US5653065A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for promoting social intercourse
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1996-02-08
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Granted: 1997-08-05
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Expires: 2016-02-08
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for promoting social intercourse among people comprises a system of ring-like or annular floor assemblies supported for concentric rotation relative to one another. The system is designed for use in a bar, club or restaurant wherein people may be seated on the movable floor assemblies. Preferably the floor assemblies of adjacent rings are counter-rotatable relative to one another. Thereby, as people pass one another on adjacent floor assemblies, they can casually initiate a meeting discourse exchange in a convenient and nonthreatening manner. People who meet and desire to further consummate the relationship may thereafter move to stationary seating in the room.
Inventors
- 👤 Russell L. McIlwain
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 06:29
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04H; E04H3/00; E04H3/02; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/343; E04B1/346
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
Apparatus for promoting social intercourse among people comprising: a first floor assembly including a floor panel member configured with a circular peripheral edge; a second floor assembly including a floor panel member configured with a circular peripheral edge; said floor panel members each defining a generally planar surface for supporting people thereon; said floor assemblies being arranged with centers of curvature of the respective peripheral edges of said panel members being substantially coincident; and means for rotating each of said floor assemblies about an axis of rotation substantially coincident with said centers of curvature.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
Apparatus for promoting social intercourse among people comprising: a first floor assembly including a floor panel member configured with a circular peripheral edge; a second floor assembly including a floor panel member configured with a circular peripheral edge; said floor panel members each defining a generally planar surface for supporting people thereon; said floor assemblies being arranged with centers of curvature of the respective peripheral edges of said panel members being substantially coincident; and means for rotating each of said floor assemblies about an axis of rotation substantially coincident with said centers of curvature.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said floor assemblies is annular in shape.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including means for rotating both floor assemblies about said axis of rotation with said floor assemblies movable in opposite directions of rotation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rotatable floor assemblies include rotating members journaled for rotation on said floor assemblies for supporting said floor assemblies for rotation on a stationary surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rotating means includes a motor and said motor communicates with a drive assembly to rotate said floor assembly.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rotating means includes a drive wheel and said drive wheel is in engagement with one of said floor assemblies.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said rotatable floor assemblies includes a skirt disposed along said peripheral edge and said skirt supports said panel member for rotation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said planar surfaces of said panel members are disposed substantially in a common plane.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including at least one circular rail and at least one of said rotatable floor assemblies is supported on said rail.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including means for situating people on said floor assemblies.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said situating means includes tables and chairs.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
182 words
A method for promoting social intercourse among people comprising the steps of: providing a first floor assembly including a first floor panel member configured with a circular peripheral edge having a center of curvature, said assembly having means permitting rotational movement of said floor panel member about an axis coincident with the center of curvature of said peripheral edge; providing a second floor assembly including a second floor panel member configured with a circular peripheral edge having a center of curvature substantially coincident with the center of curvature of the circular peripheral edge of said first floor panel member, said second assembly having means permitting rotational movement of said second floor panel member about said centers of curvature of said peripheral edges; positioning said first floor assembly adjacent to said second floor assembly with said peripheral edges of said panels in spaced relation to one another; providing means for situating people on both floor assemblies adjacent said peripheral edges; and rotating said floor assemblies wherein people situated on the first floor assembly are transported past people situated on the second floor assembly.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
182 words
A method for promoting social intercourse among people comprising the steps of: providing a first floor assembly including a first floor panel member configured with a circular peripheral edge having a center of curvature, said assembly having means permitting rotational movement of said floor panel member about an axis coincident with the center of curvature of said peripheral edge; providing a second floor assembly including a second floor panel member configured with a circular peripheral edge having a center of curvature substantially coincident with the center of curvature of the circular peripheral edge of said first floor panel member, said second assembly having means permitting rotational movement of said second floor panel member about said centers of curvature of said peripheral edges; positioning said first floor assembly adjacent to said second floor assembly with said peripheral edges of said panels in spaced relation to one another; providing means for situating people on both floor assemblies adjacent said peripheral edges; and rotating said floor assemblies wherein people situated on the first floor assembly are transported past people situated on the second floor assembly.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 12 wherein said first and second floor assemblies are counter-rotating.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2764783A
Cited
US2815539A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-08-04 | 2001-02-03 | 2001-08-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-08-04 | 2005-02-03 | 2005-08-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-08-04 | 2009-02-03 | 2009-08-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |