A frame for furniture

Abstract

A frame 610 for furniture 602, the frame extending in a principal direction along a central axis comprising a subframe 612 through which the central axis extends; and a plurality of leg members 614 ea

Description

Field The present application relates to a frame, and in particular to a frame for furniture. Background Urbanisation drives a significant proportion of the population to relocate from conventional dwellings in suburban communities to apartments across city centres. Such accommodations typically offer limited living spaces, thus homeowners and tenants are increasingly drawn to furniture and appliances that are compact and functional, such as collapsible and multi-functional furnishings. Taking a foldable chair or a foldable table as an example, which typically utilises a scissors mechanism to convert between a folded and extended configuration. However, since the legs forming the scissors mechanism are arranged at inclined angles, these foldable chairs are fragile and susceptible to damage, in particular to their hinges and legs due to uneven load distribution. Moreover, foldable furniture are often seen as temporary furnishing which makes them less desirable to homeowners. Stools, e.g. bar stools and highchairs, on the other hand, are usually constructed from rigid frames. More specifically, such chairs are usually taller and narrower in comparison to typical chairs, and such a compact design makes them ideal for apartment dwellers. Since they have small footprints they are prone to tipping over during use. To resolve this, stools usually comprise widened bases to increase their stability. However, such designs increase their overall footprint, thus taking up additional storage spaces when they are not in use. Therefore, furniture that offers improved stability and / or functionalities during use and occupies limited storage space is highly desirable. Summary Hie present invention provides a frame having a support portion that is confined underneath the frame when stowed, wherein by rotating about its mounting point, the support portion can be extended outwardly from the central axis of the frame to provide additional support and / or functionality to the frame. Advantageously, the present invention may allow the furniture to be stowed with a smaller footprint during storage or transportation. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a frame for furniture, the frame extends in a principal direction along a central axis, comprising: a subframe through which the central axis extends; a plurality of leg members each having a first end connected to the subframe, and a second end opposite to the first end; and at least one support portion, the support portion comprises an arm and a mounting point through which the support portion is rotatably mounted to at least one leg member, such that the support portion is pivotable about the mounting point to convert between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration; wherein, in comparison to the stowed configuration, the arm of the support portion in the extended configuration extends further away from the central axis in a direction perpendicular to the principal direction, so as to provide additional support and / or functionality to the frame. Tire furniture may be any furniture having a plurality of leg members that support the subframe, which in turn supports a weight-bearing structure. In some embodiments, the subframe may be integrally formed with the weight-bearing structure. In some embodiments, the subframe may form separately from the weight-bearing structure. For example, the furniture may be a table, a chair, or a storage unit, where its subframe may be integrally or separately formed with, and supporting respectively, a tabletop, a seat or the core structure of the storage unit. For conciseness, a chair may be used as an example herein, but the working principle may nevertheless be applicable to other types of furniture. In the case of a chair, the frame may be configured to accommodate a seat on the subframe to form a chair. That is, the seat may be fixed onto an upper side of the subframe by welding or by suitable fasteners. In some embodiments, the subframe and the seat may be integrally formed. The seat may preferably be of the same width as the subframe, or it may be wider to accommodate the users’ needs. In some embodiments, the seat may be secured onto the subframe by releasable attachment so that it can be detached from the subframe during storage or cleaning, or be interchangeable with seats of different sizes and / or designs. The furniture may be any furniture having a plurality of legs or vertically extending support structures. For example, in the case where the furniture is a chair, the chair may be a high chair, a stool, a high-back chair, or a sofa. In other cases, where the furniture is a table, the table may be a dining table, desk or bar table. Generally speaking, the present invention is particularly beneficial to furniture having great height-to-width ratios which are prone to tipping over, but it is nevertheless applicable to any type of applicable furniture. The leg members are fixedly attached, by welding or by fasteners, to a lower side of the subframe. Hie leg members, or at least part of the leg members, may extend in the principal direction, e.g. parallel to the central axis. Alternatively, the leg members may extend in a non-parallel arrangement and are inclined to the central axis to achieve a widened base to provide additional stability. Thus, the first ends of the legs and the subframe may be referred to as an upper portion of the frame. The leg members may comprise any cross-sectional profiles, for example circular, oval, square rectangular and other polygonal profiles. In a preferred embodiment, the leg members are cuboidshaped each having a square cross-sectional profile. In some embodiments, the lengths of the leg members may parallelly extend along the principal direction. The leg members may have the same lengths or different lengths. In some other embodiments, part of the lengths of the leg members may parallelly extend along the principal direction, with another part of the lengths of leg members extending perpendicularly or inclined to the principal direction. In some other embodiments, the entire, or part of the, lengths of the leg members may extend inclined to the principal direction. In a preferred embodiment, the frame may comprise four leg members spaced equally from their adjacent leg members. A perimeter may be defined by imaginary lines drawn between the outermost parts of the support portion and / or a part of the frame lying in a plane containing the support portion when all the support portions are put into the stowed configuration, wherein the plane may extend in a direction orthogonal to the principal direction. In other words, the central axis of the frame may be equally spaced from all sides of the perimeter and / or the support portions and / or the leg members. In some embodiments, the central axis may extend through the subframe. More specifically, the central axis may be an axis that extends through the centre of the frame in the principal direction. Depending on the number of leg members and / or the profile of the support portion, the perimeter comprise any profile, for example, polygonal shapes such as triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal and hexagonal profiles. Broadly speaking, the perimeter in the plane generally defines the lateral boundary of a lower portion, or the lowermost portion, of the frame, e.g. the base of the frame, and therefore can be considered as the overall footprint of the frame in the stowed configuration. In preferred embodiments where the leg members parallelly extend from respective comers of the subframe in the principal direction, the subframe may also substantially fit inside this perimeter, with the central axis extending therethrough, and therefore the maximum width of the entire frame in these embodiments, in the stowed configuration, is taken to be the width of the perimeter. More specifically, in the stowed configuration the arm of the support portion fits within the perimeter of the lower portion of the frame, in the first plane, when viewed along the principal direction. That is, the support portion may fit underneath, and stacked, under the leg members in the stowed configuration, so that the perimeter remains the widest point of the lower portion of the frame. In other words, the arms of the support portions are at positions closer to the central axis in the stowed configuration in comparison to that in the extended