GB2596348A - Apparatus for mounting on to a seat - Google Patents

Abstract

Isolation screen apparatus for mounting on a seat 24 having a seat member 26 and a backrest member 27. The apparatus 1 comprises two side walls 3, 4 interconnected by a rear wall 2. Mounting means 18 can removably mount the apparatus on a seat. When mounted, the side walls extend from at least adjacent the seat member upwards above the upper level of the backrest and the rear wall extends from below the upper edge of the backrest to above it so that the walls partially encircle the sides and rear of the seat, providing a physical barrier. The mounting means may comprise a flexible material on the lower edge of the side walls and may engage with the seat, seat support, or a seat of an adjacent chair when the seat is one of several seats mounted side-by-side on a beam 22. The mounting means may comprise a strap 17 positioned around an underside of the seat and/or a retaining member (Fig. 6, 53, 54) to retain an arm 25 of the chair in a recess of the side wall (Fig. 6, 47, 48). The walls may be impermeable to viruses and may comprise an anti-bacterial substance.

Description

APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING ON TO A SEAT

The invention relates to apparatus for mounting on a seat and especially, but not solely, for mounting on a seat that is part of a seating system having a longitudinally 5 extending beam on which a number of seats are mounted.

It has become common place for seating systems for waiting and audience areas, such as airport lounges, or stadiums or auditoriums to have seats and in some instances, other furniture components, mounted on a horizontal beam that is supported on a floor by legs. Typically, the legs, the seats and any arms, tables, power units or linking bars, are all mounted on the beam. The seats used may be fixed seats in which the seat portion and back portion are fixed relative to each other or may be flip-up seats in which the seat portion can rotate relative to the back portion and the beam between a horizontal, in use position, and a vertical, stowed position. The flip-up seat type is common particularly in auditoriums or stadiums, where the stowed position enables easier access by users between rows of seats. The fixed seat arrangement is more common in waiting areas, where seating is more spaced out and access between closely arranged rows is not required.

The mounting of all the components on a single support beam increases flexibility of configuration and also enables the configuration to be modified if necessary. For example, one beam mounted on legs can be used to support four seats with arms, four seats without arms, three seats and one table or two seats and two tables, with or without arms.

In these types of seating arrangement the seats are typically mounted side-by-side and often may have a gap of only a few centimetres between seats. Sometimes the separation between the seats may only be 2cm to 20cm. In addition, especially in waiting areas, one row of seats is often arranged back-to-back with another row of seats.

Due to the close proximity of the seats to adjacent seats it is often difficult or impossible for users of the seats to maintain social distancing, such as may be necessary or desirable to limit the spread of infectious diseases. This is especially the case where the disease affects the respiratory system or where carriers of a disease can be asymptomatic.

To date, solutions to overcome this problem have focussed on avoiding this problem by blocking off whole areas of seating to prevent anyone using the seats or by taping off certain seats, such as alternate seats, to prevent them being used to try to maintain social distancing. Both these solutions have problems and disadvantages. One of the disadvantages of blocking off whole areas of seating is that persons who cannot stand for long periods of time, for example due to disabilities, are prevented from sitting down and this can cause discriminatory or accessibility issues.

Due to the closeness of adjacent rows of seats and if the seats are used for long periods of time, such as in airport departure lounges, the taping off of alternate seats to prevent them being used may have a limited effect in preventing the spread of an infectious disease.

In accordance with a first aspect, there is provided apparatus for mounting on a seat comprising a seat member and a backrest member, the apparatus comprising two side members; a rear member interconnecting the two side members so that the side members are opposite each other and spaced from each other by the rear member; mounting means adapted to removably mount the apparatus on a seat, in use; and wherein when the apparatus is mounted on the seat by the mounting means, in use, the side members extend from at least adjacent the seat member upwards above the level of an upper edge of the backrest member and the rear member extends from below the upper edge of the backrest member above the 10 upper edge of the backrest member.

Typically, the apparatus provides a physical barrier around the rear and at least a part of the sides of a seat to the flow of air.

An advantage of the apparatus is that it helps to provide a physical barrier to the sides and rear of the seat to which it is attached and to separate or isolate it from neighbouring seats both behind and to the side of the seat to which it is mounted. This helps in minimising or reducing the possibility of a user sitting in the seat to which the apparatus is mounted from coming into contact with germs from another person in a neighbouring seat, especially in a seat to the side or behind the user.

In addition, as the apparatus is removable, it can be removed from the seat when not required.

