Restaurant seating system

Abstract

A seating system for use at a dining facility, such as a restaurant or ballroom, includes a plurality of movable seating units, a power supply grid, a computerized controller, and an illuminating path for directing arriving parties to available seating units. Each of the seating units includes an integral booth style seat and table supported on a base with a rechargeable battery and motor driven wheels on a bottom of the base. A wireless communication system provides communication between the controller and each of the seating units. An extendable member on each seating unit connects to the power grid via outlets in a ceiling structure to provide electric power for recharging the battery. The seating units may further be provided with a self-contained air conditioning and heating system and a touch responsive computer screen on the table top for displaying a menu, wherein patrons may place food and beverage orders by touching indicators on the screen. A credit card swipe and reader device in each of the seating units permits payment of the food and beverage check at the table.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A seating system for a dining establishment comprising: 
 a plurality of seating units each comprising:    an integral seat bench, table and base assembly;    a plurality of wheels on said base for moving said seating unit along a floor surface;    a motor in driving connection with at least one of said plurality of wheels;    a battery for supplying power to said motor;    means for connecting said seating unit to an external power supply;    receiver means for receiving wireless signals;    processor means for receiving and processing computer commands; and    a central computer controller including transmitter means for sending wireless signals to said plurality of seating units for operating said motor to selectively move and position said seating units.    
     
     
         2 . The system as recited in  claim 1  wherein each of said plurality of seating units further includes air conditioning means for cooling the air temperature of the atmosphere surrounding said seat bench and table.  
     
     
         3 . The system as recited in  claim 2  wherein each of said plurality of seating units further includes heating means for warming the air temperature of the atmosphere surrounding said seat bench and said table.  
     
     
         4 . The system as recited in  claim 1  wherein said table of each of said plurality of seating units includes a touch responsive computer display for displaying information, including a menu.  
     
     
         5 . The system as recited in  claim 4  wherein said touch responsive computer screen includes means for placing orders from said menu by touching indicators on the screen.  
     
     
         6 . The system as recited in  claim 1  wherein each of said plurality of seating units include means for accepting credit card payments.  
     
     
         7 . A seating system for a dining establishment comprising: 
 a power supply grid including a plurality of electrical outlets;    a plurality of seating units each comprising: 
 an integral seat bench, table and base assembly;  
 a plurality of wheels on said base for moving said seating unit along a floor surface;  
 a motor in driving connection with at least one of said plurality of wheels;  
 a battery for supplying power to said motor;  
 means for connecting said seating unit to an external power supply;  
 receiver means for receiving wireless signals;  
 processor means for receiving and processing computer commands;  
 a central computer controller including transmitter means for sending wireless signals to said plurality of seating units for operating said motor to selectively move and position said seating units; and  
 means for creating an illuminated path on a floor of the dining establishment to direct guests to a select one of said plurality of seating units.