GB2459145A

GB2459145A - Collapsible booth

Info

Publication number: GB2459145A
Application number: GB0901673A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ronan Mccarthy
Original assignee: SPIT N POLISH SHOE SHINE COMPA
Current assignee: SPIT N POLISH SHOE SHINE COMPA
Priority date: 2008-04-10
Filing date: 2009-01-30
Publication date: 2009-10-14
Also published as: GB0901673D0

Abstract

A booth or kiosk (100) suitable for providing a shoe shining service comprises a support structure (110) for supporting a person, which may be in the form of a seat, and a platform (120) for a floor. The booth (100) may be foldable or collapsible. The booth (100) may be mobile and may have lockable castors. The booth may contain a sensor to detect the presence of a customer and a processor to determine whether a sale has been made based upon a signal from the sensor, this may be based on the length of time the customer has been in the booth. The sensor may be a pressure sensor within a seat, a smart camera or an infrared sensor. The booth may have an additional seat for an operator and may have a foot rest on a gas spring for the customer. The seat and footrest may be provided as a removable unit. The booth may have a video display.

Description

BOOTH

* The present invention relates to a booth, preferably one which is mobile and in which a shoe-shining operation can occur.

Constructions which are used in the trade of shining shoes typically involve shoe shine boxes or shoe shine thrones'.

Shoe shine boxes or stands are often small wooden boxes designed to be placed on the ground which have an angled foot rest mounted to the top surface. The sides of the box may contain drawers or other compartments in which the operator may store brushes, polishes and other necessary accessories. The boxes are used by the customer placing one shoe at a time on the foot rest while the operator crouches on the floor to clean the shoe.

Shoe shine thrones' are often large high chairs (often a seat meant for placement on the floor, which has been secured to the top of a tall wooden block or a metal stage'), with a foot rest mounted in front. The throne constructions may be long and contain more than one chair attached. The customer climbs up and sits on the chair and places his shoe on the foot rest. The operator shines from a standing position on the ground below. The thrones' may be provided with drawers or compartments beneath the seat of the chair to store shoe shine accessories.

However, these conventional methods of providing an arrangement for shining shoes are not without problems. One not insignificant problem is the perceived indignity as well as physical discomfort, of having the operator crouching or squatting on the floor while the customer stands or sits. This can be particularly disagreeable if the operator is working in a public area owing to the number and density of passing people.

The dated and servile image of these existing shoeshine constructions not only make the operator feel menial while carrying out their trade, but also many customers choose not to be seen by others in public having their shoes signed by a slave', with themselves as the master'; In addition, with a shoe shine throne', the construction cannot easily be moved and would therefore be inappropriate for using in a temporary location. It would require the operator to make a commitment in advance as to where he believed on average he would be best placed to attract trade.

The owners of major retail spaces such as train and airport terminals, shopping centres, motorways service stations, etc do not welcome the inclusion of the existing shoeshine structures as concessions due to their perceived image problem by their footfall and the lack of portability / flexibility. Moreover they are not able to audit revenues in order to protect their percentage of revenue in return for the use of their floor space.

Aspects of the present invention seek to overcome or reduce one or more of the above disadvantages.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a booth comprising: at least one support structure which is capable of supporting at least one person; and a platform arranged so as to form a floor and a platform arranged so as to form a floor; wherein the booth can be folded between an erected disposition and a collapsed disposition. This enables the booth to be folded into a compact form.

The booth is preferably capable of supporting two persons (customer and shoeshine operator) both in seated positions and clear of the surrounding floor.

Preferably, the means to enable the booth to be folded are hinges.

Preferably, the hinges can be locked in both the erected and collapsed dispositions of the booth.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a booth comprising: at least one support structure which is capable of supporting at least one person; a platform arranged so as to form a floor; and means to allow the booth to be moved.

Preferably, the means to allow the booth to be moved are a set of four swivel castor wheels. The wheels may also be retracted to allow the booth to be permanently and solidly lowered and located on the ground, however the wheels can be engaged to allow the booth's location to be easily adjusted within a venue, or for transportation between venues.

Alternatively, the means to allow the booth to be moved may be a combination of swivel castor wheels and fixed castor wheels. The wheels may also be locked in position.

