WO2019238331A1

WO2019238331A1 - Service tray

Info

Publication number: WO2019238331A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/062228
Authority: WO
Inventors: Corinne FABUREL-GUENE
Original assignee: Promocean France
Priority date: 2018-06-14
Filing date: 2019-05-13
Publication date: 2019-12-19
Also published as: FR3082409B1; FR3082409A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a service tray, particularly for serving beverages, to be carried by a waiter (S), the tray (10) being provided with an image projector configured to project an image (IM) on a projection surface at a distance from the tray (10) when the tray is carried by the waiter (S), particularly on the ceiling or on the floor (G) of an area where the service is being carried out.

Description

SERVING PLATE

TECHNICAL AREA

This presentation relates to a serving tray intended, in particular, for serving drinks in glasses, bottles, decanters, etc. Such a tray is intended to be carried by a server and can be used in establishments selling retail beverages such as bars, restaurants, night clubs, etc.

BACKGROUND

Trays for serving drinks by the glass or in bottles generally have an outer rim surrounding a bottom portion, most often flat and circular. They are generally made of sheet metal or plastic. It is also frequent to see printed on these trays an image like the logo of a sponsor or a brand of drink, for advertising purposes.

The patent document US 5430628 describes a serving tray incorporating a ring-shaped light source making it possible to illuminate a translucent central part of the tray, on which appears the logo of a sponsor. The logo thus illuminated is more easily identifiable, especially in poorly lit spaces, which makes it possible to advertise the sponsor better. The logo remains difficult to spot for people relatively far from the stage. The logo can, moreover, be masked by the products to be served (glasses, bottles, dishes, etc.) placed on the tray.

There is therefore a need for a new type of serving tray.

GENERAL PRESENTATION

The invention relates to a serving tray, in particular for serving drinks, intended to be carried by a server. The tray is equipped with an image projector configured to project an image on a projection surface distant from the tray when the tray is carried by the server. In particular, the image can be projected onto the ceiling or the floor of a space where the service is performed.

In the present description, the term "image" is intended to denote any type of representation, whether it is a sign, a text, a drawing, etc. In particular, it can be an advertising message such as the logo of a sponsor, an establishment, a brand of drinks, etc. It can also be a image without advertising character, projected for aesthetic, information purposes, etc. This image can, moreover, be animated or not.

We mean by "space" any type of place. It can be, for example, an establishment such as a bar, a restaurant, a nightclub, etc., or a place of temporary reception, with open sky or name. In any case, the floor of this space can be used as a projection surface. Alternatively, when the space is surrounded by walls and / or a ceiling, the surface of the walls or ceiling can be used to project the image in place of the floor.

In the present description, the image projector is also called "projector" and the service tray is also called "tray".

The image being projected on a projection surface distant from the tray, in particular the ceiling or the floor of the establishment where the service is carried out, this image is clearly visible by the customers of the establishment, including by customers relatively away from the plateau. In addition, the tray can be covered with products to be served without this affecting the visibility of the image. Finally, when the image is projected vertically from the tray, it allows customers to easily locate the tray and, consequently, the server who carries the tray. This can, for example, prevent the server from being rushed or allow the client to meet the server to place an order.

In some embodiments, the image projector is configured to project an image on the ground. The advantage of using the floor as a projection surface (rather than the ceiling or walls of the space where the service is performed) is that the distance between the floor and the image projector is relatively constant from one service situation to another. Indeed, this distance depends essentially on the size of the server and the way of carrying the tray, is independent of the space where the service is performed, and is therefore located in a relatively small interval. Typically, this distance is between 120 and 170 cm. In contrast, the distance between the image projector and the walls or ceiling can vary considerably depending on the space considered. Thus, the image projector is configured so that the projected image is as clear as possible (ie maximum sharpness) for a projection distance (ie the distance between the image projector and the projection surface) of between 120 and 170 cm. For example, when the image projector comprises a light source and a lens system, these components are chosen and arranged one by one. compared to others so that the projected image is as clear as possible for a projection distance chosen in the aforementioned interval. This makes it possible to obtain a good quality (sharpness) of the projected image, whatever the service situation, without having to resort to a complex projector design (eg an autofocus system). A good compromise is thus obtained between the quality (sharpness) of the projected image and the simplicity of design of the projector. The simplicity of the projector is an important aspect because it allows to significantly reduce the price of the tray.

