Man-portable unitary and integrated platform systems and system segments and methods for employing system segments

An integrated platform system, comprising:

• a base platform segment comprising a support area configured to support users and materials in operation;
• a pair of multi-element hanger components movably attached by respective attaching components substantially at corners of the base platform segment, the pair of multi-element hanger components being configured to support the base platform segment in operation, each of the pair of multi-element hanger components comprising:
• a lower extended element movably attached to the base platform segment via the respective attaching component;
• and
• an upper extended element movably attached to the lower extended element via a mechanical joint element,
• the mechanical joint element allowing freedom of movement between the lower extended element and the upper extended element for folding the lower extended element and the upper extended element with respect to each other;
• and
• a pair of supporting legs, each of the supporting legs having a first end and a second end, the first end of the each of the supporting legs being slidably engaged with one of the base platform segment and a respective one of the pair of multi-element banger components and the second end of the each of the supporting legs being engaged at a fixed point on the other of the base platform segment and a respective one of the pair of multi-element hanger components, the pair of supporting legs cooperating to support the base platform segment in operation,
• the pair of multi-element hanger components being rotatable about the respective attaching components between a first stowed position and a second operating position,
• the first stowed position provided for securing the pair of multi-element hanger components with a principal longitudinal axis of the pair of multi-element hanger components substantially parallel to a plane of the base platform segment, and
• the second operating position orienting the principal longitudinal axis of the pair of multi-element hanger components substantially orthogonally to the plane of the base platform segment,
• the upper extended element further comprising a hanger hook element positioned at a distal end of the upper extended element, the hanger hook element comprising:
• a first structural member configured to extend substantially orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the upper extended element;
• and
• a second structural member configured to movably engage the first structural member, the second structural member having a first portion and a second portion arranged substantially orthogonally to each other, the second structural member being arranged such that, in operation,
• the first portion engages a structure which substantially aligns with the first structural member in a manner that causes the second portion to pivotally close a gap formed between the upper extended element and the second portion of the second structural member substantially aligning the second structural member with the longitudinal axis of the upper extended element, and
• an elastic component biasing the second structural member towards opening the gap, in which opening the gap increases a length of the gap formed between the upper extended element and the second portion of the second structural member at least at a distal end of the second structural member.