GB2619696A

GB2619696A - Multifunction furniture

Info

Publication number: GB2619696A
Application number: GB2207031.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Estrup Niels
Original assignee: Zola And Zach
Current assignee: Zola And Zach
Priority date: 2022-05-13
Filing date: 2022-05-13
Publication date: 2023-12-20
Also published as: GB202207031D0

Abstract

Furniture comprising a first unit 1 and a second unit 2. The first module comprises an infant seat having a seating portion 11, a back 18 and legs 20. A second unit 2 engages with the first unit to elevate it above a floor such that the two units form a highchair or a play tower. The second unit may form a table, stool, step, an adult seat and/or a child seat when disengaged from the first unit. The second unit may have formations 26, such as recesses, for receiving the first unit’s legs. A detent mechanism may be provided to engage the legs with these formations, and a locking mechanism may be provided for locking the first and second units together. The legs may be receivable in the recesses at a tilted angle (see figures 29-32) and rotated to cause engagement and disengagement of the detent mechanism. When separated, the second unit may form a child’s seat in a first orientation and be rotatable 90 degrees into a second orientation in which it forms an adult’s seat. Further embodiments relate to a removable tray and integrally forming the first and second units from one-piece plastic mouldings.

Description

MULTI-FUNCTION FURNITURE

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to furniture, particularly although not exclusively to furniture for infants and adults.

S Background of the Invention

There are various articles of furniture for children available in the market including infant seats and high chairs. A difficulty with such articles is that the function they perform is relatively specific and when not in use they require considerable space for storage.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides an improved article of furniture and furniture system according to the accompanying claims.

An example of how the invention may be used as furniture for infants is as follows: a first unit comprising a seat comprising a seating portion and a back portion configured for seating an infant (the "first unit") and a second unit configured for use as an occasional table, step or seat for an adult or child (the "second unit"), wherein the second unit fits and clicks with the first unit to support the first unit at a height elevated from a floor surface so that the first and second units together form a highchair or a play tower for an infant. Separately and when placed on the floor, the second unit can comprise a seat for an adult or a child at different heights, and a second secure seat for a child or infant The second unit may fit by partially nesting with the first unit in a vertical dimension. The furniture units may comprise legs that taper outwardly from an upper portion to a lower portion to allow the furniture units to partially nest. The second unit may have three orientations angularly displaced from each other for providing three different respective functions as a seat: (1) is vertical in the first orientation when the furniture unit functions as said occasional table, step or adult seat; (2) is configured to seat an infant in a second orientation at a lower height; and (3) configured to seat an older child in a third orientation at a higher height. The angular displacement between orientations may be 90 degrees. The second unit is larger than the first furniture so that the units can be at least partially nested/clicked together in a horizontal dimension when both units are supported on a floor surface to reduce the foot print of the furniture. A selectively attachable tray table may be provided for attaching to the first unit for use by an infant seated in the seat for resting food or other items on. A detachable seat portion may be provided for attaching at the top of the first unit for use as a seat configured for seating an adult.

The stable equilibrium orientations may be angularly spaced apart one from another and selected by a user by rotating the unit to the required orientation.

The two units may have three stable equilibrium orientations when placed on the floor corresponding respectively to (1) an infant chair function comprising surface members forming a seat base and a back rest in a first orientation, (2) a step, stool or side table function comprising a surface member forming a stool seat base or table top in a second orientation and (3) a play desk function comprising surface member forming a play desk in a third orientation.

The surface members have a height from the floor when in the functioning condition, and the height of one surface member is different from the height of another surface member in respective orientations suitable for the selected function.

In a first orientation the second unit may function as a seat for an infant and comprises a seat base and back rest in a functioning condition for seating an infant. In a second orientation the second unit may function as an occasional table, step or stool or a seat base in a functioning condition for seating an adult.

In a third orientation the second unit may function as a play desk and comprises a play surface in a functioning condition for play.

In the second or third orientations the first unit can be stored within or under the second unit.

The first unit seat base in the first orientation may be at a different height to the height of the second unit stool / seat base in the second condition or the height of the second unit as a play surface in the third orientation.

The angular displacement between orientations may be about 90 degrees or more. The frame may have a rectangular cuboid shape. In the first orientation of the second unit the seat base may be located at an intermediate height in the middle third of the height of the unit.

The second unit play surface may form a surface configured for non-permanent markings, such as a whiteboard or blackboard.

