GB2386832A

GB2386832A - A foldable high chair

Info

Publication number: GB2386832A
Application number: GB0305475A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Charles Anthony Caffyn
Original assignee: COSATTO HOLDINGS PLC
Current assignee: COSATTO HOLDINGS PLC
Priority date: 2002-03-11
Filing date: 2003-03-10
Publication date: 2003-10-01
Also published as: CN100367894C; CN1652710A; AU2003209485A1; GB2401544A8; GB2401544B; WO2003077712A1; GB0305475D0; GB0420571D0; GB2401544A

Abstract

A foldable high chair (2) comprises a seat portion (4) and a frame (6); the frame supports the seat portion and comprises a front leg (22) and a back leg (24); the seat portion comprises a back (12), a sitting portion (8) and a tray (10), the seat portion and the frame are arranged such that when the seat is folded the seat portion is framed by the front leg and the front leg is framed by the back leg, and a face of the back (12) is positioned adjacent to a face of the tray (10) and a face of the sitting portion (8). The seat portion may comprise a foot-rest (14), a calf-rest (16) and a connecting section (18). The seat portion is arranged such that when the seat is folded a face of the back is flush with a first face of the tray and the sitting portion lies adjacent to a second face of the tray. A connecting section (18) comprises a handle (28) for carrying the chair when it is folded.

Description

1 2386832

A FOLDABLE SEAT

The present invention relates to a foldable seat. In particular, but not exclusively, it relates to a foldable high 5 chair for a child.

Seats are commonly foldable to facilitate storage and transportation. Foldable high chairs are known. However, high chairs are bulky since they are designed to support a child at an elevated height and to be sufficiently stable for 10 safety purposes. It is difficult to design a foldable high chair which reduces this bulk effectively when the high chair is folded.

US-A-4193630 discloses a high chair having a seat and a back which are both hollow and are hinged together to fold and 15 close against each other to form a carrying case, with a handle which locks the case in a closed position. The high chair has legs which are telescopically retractable for storage and a tray which is detachable for storage within the carrying case.

20 The present invention seeks to provide an improved foldable seat. In particular, the present invention seeks to provide an improved foldable seat which does not require any components to be detached or telescopically retracted for storage. 25 The present invention also seeks to provide a foldable seat that folds to a size which is convenient to store and transport. Further, the present invention seeks to provide a foldable seat that is relatively quick and easy to fold and 30 unfold.

According to the present invention there is provided a foldable seat comprising a seat portion and a frame, the frame supporting the seat portion and comprising a first leg portion and a second leg portion, the seat portion comprising a back, 35 a sitting portion and a tray, wherein the seat portion and the

frame are arranged such that when the seat is folded the seat portion is framed by the second leg portion and the second leg portion is framed by the first leg portion, and a face of the back is positioned adjacent to a face of the tray and a face 5 of the sitting portion.

The resulting folded seat is of a size which is convenient to store and to transport.

The seat portion is preferably snugly framed by the second leg portion and the second leg portion is preferably 10 snugly framed by the first leg portion.

The first leg portion and the second leg portion may each comprise two legs or may each comprise a single, approximately U-shaped leg whose middle section contacts the floor when the seat is unfolded and upright for use.

15 When the seat portion is framed by the second leg portion, it may be framed on two or three sides only.

Preferably, the seat portion is framed on three of its sides, although it may be framed on more than three of its sides.

When the second leg portion is framed by the first leg 20 portion, it may be framed on two or three sides only.

Preferably, the second leg portion is framed on three of its sides, although it may be framed on more than three of its sides. Preferably the seat portion is arranged such that when 25 the seat is folded the back is substantially flush with the tray. The first face of the tray (being the topside of the tray when the seat is upright for use) may be configured such that the back fits therewithin. In one embodiment, the first face 30 of the tray has a depression therein in which the back is shaped to fit. Preferably, the back is configured to fit snugly within this depression. This depression also provides a framed eating area for the child in the chair.

The second face of the tray (being the underside of the 35 tray when the seat is upright for use) maybe configured such

that the sitting portion fits therewithin.

The seat portion may further comprise a foot-rest. This preferably depends from the sitting portion. The sitting portion and the foot-rest may adopt a step-like configuration 5 when the seat is unfolded and upright for use. The foot-

rest is preferably adapted to lie adjacent to one face of the sitting portion when the seat is folded. One face of the sitting portion, being the underside thereof when the seat is upright for use, may be configured such that the foot-rest 10 fits therewithin. The foot-rest may comprise two planar portions. These may be approximately perpendicular to each other when the seat is unfolded for use and may be folded together when the seat is folded. In this respect, one planar portion may be adapted to fit within the other planar portion 15 when the seat is folded.

