Known articles of outdoor furniture are generally bulky items which are cumbersome, impracticable or just inconvenient to carry by hand.

DE19905342 discloses a portable sunbed comprising a head support structure having two frames, one frame mounted face down on a supporting floor and the other frame hinged to one side of the first frame and fixed in an inclined position relative to the first frame so as to form a head support. The frames are foldable together to enable the sunbed to be stored and carried in a small suitcase. Whilst the sunbed is portable, the suitcase is an additional article which has to be transported and which is just as inconvenient to carry as the sunbed itself.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable article of furniture for use outdoors which can be conveniently transported. Furthermore, it is another object to provide such an article which is easily disposable after use.

Accordingly, the present invention consists in an article of furniture for use outdoors which is formed from sheet material and which is adapted to be collapsible so as to form a portable, compact structure.

An advantage of the present invention is that, when the article is collapsed so as to form a portable, compact structure, the article can be conveniently carried manually or stored away.

According to one embodiment, the present invention consists in a chair/sunbed comprising panels of self-supporting sheet material separated by folding means for folding the panels together. The panels are arranged relative to one another so as to be foldable together to form the portable compact structure.

The present invention provides a portable article of furniture which is very convenient to carry and store away. Since the chair/sunbed is formed from panels of sheet material it can be manufactured at low cost. For example, the panels may be formed from a sheet of biodegradable or recyclable self- supporting material, such as corrugated cardboard paper, which may be laminated so as to be water resistant. Fabricating the panels from such material is advantageous in that it is easy to carry being lightweight and in that it is biodegradable or recyclable and therefore easily disposable.

The chair/sunbed may include a strip of at least three panels arranged side-by-side in a row. The first and second adjacent panels are foldable in a position in which they are inclined at an acute angle relative to one another so as to form an inverted V like shape which serves as a head or upper body rest when the chair/sunbed is placed on a supporting floor or surface with the third panel flat on the surface for a person to sit or lie on. The chair/sunbed includes retaining means for restraining rotation of the first and second panels relative to one another about the folding means so as to retain the panels in the shape of the head/upper body rest.

The folding means may comprise folds formed between the panels.

The chair/sunbed may include a fourth panel between the first and second panels. The fourth panel may include a hole for receiving a pole of a parasol.

The retaining means may comprise rods or struts which are mountable between the opposing faces of the first and second panels when said first and second panels are folded so as to form the head/upper body rest. Such rods or struts are formed from metal or some other suitably rigid material such as cardboard or wood. Alternatively, the retaining means may comprise string, cord or tape which may be tied between the first and second panels.

The retaining means may be removably mounted so that it can be removed from the first and/or second panels to enable the panels to be folded together to form the compact structure and so that the retaining means can be

remounted when the first and second panels are unfolded to form the head/body rest as required.

The chair/sunbed may include at least one foot panel joined to the free end of the first panel. The or each foot panel is arranged to be foldable relative to the first panel so that the front panel rests face down on the supporting surface thereby further stabilizing the chair/sunbed.

The or each foot panel may include a hole so that the foot panel (s) can serve as a carry handle when the chair/sunbed is folded to form the compact structure.

The chair/sunbed may include a fifth panel between the second and third panels which is arranged to curve towards the supporting surface when the first and second panels are folded to form the head/body rest and the third panel is lying flat on the surface.

The chair/sunbed may include a securing means for securing the panels together when they are folded together to form the compact structure. For example, string or suitable material may be attached to the carry handle (s) and wrapped around the compact structure.

The chair/sunbed may also include a cushion disposed on the third panel for providing comfort to the user.

Additionally, the chair/sunbed may include a pocket panel which is attachable to the first panel or one of the other panels so as to form a pocket for storing magazines, papers, books, etc.

According to another embodiment, the present invention consists in a parasol comprising panels of self-supporting sheet material separated by folding means for folding the panels together and a pole for supporting the panels. The panels are arranged relative to one another so as to form a canopy which is foldable substantially flat and together with the pole forms a portable compact structure.

The folding means may comprise folds formed in the sheet material.

The parasol may be fabricated from a sheet of lightweight recyclable or biodegradable material, such as corrugated cardboard, which may be made water resistant by laminating or some other suitable technique. The pole may be constructed from a recyclable or biodegradable material and is preferably hollow.

