BACKGROUND
[0001] Hotels and other lodging establishments often incorporate common space providing
a multitude of services to their guests. Such services include dining venues, media
lounges, business centers, bars serving alcoholic beverages and the like. Typically,
each type of service has its own dedicated area within the larger common space. For
example, a hotel may include separate eating and working areas.
[0002] Some hotel services are only applicable to specific times of the day, and require
different workspaces or presentations. For example, a hotel bar may be open only at
night, and an omelet station may be open only in the morning. Thus, areas providing
certain services often stand idle at times of the day when such services would not
be appropriate or profitable to provide to guests.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention,
reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and accompanying drawings.
[0004] Embodiments herein are directed to a sliding panel system for blocking access to
disparate features of a room. The sliding panel system includes a plurality of service
areas, the service areas being separate regions of a room; and one or more panels,
the panel(s) being located in front of the service areas so as to block access to
one or more room features while leaving at least one other room feature at least partially
accessible, and wherein the panel(s) are movable such that a user may select a different
room feature to expose or block.
[0005] The system can include a support structure located above the panels; and a sliding
mechanism, the sliding mechanism being simultaneously attached to the panel(s) and
the support structure, wherein the sliding mechanism enables the panel(s) to slide
to selectively expose service areas.
[0006] In an embodiment, the service areas include: a beverage preparation and serving area,
including a plurality of shelves having horizontal surfaces for supporting bottles;
and a food preparation and serving area.
[0007] In still further embodiments, the room features include a media center, including
one or more electronic display devices, one or more electronic media playback devices,
and an enclosure to support and display said electronic display devices and electronic
media playback devices; and a food preparation and serving area.
[0008] In still more embodiments, the system includes at least two panels, the panels being
movable such that they can overlap one another.
[0009] In embodiments, wherein there is at least one non-functional area between two or
more room feature(s).
[0010] In accordance with further embodiments, a combined service area is provided, comprising:
a first service area; a second service area; and one or more panels movable between:
a first configuration wherein the first service area is at least partially covered
by the one or more panels and the second service area is accessible; and a second
configuration wherein the second service area is at least partially covered by the
one or more panels and the first service area is accessible.
[0011] In embodiments, the first service area comprises a bar, and the second area comprises
a cooking or food service area. In another embodiment, the first service area comprises
a media center, and the second service area comprises a breakfast bar. If a media
center is used, the media center can include two televisions, wherein the second configuration
comprises two panels, one each in front of the two televisions. A third configuration
can be provided wherein the two panels are positioned, front to back, in front of
either one of the two televisions.
[0012] In further embodiments, a stop may be provided for aligning one of the panels at
a position in the combined service area. In embodiments where the panels are movable
such that they can overlap one another, the stop can be a protrusion on one of the
panels that is engaged by another of the panels.
[0013] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention,
reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014]
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a sliding panel system as adapted for nighttime
use in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 shows a front view of the sliding panel system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the sliding panel system of FIG. 1, as adapted
for daytime use in accordance with an embodiment.
FIG. 4 shows a front view thereof.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a sliding mechanism for the sliding panels of FIG.
1.
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an alternate sliding panel system adapted for media
use.
FIG. 7 shows a front view thereof, with the panels in a breakfast bar access position.
FIG. 8 shows a front view thereof, with the panels in a hybrid position with one television
exposed and the other covered by the panels, with the panels stacked front to back.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be
described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set
forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it
will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be
practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted
or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.
[0016] Given that common space as described above is often limited in size, there is considerable
value in being able to use a given area for multiple purposes, as well as to quickly
and easily switch between such purposes, without detracting from the suitability for
the area for each service it provides. The embodiments described below are demonstrative
but in no way limiting.
[0017] In accordance with embodiments herein, a common area includes two or more service
areas. These service areas may be, for example, a bar, a media center, a television
module, a cooking area, a breakfast bar, or other areas available for access and/or
use by service personnel and/or patrons. Embodiments herein are particularly of use
in hotel common areas, but may be used in other service industries.
[0018] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts
throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a combined cooking and bar area 20. In
accordance with embodiments, the combined cooking and bar area 20 is configurable
between nighttime use, where a bar is available, and daytime use, where a cooking
area is exposed. In the embodiment shown, the cooking and bar area 20 are configured
for nighttime use in a typical lodging common area, in accordance with an embodiment.
As shown in the drawing, an embodiment includes a bar 22 for making and serving beverages,
a cooking area 24 (best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) for preparing and serving food to
the right of the bar, and a wall surface 26 that extends between the bar 22 and the
cooking area 24. Two panels 28 are mounted for sliding movement across the front of
the bar 22, the wall surface 26 and the cooking area 24. To this end, the panels are
mounted on a sliding mechanism 30 (FIG. 5) that attaches to and slidingly supports
the panels 28 from a ceiling 32. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, an eating
counter 34 is positioned in front of the bar and is separated from the bar 22 by empty
space, within which food preparers and other service personnel can move about.
