Patent ID: 9434282
Filing Date: 2016-09-06
CPC Classification: B60N,B61D,B63B,B64D

Claim Text:
1. A method of selectively forming a barrier between adjacent seating regions on a seating structure at which first and second support surfaces are respectively located, the first and second support surfaces configured to support first and second persons in laterally spaced sitting positions, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a barrier assembly comprising at least one wall structure that is configured to be selectively changed between: a) a storage state; and b) an operative state; transporting the barrier assembly from a location spaced from the seating structure to a location where the seating structure is present with the barrier assembly in the storage state; changing the barrier assembly from the storage state into the operative state wherein an exposed surface of the at least one wall structure is situated to obstruct lateral movement of at least one of: a) an arm; b) a leg; c) a head; or d) a torso of a person in the sitting position in the first region into the second seating region; separating the barrier assembly from the seating structure after use; changing the separated barrier assembly from the operative state back into the storage state; and transporting the separated barrier assembly away from the location where the seating structure is present, wherein the step of changing the barrier assembly from the storage state into the operative state comprises moving the barrier assembly relative to laterally facing surfaces on first and second structures on the seating assembly so that the barrier assembly is held in the operative state by reason of a part of the barrier assembly being wedged, and thereby frictionally held, between the laterally facing surfaces on the first and second structures on the seating structure, at least one of the structures comprising a cushion against which a person sitting on the seating structure bears, at least one of the laterally facing surfaces moved laterally as the barrier assembly is changed from the storage state into the operative state to allow the barrier assembly to become wedged between the laterally facing surfaces.