[0001] This present application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2019904574 (AU 2019904574), entitled "A furniture article", that was filed on 3 December 2019. The entire content of AU 2019904574 as originally filed is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

[0002] This present invention relates to a furniture article, such as a folding or collapsible chair or table. More particularly, one example of the present invention relates to a folding chair that has and/or is moveable between at least an unfolded, or expanded, configuration for supporting a seated person, and a folded, or collapsed, configuration for storage and/ortransport. Alternatively, another form of the present invention relates to a folding table that has and/or is moveable between at least an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration.

Background

[0003] It is known to provide portable, foldable (or collapsible) and stackable chairs and/or tables for use, for example, in convention centres, at functions and/or as hire furniture. Foldable chairs, for example, typically have at least two configurations: an unfolded configuration for supporting a person in a seated position, and a relatively compact, folded configuration. Chairs in the folded configuration can typically be leaned against one another, or stacked on top of each other, to facilitate storage and/or transport. Alternatively, stackable chairs, such as the ubiquitous "Monobloc" chair, typically have a single, fully assembled configuration for supporting a person in a seated position. Stackable chairs are normally arranged to be stacked on top of each other, with each (upper) chair of the stack arranged to receive at least part of the seat of at least the immediately lower chair between its legs. The stacked chairs again facilitate storage and/or transport.

[0004] While foldable and stackable chairs are widely used, the applicant has identified several drawbacks with existing chairs. In a typical folding chair, for example, the legs are connected via hinges to the seat. The chair will normally also have locking mechanisms arranged to prevent the legs inadvertently collapsing or folding if the chair is rocked forward or backward by a person seated on the chair. However, the locking mechanisms typically need to be engaged and/or disengaged to fold and unfold the chair, which can add to the time required to unfold the chair for use and fold the chair for storage. A convention centre, for example, may have many chairs that need to be regularly unfolded and folded. Further, the locking mechanisms can add to the complexity and cost of the chair. Further, the hinging and/or locking mechanism is normally readily identifiable when the chair is in the unfolded configuration, thus identifying the chair as a folding chair.

[0005] On the other hand, stackable chairs that remain fully assembled, both in use and in storage, are often cumbersome to move when stacked. Further, the design of stackable chairs, both for aesthetic reasons and for the comfort of a person seated on the chair, is often limited because of the functional requirement of the chairs to be stackable.

[0006] An example of the present invention seeks to provide an improved folding or collapsible furniture article that overcomes, or at least mitigates, one or more of the disadvantages associated with existing furniture articles.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally, an example of the present invention seeks to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

Summary

[0008] The present invention provides a folding furniture article comprising: a platform portion defining a platform for supporting an object and having at least one leg- engaging portion, the leg-engaging portion having a tapered surface; at least one leg for supporting the platform portion, the leg having a platform-engaging portion located at or near an upper end of the leg, the platform-engaging portion having a tapered surface and being arranged to releasably engage the leg-engaging portion; and at least one flexible coupling element that couples the leg relative to the platform portion, the coupling element being arranged to resiliently bias the platform-engaging portion relatively towards engagement with the leg-engaging portion; wherein, when the platform- engaging portion engages the leg-engaging portion, the tapered surface of the leg- engaging portion bears against the tapered surface of the platform-engaging portion to securely locate the leg relative to the platform portion.

[0009] The flexible coupling element may comprise or be a resiliently stretchable cord or cable. [0010] The furniture article may comprise at least two legs, and the cord or cable may extend through, and couple the two legs to, the platform portion.

[0011] The leg-engaging portion may be one of a female portion and a corresponding male portion, the platform-engaging portion may be the other of the female portion and the male portion, and, when the platform-engaging portion engages the respective leg-engaging portion, the male portion may be at least partly received in the female portion.

[0012] The platform portion may comprise the female portion and the leg portion may comprise the male portion.

[0013] The female portion and the corresponding male portion may each have a substantially circular cross-section that at least partly defines the respective tapered surface.

[0014] The tapered surface of each of the female potion and the male portion may comprise or be a substantially frusto-conical surface.

[0015] The male portion may be substantially concealed within the female portion when furniture article is in an unfolded configuration.

[0016] The leg may extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to a support surface of the platform when the furniture article is in a folded configuration.

[0017] The furniture article may comprise at least one magnet arranged to magnetically hold the leg against the platform portion when the furniture article is in a folded configuration.

[0018] The present invention further provides a folding furniture article comprising: a platform portion, the platform portion having at least one leg-engaging portion, the leg-engaging portion having a tapered surface; at least one leg for supporting the platform portion, the leg having a platform-engaging portion located at or near an upper end of the leg, the platform-engaging portion having a tapered surface and being arranged to releasably engage the leg-engaging portion; wherein, when the platform- engaging portion engages the leg -engaging portion, at least part of the tapered surface of the leg-engaging portion bears against at least part of the tapered surface of the platform-engaging portion to securely locate the leg relative to the platform portion.

[0019] The platform portion may have a plurality of leg-engaging portions, each leg-engaging portion having a tapered surface; and the furniture article may comprise a plurality of legs, each leg having a platform-engaging portion, each platform-engaging portion having a tapered surface and being arranged to releasably engage a respective leg-engaging portion.

[0020] The or each leg-engaging portion may be one of a male portion and a female portion, the or each respective platform-engaging portion may be the other of a male portion and a female portion, and, when the platform-engaging portion engages the respective leg-engaging portion, the male portion may be at least partly received in the female portion.

[0021] The or each leg-engaging portion may be a female portion and the or each respective platform-engaging portion may be a male portion.

[0022] The or each leg may comprise an elongate leg body, and a leg connector that is secured or attached to the leg body at or near the upper end of the leg body, the leg connector comprising or providing the respective platform-engaging portion.

[0023] The tapered surface of the or each leg-engaging portion, or the tapered surface of the or each platform-engaging portion, or each tapered surface of the or each leg-engaging portion and the or each platform-engaging portion, may comprise or be a substantially frusto-conical shaped surface.

[0024] The furniture article may comprise one or more coupling elements, the or each coupling element coupling one or more of the legs to the platform portion.

[0025] The or each coupling element may comprise or be a resiliently deformable coupling element.

[0026] The or each coupling element may comprise or be a flexible, elongate coupling element.

[0027] The or each coupling element may comprise or be an elastic cord or cable.

[0028] The or each coupling element may be arranged to resiliently bias at least one of the platform-engaging portion(s) of the one or more legs into releasable engagement with a respective one of the leg-engaging portion(s).

[0029] The platform portion may comprise or define one or more courses or passages for the coupling elements, the or each course or passage extending at least partly into and/or through the platform portion. [0030] The or each coupling element may comprise a first section secured relative to one of the legs, and a second section secured relative to another of the legs, and an intermediate section that extends between the first section and the second section.

[0031] The platform portion may comprise one or more clamping formations, the or each clamping formation being arranged to clamp the intermediate section of the coupling element, or a respective one of the coupling elements, at a clamp location intermediate the first section and the second section such that the first section of the coupling element can be tensioned and/or resiliently deformed substantially independently of the second section of the coupling element.

[0032] The furniture article may have, or be moveable between, at least an unfolded configuration for supporting an object, and a folded configuration for storage and/or transport.

[0033] The or each coupling element and the parts of the tapered surfaces of the or each platform-engaging portion and the or each leg-engaging portion, may be concealed when the furniture article is in the unfolded configuration.

[0034] The furniture article may comprise one or more retaining elements or features arranged to releasably retain a part of the or each leg against, or at least urge a part of the or each leg towards or against, the platform portion when the furniture article is in the folded configuration.

[0035] The one or more retaining elements or features may comprise a plurality of magnetic portions.

[0036] The platform portion may comprise one or more of the magnetic portions, and the or each leg may comprise one of the magnetic portions, the or each platform magnetic portion being arranged to magnetically attract a respective one of the leg magnetic portions.

[0037] The platform portion may comprise and/or define one or more stow or home locations for each receiving and/or locating at least part of a respective one of leg(s) adjacent the platform portion when the furniture article is in the folded configuration.

