reduced in diameter relative to said main diameter section;

and

wherein said switch means includes a pair of contacts with at least one of said contacts being carried on a resilient switch arm, said switch arm being biased by engagement with said pole in said main diameter section to maintain said contacts open and said reduced diameter tip section enabling said contacts to close.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said switch arm is biased towards said pole and provides a lock when biased against said reduced tip section to aid in retaining said signal mechanism in said signal position.

5. The device of claim 1 including a stop carried at said tip end of said pole limiting the upward movement of said signal mechanism.