The back, the sitting portion and the foot-rest may be adapted to concertina when folded.

Preferably the seat portion comprises a means for connecting the seat portion to the frame that is adapted to 20 space the sitting portion from the frame when the seat is unfolded for use. The connecting means may space the sitting portion from the frame by at least 10mm, preferably from 10mm to 50mm, more preferably from 10mm to 30mm and most preferably by about 2Omm.

25 Preferably the connecting means comprises a handle for carrying the seat when folded.

The seat preferably comprises means for locking the seat in its unfolded and/or folded positions. This may be achieved by locking the position of the seat portion relative to the 30 frame. The locking means is preferably located on the connecting means and the frame. The locking means may comprise pins provided on the connecting section and holes for receiving the pins provided on the frame. The pins may be spring-mounted. The pins may be adapted to be released from 35 the holes by actuating means provided on the connecting means.

The handle of the connecting means may be located adjacent to and/or form part of the actuating means. The actuating means may comprise one or more components which require activation in order to unlock the seat. For example, the actuating means 5 comprises a push-button and/or a squeezable handle or lever.

In one embodiment, the leg portions are mounted for relative rotation about a first axis of rotation and the connecting means is mounted for rotation relative to at least one of the leg portions about a second axis of rotation. The 10 frame is preferably adapted to restrict the degree of relative rotation of the first and second leg portions, such that a stable frame is provided in use.

The first leg portion may be mounted for rotation relative to the second leg portion about the first axis of 15 rotation and the connecting means may be mounted for rotation relative to the second leg portion about the second axis of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation may be the same axis. One or more brackets extending between the first and second leg portions may be used to restrict the degree of 20 relative rotation of the first and second leg portions.

Preferably a bracket is provided on each side of the frame.

The rotation about the first and second axes occurs during the folding or unfolding of the seat.

The seat is preferably arranged such that the degree of 25 folding of the seat portion dictates the degree of folding of the first and second leg portions. In this respect, the angle of rotation of the connecting means when folding or unfolding the seat may dictate the degree of relative rotation of the first and second leg portions. The frame may comprise a 30 means, such as a bracket means or a cam means, for controlling the degree of relative rotation of the first and second leg portions. In a preferred embodiment, to fold the seat from its unfolded and upright position, the seat is unlocked by 35 activating the actuating means of the connecting means,

thereby releasing the pins from the holes of the locking means. The connecting means is rotated about the second axis of rotation such that the back moves towards the tray. The back, the sitting portion and the foot-rest concertina, with 5 the tray being located between the back and the sitting portion. The angle of separation between the leg portions decreases as the leg portions rotate relative to one another about the first axis of rotation. In the final folded position, the seat portion is framed by one leg portion which 10 in turn is framed by the other leg portion.

To unfold the folded chair, the above process is substantially reversed.

The unfolded seat preferably has a height of from 800 to llOOmm, more preferably of from 900 to lOOOmm and most 15 preferably of about 940mm. The unfolded seat preferably has a depth of from 550 to 750mm, more preferably of from 600 to 700mm and most preferably of about 650mm. The folded seat preferably has a height of from 600 to 800mm, more preferably of from 650 to 750mm and most preferably of about 700mm. The 20 seat, when folded and unfolded, preferably has a width of from 550 to 700mm, more preferably of from 610 to 650mm and most preferably of about 630mm. The folded seat preferably has a depth at its widest point of from 70 to 150mm, more preferably of from 90 to 120mm and most preferably of about llOmm.

25 Generally-speaking, the smaller the dimensions of the folded seat, the more convenient it is to store and to transport.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: 30 figure 1 is a perspective front/side view of one embodiment of a high chair in an unfolded and upright position ready for use; figure 2 is a perspective rear/side view of the unfolded high chair) 35 figure 3 is a side view of the unfolded high chair;

figure 4 is a side view of the folded high chair; figure 5 is a front/side view of the folded high chair) figure 6 is a rear/side view of the folded high chair; figure 7a is a side view of the high chair in a 5 partially-folded position; figure 7b is a close-up view of part of the high chair as shown in figure 7a; figure 8 is a front/side view of the high chair in a partially-folded position; 10 figure 9 is a rear/side view of the high chair in a partially-folded position; figure 10 is a close-up front/side view of part of the unfolded high chair; figure 11 is a close-up view of part of a second 15 embodiment of a highchair in an almost fully-folded position showing a rod and bracket arrangement on the underside of a tray; figure 12 is a rear view of part of a third embodiment of an unfolded high chair; 20 figure 13 is a rear view of part of the high chair of figure 12 with a plate removed and in a locked, folded position; and figure 14 is a rear view of part of the high chair of figure 12 with a plate removed and in an unlocked, folded 25 position.