Preferably, the apparatus is adapted so that when the apparatus is mounted on a seat, in use, the rear member is located behind the backrest member.

Preferably, the apparatus is adapted so that when the apparatus is mounted on a seat, in use, the side members are located adjacent opposite sides of the seat member, and more preferably at the sides of the seat member.

Preferably, the side members and the rear member together form a continuous barrier around the sides and rear of the seat on which they are mounted.

Typically, the apparatus forms a generally U-shape with the rear member forming the bottom of the U-shape and the side members each forming one side of the U-shape.

Preferably, the side members and the rear member are formed from a material that is substantially impermeable to germs and viruses, and more preferably, the material is substantially impermeable to air. For example, the side members and/or the rear member may comprise solid sheets of material.

The side members and the rear member may be formed from the same type of material or may be formed from different materials.

Typically, the mounting means may comprise a profile formed on a lower edge of the side members so that they are adapted to be positioned at least one of: adjacent to a side of the seat member; and on an upper surface of the seat member or on an upper surface of a seat member of an adjacent seat.

Where the side members are adapted to be positioned on an upper surface of the seat member of the seat or an adjacent seat, the mounting means may further comprise a flexible material located on the lower edge of the side members that is adapted to contact the upper surface of the seat member of the seat or an adjacent seat.

Typically, at least a portion of the rear edge of the side members may also comprise a flexible material. This is advantageous if the portion is adapted to contact a front surface of the backrest member of the seat or an adjacent seat.

Preferably, the flexible material may be an elastically flexible material, such as an elastomeric material, for example, a rubber material or a silicone material.

Where the side members are adapted to be positioned adjacent to a side of the seat member, a lower edge of the side members may include a profile adapted to engage with a support for the seat member. The profile may be in the form of a first recess that is adapted to engage with the support.

Preferably, the mounting means comprises an attachment means adapted to releasably attach the apparatus to the seat, in use.

In one example, the attachment means may comprise a strap coupled to at least one of the side members and the rear member. Typically, the strap is coupled to the rear member and to one of the side members. Preferably, the attachment means comprises two straps, one strap being coupled to the rear member and to one of the side members and the other strap being coupled to the rear member and to the other of the side members.

The strap may include a fastening device to permit connection of the strap around a pad of the seat Preferably, the strap is adapted to releasably attach the apparatus to a seat by being positioned around an underside of the seat.

In another example, the attachment means may comprise an attachment device, the attachment device being adapted to releasably secure the apparatus to a part of the seat, in use. Typically, the attachment device is adapted to be coupled to one of the side or rear members so that the part of the seat is located between the attachment device and the one of the side or rear members. Preferably, the part of the seat comprises an arm member and the attachment device is adapted to be coupled to one of the side members.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises two attachment devices, one attachment device being adapted to be coupled to each side member, each attachment device releasably securing the apparatus to a separate seat part. For example, the separate seat parts may be arm members located on opposite sides of the seat.

The attachment device may comprise an attachment member and a fastening means, the fastening means releasably attaching the attachment member to the one of the side or rear member so that the seat part is clamped between the attachment 5 member and the one of the side or rear members.

Typically, the one of the side members or rear member include a portion defining a second recess in a side wall of the one of the side members or rear member, the recess being adapted to receive the seat part, in use. The recess may be located in an external side wall or an internal side wall of the member. Where the recess is located in an external side wall, the internal side wall may comprise a protrusion to accommodate the recess. Where the second recess is adapted to receive an arm member, the protrusion may define an arm rest on the internal wall of the side member.

It is possible that the attachments means may comprise both: (i) a strap; and (ii) an attachment device and fasteners to secure a seat pad to at least one side member.

In one example of the invention, the side and rear members are integrally formed with each other. The side and rear members may be formed from a single planar sheet of material that is then bent or folded to form the side and rear members. Alternatively, the side and rear members may be integrally formed by a molding process.

In another example of the invention, the side and rear members are formed separately and fastened together, for example, with a mechanical fastening, such as a screw fastening or a nut and bolt fastening.

Typically, the side and rear members may be formed by a molding process. Where the lower edges of the side members include a profile, the profile may be formed during the molding process or may be cut or stamped out after the molding process. This would have the advantage that the same mold can be used for different seat designs and the profile customised to the particular seat design for which it is intended.

Preferably, the side and rear members may be formed from a plastics material. However, it is also possible that they could be formed from any other suitable material, including recycled materials. Examples of other materials that could be used to form the side and rear members include sheet metal or a pulp material, such as sheet cardboard or molded cardboard.

