ES1111130U - Improved napkin holder (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Napkin holder (1) improved in the type used in catering establishments, and comprising a receptacle (2) for napkins (3) and means for dispensing or extracting them; characterized in that it additionally comprises a bistable indicator (5) for calling the waiter. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

IMPROVED SERVILLETERO    Object of the Invention

The

Present invention be refer to a napkin holder

improved,

usable in stable equations from restoration

with

Service Waiters.

Background of the invention

At present, the service at tables or bars in catering establishments by waiters requires constant attention from them, attention that often due to overwork or other causes does not occur, forcing customers to gesture, shout

or in general try to get the waiter's attention using strident or annoying means for other clients.

Some installation is known in specific premises, based on electrically powered signals, so that each table has an electric call button whose operation results in the connection of a light indicator in a centralized panel. This type of installation, in addition to its higher cost and propensity for breakdowns, need for maintenance, etc., forces the placement of the tables in fixed positions, since otherwise the wiring would run loose and seen, which is not allowed by the regulation of electrical installations for this type of receivers.

The aforementioned drawbacks are remedied with the use of the napkin holder of the invention.

Description of the invention

The napkin holder of the invention comprises a body or

receptacle where the napkins are introduced, as well as means of dispensing or removing them, and a bistable indicator with two positions, one of which constitutes a signal to draw the attention of the waiter, while in the other position it is indicated that no its services are required. In this text, as a bistable indicator, it is understood that the mentioned two positions that it has are stably maintained once selected, without the need for additional actions by the user.

In this way, in addition to its function as a napkin holder, indispensable in this type of establishment, it incorporates the signaling functionality without the need to implement additional means that could occupy more space in the tables or bar of the establishment. In addition, being an autonomous element does not require a fixed position of the tables, being able to distribute them with flexibility at all times.

The indicator will have a sufficiently visible configuration, having been expected to incorporate color

or advertising that affects this aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a view of a conventional napkin ring

Figure 2 shows a view of the conventional napkin ring of Figure 1 in an improved configuration, according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows a view of the conventional napkin ring of Figure 1 in a second improved configuration, according to the invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment Form

The improved napkin ring (1) of the invention is of the type used in catering establishments, such that they comprise a receptacle (2) where the napkins (3) and dispensing means are introduced

or removing them, which in this non-limiting example of the invention comprise at least one window (4) that communicates the receptacle (2) with the outside to be able to pull the end of the napkin (3) and remove it.

The improvement proposed by the invention includes the incorporation of a bistable indicator (5), so that its first stable position constitutes a signal to attract the attention of the waiter, while in the second stable position it is indicated that the services are not required of this one.

In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the flip-flop indicator (5) comprises a folding arm (5a), attached to the napkin holder body by means of a joint (5b) that allows said folding as seen in Figure 2, and which has immobilization elements of a first elevated position that signals the need to be served by the waiter and a second dejected position that indicates otherwise. In this example, the immobilization elements of the first raised position and the second collapsed position comprise brakes of the joint, and more concretely materialized by the tightening that the joint (5b) makes between the folding arm (5a) and the napkin holder body . They could also be materialized by mechanical interlocks, fittings or any other prior art solution. In order to avoid that the indicator (5) can remain in internals positions, a spring, not shown, that recovers one of the extreme positions can be implemented, while the other is maintained by the brake, interlocking or fitting.

Another preferred embodiment comprises a telescopic arm (5d), whose two stable, deployed and folded end positions coincide with the call to the waiter or the opposite.

Additionally, the invention has provided that the folding arm (5a) or telescopic, can incorporate a high visibility extreme element that improves the call of attention to the waiter, for example a colored shovel (5c), as a flag, interpreting as colored that It can also be screen printed with distinctive colors or advertising. It can also be a reflective and / or phosphorescent element, so that it can be appreciated in low light conditions, such as in nightclubs. Likewise, the flip-flop element may comprise or be configured by a light element, such as a LED bulb or diode, with an on and off switch, such that its on state demands the attention of the waiter and vice versa. This variant embodiment is not shown in the figures and can be a unique solution for the bistable element or combined with any of the above, so that the elevation of the folding arm (5a) or the telescopic arm (5d) simultaneously produces ignition of this element, the lifting mechanism of these arms being able to participate in the operation of the switch.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, and since the description given corresponds only to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that within its essentiality multiple variations of detail may be introduced, also protected, which may

affect the shape, the manufacturing of the set supposes alteration some size or the materials of

or of its parts, without this of the invention as a whole,

10 delimited only by the claims provided in the following.

Claims (8)

l.-Improved napkin ring (1) of the type used in catering establishments, and comprising a receptacle (2) for napkins (3) and means for dispensing or removing them; characterized in that it additionally comprises a bistable indicator (5) for waiter calling. 2. Improved napkin ring (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the flip-flop indicator (5) comprises a folding arm (5a) attached to the napkin holder body by means of a joint (5b) that has immobilization elements of a first elevated position and of a second dejected position. 3. Improved napkin ring (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that the immobilization elements of the first raised position and the second collapsed position comprise brakes and / or interlocks of the joint (5b). 4. Improved napkin ring (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that it additionally comprises a recovery spring of one of the extreme stable positions. 5. Improved napkin ring (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the bistable indicator (5) comprises a telescopic arm (5d) attached to the napkin holder body, with a stable deployed position and another stable stable folded position. 6. Napkin ring (1) improved according to any of claims 2 to 5 characterized in that additionally the folding arm (5a) and / or the telescopic arm (5d) 5 comprise an extreme element of high visibility. 7. Improved napkin ring (1) according to claim 6 characterized in that the high visibility end element comprises a colored blade (5c). Improved S.-Napkin ring (1) according to claim 6 characterized in that the high visibility end element comprises a reflective and / or phosphorescent element. 9. Improved napkin ring (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flip-flop indicator (5) comprises a light element with an on / off switch FIGURE 1 one -------. FIGURE 2 5e 5 d one one ______ FIGURE 3