The first unit may comprise a detachable table or tray which in a functioning condition in the first orientation provides a table surface for an infant seated on the seat base and in the second or third orientations is in a stored condition.

In further examples there is a furniture system comprising a plurality of units as described above.

The two units in the first orientation may co-operate together to form opposing infant seats facing each other and a fastening arrangement can be used to fasten the units together.

Two units in the first and third orientations may co-operate together to form a seat and play desk for seating an infant at a play desk and a fastening arrangement may be used for fastening the units together.

Two units may be stacked one on the other, the upper unit being in the first orientation for forming a high chair or play tower and the click fastening arrangement used for fastening the units together. With the tray in the horizontal orientation the furniture can be used as a high-chair with tray, and with the tray in the vertical orientation, the furniture can be used as a play tower.

In another example, there a furniture system having a plurality of stable equilibrium orientations when placed on a floor the orientations of the articles being angularly displaced one from another and corresponding to respective different functions of the article including at least a function as an infant seat and a function as a step, stool or side table, an article comprising a frame for supporting a plurality of surface members having different functions in respective orientations, each surface member being arranged in the frame to have a functioning condition for providing a surface function when the article is in a corresponding orientation and a stored condition when not in use or a different functioning condition when the article is an orientation other than the corresponding orientation.

In a still further example, there is a furniture system comprising a plurality of furniture articles, the furniture articles being substantially the same one as another and can be configured one relative to another in any one of a plurality of different configurations for providing different respective furniture functions, wherein each article comprises a frame for supporting a plurality of functional members and a plurality of stable equilibrium orientations for providing different respective article functions as part of a selected furniture function, each functional member being arranged in the frame to have a functioning condition for providing an article function when the article is in a corresponding orientation and a stored condition when not in use or a different functioning condition when the article is an orientation other than the corresponding orientation.

The articles or furniture systems may be provided as a kit of parts for assembly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the present invention may be well understood, embodiments and modifications will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a front view of first and second units when combined; Figure 2 shows a side view of first and second units when combined; Figure 3 shows a back view of first and second units when combined; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of first and second units when combined; Figure 5 shows an enlarged perspective view of the second unit as well as leg extensions and wheel; Figure 6 shows an enlarged view from a side of first and second units; Figures 7 and 9 show a footrest of the units; Figure 8 shows an engagement mechanism of the units; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the units when combined; Figure 11 shows a top view of the first unit when combined with the second unit; Figure 12 shows a harness of the first unit; Figure 13 shows another harness of the first unit; Figure 14 shows a tray mounted generally horizontally in a highchair configuration; Figures 15 to 18 show a tray mounted generally vertically in a play tower configuration; Figure 19 shows tray storage; Figures 20 and 21 show the units when disengaged and the first unit is an infant/child seat and the second unit is a table/step/adult seat; Figure 22 shows the second unit rotated through 90 degrees and used as an infant/child seat; Figure 23 to 27 show a table and chair / play desk configuration and nesting of the two units; Figure 28 shows the first unit from above; and Figures 29 to 32 show an engagement mechanism and a locking mechanism for engaging and locking the first unit with the second unit.

Detailed Description

We see a long tradition of designing chairs for children to make it possible for the whole family, big or small, to have meals together and all in the same height and situation. This multi-function furniture is delivering this functionality. The multi-function furniture provides the option for children to have two chairs, or a chair and table, desk, play surface or writing surface, or a play tower. This is very practical when children want to sit on the floor doing things other than eating. This furniture gives you either a high-chair with table / tray or a play tower, depending on the orientation of the tray in the first unit The second unit has a multitude of functions, including a chair (for adult or child), a step, a stool, a table, the base of the play tower, and of course the base of the high chair.

This is a piece of multi-function furniture that will serve a family for years, not just as a high chair for infants but also with practical uses for adults. The invention is a multi-function furniture that suits families with multiple children of different ages, for example when the units are separated, and each unit used as separate chairs on the floor.

Normally when you see multi-function chairs for children, the design has compromised on the safety and stability of the product. There are lots of different stackable and/or multi-function children's chairs available on the global market, but very few have made safety a primary consideration when designing the chairs.

This furniture system is designed to be safe. The special click system for the legs of the upper unit to click into the second unit will make sure the two furniture units function and unite as one solid unit when used as a high chair or play tower. Furthermore, when configured as a play tower, the tray table is used as a barrier to prevent the child from falling off the unit.

