Controlled-folding and controlled-unfolding multiple section platform assembly

Claim 1

A controlled-folding and controlled-unfolding multiple-section platform assembly for a structural entry, said platform assembly comprising: an inner platform section having an inner edge and an outer edge; inner hinge means at said inner edge pivotally mounting said inner platform section for rotation around its inner edges, said inner hinge means being adapted to be mounted to structure associated with said entry; an outer platform section having an inner edge and an outer edge; outer hinge means pivotally joining the inner edge of the outer platform section to the outer edge of the inner platform section; and fold control means comprising a first and a second rigid support member; first, second and third support hinge means, said first support member being adapted to be hinged to said structure at a hinge point above and substantially spaced from, said inner hinge means by said first support hinge means, said second support member being hinged to said outer platform section by said second support hinge means at a hinge point substantially spaced from the inner edge thereof, said first and second support members being hinged together by said third support hinge means at a location substantially spaced from the first and second support hinge means, a rigid co-ordinating member, and a first and a second co-ordinating hinge means, said first co-ordinating hinge means pivotally joining the co-ordinating member to the inner platform section at a first hinge point between and spaced from the inner and outer edges of said inner platform section, and said second co-ordinating hinge means pivotally joining the co-ordinating member to the second support member between and spaced from its respective hinge points; whereby, when said inner platform section is substantially horizontal, said outer platform section is also substantially horizontal, the support members are aligned and support said outer platform section, and, when said inner platform is pivoted upwardly said fold control means causes the support members to fold toward one another and defines the angle of the other platform section relative to the inner platform section, said platform sections being substantially parallel to one another when the inner platform section is substantially vertical.