BOAT RAMP SYSTEM

Abstract

A boat ramp system is configured to be coupled to a boat to permit persons to board and exit the boat. The system includes a boat ramp having a first ramp portion configured to be pivotably coupled to the boat for rotation about a vertical axis relative to the boat. The boat ramp further includes a second ramp portion pivotably coupled to the first ramp portion for movement relative to the first ramp portion between a stowed position wherein the second ramp portion is positioned above the first ramp portion and a use position wherein the second ramp portion is generally planar with the first ramp portion.

Description

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/144,244 filed Jan. 13, 2009 entitled BOAT RAMP SYSTEM, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to boat ramps for providing access to and from a boat, and particularly to a boat ramp that is positionable in a number of locations on the deck of the boat.

BACKGROUND

The deck of many marine vehicles, such as boats, may oftentimes be difficult for passengers to board or exit. For example, a height difference between the deck of the boat and the dock or beach may make it difficult for passengers to board or exit the boat. Furthermore, entry and exit for handicapped persons, such as persons in a wheelchair or scooter, for example, is also difficult.

Various ramps, therefore, are oftentimes provided for use with various marine vehicles such as pontoon boats, speed boats, catamaran boats, etc. to more easily allow passengers to board and exit the vehicle. For example, some pontoon boats have a ramp attached thereto that is stowable below the deck of the boat.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a boat ramp system configured to be coupled to a boat to permit persons to board and exit the boat includes a boat ramp having a first ramp portion configured to be pivotably coupled to the boat for rotation about a vertical axis relative to the boat. The boat ramp further includes a second ramp portion pivotably coupled to the first ramp portion for movement relative to the first ramp portion between a stowed position wherein the second ramp portion is positioned above the first ramp portion and a use position wherein the second ramp portion is generally planar with the first ramp portion.

In one illustrative embodiment, the boat ramp system may also include an actuator assembly coupled to the first ramp portion and the second ramp portion to pivot the second ramp portion between the stowed and use positions. The actuator assembly may include a motor, a drive sprocket coupled to the first ramp portion, a driven sprocket coupled to the second ramp portion, and a drive chain coupled to the drive and driven sprockets. Further illustratively, the boat ramp system may also include a second actuator assembly coupled to the first ramp portion and the second ramp portion.

In another illustrative embodiment, the boat ramp system may include a guide track assembly including a guide track plate configured to be coupled to the boat and a plurality of rollers coupled to the guide track plate. The first ramp portion may be engaged with the rollers of the guide track assembly. Illustratively, the guide track plate may be generally C-shaped. Further, the guide track plate may include a plurality of spaced-apart apertures such that the rollers may each be positioned within one of the apertures. The guide track plate may further include a plurality of slots positioned between the apertures. Illustratively, the boat ramp system may also include a locking pin coupled to the first ramp portion and configured to be received within one of the slots in order to prevent the boat ramp from rotating about the vertical axis relative to the boat.

In still another illustrative embodiment, the boat ramp system may further include a hand rail assembly having a first vertical post coupled to the first ramp portion, a second vertical post movable between a first position coupled to the first ramp portion and a second position coupled to the second ramp portion, and a flexible handrail coupled to and extending between the first and second vertical posts.

In yet other illustrative embodiment, the boat ramp may be configured to be pivoted approximately 180 degrees about the vertical axis relative to the boat. The boat ramp system may also include a pivot assembly coupled to the first boat ramp portion and configured to be coupled to the boat.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a boat ramp system configured to be coupled to a boat includes a boat ramp having (i) a first boat ramp portion configured to be coupled to the boat and (ii) a second boat ramp portion pivotably coupled to the first boat ramp portion for movement relative to the first ramp portion between a stowed position wherein the second ramp portion is positioned above the first ramp portion and a use position wherein the second ramp portion is generally aligned with the first ramp portion. The boat ramp system further includes an actuator assembly coupled to the first boat ramp portion and the second boat ramp portion in order to move the second boat ramp portion between the stowed and use positions.

In one illustrative embodiment, the boat ramp may also include a pivot assembly coupled to the first boat ramp portion and configured to be coupled to the boat. Further, the pivot assembly may define a vertical, pivot axis therethrough such that the first boat ramp portion may be configured to rotate about the vertical, pivot axis relative to the pivot assembly and the deck of the boat.