Typically, at least one of the side and rear members may be formed from a transparent or a translucent material.

Preferably, at least one of the side members and the rear member comprise an antibacterial substance. The anti-bacterial substance could be incorporated into a material of the at least one of the side members and the rear member and/or could be applied to a surface of the at least one of the side members and the rear member as a coating comprising the anti-bacterial substance. Where the anti-bacterial substance is applied as a coating, it may be applied to one or both surfaces of the at least one of the side members and the rear member.

Typically, the side members are at least substantially 600mm high, preferably at least 720mm high and more preferably, at least 1000mm. When the apparatus is attached to a seat, in use, the side members typically extend at least 600mm above an upper surface of the seat member, preferably, at least 720mm above the upper surface of the seat member and more preferably, at least 1000mm above the upper surface of the seat member. In one example, the side members may extend approximately 1060mm above the upper surface of the seat member and in another example they may extend approximately 1180mm above the upper surface of the seat member.

Typically, the side members extend away from the rear member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the rear member by at least 200mm, preferably by at least 400mm and more preferably by at least 700mm. When the apparatus is attached to a seat, in use, the side members typically extend at least 200mm in a horizontal direction from the upper edge of the backrest member, preferably, at least 400mm in a horizontal direction from the upper edge of the backrest member, more preferably, at least 600mm in a horizontal direction from the upper edge of the backrest member and most preferably, at least 700mm in a horizontal direction from the upper edge of the backrest member. In one example of the invention, the side members extend approximately 700mm in a horizontal direction from the upper edge of the backrest member. In another example of the invention, the side members extend approximately 880mm in a horizontal direction from the upper edge of the backrest member.

The seat may be part of a seating system having a longitudinally extending beam on which a number of seats are mounted, typically in a side-by-side arrangement.

Where the lower edges of the side members are adapted to be positioned adjacent to a side of the seat member, the lower edges may include a profile that is adapted to engage with a cross-sectional profile of a longitudinally extending beam on which the seat is mounted, in use. Preferably, the profile may be in the form of a recess that engages with at least a top surface of the beam, more preferably, the recess engages with the top surface and one side surface of the beam. Most preferably, the recess is adapted to engage with the top surface and opposite side surfaces of the beam.

Typically, the profile in the lower edge of the side members corresponds to at least the cross-sectional profile of the top surface of the beam.

In one example of the invention, the apparatus may be adapted to extend over an adjacent seat. This may be useful to discourage or prevent use of the adjacent seat.

Typically, at least one of the side members is adapted to extend over an adjacent seat. Then at least one side member may be located between the seat to which the apparatus is attached and the adjacent seat at the seat member and may extend away from the seat to which it is attached over the adjacent seat towards an upper edge of the at least one side member. Alternatively, a lower edge of at least one of the side members may be adapted to contact a seat member of an adjacent seat, in use.

Examples of apparatus in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of apparatus for releasably attaching to a seat; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a number of the apparatus of Fig. 1 attached to a row of seats; Fig. 3 is a rear view of the apparatus attached to the row of seats shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a side view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 attached to a seat; Fig. 5 is a side view similar to Fig. 4 with a user shown sitting on the seat; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a second example of apparatus for releasably attaching to a seat; Fig. 7 shows a side member of the second example being installed on a seat; Fig. 8 shows a securing member being attached to the side member shown in Fig. 7; Fig. 9 shows a rear member being attached to side members of the second

example;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a number of the second example of the apparatus attached to a row of seats; Fig. 11 is a front view of the second example of the apparatus attached to the row of seats shown in Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a rear view of the second example of the apparatus attached to the row of seats shown in Fig. 10; Fig. 13 is a side view of the second example of the apparatus attached to a seat; Fig. 14 is a side view similar to Fig. 13 with a user shown sitting on the seat; Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a number of third examples of the apparatus attached to a row of seats; and Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a number of fourth examples of the apparatus attached to a row of seats.

Fig. 1 shows apparatus 1 for partially encircling the upper part of a seat. In particular, the apparatus 1 is adapted to partially encircle the sides and rear of a seat to which it is attached, in use. The apparatus 1 comprises a rear wall (or panel) 2 and two sidewalls (or side panels) 3, 4. The sidewalls 3, 4 each extend from the lateral sides 12, 13 of the rear wall 2 at approximately right angles to the rear wall 2.

However, it is possible that the sidewalls 3, 4 extend at an angle of from approximately 80 degrees to the rear wall 2 to approximately 135 degrees to the rear wall 2.