According to one embodiment of the parasol, the canopy comprises four triangular panels which are arranged relative to one another to form a square based pyramid. The panels include surface portions on the underfaces of the panels extending along the margins of the sides of the panels which extend between the base and apex of the canopy. Adjacent surface portions are fixed flush on to one another. Straight folds are formed in the panels inclined at acute angles relative to the panel side edges extending between the apex and base so that the folds together with the side edges of the base of the panels form substantially isosceles triangles. Such an arrangement of panels and folds enables one pair of adjacent panels to be folded flat on to the other pair of adjacent panels and then the panels to be folded together so as to form the substantially flat structure.

The parasol may include a support panel hinged to the inside face of one of the panels and attachable to the inside face of an opposing panel so as to stabilize the canopy.

The support panel includes a hole through which the pole may extend.

The pole may include a retaining means, such as a ring, for supporting the support panel when it is attached to the opposing panel. Also, the pole may have self-adhesive tape, VelcroRTM, or other material thereon for securing the pole to the support panel further to stabilize the canopy.

An article of-furniture according to yet another embodiment. the invention consists in a table comprising panels of self-supporting sheet material separated by folding means for folding the panels together. The panels are arranged relative to one another so that they may be folded together to form a substantially flat structure.

Embodiments on the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a portable chair/sunbed according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 illustrates the side view of the chair/sunbed of Figure 1; Figures 3 & 4 illustrate front and rear views of the chair/sunbed of Figure 1; Figure 5 illustrates the chair/sunbed of Figure 1 collapsed so as to form a portable compact structure; Figure 6 illustrates a chair/sunbed including a cushion according to another embodiment; Figure 7 illustrates the chair/sunbed of Figure 6 collapsed so as to form a portable compact structure; Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a chair/sunbed according to yet another embodiment in an erect state and a collapsed state; Figures 10,11 and 12 illustrate chairs/sunbeds according to other embodiments of the invention ; Figure 13 illustrates a parasol according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 14 illustrates a side view of the parasol of Figure 13; Figure 15 illustrates the parasol of Figure 13 collapsed to form a substantially flat. structure with a side of the support panel detached from the canopy; Figure 16 illustrates a side view of the parasol of Figure 13 showing the locating slot for the support panel ; Figure 17 illustrates a plain view of the support panel of the parasol of Figure 13; Figure 18 shows the pole of the parasol of Figure 13; Figure 19 illustrates a plan view from above of the panels prior to final construction of the canopy of Figure 13;

Figure 20 illustrates a table according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 21 and 22 illustrate side and cross-sectional views of the table of Figure 20; Figure 23 illustrates a sheet for being folded into a chair/sunbed according to another embodiment; Figure 24 illustrates the sheet of Figure 23 folded into the chair/sunbed; Figures 25 and 26 illustrates the front view and a side view, respectively, of the sheet of Figure 23 formed into a bag; Figure 27 illustrates a sheet for being folded into a canopy for a parasol according to another embodiment; Figures 28 and 29 illustrate a perspective view from above and below, respectively, of the sheet of Figure 27 folded into the canopy of a parasol ; Figure 30 is a sheet for being folded into a support member for the parasol of Figure 29; Figure 31 illustrates a sheet for being folded into a table according to another embodiment; and Figures 32 and 33 illustrate a perspective view from above and below, respectively, of the sheet of Figure 31 folded into the table.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings, an article of furniture for outdoor use according to one embodiment consists in a chair/sunbed 10 comprising panels 1,2, 3,4, 5 of self-supporting sheet material separated by folding means 7 for folding the panels together. The panels 1,2, 3... are rectangular in shape and arranged relative to one another so as to be foldable together to form a portable compact structure, as shown in Figure 5, ready for carrying-manually for easy storage.

As shown particularly in Figure 1, the chair/sunbed 10 is formed from a sheet of lightweight recyclable or biodegradable material, such as corrugated cardboard, which has been made water resistant by laminating the sheet or by another known water resisting technique.

The folding means 7 comprise folds 7 formed in the material between the panels 1, 2,3....

A first panel 1 at one end of the strip and a second panel 2 adjacent the first panel are arranged so that they are foldable in a position in which they are inclined at an acute angle relative to one another. The chair/sunbed includes a third panel 3 at the opposite end of the strip for a person to-lie or rest on when the panel is lying flat on a supporting surface 20.