configuration. This minimises the storage space required when the furniture is not in use, as well as allowing the furniture to be packaged into smaller packages for transportation. When put into the extended configuration, the support portion extends outwardly from the perimeter in the first plane and widens the footprint of the frame, thereby offering additional support, stability and / or functionality for the furniture. Hie support portion may be positioned underneath the second end of one or each of the leg members, and mainly serves the purpose of providing support or stability when they are deployed in the extended configuration and / or to provide additional functionalities. That is, the support portion supports the frame on an underlying surface, e.g. a floor, and when put into the extended configuration, the support portion widens the footprint of the frame, thereby providing additional support. There are a few different embodiments or designs according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the arm of the support portion extends in a plane orthogonal to the principal direction, the arm having the mounting point and a distal end spaced from the mounting point, wherein the distal end of the arm is pivotable in the plane to convert between the stowed configuration and the extended configuration. That is, in these configurations, the mounting point may be provided at or above an upper surface of the arm. In other embodiments, the arm of the support portion extends in a plane orthogonal to the principal direction. The ann may be coupled to an extension that is aligned with the respective leg member along the principal direction in the stowed configuration, and a distal end spaced from the extension, wherein a free end of the extension is provided with the mounting point so as to allow the support portion to pivot about a vertical axis in the principal direction to convert between the stowed configuration and the extended configuration. In these embodiments, the mounting point is vertically offset from the plane, e.g. they are elevated from the amis by the extension. Optionally, the support portion comprises an elongated arm, e.g. a single arm, having a distal end and a mounting point or vertical extension towards its other end. Thus, the ann is pivotable in the plane about the mounting point. In these embodiments, each arm provides additional support in one direction when deployed. Alternatively, the support portion comprises two amis joined at the mounting point or the vertical extension, wherein the two arms extend perpendicularly to each other in the plane. That is, the support portion may be an L-shaped element when viewed along the principal direction. In these embodiments, each arm provides support in two orthogonal directions when deployed. Optionally, the length of the arm is substantially equal to half of the separation between the second ends of two adjacent leg members, e.g. in a horizontal plane. That is, the width of the perimeter may substantially accommodate the combined lengths of two arms from each of the two adjacent leg members. Optionally, the support portions mounted on adjacent leg members are configured to connect at the distal ends of their respective arms in the stowed configuration. More specifically, the connected anus may form a lateral brace to the lower portion of the frame, thereby it may advantageously increase the overall rigidity of the frame in the stowed configuration. Optionally, the arm comprises a releasable connector for forming a releasable connection with an arm of a support portion mounted on an adjacent leg member. More specifically, when put in a stowed configuration, the arms associated with two adjacent leg members may be secured by the releasable connection, further increasing the rigidity of the frame. The releasable connector may be a toggle latch where the catch hook is placed on one of the arms and the latch installed on the other, or a slidable retainer slidable in channels formed in the two arms. Optionally, the frame comprises retaining means for retaining the support portion at the stowed configuration and the extended configuration. For example, one of the second end of the leg member or the support portion may be provided with a protrusion corresponding to a depression formed on the other one of the second end of the leg member or the support portion to restrain relative movement between the two. Optionally, the support portion comprises an auxiliary’ arm hingedly connected to the distal end of the arm, such that an end of the auxiliary arm is pivotable between a first position in which the auxiliary arm extends parallel to the arm, and a second position in which the auxiliary arm extends perpendicular to the arm and along the principal direction. In other words, the auxiliary ann is pivotable about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the principal direction. Advantageously, the auxiliary arm may allow the furniture to be stowed in a more compact form, as well as enable the height of the seat to be adjusted to suit different users. Optionally, the frame comprises auxiliary retaining means for retaining the auxiliary ann in the first position and the second position. For example, the hinge connecting the arm and the auxiliary arm may comprise a right angle self-locking hinge which releasably locks the auxiliary arm in the second position, and optionally in the first position. In other embodiments, the hinge may comprise any suitable hinge which is able to releasably retain the auxiliary’ arm in the first and / or second position. Optionally, the auxiliary arm comprises an elastomer material extending over two perpendicular surfaces of the auxiliary ann. More specifically, the elastomer material may be a continuous strip extending over the two surfaces that may come into contact with the floor when the auxiliary' arm is put into respective first and second positions. In some embodiments, the support portion comprises an upper section having a mounting point through which the support portion is pivotally mounted to the second end of the leg member, and a lower section comprising the arm extends perpendicularly to the upper section; wherein the support portion is pivotable about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the principal direction to convert between the stowed configuration in which the upper section aligns with the leg member with the lower section extending perpendicularly to the leg member, and tire extended configuration in which the upper section extends perpendicularly to the leg member with the lower section extends in the principal direction. In contrast to the earlier embodiments, the support portion in these embodiments may pivot about the horizontal axis, e.g. the lower section may be lifted as it converts from the stowed configuration to the extended configurations. Optionally, the lower section comprises a single ann extending, the stowed configuration, in a plane orthogonal to the principal direction, and wherein the upper section is connected to an end of the arm, and optionally the length of the arm substantially equals to half of the separation between two diagonally arranged leg members. Alternatively, the lower section comprises two arms extending, in the stowed configuration, perpendicularly to each other in the same plane, and wherein the upper section is connected to a joint formed between the two amis, and optionally the length of the arm substantially equals to half of the separation between the second ends of two adjacent leg members. In some embodiments, the support portion comprises: two sets of support members each having a first arm and a second arm perpendicularly extending in respective planes parallel to the principal direction with a mounting point provided at a joint formed between the first and second arms or a distal end of the first arm, the support portion is pivotably mounted, by the mounting points, onto two adjacent leg members and pivotable about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the principal direction to convert between the stowed and extended configurations; and a stmt extending between corresponding first arms of the support members. Optionally, the strut is connected to distal ends of the first arms spaced from their respective joints with the second arms, or at respective joints of the first arms with the second arms spaced from their distal ends, or anywhere along the length of the first arms. Optionally, a footrest (in the case where the furniture is a chair or a table) or a shelf (in the case where the furniture is a table or other suitable furniture) is provided at the first