Preferably, the booth further comprises a foot rest mounted so that it can receive the foot of a person, in particular a customer, leaning or sitting on the support structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the booth is provided with a wall member along the rear side.

The wall may be provided with one or more hinges across it dividing it into an upper wall part and a lower wall part. The walls may contain electronic means for displaying images.

This allows a customer in the booth to view advertising or other presentations on the screen formed by the walls.

In a preferred embodiment, the wall is hinged such that, in the collapsed position, the upper wall part lies against the back surface of the lower wall part.

The hinges may all be locked in one or both of the erected or collapsed dispositions of the booth.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a booth comprising: at least one support structure which is capable of supporting at least one person (e.g. customer and shoeshine operator); a platform arranged so as to form a floor; a foot support mounted to the plafform; a wall containing digital display means; wherein the wall contains means to enable it to be folded down to reduce the height of the booth.

In a preferred embodiment, the booth is provided with two side flanks', one of which forms the base of the seat for the customer. These side flanks contain hinged doors leading to storage space in side. The doors may contain electronic means for displaying images on a screen. This allows waiting nearby customers and passing footfall to view advertising or other presentations on the screen.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile booth comprising two seats, wheels, and a wall; wherein the wall is capable of being folded down to reduce the size of the booth for transport. The wall may be a screen, e.g. a display screen.

The booth may also be provided with a roof section.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a booth comprising: at least one support structure which is capable of supporting a person; a platform arranged so as to form a floor; and sensors to detect the dual occupation of both a customer and the shoeshine operator in the booth. The sensors may be connected to a processor which can be configured to remotely monitor customer use of the booth, e.g. by counting the number of customers and sending the data from each booth to Head Office. The processor may be configured not to count sensing operations which last for less than a predetermined time, e.g. one minute or three minutes. This assists in eliminating customer occupations of the booth which have not lasted long enough for a shoe shine (approximately five minutes).

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a unit comprising a seat area and a foot rest wherein the unit is provided with transport means which can be selectively arranged to be in or out of contact with the ground.

Preferably, the unit can be selectively inserted into and removed from a booth. Thus when the unit is inserted into the booth, it can form a secure component of the booth and when the unit is removed from the booth, it can form an independent article.

An advantage of having a portable unit is that it can be taken away at night with any loose accessories in its drawers. This renders the remaining booth less attractive to potential thieves.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a mobile booth according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the booth being a collapsible booth shown when fully erected; Figure 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 when fully erected; Figure 4 is a side sectional view of the embodiment of Figures 1, 2 and 3 when fully erected taken along the line AA of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a front view of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 in operation; Figure 6 is a side view of the embodiment of Figures ito 5 in the collapsed position; Figure 7 is a front view of a booth according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a top cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 7 taken through the line B-B shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a top view of the embodiment of Figures 7 to 8; Figure 10 is a side view of the embodiment of Figures 7 to 9, shown when the booth is erected; Figure 11 is a side view of the embodiment of Figures 7 to 10, shown when the booth is collapsed; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a unit for a booth according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is a side view of a user pulling the unit of Figure 12 when a retractable handle is extended; and Figure 14 is a side view of the unit of Figures 12 and 13 in use.

With regard to Figures 1 to 11, booths 100 according to two embodiments of the invention are depicted. In each case, the booth 100 is provided with two support structures 110 placed along opposite edges of a platform 120. The support structures 110 can be any shape or configuration that would be suitable for a person to sit or perch upon for a short period of time.

Support structures 110 are hollow to serve as storage compartments in one of which are provided two shelves so as to provide three compartments for storage. In the other storage compartment are provided hooks from which jackets may be hung. Doors 116 are provided on the outfacing surfaces 115 of support structures 110. The doors 116 are provided in aluminium and are each provided with integrated electronic displays. These can be used to display advertisements or other information. Vents (not shown) are provided in the top surface of the support structures 110 to allow cooling of the integrated electronic displays. Alternatively, the doors 116 may serve as poster frames. In addition, the support structures 110 can be provided with handles (not shown) on the outfacing surfaces 115. On one of the support structures is provided a padded customer seat 111.