The tray table for the first unit can be made in TPE (Thermoplastic elastomers) which will provide a non-slip surface and will also be very soft to touch. The tray can additionally be made with an antibacterial material/compound inside the TPE, which will reduce the risk of harmful bacteria breeding and contaminating food or being ingested by the child.

All remaining elements of the multi-function furniture can made solely of plastic polypropylene (PP), either virgin or recycled PP. This means that only one material is needed for the manufacture of the entirety of the multi-function furniture (assuming the tray table is not made of TPE). Not only is this environmentally friendly, it simplifies manufacturing and tooling, the sourcing of materials and assists with a circular economy, but it helps the furniture to be light yet very durable, and can be 100% recycled.

In order that the invention may be well understood, embodiments and modifications of the invention are described below, by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, as follows: Figure 1 shows the furniture system with the first unit (1) and second unit (2) clicked together into a high chair configuration and viewed from the front. On the back of the first unit (1) you see two top holes (7) and the two lower holes (9) into which the harness (39) fits. In the centre of the backrest of the first unit (1) you find (8) the two holes for the brace (37) to be attached into the back of the seat (1). The seat (11) is slid into the rips on the inside of the first (1) unit's armrest (10). There are a plurality of channels (10) for receiving the brace at different heights above a seat base for locating the brace. The seat (11) also has a hole (6) where the brace (38) will be placed into the seat (6). In the front (17) of the second unit you see the holes (13) for the adjustable footrest (14). There are a plurality of paired holes (13) spaced apart so that the footrest can be placed in different positions depending on the size of the child. On the two back legs (16) of the second unit (2) you also find the leg extensions (15) that helps prevent the chair from tipping or tilting, for example when children are trying to push the chair. The two front legs (4) are placed on the floor and keep the high chair stable.

Figure 2 Figure 2 shows the furniture system configured with the first unit and second unit in a second orientation viewed from a side.

The first unit (1) has a backrest (18) and an armrest (19). In the front of the first unit, four legs (20) are placed into the second unit's 4 top pockets/recesses (26). The leg end portions are sized and positioned complementary to the pockets,/recesses. The second unit (2) has two holes (5) into which to place the front legs (20) of the first unit.

A lock (5) prevents the first unit on top from falling or coming out of position. A lock is associated with a leg and complementary recess. There may be locks for all four legs or two legs as shown or at least one leg.

One or more legs may comprise a push fit locking mechanism such a detent mechanism and one or more legs may comprise a manual lock for locking the leg in place.

The lock(s) may comprise a first part on a leg (20) and a second part on the second unit (2) located at or close to the recess (22). The lock may have a push fit engagement mechanism for example a detent or catch which engages when a leg is fitted into a recess. The lock may include manual locking parts as shown wherein a locking button is pushed into a slot by a user. Other locking mechanisms will be apparent.

The two back legs (16) have two legs extensions (15).

Figure 3 shows the first unit and the second unit in a high chair configuration when view from the rear. On the top of the seat (23) there is a handle to use to move the chair and to remove the first unit seat (1) from the lower second unit (2).

Figure 4 shows the first unit (1) on top of the second unit (2) and how the lock (5) clicks the two units together. The reinforcing or stabilisation strut (27) is shown under the second unit (2) Figure 5 shows one of the pockets or recesses (26) from underneath and which are bent into the top of second unit, as well as showing the wheel (28) for moving the furniture and the leg extension (15) Figure 6 shows the lock bars or detents on the back foot (30) of the first unit (1) and the recess / holder of the lock bars or detents (31) inside the pockets. These prevent the back legs of the first unit from being pulled up when used as a high chair and the first unit is placed into the 4 pockets in the top surface of the second unit (2). Also shown is the pressure lock/ clicking mechanism (29) on the front legs of the first unit; the hole (5) in the side of the second unit (2); and the footrest (14) on the front of the second unit (2).

Figure 7 Shows: the pressure lock (29) on the front legs of the first unit when engaged in the holes (5) in the side of the second unit (2); the footrest (14) on the front of the second unit (2); and the adjustable height holes (13) in the second unit for adjusting the height of the footrest (14). Also shown is the pressure button (29) which is pushed if you want to release the first unit from the second unit.

Figure 8 shows the lock bars or detents (30) on the back legs of the first unit and the pocket (26) in the second unit in which to place the legs.