In some embodiments, the serving tray includes a bottom portion surrounded by a peripheral rim. The image projector can be arranged at the peripheral edge. Thus, the space in the center of the tray is left free to arrange the products to be served. Furthermore, these products do not mask the projector and do not interfere with the projection of the image. For example, the image projector can be fixed or supported on the peripheral edge.

In some embodiments, the image projector is removably attached to the tray. It is thus possible to detach the projector from the tray to more easily clean the tray, for example in the dishwasher. This also replaces the image projector. For example, when the projector includes a rechargeable battery, it can be detached to recharge its battery and / or be replaced by another projector, already recharged.

In certain embodiments, the bottom portion of the tray is crossed by an opening and the image projector is fixed on the tray so as to project an image through this opening. This configuration corresponds, in particular, to the case where the image is projected on the floor of the space where the service is performed. The opening can be made at the periphery of the plate, near the peripheral rim. The opening can pass through the bottom part, the peripheral rim or both.

In certain embodiments, the image projector is fitted into said opening. In this case, a seal can be arranged between the periphery of said opening and the image projector. Such a seal makes it possible to prevent liquid (for example a drink accidentally spilled on the tray) from passing through the opening, once the projector is fitted therein. The projector can be attached to the tray in different ways. For example, the image projector can be fitted into said opening as previously mentioned.

As an alternative or in addition to the above characteristics:

the image projector can have a recess on its outer lateral face which conforms to the inner face of the peripheral rim and the top of the peripheral rim, so that the image projector is supported on the peripheral rim, and / or

- The image projector can be fixed on the plate by fitting a part of the peripheral rim in a groove made in the projector, after slight elastic deformation of this groove. The image projector can thus be clipped and unclipped easily on the peripheral edge.

Of course, other fixing systems, e.g. with elastic tab (s) or clamp (s), can be envisaged for fixing the projector to the plate without departing from the scope of the invention.

In certain embodiments, the projector has, along its inner upper edge, a first surface forming a step, set back from the upper face of the projector, and a second surface forming a riser extending between the step and the upper side of the projector. The step is level with the top of the peripheral edge of the tray, so that another tray can be placed on said tray by resting on the step and on a part of the top of the peripheral edge. The step thus serves as a bearing surface for the bottom part of the upper plate while the riser forms a stop for the peripheral edge of the upper plate. Thus, it is possible to stack several trays equipped with projectors stably.

Unless otherwise specified, the adjectives "upper" and "lower" are used with reference to the vertical direction when the tray is in its normal position of use, ie when the tray loaded with products to be served is carried by the server. The adjectives "inside" and "outside" are used with reference to a radial direction, perpendicular to the vertical central axis of the plate, in its normal position of use. Thus, the inner part of an element is, in a radial direction, closer to the vertical central axis of the plate than the outer part of the same element. In certain embodiments, the riser forms with the step a re-entrant angle corresponding to the outgoing angle formed between the bottom part and the peripheral rim. When two trays are stacked, this allows the upper tray to be well wedged against the projector of the lower tray and, thus, to improve the stability of the stack.

In some embodiments, the image projector includes a light source, a power source for powering the light source, and a lens system associated with the light source for the purpose of projecting towards said projection surface, a beam of light rays making it possible to form said image. The image can be printed on a transparent support and be projected by transparency, like a slide. The transparent support can be housed inside the projector, on the way of the light. This configuration has the advantage of being simple, inexpensive and robust.

Of course, other configurations can be envisaged for the image projector without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, projectors incorporating DLP (for "Digital Light Processing") technology based on the use of micromirror arrays, or another projection technology, can be used, in which case the projected images can be animated.

The power source can be a rechargeable battery, e.g. a lithium-ion battery, or an electric battery. In addition, the image projector may include an indicator such as a light emitting diode, providing information on the state of charge of the power source. This allows the user to recharge or replace the power source before it is completely discharged.

In certain embodiments, the serving tray comprises a motion detector for detecting movement of the tray with respect to its environment, and a control circuit for controlling the switching on of the image projector for a predetermined limited time when a movement of the plate is detected. For example, the image projector can be turned ON for a few minutes after movement of the tray has been detected by the detector, and then turned OFF automatically. The invention also relates to an image projector for a service tray as described in this presentation and a service tray as described in this presentation.

The aforementioned characteristics and advantages, as well as others, will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, of exemplary embodiments of the invention. This detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings are schematic and are not to scale, they aim above all to illustrate the principles of the invention.

In these drawings, from one figure (FIG) to another, identical elements (or parts of elements) are identified by the same reference signs.