In the embodiment of Figures 7 to 11, the support structures 110 are each provided with a backrest 710. The backrest 710 therefore provides a support against which the customer can lean while his shoes are being cleaned. Each backrest has a major surface with an area of 0.09m2 (one square foot). Preferably, the backrests 710 are fixed in position.

In a modification, however, the backrests 710 can be slid down into the support structure when the booth is not in use. In this retracted position, the backrests 710 remain in slight relief from the support structure 110 and are each provided with a catch to prevent them rising. The catches are configured so that pressing down on the backrest releases the catch and enables the backrest to be raised to its deployed position.

To the bottom of the platform 120 in the first and second embodiments are provided four swivel castor wheels 160. The booth 100 therefore can be moved but is not constrained to be moved in a straight line. The swivel castor wheels 160 are retractable to allow the booth to be lowered and secured firmly on the ground. Alternatively they can be adjusted to be lowered and engaged with the ground, to hoist up the booth for transportation or to adjust its location within a venue. Access to the adjustment of the wheels is inside the lockable storage of the side flanks, thus providing security from theft.

All four swivel castor wheels 160 may be provided with a brake clamp and means to lock them in place for when the booth 100 is unmanned. The means to lock the wheels 160 can be provided for example by a sheath.

In a modification, two swivel castor wheels and two fixed castor wheels can be provided with locking mechanisms so that the booth can be locked into place.

When the wheels are in the retracted position, an integral valance is in contact with the ground, around the edge of the platform 120 and thus obscure the wheels from view.

The valance depends from three sides of the platform 120 to hide the wheels 160 from view and make the booth 100 appear a permanent structure.

Two stabilising bars (not shown) are slidably mounted on the underside of the platform and arranged so that they can be locked in either of two positions. In a first position, they are substantially underneath the platform 120. In a second position, they extend horizontally to the rear of the booth 100 to provide stability during erection of the booth from a folded position.

Between the support structures 110 is provided a unit 140. The unit 140 provides a structure on which the operator can sit and the customer can rest his foot while his shoe is shined. The unit 140 comprises a low section against the support structure 110 comprising the padded customer seat 111, and a higher section against the other support structure 110.

The higher section of the unit 140 is provided with an operator seat 143 which is a padded layer. The support structure 110 against the operator seat 143 is also provided with padding 144.

The raised section of the unit 140 is 450mm high. The operator seat 143 is joined to the rest of the unit 140 by a hinge and arranged so that the operator seat 143 can be pivoted open to allow access to a storage compartment within the raised section of the unit 140.

At a lower section of the unit 140, a foot rest 150 is provided on a gas spring 151 and arranged to be within easy arm's reach of a person seated on the operator seat. The gas spring 151 is arranged to provide a pneumatic height control so that the foot rest 150 may be caused to rise or fall by operation of a lever (not shown) together with the application of an appropriate force on the foot rest 150. The foot rest 150 can be rigidly secured in either of two positions. In a first position, the foot rest 150 is aligned with the unit 140 so that their longitudinal axes are parallel. In a second position, the foot rest 150 is aligned with the unit so that their longitudinal axes are perpendicular. The foot rest 150 is secured in either position by inserting a removable pin through a section of the gas cylinder 151 and the foot rest 150.

Alternatively, the tilt of the foot rest 150 relative to the gas spring 151 can be adjustable to allow the foot rest 150 to be placed in the most comfortable position for the customer.

Within the body of the unit 140, below the foot rest 150 and below the operator seat 143, are provided lockable storage draws 141 for the convenient storage of polish, brushes and other equipment.

Against one of the sides of the platform 120 is provided a wall or screen 200. The wall and the two support structures 110 are arranged to border the platform 120 on three sides. The front of the booth 100 is defined as the edge of the platform opposite the wall 200.

The wall 200 is formed of two major parts, a lower wall part 210 and an upper wall part 220, which are joined by a hinge 230 at the rear surface of lower wall part 210. The upper wall part 220 is moveable between two positions and can be locked in either. In the first position, the upper wall part 220 is substantially parallel to the lower wall part 210 so that the wall 200 appears as a single unit. In the second position, the upper wall part 220 is folded through 180° so that the upper wall part 220 lies against the rear surface of lower wall part 210.