When the chair/sunbed 10 is placed on the supporting floor or surface 20 with the first and second panels 1,2 folded in the aforementioned manner and the third panel 3 lying flat on the floor surface, the first and second panels 1,2 form an inverted V-shape structure which serves as a head or upper body rest.

The chair/sunbed 10 includes a fourth narrow rectangular panel 4 between the first and second panels 1,2 so as to form the top of the head/upper body rest and is arranged to extend in a substantially horizontal plane when the chair/sunbed is placed on the supporting surface 20.

The second panel 2 is of shorter length than the first panel 1 and is joined to the third panel 3 by means of a fifth rectangular panel 5 which is arranged to bend or curve downwardly towards the supporting surface 20 when the first, second and fourth panels 1,2, 4 are folded so as to form the head/upper body rest and the third panel 3 is resting flat on the supporting surface. The fifth panel 5 is of sufficient length such that the folding means 7 separating the fifth and third panels 3 is either proximate to or in contact with the supporting surface 20.

Alternatively the second panel 2 is joined directly to the third panel 3 (not shown) and its lower portion is arranged to bend in a similar manner to the fifth panel 5.

Retaining means 9, such as rods or struts 9 formed from metal or other suitably rigid material such as cardboard or wood, are mountable between the opposing faces of the first and second panels 1,2 when the first and second panels 1,2 are folded so as to form the head/upper body rest. The first and second panels 1,2 include holes 12 for receiving the ends of the struts or rods 9.

The rods or struts 9 restrain rotation of the first and second panels 1,2 relative to one another about the folds and ensure that the head/upper body rest is sufficiently rigid to support the head or body of a person lying or resting on the third panel 3 of the chair/sunbed (not shown).

Alternatively, the retaining means may comprise string tied between the first and second panels (not shown).

A pair of rectangular foot panels 6 are joined along the side edge of the free end of the first panel 1 by folds 7 and are arranged relative to one another so as to be foldable in a position in which they rest substantially flat on the supporting surface either side of the end of the first panel 1 so as further to stabilize the chair/sunbed 10. The pair of foot panels 6 include oval shaped holes.

When all the panels 1,2, 3... are folded together to form the compact structure, the foot panels 6 fold onto one another and extend outwardly from the compact structure and serve as a carry handle 11 as shown in Figure 5. String 50 or other suitable securing means may be wrapped around the compact structure so as to prevent it from accidentally unfolding.

In use, the chair/sunbed 10, when folded together so as to form the compact structure and secured by the string, can be conveniently carried to its point of use by hand using the carrying handle 11 or over the shoulder using the string as a shoulder strap.

When the person carrying the chair/sunbed wishes to sit or lie down on the chair/sunbed, the string is removed and the panels 1, 2,3, 4,5 are folded out so as to arrange them on the supporting surface 20 as shown in Figure 1 with the first and second panels 1,2 forming an inverted V-shape, the third panel 3 lying face down and the foot pads 6 opened out side-by-side. struts 9 are then inserted between the opposing first and second panels 1,2 in the holes 12 so as to restrain further rotation of the first and second panels 1,2 and stabilize the head/upper body rest. The chair/sunbed 10 is now ready to use. A person may rest or lie on the chair/sunbed with their upper body resting

against the head/body rest and lower body lying substantially horizontally on the third panel 3.

Should the person wish to lie down horizontally, the rods or struts 9 can be removed from between the first and second panels 1,2 and the first and second panels 1,2 together with the other panels 3,4, 5 can be folded out flat on the supporting surface 20 so as to provide a horizontal strip of panels on which the person can lie down.

When the person has finished using the chair/sunbed 10, all the panels 1,2, 3... can be simply folded together so as to form the portable compact structure, the rods and struts 9 can be enclosed within the structure and the string wrapped around the structure so that the chair/sunbed 10 is ready for storage or transportation.

