Waitperson notification and feedback indicator device
View Patent ↗A waitperson notification and feedback indicator device allows customers to provide feedback to a waitperson during a service interaction. The device includes a support base, pole, and signal device. The device can be placed on or attached to a patron's table during service and is configured to notify a waitperson that attention is required, indicate feedback regarding satisfaction with the service, or both. The support base is a pedestal, clip, or clamp. The pole and signal device attach to the support base. The length of the pole is fixed or variable. The signal device is a flag, sign, placard, or electronic visual device, such as a customizable light panel. One of more of the support base, pole, and signal device can include lights and a control. The pole can also include an adjustable notification unit housed inside or disposed on the pole that deploys to extend therefrom.
1 . A notification and feedback device comprising:
a clip comprising jaw portions and handle portions, wherein the handle portions are configured to actuate the jaw portions between an open position and a closed position;
a pole comprising a first end and second end connected by an elongated body segment, wherein the pole is coupled to the clip by one of (i) attachment of the second end to a surface of one of the handle portions and (ii) disposition of the elongated body segment through an aperture defined in each of the handle portions such that the first end and the second end of the pole are disposed on opposed sides of each handle portion;
a signal device attached to the pole between the first end and the second end; and
a light and a control unit disposed within a resiliently deformable end piece at the first end of the pole, wherein the light is configured to be selectively activated by the control unit and the control unit is configured to be selectively actuated by manipulation of the end piece.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the end piece is removably connected to the first end of the pole.
3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the signal device is attached to the pole through magnetic portions affixed to or disposed within the elongated body segment.
4 . The device of claim 3 , wherein the magnetic portions are adjustably movable.
5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the pole is affixed to the clip through mating magnetic portions.
6 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a power supply disposed within at least one of the pole, the signal device, and the clip.
7 . The device of claim 6 , wherein the power supply and at least one of the light and the control unit are operably connected through a power connector.
8 . The device of claim 1 , wherein each handle portion defines a respective said aperture and the elongated body segment is disposed through each respective aperture and wherein the device further comprises a gasket disposed around the perimeter of each respective aperture, the gasket configured to frictionally engage the portion of the elongated body segment disposed through each respective aperture.
9 . The device of claim 1 , wherein each handle portion defines a respective said aperture and the elongated body segment is disposed through each respective aperture and wherein the device further comprises an engaging unit disposed adjacent at least one of the respective apertures, the engaging unit configured to selectively actuate between a first open position and a second closed position wherein the engaging unit frictionally engages the elongated body segment in the second position.
10 . The device of claim 1 , wherein each handle portion defines a respective said aperture and the elongated body segment is disposed through each respective aperture and wherein the device further comprises a stopper apparatus disposed along the elongated body segment, the stopper apparatus configured to be impassable through at least one of the respective apertures.
11 . The device of claim 10 , wherein the stopper apparatus is removably affixed to the elongated body segment.
12 . The device of claim 10 , wherein the stopper apparatus comprises a depressible button disposed along a surface of the elongated body segment.
13 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the pole is configured to be variable in length between the first end and the second end.