[0038] The furniture article may be a folding chair or a folding table. [0039] The furniture article may be a folding chair comprising: a back portion for supporting the back of a seated person, the back portion having a backrest and at least one backrest support arranged to support the backrest relative to the platform portion.

[0040] The platform portion may have at least one backrest support-engaging portion, the backrest support-engaging portion having a tapered surface; the backrest support may have at least one further platform-engaging portion, the further platform- engaging portion having a tapered surface and being arranged to releasably engage the backrest-support engaging portion, wherein, when the further platform-engaging portion engages the backrest support-engaging portion, at least part of the tapered surface of the further platform-engaging portion bears against at least part of the tapered surface of the backrest support-engaging portion to securely locate the backrest support relative to the platform portion.

[0041] The furniture article may comprise two spaced backrest supports for supporting the backrest relative to the platform portion, each backrest support having a further platform-engaging portion each having a tapered surface; and the platform portion may have two spaced backrest support-engaging portions each having a tapered surface, each further platform-engaging portion being arranged to releasably engage a respective one of the backrest support-engaging portions.

[0042] The tapered surface of the or each backrest-support engaging portion may be substantially the same as the tapered surface of the or each leg-engaging portion.

[0043] The further platform-engaging portion of the or each backrest support may be substantially the same as the platform-engaging portion of the or each leg.

[0044] When the furniture article is in the unfolded configuration, the back portion may generally extend in a direction that is transverse to a support surface of the platform portion arranged to support a seated person, and, when the furniture article is in the folded configuration, the back portion may generally extend in a direction or plane that is generally parallel to the support surface.

[0045] The platform portion may comprise a handle portion for lifting or hanging the furniture article.

[0046] The platform portion may comprise a recess that at least partly defines or provides the handle portion.

[0047] The present invention further provides a folding furniture article having, and/or operable between, a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, the furniture article comprising: a platform portion for supporting a person, the platform portion having at least one leg-engaging portion; and at least one leg for supporting the platform portion, the leg having a platform-engaging portion located at or near an upper end of the leg, the platform-engaging portion being arranged to releasably engage the leg-engaging portion; and one or more elastic cords or cables coupling the leg to the platform portion.

[0048] The platform portion may comprise at least two spaced apart leg-engaging portions, the furniture article comprises at least two legs each having a platform -engaging portion, and the one or more elastic cords or cables couples the two legs to the platform portion.

[0049] The or each cord or cable may be arranged to resiliently bias at least one of the platform-engaging portion(s) towards releasable engagement with the respective leg- engaging portion.

[0050] The platform portion may comprise or define a course or passage for the or each cord or cable, the course or passage extending at least partly into and/or through the platform portion.

[0051] The or each cord or cable may comprise a first section secured to one of the legs, and a second section connected to the other of the legs, and an intermediate section that extends between the first section and the second section.

[0052] The platform portion may comprise one or more clamping formations, the or each crimping formation being arranged to clamp the intermediate section of one of the one or more cords or cables at a clamp location intermediate the first section and the second section such that the first section of the cord or cable can be resiliently deformed substantially independently of the second section of the cord or cable.

[0053] The or each leg-engaging portion may comprise an aperture, and one of the one or more cords or cables may extend through the or each aperture.

[0054] The present invention still further provides a folding furniture article having, and/or being operable between, a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, the furniture article comprising: a platform portion for supporting a seated person, the platform portion having at least one leg-engaging portion; and at least one leg for supporting the platform portion, the leg having a platform-engaging portion located at or near an upper end of the leg, the platform-engaging portion being arranged to releasably engage the leg-engaging portion; and one or more magnetic portions arranged to magnetically retain at least part of the leg against, or at least urge or attract the part of the leg towards, the platform portion when the furniture article is in the folded configuration.

[0055] The platform portion may comprise at least two spaced apart leg-engaging portions, and the furniture article may comprise at least two legs each having a platform- engaging portion, and a plurality of magnetic portions arranged to magnetically retain at least part of the or each leg against, or at least urge or attract the part of the or each leg towards, the platform portion when the furniture article is in the folded configuration.

[0056] When the furniture article is in the unfolded configuration, the or each leg may generally extend in a direction transverse to a support surface of the platform portion, and, when the furniture article is in the folded configuration, the or each leg may generally extend in a direction parallel to the support surface.

[0057] The platform portion may comprise one or more of the magnetic portions, and each leg may comprise a respective one of the magnetic portions, the or each platform magnetic portion being arranged to magnetically attract a respective one of the leg magnetic portions.

[0058] The or each platform magnetic portion may a magnet.

[0059] Each of the magnetic portions comprise a ferromagnetic material.

[0060] A preferred example of the present invention advantageously provides a portable, lightweight, foldable or collapsible stable furniture article that is particularly suitable for use in convention centers, at functions, as hire furniture, and/or for domestic use, such as in homes and apartments.

[0061] Advantageously, the or each cord or cable that extends from at least one respective connector and at least partly through or into a respective socket according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention is concealed when the furniture article is in the unfolded configuration. Preferably, substantially the entire mechanism(s), including the cord(s) or cable(s) and the parts of the tapering surfaces that bear against each other, by which the legs, and optionally also the back when present, are coupled or connected to the platform portion is concealed when the furniture article is in the unfolded or assembled configuration. Accordingly, the furniture article according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least when in the unfolded configuration, will advantageously have the appearance of a regular, non-folding or non- collapsible furniture article and will not be readily identifiable as a folding or collapsible furniture article. [0062] In the description in this specification, reference may be made to subject matter that is not within the scope of the appended claims. That subject matter should be readily identifiable by a person skilled in the art and may assist in putting into practice the invention as defined in the presently appended claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[0063] The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0064] Figure 1 is a schematic front top perspective view of a furniture article in the form of a folding, or erectable or collapsible, chair according to one example of the present invention; the chair being in a first unfolded, or erected or assembled or expanded or open, configuration;

[0065] Figure 2 is a rear top perspective view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in the first configuration;

[0066] Figure 3 is front bottom perspective view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in the first configuration;

[0067] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in the first configuration;

[0068] Figure 5 is front view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in the first configuration;

[0069] Figure 6 is rear view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in the first configuration;

[0070] Figure 7 is side view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in the first configuration;

[0071] Figure 8 is top view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in the first configuration;

[0072] Figure 9 is a schematic front bottom perspective view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in a second folded, or disassembled or collapsed or storage, configuration; [0073] Figure 10 is a bottom view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in the second configuration;

[0074] Figure 11 is a rear bottom perspective view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in the second configuration;

[0075] Figure 12 is a front top perspective view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in the second configuration;

[0076] Figure 13 is a rear top perspective view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in the second configuration;

[0077] Figure 14 is a front view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in the second configuration;

[0078] Figure 15 is a top view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in the second configuration;

[0079] Figure 16 is a rear view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in the second configuration;

[0080] Figure 17 is a side view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being in the second configuration;

[0081] Figure 18 is a side view of a plurality of the chairs of Figure 1, the chairs each being in the second configuration; and the chairs being arranged in a stack or pile;

[0082] Figure 19 is a schematic exploded view of the chair of Figure 1;

[0083] Figure 20 illustrates a seat-engaging connector of the chair of Figure 1;

[0084] Figure 21 illustrates an upper end of a partly disassembled leg of the chair of Figure 1;

[0085] Figure 22 illustrates a foot of a partly disassembled leg of the chair of Figure l ;

[0086] Figure 23 illustrates the connector of Figure 20 adjacent a leg-engaging socket of a seat of the (partly shown) chair of Figure 1, and a cord that extends through the connector and the socket to couple the leg to the seat, the chair being in the second configuration;

[0087] Figure 24 is a top view of a seat base of the seat of the chair of Figure 1; [0088] Figure 25 is bottom view of seat structure of the seat of the chair of Figure 1;

[0089] Figure 26 is an enlarged bottom view of part of the seat structure of

Figure 25 to illustrate a protrusion arranged to crimp or clamp a resiliently stretchable cord that extends through the seat;

[0090] Figure 27 is a bottom perspective view of a back and a back base of the chair of Figure 1;

