STABLE SERVING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A stable serving assistive device comprises a platform 1 positioned on a fixed surface, multiple slots 2 to accommodate a beaker in each of the slot 2 to accommodate a beaker in each of the slot 2, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 to determine dimensions of the beaker, a motorized expandable pulley arrangement 4 for properly accommodating the beakers, multiple suction units 5 for adhering to surface of the beaker, multiple motorized flaps 6 for creating a boundary around the platform 1, an inverted U-shaped frame 7 integrated on the platform 1, a handle 8 for enabling a user to access the frame 7, an ultrasonic sensor for determining deposition of debris on the platform 1 and slots 2, a vacuum pump 9 to extract the debris for cleaning the platform 1 and the slots 2 and a waste chamber 10 to collect extracted debris.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a stable serving assistive device that is capable of serving the liquid items in a stable manner by reducing scatter of the liquid inside the utensil as well as determining and cleaning any type of dust present in surrounding of the utensil.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many cities around the world have vibrant street dining cultures, where restaurants, cafes, or food vendors set up tables and chairs along sidewalks or pedestrianized streets to offer outdoor dining experiences. These street tables provide patrons with the opportunity to enjoy food and drinks in a lively, urban environment. Traditional street dining, including the setup of serve street tables, often relied on simple yet effective tools and equipment adapted to outdoor environments. Portable folding tables and chairs were essential tools for setting up street dining areas. These tables and chairs could be easily transported and arranged along sidewalks or pedestrianized streets to accommodate diners.

[0003] Although the traditional method of street dining using portable serving tables has proven effective to some extent, but it comes with inherent limitations. Traditional street dining setups were susceptible to adverse weather conditions such as rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Outdoor tables, chairs, and tablecloths could be damaged or blown away during inclement weather, disrupting the dining experience. And street tables and chairs used in traditional setups may have lacked stability compared to indoor furniture. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a consistent assist the user in food serving where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] US5722622A discloses a portable, adjustable device which provides support, tactile feedback, and mechanical advantage to individuals with weakness, tremors, or poor motor control during the activity of self-feeding. The device consists of a base for attaching the device to various sized tables, a support slide holder and a support slide. During typical operation, once adjustments have been made and tightened down, the user places his or her arm in the bottom portion of the support slide and with support of the support slide, slides the arm toward the mouth until it rests in the top portion of the support slide wherein the user is able to consume a bite of food. The base of the device clamps to various size tables. The support slide is connected to the base through a support slide holder which allows vertical and horizontal adjustment of the support slide. The support slide itself is arced in the horizontal and vertical planes in a fashion that approximates the arc of the arm during non-supported self-feeding. The support slide includes specially shaped segments at the top and bottom for additional control for the user in these areas.

[0005] US20030211254A1 discloses the present invention pertains to food serving apparatus preferably formed of a single contiguous material, the apparatus having a food-supporting member consisting of a material sized, and having sufficient rigidity, to serve and support one or more items of food thereon, the food-supporting member has at least one food-retaining portion integrally formed adjacent thereto which extends upward, or can be positioned upward by a user, relative to a food-supporting surface of the food-supporting member, in a manner which increases the rigidity of the food-supporting member. The food-supporting member has at least one bendable cross-section which ends tangent to at least one separable joint of a food-retaining portion to allow separation of said portion(s) at said separable joint(s), whereby the separation of the joint(s) to the end of a respective bendable cross-section, allows a user to bend a segment of said food-supporting member downward and away from food supported on the food-supporting member to facilitate and improve the eating experience. The apparatus accommodates a variety of possible food-serving shapes and optionally includes a fold-over food-securing tab to assist a user in securing food beneath the tab and above the food-supporting member.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable of assist the user in food serving however these devices fail in assist the user in food serving by record the order given by the customer and accordingly notify the restaurant owner to serve the user ordered food on the table in a self-sufficient manner.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of assist the user in food serving by record the order given by the customer and accordingly notify the restaurant owner to serve the user ordered food on the table in a secure manner.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of serving the liquid items in a stable manner by reducing scatter of the liquid inside the beaker.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining and cleaning any type of dust present in surrounding of the beaker.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is portable and reliable to nature.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a stable serving assistive device that is capable of serving the liquid items in a stable manner by reducing scatter of the liquid inside the utensil as well as determining and cleaning any type of dust present in surrounding of the utensil securely.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a stable serving assistive device, comprising, a platform developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of slots are integrated on the platform for enabling a user to accommodate a beaker in each of the slot, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated on the platform and paired with a processor to determine dimensions of the beaker, a motorized expandable pulley arrangement integrated in each of the slot to expand/contract for properly accommodating the beakers in the slots, plurality of suction units arranged on inner periphery of the slot to create a negative pressure in the slots for adhering to surface of the beaker, in view of stabilizing the beakers on the platform, wherein plurality of motorized flaps arranged on peripheral portion of the platform for creating a boundary around the platform.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, further comprises, an inverted U-shaped frame having a horizontal member and two vertical members integrated on the platform, a handle is fabricated on the horizontal member for enabling a user to access the frame, thereby assisting the user to restrict movement of the beakers in the platform while the user serves the beakers, in view of preventing falling of the beakers, an ultrasonic sensor embedded on the platform for determining deposition of debris on the platform and slots, a vacuum pump configured with the platform to extract the debris for cleaning the platform and the slots, wherein the extracted debris is collected in a waste chamber arranged underneath the platform, the handle is fabricated with a cushioned member for providing a comfortable experience to the user, a battery is configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a stable serving assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a stable serving assistive device that is capable of serving the liquid items in a stable manner by reducing scatter of the liquid inside the utensil as well as determining and cleaning any type of dust present in surrounding of the utensil securely.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a stable serving assistive device is illustrated comprising a platform 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, multiple slots 2 are integrated on the platform 1, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 integrated on the platform 1, a motorized expandable pulley arrangement 4 integrated in each of the slot 2, multiple suction units 5 arranged on inner periphery of the slot 2, multiple motorized flaps 6 arranged on peripheral portion of the platform 1, an inverted U-shaped frame 7 integrated on the platform 1, a handle 8 is fabricated on the U-shaped frame 7, a vacuum pump 9 configured with the platform 1 and a waste chamber 10 arranged underneath the platform 1.

