Patent Publication Number: US-2023146888-A1

Title: System, apparatus, and method for a convertible child high-chair and step stool

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 62/622,374 filed Jan. 26, 2018, and titled “System, Apparatus, and Method for a Convertible Child High Chair and Step Stool,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to children’s high-chairs and more particularly to systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing a high-chair that is convertible to a step stool or step ladder. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Children’s high-chairs are well-known in the art. The typical children’s high-chair is designed to provide an infant, toddler, or child with an elevated seating position when compared to conventional chairs. Typically the high-chair includes a tray or similar device that can be removably coupled to the high-chair and can be used as a place to set down food and/or drinks for the child. 
     Often when a child gets older, whether they have outgrown the high-chair or not, they want to help their parent(s) with activities in the kitchen. This can include helping with the preparation of meals, cooking meals, and/or cleaning the kitchen. However, in many instances, the child is not yet tall enough to help with these activities. This leaves the parent(s) with a problem. One conventional solution is the parent(s) purchasing a separate step stool, step ladder, or kitchen helper to elevate the child to a height where they can assist their parent(s) while also keeping the child safe. Unfortunately, this results in two separate devices needed to be located within the kitchen area, which typically has limited space, while the child is still using the high-chair. However, when the child no longer needs the high-chair for eating, then it provides no further useful purpose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably. 
         FIG.  1 A  is a perspective view of a convertible high-chair and step stool in a high-chair configuration in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a partial-elevation view of a wheel assembly for the convertible high-chair and step stool of  FIG.  1 A  in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  1 C  is partial-perspective view of the convertible high-chair and step stool highlighting the attachment of the booster seat to the foldable stand and the storage of the platform step to the foldable stand in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  1 D  is a partial-perspective view of a partial connection of the booster seat to the height adjustment mechanism in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  1 E  is a rear elevation view of the removable seat back for the booster seat of the convertible high-chair and step stool of  FIG.  1 A  in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  1 F  is a partial-perspective view of the foldable stand and the removable platform step attached to the height adjustment mechanism of the foldable stand of  FIG.  1 A  in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  are perspective views of the convertible high-chair and step stool in the step stool configuration with the removable platform step detached and attached in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a perspective view of the height adjustment mechanism for the convertible high-chair and step stool of  FIG.  1 A  in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a partial exploded view of the locking mechanisms for the height adjustment mechanism of  FIG.  3 A  in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 C  is a partial plan view of the height adjustment mechanism housing of  FIG.  3 A  in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is a partial exploded view of the removable platform step for the convertible high-chair and step stool of  FIG.  1 A  in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. The concepts disclosed herein may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the concepts to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like, but not necessarily the same or identical, elements throughout. 
     Certain relationships between features of the convertible high-chair and step stool are described herein using the term “substantially” or “substantially equal”. As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “substantially equal” indicate that the equal relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. Unless context or the description indicates otherwise, the use of the term “substantially” or “substantially equal” in connection with two or more described dimensions indicates that the equal relationship between the dimensions includes variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit of the dimensions. As used herein, the term “substantially parallel” indicates that the parallel relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. As used herein, the term “substantially orthogonal” or “substantially perpendicular” indicates that the orthogonal relationship is not a strict relationship and does not exclude functionally similar variations therefrom. 
       FIG.  1 A  is a perspective view of a convertible high-chair and step stool  100  in the high-chair configuration  100 A and constructed in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG.  1 B  is a partial-elevation view of a wheel assembly for the convertible high-chair and step stool  100  of  FIG.  1 A  in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG.  1 C  is partial-perspective view of the convertible high-chair and step stool  100  highlighting the attachment of the booster seat  104  to the foldable stand  102  and the storage of the platform step  250  to the foldable stand  102  in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG.  1 E  is a rear elevation view of the removable seat back  122  for the booster seat  104  of the convertible high-chair and step stool  100  of  FIG.  1 A  in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure.  FIG.  1 F  is a partial-perspective view of the foldable stand  102  and the removable platform step  250  attached to the height adjustment mechanism  134  of the foldable stand  102  of  FIG.  1 A  in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. Referring now to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 F , the example convertible high-chair and step stool  100 A, can include a foldable stand  102  and a booster seat  104  that can be removably coupled and decoupled to the foldable stand  102 . In addition, as discussed with reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B , the convertible high-chair and step stool  100  can also include one or more platform steps  250  that can be removably coupled and decoupled to the foldable stand  102  to change the use of apparatus from a high-chair to a step stool. 
     The foldable stand  102  can include a front leg stand  108 , a rear leg stand  106 , and one or more rotation hubs  128 ,  130  (see  FIG.  2 A ). In one example the front leg stand  108  is operably coupled to and configured to rotate with respect to the rear leg stand  106  by way of the rotation hubs  128 ,  130 . Each of the front leg stand  108  and the rear leg stand  106  can be constructed of one or more pieces and can be constructed of any material including, but not limited to plastics, polymers, metal, alloys, or any combination thereof. Each of the front leg stand  108  and the rear leg stand  106  can be molded as a single piece or made of multiple pieces that are coupled to one another using known coupling devices, such as screws, rivets, tab-and-slot, press-fit, etc. 
     The rear leg stand  106  can include a first vertically extending leg  106 A, a second vertically extending leg  106 B and a base panel  110 . A first end of the first leg  106 A can be coupled to a first portion of the rotation hub  128  and a distal second end can be coupled to or integrally formed with the base panel  110 . The second leg  106 B can be coupled to a first portion of the rotation hub  130  and a distal second end can be coupled to or integrally formed with the base panel  110 . The base panel  110  can be configured to rest upon a floor surface  181  and can include a bottom surface that is horizontal and includes at least a portion that is flat or substantially flat and configured to rest upon the floor surface  181 . 
     The front leg stand  108  can include a first leg  108 A, a second leg  108 B, a base panel  112 , a first wheel assembly  103 , and a second wheel assembly  105 . A first end of the first leg  108 A can be coupled to a second portion of the rotation hub  128  that is rotatable about a first axis with respect to the first portion of the rotation hub  128 . A distal second end of the first leg  108 A can be coupled to or integrally formed with the base panel  112 . The base panel  112  can be configured to rest upon a floor surface  181  and can include a bottom surface that is horizontal and includes at least a portion that is flat or substantially flat and configured to rest upon the floor surface  181 . 