Figure 9 shows second unit (2) where the footrest (14) is removed and the two hooks (32) used to adjust the height, and which are fixed into the front of the second unit (17, 13). Also shown is the support lip of the footrest (53) to ensure it maintains a horizontal aspect when attached to the second unit.

Figure 10 shows the first unit (1) on top of the second unit (2) in a high chair configuration for children.

The back legs (21) and front legs (3) of the first unit are placed into the pockets on top of the second unit, . The push button (5) to release the first unit are shown, as well as the leg-extensions (15) when placed on the second unit. The front legs of the second unit are placed on the floor and the footrest (14) placed into position on the front of the second unit (17). The holes (13) to adjust the height of the footrest are also visible in the front of the second unit (17). The adjustable seat (6) between the armrests of the first unit and the hole for the brace (35) can be seen in the centre of the seat. The rips or locating channels (10) into which the seat (6) slides are shown, as well as the button (34) that holds the seat in place and prevents it from coming off when in use. In the rips (10) you see a channel / gap (33), which is in use when placing the tray table as a barrier when configuring the furniture system as a play tower.

Figure 11 shows the first unit (1) without the adjustable seat between the armrest; instead you see the top surface of the second unit (2), you see the channel! gap in the rips (36) in which the tray table can be placed in a vertical orientation to use as a barrier when configuring the furniture system as a play tower. The adjustable footrest is also shown (14).

Figure 12 shows the first and second units together as a high chair, the first unit (1) has a brace placed in a central position (37) for securing a child, with the legs of the child either side of a front piece and around the waist. This brace prevents the child from slipping off the chair, standing up, or tilting the chair.

The brace (37) is placed and locked into the first unit's (1) backrest and down into the seat (38).

Figure 13 shows the first and second units together as a high chair, the first unit (1) has a harness (39) placed into the two holes in the backseat (7) in a central position (37); this harness prevents the child from moving out of the chair while seated and includes shoulder, waste and leg straps.

The harness has a 5-point lock (40), which goes through the seat (38) to prevent it from raising and releasing an unattended child, and from the child slipping off the chair, standing up, or tilting the chair.

Figure 14 shows the first and second units together as a high chair, the first unit (1) has a tray (41) placed into the two holes in the back of the first unit, and the two special arms on the tray (40).

Figure 15 shows the first and second units together as a Play tower, where the tray (41) becomes a barrier preventing the child from falling out of the play tower whilst standing on the top surface of the second unit. The tray slides down the channel! gap in the rips (36) and stops when it hits the bottom of the rips. The room between the back of the first unit (1) and the tray (41) will fit the child while using the furniture in the play tower configuration.

Figure 16 shows how far the arms of the tray (40) should be pushed down in the channel / gap in the rips (10) until they hit the bottom of the rips, in order for the tray to form a solid and stable barrier.

Figure 17 shows another angle of the tray (41) between the rips (10), forming a solid and stable barrier while using the furniture in the play tower configuration.

Figure 18 shows another angle of the tray (41) between the rips (10), forming a solid and stable barrier while using the furniture in the play tower configuration.

Figure 19 shows both units from behind, with the tray (40) now clicked onto the back side of the first unit (42, 43) for storage, when not in use.

Figure 20 shows the two units being used as two separate items of furniture. The first unit (1) is now clicked off the second unit (2) and the first unit now sits on the floor as a regular chair, retaining the adjustable seat-height functionality (14). The second unit can be used as a table (43) for children, or as a step or a seat / stool for adults. The four holes (26) in the top surface of the second unit now function as small pockets, or closed recesses, into which one can place small items such as pencils. All the small features such as the release buttons (29) are visible.

Figure 21 shows the two units being used as two separate items of furniture. The second unit has the four top pockets free (26) and it also shows the small bars preventing the back legs of the first unit from releasing their grip when placed on top of the second unit, and the pressure lock/ clicking mechanism when the first unit is disengaged. The top flat surface of the second unit can be used as a table, step or stool / seat (43).

Figure 22 shows the two units being used as two separate items of furniture with the second unit now tilted 90 degrees which provides a new platform (27) inside the second unit. Here the bar (27) which acts as structural support to the second unit can be used as a bench for seating. The wheels (28) can make it easier to tilt the second unit into this chair-like position.

The holes from the front of the second unit (13) are also visible in this position and the underside of the four pockets (26) are also shown in this view.