In another illustrative embodiment, the actuator assembly may be a first actuator assembly coupled to a first side of the boat ramp and the boat ramp system may also include a second actuator assembly coupled to a second side of the boat ramp.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, the actuator assembly may include a motor coupled to the first boat ramp portion, a drive sprocket coupled to the motor, and a driven sprocket coupled to the second boat ramp portion.

In still another illustrative embodiment, the boat ramp system may also include a guide track assembly engaged with the first boat ramp portion and configured to be coupled to a planar portion of the boat. Illustratively, the guide track assembly includes a generally C-shaped guide track plate and a plurality of roller bearings coupled to the C-shaped guide track plate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a boat includes generally planar boat deck and a C-shaped channel formed in a top surface of the boat deck. The boat further includes a boat ramp system coupled to the boat deck. The boat ramp system includes (i) a boat ramp configured to pivot about a vertical pivot axis relative to the boat, and (ii) a guide track assembly received within the channel formed in the boat deck and engaged with the boat ramp.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a boat and a boat ramp system of the present disclosure including a boat ramp coupled to the boat and positioned in an extended, use position;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the boat ramp moving from the extended, use position to a folded, stowed position (shown in FIG. 3);

FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the boat ramp in the folded, stowed position on the boat deck;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the boat and boat ramp system showing the boat ramp in the use position and having been rotated relative to the deck of the boat to a second location;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of one of two actuator assemblies of the boat ramp system used to raise and lower a portion of the boat ramp between the use and stowed positions;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the boat deck of the boat showing a C-shaped channel formed in the deck of the boat, a guide track plate of the guide track assembly removed from the channel, and rollers of the boat ramp system positioned within the channel;

FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of a portion of the boat deck including a circular aperture, a pivot assembly configured to be coupled to the boat deck and the boat ramp, and a portion of the boat ramp that is pivotably coupled to the deck of the boat; and

FIG. 8 is an exploded, perspective view similar to FIG. 7 showing an alterative pivot assembly configured to be received within an aperture in the deck of the boat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives following within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

A boat ramp system 10 is coupled to a boat 12, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The boat ramp system 10 allows for the exit and entry of persons onto the boat 12. Illustratively, the boat 12 is a catamaran deckboat; however, it is within the scope of this disclosure for the boat ramp system 10 to be coupled to any suitable marine vehicle, such as pontoon boats, speed boats, cruise ships, etc. Further illustratively, the boat ramp system 10 includes a boat ramp 14 configured to move between an extended, use position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, and a folded, stowed position, as shown in FIG. 3. The boat ramp 14 is further configured to pivot about an axis 132 between a number of different positions relative to the boat. For example, FIGS. 1-3 show the boat ramp 14 is shown in a first position relative to the boat 12, and in FIG. 4 shows the boat ramp 14 after having been rotated about the axis 132 is shown in a second position on the deck 16 of the boat 12.

Looking now to FIGS. 1-4, the boat ramp system 10 is coupled to a front deck 16 of the boat 12 and includes the boat ramp 14, first and second actuator assemblies 20, 22 and a guide track assembly 24. In particular, the boat ramp system 10 is coupled to a top surface 17 of the front end of the boat deck 16; however, it is within the scope of this disclosure to couple the boat ramp system 10 to any suitable location, such as a planar surface, for example, of the boat 12. Illustratively, the guide track assembly 24 is formed in and coupled to the deck 16 of the boat 12. As is discussed in greater detail below, the guide track assembly 24 allows the boat ramp 14 to pivot about the axis 132 relative to the deck 16 in order to position and secure the boat ramp 14 in a number of locations relative to the deck 16.