     In certain example embodiments, one or both of the first leg  108 A and the second leg  108 B can further include one or more apertures  226  through an outer wall of the respective first leg  108 A and/or second leg  108 B and into an internal cavity of the respective leg  108 A,  108 B and/or elongated, inwardly-protruding indentations (not shown) along an outer wall of the respective first leg  108 A and/or second leg  108 B that does not extend through the respective outer wall. In examples where multiple apertures  226  are provided, those apertures may be positioned along the respective leg  108 A,  108 B such that they are aligned along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis X of the respective first leg  108 A or second leg  108 B of the front leg stand  108 . In one example, multiple apertures  226  and/or indentations can be provided along the longitudinal axis X of each of the first leg  108 A and the second leg  108 B. Each aperture  226  and/or indentation  226  can be configured to receive, at least partially therein, a tab end  211  of a seat height adjustment tab  210  (see  FIG.  3 B ) on the height adjustment mechanism  134  to hold the height adjustment mechanism  134 , and optionally the booster seat  104 , at a particular vertical position with respect to the foldable stand  102 . The seat height adjustment tab  210  allows for minor adjustments of the height of the height adjustment mechanism  138 , and the booster seat  104  attached thereto, along the front leg stand  108 . In certain example embodiments, one or both of the first leg  108 A and the second leg  108 B can further include one or more second set of apertures and/or indentations (not shown) provided along the longitudinal axis X of each of the first leg  108 A and/or the second leg  108 B. Each of the second set of apertures and/or indentations can be configured to receive, at least partially therein, a tab end  224  of a spring-biased locking tab  220 . In certain examples, each of the first leg  108 A and the second leg  108 B can include one or more second indentations along the upper part of the respective leg  108 A,  108 B corresponding to the first set of apertures/indentations  226  that are configured to receive the seat height adjustment tab  210 , and at least one aperture positioned along the lower part of the respective first leg  108 A and second leg  108 B and corresponding to the HAM  134  position for the stepstool configuration  100 B. In this example, at least a portion of the tab end  224  of the spring-biased locking tab  220  can be configured to be received in each of the second set of apertures and/or indentations. As such, the spring-biased locking tab  220  can be used to adjust the height of the height adjustment mechanism  134  from a first position for use with the booster seat  104  to a second position, vertically lower than the first position, for use with a platform step  250 . In other example embodiments, the functions of the spring-biased locking tab  220  and the seat height adjustment tab  210  may be combined into a single spring-biased locking tab for both adjusting seat height of HAM  134  and booster seat  104  and for moving the HAM from the first position, for attachment to a booster seat  104 , to the second position, for attachment to the platform step  250 . In other example embodiments, the one or more apertures and/or indentations may instead be provided on the first leg  106 A and/or second leg  106 B of the rear leg stand  106  for receiving the seat height adjustment tab  211  of the height adjustment mechanism  134  along the rear leg stand  106 . 
     The first wheel assembly  103  can be coupled to one or both of the first leg  108 A and the base panel  112 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  1 B , the first wheel assembly can include an attachment member  191 . The attachment member  191  can be an elongated shaft that extends into a portion of an internal cavity of the first leg  108 A to couple the first wheel assembly  103  to the first leg  108 A. The attachment member  191  may be held within the internal cavity of the first leg  108 A by friction fit or one or more known coupling devices (e.g., screws, rivets, pins, etc.) may be used to couple the attachment member  191  to a portion of the first leg  108 A. 
     The first wheel assembly  103  can also include a wheel  113  or other rolling device and a fender assembly  115  that surrounds at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the wheel  113 . In certain example embodiments, more than one wheel can be provided and the fender assembly  115  can surround at least a portion of the outer perimeter of each wheel  113 . In one example, the fender assembly  115  can be integrally formed with the attachment member  191 . In other examples, the fender assembly  115  and the attachment member  191  can be separate pieces that are coupled to one-another. In certain example embodiments, the fender assembly  115  can include a foot  195   along a first perimeter end of the fender assembly  115  and an anti-rollaway foot  193  positioned along a distal second perimeter end of the fender assembly  115 . The foot  195  can be configured to abut and contact the floor surface  181  when the convertible high-chair and step stool  100  is in the high-chair configuration and the step stool configuration. In one example, the foot  195  is aligned or substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis X of the first leg  108 A. 
     The center of the wheel  113  can be horizontally offset  187  from the longitudinal axis X of the first leg and the foot  195 . In one example, the horizontal offset  187  of the center of the wheel  113  from the longitudinal axis of the first leg  108 A and the foot  195  is within a range of substantially 5 millimeters (mm) to substantially 40 mm and more preferably within a range of substantially 5 mm to substantially 25 mm and even more preferably within a range of substantially 10 mm to substantially 20 mm. In one example, the horizontal offset  187  is substantially 16 mm. Horizontally offsetting the wheel  113  from the longitudinal axis X of the first leg  108 A and the foot  195  can reduce the potential for the convertible high-chair and step stool  100  to tip over backwards (i.e., towards the front leg stand  108 ) when a child climbs or misuses the convertible high-chair and step stool  100 . For example, when a child pulls themselves up onto the first step in the step stool configuration, the pull force could cause the convertible high-chair and step stool  100  to begin to tip backwards. If the wheel  113  is not offset, it could immediately contact the floor surface  181  and increase the rate of tipping and also cause the front leg stand  108  to slide along the floor surface  181 . By offsetting the front wheel  113 , it moves the tipping point of the foldable stand  102  further back from the front leg stand  108  and further under the child’s foot when they are standing on the first step (discussed below). 
     In addition, to reduce the potential for the wheel  113  to unexpectedly slide along the floor surface  181  when a child tips the foldable stand  102 , the anti-rollaway foot  193  is provided along the second end of the fender assembly  115 . The open space  197  along the perimeter of the wheel  113  between the foot  195  and the anti-rollaway foot  193  is limited to provide a smaller range of angle or rolling tip angle  185  at which the wheel  113  can contact the floor surface  181  and roll along the floor surface  181 . In one example, the rolling tip angle  185  is within the range of substantially 1 degree and substantially 25 degrees and more preferably within the range of substantially 1 degree and substantially 20 degrees and even more preferably within the range of substantially 1 degree and substantially 15 degrees. In one example, the anti-rollaway foot  193  contacts the floor surface  181  when the foldable stand  102  is tilted backwards (i.e. in the direction from the rear leg stand  106  towards the front leg stand  108 ) substantially 12 degrees away from when the foot  195  contacts the floor surface  181  and the rolling tip angle  185  is within the range of substantially 1 degree to less than 12 degrees. By providing the small rolling tip angle  185  for the wheel  113 , the anti-rollaway foot  193  is able to contact the floor surface  181  before the foldable stand  102  is able to over-center itself above the wheel  113  and allow the wheel  113  to uncontrollably slide along the floor surface  181  during a tipping situation by a child. 