In the description below, all references to 'upper' and

lower' refer to the relative position of a component when the chair is unfolded and upright for use.

Referring to figures 1 to 3, a high chair 2 for a child 30 comprises a seat portion 4 and a frame 6. The seat portion comprises a sitting portion 8, a tray 10, a back 12, a foot-

rest 14, a calf-rest 16 and a connecting section 18. A tubular support 20 on each side of the chair connects the tray, the sitting portion and the frame. The frame comprises 35 a front leg 22 and a back leg 24, each leg being approximately

U-shaped. The front leg comprises two support portions 26, one being located on each side of the chair. As described further below, the connecting section 18 comprises a handle 28 and pins which engage with holes provided in the support 5 portions 26 to provide a locking mechanism which is released by the handle. This locking mechanism locks the chair in its fully-unfolded position and also in its fully-folded position.

The distance between the top of the support portions 26 and the adjacent bottom of the sitting portion is about 21mm.

10 The high chair folds to a compact shape which resembles a case, as shown in figures 4 to 6. The folded chair is carried using handle 28 of connecting section 18. Folded seat portion 4 is framed on three of its sides by front leg 22.

Front leg 22 is framed on three of its sides by back leg 24.

15 The seat portion 4 and the front leg 22 are made of moulded plastic to minimise weight and maximise strength. The front leg has a tubular steel insert for strength. The back leg 24 international search reportmade of tubular metal which protects the plastic mouldings by framing them when the chair 20 is folded. The corners of the back leg that contact the ground when the chair is upright for use are encased in a plastics or rubber material to improve stability, to protect the tubing against scraping and to prevent the chair from slipping when in use.

25 Referring to figure 3, the unfolded chair has a height A of 940mm and a depth B of 650mm. Referring to figure 1, the unfolded chair has a width C at the front of 570mm.

Referring to figure 5, the folded chair has a height A of about 700mm and a width C of 630mm. Referring to figure 30 4, the folded chair has a depth B of about llOmm.

When the chair is unfolded and upright for use, tray 10, sitting portion 8 and foot-rest 14 are approximately parallel, as shown in figure 3. Calfrest 16 is located between the sitting portion and the foot-rest and is rotatably connected 35 along its upper edge to the sitting portion and along its

lower edge to the foot-rest. The edge of the sitting portion opposite to the calf-rest is rotatably connected to back 12.

When the chair is unfolded, the sitting portion, the calf-rest and the foot-rest adopt a step-like configuration 5 supported by two bars 30. A bar 30 is provided towards each side of the foot-rest. One end of each bar is rigidly fixed within the foot-rest. The other end of each bar is rotatably mounted on connecting section 18, as shown in figure 6. When the chair is folded, the foot-rest, the calf-rest and the 10 sitting portion are concertinaed such that the upper face of the foot-rest lies adjacent to the upper face of the calf-

rest, whilst the lower face of the calf-rest lies adjacent to the lower face of the sitting portion. This concertinaing is shown in figure 7a. The bars support the foot-rest, and also, 15 because of their set points of rotation on the connecting section, they force the calf-rest and footrest to concertina to the underside of the sitting portion. In one embodiment, the two bars 30 are the two arms of a single U-shaped bar having its middle section located within the foot-rest.

20 Tray 10 is formed with a depression in its upper face, as shown in figure 1. Back 12 is shaped to fit snugly within this upper depression when the chair is folded, as shown in figure 5. Sides 32 of the tray are shaped to form arm rests.

These sides each have an internally-facing groove 34. A pin 25 36 mounted on each side of back 12 is arranged to run in each groove. Figure 1 shows one pin in the position it adopts in its groove when the chair is unfolded and upright for use.

The pins run to the other end of the grooves as the chair is folded (see figure 8).

