Virtual mesero POS table

• US 7,978,055 B2
• Filed: 12/05/2007
• Issued: 07/12/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alien Garcia
• Original Assignee: Alien Garcia
• Inventors: Garcia, Alien
• Primary Examiner(s): Previl; Daniel
• Application Number:
  US11/999,289
• Publication Number:
  US 20080127864A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,315 Days
• Field of Search: 340/286.09, 340/332, 340/825.57, 340/825.62, 340/825.69, 340/825.71, 340/825.72, 340/815.4, 340/286.06
• US Class Current: 340/286.09
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 37/00 Tables adapted for other particular purposes glass cutting tables C03B33/03
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/12 Hotels or restaurants

Abstract

A table designed for use in a restaurant. The table enables a patron of such restaurant to communicate with at least one of a hostess, waiter, waitress, chef and manager at such restaurant. The said table includes at least one leg member. A table top, having a predetermined configuration, is secured to the at least one leg member. Such table top includes at least one screen formed in a top surface thereof to enable viewing pre-selected information. A terminal control panel engages with the table top for at least indicating at least one of the table is in use, the table is being cleaned and the table is ready for seating a patron. Finally, there is a computer device that includes a server connected to the table for communicating with at least one of a hostess, waiter, waitress, chef and manager at such restaurant.

Claims

1. A table for use in seating a predetermined number of patrons thereat in a restaurant and which enables a patron to remotely communicate with at least one of a hostess, waiter, waitress, chef and manager at such restaurant, said table comprising:

a) at least one leg member;

b) a table top, having a predetermined configuration, engageable with and secured to said at least one leg member, said table top including at least one screen disposed in a top surface thereof to enable viewing pre-selected information;

c) a terminal control panel engageable with said table top for at least indicating at least one of said table is in use, said table is being cleaned and said table is ready for seating a patron; and

d) a computer means including a server connected to said table for communicating with said at least one of a hostess, waiter, waitress, chef and manager at such restaurant;

wherein said table top includes a predetermined plurality of screens disposed in said top surface thereof, said predetermined plurality of screens being equal to a seating capacity for said table.

2. A table, according to claim 1, wherein said table further provides a communication link with a credit card reader to enable such patron to pay their bill at said table without requiring a person to take such credit card.

3. A table, according to claim 1, wherein said pre-selected information at least includes a menu to be viewed on said at least one screen.

4. A table, according to claim 3, wherein said pre-selected information further includes at least one of television programs, games and access to pre-selected web sites.

5. A table, according to claim 4, wherein said pre-selected information includes each of said television programs, games and access to pre-selected web sites.

6. A table, according to claim 4, wherein said table includes wireless communication capability.

7. A table, according to claim 6, wherein said terminal control panel includes a key pad.

8. A table, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined configuration is selected from round, rectangular, hexagonal and oval.

9. A table, according to claim 8, wherein said predetermined configuration is rectangular.

10. A table, according to claim 1, wherein said terminal control panel indicates each of said table is in use, said table is being cleaned and said table is ready for seating a patron.

11. A table, according to claim 1, wherein said server communicates with each of such hostess, waiter, waitress, chef and manager.

12. A table, according to claim 1, wherein said table further includes a sealing means for sealing between said at least one screen and said table top to prevent liquid spills from entering said at least one screen.

13. A table, according to claim 12, wherein said sealing means is an elastomer.

14. A table, according to claim 12, wherein said at least one screen is a touch screen display.

15. A table, according to claim 1, wherein said computer means is disposed within said at least one leg member.

16. A table, according to claim 1, wherein said table includes a plurality of leg members.

17. A table, according to claim 1, wherein said table includes a separate computer means for each screen.

18. A table, according to claim 1, wherein said server includes a network switching mechanism.

19. A table, according to claim 18, wherein said network switching mechanism is connected via an interface device to each of such patron'"'"'s seating area and to said at least one of a hostess, waiter, waitress, chef and manager at such restaurant.

20. A table, according to claim 19, wherein said table further includes a router mechanism connected to said switching mechanism.