     The second leg  108 B can include a first end that is coupled to a second portion of the rotation hub  130  that is rotatable about a second axis with respect t the first portion of the rotation hub  130 . In one example, the first axis and the second axis are parallel and in certain example embodiments, coaxially aligned. A distal second end of the second leg  108 B can be coupled to or integrally formed with the base panel  112 . 
     The second wheel assembly  105  can be coupled to one or both of the second leg  108 B and the base panel  112 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  1 B , the second wheel assembly  105  can include an attachment member  191 . The attachment member  191  can be an elongated shaft that extends into a portion of an internal cavity of the second leg  108 B to couple the second wheel assembly  105  to the second leg  108 B. The attachment member  191  may be held within the internal cavity of the second leg  108 B by friction fit or one or more known coupling devices (e.g., screws, rivets, pins, etc.) may be used to couple the attachment member  191  to a portion of the second leg  108 B. 
     The second wheel assembly  105  can also include a wheel  117  or other rolling device and a fender assembly  119  that surrounds at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the wheel  117 . In certain example embodiments, more than one wheel can be provided and the fender assembly  119  can surround at least a portion of the outer perimeter of each wheel  117 . In one example, the fender assembly  119  can be integrally formed with the attachment member  191 . In other examples, the fender assembly  119  and the attachment member  191  can be separate pieces that are coupled to one-another. In certain example embodiments, the fender assembly  119  can include a foot  195  along a first perimeter end of the fender assembly  119  and an anti-rollaway foot  193  positioned along a distal second perimeter end of the fender assembly  119 . The foot  195  can be configured to abut and contact the floor surface  181  when the convertible high-chair and step stool  100  is in the high-chair configuration and the step stool configuration. In one example, the foot  195  is aligned or substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis X of the second leg  108 B. 
     The center of the wheel  117  can be horizontally offset  187  from the longitudinal axis X of the second leg  108 B and the foot  195 . In one example, the horizontal offset  187  of the center of the wheel  117  from the longitudinal axis of the second leg  108 B and the foot  195  is within a range of substantially 5 millimeters (mm) to substantially 40 mm and more preferably within a range of substantially 5 mm to substantially 25 mm and even more preferably within a range of substantially 10 mm to substantially 20 mm. In one example, the horizontal offset  187  is substantially 16 mm. Horizontally offsetting the wheel  117  from the longitudinal axis X of the second leg  108 B and the foot  195  can reduce the potential for the convertible high-chair and step stool  100  to tip over backwards (i.e., in a direction from the rear leg stand  106  towards the front leg stand  108 ) when a child climbs or misuses the convertible high-chair and step stool  100 . For example, when a child pulls themselves up onto the fixed platform step  118  in the step stool configuration, the pull force could cause the convertible high-chair and step stool  100  to begin to tip backwards. If the wheel  117  is not offset, it could immediately contact the floor surface  181  and increase the rate of tipping and also cause the front leg stand  108  to slide along the floor surface  181 . By offsetting the front wheel  117 , it moves the tipping point of the foldable stand  102  further back from the front leg stand  108  and further under the child’s foot when they are standing on the fixed platform step  118  (discussed below). 
     In addition, to reduce the potential for the wheel  117  to unexpectedly slide along the floor surface  181  when a child tips the foldable stand  102 , the anti-rollaway foot  193  is provided along the second end of the fender assembly  119 . The open space  197  in the fender assembly  119  along the perimeter of the wheel  117  between the foot  195  and the anti-rollaway foot  193  is limited to provide a smaller range of angle or rolling tip angle  185  at which the wheel  117  can contact the floor surface  181  and roll along the floor surface  181 . In one example, the rolling tip angle  185  is within the range of substantially 1 degree and substantially 25 degrees and more preferably within the range of substantially 1 degree and substantially 20 degrees and even more preferably within the range of substantially 1 degree and substantially 15 degrees. In one example, the anti-rollaway foot  193  contacts the floor surface  181  when the foldable stand  102  is tilted backwards (i.e., in the direction from the rear leg stand  106  towards the front leg stand  108 ) substantially 12 degrees away from when the foot  195  contacts the floor surface  181  and the rolling tip angle  185  is within the range of substantially 1 degree to less than 12 degrees. By providing the small rolling tip angle  185  for the wheel  117 , the anti-rollaway foot  193  is able to contact the floor surface  181  before the foldable stand  102  is able to over-center itself above the wheel  113  and allow the wheel  113  to uncontrollably slide along the floor surface  181  during a tipping situation by a child. 
     The first portion of the rotation hub  128  can rotate with respect to the second portion of the rotation hub  128  about the first axis such that the first leg  106 A of the rear leg stand  106  can rotate with respect to the first leg  108 A of the front leg stand  108  or vice-versa. Further, the first portion of the rotation hub  130  can rotate with respect to the second portion of the rotation hub  130  about the second axis such that the second leg  106 B of the rear leg stand  106  can rotate with respect to the second leg  108 B of the front leg stand  108  or vice-versa. 
     The foldable stand  102  can also include a rear crossbeam support member  114 . In one example, the rear crossbeam support member  114  can be an elongated member or shaft having a first end coupled to the first leg  106 A and a distal second end coupled to the second leg  106 B of the rear leg stand  106 . The rear crossbeam support member  114  can be solid or hollow and can have any cross-sectional shape, including, but not limited to, planar, circular, oval, or rectangular. The example rear crossbeam support member  114  can be positioned along the rear leg stand  106  between the base panel  110  and the rotation hubs  128 ,  130 . The rear crossbeam support member  114  can provide additional support for the rear leg stand  106  as well as be a support for at least a portion of the platform step  250  discussed below. 
     The foldable stand  102  can also include a front crossbeam support member  116 . In one example, the front crossbeam support member  116  can have a first end coupled to the first leg  108 A and a distal second end coupled to the second leg  108 B of the front leg stand  108 . The front crossbeam support member  116  can be solid or hollow and can have any cross-sectional shape, including, but not limited to, planar, circular, oval, or rectangular. The example front crossbeam support member  116  can be positioned along the front leg stand  108  between the base panel  112  and the rotation hubs  128 ,  130 . The front crossbeam support member  116  can provide additional support for the front leg stand  108 . 
     The foldable stand  102  can also include a fixed platform step  118  extending between the first leg  108 A and the second leg  108 B. In one example embodiment, the fixed platform step  118  can be fixedly coupled to the foldable stand  102 . For example, the fixed platform step  118  can be fixedly coupled to the front crossbeam support member  116  and/or the first leg  108 A and the second leg  108 B. The fixed platform step  118  can include generally horizontal and/or flat top surface and can have a width (defined as the distance between the first leg  108 A and the second leg  108 B) that is greater than its depth. The fixed platform step  118  can be configured to be stepped on by a person, such as a child. The fixed platform step  118  can also include means for increasing friction along the top surface of the step  118 . These friction increasing means can include, but are not limited to, raised studs, raised strips, friction tape, a friction increasing coating or material disposed along the top surface of the step  118 , and/or indentations or channels carved into the top surface of the step  118 . 