[0091] Figure 28 is a schematic sectional view of part of the chair taken along the line A-A in Figure 7 showing a seat-engaging connector of a leg disengaged from a respective leg-engaging socket of the seat, and a cord that extends through the connector and the socket and connects the leg to the seat;

[0092] Figure 29 is a schematic sectional view of part of the chair taken along the line A-A in Figure 7 showing the seat-engaging connector of the leg received in or inserted into the respective leg-engaging socket of the seat to locate the leg relative to the seat when the chair is in the first configuration;

[0093] Figure 30 is a schematic front view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being shown in the first configuration;

[0094] Figure 31 is an enlarged view of Detail A in Figure 30 to illustrate a stow or home location in the form of a recess arranged to locate or receive part of a rear leg of the chair in the stow or home location when the chair is in the first configuration;

[0095] Figure 32 is side view of the chair of Figure 1, the chair being shown in the first configuration;

[0096] Figure 33 is an enlarged view of Detail B to illustrate a stow or home location in the form of a recess arranged to locate or receive part of a front leg of the chair in the stow or home location when the chair is in the first configuration;

[0097] Figure 34 is schematic top perspective view of a furniture article in the form of a folding or collapsible table according to one example of the present invention; the table being in a first unfolded, or erected or assembled or expanded or open, configuration; and

[0098] Figure 35 is bottom perspective view of the table of Figure 34, the table being in a second folded, or disassembled or collapsed or storage, configuration. Detailed description

[0099] With reference to Figures 1 to 33, a furniture article in the form of a folding, erectable or collapsible chair 10 according to one example of the present invention comprises a platform (or seat) portion in the form of seat 12 for accommodating a person in a seated position, and at least one leg 14 for supporting the seat 12. The example folding chair 10 comprises four legs 14, two spaced apart front legs 14a, b and two spaced apart rear legs 14c, d. Alternatively, the chair 10 may have two orthree (or more) legs 14.

[00100] The folding chair 10 has, and is movable or operable between, at least a first unfolded, or erected or assembled or expanded or open, configuration for supporting a person in a seated position, and a second folded, or collapsed, configuration for storage and/or transport.

[00101] When the chair 10 is in the unfolded configuration (shown in Figures 1 to 8, 30 and 32), the seat 12, and, more particularly, an upper support surface or face 16 of the seat 12 that at least partly defines a platform for supporting a person or other object, generally extends in a horizontally extending plane to support a person in a seated position. In one example, the support surface 16 may be generally planar. The support surface 16 may be contoured or shaped for the comfort of a seated person. For example, the support surface 16 may have one or more regions that are contoured to accommodate the buttocks and/or the undersides of the legs of a seated person, as is known in the art. The support surface 16 may have one or more convex, as shown in Figure 30, and/or concave regions. Further, with reference to Figure 32, the surface 16 may be declined (or alternatively inclined) in a direction from a front of the chair 10 to a rear of the chair 10, such that the surface 16 generally extends in a plane that forms an acute angle with the horizontal, for example, about 5 to 15 degrees with the horizontal. In the unfolded configuration, the legs 14 extend upwardly and generally transversely to the seat 12 and, more particularly, the support surface 16. In one example, the legs 14 may extend substantially vertically.

[00102] When the chair 10 is in the folded configuration (shown in Figures 9 to 18), each of the legs 14 extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to the seat 12, and, more particularly, the support surface 16. In the folded configuration, the legs 14 extend generally parallel to one another, generally under and adjacent a lower surface or face 18 of the seat 12 such that the folded legs 14 may generally lie against the seat 12.

[00103] In one example, the chair 10 also comprises a back portion in the form of a back 20 for supporting the back of a person seated on the chair 10. The example back 20 has a backrest 22 and at least one backrest support arranged to support the backrest 22 relative to, and generally above, the seat 12. The back 20 comprises two elongate, rigid backrest supports, in the form of spaced apart post members 24 that extend upwardly, generally parallel to one another. A first or upper end of each post member 24 is secured to the backrest 22, and a second or lower end of each post member 24 is coupled to and releasably engages the seat 12 (discussed below).

[00104] When the chair 10 is in the folded configuration, the back 20, similar to the legs 14, generally extends in a plane that is parallel to the seat 12, and, more particularly, the support surface 16. The folded back 20 may generally rest against the seat 12. In the unfolded configuration, the back 20 extends in a plane that is generally transverse to the seat 12, and more particularly the support surface 16. In one example the back 20 generally extends in an upwardly extending plane. With reference to Figure 32, the back 20 and/or backrest 22 may be reclined, away from the seat 12, for example, at an angle of about 5 to 15 degrees from vertical, for the comfort of a seated person.

[00105] In one alternative example, the chair 10 may not comprise a back portion. For example, the chair 10 may be a stool. Additionally or alternatively, an example chair 10 may comprise arm portions (not shown), such as arm rests each comprising and/or arranged to provide a respective arm having an arm supporting surface for a person seated in the chair 10. Advantageously, the arm rests (where present) may be folded or collapsed relative to the seat 12 when adjusting the chair between the folded and unfolded configurations.

[00106] With reference to Figures 20 to 23, each leg 14 comprises a rigid, elongate body 30 and a seat- (or platform-) engaging portion in the form of a male portion, such as a connector or insert 32, that is secured to the leg body 30 at or near a first or upper end of the leg body 30.

[00107] The example leg 14 comprises an insert 34, which is located at least partly inside a cavity that is formed in the upper end of the body 30 for receiving the insert 34. The insert 34 is secured, for example glued, to the body 30. The insert 34 has an internally threaded cylindrical aperture. The example connector 32 has a cylindrical threaded lower portion or base 36, and a substantially frusto-conical shaped upper portion or head 38 that is axially aligned with the base 36. The connector 32 is threadably secured to the upper end of the leg body 30 by screwing the base 36 of the connector 32 into the insert 34. In the illustrated example, the connector 32 is substantially axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the leg 14. The connector 32 has a substantially circular cross-section along a, typically longitudinal, axis B-B of the connector 32 that is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the leg. A diameter of the cross- section of the connector 32 decreases in a direction the connector 32 is inserted into a corresponding receptacle or socket 82 (discussed below).

[00108] The head 38 of each connector 32 has a tapered surface 42, which tapers upwardly, in a direction away from the base 36 of the connector 32 and in a direction away from the leg body 30, and in a direction the connector 32 is inserted into a respective socket 82. More particularly, the example head 38 comprises a substantially frusto-conical shaped surface 42. However, it will be understood that the tapered surface 42 may be other shapes. In one example, the tapered surface 42 may taper at a substantially constant rate in the tapering direction. In another example, the tapering surface 42 may taper at a non-constant rate, for example a decreasing or increasing rate in the tapering direction. Further, the tapered surface 42 may alternatively be, for example, a substantially frusto-pyramidal shaped surface or other frustum shape (that is, a shape corresponding to the outer surface of a frustum having a, preferably regular, polygonal cross-section).

[00109] Each leg 14 may further comprise a protective cap, or top or end or tip portion, 44 located at a first or upper end 42 of the leg 14 to prevent, or at least inhibit, the connector 32 at the upper end 38 of the leg 14 damaging the seat 12 (and/or the seat 12 damaging the respective connector 32). The cap 44 may be secured to an upper end, and/or form part of the head 38, of the connector 32. In one example, the cap 44 may be generally frusto-conical shaped and have a substantially frusto-conical shaped surface that substantially continues, in an axial direction, the substantially frusto-conical shaped surface 42 of the head 38. However, it will be understood the top may be other shapes, for example substantially cylindrical, and may have a substantially rounded or hemispherical head.

[00110] Each connector 32 comprises an aperture or passage 46 that extends axially through the connector 32 for a cord (discussed below) that couples or connects the connector 32 to the seat 12 to pass through the connector 32. The aperture 46 has a first or upper opening 48 at the upper end of the connector 32 and second or lower opening 50 at a lower end of the connector 32. The aperture 46 may be substantially cylindrical.

