Sico, Incorporated

Carl A Niemi

Thomas J Luedke

Andrew J Shea

Randy G Aagaard

An elevationally adjustable folding stage has a frame which folds from a storage position to use position. Stage panels form a stage surface and are reversibly and interchangeably mounted. Connectors insert into passages from the stage frame through the stage panels and provide quick connection without additional connector elements. The connectors rotate within the channel and compress an annular sleeve member axially, forcing the sleeve outward to engage the sides of the passage and secure the stage panel to the stage. The connectors are at or below the upper stage surface and are accessible axially from above by an actuator tool.

Panel connector apparatus

An elevationally adjustable folding stage has a frame which folds along a center of the stage from a storage position to a use position. Stage panels form a stage surface and are reversible and interchangeable. The stage may also support additional panels between stages extending therefrom to form an extended stage surface. The stage has a roller assembly which lifts the stage up so that rollers engage the floor for rolling between storage and use locations. Connectors between the frame and the stage offer quick connection without additional pieces. Connectors also provide for inserting risers to raise the height of one panel of the stage relative to the other. In addition to the risers, multi-panel supporting bases may be used to support the panels extending from the edges of the stage between stages. The panels between the stages may be stored on the stage while in the use or folded position by hook members which rotate from a storage to a use position to retain the additional panels. Folding of the stage is assisted by a spring folding assist member which prevents closing of the stage and assists in the initial opening of the stage toward the folded position. Accidental folding of the stage is also prevented by a locking linkage and a spacing linkage which lock the stage in the use position to prevent accidental folding and also to maintain the stage in the use position when elevationally adjusting the stage panels.

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Excelsior, MN, United States of America

Carl A Niemi