     The foldable stand  102  can also include a support member  132  extending from the first rotation hub  128  to the second rotation hub  130 . In one example, the support member  132  is generally U-shaped and extends from a top end of the first leg  106 A to the top end of the second leg  106 B. The support member  132  can provide additional stabilizing support for the left and right sides of the foldable stand  102 . 
     The foldable stand  102  can also include a height adjustment module (HAM)  134 . The HAM  134  can be slidably adjustable in the directions A and B along the longitudinal axis X of the first leg  108 A and the second leg  108 B of the front leg stand  108 . Alternatively, the HAM can be slidably adjustable in the directions A and B along the longitudinal axis X of the first leg  106 A and the second leg  106 B of the rear leg stand  106 . As shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C , the HAM  134  can include a first HAM housing  202  and a second HAM housing  204 . The HAM  134  can also include a HAM crossbeam support member  136  that extends between the first HAM housing  202  and the second HAM housing  204 . For example, the HAM crossbeam support member  136  can have a first end  309  coupled to the first HAM housing  202  and a distal second end  307  coupled to the second HAM housing  204 . The HAM crossbeam support member  136  can be solid or hollow and can have any shape cross-section including, but not limited to, planar, circular, oval, or rectangular. In certain example embodiments, the HAM crossbeam support member is a tubular member with a circular or substantially circular cross-section. In an alternative embodiment, the HAM crossbeam support member  136  could extend between and be fixedly coupled to the first leg  108 A and the second leg  108  rather than being part of the HAM  134 . In this alternative embodiment, the HAM crossbeam support member  136  would be positioned at a vertical position above that of the front crossbeam support member  136 . 
     The first HAM housing  202  can include a first seat attachment housing  143 . In one example, the first seat attachment housing  143  can be coupled to the HAM crossbeam support member  136 . In other example embodiments, the first seat attachment housing  143  can be coupled to another portion of the HAM  134 , such as the first HAM housing  202 . The first seat attachment housing  143  can include a first receiving slot  144  disposed along a top surface of the first seat attachment housing  143  and configured to receive a first tab or bayonet  146  on the booster seat  104 . In one example, the first receiving slot is an aperture that provides a cavity that extends into the first seat attachment housing  143  and that is sized and shaped to receive the first tab or bayonet  146  on the booster seat  104  to removably couple the booster seat  104  to the HAM  134  and effectively to the foldable stand  102 . 
     The first HAM housing  202  can also include a generally horizontally extending top wall  240 , a generally vertically extending side wall  242 , and a generally horizontally extending bottom wall  244  that define a channel  154 , slot, or cavity for receiving a portion of the removable platform step  250  when stored under the booster seat  104 , as described in greater detail below. In one example, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the first seat attachment housing  143  defines all or at least a portion of the generally horizontally extending top wall  240 . 
     The second HAM housing  204  can include a second seat attachment housing  141 . In one example, the second seat attachment housing  141  can be coupled to the HAM crossbeam support member  136 . In other example embodiments, the second seat attachment housing  141  can be coupled to another portion of the HAM  134 , such as the second HAM housing  202 . The second seat attachment housing  141  can include a second receiving slot  142  disposed along a top surface of the second seat attachment housing  141  and configured to receive a second tab or bayonet (not shown) on the booster seat  104 . In one example, the second receiving slot  142  is an aperture that provides a cavity that extends into the second seat attachment housing  141  and that is sized and shaped to receive the second tab or bayonet (not shown) to removably couple the booster seat  104  to the HAM  134  and effectively to the foldable stand  102 . 
     The second HAM housing  204  can also include a generally horizontally extending top wall  246 , a generally vertically extending side wall  248 , and a generally horizontally extending bottom wall  249  that define a channel  152 , slot, or cavity for receiving another portion of the removable platform step  250 . In one example, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the second seat attachment housing  141  defines all or at least a portion of the generally horizontally extending top wall  240 . 
     The HAM  134  can also include a storage backstop  137  for receiving yet another portion of the removable platform step  250  when it is stored with the HAM  134 . In one example, the storage backstop  137  is coupled to the HAM crossbeam support member  136 . For example, the storage backstop  137  can include a one or more attachment arms  301 ,  303  that can be fixedly or removably coupled to the HAM crossbeam support member  136 . In one example, each attachment arm  301 ,  303  can have an inner wall provided in a shape that substantially corresponds with at least a portion of the outer surface of the HAM crossbeam support member  136 . For example, the HAM crossbeam support member  136  can have a round outer surface and the inner surface of each of the one or more attachment arms can be curved to generally coincide with the radius of the outer surface of the HAM crossbeam support member  136 . However, in other examples, the outer surface of the HAM crossbeam support member  136  and the inner surface of each arm  301 ,  303  can be of different shapes and merely coupled to one another. The storage backstop  137  can include a step receiving surface  305  positioned along a front side of the storage backstop  137 . The step receiving surface  305  can be curved and/or have a generally concave shape for receiving a portion of the removable platform step  250  therein or thereon. In one example embodiment, the storage backstop  137  is positioned along the HAM crossbeam support member  136  between the first seat attachment housing  143  and the second seat attachment housing  141 . In one example, the generally horizontally extending top wall  240 , generally vertically extending side wall  242 , and generally horizontally extending bottom wall  244  that define the channel  154 , slot, or cavity, the generally horizontally extending top wall  246 , the generally vertically extending side wall  248 , and the generally horizontally extending bottom wall  249  that define the channel  152 , slot, or cavity, along with the storage backstop  137  define a storage area within which the removable platform step  250  may be inserted, such as slidably inserted, in the folded or unfolded configuration when the seat  100  is being used as a high-chair rather than a step stool. Providing a storage area for the removable platform step  250  when not in use reduces the likelihood that the step  250  may be lost or damaged when not being used. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1 C , the removable platform step  250  can be placed in a folded configuration and slidably inserted under the bottom side of the booster seat base  120 . A first portion of the removable platform step  250  can extend into the channel  152  along a first lateral side of the step  250  and a second portion of the removable platform step  250  can extend into the channel  154  along an opposing second lateral side of the step  250 . The step  250  can be slidably inserted into the channels  152 ,  154  in a direction from the front leg stand  108  towards the rear leg stand  106 . As the step  250  is being slidably inserted, the leading end of the step  250  can contact the step receiving surface  305  of the storage backstop  137 . The storage backstop  137  can them prevent further insertion of the step  250  in the insertion direction. The bottom walls  244 ,  249  and at least a portion of the step receiving surface  305  can provide vertical support to the removable platform step  250  while stored with the HAM  134  under the booster seat  104 . 