FIG 1 shows, in perspective, an example of a service tray equipped with an image projector.

FIG 2 a bottom view of the tray of FIG 1.

FIG 3 a top view of the tray of FIG 1.

FIG 4 is a side view of the tray of FIG 1.

FIG 5 is an exploded view of the tray of FIG 4.

FIG 6 shows the tray of FIG 1, carried by a server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE (S)

Examples of embodiments are described in detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. These examples illustrate the characteristics and advantages of the invention. It is however recalled that the invention is not limited to these examples.

The figures represent an example of a serving tray, or tray 10, intended to be used, in particular, for serving drinks and to be carried by a server S, as shown in FIG 6. The tray 10 is equipped with a image projector 100 configured to project an IM image on a projection surface distant from the plate 10 when the plate is carried by the server S. In the example, the IM image is projected onto the ground G substantially vertically from the tray 10. It could however be projected at a certain angle with respect to the vertical so as, for example, to be further from the server S. Alternatively, the IM image could be projected upwards on a ceiling. The projected IM image is easily seen by people around the S server, which allows, especially in dimly lit places like nightclubs, advertise this IM image, more easily locate the S server and / or create an aesthetic effect.

With reference to FIG. 1, the service tray 10 comprises a flat bottom portion 12 surrounded by a peripheral rim 14 having a top 16. The projector 100 is arranged at the periphery of the bottom portion 12 and therefore next to the rim 14. Thus, maximum space in the center of the tray 10 is left free to arrange the products to be served.

The projector 100 is removably attached to the plate 10. In the example, the bottom portion 12 of the plate is crossed by an opening 18 and the image projector 100 is fitted into this opening 18. The opening 18 and the lower part of the image projector 100 have complementary shapes and the opening 18 is completely closed by the image projector 100. Thus, as shown in the bottom view of FIG. 2, the lower face 100B of the projector fills the opening 18. One or more ribs, for example a peripheral rib 17, can be provided under the plate 10 so that, when the plate is placed on a surface (eg a table), the lower face 100B of the projector 100, which is level with the lower face of the plate 10, does not touch this surface.

A seal 110 may be provided on the projector 100, around its lower part. When the projector 100 is fixed on the plate 10, the seal 110 is pinched between the plate 10 and the projector 100, more precisely between the edge of the opening 18 and the projector 100. Thus, once the projector 100 fixed on the plate 10, the seal 110 limits, and ideally prevents, the passage of liquid through the opening 18. The seal 110 may be made of plastic, rubber, etc.

The opening 18 can, moreover, be surrounded by an upper rim 19 projecting relative to the bottom part 12. This upper rim 19 also prevents liquids spilled on the plate 10. In addition, the upper rim 19 allows the tray 10 to be used without a projector 100, limiting the inconvenience associated with the opening 18.

In the example, the projector 100 has on its outer lateral face a recess 102 matching the inner face 14A and the top 16 of the peripheral rim 14. Thus, when it is fixed on the plate 10, the projector 100 abuts on the inner face 14A and the top 16 of the peripheral rim 14. This configuration allows the projector 100 to be fixed in a simple and stable manner, while ensuring the correct positioning of the projector 100 relative to the plate 10.

In the example, the projector has, along its inner upper edge, a first surface forming a step 104, set back from the upper face 100A of the projector, and a second surface forming a riser 106 extending between the step 104 and the upper surface 100A of the projector. The step 104 is level with the top 16 of the peripheral edge 14 of the plate. Thus, another plate (not shown) can be placed on the plate 10 by resting on the step 104 and on a part of the top 16 of the peripheral rim.

In the example, the riser 106 forms with the step 104 a re-entrant angle A1 corresponding to the outgoing angle A2 formed between the bottom part 12 and the peripheral rim 14 (see FIG 4). Thus, when two trays are stacked, the peripheral rim 14 is wedged perfectly against the riser 106, which improves the stability of the stack of trays.

With reference to FIG 5, the various constituent elements of the example of a projector 100 will now be described. The projector 100 comprises an external housing 120 formed of several parts: an upper part 121 and a lower part 122. These parts 121, 122 can be assembled together, for example by screwing, to define a housing containing the various electronic and optical components of the projector 100. The lower part 122 is itself formed by two sub-parts 122A, 122B. The sub-parts 122A, 122B can be assembled together, the seal 110 being sandwiched between these sub-parts 122A, 122B. The sub-part 122B defines the lower face 100B of the projector 100.

