US20100050909A1

US20100050909A1 - Bar set

Info

Publication number: US20100050909A1
Application number: US12/584,285
Authority: US
Inventors: Okechukwu Ambrose Obiorah
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-09-01
Filing date: 2009-09-03
Publication date: 2010-03-04

Abstract

A bar set includes a collection of independent multipurpose units that can be reduced or increased in number. The set is also capable of flexible configurations. Every multipurpose unit in the bar set can be converted into an art platform and the plurality of these art platforms provides options of use. The display of aquarium, artwork and TV originates from a TV cabinet unit and this unit is also used as a music speaker. The bar cabinet unit includes compartments for electric lift means, movable panel, display shelves, pull out panel, music speaker and a fridge. The table unit includes a built-in container for table surface display of edibles with a container cover that also functions as a table surface. This unit also includes compartments for the display of remote controls, wine openers, plates and serviette dispenser and compartments for the storage of trash bins, champagne bucket and ice bucket.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A bar is a place for drinking and it is also a place where drink and snack food can be obtained. In public spaces a bar is a counter at which drinks are mixed by a bartender and this is mainly in hotels, taverns and pubs. Public bars typically store a variety of liquors and other nonalcoholic drink ingredients, and are organized to facilitate the bartenders' efficiency.
It has been suggested that the method of serving from a counter was invented as a means of more quickly serving the sudden rush of customers caused by passenger trains arriving at the refreshment rooms at railway station while the trains changed locomotives.
In an effort to privately possess and enjoy some of the benefits of a public bar many private bars copy the model of public bars. Advantages enjoyed by copying a public bar model into a private bar include availability of a dedicated space for relaxation and entertainment where drinks and snack food can be obtained and consumed. It also includes a set of furniture for the storage and display of drinks and snack food. Other facilities such as TV, sound system and bar accessories to enhance the self-sufficiency status of a bar are also included.
However there are some disadvantages inherent in the transfer of a space exclusively designed for public use into private use.
For example, unsuitability of the counter where there is an absence of a bartender and the user embarks on self service. This disadvantage stems from the physical obstruction by the counter and this obstruction hinders the free flow in the space and therefore makes self service clumsy. Bar accessories are not organized by reason of proximity and comfort as these accessories are usually stored behind the counter. Self service will be relatively less comfortable in the circumstance because of retrieval and storage chore.
Large private bars are generally custom made to suit particular spaces and therefore usually less able to fit other spaces. This creates a problem of adaptability.
There is also a problem of flexibility to the size of the bar. These bars are usually fixed in the number parts making up the bar set. It is therefore difficult to either readily remove or add more parts to meet a demand that may arise. For example it is difficult to increase or reduce the capacity of the shelves to display more or less bottles and glasses.
These private bars are usually not able to be used in different ways other than to obtain and consume drink and snack food. This lack of versatility is disadvantageous especially where space comes at a premium as it will be more efficient to have a bar which has more than one use.
Another problem is that wide range of diverse object and features belonging to different fields of entertainment are not usually incorporated into a bar to provide options. Lack of diversity in leisure items available for enjoyment in a private bar may lead to infrequent use of the bar.
Private bars are not easily personalized as they do not provide for the display of personal things and where the bar is already personalized it becomes very difficult to easily change the object of personalization.
Large bars usually draw attention especially in terms of bar objects, component and functions. A more discreet bar may be appropriate where an attention generated by a large bar is unwanted.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is the main object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar but can also be used as a set for the display of artworks.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar, yet the number of the multipurpose units can be reduced or increased.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar, yet is adaptable through flexible configuration of the bar set.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar that has the capability to permit the display of TV, artwork and an aquarium from one single multipurpose unit