     Each HAM housing  202 ,  204 , can include one or more cavity walls  206  that have an inner surface that defines a leg sleeve cavity  208  configured to surround one of the legs of the foldable stand  102 . In one example an inner surface of a single unitary cavity wall  206  defines the leg sleeve cavity  208 . In other examples, the inner surface of multiple walls  206  may be joined to create the shape that defines the leg sleeve cavity  208 . 
     Each HAM housing  202 ,  204  can also include a spring-biased locking tab  220 . In one example, the spring-biased locking tab  220  can include a tab end  224  that is configured to be inserted into the one or more apertures and/or indentations provided along the outer wall of the first leg  106 A or  108 A and/or the second leg  106 B or  108 B to set the vertical position of the HAM  134  along the foldable stand  102  from a booster seat attachment position (as shown in  FIG.  1 C ) to a platform step attachment position (as shown in  FIG.  2 A ) which is vertically below the booster seat attachment position. The spring-biased locking tab  220  can be positioned within the respective HAM housing  202 ,  204  and can move (e.g., rotate) from a spring-biased first position, where the tab end  224  of the locking tab  220  is inserted into an aperture or indentation along one of the legs of the foldable stand  102  and prevents the HAM  134  from moving with respect to the foldable stand  102  to a second position where the tab end  224  of the locking tab  220  is removed from the aperture or indentation in one of the legs of the foldable stand  102  and allows the HAM  134  to be adjusted vertically along the foldable stand  102  along the longitudinal axis X of the respective legs  108 A,  108 B (or  106 A,  106 B) from the booster seat attachment position to the platform step attachment position and vice-versa. 
     At least a portion of the outer surface of the spring-biased locking tab  220  can function as a release lever for moving the tab end  224  of the locking tab  220  from the spring-biased first position to the second position in certain example embodiments. In other embodiments, a release lever can be operably coupled to the spring-biased locking tab  220  and/or tab end  224 . The release lever of the locking tab  220  can be manually adjustable from a first position to a second position to move the locking tab  220  and tab end  224  from its spring-biased first position to its second position to allow the HAM  134  to be slidably adjusted along the legs to adjust the height position of the HAM  134  along the foldable stand  102 . In one example, the release lever of the locking tab  220  is rotatable from its first position to its second position. In other examples, the release lever of the locking tab  220  can be alternatively slidable, depressable or have any other similar movement to cause a corresponding movement in the locking tab  220  and/or tab end  224 . 
     The tab end  224  of the spring-biased locking tab  220  can be spring-biased into a first position by a spring-biasing member (not shown) that contacts one or both of the tab end  224  and the spring biased locking tab  220 . The spring-biasing member can be a compression spring, torsion spring, another type of spring or any other biasing means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. When the tab end  224  is inserted into the opening or indentation, the spring biased locking tab  220  prevents the HAM  134  from sliding along the longitudinal axis X of one of the front leg stand  108  or the rear leg stand  106  and being adjusted from the booster seat attachment position to the platform step attachment position and vice-versa. As such, the spring-biased locking tab  220  can be used to adjust the height of the HAM  134  from a first position for use with the booster seat  104  to a second position, vertically lower than the first position, for use with a platform step  250 . 
     In certain example embodiments, at least one of the HAM housings  202 ,  204  can also include a seat height adjustment tab  210  operably coupled to a seat height adjustment lever  212 . The seat height adjustment tab  210  can be spring-biased into a first position by a spring-biasing member  221  that contacts one or both of the seat height adjustment tab  210  and the seat height adjustment lever  212 . The spring-biasing member  221  can be a compression spring, torsion spring, another type of spring or any other biasing means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The seat height adjustment tab  210  can include a tab end  211  and can be adjustable from the first position, in which at least a portion of the tab end  211  extends into an aperture  226  or indentation (not shown) of the corresponding leg  108 A,  108 B (or  106 A,  106 B) to a second position, where the tab end  211  of the seat height adjustment tab  210  is withdrawn from the opening  226  or indentation. When inserted into the opening  226  or indentation, the tab end  211  provides additional coupling of the HAM  134  to the foldable stand  102  to prevent the HAM  134  from sliding along the longitudinal axis X of one of the front leg stand  108  or the rear leg stand  106 . 
     The seat height adjustment lever  212  can be operably coupled to the seat height adjustment tab  210 . The seat height adjustment lever  212  can be manually adjustable from a first position to a second position to move the seat height adjustment tab  210  and tab end  211  from its spring-biased first position to its second position. In one example, the seat height adjustment lever  212  is rotatable from its first position to its second position. In other examples, the seat height adjustment lever  212  can be alternatively slidable, depressable, or have any other similar movement to cause a corresponding movement in the seat height adjustment tab  210 . The seat height adjustment tab  210  allows for minor adjustments of the height of the height adjustment mechanism  138 , and the booster seat  104  attached thereto, along the front leg stand  108 . In other example embodiments, the functions of the spring-biased locking tab  220  and the seat height adjustment tab  210  may be combined into a single spring-biased locking tab for both adjusting seat height of HAM  134  and booster seat  104  and for moving the HAM from the first position, for attachment to a booster seat  104 , to the second position, for attachment to the platform step  250 . 
     Returning to  FIGS.  1 A-D , the booster seat  104  can include a booster seat base  120 , a seat back  122 , a foot rest  124 , and a removable tray  126 . In one example, the booster seat base  120  can include a seat bottom  121  configured to have a child sit thereon, a first side panel  123  extending up from the seat bottom  121  in a vertical or substantially vertical direction along a first lateral side of the booster seat base  120 , and a second side panel  129  extending up from the seat bottom  121  in a vertical or substantially vertical direction along a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side of the booster seat base  120 . The top end of each of the first side panel  123  and second side panel  129  can further include or define arm rests. In one example embodiment, the removable tray  126  can be removably coupled to and decoupled from the booster seat base  120  along each of the first side panel  123  and second side panel  129 . The booster seat base  120  may be constructed of plastic or metal and may be molded or made from multiple parts and materials can coupled together. 
     Along the rear side of the booster seat base  120 , it can also include one or more apertures (not shown) extending through at least a portion of the booster seat base  120  for routing webbing (e.g., straps, belts, etc.) therethrough. The webbing can be part of a child restraint system to hold the child in the high-chair or coupled to soft goods (e.g., fabric, leather, pleather, padding, or the like) that can be applied to at least a portion of the booster seat base  120  to improve the comfort of the booster seat base  120 . 
