Patent ID: 7225896
Filing Date: 2007-06-05
Classification: E04F,E06C

Abstract:
1. A collapsible handrail mechanism comprising stairs: a handrail for use with the stairs, the stairs connected to an inner stringer, the inner stringer and an outer stringer jointly pivotable about a pivot point; a stanchion connected to the handrail and located between the outer and inner stringers and pivotally mounted to at least one of the stringers; a latching mechanism through which the stanchion passes and to which at least one of the stringers is pivotally mounted at the pivot point; the latching mechanism having a slide plate that prevents substantial downwards movement of the stanchion, a top plate that prevents substantial upwards movement of the stanchion, and a side plate preventing substantial sideways movement of the stanchion; wherein, in operation of the handrail mechanism from a stowed position, when the stringers are lowered, the stanchion is thereby forced to slide on the slide plate causing the stanchion to pivot about the stanchion's mounting up into an operational position in which the handrail is raised upwardly and away from the stairs.