As shown in FIG. 6, the guide track assembly 24 includes a C-shaped channel 26 formed in the top surface 17 of the deck 16 of the boat 12 and a C-shaped guide track plate 28 positioned within the channel 26. As shown in FIG. 6, the channel 26 is defined by inner side walls 30, 32, a bottom wall 34, inner top walls 36, 38 respectively coupled to the inner side walls 30, 32, and outer side walls 40, 42 respectively coupled to the inner top walls 36, 38. Illustratively, the guide track plate 28 is positioned to lie on the inner top walls 36, 38, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, such that a top surface of the guide track 28 is generally flush with the top surface 17 of the deck 16 of the boat 12. Further illustratively, the guide track 28 is metal; however, it is within the scope of this disclosure for the guide track 28 to be made of any other suitable material such as plastic or wood, for example.

Looking still to FIG. 6, the guide track assembly 24 further includes rollers 44. A pin 46 is received through each roller 44 and is supported at each end within a notch 48 formed in the inner top walls 36, 38 defining the channel 26. Further, the guide track plate 28 includes roller apertures 50 configured to receive at least a portion of a roller 44 therein, as shown in FIG. 6. Illustratively, each roller 44 is generally cylindrical in shape and each roller aperture 50 is generally rectangular in shape in order to receive one of the rollers 44 therein. However, it is within the scope of this disclosure to provide rollers and coordinating roller apertures having other suitable shapes. As is discussed in greater detail below, the rollers 44 engage the boat ramp 14 and operate as bearings to allow the boat ramp 14 to pivot about the axis 132 on the deck 16. The guide track plate 28 further includes locking slots 52 between the roller apertures 50. Illustratively, the guide track plate 28 includes two slots 52 between each roller aperture 50; however, any number of slots 52 (including only a single, elongated slot) may be positioned between the roller apertures 50. The slots 52 are generally rectangular in shape and define a longitudinal axis generally aligned with a centerline of the guide track plate 28 itself. As is discussed in greater detail below, the slots 52 are configured to receive a locking pin 126 of a lock assembly 53 therein in order to secure the boat ramp 14 in a particular location on the deck 16 of the boat 12. The guide track plate 28 further includes apertures 54 configured to receive a fastener, such a bolt or screw, therethrough in order to secure the guide track 28 to the deck 16 of the boat 12.

Looking now to FIGS. 1-4, the boat ramp 14 includes a first ramp portion 62 having a hub 60 pivotably coupled to the deck 16, and a second ramp portion 64 pivotably coupled to the first ramp portion 62. Illustratively, the first and second ramp portions 62, 64 are made from a fiberglass material, or skin, mounted atop an aluminum plate; however, it is within the scope of this disclosure to provide a boat ramp having ramp portions made from any suitable material or combination of materials such as any suitable metals, plastics, and/or wood, for example.

Illustratively, the hub 60 of the boat ramp 14 is coupled to a pivot assembly 63 (shown in FIG. 7). The pivot assembly 63 includes a base plate 59 and a bearing plate 65 coupled to the base plate 59. Illustratively, the base plate 59 and bearing plate 65 are coupled to the top surface 17 of the deck 16 of the boat 12 by fasteners, such as bolts 67. The pivot assembly 63 further includes a boss 69 coupled to the base plate 65 and a coil spring 71 coupled at one end to the boss 69 and at another end to an end cap 73. A hollow tube 75 of the pivot assembly 63 is coupled to the end cap 73 and the base and bearing plates 59, 65. The hollow tube 75 is rigidly coupled to a bottom surface of the hub 60 of the first boat ramp portion 62 to move with the first boat ramp portion 62 relative to the deck 16 of the boat 12. The coil spring 71 is positioned around the hollow tube 75. Illustratively, the bottom portion of the hollow tube 75 is threaded (not shown) to allow the end cap 73 to be moved upwardly and downwardly on the hollow tube 75 in order to change the distance between the boss 69 and the end cap 73 thus changing the spring bias of the spring 71. Illustratively, the spring 71 operates to help prevent the boat ramp 14 from vibrating relative to the deck 16 of the boat 12, to help maintain a secure fit between the boat ramp 14 and the deck 16 of the boat, and to help provide the boat ramp 14 with flexibility to move relative to the deck 16 when the boat ramp 14 is in the extended, use position and engaged with another structure, such as the dock 77, for example.