     The booster seat base  120  can also include at least one tab or bayonet  146 . In one example, a pair of tabs or bayonets  146  can extend from the booster seat base  120  and can be positioned along opposing lateral sides of the booster seat base  120 . In one example, each tab or bayonet  146  can be a member extending generally vertically downward from the booster seat base  120  and can be sized and shaped to be received in a respective one of the first receiving slot  144  and the second receiving slot  142  to removably couple the booster seat base  104  to the HAM  134  and operably couple it to the foldable stand  102 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B . The booster seat base  120  can also include one or more booster seat release buttons  150 . For example, a pair of booster seat release buttons  150  can be provided along opposing lateral sides of the booster seat base  120 . Each booster seat release button  150  can be operably coupled to a member that engages the respective tab or bayonet  146  and applies a force thereon to allow the tab or bayonet  146  to be removed from the respective first receiving slot  144  and second receiving slot  142 , thereby allowing the booster seat base  120  to be decoupled from the HAM  134  and the foldable stand  102 . 
     In certain example embodiments, the booster seat base  120  of the booster seat  104  can also include an additional coupling device  151  for coupling the booster seat  104  to the height adjustment mechanism  134 . In one example, the coupling device  151  can be coupled to a back side  153  of the booster seat base  120  and can extend out therefrom. For example, the coupling device  151  can be integrally formed with the booster seat base  120  or separately formed and attached to the booster seat base  120 . The coupling device  151  can be configured to engage the HAM crossbeam support member  136  when coupling the booster seat  104  to the height adjustment mechanism  134 . For example, the coupling device  151  may be positioned under and/or around at least a portion of the HAM crossbeam support member  136  within an opening  157  in the storage backstop  137 . A front side of the booster seat base  120  may then be lowered so that each tab or bayonet  146  can be received in a respective one of the first receiving slot  144  and the second receiving slot  142  to removably couple the booster seat base  104  to the HAM  134 . In certain example embodiments, the coupling device  151  can have and substantially L-shape or hook shape (such as a J-hook or curved shape). In other examples, the coupling device  151  can be a planar member extending out along a horizontal or substantially horizontal plane from the back side  153  of the booster seat base  120 , such that the back wall  153  of the booster seat base  120  acts as the vertical portion of an L-shaped member. In other examples, the coupling device  151  can be eliminated altogether and/or be optional. 
     In addition or in the alternative, the rather than the booster seat  104  having tabs or bayonets, and the height adjustment mechanism having the first receiving slot  144  and the second receiving slot  142 , the booster seat can have a HAM coupling device (not shown) that removably couples the booster seat  104  directly to the HAM crossbeam support member  136 . In this example, a HAM coupling device can be positioned along the bottom of the booster seat base  120  and/or along each lateral side of the booster seat base  120 . The HAM coupling device can be a spring-biased catch or other device for capturing all or a portion of the HAM crossbeam support member  136  to hold the booster seat  104  in place with respect to the HAM  134 . 
     In certain example embodiments, the seat back  122  can be removable from and removably coupled to the booster seat base  120 . In other example embodiments, the seat back  122  can be fixedly coupled to the booster seat base  120 . Providing a removable seat back  122  allows the user to choose to use the booster seat base  120  alone as a booster seat on a seat surface when not attached to the foldable stand  102  or along with the seat back  122  either attached or detached from the foldable stand  102 . As shown in  FIG.  1 E , the removable seat back  122  can include attachment tabs  160 ,  162  that can be positioned, for example, along opposing lateral sides of the bottom of the seat back  122 . In one example, the attachment tabs  160 ,  162  can be horizontally adjustable with respect to the seat back  122 . One or more seat back release levers  164  can be positioned along the back side  161  of the seat back  122  and operably coupled to one or both of the attachment tabs  160 ,  162 . For example, a separate seat back release lever  164  can be coupled to each of the attachment tabs  160 ,  162  via one or more wires. In one example, a pair of seat back release levers  164  and two attachment tabs  160 ,  162  are shown, but this is for example purposes only as one or more than two seat back release levers  164  may be provided. 
     In certain example embodiments, the seat back  122  can also be reclinable (rotatable) with respect to the booster seat base  120 . In this example, the seat back  122  can further include a seat back recline lever  166  and one or more wires  168  coupled to the seat back recline lever  166 . The distal end of each wire  168  can be coupled to the seat recline pegs  170 ,  172  to allow for minor adjustments that allow the seat back  122  to rotate with respect to the booster seat base  120 . 
     In certain example embodiments, the foot rest  124  can be removably coupled to and decoupled from the booster seat base  120 . In other example embodiments, the foot rest  124  is fixedly coupled to the booster seat base  120 . Providing a removable foot rest  124  allows the user greater flexibility to use the booster seat base  120  alone, either attached to or detached from the foldable stand  102 . In one example, the foot rest  124  can include a first attachment arm  125  extending from a top end of the foot rest  124  along a first lateral side and a second attachment arm  127  extending from the top end of the foot rest  124  along a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side. Each attachment arm  125 ,  127  can include a tab or bayonet that can be slidably inserted into an opening along a bottom side of the booster seat base  120  to removably couple the foot rest  124  to the booster seat base  120 . Each tab or bayonet can be spring-biased by a spring or other biasing means to engage or couple to the booster seat base  120 . In one example, the foot rest  124  can also include a tab release button for each of the tabs or bayonets and operably coupled thereto. The tab release buttons may be manually adjusted from a first position to a second position to release each respective tab or bayonet of the foot rest  124  from the respective opening on the bottom side of the booster seat base  120 . In other example embodiments, each tab or bayonet may be coupled to the booster seat base  120  via a press-fit into each of the respective openings along the bottom side of the booster seat base  120 . In another alternative embodiment, the booster seat base  120  can include the tabs or bayonets and the foot rest  124  can include the openings for receiving those tabs or bayonets along each attachment arm  125 ,  127 . 
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  are perspective views of the convertible high-chair and step stool  100  in the step stool configuration  100 B in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. Referring now to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B , the booster seat  104  has been decoupled from the HAM  134 . The HAM  134  has been slidably adjusted in the direction A along the longitudinal axis of the first leg  108 A and the second leg  108 B towards the base panel  112 . Moving the HAM  134  can be accomplished by a user manually applying a force to the release lever of the spring-biased locking tab  220  on each HAM housing  202 ,  204  to disengage the tab ends  224  of the corresponding spring-biased locking tabs  220  from the corresponding apertures or indentations in the legs  108 A,  108 B, and then applying a generally downward force on the HAM  134  to slide it along the longitudinal axes X of the legs  108 A,  108 B. In one example, the HAM  134  is slidably adjusted in the direction A until at least one of the first HAM housing  202  and the second HAM housing  204  contacts the front crossbeam support member  116  and/or the fixed platform step  118 . In other example embodiments, the HAM  134  is slidably adjusted in the direction A until the tab end  224  of each spring-biased locking tab  220  is positioned to enter a corresponding aperture or indentation along the legs  108 A,  108 B. 
