Seat occupancy indicator device and method

A seat occupancy indicator device comprising:

• a housing removably attachable to a seat, wherein the housing comprises:
• a chair available light configured to indicate that the seat is available, a chair-reserved light configured to indicate that the seat is occupied, a reset switch, and a timer;
• the reset switch operably connected to the timer for creating a time interval in signal communication with the chair-reserved light, wherein actuation of the reset switch illuminates the chair-reserved light for the time interval and simultaneously deactivates the chair available light;
• wherein the chair-reserved light is adapted to be continuously illuminated during the time interval and cannot be deactivated during the time interval;
• wherein the chair available light is adapted to be continuously illuminated between a first time interval and a second time interval and only deactivated upon actuation of the reset switch;
• wherein the chair available light is automatically illuminated once the time interval elapses;
• a photovoltaic cell disposed on a top face of the housing configured to power both the chair-reserved light and the chair available light;
• wherein the chair-reserved light and the chair available light are each a single light assembly disposed on a front face of the housing, wherein the front face is oriented perpendicular to the top face, such that the top face is configured to face upwards when the housing is secured to the seat;
• wherein each light assembly comprises a diffusion window;
• wherein the front face of the housing is unobstructed with any additional features;
• wherein the timer is internal to the housing and comprises no user interface for modifying the time interval and no display for viewing a time on an exterior of the housing;
• an attachment member extending from the housing and configured to gravity suspend the housing from the seat such that the top face remains oriented upwards.