Using the carry handle 11, the chair/sunbed 10 in compact form can be conveniently carried or stored. Furthermore, the chair/sunbed can be conveniently disposed of and recycled in the event that the person no longer wishes to use or carry the chair/sunbed 10.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, another embodiment of the invention consists in a chair/sunbed 30 which differs from the first embodiment as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 in that it includes the following additional features. A cushion 13 is mounted on the third panel 3 for a person to sit or lie on when the third panel 3 is resting on the supporting surface 20. The cushion 13 is sufficiently flat to enable the panels 1,2, 3, 4, 5 to be folded together with the cushion fixed to the third panel 3 sandwiched between the first and second panels 1,2 to form the compact structure.

A rectangular pocket panel 14 is attachable to the first panel 1 by means of three rectangular tabs 15 which extend longitudinally along three side edges of the pocket panel and which are insertable into corresponding slots formed in the first panel such that the pocket panel 14 together with the first panel 1 form a pocket for storing items such as magazines, books, etc. The fourth panel 4

between the first and second panels 1,2 includes a hole 17 for receiving a pole of a parasol.

Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the chair/sunbed 40 may include a cushion 13 formed from biodegradable or recyclable foam or other such material as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

Figures 10 to 12 illustrate alternative embodiments of the invention in which the chair/sunbed includes a single foot panel 6.

Referring to Figures 13 to 19, an article of furniture for outdoor use according to another embodiment consists in a parasol 100 having a canopy 105 comprising panels 101,102, 103,104 of sheet material separated by folding means 107 for folding the panels 101,102, 103,104 together and a pole 108 for supporting the canopy 105. The panels 101,102, 103,104 are arranged relative to one another so as to be foldable together to form a substantially flat structure.

The pole 108 together with the flat structure form a compact structure which is readily storable or manually transportable.

The canopy 105 comprises four triangular shaped panels 101,102, 103, 104 formed from a lightweight sheet biodegradable or recyclable material, such as corrugated cardboard, which is made water resistant by laminating the cardboard or by some other water resisting technique. As shown particularly in Figure 13, the triangular panels 101,102, 103,104 are arranged relative to one another to form a canopy 105 in the shape of a square based pyramid.

As shown particularly in Figures 13 and 19, the folding means 107 comprise folds formed in the material. Adjacent surface portions 151,152, 153, 154 of the triangular panels 101,102, 103,104 which extend along the margins of the panel sides extending between the apex and base of the canopy are fixed together flush with one another using staples or adhesive or other such means.

Folds 107b are formed at inclined angles relative to the panel side edges 131,132, 133,134 extending between the apex and base so that the folds 107b together with the base side edges 141,142, 143,144 of the triangular panels define substantially isosceles triangles.

Such an arrangement of folds 107 and panels 101,102, 103,104 enables the adjacent first and second panels 101,102 to be folded onto the adjacent third and fourth panels 103,104 and the resulting folded panels to be folded together so that all the panels are folded on top of each other forming a substantially flat triangular structure.

As shown particularly in Figure 18, the pole 108, which is constructed of recyclable or biodegradable material, includes a retaining ring 110 on the upper portion of the pole. Formed in the apex of the canopy 105 is a hole through which top end 109 of the pole 108 projects from the inside to the outside of the canopy 105. The pole 108 may be hollow so that it can be filled with sand or other suitable material so as to increase its stability.

As shown particularly in Figures 13 and 17, a square support panel or member 112 is attached inside the canopy 105 approximately half way between the apex and the base of the canopy in a plane substantially parallel with the plane in which extends the square periphery of the base of the canopy. One side edge 120 of the support panel 112 is attached to the first panel 101 by a pair of hinges 113 mounted to an inner face of the first triangular panel 101. An opposite side edge 121 of the support panel 112 is securable to an inner face of the opposite second triangular panel 102 by means of a tab 122 extending longitudinally along the opposite panel side edge 122 which tab is insertable into a slot 124 formed in the second triangular panel 102. The support panel 112 includes a hole 127 disposed centrally of the panel through which the pole 108 can be inserted. The hole 127 is of smaller diameter than the retaining ring 110 and the support panel is supported on the retaining ring when the support panel is attached to the opposite support panel, As shown particularly in Fig. 15, the support panel 112 includes an oval hole 123 proximate the side edge 112 which serves as a carry handle when the canopy 105 is folded to form a substantially flat structure.

The pole 108 may include attaching means such as self-adhesive or VelcroRTM or other such means for attaching the retaining ring 110 to the support

panel 112 about the panel hole 127 so as to provide additional stability to the canopy 105.