     Once the HAM  134  has reached its lowered position, the removable platform step  250  can be attached to the foldable stand  102 .  FIG.  4    is a partial exploded view of the removable platform step for the convertible high-chair and step stool of  FIG.  1 A  in accordance with one example embodiment of the disclosure. Now referring to  FIG.  1 A -4, one example of the platform step  250  can include a first step panel  402  and a second step panel  404 . In one example embodiment, the first step panel  402  is coupled to the second step panel  404  via multiple rotation hubs  407  and a rotation axle  406  extending through at least a portion of each of the rotation hubs  407 . In this example, the first step panel  402  rotates with respect to the second step panel  404  and vice-versa about an axis defined by the longitudinal axis of the rotation axle  406 . In other example embodiments, the platform step  250  can be a single step panel. 
     The top surface of each of the first step panel  402  and the second step panel  404  can be flat, substantially flat, or generally flat and in some example embodiments can be textured in some way or can include grooves or channels cut into the top surface to increase friction. For example, each of the first step panel  402  and second step panel  404  can also include means for increasing friction along the top surface of each. These friction increasing means can include, but are not limited to, raised studs, raised strips, friction tape, a friction increasing coating or material disposed along the top surface of each, and/or indentations or channels carved into the top surface of each. 
     The first step panel  402  can also include one or more attachment hooks  410  disposed along the bottom side  417  of the first step panel  402 . For example, the first step panel  402  can include one or more generally L-shaped hooks that extend vertically downward from the bottom side  417  of the first step panel  402  to removably couple the first step panel  402  to the rear crossbeam support member  114 . Each attachment hook  410  can be sized and shaped to define a channel  421  between the bottom end of the hook  410  and the bottom side  417  of the first step panel  402  that can receive a portion of the rear crossbeam support member  114  therein such that the bottom side  417  of the first step panel  402  can rest along the top of the rear crossbeam support member  114 . 
     The second step panel  404  can include one or more attachment channels  412  disposed along the bottom side  419  of the second step panel  404 . For example, the second step panel  404  can include a first attachment channel  412  along a first lateral side of the second step panel  404  and a second attachment channel  412  along a second lateral side of the second step panel  404  opposite the first lateral side. Each channel  412  can have a shape corresponding to a portion of the HAM crossbeam support member  136  and/or the first seat attachment housing  143  and the second seat attachment housing  141  along the bottom side  419  of the second step panel  404 . The channels  412  can extend along at least a portion of the width of the second step panel  404  and can be sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the HAM crossbeam support member  136  (e.g., the top portion) and/or a portion of a respective one of the first seat attachment housing  143  and the second seat attachment housing  141  (e.g., a top portion) therein, such that the second step panel  404  rests along the top of the HAM crossbeam support member  136  and/or the top of the first seat attachment housing  143  and the second seat attachment housing  141 . In one example, the channel  412  has a shape configured to receive a top portion of the corresponding first seat attachment housing  143  and the second seat attachment housing  141  therein. 
     The second step panel  404  can also include a panel release latch  414 . In one example, the panel release latch  414  is disposed along the bottom side  419  of the second step panel  404 . The panel release latch  414  can move (e.g., slide, rotate, etc.) with respect to the second step panel  404 . The panel release latch  414  can include a spring or other biasing means  418  to spring-bias the panel release latch  414  into a first position. A user can manually grip and move the panel release latch  414  from the first position to a second position to cause the panel release latch  414  to release the HAM crossbeam support member  136 . In the first position, the panel release latch  414  can capture at least a portion of the HAM crossbeam support member  136  between the panel release latch  414  and the bottom side  419  of the second step panel  404 . In the second position, the panel release latch  414  moves to release the HAM crossbeam support member  136  and allow the second step panel  404  to be lifted vertically. 
     In certain example embodiments, the platform step  250  can also include one or more apertures (not shown) extending through at least a portion of the second step panel  404  for routing webbing (e.g., straps, belts, etc.) therethrough. The webbing can be used to hold the platform step  250  in place under the booster seat base  120  when the platform step  250  is being stored. 
     Returning to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B , in one example, the removable platform step  250  can be attached to the foldable stand  102  by placing the first step panel  402  along the rear crossbeam support member  114  and moving the removable platform step  250  towards the front leg stand  108  until the rear crossbeam support member  114  enters or seats in the channel  417  of each of the hooks  410 . If still folded, the removable platform step  250  can then be unfolded such that the second step panel  404  can be rotated with respect to the first step panel  402  via the hubs  407  and axle  406  until the bottom side  419  of the second step panel  404  contacts the top surface of each of the corresponding first seat attachment housing  143  and the second seat attachment housing  141  and/or the HAM crossbeam support member. As the panel release latch  414  contacts the HAM crossbeam support member  136 , the HAM crossbeam support member  136  will cause the panel release latch  414  to move with respect to the rest of the second step panel  404  towards the second position and provide access to the channel  412  of the second step panel  404 . The HAM crossbeam support member  136  can enter or seat in the channel  412  and the spring-biasing of the panel release latch  414  will cause it to move back into the first position to retain at least a portion of the HAM crossbeam support member  136  between the bottom side of the second step panel  404  and the panel release latch  414 . In example embodiments where the platform step  250  is a single piece rather than two pieces, the method of attaching the platform step  250  to the foldable stand  102  would be substantially the same other than the step of unfolding the platform step  250  would not be completed. Once the platform step  250  is coupled to the foldable stand  102 , the platform step  250  provides a second step on the foldable stand  102  in the step-stool configuration that is at a vertical elevation that is higher than the fixed platform step  118 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the platform step  250  can be fixedly coupled to the foldable stand  102 . For example, the platform step  250  can extend between and be coupled to the first leg  106 A and the second leg  106 B and can extend between and be coupled to the first leg  108 A and the second leg  108 B. In this alternative embodiment, the user can fold the foldable stand  102  by folding the platform step  250  (e.g., by folding the first step panel  402  with respect to the second step panel  404 ), which would pull the front leg stand  108  and the rear leg stand  106  towards one another. 
     In another alternative embodiment, rather than having the rear crossbeam support member  114  and the HAM crossbeam support member  136 , the foldable stand  102  could include a left crossbeam support member that extends from and is fixedly coupled along one end to the first leg  106 A of the rear leg stand  106  and along the other end to the first leg  108 A of the front leg stand  108 . The foldable stand  102  could also include a right crossbeam support member that extends from and is fixedly coupled along one end to the second leg  106 B of the rear leg stand  106  and along the other end to the second leg  108 B of the front leg stand  108 . The elements of the platform step  250  could then essentially be rotated 90 degrees about the vertical axis to removably couple the platform step  250  to the left crossbeam support member and the right crossbeam support member. 