Illustratively, the hollow tube 75 is in communication with an aperture 76 through the bearing and base plates 59, 65 as well as an aperture (not shown) through the boss 69 and the end cap 73. These apertures define a passageway through the pivot assembly 63 to allow hydraulic and/or electrical lines (not shown) necessary to operate the boat ramp system 10 to be routed therethrough to an area below the deck 16 of the boat 12. Further, the hub 60 of the first ramp portion 62 of the boat ramp 14 includes an aperture 57 formed therethrough. The aperture 57 is aligned with the above-referenced apertures 76 and corresponding passageway of the pivot assembly 63. Accordingly, the hydraulic and/or electric lines are routed from a motor 100 of each actuator assembly 20, 22 to the aperture 57 of the first ramp portion 62, and through the passageway of the pivot assembly 63 to a pump located below the deck 16 of the boat 12.

As is discussed in greater detail below, the boss 69, spring 71, tube 75, and cap 73 of the pivot assembly are received through an aperture 134 (shown in FIG. 7) formed in the deck 16 of the boat 12. As noted above, the tube 75 is coupled to the bottom surface of the hub 60 of the first ramp portion 62. Illustratively, the tube 75 may be welded to the bottom surface of the hub 60. Thus, the tube 75 and the boat ramp 14 are able to pivot together relative to both the deck 16 of the boat 12 as well as the base and bearing plates 59, 65, which remain stationary on the deck 16 of the boat 12. Accordingly, the pivot axis 132 about which the second ramp portion 62 pivots is defined along the longitudinal axis of the hollow tube 75. Further illustratively, the bearing plate 65 is made from a polymer material in order to provide a bearing surface between the hub 60 of the first ramp portion 62 and the pivot assembly 63.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, a threaded bolt 175 of an alternative pivot assembly 163 is coupled to the end cap 73 and the base and bearing plates 59, 65. Illustratively, the bolt 75 may be rotated in order to change the distance between the boss 69 and the end cap 73 in order to change the spring bias of the spring 71. An attachment plate (not shown) is coupled to the bottom surface the hub 60 of an alternative first ramp portion 162 and is pivotably coupled to the pivot assembly 63 by the bolt 175 such that the hub 60 of the first ramp portion 162 rests on and is engaged with the bearing plate 65. In general, therefore, operation of the pivot assembly 63 shown in FIG. 7 is substantially the same as or similar to the operation of the pivot assembly 163 shown in FIG. 8. As is discussed in greater detail below, the deck 16 of the boat 12 shown in FIG. 8 further includes a C-shaped slot 120 configured to allow hydraulic and/or electrical lines used to operate the assemblies 20, 22 to be routed therethrough to an area of the boat 12 below the surface 17 of the deck 16.

As noted above, the boat ramp 14 includes first and second ramp portions 62 and 64. As discussed in greater detail below, the second ramp portion 64 is pivotable relative to the first ramp portion 62 between an extended, use position (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) and a folded, stowed position (as shown in FIG. 3). Each of the first and second ramp portions 62, 64 includes a floor 66 and side walls 68 coupled to and extending upwardly from each side of the floor 66. The second ramp portion 64 further includes a ledge 70 at the outboard edge of the ramp 14 configured to engage the particular structure (such as a dock 77, for example) to which the ramp 14 has been extended to provide a walkway to and from the boat 12. Illustratively, as shown in FIG. 1, an end 72 of the first ramp portion 62 is convex in shape while an adjacent end 74 of the second ramp portion 64 is concave in shape. Further, illustratively, a width 81 of the floor 66 of both the first and second ramp portions 62, 64 is wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, scooter, or other such device which may be used by a handicapped person in order to provide exit entry to and from the boat for persons confined to such devices. Illustratively, the width 81 of the floors 66 of the ramp portions 62, 64 is approximately 32½ inches; however, it is within the scope of this disclosure to provide a boat ramp having any suitable width for entry and exit of persons to and from the boat 12.