The wall 200 is provided with an integrated electronic display 201 so that when the booth is erected, the screen may display advertisements, television programmes or other information.

With reference to the second embodiment of Figures 7 to 11, on the wall 200, in the vicinity of the customer seat 111, a ledge 720 is provided at waist height containing a hole which can serve to hold for example a coffee cup. In addition, shelves are provided in the vicinity of an operator seat 143 for convenient storage of polish and brushes and so on. A newspaper holder 730 is also provided.

A charging point 740 is also provided on the screen 200 in the second embodiment. The charging point 740 comprises a socket at the end of a lead which is connected to a power supply. A mobile phone, PDA or other electronic device can be placed on a ledge below the socket and connected to the socket. The battery of the mobile phone, PDA or other device can then be charged by the socket while the customer has his shoes shined.

A cover (not shown) is provided for the first and second embodiments, which may be connected and locked over the integrated electronic display 201 to provide security for the display 201 enabling the booth 100 to be left unattended in an erected position. In addition, a back flap is provided on the rear surface of the screen 200 which can be folded across the back of the display 201 and locked in position to provide additional security for the display 201.

A roof member 240 is attached by a hinge 241 to the edge of the upper screen part 220 distal to the hinge 230. The roof member 240 is moveable between two positions and can be locked in either. In the first position, the roof member 240 is substantially perpendicular to the upper screen part 220. in the second position, the roof member 240 lies against the front surface of the upper screen part 220.

In the roof member 240 of the booth 100 there are provided two down lighters to provide light to the booth, , and a speaker flush with the lower surface of the roof member which is configured to provide music, radio or accompanying sound for video shown on the integrated electronic display 201.

In addition, in the roof member 240, there are provided two small smart cameras. Within the operator seat 143 and the customer seat 111 are provided pressure sensors which can detect whether a person is seated in either of those seats. The cameras and pressure sensors are configured to detect when a customer is present at the booth.

A banner section 260 is provided on the roof member 240 at the end distal to the hinge 241. Banner section 260 is provided in a suitable height and material so that its outfacing surface 270 may be decorated with a logo, message or other text.

In the first embodiment of Figures ito 6, there is a hinge 261 at the join of the banner section 260 and the roof member 240. The banner section 260 is moveable between two positions and can be locked in either. In the first position, the banner section 260 is substantially perpendicular to the roof member 240. In the second position, the banner section 260 lies against the top surface of roof member 240.

Along the sides of the roof member 240 in the first and second embodiments, running between the front and back of the roof member 240 are provided aluminium channels into which can be slid roof side returns, which are vertical borders that upstand from the roof member 240. These roof side returns can also be decorated with a logo or message.

In the erected position, the booth is about 2.5m tall.

In Figure 4 arcs 310, 320 and 330 show the movement of the banner section 260, the roof member 240 and the upper screen part 220, respectively, when the booth 100 is collapsed.

With the exception of the banner section 260, these movements apply correspondingly to the second embodiment.

In order to collapse the booth 100, first the stabilising bars are moved from the first position to the second position and locked into place.

Then, the roof member 240 is unlocked and folded down over the integrated electronic display 201. The roof member 240 is locked to the upper screen part 220 to provide security for the integrated electronic display 201. The banner section 260 is then folded down.

The upper screen part 220 can then be unlocked with respect to the lower wall part 210 and folded back through arc 330. The stabilising bars prevent the booth from tipping backwards.

The stabilising bars can be moved back to the first position and locked for compact storage.

Finally, a padded cover sheet (not shown) can be placed over the booth 100 to protect it in storage or transit. This can be in the form of a single rigid panel which has a depending flap on one side. The rigid panel can be placed on top of the support structures 110 such that the depending flap hangs between the front of the support structures 110, enclosing the booth 100.

In the collapsed position (Figures 6 and 11), the upper screen part 220 is against the rear surface of the lower screen part 210, and the roof member 240 is against the front surface of the upper screen part 220.

In the first embodiment (Figure 6), the banner section 260 is against the top surface of the roof member 240.

In the collapsed position, the booth 100 is about 1.27m tall.

The doors of the storage compartments in the support structures 110, the operator seat 143 and the storage drawers 141 are all provided with locks so that they can be secured when the booth is not in use. The locks are configured so that one key can operate all of them.