[00111] Each leg 14 further comprises an insert or fitting 52, which may be similar or substantially the same as the insert 34. The insert 52 is located at least partly inside a cavity that is formed in a second or lower end of the body 30 for receiving the insert 52. The insert 52 is secured, for example glued, to the body 30. The insert 52 again has an internally threaded aperture. The lower end of the leg 14 further comprises at least one leg retaining element or feature, in the form of a magnetic portion or part 54, such as an insert or collar or ring, or similar member or component. The magnetic portion may located, and/or secured to the leg body 30, adjacent the insert 52. The magnetic portion 54 may comprise and/or be formed from a ferromagnetic material capable of being magnetically attracted by, or magnetically responsive to, a magnet. By way of nonlimiting example, the magnetic portion 54 may comprise a magnetic alloy that is magnetically responsive to a magnet. Alternatively, the magnetic portion 54 may be a magnet. The magnetic portion 54 may be coupled or attached, for example, threadably secured or adhered to the insert 52. The lower end of the leg 14 further comprises a foot 56 that is coupled the end of the leg 14. For example, the foot 56 may be threadably secured, or adhered or press-fit, to the magnetic portion 54.

[00112] The example body 30 of each leg 14 has a substantially circular cross-section that generally tapers in a direction from the connector 32 towards a second lower end 58 of the leg 14. However, it will be understood the leg body 30 may have a different shaped cross-section and/or a substantially constant cross-section along the length of the leg body 30. Additionally and/or alternatively, the shape of the cross-section of the leg body 30 may vary along the length of the leg body 30.

[00113] Each leg 14 is advantageously formed from relatively strong and lightweight, and/or low density, material(s) and/or component(s). By way of non-limiting example only, the leg body 30 may be formed from wood, such as birch or other wood. The inserts 34, 52, may be formed from metal, such as brass. The connectors 32 may be formed from metal, such as pressure die cast magnesium, aluminium or tungsten alloy. The lower tip and/or the foot 56, and/or the cap 44, may be formed from rubber and/or a polymer. The magnetic portion 54 may comprise or be any suitable magnetic, more particularly ferromagnetic material, such as, for example, SAE grade 420 series stainless steel. However, it will be understood the components of the leg, including the leg body 30, the connector 32 and the inserts 34, 52, could be manufactured from any other suitable material(s). Further, it will be understood, in some examples two or more of the components of the leg 14 may be formed as a unitary part. For example, the leg body 30 and the connector 32 may be cast or injection moulded from any suitable material, such as from polycarbonate or polyurethane, as a unitary part. Further, the leg body may 30 may be formed from a magnetically responsive material, and the body 30 may comprise the magnetic portion 54.

[00114] The example seat 12 comprises a rigid body or frame 60, and upper seat structure 62 that generally extends in a horizontally extending plane and defines the upper support surface 16 for a person to sit on. More particularly, the example seat body 60 comprises a seat base 64 and a back base 66. With reference to Figures 24 and 25, the seat base 64 and the upper seat structure 62 typically each have a generally trapezoidal or rectangular shape in plan view.

[00115] With reference to Figures 10 and 24, the seat base 64 has a front edge 68, a rear edge 70, and side or lateral edges 72, 74, and one or more diagonally extending, strengthening formations, in the form of ribs 76, that can be seen on a first or upper surface or face 78 of the base 64 (Figure 24) and the lower surface 18 of the base 64 (Figure 10). The base 64 also comprises an upwardly extending lip or rim 80 formed by upwardly extending peripheral sides.

[00116] The upper seat structure 62 is secured to the seat base 64, for example via a plurality of fastening elements, such as screws, that extend through the base 64 and engage threaded holes formed in the seat structure 62. The seat structure 62 may rest on the lip 80. The back base 66 is similarly secured to the rear of the base 64, for example via fastening elements that extend through the base 64 and threadably engage holes formed in the back base 66. The back base 66 is secured to the seat base 64, generally on top of the base 64 and adjacent the rear edge 70. In one alternative example, it will be understood the seat structure 62 and the back base 66 may be formed, for example cast or moulded, as a unitary part that is secured to the seat base 64.

[00117] The seat base 64 comprises at least one leg-engaging portion in the form of a female portion, such as a socket or receptacle 82, that is arranged to at least partly receive and releasably engage a corresponding or complementary male portion in a connector 32 of a leg 14. The example seat base 64 has four spaced sockets or receptacles 82 each generally located at or near a respective corner of the base 64, each socket 82 being arranged to releasably engage a connector 32 of a respective one of the four legs 14. Each example socket 82 is generally formed or located on or near, or associated with, at least the lower surface 18 of the seat base 64.

[00118] Each socket 82 comprises an inner tapered surface 84 arranged to at least partly receive and releasably engage the corresponding or complementary tapered surface 42 of the head 38 of a respective connector 32. The tapered surface 84 is formed by a cavity of the socket 82. More particularly, the tapered surface 84 is formed by an aperture or passage 86 that extends through the socket 82 from a first or lower opening 88 to an upper or second opening 90 that extends through the upper surface of the base 64. In the example chair 10, the aperture 86 comprises a substantially frusto-conical portion such that the tapered surface 84 of the socket 82 is a substantially frusto-conical shaped tapered surface 84 that corresponds to the outer frusto-conical surface 42 of the respective connector 32. Flowever, it will be understood, as discussed above with reference to the connectors 32, the tapered surface 84 of the socket 82 may be, for example, another substantially frustum shape that preferably corresponds to the respective connector 32. The tapered surface 84 tapers in an upward direction, in a direction from the lower opening 88 of the socket 82 towards the upper opening 90, and in a direction the connector 32 is inserted into the socket 82.

[00119] Advantageously, the tapered surfaces 84 each correspond to a respective tapered surface 42. More particularly, each of the tapered surfaces 84 preferably taper at a substantially constant rate or taper angle, along an axis a connector 32 is inserted into the socket 82, that corresponds to, or is substantially the same as the tapered surface 42 of the respective connector 32. In the illustrated example, the inner tapering surface 84 of each socket 82 has a substantially circular cross-section along an axis a connector 32 is inserted into the socket. More particularly, a diameter of the inner cross-section of the connector 32 decreases in a direction a corresponding connector 32 is inserted into the receptacle or socket 82 (discussed below).

[00120] When the head 38 of the connector 32 is at least partly inserted into the socket 82, via the opening 88, when moving or unfolding the chair 10 from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration, with the connector 32 and the socket 82 axially aligned, the connector 32 releasably engages the socket 82. As the end portion of the connector 32 moves into the socket 82, at least a part of the tapered surface 84 of the socket 82 bears against at least a part of the tapered surface 42 of the connector 32 to securely locate the leg 14 relative to the seat 12.

[00121] It will be understood each of the substantially tapered surfaces 42, 84 may be discontinuous and/or have one or more discontinuities. With reference to Figure 20, for example, the head 38 of each connector 32 has one or more flat or planar regions (or flats) 92 adjacent the base 36 to assist with securing, for example threadably securing using a tool that engages the region 92, the connector 32 to the insert 34/body 30.

[00122] The example seat structure 62 comprises a rigid seat body or frame, or plate or platform member, 94 that is mounted on and secured to the seat base 64, and a generally planar seat cushion or pad 96 that comprises cushioning and/or padding, and upholstery or lining 26, as is known in the art, and that is secured to the seat body 94. The seat structure 62 generally corresponds in shape (in plan view) to the base 64, with the seat structure 62 being slightly larger than the seat base 64 such that the front and lateral sides of the seat structure 62 overhang the base 64. In the example chair 10, when the seat structure 62 is secured to the base 64, the seat 12 comprises or defines one or more cavities or spaces in the seat 12, generally between the seat structure 62 and the base through which cords 106 that couple the legs 14 to the seat 12 extend. [00123] In one example, the seat 12 may also comprise a handle portion in the form of handle 98 for carrying, lifting or hanging the chair 10 for storage and/or transport of the chair 10. In the example seat 12, the chair 10 comprises a generally elongate recess or cut out 100 adjacent the rear edge 70 of the seat base 64, the recess 100 extending through both the seat base 64 and the back base 66. The recess defines the handle 98 along the rear edge 70. A person can pick up the chair 10, typically when the chair 10 is in the folded configuration, via the recess 100. Alternatively, the seat 12 may be hung by the handle 98. In one alternative example, the recess 100 may not extend through the seat 12. For example, the recess 100 may be in the form of a depression in, or formation on, the seat base 64, the seat structure 62 and/or the back base 66 that defines a gripping or grippable portion.