It is another object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar and has the capability to permit the ease of storage and retrieval of all accessories.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar that has the capability to permit the use of multipurpose unit as a, music speaker.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a set of compact, multipurpose units that can be used in a private bar that has a discreet nature in terms of the concealed and concealable components, objects and functions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These, and other, objects are achieved by a multipurpose bar set that can be used in a private bar to provide relaxation and entertainment in homes, hotels, offices or the like. The bar set is a collection of independent multipurpose units that are also compact. The advantage is the enhancement in flexibility in layout and configurations to suit spaces. The fact that the multipurpose units in the bar set can be reduced or increased as desired further enhances its flexibility to suit space. It is easy to add or remove multipurpose units than to change the whole bar set, for instance the requirement for a new private bar because of the desire for more bottle and glass display space can be solved by addition of bar cabinet units to increase capacities for bottles and glass display. Conversely bar cabinet unit with shelves can be used as a standalone bar as it includes a refrigerator, music system, a speaker, shelves for storage and display, pull out panel, and a door panel that can be used to display an artwork. The bar set can therefore be used for small as well as for a large private bar.
The bar cabinet unit comes with the option to be used as a bar cabinet or an art platform while the TV cabinet unit comes with the option to be used as TV stand, three dimensional artwork platform or an aquarium stand. The automatic lift means helps the movable door panels of the bar cabinet and the art panel of the TV cabinet unit to be lifted in and out of view. The bar set is thus a convertible bar and has the capability to permit the change of use from bar to an art place.
The bar set includes a single source for listening to music and viewing TV, three dimensional artwork and an aquarium. This TV cabinet unit is a multipurpose unit that gives the power to choose among three diverse field of entertainment. It is also advantageous to watch the three items of entertainment from one source.
The bar cabinet unit and TV cabinet unit all come with the option to be used as music speakers. Music speaker casings are concealed in these units while speaker grill means exterior of the music speaker casing is mounted on the units' surface. The music speakers are located in the music speaker casing.
Bar table unit which replaces the bar counter includes the table surface built-in edible display for easy self service. The cover of the edible display container provides an unhindered use of the entire table surface when it is in place and a transparent cover keeps the edibles visible while the container is covered. Bar table unit also includes a compact pedestal on which all accessories are stored and displayed for ease of storing and retrieval and for smooth and easy self service. These accessories include remote controls, wine opener, serviette dispenser, edible plates and a trash bin. The trash bin covers the champagne bucket which in turn contains the ice bucket. Co-operation of the trash slot near the table top and the bin at the base of the table unit makes it easy to bin the trash from the table top. The bar table unit also functions as a display platform through the presence of top and base artifact display containers.
Proximity of all bar accessories and the central location of the display controls at the bar table unit makes it easier to coordinate and utilize all facilities and amenities.
Ability to display artifacts or ornaments in the display containers beneath the table top and on the table base enhances personalization of the bar set. This is an advantage as private bars are usually not designed to allow personalization. The art panels also offer additional opportunity for the personalization of the bar set.
The plurality of independent automatic lift means and the plurality of individual concealable display create choice and options. It also gives the power to selectively display and expose leisure items of the bar and this helps to influence the use of the bar set
A concealed music system also creates option to shut down all display and still have active use of space even when nothing is displayed. Plurality of concealable objects in the bar set and the independence in concealing these objects enhances the manipulation and discreetness of the bar set especially in terms of the integrated objects and functions.
The bar set can be used privately in public places such as hotels, offices, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view for a bar set with the doors closed in the bar cabinet units, bar table unit and TV cabinet unit;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof with the display doors of the cabinet units and bar table unit open. Service panel also pulled out;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view thereof with all the doors and drawers of the cabinet units open. Doors of the bar table unit open;

FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view for a bar cabinet unit;

FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view from one side thereof with the front panel, right side panel, drawers, shelves and back of shelves removed;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view from one side thereof;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view for a bar set showing artworks mounted to the exterior side of the door panels;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view for a bar cabinet unit with the doors of the bar cabinet unit closed;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view thereof with the display door of bar cabinet unit open

FIG. 12 is a left side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 13 is a right side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view from one side thereof with the front panel and right side panel removed;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view from one side thereof;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view for a bar table unit with the edible container covered with its lid;

FIG. 18 is top plan view thereof with the edible container open;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view from one side thereof with the pedestal door open, edible container covered with its lid;

FIG. 20 is an isometric view from one side thereof with the pedestal door open, edible container open and trash bin removed;

FIG. 21 is a rear elevational view thereof; and

FIG. 22 is a right side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 23 is a front elevational view for a TV cabinet unit;

FIG. 24 is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 25 is left side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 26 is a right side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 27 is an exploded isometric view from one side thereof.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view from one side thereof with the drawer open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Shown in FIG. 1-3 is a bar set 80 that includes chairs J surrounding a bar table unit 10. The bar set further includes a bar cabinet unit 50 and there are two of these bar cabinet unit in the bar set 80. The bar set also includes a bar cabinet unit 90 and this bar cabinet unit are also two in the bar set 80. Also included in the bar set is a bar table unit 10 and a TV cabinet unit 130. The bar set can be formed of various materials. However the preferred materials include materials such as acrylic stone, glass, wood, metal, fiberglass-type materials, other plastic-type materials and the like.
Chair J is known and will not be discussed further.
Shown in FIGS.1-9 is a bar cabinet unit 50 that includes a top 61, a bottom 70, a first side 56, a second side 57, a front 51 and a rear 63.
The front 51 includes two doors 54 and 64 and door panel 64 is also used as a panel for the display of artwork as will be discussed later. There are two other covers to the front of the bar cabinet 51 and these covers are the speaker grill means K1 and ventilation grill means L1. The doors and the grills provide access to various compartments inside the cabinet as will be discussed below. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 side 56 and Side 57 include anchor openings 59 and 60 for accessing screw nail holes N3 and N4. Side 57 includes another ventilation grill L2, and a pull out panel opening 66 as indicated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5. Pull out panel opening 66 is the opening for a pull out panel means 55. Grill means and the pull out panel means are well known and will not be discussed here. Metal bars M1 and M2 (FIG. 7) are attached on both side of the rear 63 and screw nail holes N3 and N4 are for connecting the two metal bars to a support. Screw nail holes N1 and N2 (FIG. 6 and FIG. 7) are for securing the bar set to a horizontal support above the bar set. The horizontal support enables the bar set to be located anywhere in the space other than beside a vertical support such as wall support.
The bar cabinet unit 50 include an electric lift means. This means is located inside the electric lift housing X1 in compartment C7 (FIG. 7) and the electric housing X1 is mounted on support 72. Door panel 64 is suspended with a rope R1 from the lift means that moves the door panel in a linear vertical direction. H1 and H2 guide the door on its path. The partition 73 creates a channel that links the two air ventilation grills L1 and L2.
As best shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 8 the suspended door panel 64 covers the shelve compartments C1, C2 and C3 when it is lowered down but reveals the compartments when it is lifted up into the space above the shelves compartment. The door also functions as an art panel when a two dimensional artwork is mounted to the exterior surface of the movable door panel as shown in FIG. 9. In this instance the bar cabinet 50 then functions as an art platform. Bar cabinet unit 50 comes with the option to be used for a bar cabinet or for an art platform
The compartments C1, C2 and C3 as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 8 are used to display bottles however they could also be used to display other items including glasses and edibles. Compartments C1, C2 and C3 are back lighted by electric light means and this means is mounted on 73. Back lighting means is well known and will not be discussed here.
The speaker grill means K1 covers the drawer D1 of compartment C4 as shown in FIG. 3 and the drawer D1 is mounted on the cabinet by rollers in tracks to move into and out of the cabinet. This compartment C4 contains the music speaker casing SK1 which has speaker grill means K1 as its exterior skin. The music speaker is located in the speaker casing SK1. This music speaker casing and the speaker grill means conceal the music speaker while sound from the music speaker passes through the speaker grill means. Music control panel is also located in compartment C4 and is powered from the main power cord. The presence of two bar cabinet unit 50 enables the location of right and left of speaker separately in each of the bar cabinet unit in the bar set 80.
As best shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 the bar set includes a refrigeration means which is accessed through door 54. This means is located in compartment C5 and is powered from the main power cord. Ventilation means include grill means L1, L2 and compartment C6. Refrigeration and ventilation means are well known and will not be discussed here.
Shown in FIGS. 1-3 and FIGS. 9-16 is a bar cabinet unit 90 that includes a top 97, a bottom 101, a first side 94, a second side 95, a front 91 and a rear 98.
The front 91 includes two doors 102 and 93 as indicated in FIG.1, FIG. 3 and FIG. 10. The doors provide access to various compartments inside the cabinet as will be discussed below. Door 102 provides access to a display compartment and the door is also used as panel for the display of artwork as will be discussed later.