[0023] The proposed device includes a platform 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, multiple slots 2 are integrated on the platform 1 for enabling a user to accommodate a beaker in each of the slot 2. An ultrasonic sensor embedded on the platform 1 for determining deposition of debris on the platform 1 and slots 2. The ultrasonic sensor consists of a transducer that functions as both a transmitter and a receiver that works in collaboration to detect the debris on the platform 1 and slots 2. The transducer typically contains a piezoelectric crystal or a similar material. When an electrical signal is applied to the crystal, it vibrates at a high frequency, typically in the ultrasonic range above 20 kHz. When the transducer is activated, it converts the electrical energy into mechanical vibrations or waves. These vibrations are transmitted as a focused beam of ultrasonic waves on the platform 1 and slots 2. The ultrasonic waves propagate outward in a cone-shaped pattern from the transducer.

[0024] The same transducer that emitted the ultrasonic waves now acts as a receiver. It detects the reflected after hitting the surface of the surface of the platform 1. The light obtained after reflection from the surface of the platform 1 are deviated. The deviations refers to the presence of obstacles on the path of the light. There obstacles in the path are recognized and categorized as the presence of the debris on the platform 1 and surface.

[0025] As the presence of debris on the platform 1 and slots 2 are identified, the microcontroller actuates a vacuum pump 9 configured with the platform 1 to extract the debris for cleaning the platform 1 and the slots 2. The vacuum pump 9 comprises of a motor that drives the pump 9, providing the necessary mechanical energy. The motor powers an impeller which is responsible for generating suction. As the impeller rapidly moves back and forth, it creates a partial vacuum by drawing air or other gases out from the platform 1 or slot 2. Concurrently, a set of one-way valves ensures that air can only flow in one direction, maintaining the integrity of maintaining a low-pressure inside the area of the vacuum pump 9 and ensure the extracting of the debris from the surface of platform 1 and slot 2. After extracting the debris from the platform 1 and slot 2 the debris are stored in waste chamber 10 arranged underneath the platform 1.

[0026] Further, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 integrated on the platform 1 determine dimensions of the beaker. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the beaker. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the imaging unit 3 is real-time images of the beaker. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving the signal analyzes and determines the dimension of the beaker.

[0027] Based on the detected dimension of beaker, the microcontroller actuates a motorized expandable pulley arrangement 4 integrated in each of the slot 2 to expand/contract for properly accommodating the beakers in the slots 2. The arrangement 4 herein discloses comprise of multiple links attached to a central rotating disc that gets rotated at a uniform speed via a motorized pinion gear conjoined with a central disc. A motor is paired with the gear that is activated by the microcontroller for providing a rotational motion to the gear. Upon rotating of the pinion gears in anti-clockwise, then the central disc starts rotating in a clockwise direction that helps in thrusting studs fastened with links in outward orientation results in expansion of the pulley. Similarly, the pinion gear starts rotating clockwise then the central disc starts rotating in an anti-clockwise direction that helps in thrusting studs fastened with links in inward orientation that in turn contract the pulley to contract the structure. The expansion and contraction of the disc to increase and decrease diameter of the slot 2 for properly accommodating the beakers in the slots 2.