30 In an alternative embodiment, the pin and groove arrangement is replaced by a bracket and rod arrangement which is not readily accessible or visible. With reference to figure 11, a rod 56 is mounted on the underside of the tray within each arm rest. The rods are of a length and 35 orientation that is the same as or is similar to those of the

grooves mentioned above and shown in figures 1 and 8. A bracket 58 is mounted on each side of back 12. The brackets are in a position that is the same as or is similar to that of the pins mentioned above and shown in figure 1. Each 5 bracket has three arms. One arm is fixed to back 12. The other two arms have holes therein through which the rod passes. As the chair is folded, the bracket runs along the rod such that the rod and bracket arrangement has the same effect as the pin and groove arrangement of the previously 10 described embodiment.

Referring to figure 1, back 12 is formed with a depression therein to accommodate a cushion (not shown). This cushion is attached using a plurality of press-studs which each have one half attached to the back and one half attached 15 to the cushion. The back has six upper slots 38.

Corresponding slots are provided in the cushion. These slots are used to fix a harness to the high chair. The six upper slots 38 are arranged in pairs. Each harness strap of the two that pass over the shoulders of a child extends through one 20 Qf a pair of slots from the rear face of the back to the front face of the fitted cushion. The pair of slots selected depends on the height of the child to be seated in the chair.

The harness straps are anchored using buckles located on the rear face of the back that cannot pass through the slots 25 unless the buckles are rotated 90 over two planes.

In an alternative embodiment, two vertical slots (not shown) are also provided on the back, each being located towards a side of the back, adjacent to the sitting portion, for waist straps to pass through. A slot is also provided in 30 the sitting portion for a crotch strap. These slots enable the fitting of a five-point harness having a single anchor point on the sitting portion, two lower anchor points on the back and two upper anchor points on the back.

The sitting portion is also provided with a cushion (not 35 shown) affixed with press-studs.

One end of each tubular support 20 is pivotally mounted on the lower face of the tray via a pin 39. This is shown in figure 6. The other end of each tubular support is pivotally mounted on the front leg, adjacent to each support portion 5 26 (see figure 10). Each tubular support has a bend therein.

Adjacent to this bend, the tubular support is pivotally connected to a side edge of the sitting portion, as shown in figure 3. As shown in figure 6, when the chair is folded, the tubular supports lie approximately parallel to the lower 10 face of the tray. To enable this, channels 40 are provided on the lower face of the tray to accommodate the tubular supports, as shown in figure 9.

Pivotally mounted on each support portion 26 is an end of back leg 24. Back leg 24 is thereby mounted for rotation 15 relative to front leg 22 about an axis of rotation 42. When the chair is unfolded and upright for use, the angle of separation between the front leg and the back leg, as shown in figure 3, is approximately 57 degrees. Brackets 44 prevent any increase in the angle of separation. A bracket is 20 provided on each side of the chair. It comprises two pieces; one end of each piece is pivotally inter-connected, whilst the other end of each piece is pivotally connected to the first leg or the second leg, respectively. The angle of separation between the legs decreases as the chair is folded, until the 25 legs are flush with one another in the completely-folded chair. Tubular supports 20 and brackets 44 are connected. The connection between a tubular support and an adjacent bracket provides a folding/unfolding relationship between the legs and 30 the seat portion. The folding/unfolding action of the seat portion forces the tubular supports to rotate, which in turn act directly on brackets 44-, forcing the legs either to close or to open. The sizing of brackets 44 and their pivot points are such that they move in proportion to the degree of folding 35 or unfolding of the seat portion. They open each time to the

same distance and at the same speed that the seat portion is being folded or unfolded. This mechanism ensures that the legs cannot splay open or close once the chair is unfolded without the locking mechanism being operated.

5 Connecting section 18 of the seat portion is located between the two support portions 26 of the frame. The connecting section is rotatably mounted on each support, also about axis of rotation 42. The connecting section is provided with four spring-mounted pins, two on each side thereof, these 10 being a first pin 46 and a second pin 48, as shown in figure 7b. The number of pins can be varied, depending on strength considerations. First pin 46 and second pin 48 are disposed 180 degrees apart on the connecting section about axis of rotation 42. Each support portion 26 is provided with an 15 upper hole 50 and a lower hole which are sized to accommodate the pins of the connecting section. When the chair is unfolded, second pins 48 are located in upper holes 50, whilst first pins 46 are located in the lower holes. When the chair is folded, second pins 48 are located in the lower holes, 20 whilst first pins 46 are located in upper holes 50. The pins are retained in the holes by the bias of the springs. To release the pins from the holes, handle 28 is squeezed manually. Handle 28 is adapted to pull the pins out of the holes against the bias of the springs using this squeezing 25 action.