In addition, the swivel castor wheels 160 may be configured so that they can all be unlocked with a single key, although this may be a different key to the one to unlock the storage compartments. The locks for the folding parts and other overnight security features such as the cover and back flap for the display 201 are configured to be opened with a single further key.

In use, as shown for example in Figure 5, the customer sits on the customer seat 111, and places one shoe at a time on the foot rest 150. The operator then sits on the operator seat 143 on the unit 140 and can lean against a support structure 110.

In response to the cameras in the roof member 240 and/or the pressure sensors detecting the presence of a customer, the cameras and pressure sensors generate a signal which is relayed to a processing device. Based on the length of time for which the signal is generated, the processing device determines whether a sale has been made. In one modification, if a signal is generated continuously for more than 1 minute, the processing device determines that a sale has been made. In another modification, the processing device determines that a sale has been made if a signal is generated continuously for more than 3 minutes. Information concerning the number of sales is then either recorded locally or transmitted to a central system. The transmission may be made wirelessly-or through a phone line. In some modifications, the cameras are not included, and a signal is generated by the pressure sensors alone, or vice versa. In one modification, infrared sensors can be used.

These embodiments provide many advantages over the prior art. The booth 100 is able to provide an environment for shining shoes which is a modem looking and comfortable setting for both customer and operator, which is mobile and which is adaptable. The operator is therefore able to offer a more seemly and elegant service at temporary locations such as trade fairs or conferences without the inelegance and discomfort of crouching on the floor. In addition, the booths are just as appropriate for more permanent locations such as airports, office premises or railway stations. Irrespective of the length of time for which he is set up, the operator is able to present a professional and appealing image for his service.

The use of the screen 200 to present advertisements to both customers and other members of the public who are passing the booth 100 enables the operator to obtain advertisement revenue. The screen 200 therefore provides the booth 100 with the capacity to generate extra revenue beyond the charge for shining shoes. The hinges 230, 241 and 261 allow the screen to be folded down to a smaller and more mobile form so it can be easily moved from one location to another.

Providing four swivel castor wheels 160 enables the booth 100 to be easily steered whilst being moved. The ability for the wheels to be retracted and the booth lowered to the ground means that the booth is stable when in use. The valance hides the wheels 160 and makes the booth 100 appear a permanent structure. The access to the wheel adjustment being hidden inside the lockable side storage flanks, prevents the booth 100 being moved when unattended, providing additional security.

The cover sheet clearly shows the booth to be closed for business. This is particularly beneficial in public locations such as railway stations where people are passing the booth outside operating hours. It prevents people from sitting in or otherwise abusing the booth when it is closed for business.

The provision of a foot rest 150 which can be rigidly secured to the gas cylinder 151 in one of two positions means that the foot rest 150 is stable and does not move when a shoe is being polished. It also means that the foot rest 150 can be made to face the front of the booth 100 so that it can be accessed for example by a person in a wheelchair.

The backrests provide further comfort for a seated customer and prevent a customer inadvertently falling backwards.

The lockable cover and back flap for the display 201 enable the more valuable elements of the booth 100 to be secured without requiring the booth to be folded, increasing the adaptability of the booth 100 and saving the operator time and expense where a complete collapsing of the booth is not required every time it is to be left unattended, for example during a lunch hour.

The camera and pressure sensor system which is able to count the number of sales which have been made enables a franchisor accurately to monitor the business of a franchisee in a way that is not intrusive. This enables a franchisor to build up a detailed picture of successful venues as well as to ensure that the revenue received from the franchise accurately reflects the success of the business.

The handles on the booth can offer convenient means by which to move it.

In another embodiment, the unit 140 is a stand-alone unit (depicted in Figures 12 to 14). In this embodiment, at one of the bottom edges of the unit 140 are provided wheels 610, and on the side of the unit 140 opposite the wheels 610 is provided a retractable handle 620.