arms or the strut, wherein when converted into the extended configuration the footrest or the shelf is elevated and becomes functional. In these embodiments, the support portion may comprise a stowable footrest or shelf where, in the stowed configuration, the support portion may be substantially confined within or underneath the perimeter of the frame, e.g. the support portion does not increase the overall footprint of the frame. That is, in the stowed configuration the arms that are connected to the strut align with their respective leg members to support the frame. When the support portion is rotated about the horizontal axis and thereby coverts into the extended configuration, the arms that are not directly connected to the strut align with their respective leg members, or extend in the principal direction, to support the frame, and the arms that are connected to the strut are rotated to extend perpendicularly to their respective leg members to support the strut. Thus, in the extended configuration, the strut is elevated and extended outwardly from the perimeter when viewed along the principal direction. Since the two perpendicularly arranged arms are of the same length, the weight-bearing structure, e.g. a seat, a tabletop, or the core structure of the storage unit as supported on the frame, may advantageously remain at substantially the same elevation in both the stowed and extended configurations. Optionally, the support portion further comprises an auxiliary strut extending between corresponding second arms of the support members. For example, the strut may be connected to distal ends of the second arms spaced from their respective joints. Advantageously, such an arrangement may provide additional rigidity and support to the frame. Optionally, the stmt forms the footrest or the shelf. Advantageously, such an arrangement may limit the overall width of the frame in the stowed configuration, and due to its simplicity the manufacturing cost and complexity may be reduced. In some embodiments, the surface of the strut may be provided with an elastomer strip for improving the grip of the footrest or the shelf. Alternatively, the footrest or the shelf comprises a substantially planar element mounted onto the strut or sidewalls of the first arms. The footrest or the shelf may advantageously improve the ergonomics and appeal of the chair or the table as it provides a sufficiently large surface area for resting a user's feet. The footrest or the shelf, which may not be considered as a part of the support portion, may be mounted proud of the strut or the first amis and therefore in some cases it may not fit inside the perimeter when viewed along the principal direction. Optionally, the support members comprise a curved member extending between the free ends of each pair of first and second amis, the curved member having a constant radius along its length and configured to provide continuous support for the corresponding leg member when the frame is being converted between the stowed and extended configurations. Thus, as the frame converts between the stowed and extended configurations, the weight of the furniture may be continuously supported on the curved member, and thereby such an arrangement may ensure the stability of the furniture during the conversion. In some embodiments, the support portion comprises an arm having a proximal end rotatably connected to the second end of the leg member at the mounting point, wherein the proximal end of the arm and the second end of the leg member are tapered along a second plane angled at 45 degrees to the principal direction and a horizontal axis perpendicular to the principal direction, wherein the proximal end of the arm is pivotable in the second plane to convert the frame between the stowed configuration in which the arm and the leg member are aligned in the principal direction, and the extended configuration where the arm extends perpendicular to the leg member. The mounting point may comprise a ball joint for allowing rotational movement between the arm and the leg member. More specifically, in these embodiments, the opposing surfaces at the proximal end of the arm and the second end of the leg members are angled 45° to their respective sidewalls. Thus, by rotating the arm by 180° about the mounting point, the arm is converted from a vertically extending member to a horizontally extending member. Optionally, at least part of the leg members parallelly extend in the principal direction. Optionally, the frame is formed from one or more of metal, wood and polymer. Optionally, the frame is configured to accommodate a weight-bearing structure on the subframe to form the furniture. Hie weight-bearing structure is configured to bear weight. For example, in the case where the furniture is a chair, the weight-bearing structure may be a seat arranged to bear the weight of a user, or in the case where the furniture is a table, the weight-bearing structure may be a tabletop arranged to bear the weight of objects placed thereon, or in the case where the furniture is a storage unit, the weightbearing structure may be a base of the storage unit arranged to bear the weight of the core structure of the storage unit and the objects contained therein / placed thereon. Alternatively, the subframe may be integrally formed with a weight-bearing structure to form the furniture. For example, the plurality of leg members may be directly connected to the weight-bearing structure. In other words, in these embodiments, the weight-bearing structure forms the subframe. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a frame for furniture, the frame extends in a principal direction along a central axis, comprising: a subframe through which the central axis extends; and a plurality of support portions each having a leg member; the leg member having a mounting point provided at its first end through which the support portion is pivotably mounted to the subframe to convert between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration, and a second end opposite to the first end attached to at least one arm; wherein, in comparison to the stowed configuration, the arm of the support portion in the extended configuration extends further away from the central axis in a direction perpendicular to the principal direction to provide additional support and / or functionality to the frame. That is, in contrast to the first aspect of the present invention, the subframe defines the perimeter of the frame and one or more leg members are each rotatable with the support portion, and relative to the subframe, to switch between the stowed and extended configurations. In some embodiments, all or part of the leg members may extend parallelly along the principal direction. In some other embodiments, the leg members may extend at an incline to the first plane and / or to each other, i.e. the leg members may extend in directions having vectors in both the principal direction and the horizontal direction. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a furniture, comprising: the frame of the first or the second aspect; and a weight-bearing structure mounted on or integrally formed with the subframe. Features from the first aspect or the third aspect of the present invention may be applicable to any other feature from the other aspect. Brief Description of the Drawings Certain embodiments of the presently-claimed invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures IA and IB are perspective views of a furniture in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figures IC and ID are respectively truncated plan and side views of a support portion as shown in Figure IB; Figures IE and IF are plan views of a frame of the furniture taken at a first plane A as shown in respective Figures 1A and IB; Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views of a furniture in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2C and 2D are truncated side views of a support portion in respectively stowed and extended configurations as shown in Figures 2A and 2B; Figures 3A and 3B are perspective views of a furniture in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figures 3C and 3D are truncated side views of a support portion in respectively stowed and extended configurations as shown in Figures 3A and 3B; Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of a furniture in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figures 4C and 4D are truncated side views of a support portion in respectively stowed and extended configurations as shown in Figures 4A and 4B; Figures 5A and 5B are perspective views of a furniture