It will be noted that upper edge 5 of the rear wall 2 extends upwardly to approximately the same height as upper edges 6, 7 of the sidewalls 3, 4. However, lower edges 9, 10 of the sidewalls 3, 4 extend downwardly below lower edge 8 of the rear wall 2.

The rear wall 2 has two slots 11 (only one shown in Fig. 1) adjacent to the lower edge Sand the lateral sides 12, 13 of the rear wall 2. Each sidewall 3, 4 also has a slot 14 adjacent the lower edge 9, 10 and adjacent a front edge 15, 16. A strap 17 extends from each slot 14 to the slot 11 that is adjacent the respective side wall 3, 4 for the slot 14. The straps 17 are removable from at least one of the slots 11, 14 Typically, the straps 17 each include a buckle or fastener that permits each strap 17 to be removed and then the ends of each strap to be coupled together and preferably, the length of the strap 17 adjusted.

The lower edges 9, 10 of the side walls each may have a strip 18 of flexible material along the edge 9, 10. The strip 18 may be formed from an elastomeric material, such as a rubber or silicone. The strip 18 may also extend up a rear edge 19, 31 of a lower portion of the side walls 3, 4 up to where the side walls 3, 4 meet the rear wall 2.

The side and rear walls 2, 3, 4 can be formed from a plastics material and may be transparent or translucent. The apparatus 1 may be formed by a molding process with the rear and side walls 2, 3, 4 either integrally formed or formed separately and then attached together during an assembly process. Alternatively, the apparatus 1 may formed from a planar sheet of material that is cut to the footprint of the rear and side walls 2, 3, 4, including the profiles of the edges 9, 10, 12, 13, 19, 31 and then bent or folded at the lateral edges 12, 13 of the rear wall to form the rear wall 2 and the side walls 3, 4. It is also possible that the bending or folding could be reversible. This would permit the apparatus 1 to be stored flat in a space efficient and to then be folded or bent along the lateral edges 12, 13 of the rear wall 2 to form the apparatus 1. It would also permit the apparatus to be stored flat after use and then re-used.

The rear wall 2 and the side walls 3, 4 may incorporate an anti-bacterial substance.

For example, this could be incorporated into the material of the rear and side walls 2, 3, 4 during manufacture and/or could be applied as a coating to surfaces of the rear and side walls 2, 3, 4. If applied as a coating it may be applied to only one surface of the rear and side walls 2, 3, 4 or to both surfaces.

Figs. 2 to 4 show a seating system 20 comprising a horizontally extending beam 22 supported by two legs 23. The legs 23 are spaced apart towards opposite ends of the beam 22. Mounted on the beam 22 are seven seats 24 and eight arms 25. Two of the arms 25 are located at opposite ends of the beam 22 and the other arms 25 are located between the seats 24 so that each seat 24 is separated from an adjacent seat 24 by an arm 25. Each leg 23 can rest on a surface that supports the seating system 20, such as a floor.

Mounted on the seating system 20 are three of the apparatus 1. Each apparatus 1 is mounted so that it is centred on a seat 24 with the sidewalls 3, 4 each resting on an adjacent seat 24. The strips 18 contact the upper surface of a seat member 26 and the front surface of a backrest member 27 of the adjacent seats 24. As the strips 18 are formed from a flexible, they assist in establishing a seal between the edges 9, 10, 19, 31 and the surfaces of the seat and backrest members 26, 27 The flexibility of the strips 18 also assists in accommodating variations in profile between the surfaces of the seat and backrest members 26, 27 and the edges 9, 10, 19, 31.

The rear member 2 extends below the top edge of the back rest 27 so that the lower edge 8 of the rear member 2 is below the top edge of the backrest 27 and the upper pad of the backrest 27 locates in recess 32 formed between lateral edges 12, 13 of the rear wall 2 and rear edges 19, 31 of the sidewalls 3, 4.

After the apparatus 1 is positioned on the seating system 20, it is secured in position using the straps 17. As shown in Fig. 4, the straps 17 extend from the slots 11 in the rear wall 2, underneath the seat 24, to the slots 14 in the front of the side walls 3, 4.

The straps 17 can be tightened to minimise movement of the apparatus 1 on the seating system 20. After the first apparatus 1 has been installed the other two apparatus 1 are installed in a similar manner with the side wall 4 of one apparatus 1 butting against the side wall 3 of the adjacent apparatus 1.

As can be seen from Figs. 2 and 3 because the sidewalls 3, 4 are located on the adjacent seats 24, the sidewalls 3, 4 prevent the adjacent seats 24 being used. Hence, with the arrangement shown in Figs. 2 and 3, only every other seat 24 can be used and this has the advantage of enabling social distancing between users of the seats 24.