[0019] In general, the bar may include alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages, mixers, or other
bar accoutrements that may be stored behind the panels 28. As illustrated in accordance
with an embodiment, the bar 22 includes a plurality of shelves 36, arranged as three
vertical columns 38 with four flat, horizontal shelves 36 per column 38. The columns
38 of shelves 36 are separated by dividers 40 that protrude such that the shelves
36 are recessed relative to the dividers 40 and the surrounding wall surface 26. The
shelves 36 are designed to hold, support and display a plurality of beverage bottles
or other bar accoutrements (not shown, but known). The dividers 40 extend downward
to a bar counter 44, which is attached to the wall surface 26 and provides a horizontal
space 46 on which to prepare beverages and which can hold additional beverage bottles
and/or beverage draft taps (not shown, but known). As discussed previously, the bar
may take any configuration, and can include more or less shelves and/or columns than
are shown, and/or can utilize different configurations.
[0020] The wall surface 26 surrounds both the bar 22 and the cooking area 24, and a portion
50 lies to the right of the bar 22 and to the left of the cooking area 24, effectively
separating them. This portion 50 of the wall surface 26 contains an entryway 52 to
an adjacent area or to the back of the cooking area 24. In an alternative embodiment,
the bar 22 and the cooking area 24 are immediately adjacent, with no intervening portion
50 of the wall surface 26, and subsequently, no intervening entryway 52.
[0021] As previously mentioned, the eating counter 34 is separated from the bar 22 by empty
space and runs from the leftmost to the rightmost portion of the bar 22 and to and
beyond the cooking area 24. Although not shown, the eating counter 34 can turn ninety
degrees to run perpendicular to the wall surface 26, eventually intersecting with
and ending at the wall surface 26, thus enclosing a service area between the cooking
and bar area 20 and the counter 34. The eating counter 34 has a broad, flat horizontal
surface 58 upon which food preparers can place prepared drinks and food for patrons,
also located within the eating counter's 34 proximity, to consume.
[0022] In general, the cooking area 24 can include any structure at which food may be prepared
or served, and which can be completely or partially covered by the movable panels
28. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the cooking area 24 is recessed behind the wall
surface 26, and includes a counter 62 that is attached to the wall surface 26 and
that extends beyond the wall surface 26. The food serving counter 62 provides a surface
upon which a person standing within the cooking area 24 and behind the food serving
counter 62 may place food items that are ready to serve. In addition, if desired,
a griddle or other cooking surfaces may be provided on or near the counter 62. The
area behind the cooking area 24 may be accessed by food preparers via the entryway
52, or via a different doorway (not shown) that is beyond the cooking area 24.
[0023] In an embodiment, a TV projector 64 may be provided that projects an image on the
panels 28 when in any position. In accordance with an embodiment, such a feature is
provided when the panels are in front of the cooking area. This arrangement allows
enhanced television viewing when the combined area 20 is in a bar configuration.
[0024] As previously noted, the panels 28 are horizontally slidable via functionality enabled
by the attached sliding mechanism 30. The panels 28, as shown in FIG. 3, are translucent
and sized so that when slid to an appropriate position 66, they obscure the recessed
area of the bar 22 and leave the cooking area 24 exposed. This configuration is appropriate
for morning and daytime use, when the bar 22 has little applicability. Likewise, as
shown in FIG. 1., the panels 28 are also sized such that the cooking area 24, of similar
dimensions to the recessed area of the bar 22, is obscured if said panels 28 are slid
to the appropriate position. This position of the panels 28 exposes the bar 22 and
prevents access to the cooking area 24, as would be appropriate for nighttime use.
The sliding operation of the panels 28 to obscure either the bar 22 or cooking area
24 does not, however, foreclose any part of the eating counter 34 from being accessed
by either food preparers or patrons. In alternate embodiments, the invention may include
either a single sliding panel 28 or three or more sliding panels 28, as differing
needs dictate. Additionally, the panel(s) may be configured and positioned such that
portions of the bar 22, cooking area 24 or other types of service areas are only partially
obscured, or so that the bar and cooking area are both available at the same time,
for example by aligning the panels 28 at a position against the wall area.
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates the sliding mechanism 30 in an embodiment of the invention. As
noted, the sliding mechanism 30 provides support for the panels 28 from a ceiling
32 and enables the panels 28 to slide horizontally, providing the functionality as
previously described. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the sliding mechanism
30 includes rollers 70 mounted on the top of the panels 28 and that engage a rail
72 attached to the ceiling 32. Both panels may be mounted on a single rail, and abut
one another in use, or the two panels 28 can be mounted on separate rails so that
they can be positioned front to back and stored together in one location, such as
against the wall portion, or to one side of the cooking area. This feature is described
in more detail below in additional embodiments. Other sliding mechanisms configurations
may be used, including bearings/tracks, slots/grooves, or other suitable arrangements.