Side 94 has an anchor opening 106 while second side 95 also includes an anchor opening 108 as shown in FIG. 3 FIG. 12, FIG. 13 and FIG. 15. Anchor opening 106 and 108 are for accessing the screw nail holes N7 and N8 as indicated in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. Metal bars M3 and M4 (FIG. 15) are attached on either side of the rear 98 and screw nail holes N7 and N8 are for connecting the two metal bars to a support. Screw nail holes N5 and N6 (FIG. 14 and FIG. 15) are for securing the bar set to a horizontal support above the bar set. The horizontal support enables the bar set to be located anywhere in the space other than beside the vertical support such as wall support.
Bar cabinet unit 90 include an electric lift means. This means is located inside the electric lift housing X2 in compartment J5 while the electric lift housing X2 is mounted on lift support 105 (FIG. 15 and FIG. 16). The door panel 102 is suspended with a rope R2 from the lift means that moves the panel door in a linear vertical direction. H3 guides the door on its path.
As best shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 and FIG. 16 the door 102 covers the glass display compartment J1 when it is lowered down but reveals the compartments when it is lifted up into the space above the glass display compartment. The door also functions as an art panel when a two dimensional artwork is mounted to the exterior surface of the door panel as shown in FIG. 9. In this instance the bar cabinet then functions as an art platform. Bar cabinet unit 90 comes with the option to be used for a bar cabinet or for an art platform.
As best shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 15 compartment J1 includes pairs of protruded hangers Y on which the glasses are displayed and this compartment is back lighted by electric light means. This electric light means is mounted on rear 98. The electric lighting means is well known and will not be discussed here.
Compartment J2, J3 and J4 as best shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are used for glass storage and the three compartment are accessed through door 93 as indicated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 15
Shown in FIGS. 1-3 and FIGS. 17-22 is a bar table unit 10 that includes a table top 35, a collection of artifact containers on a platform 11, a cabinet 12 which functions as the table pedestal and a table base 45.
As best shown in FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 19, and FIG. 20 the table top comprises of a panel 35 and the container cover 4 which is the part cut out from the middle of panel 35. Panel 35 and container cover 4 together form a continuous flat table surface and the container cover 4 can be moved manually with the handle 2 from a closed position best shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 19 to a open position shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 20. Cover 4 provides access to container 6. The preferred material for the table top is transparent material however the container cover 4 may also be of opaque nature to conceal the contents of the container 6.
The bar cabinet 12 includes a first side 37, a second side 38, a front 39 and a rear 40 as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 19, FIG. 20 FIG. 21 and FIG. 22
The front 39 includes two doors 25 and 26 best shown in FIG. 1. The doors provide access to various compartments inside the cabinet as will be discussed below. The cabinet 12 has a container 6 (FIG. 18 and FIG. 20) for the display of edibles at the apex of the cabinet. This edible container continues right to the outside of the bar table unit through the artifact container platform 11 and table top 35 as indicated in FIG. 18 and FIG. 20.
As best shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 the cabinet compartments are designed for storage and display of the bar accessories. Remote controls are stored and displayed in compartments E1 and E2. Wine openers are stored and displayed in compartment E3 and E4. The serviette dispenser is stored and displayed in compartment E5 while the plates are stored and displayed in the same compartment E5. Compartment E6 and E7 holds the trash bin 21. Ice bucket is kept inside a Champagne bucket and both are stored in compartment E6. The trash slot T at the rear 40 co-operates with a trash bin 21 through compartment E7.
The bar table unit as best shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 also include a collection of artifact containers A1, A2, A3 and A4. These artifact containers are seen through the transparent table top 35 and are held in place by a platform 11. Also included in the bar table unit is the table base 45 with artifact containers A5 and A6
Shown in FIG. 1-3 and FIGS. 23-28 is a TV cabinet unit 130 that includes a top 131, a bottom 133, a first side 135, a second side 137, a front 140, and a rear 142.
The first side 135 has a speaker grill means K2 and this speaker grill means is the outer skin of a speaker casing SK3 as shown in FIG. 28. The rear 142 includes a translucent panel P (FIG. 24 and FIG. 27) which allows natural light to reach the aquarium when it is concealed in compartment O3. Front 140 also include a pull out drawer D2 (FIG. 28) that contains the music speaker casing SK2. Located in this compartment is a music control panel powered from the main power cord. As shown in FIG. 27 the top 131 is comprised of three covers F1, F2 and F3 through which compartments O1, O2 and O3 inside the cabinet unit are accessed. The music system means is well known and will not be discussed here.
The music system drawer D2 shown in FIG. 28 is mounted on the cabinet by rollers in tracks to move into and out of the cabinet.
The TV cabinet unit includes three electric lift means. These means are located in compartments O1, O2 and O3 (FIG. 27) and are powered from the main power cord. The electric lift means is well known and thus will not be discussed in detail.
TV, three dimensional artwork and aquarium which are mounted on the electric lift means are located in compartments O1, O2 and O3 respectively (FIG. 27). Independence of the three electric lift means provides for the independent display of the TV, artwork and aquarium. This means enables three diverse field of entertainment to originate from the same source—the TV cabinet unit. Only one of the displayed objects can be viewed at a time. This independence also, allows the TV cabinet unit to also function variously as a TV stand, three dimensional artwork platform and an aquarium stand.
Art platforms of the duplicated bar cabinet 50 and bar cabinet 90 as well as the three dimensional art platform of TV cabinet unit 130 give rise to a plurality of art platforms. Plurality of art platforms in a bar set makes it suitable for the display and view of artwork.
It is understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts described and shown.