Figure 23 shows the two units being used as two separate items of furniture as a table and chair in a play-desk configuration, where the first unit (1) becomes the chair with an adjustable height seat (6). Here you can see the two bars (30) on the first unit's back legs, the release button on the first unit's front right leg (29), and the wheel at the back of one of the second unit's legs (28).

Figure 24 shows the two units being used as two separate items of furniture nesting as a chair (1) and a table (2) and this will likely be the way both units are packaged when transported and purchased and stored to reduce floor footprint. During nesting, at least a portion of the first unit is received under or within the second unit, including a large portion of the seat, arm rests and front legs.

Figure 25 shows the two units being used as two separate items of furniture nesting as a chair (1) and a table (2) from a side angle.

Figure 26 shows the two units being used as two separate items of furniture nesting as a chair (1) and a table (2) from the front angle, where the adjustable hole for the footrest (13) in the second unit (2) and the adjustable seat of the first unit (14) is shown with the hole in the centre (6) into which the brace or harness is placed. The rips (10) for the seat can also be seen as well as the top of the back of the first unit (1).

Figure 27 shows the two units in high-chair configuration from the below angle, and from this angle you see the two wheels (28) on the back legs of the second unit, the footrest (14), the dent of the pockets / recesses in the second unit's surface, and the two leg extensions (15) with the wheel (28) in-between them.

Figure 28 shows the first and second units attached together from above, without the tray table in place and the two pressure buttons for the adjustable seat (11). The pressure buttons are depressed when sliding along the rips and expand at the position shown to resist detachment of the adjustable seat.

Figures 29 to 32 show an engagement mechanism and a locking mechanism. In the example shown a first furniture unit (60) comprises leg portions (62). A second furniture unit (64) comprises leg portions (66) and a supporting surface (68). Formations are fabricated in the form of recesses (70, 72) that are sized and shaped to receive and position the leg portions (62).

Although not shown in the drawings, in an alternative the formations may alternatively be protrusions received in recesses in the leg portions (62).

In the illustration the rear leg portions (62) and the rear recesses (70) comprise a detent mechanism. The recesses each comprise a notch or slot (71) into which is engaged a detent (74) of the leg portions. The detent projects proudly from the leg portion to fit in the slot and resist or prevent movement and secure the first unit with the second unit. As shown in Figure 30 the first unit is angled away from the perpendicular so that the detent can be aligned with the notch. When the rear leg positions are in position in the rear recesses the first unit is rotated to the perpendicular. When rotated the detents cannot be disengaged from the notches. The detents are resilient (being made of a plastics material with the rest of the first unit), but not sufficiently resilient to disengage from the notches.

Rotation to the perpendicular brings the front leg portions into position in the front recesses (72). The front leg potions when in the recesses prevent the detents of the rear leg portions from disengaging from the notches since movement in the front-rear (longitudinal) dimension is prevented. The front leg portions and front recesses comprise a locking mechanism (76, 78). The locking member (76) comprises a shaped flexibly mounted locking piece. The locking piece is mounted by a short flexible tether to allow movement in the width or lateral dimension of the first unit. A locking hole (78) is formed in the upper supporting surface (68) of the second unit for receiving and locking with the locking piece. The locking hole is shaped to complement the locking piece and are circular as shown but may be any shape. When the locking pieces are engaged with the locking holes the front leg portions are locked to the second unit and similarly as already explained the rear leg portions are locked by positioning of the front leg portions.

