Sico, Incorporated

Mark DeSimone

Richard C Bue

Walter R Wagner

A folding stage includes deck connectors that are configured for engaging a bore formed in the decks. The connectors may extend outward to support bridging decks adjacent the stage. Pin-type connectors are rotatable into a retaining position are rotatable downward below the decks. The connectors may also be turned to extend beyond the edge of the stage decks or be retracted to a position below the stage deck when not used for bridging. A deck retainer includes a retaining tab portion at one end for retaining bridging decks against the stage decks as well as the lifting surface at the other end which may engage the bottom of the decks to lift the decks so that the connectors may be turned.

Deck connector

A folding stage includes a folding linkage with cross members and a center lock. The center lock has a handle below the cross members and off to the side of the cross members to prevent pinching of operators' hands and fingers. The folding linkage folds from a use position wherein stage decks are horizontal to form a stage surface to a storage position wherein the bottom of the stage decks oppose one another. In the fully folded position, stage support legs are angled inward slightly. Casters mount at an oblique angle to the telescoping legs and are moved closer to the telescoping legs to decrease the moment of inertia about the legs while maintaining sufficient contact with the floor. Torsion bars mount at the pivoting access of the frame and the telescoping legs to control folding speed. The folding portions of the frame and decks have a center of gravity which is aligned with the pivoting access to decrease the moment of inertia about the pivoting axis.

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Hopkins, MN, United States of America

Mark DeSimone