Abstract

A portable partition for use in an automobile having a seat with a seat bench and a seat backrest. The partition includes a seat plate that has first and second portions that rest on the seat bench. The partition also includes a partition plate that has a bottom edge connected to the seat plate between the first and second seat-plate portions. When the seat plate is disposed upon the seat bench, the partition plate is disposed substantially orthogonally of the seat bench. The partition plate typically is constructed of a substantially transparent material so that the driver's view is not obstructed by the partition plate. The partition may also have a hinge joining the first and second portions. The hinge permits the seat plate to more closely fit the seat bench, particularly when a child is seated on a cushion or a child seat placed on top of one or both of the portions of the seat plate. The partition plate typically extends vertically so that its top edge is near to the ceiling of the automobile, and its back edge is shaped to conform to the shape of the seat back. Thus, children respectively seated on a cushion or child seat on top of the two portions of the seat plate are separated from each other by the partition. The partition plate may have a seat-belt passage for receiving an automobile seat belt. Fastening the seat belt through the seat-belt passage secures the partition plate to the automobile seat.