Abstract: A sliding pivot means for a support element (9) which is used with a stanchion (2) which is hinged to the item (1) with which it is used and from which it can be unfolded, in which one end (5a) of the support element (5) is rigidly attached to the stanchion (2) and the opposite end is provided with a substantially transverse portion (7) extending therefrom, comprises a slide (9), a sleeve (10) provided with a slide pin (11) extending in substantially the same plane as the sleeve (10), and a socket (12) substantially parallel with said transverse portion (7), and in which the sleeve (10) is located on the transverse portion (7), and the pin (11) is located in the slide (9), the sleeve (10) being adapted to rotate about the transverse portion (9), and the pin (11) to rotate in the slide (9), the pin (11) moving along the slide (9) when the stanchion (2) is rotated about its hinge (4), and the socket (12) being adapted to receive the transverse portion (7) when the stanchion (2) is in a fully unfolded position.