Translation of the panels 28 can be restricted by stops or caps (not shown). A second
sliding apparatus may be replicated at the bottom of the panels in order to improve
the system's structural characteristics, and a system involving different components,
may be contemplated within the context of the invention. Embodiments contemplate manual
translation of the panels 28, but the panels may be altered to provide electronic
or motor-operated movement.
[0026] The invention's functionality is adaptable to expose or obscure other types of service
areas in lodging common areas, such as media centers, breakfast areas and concierge
stations. In accordance with yet another embodiment, FIG. 6 illustrates a combined
media station and breakfast bar 84 including a television station 86 for storing and
displaying televisions, media devices and like items, a breakfast bar 88 for serving,
storing and displaying food items immediately to the right of the television station
86, and panels 128 in front of both the television station 86 and the breakfast bar
88, the panels 128 being slidably supported similar to the panels 28 described previously.
The embodiment as illustrated shows the system configured for daytime or evening use,
with the panels 28 obscuring the breakfast bar 88 in FIG. 6.
[0027] The television station 86 is situated to the left of and immediately adjacent to
the breakfast bar 88. The television station 86 as illustrated consists of a left
television enclosure 88 and right television enclosure 90, with a central storage
area 92 in between. Each of the left television enclosure 88, the right television
enclosure 90, and the central storage area 92 are of equal vertical height. The left
television enclosure 88 and right television enclosure 90 each have a large television
compartment 94 within which a television 96 or other display may be supported and
displayed. A media device enclosure 98 that holds and displays a media device such
as a game machine or video playback device is situated immediately below and adjacent
to the television compartment 94. A covered storage unit 100 is located immediately
below and adjacent to the media device enclosure 98. The covered storage unit 100
is split into left and right subsections 102 of horizontally and vertically equal
size, each subsection 102 having a door to obscure the covered storage unit's 100
contents. A partially covered storage unit 106 is located above and immediately adjacent
to the television compartment 94. The partially covered storage unit 106 is separated
into four portions, the lower two subsections being situated side to side and of equal
horizontal and vertical size, and the upper two subsections also being situated side
to side, above and immediately adjacent to the lower two subsections, and of equal
horizontal and vertical size.
[0028] The central storage area 92 in between the left 88 and right television enclosure
90 consists of four subsections in a vertical column. The television station 86 may
take any different configuration than described here, such as having only one television
enclosure, no central storage area, or differently configured storage units.
[0029] Moving to FIG. 7, an embodiment is shown where the sliding panels 128 have been configured
to obscure the television station 86 and expose the breakfast bar 88. As illustrated,
the breakfast bar 88 is situated immediately to the right of the television station
86 and includes a counter surface 122. The breakfast bar 88 may include a number of
other features that permit it to be used as a service counter, such as a sneeze guard
and cooking area. In embodiments, the breakfast bar may be any type of cooking or
service area for a common area, including, but not limited to, the functions described
for the cooking area 24.
[0030] The counter surface 126 provides a flat common surface for preparing, displaying
and storing prepared food, and protrudes beyond the vertical plane of the television
station 86. The cooking area 126 can include an embedded hot cooking surface, such
as a griddle, that is surrounded by a splash guard to prevent food particles from
leaving the cooking area 126 or for preventing access by patrons standing outside
the cooking area 126. Empty space behind the breakfast bar 88 is provided within which
food preparers may move about. The breakfast bar 88 may take any other configuration,
and may include other features, such as a hot food trays, multiple griddles, or differently
configured counter surfaces.
[0031] The panels 128 in the embodiments described herein have functionality similar to
the panels 28 described in a previous embodiment. Analogously, the panels 128 may
be manipulated such that part or all of the television station 86, breakfast bar 88
or any combination thereof is exposed and/or obscured. In the embodiment pictured
in FIG. 6, when the panels 128 are configured such that the breakfast bar is partially
or fully obscured, the counter surface 126 protrudes slightly relative to the front
plane of the panels 28. In alternate embodiments, there may be any number of panels
28, the breakfast bar 88 and television station 86 may be configured differently relative
to one another, the counter surface 126 may be flush with the panels 28, there may
be a wall surface or any other feature intervening between the breakfast bar 88 and
television station 86, or any other configuration not heretofore mentioned.