     In yet another alternative embodiment, rather than having the rear crossbeam support member  114  and the HAM crossbeam support member  136 , the platform step  250  can include a multitude of retractable pins than can extend out from a perimeter of the platform step  250 . Each retractable pin can be removably inserted into corresponding holes or apertures provided at the desired position along each of the first leg  106 A and second leg  106 B of the rear leg stand  106  and the first leg  108 A and second leg  108 B of the front leg stand  108 . The pins can be spring-biased to extend out from the perimeter of the platform step and can be manually adjustable (e.g., by way of a switch, button, lever or the like) by a user to retract so as to be removable from the apertures in the legs. 
     In yet another alternative embodiment, the platform step  250  could include multiple magnets. The platform step  250  could then be removably coupled to the rear crossbeam support member  114  and HAM crossbeam support member  136 , or the left crossbeam support member and the right crossbeam support member, or the legs  106 A,  106 B,  108 A,  108 B by magnetically coupling the platform step  250 , via the magnets. 
     In yet another alternative embodiment, the legs  106 A,  106 B,  108 A,  108 B could include one or more slots, cut-outs, or cavities and the platform step  250  can be removably coupled to the foldable stand  102  by slidably inserting the platform step into and/or along the one or more slots, cut-outs, or cavities. In yet another alternative embodiment, the platform step  250  could include its own separate and distinct legs upon which the platform step  250  could rest and could nest within the foldable stand  102 . 
     In yet another alternative embodiment, the foldable stand  102  could be further disassembled for use as another type of step stool. For example, an upper portion of each of the legs  106 A,  106 B,  108 A,  108 B could be detachable from a lower portion of each at a position above where the platform step  250  is removably coupled to the foldable stand  102 . This would provide a step stool with a lower profile and less of the safety features (e.g., the support member  132  and the upper portions of the legs along the sides of the step stool, that would be beneficial for smaller children. 
     To adjust the convertible high-chair and step stool  100  from the step stool configuration to the high-chair configuration, the user can grasp and push, pull, or otherwise move (e.g., slide, rotate, etc.) the panel release latch  414  to release the HAM crossbeam support member  136  from the panel release latch  414 . The user can then slide the platform step  250  in a direction towards the rear leg stand to remove the rear crossbeam support member  114  from the channels  421  in the hooks  410  along the bottom side  417  of the first step panel  402 . The platform step  250  is now separated from the HAM  134  and can be placed to the side. The user can then manually apply a force to each of the release levers of the spring-biased locking tabs  220  on each HAM housing  202 ,  204  to disengage the corresponding tab ends  224  of each spring-biased locking tab  220  from the corresponding apertures or indentations in the corresponding legs  108 A,  108 B. The user can then apply a generally upward force on the HAM  134  to slide it along the longitudinal axes X of the legs  108 A,  108 B in a generally upward direction B. In one example, the HAM  134  is slidably adjusted in the direction B until the desired height for the booster seat  104  is reached or a portion of at least one of the first HAM housing  202  and second HAM housing  204  contact one of the rotation hubs  128 ,  130  (e.g., the maximum vertical position). The user can then release or discontinue applying a force to each of the release levers of the spring-biased locking tabs  220 . The spring-biasing force on each of the spring-biased locking tabs  220  will cause each tab end  224  to rotate into contact with the corresponding legs  108 A,  108 B and/or the tab ends  211  to be inserted into the corresponding apertures or indentations along the respective legs  108 A,  108 B to prevent the HAM  134  from sliding back down the longitudinal axes X of the legs  108 A,  108 B. The tabs or bayonets  146  on the booster seat  104  can then be inserted into the corresponding first receiving slot  144  and second receiving slot  142  of the HAM  134  as discussed above. Further, the platform step  250  can be folded and slidably inserted into the channels  152 ,  154  and up against the storage backstop  137  of the HAM  134  for storage of the platform step  250  while not in use. 
     In an alternative embodiment, rather than providing the channels  152 ,  154  on the first housing and second housing of the HAM  134  for storing the platform step  250  while not in use, the bottom side of the booster seat base  120  can include one or more elongated rails. The platform step  250  can include one or more guide members sized and shaped to fit within the one or more elongated rails to slidably couple the platform step  250  to the booster seat base  120  for storage. In another alternative embodiment, a mesh bag can be disposed along the bottom side of the booster seat base  120 . The platform step  250  can be placed within the mesh bag for storage when not in use. 
     In yet another alternative embodiment, the booster seat base  120  could be eliminated and the platform step  250  can be fixedly coupled to the HAM  134  such that when the HAM  134  is adjusted into the raised position along the front leg stand  108 , the platform step  250  can act as the booster seat base and the seat back  122 , foot rest  124 , and/or the tray  126  can be removably coupled to the platform step  250 . 
     In another alternative embodiment, the foot rest  124  can be fixedly coupled to the front leg stand  108  rather than being removably coupled to the booster seat base  120 . In yet another alternative embodiment, the foot rest  124  can be eliminated. In place of the foot rest  124 , the fixed platform step  118  can be fixedly coupled to the HAM  134  rather than the front leg stand  108 . In this example, when the HAM is adjusted into the raised position, the fixed platform step  118  can be positioned at a vertical height less than that of the booster seat base  120  and the fixed platform step  118  can act as the foot rest when the child is positioned in the booster seat  104 . 
     The foldable stand  102  is also foldable to reduce its profile and make it easier to store. When in the high-chair configuration or with the booster seat  104  and the removable platform step  250 , the front leg stand  108  can be rotated about an axis of rotation defined through the first rotation hub  128  and the second rotation hub  130  to rotate towards and then optionally abut the rear leg stand  106 . In the folded configuration, each of the front leg stand  108  and rear leg stand  106  can extend down from the hubs  128 ,  130  substantially the same distance so that the foldable stand can rest on a floor surface via the base panel  110  and the base panel  112  at the same time. 
     Though the disclosed examples include particular arrangements of a number of parts, components, features, and aspects, the disclosure is not limited to only those examples or arrangements shown. Any one or more of the parts, components, features, and aspects of the disclosure can be employed alone or in other arrangements of any two or more of the same. 
     Although certain high-chair and step stool features, functions, components, and parts have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents. 
     Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain implementations could include, while other implementations do not include, certain features, elements, and/or operations. Thus, such conditional language generally is not intended to imply that features, elements, and/or operations are in any way required for one or more implementations or that one or more implementations necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or operations are included or are to be performed in any particular implementation. 
     Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure set forth herein will be apparent having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.