In addition, the presence of the rear wall 2 and the sidewalls 3, 4 of each apparatus 1 help to prevent airflow, which could carry harmful germs or viruses being transmitted from one seat 24 to another seat 24. The rear wall 2 is particularly advantageous where another row of seats is positioned behind the seating system 20, either facing the seating system 20 or with the back of the other row adjacent to the back of the seating system 20.

Fig. 5 which shows a schematic diagram of a user 35 sitting in one of the seats 24. It can be seen from Fig. 5 that the user is protected from behind by the rear wall 2 and protected at the side by the sidewalls 3, 4 which inhibit flow of air that may carry germs or viruses from adjacent seats either to the side or behind the user 35. It will be noted that the rear and side walls 2, 3, 4 extend above the head of the user 35 and that the side walls 3, 4 extend outwardly from the rear wall 2 beyond the head of the user 35.

Typically, the rear and side walls 2, 3, 4 extend approximately 1000mm to 1200mm above the upper surface of the seat member 26, which is indicated as dimension "h" in Fig. 5. Typically, the side walls 3, 4 extend outwardly approximately 700mm to 900mm from the rear wall 2, which is indicated as dimension "d" in Fig. 5. In one example, the rear and side walls 2, 3, 4 extend approximately 1080mm above the upper surface of the seat member 26 (h = 1080mm) and the side walls 3, 4 extend outwardly approximately 880mm from the rear wall 2 (d = 880mm). However, the dimensions of the rear and side walls 2, 3, 4 may be varied to suit a particular application and could be less or greater than the ranges given above.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a second example of apparatus 40 for partially encircling the upper part of a seat. As with the apparatus 1, the apparatus 40 is adapted to partially encircle the sides and rear of a seat to which it is attached, in use. The apparatus 40 comprises a rear wall (or panel) 41 and two sidewalls (or side panels) 45, 42. The sidewalls 45, 42 each extend from lateral edges 43, 44 (see also Figs. 9 and 12) of the rear wall 41, respectively, at approximately right angles to the rear wall 41. The sidewalls 45, 42 are attached to the rear wall 41 by fasteners 46. The fasteners 46 may be, for example, screws, such as self-tapping screws, or nuts and bolts.

Each of the sidewalls 45, 42 has a recessed section 47, 48 (see also Fig. 8) that extends upwardly from a lower edge 49, 50, respectively of the recesses 47, 48. The recesses 47, 48 are formed in the external side of the sidewalls 45, 42 and formation of the recesses 47, 48 results in protrusions 85, 86 being formed in the internal side of the sidewalls 45, 42. Each protrusion 85, 86 defines an arm rest 87, 88, respectively. Each recess 47, 48 has a respective cut-out 51, 52. Each recess 47, 48 also has a securing member 53, 54 which can be releasably attached by means of three fasteners 55 to the recesses 47, 48. The fasteners 55 are typically bolts which engage with nuts (not shown) that are fixed into the material of the sidewalls 45, 42 in the recesses 47, 48.

Upper edge 56 of the rear wall 41 is level with upper edges 57, 58 of the sidewalls 45, 42 respectively. However, the lower edges 49, 50 of the sidewalls 45, 42 extend 20 downwardly below lower edge 59 of the rear wall 41.

Figs. 7 to 9 show installation of the apparatus 40 on a seat 61 of a seating system 60. The seating system 60 is similar to the seating system 20 and like the seating system 20, the seating system 60 has a horizontally extending beam 62. The beam 25 62 is supported by three legs 63. Each leg 63 has two lower leg members 64 and at the end of each leg member 64 is a foot 65. Each foot 65 can rest on a surface that supports the seating system 60, such as a floor. Mounted on the beam 62 are five seats 61 and six arms 66. Two of the arms 66 are located at opposite ends of the beam 62 and the other arms 66 are located between the seats 41, so that each seat 41 is separated from an adjacent seat 41 by an arm 66.

To install the apparatus 40 on the seat 61, first one of the sidewalls 45 is inserted between an immediately adjacent arm 66 and the seat 61. In this example shown in Fig. 7, the left sidewall 45 is installed first. The lower edge 49 is inserted between the arm 66 and the seat 61 until the beam 62 is inserted into the cut-out 51. As shown in Fig. 8, in this position, the arm 66 immediately adjacent to the seat 61 on the left side of the seat 61 locates within the recess 47. The securing member 53 is then positioned on the other side of the arm rest 66 and secured to the recess 47 using the fasteners 55 (see Fig. 8). The securing of the securing member 53 to the recess 47 using the fasteners 55 clamps the arm rest 66 to the recess 47 and securely attaches the sidewall 45 to the seating system 60.