[0028] Further, multiple suction units 5 arranged on inner periphery of the slot 2 to create a negative pressure in the slots 2 for adhering to surface of the beaker, in view of stabilizing the beakers on the platform 1. The suction units 5 create partial vacuum within the cups upon pressing in the slots 2 by squeezing out air from the units 5 due to a negative pressure is generated inside suction area. Herein, atmospheric pressure outside the units 5 presses down low-pressure area inside the units 5 to generate suction to adhere the beaker with the slots 2, thereby stabilizing the beakers on the platform 1.

[0029] Further, the microcontroller actuates motorized flaps 6 arranged on peripheral portion of the platform 1 for creating a boundary around the platform 1. The flaps 6 used herein are powered by a DC motor that is capable of converting direct current into mechanical work by following the principle of Lorentz Law which states that, the current carrying conduction when placed in magnetic or electrical field experiences a force known as Lorentz force. Therefore, the DC motor is capable of performing rotational movements to the flaps 6 for creating the boundary around the platform 1.

[0030] Further, an inverted U-shaped frame 7 having a horizontal member and two vertical members integrated on the platform 1, a handle 8 is fabricated on the horizontal member for enabling a user to access the frame 7, thereby assisting the user to restrict movement of the beakers in the platform 1 while the user serves the beakers, for preventing falling of the beakers. The handle 8 disclosed herein is fabricated with a cushioned member for providing a comfortable experience to the user.

[0031] Lastly, a battery is associated with the device that powers all electrical and electronically operated components of the device. A battery is a device that converts chemical energy contained within its active materials directly into electric energy by means of an electrochemical oxidation and provides the power supply to other components.

[0032] The present invention works best in the following manner where the platform 1 is positioned on the fixed surface with multiple slots 2 for enabling the user to accommodate the beaker in each of the slot 2. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 determines the dimensions of the beaker. The motorized expandable pulley arrangement 4 in each of the slot 2 expand/contract for properly accommodating the beakers in the slots 2. The suction units 5 creates the negative pressure in the slots 2 for adhering the surface of the beaker, for stabilizing the beakers on the platform 1. Multiple motorized flaps 6 creates the boundary around the platform 1. The inverted U-shaped frame 7 having a horizontal member and two vertical members with the handle 8 on the horizontal member enable the user to access the frame 7, thereby assisting the user to restrict movement of the beakers in the platform 1 while the user serves the beakers, for preventing falling of the beakers. Additionally, the ultrasonic sensor determine deposition of debris on the platform 1 and slots 2. The vacuum pump 9 extract the debris for cleaning the platform 1 and the slots 2. The extracted debris is collected in the waste chamber 10 arranged underneath the platform 1. The handle 8 is fabricated with the cushioned member for providing the comfortable experience to the user.

[0033] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention.
, Claims:We Claim:
1) A stable serving assistive device, comprising:

i) a platform 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of slots 2 are integrated on said platform 1 for enabling a user to accommodate a beaker in each of said slot 2;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 integrated on said platform 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of said platform 1, respectively to determine dimensions of said beaker, in accordance to which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a motorized expandable pulley arrangement 4 integrated in each of said slot 2 to expand/contract for properly accommodating said beakers in said slots 2;
iii) plurality of suction units 5 arranged on inner periphery of said slot 2 that are actuated by said microcontroller to create a negative pressure in said slots 2 for adhering to surface of said beaker, in view of stabilizing said beakers on said platform 1, wherein said microcontroller actuates plurality of motorized flaps 6 arranged on peripheral portion of said platform 1 for creating a boundary around said platform 1; and
iv) an inverted U-shaped frame 7 having a horizontal member and two vertical members integrated on said platform 1, wherein a handle 8 is fabricated on said horizontal member for enabling a user to access said frame 7, thereby assisting said user to restrict movement of said beakers in said platform 1 while said user serves said beakers, in view of preventing falling of said beakers.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an ultrasonic sensor embedded on said platform 1 for determining deposition of debris on said platform 1 and slots 2, based on which said microcontroller actuates a vacuum pump 9 configured with said platform 1 to extract said debris for cleaning said platform 1 and said slots 2.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said extracted debris is collected in a waste chamber 10 arranged underneath said platform 1.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle 8 is fabricated with a cushioned member for providing a comfortable experience to said user.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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