In an alternative embodiment, the connecting section is provided with a button 60 which is located adjacent to the handle. The rear of the button comprises a bolt which is shown in figure 12. The front of the button is located on the 30 other face of the connecting section, where it is harder for a small child to reach it when the chair is unfolded. As an additional safety feature against accidental unlocking of the chair, the button must be pressed and held in before the handle is manually activated in order to release the pins from 35 the holes in which they are engaged.

In figure 12 a plate 62 shields the internal mechanics of the connecting section. In figures 13 and 14 this plate has been removed to show the components mentioned below. A pin 64 (one end shown) connects each side of the connecting 5 section to a support portion 26. Pins 64 lie along axis of rotation 42. First pins 46 and second pins 48 are mounted upon springs 66. The end of each pin adjacent to the spring is shown. An actuating mechanism comprises handle 28, button 60, two bars 68 and two plates 70. Each plate 70 has two 10 grooves 72 therein each located adjacent a first pin or a second pin. The plates cover part of each pin 46, 48. Each pin 46, 48 is provided with a projection 74 that is adapted to run along its corresponding groove 72. When the chair is locked against its folding or unfolding movement, the springs 15 force pins 46, 48 to engage holes 50, 52, as appropriate. To unlock the chair for movement, button 60 is pressed and handle 28 is squeezed manually in direction X. Plates 70 are fixed for movement with handle 28 via bars 68. The resulting movement of the plates in direction X causes pins 46, 48 to 20 move against the bias of the springs 66. This is effected by projections 74 being guided by grooves 72 in plates 70. As the pins are moved against the bias of the springs, they are released from holes 48, 50. Upon releasing the handle, the pins are returned to their previous positions by the 25 resilience of the springs.

In an alternative embodiment, the connecting section may omit the safety button 60, so the handle may be depressed without having to first press a safety button.

Figures 7 to 9 show the chair in a semi-folded position.

30 To fold the chair from its upright position shown in figures 1 to 3r handle 28 is manually operated to release first pins 46 from lower holes 52 and to release second pins 48 from upper holes 50. Whilst anchoring back leg 24, connecting section 18 is rotated about axis 42 by applying a manual force 35 thereto. This also rotates pins 46 and 48 about axis 42.

Connecting section 18 is integral with back 12. Connecting section 18 is rotated such that back 12 is rotated towards the tray and its pins 36 are forced to run in grooves 34 of the tray. Simultaneously, front leg 22 is rotated towards back 5 leg 24. The degree of relative rotation of the front and back legs is dictated by the angle of rotation of the connecting section (via tubular supports 20 and brackets 44). As a result of tubular support 20 being restricted for rotation about its pivot point on front leg 22 by the housing of 10 support portion 26, the tray and the sitting portion move towards the back leg. A concertina of the back, sitting portion, calf-rest and foot-rest results, with the tray being located between the back and the sitting portion.

The chair in its fully folded position is shown in 15 figures 4 to 6. During folding, first pins 46 have rotated 180 degrees about axis 42 and have relocated in upper holes 50, whilst second pins 48 have rotated 180 degrees about axis 42 and have relocated in lower holes 52. The relocation of these pins in these holes acts to lock the chair in its folded 20 configuration.

With reference to figure 5, the back fits snugly into the depression formed on the upper face of the tray. With reference to figure 6, the upper face of the sitting portion lies adjacent to the lower face of the tray, the lower face 25 of the calf-rest lies adjacent to the lower face of the sitting portion and the upper face of the foot-rest lies adjacent to the upper face of the calf-rest. The folded foot-

rest is flush with the calf-rest as it fits within an appropriatelyshaped depression 53 formed on the upper face 30 of the calf-rest. This depression is shown in figure 1.

When the chair is folded, handle 28 is readily accessible for carrying the chair and also for unlocking the chair for unfolding by its action of releasing the pins from the holes in the support portions.

35 To unfold the chair, the folding process set out above

is substantially reversed. To assist in the unfolding process, back 12 is manually lifted from the depression in tray 10. This is facilitated by an indent 54 formed on the rear face of the back, as shown in figures 2 and 5.

5 Preferably, the indent is formed with a lip (not shown) which provides a finger-grip to assist in lifting the back from the depression in the tray. Whilst opening and closing of the chair is aided by utilising the indentation provided on the back, the opening and closing can be effected just by rotating 10 connecting section 18, although the operation is made easier by pulling up on the back.