The boat ramp 14 further includes hand rail assemblies 80 coupled to each side of the first ramp portion 62, as shown in FIG. 1. Each hand rail assembly 80 includes a base plate 82 and three hollow cylinders 84 coupled to and extending upwardly from the base plate 82. The base plate 82 is coupled to the side wall 68 of the first ramp portion 62. A U-shaped hand rail 86 of each assembly 80 includes a curved portion 88 coupled to two vertical posts 90 extending downwardly therefrom. Each vertical post 90 includes a bottom end received within one of the hollow cylinders 84. Each hand rail assembly 80 further includes another vertical post 92 removably received within the outboard-most hollow cylinder 84. A chain 94 is coupled to and extends between the hand rail 86 and the vertical post 92. Illustratively, while a chain 94 is provided, it should be understood that any suitable flexible or foldable handrail, such as a rope or wire, for example, may be provided.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, each hand rail assembly 80 further includes a hollow cylinder 96 coupled to each side wall 68 of the second ramp portion 64. The cylinder 96 is configured to receive the vertical post 92 therein when the ramp 14 is in the extended, use position in order to provide a hand rail for a person boarding or exiting the boat 12 via the boat ramp 14. Illustratively, therefore, the vertical post 92 on each side of the boat ramp 14 is movable between a first position within the outboard-most hollow cylinder 84 on each side of the first ramp portion 62 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) and a second position within the hollow cylinder 96 on each side of the second ramp portion 64 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4). As shown in FIGS. 1-4, each hand rail assembly 80 may also include a chain cover 128 to cover and protect the chain 94.

It should be understood that while the illustrative hand rail assembly 80 is shown and described herein, it is within the scope of this disclosure to provide other suitable hand rail assemblies as well. In particular, an alternative hand rail assembly may include only the U-shaped hand rail 86 having the curved portion 88 and two vertical posts 90 extending downwardly therefrom. In this embodiment, only two vertical cylinders 84 may be provided on the base plate 82. Alternatively, more than three vertical posts 90, 92 may be provided with each hand rail assembly. Such vertical posts may be stationary or movable relative to each of the first and second ramp portions 62, 64. Furthermore, while the vertical cylinders 84 are shown on the base plate 82, it is within the scope of this disclosure for the vertical cylinders 84 (or other such receptacles for holding the posts 90) may be coupled to any suitable structure or component of the respective actuator assemblies 20, 22 and/or any suitable portion or component of the first and/or second ramp portions 62, 64.

As noted above, the boat ramp assembly 10 includes an actuator assembly 20, 22 coupled to each side of the boat ramp 14. As is described in greater detail below, each actuator assembly 20, 22 operates to raise and lower the second ramp portion 64 between the extended, use position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, and the folded, stowed position, shown in FIG. 3. For purposes of illustration, the components and operation of only the actuator assembly 20 are discussed herein. However, it should be understood that the actuator assemblies 20, 22 are identical in configuration and operation.

As shown in FIG. 5, the actuator assembly 20 includes a hydraulic motor 100, a chain 102 configured to extend between a first, drive sprocket 104 and a second, driven sprocket 106, and a hub 108 coupled to the second sprocket 106. While the motor 100 of the boat ramp system 12 is a hydraulic motor, it is within the scope of this disclosure to provide other suitable motors, such as electric or pneumatic, for example, for rotating a drive sprocket, such as sprocket 104. Illustratively, the motor 100 and first sprocket 104 of the actuator assembly 20 are coupled to a flange 110 of the first ramp portion 62 of the boat ramp 14. Alternatively, a bracket (not shown) may be used to couple the motor 110 and first sprocket 104 to the first ramp portion 62. The hub 108 and second sprocket 106, on the other hand, are coupled to the second ramp portion 64. In particular, the hub 108 is coupled to first and second arm members 112, 113 of the actuator assembly 20, which are pivotably coupled to the second ramp portion 64.

A housing 83 is illustratively provided to cover or shield some of the components of the actuator assembly 20. The housing 83 may be mounted to the flange 110 of the first ramp portion 62, the side wall 68 of the first ramp portion 62, and/or the first and second arm assemblies 111, 113. In particular, the housing 83 includes the horizontal base plate 82 to which the hollow cylinders 84 are coupled. The housing 83 further includes a side plate 85 coupled to the base plate 82 and an aperture 87 through which an output motor shaft 105 of the motor 100, which is coupled to the drive sprocket 104, is received. Thus, the drive sprocket 104, most of the drive chain 102, and most of the first and second arm members 112, 113 are contained within the housing 83. Of course, it is within the scope of this disclosure to provide actuator assemblies which do not include such a housing and/or which include a housing of another suitable size, shape, and design to wholly or partially shield one or more components of the actuator assembly. In particular, the actuator assemblies 20, 22 may include only the base plate 82 and/or the side plate 85.