[00124] With reference to Figures 30-33, in one example the seat 12 also defines one or more stow or home locations or regions 102, each for receiving and/or locating at least part of a respective leg 14 against and relative to the seat 12 when the chair 10 is in the folded configuration. More particularly, the lower surface 18 and/or the sockets 82 of the seat base 64 are shaped and/or configured to define four spaced stow locations 102, each location 102 being arranged to at least partly receive and/or locate at least a part, such as a lower end 58, of the respective leg 14 adjacent the lower surface 18 when the chair 10 is in the folded configuration. The four stow locations 102 are each located generally adjacent a respective socket 82, with two stow locations 102 for the front legs 14a, 14b and two stow locations 102 for the rear legs 14c, 14d. Each stow location 102 is formed by a recess or groove 138, or other formation(s), in the lower surface 18, which is shaped to receive at least part of the leg 14. The example recesses 138 defining the locations 102 generally each have an arcuate cross-section that corresponds to the arcuate cross- section of the stowed part of the lower end of a respective leg 14. The example recesses 138 each extend in a direction that corresponds to the direction the respective folded leg 14 extends. With reference to Figures 30 and 31, the stow locations 102 for one pair of the legs, such as the rear legs 14c, 14d, are generally located laterally inside the sockets 82. With reference to Figures 32 and 33, the stow locations 102 forthe other pair of legs, such as the front legs 14a, 14b, are general defined laterally outside the sockets 82. Alternatively, the stow locations 102 for the rear legs 14c, 14d and the front legs 14a, 14b may each be located laterally inside, or alternatively laterally outside, respective sockets 82.

[00125] In one example, the chair 10 may also comprise one or more leg retaining elements or features in the form of one or more magnetic portions, such as, preferably permanent, magnets 104. The seat 12 comprises four spaced apart magnets 104 each being arranged to magnetically attract the magnetically responsive portion 54 at the bottom of a respective leg 14 when the chair 10 is in the folded configuration and the magnet 104 is in sufficiently close proximity to the portion 54. The magnets 104 may each be located generally above and/or adjacent, or at or near, a respective stow location 102, and/or secured to the upper surface 78 of the seat base 64. The magnets 104 are arranged to magnetically attract a lower part of each of the legs 14 when the seat 12 is in the folded configuration to releasably magnetically retain or hold the lower part of the leg 14 adjacent, or at least urge the lower part of the leg 14 towards and, against the lower surface 18 of the seat 12. The folded legs 14 are held in place with the magnets 104. The magnets may be concealed within the seat 12. In an alternative example, the one or more leg retaining elements or features may comprise one or more straps, clips, hooks, cooperating hook and loop fastening elements, button and pin mechanisms or twist locking mechanisms, or other similar connecting means for releasably retaining, or securing or locking, at least part of each leg 14 in place adjacent the seat 12 when the chair 10 is in the folded configuration.

[00126] It will be understood, alternatively each of the legs 14 may comprise a magnet, and the chair 10 may comprise corresponding magnetically responsive portions on the seat base 64 that are capable of being magnetically attracted by the magnets to thereby retain or hold, or urge, the folded legs 14 relative to and against the seat 12.

[00127] In one example, the chair 10 may further comprises one or more braces or cross-members that each extends between and is secured to each of an adjacent pair of legs, for example, the front legs 14a, 14b or the rear legs 14c, 14d. The or each brace or cross-member may extend in a direction that is transverse, for example, substantially perpendicular, to the respective pairs of legs 14.

[00128] The seat 12 is advantageously also formed from relatively strong and lightweight, or low density, material(s) and/or component(s). In the illustrated example, the seat base 64, including the sockets 82, and the back base 66 may each be formed, for example cast or moulded, as a unitary part. By way of non-limiting example only, the seat base 64 and the back base 66 may comprise or be a metal, such as pressure die cast magnesium, aluminium or tungsten alloy. Alternatively, for example, each base 64, 66 may be moulded, for example injection moulded from a plastic or polymer, such as polycarbonate or polyurethane. The seat body 94 may be similarly moulded, for example injection moulded from a polymer. However, it will be understood that the seat base 64 (and similarly the back base 66) may comprise several components, such as a frame that interconnects individually formed sockets 82. For example, the sockets or receptacles 82 may be separate components secured seat base or body 64. Further, it will be understood the seat base 64, the back base 66 and the seat body 94, and/or the seat pad 96, may be manufactured from other suitable material(s).

[00129] In one example, the chair 10 further comprises one or more coupling or connecting elements that are arranged to couple or connect the legs 14 to the seat 12, in both the folded and unfolded configurations, in the form of one or more elastic cords, or cables, strings or ties, 106 so that the legs 14 can be folded relative to the seat 12 to fold and unfold the chair 10. The illustrated chair 10 comprises three resiliently stretchable cords 106 that join the legs 14 and the back 20 relative to the seat 12, including at least one cord 106 that couples the front pair of legs 14a, 14b to the seat 12, at least one cord 106 that couples the rear pair of legs 14c, 14d to the seat 12, and at least one cord 107 that couples the back 20 to the seat 12. The cords 106 advantageously provide a relatively simple to operate, lightweight and elegant mechanism for coupling the seat 12 and the legs 14 (or back 20), and resiliently biasing seat and the legs 14 into releasable engagement with each other, and that is concealed or hidden from view when the chair 10 is in the unfolded configuration.

[00130] Each example cord 106 for the legs 14 is a continuous, resiliently deformable or elastic cord 106 arranged to resiliently bias the connectors 32 of one or more of the legs 14 (or back post members 24, discussed below) into releasable engagement with one or more of the sockets 82. Additionally or alternatively, each cord 106 is arranged to resiliently oppose relative movement of at least one of the connector(s) 32 in a direction away from the socket(s) 82. By way of non-limiting example only, each of the cords 106 may comprise or be a bungee cord or a shock cord. It will be understood each cord 106 may comprise a single cord or may comprise two or more cords 106 that are wound, braided, intermingled, and/or otherwise joined, including end to end.

[00131] A first end section 106a of each cord 106 for the legs 14 is coupled to one of the legs 14, more particularly to a connector 32 of the leg 14a (or 14c). The first end section 106a extends through the aperture 46 that extends axially in the connector 32, including where present through the protective cap 44. The first end section 106a of cord 106 is secured relative to the connector 32, for example with a knot 108 formed in or provided on the cord 106, or similar formation configured or sized to prevent, or at least inhibit, the cord 106 being pulled through the connector 32 when the connector 32 is disengaged or withdrawn from the respective socket 82 by moving the connector 32 away from the socket 82. The first end section 106a extends through the aperture 46 that extends through the connector 32, via the openings 48, 50, and through the axially extending aperture 86 that extends through the socket 82, via the openings 88, 90. [00132] An intermediate section 106b of each cord 106, which extends between the first end section 106a and a second end section 106c of the cord 106, extends through the seat 12. The cord 106 for the front legs 14a, 14b extends, in a cavity or space between an upper surface of the seat base 64 and a lower surface or face 116 of the seat structure 62, between the sockets 82 corresponding to the front legs 14a, 14b, generally alongside the front edge 68. The intermediate section 106b of the cord 106 for the rear legs 14c, 14d extends between the upper openings 90 of the sockets 82 associated with the rear legs 14c, 14d. In an alternative example, the intermediate sections 106b of the cords 106 may extend diagonally across the seat base 64, or alongside the lateral edges 72, 74, such that each cord 106 couples a front leg 14 and a rear leg 14 to the seat 12. The seat 12 may be arranged such that the seat 12 substantially completely or partially conceals or obscures, preferably substantially or fully conceals or obscures, the intermediate section 106b of each cord 106 that extends therein.