Securing means such as string can be wrapped around the canopy when it is folded substantially flat to prevent it accidentally unfolding while carrying or storing it.

In use, when the parasol 100 is initially in a collapsed state in which the triangular panels 101, 102, 103, 104 are folded together to form a substantially flat structure, the support panel 112 projects outwardly from the base of the triangular panels with the oval hole 123 exposed so as to serve as a carry handle. Since the canopy 105 is folded substantially flat and is made of lightweight material, the parasol 100 is convenient to carry by hand to its point of use by hand or over the shoulder using the string as a shoulder strap. The pole 108 may be carried separately or secured between the folded panels.

In order to use the canopy 105, the triangular panels 101,102, 103,104 are folded outwardly from each other so as to form the canopy and the support panel 112 is fixed in its supporting position by inserting the tab 122 into the slot 124.

The top end 109 of the pole 108 is inserted through the central hole 127 of the support panel 115 and then through the hole at the apex of the canopy 105 so that the retaining ring supports the support panel and the canopy is held in an open position.

After use, the pole 108 is removed and the support panel 112 is detached from the second triangular panel 102 by removing the tab from the slot 124. The support panel 112 hangs from the first panel 1 with the oval hole 127 spaced beyond the base of the canopy 105. The triangular panels 101, 102... are then folded together so as to form a substantially flat structure and secured together using the string ready for carrying by hand using the support panel 112 as a carry handle or over the shoulder'using the string. The parasol 100 may be stored away or alternatively easily disposed of if it is no longer required. Since it is made from biodegradable or recyclable material, it may be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Referring now to Figures 20 to 22, an article of furniture according to yet another embodiment of the invention consists in a table 200 comprising rectangular or square panels 201,202, 203,204, 205 of lightweight, water resistant sheet material separated by folding means 207 for folding the panels together.

Three leg panels 201,202, 203 are spaced apart side by side in a row. Two top panels 204,205 bridge respective pairs of adjacent leg panels 201,202, 202,203 and serve as the tabletop. The panels are arranged relative to one another so that they may be folded together to form a substantially flat structure.

The folding means 207 separating the panels comprise folds formed in the sheet material.

Support means 210, such as rods or planks 210 of sheet material, are insertable between opposing faces of respective pairs of adjacent leg panels 201,202 and 202,203 to stabilize the leg panels and provide stability to the table.

The pairs of rods are positioned so as to extend diagonally relative to one another between upper portions of the leg panels 201,202 and 202,203.

The rods or planks 210 may be attached to the opposing faces of the leg panels 201,202, 203 by means of either staples, tape, glue, butterfly pins or other means and can be inserted into slots formed in the leg panels.

In use, when all the panels 201,202, 203,204, 205 are folded together and the rods or planks 210 removed from between the leg panels 201,202, 203, the table can be conveniently carried by hand.

In order to use the table, the leg panels 201,202, 203 are simply unfolded to a position in which they stand vertically on a supporting surface 250 and the rods or planks are inserted between the leg panels and secured so as to form the table 200.

After use, the table 200 can be simply folded together to form a substantially flat structure once the rods or planks have been removed or can be simply disposed of if it is no longer required.

According to yet another embodiment, the present invention consists in a chair/sunbed 30,40 of the embodiments described herein, particularly as shown

in Figures 6-7 or 8-9, in combination with the parasol 100 of the embodiment shown in Figures 13-19. Conveniently, the pole 108 of the parasol can be inserted in the hole 7 of the fourth panel 4 and held upright by the sunbed/chair.

According to yet another embodiment, the present invention consists in a chair/sunbed and/or parasol 100 in combination with a table 200 of the embodiment shown in Figures 20-22.

Conveniently, securing means, such as string, can be wrapped around the collapsed chair/sunbed parasol and/or table so as to secure them together ready for carrying by hand or storage.

Since the panels and folding means are formed from bio-degradable or recyclable sheet material, such as corrugated cardboard paper, the articles of furniture 30,40, 100,200 can be manufactured at low cost and are easily disposable. Furthermore, disposal of the article (s) can be carried out in an environmentally friendly manner.

Referring to Figures 23 to 26, another embodiment of an article of furniture for outdoor use consists in a chair/sunbed comprising a series of panels 1,2, 3,4, 5,6 separated by folds 7.