in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figures 6A and 6B are perspective views of a furniture in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figures 7A and 7B are perspective views of a furniture in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; Figures 8A and 8B are perspective views of a furniture in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; Figures 9A and 9B are perspective views of a furniture in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 10A and 10B are perspective views of a furniture in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description First Embodiment Figures 1A and IB are perspective views of a furniture 2 in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figures IC and ID are respectively truncated plan and side views of a support portion as shown in Figure IB. Figures IE and IF are plan views of a frame 10 of the furniture 2 taken at a first plane A as shown in respective Figures 1A and IB. As an example, the furniture 2 shown in the figures is a chair 2. Alternatively, in the first embodiment as well as the second to ninth embodiments as shown in Figures 1 to 9 of the present application, the furniture may be a table, a storage unit, or other suitable types of furniture utilising the same working principle. As shown in Figures 1A and IB, the chair 2 comprises a seat 4 mounted on a frame 10. The frame 10 comprises a horizontally extending subframe 12 fixed attached to the first ends of four leg members 14 that are parallelly extending in a principal direction, or a vertical direction when the chair 2 is placed in an upright position. The frame 10 as shown is of a cuboid shape. In other embodiments, the frame may resemble any other polygonal prism, such as triangular, rectangular or pentagonal prisms depending on the number of leg members and their positions and / or orientation in the first plane A. In other embodiments, some or all of the leg members may incline to the principal direction. The leg members may be straight, angled, or curved members. Hie frame extends in the principal direction along a central axis Y. The central axis Y extends through the subframe 12, and is centred in the frame in a direction perpendicular to the principal direction, e.g. a horizontal direction or a horizontal plane. More specifically, in the stowed configuration as shown in Figures 1A and IE, the central axis is separated at equal distances from all sides of the frame 10 or the subframe 12 when viewed in the principal direction. The chair 2 as illustrated in the figures is a bar stool but the frame 10 is adaptable to use in any suitable chair design that exhibits a great height-to-width ratio, such as a highchair, where the elevated centre of gravity leads to inherent instability. The second ends of the leg members 14 are pivotally or rotatably connected to respective support portions 20. Together, when put into the stowed configuration, the support portions 20 define a squareshaped perimeter 16 of the frame 10 in the first plane A orthogonal to the principal direction. The perimeter 16 can be considered as a footprint of the frame 10, as illustrated in the plan views of Figures IE and IF taken across a first plane A of Figures 1A and IB. In other words, the perimeter 16 may be defined by the X-Y coordinates of the support portions and / or the frame across the first plane A. In most of the embodiments, since the leg members 14 are parallelly extended in the principal direction and each is mounted flush to a respective comer of the subframe 12, the perimeter 16 remains substantially the same throughout the height of the frame 10. In some other embodiments, even though the subframe and / or the seat at an upper portion of the frame may be wider than the width at its base, or the leg members are inclined and part of which wider than the width at its base, the perimeter as defined in the present invention may nevertheless refer to the perimeter as defined in the first plane. As shown in Figure 1A, the support portion 20 comprises two arms 30a, 30b perpendicularly extending in a plane perpendicular to the principal direction. The arms 30a, 30b each comprises a distal end spaced from the joint formed between the two arms 30a, 30b. A mounting point is provided at an upper surface of the joint to rotatably connect the support portion 20 to the second end of the corresponding leg member 14. Thus, by the rotatable connection, the support portion 20 is rotatable in the plane, with the distal ends of the arms 30a, 30b pivotable about the mounting point. The length of each arm 30a, 30b substantially equals half the width of the perimeter, or half of the separation between two adjacent leg members, such that, in a stowed configuration, one of the arms 30a from the support portion 20 abuts the other one of the arms 30b of a support portion 20 rotatably connected to an adjacent leg member 14. Thus, in the stowed configuration, the arms 30a, 30b from adjacent leg members 14 form a brace for the lower portion of the frame 10, thereby improving its rigidity. Furthermore, each of the arms 30a, 30b comprises an elastomer strip or elastomer coating 36 at their bottom surface which is arranged to increase the grip between the support portion 20 and an underlying surface, e.g. the floor. Each of the anus 30a, 30b comprises a T-shaped channel 32 extending along an inwardly-facing surface when the support portion 20 is stowed in the stowed configuration, with the channel 32 of one of the arms 30a accommodating a corresponding T-shaped protrusion of a slidable retainer 34 therein. The channels 32 are elevated at the same level so that tire slidable retainer 34 is slidable along the channels 32 of the two arms 30a, 30b from adjacent leg members 14. More specifically, in the stowed configuration as shown in Figure 1A, the channel 32 at one of the arms 30a is axially aligned with the channel 32 of the one of the arms 30b of an adjacent leg member, thus by sliding the slidable retainer 34 to a locked position where its T-shaped protrusion is fitted inside both channels 32 of the corresponding arms 30a, 30b associated with adjacent leg members 14, the two adjacent support portions 20 are releasably locked in place in the stowed configuration. In the stowed configuration as shown Figure 1A, the support portions 20 is tucked neatly underneath the frame 10, e.g. their arms 30a, 30b do not extend beyond the perimeter when viewed along the principal direction. To convert into die extended configuration as shown in Figure IB, the user may first retract all the slidable retainers 34 along the channels 32 of their respective arms 30a, and thereby releasing the slideable retainers 34 from the arms 30b of the adjacent support portions 20. Thereafter, each support portion 20 may be rotated about the mounting point by 180 degrees, thereby pivoting the distal ends of the arm outwardly from the perimeter, in the process widening die footprint of the frame 10 and improving its stability. More specifically, in the extended configuration, the arms 30a of the support portions 20 are extended, along a direction perpendicular to the principal axis (e.g. a horizontal direction), further away from the central axis Y than that in the stowed configuration. The frame further comprises retaining means for retaining the support portion at the stowed configuration and the extended configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the surfaces of the support portion 20 and the second end of the leg member 14 comprises a protrusion or a bulge (not shown) corresponding to a depression or a dimple (not shown) formed on the other one of the surface of the support portion 20 and the second end of the leg member 14. When the support portion 20 is put into the desired position, i.e., in the stowed and extended configurations, the protrusion fits into the depression to retain the two components in position. To convert into another configuration, the user may rotate the support portion 20 to disengage the protrusion from the depression. Furthermore, the protrusion in some embodiments may be spring-loaded to improve the ease of disengagement. In some other embodiments (not shown), the leg member may be fixedly attached to the support portion, e.g. the two components may be welded together or uniformly formed. In these embodiments, the mounting point may be provided at the first end of the leg member such that together the leg member and the support portion are rotatable about the mounting point relative to the subframe to convert between the stowed and extended configuration. Second Embodiment Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views of a furniture 102 