Adaptive supporting structure of stairway for accessing space above or below an elevated structure

An adaptive supporting structure of a stairway system for accessing a space above or below an elevated structure, the adaptive supporting structure comprising:

• a forward structural module configured to be pivotally mounted within an opening of the elevated structure, the forward structural module including
• a first end configured to be pivotally connected to a support structure of the elevated structure via a pivot axis,
• a second end extending away from the pivot axis,
• a mechanism configured to be attached to the elevated structure and configured to control a pivoting angle of the forward structural module;
• a rear structural module positioned rearward of the forward structural module and mechanically connected thereto;
• at least two cantilever arms extending from the second end of the forward structural module, at least one of the rear and forward structural modules being adjustably mounted to the cantilever arms at a selectable distance from another one of the at least one of the rear and forward structural modules;
• a fixed stairway section mounted to and bridging the forward structural module and the rear structural module, the fixed stairway section having an upper surface for supporting at least one sliding stairway section;
• a motorized system mounted on the rear structural module and operatively connected to the at least one sliding stairway section, the motorized system being configured to control the extension and retraction of the at least one sliding stairway section;
• a cover attached to an underside of the forward structural module and the rear structural module;
• wherein the at least one of the rear and forward structural modules mounted to the cantilever arms is secured to a selected one of a plurality of preset positions on the cantilever arms, thereby allowing the distance between the forward and rear structural modules to be selectively adjusted;
• and wherein the forward structural module and rear structural module are configured to pivot in unison about the pivot axis during deployment and retraction of the stairway system.