The right sidewall 42 is then installed on the opposite side of the seat 61 between the seat 61 and the arm 66 immediately adjacent to the seat 61 on the right side of the seat 61 using securing member 54, in a similar manner to installation of the left sidewall 45.

After the sidewalls 45, 42 have been installed on the seating system 60, the rear panel 41 is installed by positioning the rear wall 41 across rear edges 67, 68 of the sidewalls 45, 42 respectively, as shown in Fig. 9. The rear wall 41 is then attached to the side walls 42, 45 using nuts 69 and bolts 70.

In total, three of the apparatus 40 are mounted on the seating system 60, as shown in Fig. 10, on alternate seats 61 so that one apparatus is mounted on each of the end seats 61 and one apparatus is mounted on the middle seat 61.

As illustrated in Fig. 6, the upper portion of the sidewalls 42, 45 flare outwardly to the sides relative to the lower edges 49, 50 of the side panels 42, 45 and also extend outwardly further from the rear wall 41 than lower sections of the side panels 42, 45. This is shown in Fig.11 which is a front view of the seating system 60 with the three apparatus 40 mounted on the seating system 60. Here it can be seen that the outward flaring of the side panels 42, 45 to the side of the rear wall 41 results in the sidewalls 42, 45 encroaching over the space occupied by the seats 41 immediately adjacent to the seats 41 on which the apparatus 40 is installed. This encroaching of the sidewalls 45, 42 into the immediately adjacent seats 41 has the effect of discouraging persons from using the immediately adjacent seats 41, thereby helping to assist with social distancing of users of the seating system 60, as only every second seat is occupied.

In addition, as shown in Fig. 12, which is a rear view of the seating system 60 Figs. 10 and 11, the rear wall 41 extends part way down the rear of the back rest of the seats 61 on which the apparatus 40 is mounted so that the lower edge 59 of the rear panel 41 is located part way down the rear of the back rest of the seats 61. The combination of the rear panel 41 and the side panels 42, 45 acts so as to inhibit transfer of germs or viruses from behind the apparatus 40 or from the side of the apparatus 40 to a user sitting on the seat 61 on which the apparatus 40 is mounted.

A schematic diagram of a user 35 sitting on the seat 61 on which the apparatus 40 is mounted is shown in Fig. 14. From Fig. 14 it can be seen that the side walls 42, and the rear wall 41 extend above the user's head and front edges 71, 72 of the upper section of the side panels 42 extend outwardly beyond the user's head.

The side panels 42, 45 and the rear panel 41 are typically formed from a plastics material. One example of a plastics material that could be used is polycarbonate.

Typically, the side panels 42, 45 and the rear panel 41 could be formed by a moulding process. In addition, the panels 41, 42, 45 could incorporate an antibacterial substance. This may be incorporated into the material of the panels 41, 42, 45 and/or could be applied as a coating to one of the surfaces or both of the surfaces of the panels 41, 42, 45.

Typically, the rear and side walls 41, 45, 42 extend approximately 1000mm to 1200mm above the upper surface of seat member 73 of the seat 61, which is dimension "h" in Fig. 14. Typically, the side walls 42, 45 extend outwardly approximately 600mm to 900mm from the rear wall 41, which is dimension "d" in Fig. 14. In one example the rear and side walls 41, 42, 45 extend approximately 1060mm above the upper surface of the seat member 73 (that is, h = 1060mm) and the side walls 42, 45 extend outwardly approximately 700mm from the rear wall 41 (that is, d = 700mm). However, the dimensions of the rear and side walls 41, 42, 45 may be varied to suit a particular application and could be less or greater than the ranges given above.

Fig. 15 shows a third example of apparatus 80 mounted on the seating system 60 as an alternative to the apparatus 40. The apparatus 80 is identical to the apparatus except that rear wall (or panel) 81 of the apparatus 80 is wider than the rear panel 41. Apart from that the apparatus 80 is identical to the apparatus 40 and the same reference numerals are used to indicate components that are the same. In particular, side walls (or panels) 42, 45 of the apparatus 80 are identical to the side walls 42, 45 used in the apparatus 40 and the side walls 42, 45 are installed and secured to the seats 61 in an identical manner to the apparatus 40. In addition, the rear wall 81 is attached to the side walls 42, 45 in the same way as the rear wall 41 is attached to the side panels 42, 45 in the apparatus 40.