[00133] The second end section 106c of each cord 106 is coupled to another leg 14b (or 14d), more particularly to a connector 32 of the other leg 14b (or 14d). The second end section 106c, similar to the first end section 106a, extends through the axially extending aperture 86 that extends through a socket 82, via the openings 88, 90, and through the axially extending aperture 46 that extends through the connector 32 and the cap 44, via the openings 48, 50. The second section 106c of cord 106 is again secured relative to the connector 32 of the other leg 14, for example, again via a knot 108 that prevents the cord 106 being pulled out of the connector 32 when the connecting 32 is pulled out of the respective socket 82.

[00134] The seat 12 advantageously comprises or defines one or more courses or passages 110 for the cords 106 that couple the legs 14 and/or the back 20 to the seat 12. The upper surface 78 of the base 64 comprises or defines a first course or passage 110 that extends in a direction generally parallel to the front edge 68 for the cord 106 that couples the front legs 14a, 14b to the seat 12, and a second course or passage 110 that extends in a direction generally parallel to the rear edge 70 for the cord 106 that couples the rear legs 14c, 14d to the seat 12. The seat base 64 comprises a plurality of guides 112, such as projections or similar course- or passage-defining structure, that at least partly guide the cords 106, and/or define the courses 110 for the cords 106, through the seat 12.

[00135] The chair 10 also comprises ferrules, or eyelets or guides, 28 that are each located on, for example secured to, the seat base 64 or the back base 66 at or near the opening 90 of a respective socket 82. The cords 106, 107 extend through the ferrules 28, which guide the cords 106, 107 and prevent, or at least the inhibit the cords 106, 107 rubbing against the base 64 and being damaged where the cords 106, 107 extend out of the sockets 82, 124 via the openings the openings 90.

[00136] The seat 12 also comprises one or more clamping, or crimping or pinching, formations arranged to clamp, or crimp or pinch, the intermediate section 106b of each of the cords 106, such as between the base 64 and the seat structure 62, at at least one location between the openings 90 of the associated sockets through which the cord extends. In the example chair 10, the clamping formations associated with each cord 106 comprise a clamping member 114, such as a projection or protrusion, that extends from a lower surface 116 of the seat structure 62, and two correspondingly spaced apart guides, or walls or protrusions, 118 that extend from the upper surface of the base 64 and define region between guides 118 for receiving the clamping projection 114 and a clamped portion of a cord 106. When the seat structure 62 is secured to the base 64, the projection 114 is at least partly received between the guides 118 and fixedly clamps the cord 106 at a location between the clamping projection 114, the guides 118 and/or the upper surface 78 of the seat base 64. Advantageously, a first end section 106a of the clamped cord 106 can be tensioned, such as by resiliently deforming, or stretching, the section 106a of the cord 106 when withdrawing a connector 32 from the respective socket 82 substantially independently of a second end section 106c of the cord 106. That is, tensioning/stretching the first section 106a on one side of the clamping location when withdrawing the connector 32 from the socket 82 will not correspondingly tension/stretch the second section 106c on the other side of the clamping location. The guides 118 may also partly define the courses 110 for the cords 106. Preferably, each cord 106 is clamped substantially equidistant from the two associated sockets 82. Preferably, each cord 106 is clamped substantially in the middle (lengthwise) of the cord 106.

[00137] It will be understood, in one alternative example the clamping formations may be formed to project or protrude from the lower surface 116 of the seat structure 62, and the guides may be formed on and extend upwardly from the upper surface 78 of the base 64. Further, although the example guides 118 are shown as protrusions from the lower surface 116 of the seat structure 62, the guides may be substituted with one or more recesses formed in the lower surface 118 of the seat structure 62 (or alternatively in the upper surface 78 of the base 64) and arranged to at least partly receive the clamping projection 114. Alternatively, each clamping projection 114 may be arranged to clamp, or crimp or pinch, against a generally flat region of a surface of the base 64 or seat body 94 (without a guide or recess to guide, or partly retain or receive, the clamped cord). [00138] In one alternative example, the chair 10 may comprise a separate elastic cord 106 for each respective leg 14. Each of the four cords 106 for the legs 14 may be secured relative to each of the seat 12 and the respective leg 14. For example, each cord may be secured relative to the seat 12 via a second knot 108 formed in the cord to prevent the cord being pulled through the socket 82 when the respective connector 32 is disengaged or withdrawn from the socket 82 by moving the connector 32 away from the socket 82. Further, it will be understood the cord(s) 106 may not extend through respective connectors 32. For example, each cord 106 may be secured to and extend from the respective connector(s) 32. For example, each cord 106 may be secured to and extend from an end of the respective connector(s) 32 that is inserted into a respective socket 82. Similarly, it will be understood the cord(s) 106 may not extend through respective sockets 82. For example, each cord 106 may be secured to a respective socket 82 and extend from the cavity of the socket 82 towards the respective connector 32.

[00139] In one example, the one or more coupling elements may comprise or be other flexible, elongate members, such as cable, tie, wire, chain or rope, or a similar cord-like member. In one example, the coupling elements are resiliently deformable. In one example, the coupling elements are flexible. In one example, the coupling elements are elongate. In another example, the coupling elements may comprise or be, for example, clips arranged to releasably retain each of the legs 14 to the seat 12. In another example, the one or more coupling elements may comprise one or more hinges that allow the legs 14 to hinge or fold relative to and against the seat base 64 to operate or move the chair 10 between the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration. In another example, the one or more coupling elements may comprise or be one or more springs, the springs being arranged to couple or connect the legs 14 to the seat base 64. Similar to the cord 106, the springs may at least partly extend through or from respective sockets 82.

[00140] In the example back 20, each support or post member 24 similar to the legs 14, comprises a rigid, elongate body 120 and a seat- (or platform-) engaging portion in the form of a male portion, such as a connector 122, that is secured to the post body 120 at or near a first or lower end of the post body 120. The connectors 122 may be substantially the same as the connectors 32 of the legs 14, as described above. The tapered surface of each connector 122 tapers downwardly, in a direction away from the base of the connector and in a direction away from the post body 120, in a direction the connector 122 is inserted into a respective socket 124. In the illustrated example, the connector is substantially axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the post member 24. [00141] Similar to the legs 14, each post member 24 may further comprise a protective cap, or end or collar component, 44 located at a lower end of the post to prevent, or at least inhibit, the lower end/connector 122 damaging the seat 12 (and/or the seat 12 damaging the connector 122).

[00142] The back base 66 comprises at least one backrest support-engaging portion in the form of a female portion, such as a socket or receptacle 124, that is arranged to releasably engage a connector 122 of a respective post member 24. The example base 66 has two spaced sockets or receptacles 124 each generally located at or near an end of the generally elongate base 66 that extends adjacent the edge 70, each socket 124 being arranged to receive and releasably engage a connector 122 of a respective post member 24. Each socket 124 may be substantially the same as the sockets 82 of the seat base 64, as described above. Each socket 124 is generally formed on and extends from an upper surface or face 126 of the base 66. Each socket 124 is arranged to releasably engage the respective connector 122 by at least partly receiving the tapered head of the connector 122. Each socket 124 comprises an inner tapered surface arranged to releasably engage at least part of the corresponding or complementary tapered surface of the head of the connector 122. The tapered surface is formed by a cavity in the form of an aperture that extends through the socket 124, as discussed above with reference to the socket 82. The tapered surface of the socket 124 tapers in a downward direction, from an upper opening of the socket 124 towards a lower opening of the socket 124, in a direction a respective connector 122 is inserted into the socket 124.

[00143] Similar to the legs 14, when the head of the connector 122 of each post member 24 is at least partly inserted into the socket 124 when moving or unfolding the chair 10 from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration, preferably with the connector 122 and the socket 124 axially aligned, so that the connector 122 releasably engages the socket 124. As a lower end portion of the connector 122 moves into the socket 124, at least a part or portion of the tapered surface of the socket 124 bears against at least a part or portion of the tapered surface of the connector 122 to securely locate the post member 24, and thereby the back 20, relative to the seat 12.

