Portable construction staircase

Abstract

A portable staircase for use at construction sites that comprises fold-down railings to facilitate transport from one construction site to the next. The portable staircase includes a plurality of horizontal treads supported by stringers. Handrails are provided which pivotally connect to the stringer utilizing a plurality of handrail support posts. A permanent pivot pin pivotally connects the handrail to each of the handrail support posts. Another permanent pivot pin pivotally connects each of the handrail support posts to the stringer. The handrail can be locked into one of two pre-selected positions: a first folded-down position to facilitate transportation and a second upright position for use at construction sites. Two removable pins may be employed to lock the handrail in position: a first removable pin to lock the handrail support post to the stringer and a second removable pin to lock the handrail support post to the handrail in the up and usable position.

1 . A portable temporary staircase comprising:
 a plurality of treads;   a stringer supporting said plurality of treads;   at least one handrail support post pivotally attached to said stringer, said handrail support post pivotally attached to a handrail, wherein said handrail pivots between a first pre-selected position for transportation and a second pre-selected position for use; and   at least one removable pin, said pin utilized to lock said handrail in one of the two said pre-selected positions.   
   
   
       2 . The portable temporary staircase of  claim 1  wherein said handrail is locked into one of the two pre-selected position utilizing two removable pins. 
   
   
       3 . The portable temporary staircase of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of treads are formed as honeycombs. 
   
   
       4 . The portable temporary staircase of  claim 1  wherein when said handrail is in its pre-selected position for transportation, said handrail is substantially parallel to said stringer. 
   
   
       5 . A portable temporary staircase comprising at least one handrail, wherein said handrail pivots between a first pre-selected position for transportation and a second pre-selected position for use.