The projector 100 includes, inside the outer housing 120, an electronic circuit 130 with a light source, for example a light emitting diode (LED) lamp. This light source is supplied with electricity by a rechargeable battery 131, for example a lithium-polymer battery. The light source is controlled by a button switch 133, the button 133 being mounted on an elastomer support 134, for example made of silicone rubber. The button 133 is accessible via an opening (not shown) formed in the outer housing 120, for example on the upper face 100A of the projector. The light source is associated with an image reproduced on a transparent support, for example an invertible film, and with a system of lenses making it possible to project the image towards a projection surface. For example, with reference to FIG 5, the image projector 100 comprises the light source, the film 140 on which the image is reproduced, and three lenses 151, 152, 153. These optical components are chosen and positioned between them so that the image is projected on the ground when the plate 10 is carried by a server S, as shown in FIG 6. In addition, these optical components can be chosen and positioned between them so that the projected image is the as sharp as possible (ie maximum sharpness) for a projection distance (ie the distance between the image projector and the projection surface) between 120 and 170 cm. Finally, these optical components can be chosen and positioned between them so that, when the distance between the projector and the ground is between 120 and 170 cm, the image projected on the ground has a larger dimension (eg a diameter in the in the case of a disc-shaped image) between 40 and 60 cm.

In the example, the film 140 is sandwiched between two parts 141, 142 of a support. The lenses, the film and its support are arranged inside a housing 150 in three parts 154, 155, 156. The housing 1500 makes it possible to protect these optical components, to support them and to position them correctly relative to each other. to others. For this, grooves are provided on the internal face of the parts 155, 156 of the housing to receive the lenses 151, 152, 153 and the film support. The housing 150 is itself disposed inside the external housing 120. The housing 150 and the external housing 120 both have an opening or a lower window so that light can pass through these openings or windows and the IM image can be projected downwards, as shown in FIG 6.

The modes or examples of embodiments described in this presentation are given by way of illustration and not limitation, a person skilled in the art can easily, in the light of this presentation, modify these modes or examples of embodiments, or envisage others, while remaining within the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, the different characteristics of the embodiments or examples described in this presentation can be considered in isolation or be combined with one another. When combined, these characteristics can be combined as described above or differently, the invention not being limited not to the specific combinations previously described. In particular, unless otherwise specified or technical incompatibility, a characteristic described in relation to an embodiment or exemplary embodiment can be applied in a similar manner to another embodiment or exemplary embodiment.

Claims

1. Service tray, in particular for serving drinks, intended to be carried by a server (S), the tray (10) being equipped with an image projector (100) configured to project an image (IM) on a projection surface distant from the tray (10) when the tray is carried by the server (S), in particular on the ceiling or the floor (G) of a space where the service is performed.

2. Serving tray according to claim 1, comprising a bottom portion (12) surrounded by a peripheral rim (14), and wherein the image projector (100) has, along its inner upper edge, a first surface forming a step (104), set back from the upper face (100A) of the projector, and a second surface forming a riser (106) extending between the step (104) and the upper face (100A) of the projector, and in which the step (104) is level with the top (16) of the peripheral rim (14) of the plate (10), so that another plate can be placed on said plate (10) by bearing on the step (104) and on a part of the top (16) of the peripheral rim.

3. Service tray according to claim 2, in which the riser (106) forms with the step (104) a re-entering angle (A1) corresponding to the outgoing angle (A2) formed between the bottom part (12) and the peripheral edge (14).

4. Service tray according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image projector is configured to project an image on the ground.

5. A serving tray according to claim 4, in which the image projector is configured so that the projected image is as clear as possible for a projection distance between 120 and 170 cm.

6. Service tray according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tray has a bottom portion (12) through which an opening (18), and wherein the image projector (100) is fixed on the tray so as to project an image through this opening.

7. Service tray according to claim 6, wherein the image projector (100) is fitted into said opening (18).

8. Service tray according to claim 7, wherein a seal (1 10) is disposed between the edge of said opening (18) and the image projector (100).

9. Service tray according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the tray has a peripheral rim (14) and the image projector has on its external lateral face a recess (102) matching the internal face (14A ) of the peripheral rim (14) and the top (16) of the peripheral rim (14) when the image projector is fixed on the plate.

10. Service tray according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the image projector (100) is removably attached to the tray (10).

11. A serving tray according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the image projector (100) comprises a light source, a source of electrical power for powering the light source, and a lens system associated with the light source for the purpose of projecting, towards said projection surface, a beam of light rays making it possible to form said image.