The engagement mechanism and the locking mechanism are manufactured integrally with the first unit and the second unit each as a one-piece plastics moulding. This technique is advantageous because the first and second units are preferably made of a readily recyclable material and therefore the entirety of the first unit or the second unit can be recycled. Other known furniture designs typically comprise parts, often nonrecyclable parts, that must first be detached before recycling. This is particularly the case where furniture is designed to fasten together (e.g. flat-packed) or to other objects, and may include brackets, channels, bolts, screws, pins, washers etc. Conversely the first unit and the second unit are almost entirely recyclable as a single piece, with the exception of the tray (if made of a different material such as TPE), footrest harness and wheels (each of these latter components are easily detachable and may be recycled themselves). One-piece moulding is also an efficient form of manufacture.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Furniture for infants comprising: a first unit comprising a seat configured for seating an infant and comprising a seating portion, a back portion and leg portions; and a second unit configured as a support for engagement with the first unit and elevating the first unit at a height above a floor surface so that first and second units form a highchair or play tower and when disengaged from the first unit the second unit is configured as at least one of: an occasional table, stool, step, or seat at a height for an adult or seat at a lower height for a child; wherein the second unit comprises formations for receiving the leg portions of the first unit and which together comprise a detent mechanism for engagement of the leg portions with the formations; and wherein the first and second units comprise a locking mechanism for locking in engagement the first unit and the second unit.
2. Furniture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or each detent mechanism comprises a notch and a resilient protrusion which is biased into the notch when aligned.
3. Furniture as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the or each locking mechanism comprises a locking piece for locking with a corresponding locking hole when the leg portions are received by the formations.
4. Furniture as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the formations comprise recesses sized and shaped to correspond with the leg portions.
5. Furniture as claimed in claim 4, wherein the recesses are configured to receive the leg portions at an angle away from the perpendicular and wherein rotation of the leg portion to the perpendicular causes engagement of the detent mechanism and rotation away from the perpendicular causes disengagement of the detent mechanism.
6. Furniture for infants comprising: a first unit comprising a seat configured for seating an infant and comprising a seating portion, backrest portion, side portions, and leg portions; and a second unit configured as a support for engagement with the first unit and elevating the first unit at a height above a floor surface so that first and second units form a highchair or play tower; wherein the first unit comprises a tray and a location mechanism for locating the tray in a generally horizontal orientation in a highchair configuration and in an orientation transverse to the horizontal in a play tower configuration for safely retaining a child and preventing the child from falling off the play tower.
7. Furniture as claimed in claim 6, wherein the location mechanism comprises a plurality of channels at different heights above the seating portion for sliding fit with the tray in the horizontal orientation at different heights above the seating portion and the channels comprise aligned interruptions along their lengths for receiving the tray in the transverse orientation.
8. Furniture as claimed in either one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the tray comprises a retaining mechanism that retains the tray in the horizontal or transverse orientations when it has been slid into position.
9. Furniture as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray is made of an antibacterial thermoplastics material having a surface friction selected to retain crockery, cutlery or other items in position.
10. Furniture for infants comprising: a first unit comprising a seat configured for seating an infant and comprising a seating portion, a back portion, and leg portions; and a second unit configured as a support for engagement with the first unit and elevating the first unit at a height above a floor surface so that first and second units form a highchair and/or play tower and when disengaged from the first unit the second unit is configured to form: an occasional table and/or; stool and/or; step and/or; seat at a height for an adult and/or; seat at a lower height for a child and/or; seats including a seat at a height for an adult and a seat at a lower height for a child.
11. Furniture as claimed in claim 10, wherein when disengaged from the second unit the first unit forms a seat for an infant.
12. Furniture as claimed in either one of claims 10 or 11, wherein when disengaged the second unit is arranged to nest with the first unit and with the two units overlapping in a vertical dimension for reducing a footprint of the furniture.
13. Furniture as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first unit comprises a footrest and a plurality of attachment holes at different heights above a floor surface for attaching the footrest at any one the different heights.
14. Furniture as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least two of the leg portions of the second unit comprise detachable snap-fitting feet extensions for extending outwardly in a horizontal dimension the loading on a floor surface to provide stability against tilting of the furniture.
15. Furniture as claimed in any of the preceding claims, at least two of the leg portions of the second unit comprising wheels for rolling over a floor surface thereby resisting tilting of the furniture.
16. Furniture as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when disengaged from the first unit, the second unit has two orientations at 90 degrees to each other and in a first orientation forms a seat at a first height for an adult and in a second orientation a seat at a second lower height for a child.
17. Furniture for infants comprising: a first unit comprising a seat configured for seating an infant and comprising a seating portion a back portion, and leg portions; and a second unit comprising leg portions and a support surface configured as a support for engagement with the first unit and elevating the first unit at a height above a floor surface so that first and second units form a highchair or play tower; wherein the seating portion, the back portion, and the leg portions of the first unit are manufactured integrally by a first one-piece plastic moulding and the leg portions and support surface of the second unit are manufactured integrally by a second one-piece plastic moulding, the mouldings being made of virgin or a recyclable plastics material.
18. Furniture as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first unit and second unit comprise an engagement mechanism and/or a locking mechanism for engaging and/or locking the first unit with second unit and the first and the second one-piece plastic mouldings comprise the engagement mechanism and/or locking mechanism.(One-piece)
19. Furniture as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the first unit comprises a location mechanism for locating a tray in the highchair or tower configurations, and the first and the second one-piece plastic mouldings comprise the location mechanism.