Importance

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Abstract

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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First Claim