[00144] The example chair 10 further comprises at least one coupling or connecting element in the form of an elastic or resiliently stretchable cord 107 for the back 20. Similar to the cords 106 that couple the legs 14 to the seat 12, the cord 106 for the back 20 couples or connects the post members 24 to the seat. A first end section of the cord 107 for the back is secured relative to a connector 122 of one of the post members 24 and extends through the respective socket 124. An intermediate section 107a of the cord 107 for the back, which extends between the first end section and a second end section of the cord 107, extends through the seat 12, in a cavity or space between the upper surface 78 of the base 64 and a lower surface or face 127 of the base 66, between the sockets 124. The second end section 107c of the back cord 107 is secured relative to the connector of the other post member 24 and extends and through the respective socket 124 and is secured relative to the other connector 122.

[00145] In an alternative example, the chair 10 may comprise a separate cord 107 that couples each post member 24 to the seat 12.

[00146] In an alternative example, the back 20, and more particularly the lower ends of the post members 24 may be connected to the seat 12 via hinges instead of via the releasable engagement of the connectors 122 and sockets 124. For example, the back 20 may be arranged to fold relative to and against the seat 12 by pivoting about pivots located adjacent the rear of the seat 12.

[00147] Although the connectors 32,122 and the sockets 82, 124 in the illustrated chair 10 each have corresponding or complementary tapered surfaces 42, 84, it will be understood in an alternative example, one or more of the connectors 32, 122, and/or one or more of the sockets 82, 124, may have a substantially constant cross-section. For example, the connectors 32, 122 and the sockets 82, 124 may have substantially constant circular or square (or other regular) cross-sections. Further, the connector 32, 122 and the sockets 82, 124 do not both have to have tapering surfaces. For example, the connectors 32 may have a frusto-conical tapered surface that releasably engages a cylindrical opening of a socket 82 having a substantially cylindrically shaped internal surface.

[00148] Further, it will be understood in an alternative example, one or more of the platform-engaging portions of the legs 14 (or the post members 20) may be female portions, and the respective leg- (or backrest support-) engaging portion(s) of the seat 12 may be male portions each arranged to be snugly received in at least part of the respective female portion a leg 14 when the chair 10 is in the unfolded configuration.

[00149] The back 20 is also advantageously formed from relatively strong and lightweight, or low density, material(s) and/or components. In one non-limiting example, the backrest 22 and back post bodies 120 may be formed from the same substantially rigid material, for example form a wood such as birch. Flowever, it will be understood the backrest 22 and the post bodies 120 may be formed from any other suitable material. Further, although in the example chair 10, the backrest 22 and post members 24 are separate components secured to one another, it will be understood in another example the backrest 22 and post members 24 may be formed, for example moulded, as a unitary part such as from a polymer. The backrest 22 may be a substantially C-shaped backrest. The example backrest 22 is rigid. In another example, the backrest 22, or at least part of the backrest 22, may be flexible to accommodate the back of a seated person.

[00150] The operation or movement (or folding and folding) of the chair 10 between the unfolded configuration (shown in Figures 1 to 8, 30 and 32) and the folded configuration (shown in Figures 9 to 18) will now be described.

[00151] With reference to Figure 28, to move (or fold or collapse) the example chair 10 from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration, each of the legs 14 is moved relatively, more particularly in a substantially axial direction of the leg 14 and/or the connector 32, as schematically indicated by the arrow 130, away from the seat 12 against the force of the resilient cord 106 to disengage the connector 32 of the leg 14 from the respective, axially aligned socket 82 of the base 64 and remove the connector 32 out of the socket 82. When the connector 32 is free of the socket 82, the leg is connected relative to the seat by the flexible cord 106. The leg 14 is moveable or rotatable or pivotable (or "folded") about the end of the socket 82, for example about 90 degrees, relative to the base 64 so that the leg 14 substantially extends parallel to and adjacent the base. A lower part of the leg 14 is at least partly received in a stow location 102, to at least partially inhibit movement of the lower part of the leg 14 when the chair 10 is in the folded configuration. A magnet 104 located on the seat 12 magnetically attracts the portion 54 located at or towards the lower end of the leg 14 to releasably magnetically retain or at least urge, or hold, the lower part of the leg 14 against, or at least urge the lower part of the leg 14, towards the base 64 at the stow location 102. The cord 106 associated with the leg 14, which resiliently stretches as the connector 32 is withdrawn from the socket 82, resiliently biases the connector 32 towards the socket 82 to substantially retain the connector 32 adjacent the socket 82. In the folded configuration, each leg 14 is coupled or connected to the seat 12 by the cords 106, and generally retained, and/or broadly rests or abuts, against an underside of the base 64 at a plurality of points or locations, including a location at least at or towards the upper end 40 and a location at or towards the lower end 58 of the leg 14.

[00152] The back 20, when present, is similarly moved or folded relative to the seat 12, with the back 20 initially being moved away from the seat 12 to disengage the connectors 122 from the respective axially aligned sockets 124, as schematically indicated by the arrow 132. The back 20 is folded relative to the seat 12 such that the back 20 generally extends parallel to and adjacent the seat pad 96/lining 26. With reference to Figures 17 and 18, the folded back 20 may rest on top of the seat 12, or substantially hang, via the cord 107 coupling or connecting the back 20 to the seat 12, when the chair 10 is hung from the handle 98/recess 100. Alternatively, the folded back 20 may be releasably secured or retained relative to the seat 12 and/or legs 14 via one or more retaining members (not shown), such as, for example only, one or more straps, hooks, cooperating hook and loop fastening elements, button and pin mechanisms or twist locking mechanisms. Alternatively, the back 20 may be magnetically retained or held relative to, or urged against, the seat 12 when the chair 10 is in the folded configuration, similar to the legs 14.

[00153] In the folded configuration, each of the front legs 14a, 14b generally extends under the seat base 64 from at or near a socket 82 at or near the front edge 68, generally parallel to and along the lateral edges 72, 74 of the base 64, to or near a socket 82 at or near the rear edge 70. Each of the rear legs 14c, 14d generally extends from at or near a socket 82 at or near the rear edge 70, generally parallel to the lateral edges 72, 74, to or near a socket 82 at or near the front edge 68. The front legs 14a, 14b (and respective sockets 82) are spaced further apart than the rear legs 14c, 14d (and respective sockets 82), whereby front legs 14a, 14b generally extend outside the rear legs 14c, 14d. In another alternative example (not shown), the rear legs 14c, 14d may be spaced further apart than front legs 14a, 14b so the rear legs 14c, 14d generally extend outside the front legs 14a, 14b. In one alternative example, one or more of the legs 14 may extend diagonally substantially across the base. In another example, one or more the legs 14 may fold substantially crosswise or laterally under the base 64. That is, each front leg 14a, 14b may generally extend from at or near a socket 82 at or near the front edge 68, in a direction generally parallel to the front edge 68, to or near the other socket 82 at or near the front edge 68. Similarly each rear leg 14c, 14d may generally extend from at or near a socket 82 at or near the rear edge 70, in a direction generally parallel to the rear edge 70, to the other socket 82 at or near the rear edge 70. The flexible cord 106 enables to the legs 14 to be folded in a plurality of different directions or planes relative to the seat 12.

[00154] In the folded configuration, the chair 10 is advantageously relatively compact, with the legs 14 and back 20 each extending generally parallel to and adjacent the seat 12. The folded configuration facilitates storage and/or transport of the chair 10. For example, the folded chair 10 may be picked up and carried by the handle 98/ recess 100. Alternatively, the chair 10 may be hung from the handle. Alternatively, with reference to Figure 18, a plurality of the folded chairs 10 may be stacked on top of each other. Preferably, the lower ends of each of the folded legs 14 do not extend past front and rear edges 68, 70 of the seat structure 62. Preferably, the folded back 20 does not extend past the front edge 68 of the seat structure 62. When the chairs 10 are stacked in the folded configuration, advantageously at least a part or portion of the back 20, such as a part of the backrest 22, of each (lower) chair may be received between the folded legs 14 of the chair immediately above to facilitate stacking of a plurality of folded chairs 10.