in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 2C and 2D are truncated side views of a support portion 120 in respectively stowed and extended configurations as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. As an example, the furniture 102 shown in the figures is a chair 102. The chair 102 is structurally and functionally similar to the chair 2 of the first embodiment, in that it comprises a frame 110 having horizontally extending support portions 120 that are rotatably mounted onto their respective second end of the leg members 114, which enables the said support portions 120 to pivot about a plane perpendicular to the principal direction to convert between the stowed and extended configurations, wherein in the extended configuration the arms 130a, 130b of the support portion 120 are extended further away from the central axis Y of the frame 1 lOFor conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to chair 2 of the first embodiment, the chair 102 as shown in Figures 2A to 2D additionally comprises an auxiliary arm 140 hindgedly attached to the distal end of each of the arms 130a, 130b, such that the auxiliary arm 140 is pivotable in a horizontal axis perpendicular to the principal direction. More specifically, the side wall of the distal end of the arm 130a, 130b is connected to a corresponding side wall of the auxiliary arm 140 by a right-angle locking hinge 142. The right-angle locking hinge 142 comprises a locking pin 144 passing through a slot 146 formed at a sidewall of the hinge 142, where the length of the slot 146 defines the limits of rotational movement in the auxiliary arm 140. Hie auxiliary arm 140 is lockable in stowed or extended configuration by drawing the locking pm 144 horizontally away from the locking hinge 142, and is releasable by pushing the locking pin 144 into the locking hinge 142. In the stowed configuration, as shown in Figures 2A and 2C, the sidewalls of the arm 130a, 130b and the auxiliary arm 140 are parallel to each other, and therefore in this configuration, the length of the auxiliary arm 140 extends orthogonally to the principal direction. When the auxiliary arm 140 is put into the extended configuration, it pivots about the horizontal axis by 90 degrees to extend parallel to the principal direction. Thus, in the extended configuration, the height of the frame 110 is extended. Advantageously, such an arrangement allows the elevation of the seat to be adjustable to suit the user’s physical needs. Since the sidewall and the end face of the auxiliary arm 140 both contact the floor depending upon the orientation of the auxiliary arm 140, a single piece of elastomer strip 148 is provided to cover both the sidewall and the end face of the auxiliary arm 140. Advantageously, such an arrangement simplifies the complexity of the manufacturing process. Third Embodiment Figures 3A and 3B are perspective views of a furniture 202 in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 3C and 3D are truncated side views of a support portion in respectively stowed and extended configurations as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. As an example, the furniture 202 shown in the figures is a chair 202. Similar to the chair 2 of the first embodiment, the chair 202 comprises a seat 204 mounted on a horizontally extending subframe 212 of a cuboid-shaped frame 210, and wherein the subframe 212 is fixedly attached to the first ends of four leg members 214 parallel ly extending in the principal direction. The four leg members 214 each comprises a second end rotatably connected to a support portion 220, wherein the support portions 220 in the stowed configuration define a perimeter across a first plane orthogonal to the principal direction. Furthermore, each support portion 220 comprises a pair of perpendicularly extending arms 230a, 230b which, in the stowed configuration, extend in a plane perpendicular to the principal direction. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to the chair 2 of the first embodiment, each support portion 220 is configured to rotate about a horizontal axis that extends at 45° relative to two sides of the perimeter, so as to convert between the stowed configuration and the extended configuration respectively shown in Figures 3A and 3B. More specifically, the support portion 220 further comprises an extension 231 extending perpendicularly to the plane, wherein a free end of the extension 231 is pivotally connected to the second end of the corresponding leg member 214 by a hinge strut 240. The other end of the extension 231 is connected to a joint formed between the perpendicularly extending arms 230a, 230b. That is, in the stowed configuration, the extension 231 is vertically aligned with its corresponding leg member 214. The leg member 214, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, is in the shape of a triangular prism having a right-angle triangular cross-sectional profile. Such a design allows the hypotenusal sidewall of the triangular prism to accommodate the hinge strut 240, so as to allow the support portion 220 to pivot outwardly from an apex of the perimeter to convert into the extended configuration as shown in Figure 3B. The hinge strut 240 comprises a mechanism configured to limit the rotation of the support portion to 90°, at which it is capable to support the weight of the chair 202 and the user during use. Similar to other embodiments, in the extended configuration die arms 230a, 230b are extended further away from the central axis Y in comparison to that in the stowed configuration. Furthermore, the distal end of arms 230a, 230b are tapered at 45° to their respective sidewalls, which allows the entire distal end thereof to flush with the floor when the frame is deployed in the extended configuration, thereby improving the stability of the chair. Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of a furniture 302 in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 4C and 4D are truncated side views of a support portion in respectively stowed and extended configurations as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. As an example, the furniture 302 shown in the figures is a chair 302. The chair 302 is structurally and functionally similar to the chair 202 of the third embodiment, in that it comprises a frame 310 having horizontally extending support portions 320 rotatably mounted onto their respective second end of the leg members 314, which enables the said support portions 320 to pivot about a vertical plane to convert between the stowed and extended configurations. More specifically, the support portion 320 comprises an extension 331 perpendicularly connected to an arm 330, wherein a free end of the extension 331 is pivotally connected to the second end of the corresponding leg member 314 by a hinge strut 340. Specifically, m the stowed configuration, the extension 331 and the arm 330 respectively extend parallel to and perpendicularly to the principal direction, Moreover, in the extended configuration the arms 330a, 330b are extended further away from the central axis Y in comparison to that in the stowed configuration. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to the chair 202 of the third embodiment, the support portions 320 of the chair 302 as shown in Figures 4A to 4D each comprises a single arm 330 extending in a plane perpendicular to the principal direction in the stowed configuration. The arm 330 extends diagonally across the frame 310 when it is put into the stowed configuration. Thus, the arm 330 is longer in length in comparison to the arms 230a, 230b of the chair 202 of the third embodiment. Advantageously, such an arrangement reduces the drop in seat elevation when the chair 320 is put into the extended configuration. For example, in embodiments where the extension 331 and the arm 330 are identical in length, the seat elevation does not change between the stowed and extended configurations. Furthermore, unlike the chair 202 of the third embodiment, when put into the extended configuration, the arm 330 extends in the principal direction with its distal end to flush with the floor. Thus, the distal ends of the arms 330 do not require any tapering. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal ends of the arms 330 are spaced from each other in the stowed configuration. In some other embodiments, the distal ends of each of the arms may abut each other at the centre of the frame to act as a brace, thus advantageously such an arrangement may improve the rigidity of the frame. Fifth Embodiment Figures 5A and 5B are perspective views of a furniture 402 in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the furniture 402 shown in the figures is a chair 402. Similar to the chair 2 of the first embodiment, the chair 402 comprises a seat 404 mounted on a horizontally extending subframe 412 of a cuboid-shaped frame 410, and wherein the subframe 412 is fixedly attached onto the first ends of four leg members 414 parallelly extending in the principal direction. The leg members 414, e.g. a part of the frame, and the support portion 420 in the stowed configuration define a perimeter across a first plane orthogonal to the principal direction. Similar to other embodiments, in the extended configuration the arms 430a, 430b are extended further away from the central axis Y in comparison to that in the stowed configuration. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to the chair 2 of the first embodiment, two of the leg members 414 of the chair 402 do not connect to any support portion. That is, such leg members 414 extend the length of the frame, and directly support the frame 410 on the floor. The other two leg members 414, adjacent to each other, are pivotally connected to a support portion 420 by connectors 424, so as to allow the support portion 420 to rotate about a horizontal axis to convert between the stowed and extended configurations. That is, the support portion 420 is arranged to pivot over a movement range of 90° between the stowed and extended configurations. The connectors 424 comprise a locking mechanism to releasably lock the support potion 420 in one or both of the two configurations. The support portion 420 can be considered as a stowable footrest, wherein in the stowed configuration, the support portion 420 is fully stowed at a position below the subframe 412. More specifically, as shown in Figures 5 A and 5B, the support portion 420 comprises two sets of support members each having a first arm 430a and a second arm 430b perpendicularly extending in respective vertical planes and joined at a joint formed between the two arms 430a, 430b, with a mounting point provided at a distal end of the first arm 430a. Together the mounting points on the two support members pivotably mount the support portion 420 onto the two adjacent leg members 414. The first arm 30a and the second arm 430b are identical in length, and in alignment with their corresponding leg members 414 in respective stowed and extended configurations. Specifically, in the stowed configuration, the first arms 430a bear the weight of the frame and when rotated 90° degrees about the horizontal axis, the second arms 430b provide support to the frame 410. Advantageously, since the first arms 430a and the second arms 430b are identical in length, the elevation of the seat 404 remains the same in both the stowed and extended configurations. In the extended configuration, the second arms 430b are positioned further away from the central axis Y, and / or further away from the perimeter of the frame 410 when viewed along the principal direction. Thus, in the extended configuration the footprint of the frame 410 is enlarged and thereby advantageously offers additional stability to the chair 402. Furthermore, the support portion 420 comprises a strut 426 horizontally extending between the joints of each of the two first arms 430a. The strut 426 functions as a footrest such that when the frame is put into the extended configuration, the user may rest his / her feet on tire strut 426. The surface of the strut that is arranged to be in contact with the user’s feet further comprises an elastomer strip or elastomer coating (not shown) for improving the grip offered thereon. In some embodiments, the strut may be connected to the two first arms at any position along their lengths. In some other embodiements, the position of the strut may be adjustable along the length of the two first arms such that, in the extended configuration, the elevation of the footrest may be adjusted. Sixth Embodiment Figures 6A and 6B are perspective views of a furniture 502 in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the furniture 502 shown in the figures is a chair 502. Similar to the chair 402 of the fifth embodiment, the chair 502 comprises a seat 504 mounted on a horizontally extending subframe 512 of a cuboid-shaped frame 510, and wherein the subframe 512 is fixedly attached onto the first ends of four leg members 514 that are paral Icily extending in the principal direction. Together the leg members 514, e.g. a part of the frame, and the support portion 520 in the stowed configuration, define a perimeter across a first plane orthogonal to the principal direction. Furthermore, the frame 510 comprises a support portion 520 which is rotatable about a horizontal axis and serves as a stowable footrest. Similar to other embodiments, in the extended configuration the arms 530a, 530b are extended further away from the central axis Y in comparison to that in the stowed configuration. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to the chair 402 of the fifth embodiment, the chair 502 comprises a planar footrest 550 mounted onto the sidewalls of the first arms 530a. Specifically, the footrest 550 extends across the width of the support portion 520 parallel to the horizontal axis. Such an arrangement advantageously provides a larger surface area for resting the user’s foot, thereby improving the ergonomics of the chair 502. In some other embodiments, the footrest may be mounted on the strut and may fully or partially extend along its length. The planar footrest 550 is a component separate from the support portion 520, thus, in the stowed configuration, even though the planar footrest 550 does not stow underneath the subframe 512, the support portion 520 nevertheless positions within the perimeter when viewed along the principal direction. Furthermore, the distal ends of the second arms 520b are fixedly connected to a horizontally extending auxiliary strut 528 to provide additional rigidity to the frame. In other embodiments, the extending auxiliary strut may be connected to any position along the lengths of the second arms. Seventh Embodiment Figures 7A and 7B are perspective views of a furniture 602 in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the furniture 602 shown in the figures is a chair 602. Similar to the chair 402 of the fifth embodiment, the chair 602 comprises a seat 604 mounted on a horizontally extending subframe 612 of a cuboid-shaped frame 610, and wherein the subframe 612 is fixedly attached to the first ends of four leg members 614 parallelly extending in the principal direction. Together, the leg members 614, e.g. a part of the frame, and the support portion 620, define a perimeter across a first plane orthogonal to the principal direction. Furthermore, the frame 610 comprises a support portion 620 which is rotatable about a horizontal axis and serves as a stowable footrest. Similar to other embodiments, in the extended configuration the arms 630a, 630b are extended further away from the central axis Y in comparison to that in the stowed configuration. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to the chair 402 of the fifth embodiment, the mounting points of the support portion 620 are provided at joints formed between the two arms 630a, 630b in each support member. That is, the support portion 620 is rotatable about a horizontal axis at the joints over a movement range of 90° to convert between the stowed and extended configurations. In the stowed configuration as shown in Figure 7A, the support portion 620 is fully stowed at a position below the subframe 612 and the frame is partly supported by the first arms 630a in alignment with their corresponding leg members 614. When the support portion 620 is rotated 90° degrees about the horizontal axis, the frame 610 is put into the extended configuration as shown in Figure 7B. In this configuration, the second arms 630b bear the weight of the frame and the first arms 630a extend outwardly from the perimeter when viewed along the principal direction. That is, in the extended configuration the second arms 630b are extended further away from the central axis in comparison to that of the stowed configuration. The support portion 620 comprises a strut 626 horizontally extending between the distal ends of each of the two first arms 630a. Similar to the chair 402 of the fifth embodiment, the strut 626 functions as a footrest such that when the frame is put into the extended configuration, the user may rest his / her feet on the strut. Ure surface of the strut that is arranged to be in contact with the user’s feet further comprises an elastomer strip or elastomer coating (not shown) for improving the grip offered. In some