Illustratively, the first and second arm members 112, 113 are also coupled to the flange 110 of first ramp portion 62 of the boat ramp 14. In particular, the hub 108 of the second sprocket 106 is received through an aperture 109 formed in the outboard end of the first arm member 112, an aperture 111 formed in the outboard end of the second arm member 113, an aperture 115 formed in the inboard end of the side wall 68 of the second ramp portion 64, as shown in FIG. 5. Of course, it is within the scope of this disclosure to couple the second, or driven, sprocket 106 and associated hub 108 to the second ramp portion 64 using any suitable bracket or bracket assembly.

The actuator assembly 20 further includes hydraulic lines (not shown) which are coupled to the hydraulic motor 100 and which run over the first ramp portion 62 through the aperture 57 in the first ramp portion 62, and through the hollow tube 75 of the pivot assembly 63 (shown in FIG. 7) and the aperture 134 formed in the deck 16 of the boat 12. Alternatively, hydraulic lines may be run through the C-shaped slot 120 formed in the deck 16 of the boat 12 (as shown in FIG. 8) when the alternative pivot assembly 163 is provided. The hydraulic lines are coupled to a hydraulic pump (not shown) located below the deck 16 of the boat 12. The hydraulic pump operates to pump hydraulic fluid through the lines to power the hydraulic motor 100 in order to rotate the drive sprocket 104. Illustratively, both the hollow tube 75 of the pivot assembly 63 and the C-shaped slot 120 in the deck 16 allow the hydraulic lines to move with the boat ramp 14 as the first ramp portion 62 of the ramp 14 is pivoted about the vertical axis 132 relative to the deck 16.

In operation, the ramp 14 of the boat ramp system 10 is provided to allow passengers to board and exit the boat 12. In particular, the ramp 14 is wheelchair-accessible such that the width 81 of the floor 66 of the ramp 14 is able to accommodate a wheelchair, scooter, or other such device which may be used by a handicapped person. To use the ramp 14 to provide a walkway between the boat 12 and another structure, such as the dock 77, for example, the ramp 14 is moved from the stowed position, shown in FIG. 3, to the use position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. In the stowed position, the second ramp portion 64 is positioned above and adjacent to the first ramp portion 62 such that the upper surface of the floor 66 of the second ramp portion 64 is facing the upper surface of the floor 66 of the first ramp portion 62. Illustratively, FIG. 2 shows the second ramp portion 64 moving between the stowed position and the use position. In the use position, the upper surface of the floor 66 of the second ramp portion 64 is generally planar to and aligned with the upper surface of the floor 66 of the first ramp portion 62, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

In order to move the second ramp portion 62 to the use position, the actuator assemblies 20, 22 are actuated by a switch (not shown) on the boat 12 and/or on a remote control unit (not shown) in order to actuate the hydraulic motor 100 of each assembly 20 to rotate the drive sprocket 104 and the driven sprocket 106 via the drive chain 102. Illustratively, the actuator assemblies 20, 22 work together in sequence; however, it is within the scope of this disclosure to provide one or more actuator assemblies 20, 22 coupled to the boat ramp 14 which operate in sequence or simultaneously to move the second ramp portion 64 between the use and stowed positions.

Rotation of the driven sprocket 106 of the actuator assembly 20 in a counter-clockwise direction rotates the hub 108 attached thereto in a counter-clockwise direction as well. As noted above, the second ramp portion 64 is coupled to the hub 108 via the arm portions 112, 113. As such, counter-clockwise rotation of the hub 108 causes the second ramp portion 64 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction relative to the first ramp portion 62 about an axis 130 (shown in FIG. 2) in order to move the second ramp portion 64 to the extended, use position such that the ramp ledge 70 engages or rests on the structure, such as the illustrative dock 77, spaced-apart from the boat 12.