Claims

1. A foldable seat comprising a seat portion and a frame, the frame supporting the seat portion and comprising 5 a first leg portion and a second leg portion, the seat portion comprising a back, a sitting portion and a tray, wherein the seat portion and the frame are arranged such that when the seat is folded the seat portion is framed by the second leg portion and the second leg portion is framed by the first leg 10 portion, and a face of the back is positioned adjacent to a face of the tray and a face of the sitting portion.

2. A foldable seat as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat portion is snugly framed by the second leg portion and the second leg portion is snugly framed by the first leg 15 portion.

3. A foldable seat as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the seat portion is framed on three of its sides by the second leg portion

4. A foldable seat as claimed in any preceding claim, 20 wherein the second leg portion is framed on three of its sides by the first leg portion.

5. A foldable seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second leg portions each comprise a single, approximately U-shaped leg.

25

6. A foldable seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the seat portion is arranged such that when the seat is folded the back is substantially flush with the tray.

7. A foldable seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first face of the tray has a depression therein 30 and wherein the back is shaped to fit within the depression.

8. A foldable seat as claimed in claim 7, wherein the back is configured to fit snugly within the depression in the first face of the tray.

9. A foldable seat as claimed in any preceding claim, 35 wherein the seat portion further comprises a foot-rest which

depends from the sitting portion, and wherein the sitting portion and the foot-rest adopt a step-like configuration when the seat is unfolded and upright for use.

10. A foldable seat as claimed in claim 9, wherein the 5 foot-rest is adapted to lie adjacent to one face of the sitting portion when the seat is folded.

11. A foldable seat as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the foot-rest comprises two planar portions which are approximately perpendicular to each other when the seat is 10 unfolded for use and which are adapted to be folded together when the seat is folded.

12. A foldable seat as claimed in claim 11, wherein one planar portion is adapted to fit within the other planar portion when the seat is folded.

15

13. A foldable seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the back, the sitting portion and the foot-rest are adapted to concertina when folded.

14. A foldable seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the seat portion further comprises a means for 20 connecting the seat portion to the frame that is adapted to space the sitting portion from the frame when the seat is unfolded for use.

15. A foldable seat as claimed in claim 14, wherein the connecting means spaces the sitting portion from the frame by 25 at least lOmm, preferably from lOmm to 50mm, more preferably from lOmm to 30mm and most preferably by 20mm.

16. A foldable seat as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the connecting means comprises a handle for carrying the seat when folded.

30

17. A foldable seat as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising means for locking the seat in its unfolded position and/or its folded position.

18. A foldable seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the locking means locks the position of the seat 35 portion relative to the frame.

19. A foldable seat as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the locking means is located on the connecting means and the frame.

20. A foldable seat as claimed in any one of claims 17 5 to 19, wherein the locking means comprises pins provided on the connecting section and holes for receiving the pins provided on the frame.

21. A foldable seat as claimed in claim 20, wherein the pins are adapted to be released from the holes by actuating 10 means located adjacent to and/or forming part of the handle of the connecting means.

22. A foldable seat as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the leg portions are mounted for relative rotation about a first axis of rotation, the connecting means 15 is mounted for rotation relative to at least one of the leg portions about a second axis of rotation, and the frame is adapted to restrict the degree of relative rotation of the first and second leg portions.

23. A foldable seat as claimed in claim 22, wherein the 20 first leg portion is mounted for rotation relative to the second leg portion about the first axis of rotation and the connecting means is mounted for rotation relative to the second leg portion about the second axis of rotation.

24. A foldable seat as claimed in claim 22 or 23, 25 wherein the first axis is the same as the second axis.

25. A foldable seat as claimed in any preceding claim which is arranged such that the degree of folding of the seat portion dictates the degree of folding of the first and second leg portions.

30

26. A foldable seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the seat when unfolded has a height of from 800mm to llOOmm, more preferably of from 900mm to lOOOmm and most preferably of 940mm; a depth of from 550 to 750mm, more preferably of from 600 to 700mm and most preferably of about 35 650mm; and a width of from 550 to 700mm, more preferably of

from 610 to 650mm and most preferably of about 630mm.

27. A foldable seat as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the seat when folded has a height of from 600 to 800mm, more preferably of from 650 to 750mm and most 5 preferably of about 700mm; a width of from 550 to 700mm, more preferably of from 610 to 650mm and most preferably of about 630mm; a depth at its narrowest point of from 70 to 150mm, more preferably of from 90 to 120mm and most preferably of about llOmm.

10

28. A foldable seat substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.