The wheels 610 are arranged so that the unit 140 only rests on the wheels 610 when the bottom of the unit 140 is pivoted away from the floor about the edge at which the wheels 610 are located. The retractable handle 620 is arranged so that in a retracted position, it is flush with the side of the unit 140, and in an extended position, it protrudes from the unit to provide a handle by which the unit 140 can be pivoted about the wheels 160 and can be pulled or pushed along. The retractable handle 620 is arranged so that its extension can be varied to enable a user to select the optimum extension for him to be able to pull the unit 140 along comfortably (see Figure 12). The unit 140 is arranged so that it may be removably placed onto the platform 120 of a booth between the two support structures 110, and locked into place so that the foot rest 150 is in easy reach of a person sat on the customer seat 111.

By providing a unit 140 which can be replaceably removed from the booth 100, the booth is provided with further adaptability. The operator can remove the unit 140 and conveniently wheel it around to take the necessary equipment directly to the customer to offer a more convenient service. This is useful for example in an office building where the booth 100 can be erected in a lobby area and the operator can take the unit 140 from desk to desk. Alternatively, the unit 140 can be employed without the booth 100 for example in an office which does not have a suitable location for a full booth 100.

Various modifications may be made.

Three flat panels (not shown) can be provided instead of or in addition to cover sheet that can be clipped to the booth 100 and to each other. One can be clipped over the wall or screen 200, one can be clipped over the tops of the support structures 110, and one can be clipped across the front of the support structures 110. The flat panels can be ribbed to give the appearance of a roller shutter and can be padlocked into place. During use of the booth 100, the flat panels can simply be folded flat and slid in behind the booth 100.

The flat panels enable the booth 100 to be secured when unattended. They provide protection from damage and vandalism to the screen and the seating area of the booth.

The booth can be provided with only one support structure 110. It can also be provided without a foot rest 150.

The wheels 160 may fold into recesses in the platform 120 to avoid them extending below the bottom surface when the booth 100 is erected.

The support structures 110 can be slideably mounted to the platform 120 so that when the booth 100 is erected, the support structures 110 can be slid apart to provide more space for the customer and operator to sit. Such a modification provides the added advantage that the platform 120, wall 200 and roof member 240 can be made slightly smaller, although it requires some rails to be affixed to the platform 120 on which the support structures can be slid.

It is not necessary for the support structures 110 to be opposite each other. They can be freely positioned on the platform 120. The platform 120 can be provided with various connection points in which the support structures 110 can be clipped into place as the operator wishes.

There can be various numbers of swivel castor wheels 160 and/or fixed castor wheels depending on the size and shape of the booth 100.

In addition, rather than cylindrical castor wheels, many varieties of means to allow the booth to be moved can be provided. For example, castors can be provided which are spherical and held in casings in the platform 120. The spherical castors can also be arranged so that the extent to which they protrude out of their casing can be adjusted, to allow them to be retracted when the booth 100 is erected.

Alternatively, rollers can be provided on a movable axis so that their extension below the booth 100 can be adjusted.

Alternatively, or in addition, metal struts or leg members may fold down from the platform to provide steady support for the booth 100 when it is erected.

The booth can be provided with more hinges to allow it be collapsed into a more compact form, for example in which it is portable. For example, hinges may be provided between the support structures 110 and the platform 120 to allow the support structures 110 to be folded down onto the platform 120.

In a further modification, hinge 241 is replaced by a fixed connection, and hinge 230 is provided at the front surface of lower wall part 210, and configured so that in its second position, the upper wall part 220 moves through 90° so that it overhangs the platform 120.

In addition, in this modification a major surface of the roof member 240 is congruent with a major surface of the lower wall part 210.

Therefore, in the collapsed position, the upper wall part 220 is substantially perpendicular to the lower wall part 210.

Owing to the congruency of the major surfaces of the roof member 240 and lower wall part 210, and to the fact that the roof member 240 is substantially perpendicular to the upper wall part 220, the roof member 240 extends down to the platform 120. The roof member 240 can be locked to the platform 120 to prevent the booth 100 from being deliberately or accidentally opened.

The upper wall part 220 is also provided with a side screen (not shown) associated with each of the sides adjacent to the hinge 230. These side screens are formed of a series of slats wound around a spindle which is mounted to the upper wall part 220. The side screens are rolled down past the support structures 110 to lock with the platform 120. As a result, the side screens, the lower wall part 210, the upper wall part 220, the roof member 240 and the platform 120 form a completely enclosed box which houses the support structures 110 and the unit 140.