embodiments, the strut may be connected to the two first arms at any position along their lengths. In some other embodiments, the position of the strut may be adjustable along the length of the two first arms such that, in the extended configuration, the elevation of the footrest may be adjusted. In some other embodiments, the support portion may comprise a planar footrest mounted onto the sidewalls of the first amis or the strut similar to that featured in the sixth embodiment shown in Figures 6Aand 6B. Eighth Embodiment Figures 8A and 8B are perspective views of a furniture 702 in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the furniture 702 shown in the figures is a chair 702. Similar to the chair 602 of the seventh embodiment, the chair 702 comprises a seat 704 mounted on a horizontally extending subframe 712 of a cuboid-shaped frame 710, and wherein the subframe 712 is fixedly attached to the first ends of four leg members 714 parallelly extending in the principal direction. Together, the leg members 714, e.g. a part of the frame, and the support portion 720, define a perimeter across a first plane orthogonal to the principal direction. Furthermore, the frame 710 comprises a support portion 720 which is rotatable about a horizontal axis and serves as a stowable footrest, i.e. the support portion 720 comprises a strut 726 horizontally extending between the distal ends of each of the two first arms 730a. The mounting points of the support portion 720 are provided at joints formed between the two arms 730a, 730b in each support member. That is, the support portion 720 is rotatable about a horizontal axis at the joints over a movement range of 90° to convert between the stowed and extended configurations. Similar to other embodiments, in the extended configuration the arms 730a, 730b, 730c are extended further away from the central axis Y in comparison to that in the stowed configuration. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to the chair 602 of the seventh embodiment, the support portion 720 of the chair 702 comprises an additional third arm 730c provided at the distal end of the respective first arm 730a and extend parallel to the respective second arm 730b. That is, in the stowed configuration the said third arm 830c extends perpendicular to the principal direction, where the support portion 720 is fully stowed at a position below the subframe 712 and the frame is partly supported by the first arms 730a in alignment with their corresponding leg members 714. In the extended configuration, i.e., when the support portion 720 is rotated 90° degrees about the horizontal axis, the said third arm 730c extends in the principal direction and horizontally offsets from the respective leg member 714. Thus, in the extended configuration, the support portion 720 may resemble a cube and rests on the floor with four points of contact, e.g. the distal ends of two second arms 730b and two third arms 730c. In this configuration, the second arms 730b bear the weight of the frame and the first arms 730a and the third arms 730c extend outwardly from the perimeter when viewed along the principal direction. Advantageously, such an arrangement may significantly improve the stability of the frame, in particular the footrest, when the frame is put into the extended configuration, thus preventing the chair 702 from tipping over when the user forces on the footrest. Ninth Embodiment Figures 9A and 9B are perspective views of a furniture 802 in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the furniture 802 shown in the figures is a table 802. The tabletop, mounted above a horizontally extending subframe 812, is omitted from the figures to avoid obscuring the other features, however, it is nevertheless present. Furthennore, the tabletop is preferably wider than the subframe, or it may have substantially the same width as the subframe. The subframe 812 is provided above a frame 810 which has a rectangular footprint, i.e. the frame has a greater width than its depth. Similar to the chair 602 of the seventh embodiment, the subframe 812 is fixedly attached to the first ends of four leg members 814 paral Icily extending in the principal direction. Together, the leg members 814, e.g. a part of the frame 810, and the support portion 820, define a perimeter across a first plane orthogonal to the principal direction. Furthermore, the frame 810 comprises a support portion 820 which is rotatable about a horizontal axis and serves as a stowable footrest or a stowable shelf, i.e. the support portion 820 comprises a strut 826 horizontally extending between the distal ends of each of the two first arms 830a. The mounting points of the support portion 820 are provided at joints formed between the two arms 830a, 830b in each support member. That is, the support portion 820 is rotatable about a horizontal axis at the joints over a movement range of 90° to convert between tire stowed and extended configurations. Similar to other embodiments, in the extended configuration the arms 830a, 830b are extended further away from the central axis Y in comparison to that in the stowed configuration. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to the chair 602 of the seventh embodiment, the table 802 comprises two sets of support portions 820 provided at opposite sides of table 802. Each support portion 820 is rotatably connected to, and supports, the respective pair of leg members 814. Such an arrangement provides stowable footrests for users sitting at opposite sides of the table. Furthermore, the support portions 820 comprise a curved member 830d extending between the free ends of each pair of first arm 830a and second arm 830b. The curved member 830d comprises a constant radius along its length, i.e. when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the principal direction, the support portions 820 each resembles a quarter-circle. Advantageously, the curved members 830d provide continuous support for the corresponding leg members 814 when the frame is being converted between the stowed and extended configurations, and thereby ensuring the tabletop remains substantially level during the conversion. Furthermore, the curved member 830d may be provided to the free ends of the first and second arms of respective support portions of any applicable embodiments disclosed in the present application. In some other embodiments, one or both support portions of the table may be replaced by the support portion 620 of the seventh embodiment. Tenth Embodiment Figures 10A and 10B are perspective views of a furniture 902 in respectively stowed and extended configurations according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the furniture 902 shown in the figures is a chair 902. Similar to the chair 2 of the first embodiment, the chair 902 comprises a seat 904 mounted on a horizontally extending subframe 912 of a cuboid-shaped frame 910, and wherein the subframe 912 is fixedly attached to the first ends of four leg members 914 parallelly extending in the principal direction. The four support portions 920, define a perimeter across a first plane orthogonal to the principal direction, each comprises a second end rotatably connected to a support portion 920 by a ball joint (not shown). Similar to other embodiments, in the extended configuration the amis 930 are extended further away from the central axis Y in comparison to that in the stowed configuration. For conciseness, like features are not described again. In contrast to the chair 2 of the first embodiment, the support portion 920 comprises a single arm 930 having a proximal end with the mounting point containing the ball joint. The proximal end of the arm 930 and the second end of the leg member 914 are tapered along a second plane which extends at 45° to both the principal direction, e.g. the vertical axis, and a horizontal axis. Thus, the opposing contacting surfaces between the proximal end of the arm 930 and the second end of the leg member 914 are in full contact with each other. In the stowed configuration as shown in Figure 10A, the arm 930 substantially aligns with the leg member 914, as such the support portion 920 is stowed underneath the frame 910, i.e. confined within the perimeter when viewed along the principal direction. In order to convert into the extended configuration, the user may rotate the support portion 920 about the second plane, or more precisely to 5 rotate the support portion 920 about a third axis perpendicular to the second plane, such that the arm 930 extends perpendicular to the leg member 914 to provide additional support for the frame and thereby preventing the chair 902 from tipping over. 10