[0032] In accordance with an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the panels 128 may cover
one or both of the television enclosures 88, 90. To this end, in FIG. 7, both panels
128 are shown as moved so that each covers a television enclosure 88, 90. Alternatively,
the two panels 128 may be stacked, front to back, in front of only one of the stations,
as shown in FIG. 8. As described above, to provide this feature, the two panels would
need to be movable so that one is positioned in front of the other, for example, by
providing two rails, one each for the two panels.
[0033] Also, if desired, a stop or other feature may be provided along the sliding mechanism
or on one of the panels to provide an alignment function. For example, a protrusion
may extend out of a front, side edge of the back panel that engages and stops the
front panel when the two are stacked.
[0034] In embodiments, the panels may be aligned away from all service areas, so that all
service areas are exposed. For example, the panels 28 may be stored on the wall surface
26, such that the bar 22 and the cooking area 24 are both available for use at the
same time. The panels can be stacked away from the service areas, stored adjacent
to one another, or may be positioned at different locations in the service areas,
for example, one each on opposite sides of the bar 22.
[0035] Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the
invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain
illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described
above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit
the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention
is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.
[0036] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context
of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are
to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated
herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including,"
and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including,
but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed
as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there
is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended
to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling
within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated
into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described
herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or
otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary
language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate
embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention
unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
[0037] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best
mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred
embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations
as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise
than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications
and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted
by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all
possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated
herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
[0038] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein
are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were
individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
1. A sliding panel system for blocking access to disparate features of a room,
characterized in that it comprises:
a plurality of service areas (20; 22, 24), the service areas being separate regions
of a room; and
one or more panels (28; 128), the panel(s) being selectively movable to in front of
the service areas (22, 24) so as to block access to one or more room features while
leaving at least one other room feature at least partially accessible, and wherein
the panel(s) (28; 128) are movable such that a user may select a different room feature
to expose or block.
2. The sliding panel system for blocking access to disparate features of a room as claimed
in claim 1, further comprising:
a support structure (32) located above the panels (28; 128); and
a sliding mechanism (30), the sliding mechanism (30) being simultaneously attached
to the panel(s) (28; 128) and the support structure (32), wherein the sliding mechanism
(30) enables the panel(s) (28; 128) to slide to selectively expose service areas (22,24).
3. The sliding panel system for blocking access to disparate features of a room as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the service areas include:
a beverage preparation and serving area (22), including a plurality of shelves (36)
having horizontal surfaces for supporting bottles; and
a food preparation and serving area (24).
4. The sliding panel system for blocking access to disparate features of a room as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the room features include:
a media center (86), including one or more electronic display devices (96), one or
more electronic media playback devices, and an enclosure (88, 90, 98) to support and
display said electronic display devices (96) and electronic media playback devices;
and
a food preparation and serving area (88).
5. The sliding panel system for blocking access to disparate features of a room as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the system comprises at least two panels (28; 128), the panels
being movable such that they can overlap one another.
6. The sliding panel system for blocking access to disparate features of a room as claimed
in claim 1, wherein there is at least one non-functional area (50) between two or
more room feature(s).
7. A combined service area (20),
characterized in that it comprises:
a first service area (22);
a second service area (24); and
one or more panels (28; 128) movable between:
a first configuration wherein the first service area (22) is at least partially covered
by the one or more panels (28; 128) and the second service area (24) is accessible;
and
a second configuration wherein the second service area (24) is at least partially
covered by the one or more panels (28; 128) and the first service area (22) is accessible.
8. The combined service area (20) of claim 7, wherein the first service area (22) comprises
a bar and the second service area (24) comprises at least one of a cooking area and
a food service area.
9. The combined service area (20) of claim 7, further comprising a television projector
(64) for projecting an image onto the one or more panels (28; 128).
10. The combined service area (20) of claim 7, wherein the first service area (22) comprises
a media center (86) and the second service area comprises a breakfast bar (88).
11. The combined service area of claim 10, wherein the media center (86) comprises two
televisions (96), and wherein the second configuration comprises two panels (128),
one each in front of the two televisions.
12. The combined service area of claim 11, further comprising a third configuration wherein
the two panels (128) are positioned, front to back, in front of one of the two televisions
(96).
13. The combined service area of claim 10, wherein the media center (86) comprises two
televisions (96), and wherein the second configuration comprises two panels (128)
positioned, front to back, in front of one of the two televisions (96).
14. The combined service area of claim 7, further comprising a stop for aligning one of
the panels (28; 128) at a position in the combined service area (20).
15. The combined service area of claim 14, wherein the panels (28; 128) comprise at least
two panels, the panels (28; 128) being movable such that they can overlap one another,
and wherein the stop comprises a protrusion on one of the panels that is engaged by
another of the panels.
16. The combined service area of claim 7, wherein the panels (28; 128) comprises at least
two panels, the panels being movable such that they can overlap one another.