This modification has the additional advantage that the wall 200 can be folded across the booth so that, with the roof member 240 and the side screens, the booth 100 is secured on all sides, protecting the equipment stored inside as well as protecting the booth 100 from accidental or deliberate damage.

This modification further increases the security of the booth when it is left overnight or even for longer periods to avoid the necessity of repeated transportation to and from a site.

Alternatively, the support structures 110 need not be positioned at the edges of the platform 120. They can be positioned inward of the edges and can also be provided with a wall member behind them. These wall members can be the same height as the lower wall part 210. This alternative provides the advantage that the retractable side screens are not necessary. Instead, the upper wall part 220 rests against the wall members either side of the support structures 110 in the collapsed position.

The side screens can roll up from the platform 120 and lock to the upper wall part 220 rather than vice versa. Alternatively, the side screens can roll between the upper wall part 220 and the support structures 110 if the support structures are mounted on the edge of the platform 120. Additionally, the side screens can be manufactured from any material that can be wound around a spindle, for example, they can be made from a single piece of flexible material rather than slats.

The wall 200 and roof member 240 do not need to be rectangular but could be a variety of different shapes.

The major surface of roof member 240 does not need to be congruent with the major surface of the lower wall part 210. For example, the distal end of roof member 240 can be narrower than the join of the roof member 240 and wall 200, with the sides of the roof member 240 being angled. The roof member 240 can fit into corresponding sections of screen upstanding from the front of the platform 120 so the booth is still filly enclosed when collapsed.

In addition, the roof member 240 can be provided without a banner section 260.

Features and modifications of the various arrangements and embodiments described may be combined or interchanged as desired.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A booth comprising: at least one support structure which is capable of supporting at least one person; and a platform arranged so as to form a floor; wherein the booth can be folded between an erected disposition and a collapsed disposition.
2. A booth according to claim 1, comprising a wall which is attached to the support structure and which is divided into two parts by a hinge to allow the wall to be selectively folded or erected.
3. A booth according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising electronic means for displaying an image or video on the wall.
4. A booth according to any preceding claim, further comprising a sensor to detect the presence of a customer in the booth.
5. A booth comprising: at least one support structure which is capable of supporting at least one person; a platform arranged so as to form a floor; and a sensor to detect the presence of a customer in the booth.
6. A booth according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the sensor comprises a pressure sensor within a customer seat.
7. A booth according to claim 6, wherein the sensor further comprises a pressure sensor within an operator seat.
8. A booth according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the sensor comprises a smart camera.
9. A booth according to any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the sensor comprises an infrared sensor.
10. A booth according to any of claims 4 to 9, wherein the sensor is coupled to a processor, which processor is configured to determine whether a sale has been made, based on a signal provided by the sensor indicating the presence of a customer, and to transmit or record its determination.
11. A booth according to claim 10, wherein the processor is configured to determine that a sale has been made in response to a signal indicating the presence of a customer lasting for more than a minute.
12. A booth according to claim 10, wherein the processor is configured to determine that a sale has been made in response to a signal indicating the presence of a customer lasting for more than three minutes.
13. A booth according to any preceding claim, wherein the booth comprises seats for a customer and an operator.
14. A booth according to any preceding claim, wherein the booth comprises means to allow the booth to be moved.
15. A booth according to claim 14, wherein the means to allow the booth to be moved are swivel castor wheels.
16. A booth according to claim 15, wherein the wheels have a locking mechanism by which they can be releasably locked in position.
17. A booth according to any preceding claim, further comprising a foot rest mounted on a gas spring to enable the foot rest to be positioned at one of a range of heights.
18. A booth according to any preceding claim, further comprising a charging point for a portable electronic device.
19. A booth according to any preceding claim, comprising a unit comprising a seat area and a foot rest, wherein the unit can be selectively inserted into and removed from the booth.
20. A booth substantially as described and with reference to each of Figures 1 to 11.
21. A mobile unit comprising a seat area and a foot rest, wherein the unit is provided with transport means which can be selectively arranged to be in or out of contact with the ground.
22. A mobile unit substantially as described and with reference to each of Figures 12 to 14.