As shown particularly in Figure 23, the chair/sunbed 10'is formed from a biodegradable or recyclable self-supporting sheet such as EB fluted corrugated cardboard. The fluting extends along the length of the sheet through panels 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6 (i. e. the fluting extends from the top to the bottom of at least the second panel 2 when the chair/sunbed 10'is in its assembled state). The fluting enables the second panel 2, particularly, to mold with a person's back.

The second panel 2 is of approximately the same length as the first panel 1 and is joined to the third panel 3 by means of a fifth narrow rectangular panel 5.

A pair of panels 78 extend from either side of the third panel 3 and are effectively of half the size of the third panel 3.

A pair of panels 60 extending from either side of the second panel 2.

Each side panel 60 has a pair of tabs 74 each having an aperture 76 for receiving a pole for a parasol, although only one side panel 60 may have the pair

of tabs 74. For retaining means 9 each side panel 60 has a pair of foldable tabs 62 extending beyond each panel 60 and there is an extension panel 64 beyond each side panel 60. A slot 66 is formed in each extension panel 64 adjacent the fold 7 with the side panel 60. The first panel 1 has a pair of extensions 68 along its sides and each extension 68 has a pair of slots 70 formed adjacent the fold 7 with the side of the first panel 1 for receiving the side panel tabs 62 to restrain rotation of the first and second panels 1,2 relative to one another about the folds.

Next to each extension 68 is a bag tab 72.

A single rectangular foot panel 6 is joined along the side edge of the free end of the first panel 1 by a fold 7. The foot panel 6 has a lozenge shaped hole 80 and a piece of string or ribbon (not shown) extending between two holes 81.

In use, the chair/sunbed 10', can be folded together so as to form a compact structure in the form of a bag as shown in Figures 25 and 26. The side panels 60 and extension panels 64 are folded onto the second panel 2, and the pair of side panels 78 are folded onto the third panel 3. The third panel 3 is folded onto the second panel 2 and the second panel 2 is folded onto the first panel 1. The pair of bag tabs 72 extending from either side of the first panel 1 are used as securing means by being folded into the gap beneath the narrow fifth panel 5 between the second and third panels 2,3 to hold the bag together. The lozenge shaped hole 80 in the foot panel 6 serves as a carrying handle for the bag and the piece of string or ribbon (not shown) extending between the two holes 81 serves as a shoulder strap.

When the person carrying the chair/sunbed wishes to sit or lie down on the chair/sunbed, the bag tabs 72 are pulled out and the panels 1,2, 3,4, 5,6 are folded out so as to arrange them on the supporting surface 20 as shown in Figure 24 with the first and second panels 1,2 forming an inverted V-shape that forms the head/upper body rest, the third panel 3 lying face down and the foot panel 6 opened out. The first panel extensions 68 are slotted into the slots 66 in the extension panels 64 to the second panel 2 and the two pairs of tabs 62 are then inserted into the slots 70 in the first panel extensions 68. This arrangement

causes the side panels 60 to the second panel 2 to form the sides of the head/upper body rest.

The chair/sunbed 10'can support the weight of a person using it of up to 150 Kg.

Referring to Figures 27 to 30, another embodiment of an article of furniture for outdoor use consists in a parasol 100'having a pole 108'and a canopy 105'.

The canopy 105'comprises a series of triangular panels 101,102, 103,104 each separated by a fold 107. As shown particularly in Figure 27, the canopy 105'is formed from a biodegradable or recyclable self-supporting sheet such as B fluted corrugated cardboard.

The fourth triangular panel 104 has an extension 160 along one free side with a series of three slots 161 in the extension 160 adjacent the fold 107 with the panel 104. The extension slots 161 are arranged to receive corresponding tabs 165 extending from a free side of the first panel 101.

Such an arrangement of folds 107 and panels 101,102, 103,104 enables all the panels to be folded on top of each other forming a substantially flat triangular structure which can be inserted into the bag (see Figures 25 and 26).

Formed in the underside of the apex of the canopy 105'is a support member 170 formed from a sheet of biodegradable or recyclable self-supporting, material, such as corrugated cardboard or other suitable material (see Fig. 30).