Claims

1. A frame for furniture, the frame extends in a principal direction along a central axis, comprising:a subframe through which the central axis extends;a plurality of leg members each having a first end connected to the subframe, and a second end opposite to the first end; andat least one support portion, the support portion comprises an arm and a mounting point through which the support portion is rotatably mounted to at least one leg member, such that the support portion is pivotable about the mounting point to convert between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration;wherein, in comparison to the stowed configuration, the arm of the support portion in the extended configuration extends further away from the central axis in a direction perpendicular to the principal direction so as to provide additional support and / or functionality to the frame.

2. The frame of claim 1, wherein the arm of the support portion extends in a plane orthogonal to the principal direction, the arm having the mounting point and a distal end spaced from the mounting point, wherein the distal end of the arm is pivotable in the plane to convert between the stowed configuration and the extended configuration.

3. The frame of claim 1, wherein the arm of the support portion extends in a plane orthogonal to the principal direction, the arm is coupled to an extension that is aligned with the respective leg member along the principal direction in the stowed configuration, and a distal end spaced from the extension, wherein a free end of the extension is provided with the mounting point so as to allow the support portion to pivot about a vertical axis in the principal direction to convert between the stowed configuration and the extended configuration.

4. The frame of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the length of the arm substantially equals to half of the separation between the second ends of two adjacent leg members.

5. The frame of any one of the claims 2 to 4, wherein the support portions mounted on adjacent leg members are configured to connect at the distal ends of their respective arms in the stowed configuration.

6. The frame of claim 5, wherein the arm comprises a releasable connector for forming a releasable connection with an arm of a support portion mounted on an adjacent leg member.

7. The frame of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the support portion comprises two arms extending perpendicularly to each other in the plane.

8. The frame of any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprises retaining means for retaining the support portion at the stowed configuration and the extended configuration.

9. The frame of any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the support portion comprises an auxiliary arm hingedly connected to the distal end of the arm, such that an end of the auxiliary arm is pivotable between a first position in which the auxiliary arm extends parallel to the arm, and a second position in which the auxiliary arm extends perpendicular to the arm and along the principal direction.

10. The frame of claim 9, further comprises auxiliary retaining means for retaining the auxiliaiy arm in the first position and the second position.

11. The frame of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the auxiliary arm comprises an elastomer material extending over two perpendicular surfaces of the auxiliary ami.

12. The frame of claim 1, wherein the support portion comprises an upper section having a mounting point through which the support portion is pivotally mounted to the second end of the leg member, and a lower section comprising the arm extends perpendicularly to the upper section; wherein the support portion is pivotable about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the principal direction to convert between the stowed configuration in which the upper section aligns with the leg member with the lower section extending perpendicularly to the leg member, and the extended configuration in which the upper section extends perpendicularly to the leg member with the lower section extends in the principal direction.

13. The frame of claim 12, wherein the lower section comprises two arms extending perpendicularly to each other in the same plane orthogonal to the principal direction, and wherein the upper section is connected to the joint between the two arms, and optionally the length of the ami substantially equals to half the seperation between the second ends of two adjacent leg members.

14. The frame of claim 12, wherein the lower section comprises a single arm extending in a plane orthogonal to the principal direction, and wherein the upper section is connected to an end of the arm, and optionally the length of the arm substantially equals to half the separation between two diagonally arranged leg members.

15. The frame of claim 1, wherein the support portion comprises:two sets of support members each having a first arm and a second arm perpendicularly extending in respective planes parallel to the principal direction with a mounting point provided at a joint formed between the first and second arms or a distal end of the first arm, the support portion is pivotably mounted, by the mounting points, onto two adjacent leg members and pivotable about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the principal direction to convert between the stowed and extended configurations; anda strut extending between the corresponding first arms of the support members.

16. The frame of claim 15, wherein the strut is connected to distal ends of the first arms spaced from their respective joints with the second arms, or at respective joints of the first arms with the second arms spaced from their distal ends, or anywhere along the length of the first anus.

17. The frame of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the support portion further comprises an auxiliary strut extending between corresponding second arms of the support members.

18. The frame of any one of the claims 15 to 17, wherein a footrest or a shelf is provided at the firstarms or the strut, wherein when converted into the extended configuration the footrest is elevated.

19. The frame of claim 18, wherein the footrest or the shelf is formed from the strut, or a substantially planar element mounted onto the strut or sidewalls of the first arms.

20. The frame of any one of the claims 15 to 19, wherein the support members comprise a curved member extending between the free ends of each pair of first and second arms, the curved member having a constant radius along its length and configured to provide continuous support for the corresponding leg member when the frame is being converted between the stowed and extended configurations.

21. The frame of claim 1, wherein the support portion comprises an arm having a proximal end rotatably connected to the second end of the leg member at the mounting point, wherein the proximal end of the arm and the second end of the leg member are tapered along a second plane angled at 45 degrees to the principal direction and a horizontal axis perpendicular to the principal direction, wherein the proximal end of the ami is pivotable in the second plane to convert between the stowed configuration in which the arm and the leg member are aligned in the principal direction, and the extended configuration where the arm extends perpendicular to the leg member.

22. A frame of any one of the claims 1 to 21, wherein at least part of the leg members parallelly extend in the principal direction.

23. A frame for furniture, the frame extends in a principal direction along a central axis, comprising:a subframe through which the central axis extends; anda plurality of support portions each having a leg member; the leg member having a mounting5 point provided at its first end through which the support portion is pivotably mounted to the subframe to convert between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration, and a second end opposite to the first end attached to at least one arm;wherein, in comparison to the stowed configuration, the arm of the support portion in the extended configuration extends further away from the central axis in a direction perpendicular to the10 principal direction to provide additional support and / or functionality to the frame.

24. The frame of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the subframe is configured to accommodate a weight-bearing structure on the subframe to form the furniture, or the subframe is integrally formed with a weight-bearing structure to form the furniture.1525. A furniture, comprising:the frame of any one of the claims 1 to 24; anda weight-bearing structure mounted on or integrally formed with the subframe.

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