Seating

Abstract

Seating ( 10 ), including a support member ( 14 ) for supporting a plurality of seats ( 12 ), the support member ( 14 ) being, in use, substantially horizontal, the seating ( 10 ) further including a plurality of seats ( 12 ) each of which includes a seat portion ( 16 ) and a backrest ( 18 ), the seat portion ( 16 ) of each seat ( 12 ) being pivotable relative to the respective backrest ( 18 ) between a first, tipped-up, position and a second, open, position, wherein when in the first position the seat portion ( 16 ) is substantially parallel to the backrest ( 18 ), and in the second position the seat portion ( 16 ) is substantially perpendicular to the backrest ( 18 ), the seat portion ( 16 ) being biased towards the first position, each seat ( 12 ) further including an attachment formation ( 24 ) in which an upper part of the support member ( 14 ) is receivable.

1 . Seating, including a support member for supporting a plurality of seats, the support member being, in use, substantially horizontal, the seating further including a plurality of seats each of which includes a seat portion and a backrest, the seat portion of each seat being pivotable relative to the respective backrest between a first, tipped-up, position and a second, open, position, wherein when in the first position the seat portion is substantially parallel to the backrest, and in the second position the seat portion is substantially perpendicular to the backrest, the seat portion being biased towards the first position, each seat further including an attachment formation for attaching the seat to the support member. 
   
   
       2 . Seating according to  claim 1  wherein the support member is substantially bow-tie shaped in cross-section. 
   
   
       3 . Seating according to  claim 1  wherein the attachment formation of each seat is a clamp. 
   
   
       4 . Seating according to  claim 1  wherein the support member is manufactured from metal. 
   
   
       5 . Seating according to  claim 1  wherein only two fixings are required to hold each seat in position relative to the support member. 
   
   
       6 . Seating according to  claim 1  wherein the seat portion is moveable beyond the first position towards the backrest. 
   
   
       7 . Seating according to  claim 1  wherein at least two of the seats are different widths from one another. 
   
   
       8 . Seating according to  claim 1  wherein the seat portion of each seat is shaped so as to provide a clearance of at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) between adjacent seats attached to the support member. 
   
   
       9 . Seating according to  claim 1  wherein the backrest/and or the seat portion of each seat is manufactured from a moulded plastics material. 
   
   
       10 . Seating according to  claim 1  wherein the shape of the seat portion matches the shape of the backrest, such that at least a front surface of the seat portion is a similar shape to a front surface of the backrest. 
   
   
       11 . Seating according to  claim 1  wherein the support member is connected to a part of a structure by a connecting member, wherein a lower part of the support member is receivable in the connecting member. 
   
   
       12 . Seating according to  claim 11  wherein the connecting member is a cantilever. 
   
   
       13 . Seating according to  claim 1  including an armrest adjacent at least one seat. 
   
   
       14 . Seating according to  claim 13  wherein the or each armrest includes an attachment formation for attaching the armrest to the support member. 
   
   
       15 . Seating according to  claim 14  wherein the attachment formation of the or each armrest is a clamp. 
   
   
       16 . Seating according to  claim 13  wherein only a single fixing is required to hold the armrest in position relative to the support member. 
   
   
       17 . Seating according to  claim 13  wherein the or each armrest is manufactured from a moulded plastics material. 
   
   
       18 . A method of providing seating including providing a support member for supporting a plurality of seats, each of which includes a seat portion and a backrest, the seat portion being pivotable relative to the backrest between a first, tipped-up position, and a second, open, position, each seat further including an attachment formation for receiving an upper part of the support member, the method including connecting the support member to a structure, such that the support member is substantially horizontal, and engaging the plurality of seats with the support member. 
   
   
       19 . A method of providing seating according to  claim 18  including providing the seat portion and the back-rest connected together as a single unit, for engagement with the support member. 
   
   
       20 . A method of providing seating according to  claim 18  including holding each seat in position relative to the support member using only two fixings. 
   
   
       21 . A method of providing seating according to  claim 18  including providing an armrest adjacent at least one of the seats. 
   
   
       22 . A method of providing seating according to  claim 21  including using a single fixing to hold the armrest in position relative to the support member.