[00155] To move (or unfold or assemble or open) the chair 10 from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration the folding process is reversed. The lower end of each leg 14 is moved relatively away from the respective stow location 104, moving the lower part of the leg 14 away from the respective magnet 104 located on the seat 12. The leg 14 is moved or rotated (or unfolded), for example about 90 degrees, relative to the seat base 64 so that the leg 14 extends transversely to the seat 12, the connector 32 of the leg 14 preferably being substantially axially aligned with a respective socket 82, and the connector 32 is at least partly inserted into the socket 82 via the lower opening 88 of the socket 82. The cord 106 that couples the leg 14 to the seat 12 advantageously resiliently biases, or forces or urges or pulls, the connector 32 towards and/or into the socket 82. As the connector 32 is inserted into the socket 82, the cooperating tapering surfaces 42 help locate the connector 32 relative to the socket 82. With reference to Figure 29, the connector 32 is inserted, as schematically indicated by the arrow 134, in a direction that is opposite to the direction 130, until at least part of the tapered surface 84 of the socket 82 bears against at least part of the tapered surface 42 of the connector 32 to securely locate the leg 14 relative to the seat 12.

[00156] With reference to Figure 29, the back 20 is similarly moved (or unfolded) relative to the seat 12 so that, as schematically indicated by the arrow 136, in a direction that is opposite to the direction 132, each of the connectors 122 can be at least partly inserted into and releasably engages a respective back socket 124 of the seat 12, such that the back 20 extends transversely to the seat 12.

[00157] When the chair 10 is in the unfolded configuration, advantageously substantially the whole coupling or connecting mechanism(s) by which the legs 14 and back 20 (when present) are coupled or connected to the seat 12, and the tapering surfaces by which the connectors 32, 122 and sockets 82, 124 releasably engage one another, are concealed/hidden from view. More particularly, when the chair 10 is in the unfolded configuration, each of the cords 106, 107 and the parts of the tapering surfaces 42, 84 of the connectors 32, 122 and sockets 82, 124 that bear against each other to securely locate the legs 14 (and back 20) relative to the seat 12 are concealed/hidden from view. The coupling or connecting mechanism(s), including the cords 106, 107 and the parts of the tapering surfaces 42, 84 that bear against each other are substantially only exposed/visible when the connectors 32, 122 are disengaged or withdrawn from the respective sockets 82, 124, such as when the chair 10 is in or is being moved to the folded configuration. [00158] With reference to Figures 30-33, each connector 32, 122 and/or respective socket 82, 124 is preferably configured so that when the connector 32, 122 is inserted inside the socket 82, 124, such that the respective tapering surfaces 42, 84 bear against each other and the leg 14 (or back 20) securely held in place, there is a tolerance, or distance or gap or space, schematically identified by the reference number 128, between the upper end of the leg body 30 (or lower end of the post body 120) and the socket 82 (124) to prevent, or at least inhibit, the end of the leg body 30 (or post body 120), which may be formed from a weaker and/or softer material(s) than the connector 32 (122), contacting and/or being damaged by the socket 82 (124).

[00159] In the unfolded configuration, when a person sits on the chair 10, the weight of the person forces each of the sockets 82 relatively towards the respective connectors 32 in an axial direction of the connector 32 and the socket 82. The cooperating surfaces bear against each other to securely lock and retain the legs 14 in place relative to the seat 12, inhibiting lateral movement of the legs 14 relative to the seat 12. The back connectors 122 are similarly resiliently urged towards the respective sockets 124 by the back cord 107 and the weight of the back 20 to securely locate the back 20 relative to the seat 12.

[00160] Particularly when the chair 10 is being moved between the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration, or when the folded chair 10 is moved, the feet 56 and caps 44 at the ends of the legs 14 advantageously prevent, or at least inhibit the ends of the legs 14, including the connectors 32, damaging the base 64, and/or the base 64 damaging the ends of the legs 14 (such as the connectors 32).

[00161] Advantageously, the combination of the corresponding or complementary outer male tapering surfaces 42 of the male portions (for example, connectors 16) associated with the legs 14 and the inner female tapering surfaces 84 of the female portions (for example, sockets or receptacles 82) associated with the seat 12, and the resiliently stretchable cords 106 that resiliently draw or bias the male portions into the female portions when the chair 10 is in an unfolded or expanded configuration, ensure the chair 10 is relatively rigid, robust and stable in the unfolded configuration. The cords 106 resiliently bias the male portions into engagement with the female portions to form tight fits between the male portions and the corresponding or complementary respective female portions. The unfolded chair 10 is therefore advantageously able to be moved around without the legs 14 being inadvertently released or displaced from the seat 12. Moreover, if the male and/or the female portions wear over time, advantageously the cords 106 will still continue to bias the male portions into snug engagement with the respective female portions to compensate for the wear. Further, when the chair 10 is under load, such as when a person sits on the seat 12, the tapering surfaces 42, 84 will tend to bear more tightly against each other to securely lock the legs 14 relative to the seat 12. Further, in a preferred example in which the male tapering surfaces and the female tapering surfaces 42, 84 are each substantially corresponding or complementary conical surfaces, or substantially frusto-conical surfaces, the area of engagement between the tapering surfaces 42, 84 can be maximized and the legs 14 do not have to be axially aligned relative to the female portions for the male portions to be inserted into the female portions.

[00162] With reference to Figures 34 and 35, a furniture article according to another example of the present invention in the form of a folding or collapsible table 300 that is movable or foldable between at least a first unfolded, or assembled or expanded or open, configuration (figure 34) for supporting one or more objects, and a second folded, or collapsed, configuration (figure 35) for storage and/or transport of the table 300. The table 300 may have a similar folding and unfolding configuration to the chair 10 described above. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the table 300 may fold and unfold in a similar manner to the chair 10, and may comprise one or more of the features of a chair according to an example of the invention, as described above.

[00163] The example table 300 comprises a platform or table portion 312 that comprises a table body 308 and a tabletop (or similar platform structure, or upper surface or face) 302 for supporting an object, and a plurality of legs 314 for supporting the table portion 312 above an underlying surface such as ground or a floor. The table 300 may comprise, for example, three, four or six, or any other suitable number of, typically spaced apart legs 314 configured to support the table portion 312. The legs 314 may each be substantially similar to the legs 14 described above, and may each comprise a table- (or platform-) engaging portion 332 in the form of a connector or insert that may be substantially the same as the connectors 32 as described above. The table portion 312 may comprise a plurality of spaced apart leg-engaging portions 382 in the form of sockets or receptacles that may be substantially the same as the sockets 82 as described above. The leg-engaging portions 382 may be individual components that are secured to the table body 308, such as to a bottom side, or underside or face, 304 of the table body 308. Alternatively, one or more of the leg-engaging portions 382 and the table body 308 may be a unitary part. The table legs 314 may be similarly coupled or connected to the table portion as described above with reference to the chair 10, such as via one or more flexible resiliently stretchable cords or cables 306 arranged to resiliently bias the table- engaging portions 332 of the legs 314 into the-leg engaging portions 382. The example table 300 comprises a respective cord 306 for each leg 314. The leg-engaging portions 382 of the table 300 are configured to releasably engage the table-engaging portions 332 of the legs 314 when the table 300 is in the unfolded or assembled configuration for use, as described above with reference to the chair 10.

[00164] It will be understood by a person skilled in the relevant art that the present invention may also be applied to other furniture articles, such as a folding bed.

[00165] While various examples of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In that regard, examples of the present invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described examples.

[00166] It is to be understood that terms such as "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", "front", "rear", "above", "under", "upright", "upwardly", "downwardly" and similar terms when used in the following claims and elsewhere in the specification are relative terms in relation to the typical orientation of a furniture article, such as the chair 10, when the furniture article/chair 10 is in the unfolded configuration for supporting an object, such as a person in a seated position, and the legs 14 are standing on a generally horizontal surface.

[00167] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[00168] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates. [00169] Further, the term "and/or" as used in the following claims and elsewhere in the specification means "and" or "or", or where the context allows both.

[00170] Further, the term "(s)" following a noun as used in the following claims and elsewhere in the specification means the plural and/or singular form of that noun.