As shown in Fig. 15, using the wider rear walls (or panels) 81, each of the apparatus surrounds two seats 61. This is advantageous as it provides seating for couples who do not require to social distance from each other, for example, because they are from the same household. However, the flaring outwardly and sideways of the upper sections of the side walls 42, 45 encroaches onto central seat 61 of the seating system 60 thereby discouraging and preventing that seat from being used by a person, this helps with social distancing of persons sitting in one of the seats 61 enclosed by the apparatus 80 from persons using one of the seats 61 enclosed by the other apparatus 80. As with the other examples of the apparatus 1, 40, the apparatus also helps to reduce airflow from nearby seating into to the seats enclosed by the apparatus 80, thereby helping to reduce transmission of germs or viruses to users sitting on the seats 61 enclosed by the apparatus 80.

Fig. 16 shows a fourth example of apparatus 90 mounted on the seating system 20.

The apparatus 90 is similar to the apparatus 40 and the rear wall 91 (or panel) is identical to the rear wall 41. However, side walls (or panels) 92, 93 do not flare outwardly to the sides. The side walls 92, 93 have recesses 94 (only one shown) that are identical to the recesses 47, 48 and the recesses also form protrusions 97, 95 on the internal side of the sidewalls 92, 93, respectively that define arm rests 98 (only one shown) on the internal sides of the side walls 92, 93. The side walls 92, 93 are secured to the arm rests 25 using securing members 96 (only one shown) which clamp the arm rests 25 to recesses 94, 95 in the same manner as the securing members 53, 54 clamp the arms 66 to the recesses 47, 48. In the apparatus 90, the securing members 96 are a different shape from the securing members 53, 54 to accommodate the arms 25 which are a different shape from the arms 66. As the recesses 94, 95 are the same shape as the recesses 47, 48, this means that the apparatus 90 can also be used on the seating system 60 and the apparatus 40, 80 can also be used on the seating system 20, with appropriate modification of the cutouts 51, 52 and the securing members 96, 53, 54 as necessary.

The advantage of the apparatus 90 is that it permits apparatus 90 to be mounted on every seat of the seating system 20 so that all the seats 24 on the seating system 20 can be used. This can be advantageous where seating capacity is a primary concern over social distancing and the rear wall 91 and the side walls 92, 93 still help to inhibit the flow of germs or viruses between users sitting on the seats 24.

The apparatus 80, 90 have similar height dimensions and extend outwardly from the respective rear walls 81, 91 a similar distance to the apparatus 40. That is, the dimensions "h" and "d" for the apparatus 81, 91 are similar to the dimensions "h" and "d" for the apparatus 40. In particular, typically, the rear and sidewalls of the apparatus 80, 90 extend approximately 1000mm to 1200mm above the upper surface of seat members 26, 73. Typically, the side walls 42, 45, 92, 93 extend outwardly approximately 600mm to 900mm from the rear wall 81, 91. In one example the rear and side walls 81, 42, 45, 91, 92, 93 extend approximately 1060mm above the upper surface of the seat member 26, 73 and the side walls 42, 45, 92, 93 extend outwardly approximately 700mm from the rear wall 81, 91. However, the dimensions of the rear and side walls 81, 42, 45, 91, 92, 93 may be varied to suit a particular application and could be less or greater than the ranges given above.

The side and rear walls of the apparatus 40, 80, 90 are typically formed from a plastics material, such as polycarbonate, and may be transparent or translucent. However, it is possible that they could be opaque. The apparatus 40, 80, 90 may be formed by a molding process with the rear and side walls formed separately and then attached together during an assembly process, as described above. It is possible that the cut-outs 51, 52 and the cut-outs formed in the side walls 92, 93 that engage with the beam 22 could be formed during molding of the side walls 92, 93. However, preferably, the cut-outs are formed after the molding process by a cutting or stamping process. This has the advantage that the same mold can be used for side walls for different seating designs and the cut-out customised to the particular seating design on which the apparatus 40, 80, 90 is to be mounted. This is because the recesses 47, 48 are designed to accommodate different styles of arms 25, 66. It is also possible that the rear and side walls of the apparatus 40, 80, 90 could be integrally formed, such as by a molding process, instead of the walls being formed separately.

In addition, the panels 81, 91, 92, 93 could incorporate an anti-bacterial substance. This may be incorporated into the material of the panels 81, 91, 92, 93 and/or could be applied as a coating to one of the surfaces or both of the surfaces of the panels 81, 91, 92, 9a Advantages of the invention include that it helps to assist with social distancing of people using seating where the seats are positioned close to each other, such as in the type of seating systems frequently found in waiting areas or in stadiums or auditoriums. In addition, the apparatus 1, 40, 80, 90 of the invention also helps to reduce the possibility of transmission of infectious diseases between users of seats in which the apparatus is mounted by reducing the risk of transmission of germs or viruses between users using seats with the apparatus 1, 40, 80, 90 mounted on the seats.

Furthermore, as all of the apparatus 1, 40, 80, 90 are releasably attached to the seating systems 20, 60, this means that they can be removed when not required or the configuration altered when desired without requiring dismantling of the seating systems 20, 60

Claims (21)

1. CLAIMS1. Apparatus for mounting on a seat comprising a seat member and a backrest member, the apparatus comprising two side members a rear member interconnecting the two side members so that the side members are opposite each other and spaced from each other by the rear member; mounting means adapted to removably mount the apparatus on a seat, in use; and wherein when the apparatus is mounted on the seat by the mounting means, in use, the side members extend from at least adjacent the seat member upwards above the level of an upper edge of the backrest member and the rear member extends from below the upper edge of the backrest member above the upper edge of the backrest member.
2. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rear member is adapted to be located behind the backrest member of the seat when the apparatus is mounted on a seat, in use.
3. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the side members are adapted to be located adjacent opposite sides of the seat member, when the apparatus is mounted on a seat, in use.
4. 4. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the side members and the rear member are formed from a material that is substantially impermeable to germs and viruses.
5. 5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting means comprises a profile formed on at least one of: a lower edge of the side members; and a portion of a rear edge of the side members; so that the side members are adapted to be positioned at least one of: adjacent to a side of the seat member; and on an upper surface of the seat member or on an upper surface of a seat member of an adjacent seat.
6. 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the side members are adapted to be positioned on an upper surface of the seat member of the seat or of the adjacent seat, and the mounting means further comprises a flexible material located on at least one of: the lower edge of the side members; and at least a portion of a rear edge of side members, the flexible material being adapted to contact a surface of the seat or of the adjacent seat.
7. 7. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the flexible material comprises an elastically flexible material.
8. 8. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the side members are adapted to be positioned adjacent to a side of the seat member, and the mounting means 20 comprises a profile on the lower edge of the side members that is adapted to engage with a support for the seat member, in use.
9. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the profile comprises a recess that is adapted to engage with the support.
10. 10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting means comprises an attachment means adapted to releasably attach the apparatus to the seat, in use.
11. 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the attachment means comprises a strap coupled to at least one of the side members and the rear member.
12. 12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the strap is coupled to the rear member and to one of the side members.
13. 13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the strap is adapted to releasably attach the apparatus to a seat by being positioned around an underside of the seat, in use.
14. 14. Apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the attachment means comprises a retaining member which is adapted to be releasably secured to one of the side members to retain an arm of the seat between the retaining member and the side member to releasably secure the side member to the arm, in use.
15. 15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the attachment means further comprises a recess in the side member, the recess being adapted to receive the arm and the retaining member is adapted to be releasably secured to the side member to retain the arm in the recess, in use.
16. 16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the recess is located in an external side wall the side member so that the arm is retained on the external side wall of the side member.
17. 17. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the wall of the recess defines an arm rest on the internal side wall of the side member.
18. 18. Apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the attachment means comprises two retaining members, one retaining member being adapted to be releasably secured to each side member so that each side member is releasably secured to an arm member, the arm members being located on opposite sides of the seat.
19. 19. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the side members and the rear member comprise an anti-bacterial substance.
20. 20. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be mounted on a seat that forms pad of a seating system haying a longitudinally extending beam on which a number of seats are mounted, typically in a side-by-side arrangement.
21. 21. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein lower edges of the side members are adapted to be positioned adjacent to a side of the seat member, the lower edges including a profile that is adapted to engage with a cross-sectional profile of the longitudinally extending beam.23 Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is adapted to extend over an adjacent seat 24. Apparatus according to claim 23, wherein at least one of the side members is adapted to extend over an adjacent seat.25. A method of manufacturing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising cutting a footprint of the side and rear members from a planar sheet of material, subsequently forming the side and rear members by bending or folding the cut footprint to form the side and rear members.26. A method of manufacturing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising forming the side and rear members by a molding process, and after the molding process forming a profile in the lower edges of the side members.