An escapement mechanism of a cutlery dispenser causes a cutlery article to fall from a vertical stack onto a slide track that guides it to a dispensing position. A slide channel and head channel of the slide track can laterally confine the cutlery article. A dampening surface can reduce cutlery bouncing and skewing. The escapement mechanism can include at least three pivots and/or a coil return spring. Dispensers can be installed in a base in any desired combination and retained therein by compatible features such as flanges and slots that prevent dispenser tipping. In embodiments, individual dispensers can be horizontally slid part-way out of the base to access side features that would otherwise be obscured by a neighboring dispenser. A cutlery quantity indicator can laterally contact the cutlery stack and can pivot to display a low-cutlery signal when the cutlery stack falls below an indicator height.

An escapement mechanism of a cutlery dispenser causes a cutlery article to fall from a vertical stack onto a slide track that guides it to a dispensing position. A slide channel and head channel of the slide track can laterally confine the cutlery article. A dampening surface can reduce cutlery bouncing and skewing. The escapement mechanism can include at least three pivots and/or a coil return spring. Dispensers can be installed in a base in any desired combination and retained therein by compatible features such as flanges and slots that prevent dispenser tipping. In embodiments, individual dispensers can be horizontally slid part-way out of the base to access side features that would otherwise be obscured by a neighboring dispenser. A cutlery quantity indicator can laterally contact the cutlery stack and can pivot to display a low-cutlery signal when the cutlery stack falls below an indicator height.

A plate delivery system provides storage for plates in a first-in, last-out configuration. As the kitchen staff completes a meal (plated), the plate is presented to a staging area of the plate delivery system. The plate is moved into a storage area to be ready for the next plate at the staging area. After a number of plates are stored, the plate delivery system relocates from the kitchen to the eating area (e.g., restaurant table or banquet table) and each plate is sequentially presented by a delivery mechanism (e.g., telescoping arms, a robot, or a waitperson) for delivery to the table. In some embodiments, the plate delivery system is enclosed and has a cover mechanism. In some embodiments, the plate delivery system has telescoping arms with fingers for moving the plate from the staging area to the table.

A plate delivery system provides storage for plates in a first-in, last-out configuration. As the kitchen staff completes a meal (plated), the plate is presented to a staging area of the plate delivery system. The plate is moved into a storage area to be ready for the next plate at the staging area. After a number of plates are stored, the plate delivery system relocates from the kitchen to the eating area (e.g., restaurant table or banquet table) and each plate is sequentially presented by a delivery mechanism (e.g., telescoping arms, a robot, or a waitperson) for delivery to the table. In some embodiments, the plate delivery system is enclosed and has a cover mechanism. In some embodiments, the plate delivery system has telescoping arms with fingers for moving the plate from the staging area to the table.

The invention relates to event furniture comprising at least one table and/or at least one chair as an event furniture component (100, 200, 250, 300, 350), wherein at least one table (11, 250), a table part (120, 300, 350) of the at least one table (11), the at least one chair (110, 200), and/or a combination of the above-mentioned event furniture components have means for carrying out an individual machine-controlled movement.

The invention relates to event furniture comprising at least one table and/or at least one chair as an event furniture component (100, 200, 250, 300, 350), wherein at least one table (11, 250), a table part (120, 300, 350) of the at least one table (11), the at least one chair (110, 200), and/or a combination of the above-mentioned event furniture components have means for carrying out an individual machine-controlled movement.

The invention relates to an event system (10, 50) for an animated event, wherein the event system (10, 50) comprises: at least one event furniture component (100, 200, 250, 300, 350) which can be moved in space and which comprises at least one table and/or at least one chair, and a device for sensory stimulation (12, 52) of guests (1) of the animated event, wherein the event furniture component (100, 200, 250, 300, 350) which can be moved in space comprises movement means for mechanical movement, and wherein the event system (10, 50) also comprises a first controller (1901) which is designed to control the mechanical movement and the output of the device (12, 52) for sensory stimulation of guests (1) of the animated event in a synchronized manner. The invention also relates to a method for operating such an event system (10, 50).

A utensil cover system includes a frame; and a first utensil cover. The first utensil cover has a first receptacle for receiving an end portion of a utensil; and a first tab extending from the first receptacle. The first tab and the first receptacle are separated by a line of weakness, and the utensil cover is temporarily attached to the frame via a connection member.

A utensil cover system includes a frame; and a first utensil cover. The first utensil cover has a first receptacle for receiving an end portion of a utensil; and a first tab extending from the first receptacle. The first tab and the first receptacle are separated by a line of weakness, and the utensil cover is temporarily attached to the frame via a connection member.

A tray includes a first tray configured to be fixedly mounted to a robot; a second tray provided above the first tray and configured to be rotatably coupled to the first tray; and at least one pad assembly positioned between the first tray and the second tray. Each of the at least one pad assembly includes at least one rolling member provided in a direction toward the first tray and an elastic member having at least one end fixedly connected to an interior of the at least one pad assembly. The at least one pad assembly is coupled to the second tray and is mounted to be rotatable relative to the first tray. When the second tray is rotated relative to the first tray, the second tray is configured to be returned to its original position by virtue of a restoring force of an elastic member of the pad assembly.