Claims

1. A bar set comprising:

A) a plurality of compact and multipurpose units in the said bar set;

B) a plurality of covers and doors mounted on the multipurpose units in the said bar set;

C) a plurality of movable and concealable display panels mounted on the multipurpose units in the said bar set;

D) a collection of independent multipurpose units that can be reduced or increased in number;

E) a plurality of independently displayed items that can be independently concealed;

F) of multipurpose units formed of materials including fiberglass-type;

G) of multipurpose units formed of materials including plastic-type;

H) of multipurpose units formed of materials including metal;

I) of multipurpose units formed of materials including wood;

J) of multipurpose units formed of materials including acrylic stone-type;

K) of multipurpose units formed of materials including glass;

L) of multipurpose units formed of materials including stone.

2. A bar cabinet unit having a top, a bottom, first and second ends, a front and a rear and further including

A) a compartment for storing and securing an electric lift means in said cabinet unit;

B) a panel housing in said cabinet unit and including

(1) a movable panel used as shelves compartment door or as a panel for mounting artwork and connected to the electric lift means;

C) shelve compartments in said cabinet unit and including

(1) compartments for the display of bar items particularly drinks;

D) a music system compartment in the said unit and including

(1) a music speaker casing with an outer music speaker grill means mounted in front of the drawer,

(2) a compartment for storing the music control panel,

(3) a drawer having rollers and tracks mounted on the said cabinet unit on which said rollers ride;

E) a pull out panel compartment in said cabinet unit and including

(1) a compartment for storing the pull out panel in said cabinet unit;

F) a compartment for storing the fridge in said cabinet unit;

G) speaker grill means mounted in front of the drawer of the cabinet unit and in front of the music speaker casing;

H) a ventilation grill means mounted in front of the cabinet unit and in front of the ventilation compartment;

I) access door mounted on said cabinet unit front to cover the fridge compartment;

J) an opening created in front of the cabinet unit and in front of the pull out panel compartment.

3. A bar cabinet unit having a top, a bottom, first and second ends, a front and a rear and further including

B) a panel housing in said cabinet unit and including

(1) a movable panel used as display compartment door or as a panel for mounting artwork and connected to the electric lift means;

C) display compartment in said cabinet unit and including

(1) glass hangers;

D) storage compartments in said cabinet unit and including

(1) compartments for the storage of glasses;

E) access door mounted on said cabinet unit front to cover glass storage compartments.

4. A bar table unit including

A) built-in container for table surface display and including

(1) built-in container for storage and display,

(2) container cover with a handle;

B) a table top with a detachable centre that covers the opening originating from the cabinet of the bar table unit and this detachable centre is also the built-in container cover;

C) under table top display and including

(1) plurality of containers for display and storage of artifacts

(2) support for the containers;

D) a cabinet having first and second ends, a front and a rear; and further including

(1) compartment for the display and storage of edibles,

(2) compartments for the display and storage of remote controls,

(3) compartments for the display and storage of wine openers,

(4) compartment for display and storage of serviette dispenser and plates,

(5) compartment for the storage of trash bin,

(6) compartment for the storage of ice bucket,

(7) access door mounted on said cabinet to cover the compartments;

E) table base in the said cabinet unit and including

(1) containers for storage and display of artifacts;

F) a trash slot in the rear to connect the trash bin compartment to the outside of said bar table unit.

5. TV cabinet unit having a top, a bottom, first and second ends, a front and a rear and further including

A) a compartment for storing a TV connected to electric lift means in said TV cabinet unit;

B) a compartment for storing artwork connected to electric lift means in said TV cabinet unit;

C) a compartment for storing an aquarium connected to electric lift means in said TV cabinet unit;

D) a stand for the display of TV connected to electric lift means in said TV cabinet unit;

E) a platform for the display of artwork connected to electric lift means in said TV cabinet unit;

F) a stand for the display of aquarium connected to electric lift means in said TV cabinet unit;

G) a music system compartment in the said unit and including

(1) a music speaker casing with an outer music speaker grill means mounted in front of the unit,

(2) a compartment for storing the music control panel,

H) speaker grill means mounted in front of the cabinet unit and in front of the music speaker casing;

I) access doors mounted on the cabinet unit top to cover the compartments.