The support member 170 comprises a hexagonal panel 171 with a series of two rectangular panels 172,174 extending from two opposite sides of the hexagonal panel 171. The panels 172,174 are each separated by folds 177. The centre of the hexagonal panel 171 and each rectangular panel 174 distal from the hexagonal panel 171 has a hole 178 for receiving the pgle, 108'. One distal panel 174 has a tab 179 for being received in a slot 180 in the other distal panel 174 adjacent the fold 177 with its adjacent rectangular panel 172. The other four sides of the hexagonal panel each have a tab 182 for being received into a corresponding slot 186 in each of the four triangular panels 101,102, 103,104 of the canopy 105'.

The support member 170 can also be stored in the bag.

In order to use the parasol 100', the triangular panels 101,102, 103, 104 are folded outwardly from each other so as to form the canopy 105'and the first panel tabs 165 are inserted into the slots 161 in the extension 160 to the fourth panel 104. The tab 179 at the end of one distal rectangular panel 174 of the support member 174 is inserted into the support member slot 180 causing the three support member holes 178 to be aligned. The support member 170 is attached to the inside face of the four triangular panels 101,102, 103,104 of the canopy 105 by inserting the four tabs 182 of the hexagonal panel 171 into the corresponding slots 186 in the panels 101,102, 103,104. The pole 108'is then inserted into the holes 178. The pole 108'of the parasol 100'can then be inserted into the apertures 76 of one pair of tabs 74 on one side panel 60 of an assembled chair/sunbed 10'.

The parasol in this embodiment and in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 13 to 19 is sufficiently rigid so that it can be used as a wind breaker. The parasol 100'also provides total sunblock.

Referring to Figures 31 to 33, another embodiment of an article of furniture for outdoor use consists in a table 200'. As shown particularly in Figure 31, the table 200'is formed from a biodegradable or recyclable self-supporting sheet such as EM fluted corrugated cardboard.

The sheet has a square central panel 220 with a rectangular panel 221 . extending along each of the four sides of the square panel 220 and a square corner panel 225 is between adjacent rectangular panels 221 so that the whole sheet effectively is of a square shape. All the panels are joined to adjacent panels by folds 207.

The square central panel 220 is illustrated as having two holes 230 with triangular portions 231 extending into them for holding items such as cups or cans. Each rectangular section 221 has a large semi-circular indent 234 along its distal edge.

Each corner panel 225 has a fold 240 running diagonally across it from the corner of the square central panel 220 and there is a small aperture 241 at each corner for facilitating the folding of the sheet into a table. The corner panel 225 also has a tab 242 in one free edge of the panel which is arranged to be bent away from the panel 225 and a recess 244 in the adjacent free edge of the panel 225 for receiving the tab 242, the tab 242 and recess 244 forming retaining means. The tab 242 is trapezoidal in shape with the side opposite the join with the corner panel 225 being wider than the join. The base of each recess 244 has a small. indent into each side of the recess 244. The corner panel 225 also has a truncated corner 245 between its two free edges.

To form the table the corner panels 225 are folded along the diagonal folds 240 to cause the rectangular panels 221 to form the sides/legs of the table.

The folded halves of each corner panel 225 are held together by the tab 242 being folded into the base of the recess 244 with the trapezoidal shape of the tab 242 and the indents in the recess 244 preventing the tab 242 and recess 244 from easily coming apart.

With reference to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 23 to 33, the chair/sunbed 10', parasol 100'and table 200'are coated by clay or other similar substances to enable water resistance and are not restricted to corrugated cardboard and the fluting specified and may be of any suitable material. The chair/sunbed 10', parasol 100'and/or table 200'may be coated by being laminated.

Whilst particular embodiments have been described, it would be understood that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It would, for example, be obvious to those skilled in the art that the number and shape of the panels are not restricted to the number and shape of the panels as described and : illustrated herein and that the panels could equally be of a different shape and number and/or be arranged in a different manner and still be foldable so as to form a portable compact structure without departing from the scope of the invention. Also, it would be understood that the table illustrated

in Figures 20 to 22 may be fabricated using a pair of leg panels and a single top panel or any number of pairs of leg panels and top panels.

The pole is not restricted to having a circular cross-section as shown, but may also have, for example, a square or triangular cross-section. It may also be telescopic and the telescopic sections may be held together by friction to form a pole of the required length. The pole may have a stand alone base which may be weighted.