Once the ramp 14 is in the extended, use position, the vertical post 92 of each hand rail assembly 80 located within the outboard-most hollow cylinder 84 coupled to the first ramp portion 62 may be moved to the hollow cylinder 96 coupled to the second ramp portion 64 in order to extend the hand rail assembly 80 to the second ramp portion 64. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the chain cover 128 may be used to cover the chain 94 extending between the hand rail 86 and the vertical post 92. Conversely, rotation of the driven sprockets 104, 106 in the clockwise direction causes the second ramp portion 64 to pivot about the axis 130 in a clockwise direction therewith in order to move the second ramp portion 64 from the use position to the stowed position

As noted above, the boat ramp 14 may also be positioned in a number of locations relative to the deck 16 of the boat 12. The boat ramp 14 may be rotated about the axis 132 (shown in FIGS. 1-4, 7, and 8) in order to position the boat ramp 14 in any number of locations on the deck 16 of the boat 12. For example, the structure to or from which persons are exiting or boarding the boat 12 may be located generally in front of or to either side of the deck of the boat 12. Accordingly, the boat ramp 14 may be rotated to accommodate the location of the structure near which the boat 12 will be positioned for boarding and exiting thereof. Illustratively, FIG. 1 shows the boat ramp 14 in a first position relative to the deck 16 of the boat 12 while FIG. 4 shows the boat ramp 14 having been rotated relative to the deck 16 about the axis 132 to a second position on the boat 12. As is discussed in greater detail below, the boat ramp 14 may be positioned on and secured to guide track assembly 24 in any number of locations on the guide track assembly 24. Further, the boat ramp 14 may be pivoted about the axis 132 when the boat ramp 14 is in the folded, stowed position or when the boat ramp 14 is in the extended, use position.

In order to pivot the boat ramp 14 about the axis 132, a user simply pushes the boat ramp 14 in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction to the desired location. Illustratively, the boat ramp 14 may be pivoted approximately 180 degrees about the axis 132 in order to position the boat ramp 14 in any number of locations along the 180 degree path. The illustrative guide track plate 28 creates approximately a 220 degree arc on the deck 16 of the boat 12 to allow the boat ramp 14 to be able to be pivoted a full 180 degrees. Of course, it is within the scope of this disclosure to provide a boat ramp 14 which is able to be pivoted any suitable number of degrees about the axis 132 depending on the size and shape of the deck of the particular boat to which the boat ramp assembly 10 is coupled. Accordingly, it is within the scope of this disclosure to provide a guide track plate 28 which defines an arc of any suitable number of degrees to allow the boat ramp 14 to move relative to the deck 16 therein.

As noted above, the hub 60 of the boat ramp 14 is pivotably coupled to the pivot assembly 63 (shown in FIG. 7). The pivot assembly 63 is received through the aperture 134 formed in the deck 16 of the boat 12 in order to allow the boat ramp 14 to be pivoted about the axis 132 relative to the pivot assembly 63 and the deck 16. The rollers 44 of the guide track assembly 24 engage a bottom surface (not shown) of the first ramp portion 62 and operate as bearings to allow the first ramp portion 62 to slide along the guide track assembly 24 as the first ramp portion 62 is being pivoted about the axis 132 from one location to another.

Once the boat ramp 14 is located in the desired position on the guide track assembly 24, the boat ramp 14 may be locked in place in order to prevent movement of the boat ramp 14 relative to the deck 16 of the boat 12. In particular, each actuator assembly 20, 22 includes a lock assembly 53 coupled to the flange 110 of the respective assembly 20. Each lock assembly 53 includes a lock bracket 122 configured to be coupled to the flange 110, a lock block 124, coupled to the lock bracket 122, a locking pin 126 received within the lock block 124, and a spring stop 128 received around a portion of the locking pin 126, as shown in FIG. 5.

Illustratively, the locking pin 126 is spring-biased to an unlocked position by a spring (not shown) positioned within the lock block 124. A user, however, may move the locking pin 126 vertically downwardly relative to the lock block 124 to a locked position wherein a bottom end (not shown) of the locking pin 126 extends below the lock block 124. Illustratively, the spring stop 128 is a collar around the locking pin 126 and moves with the locking pin 126 between the unlocked and locked positions. The spring stop 128 operates to engage the upper surface of the lock block 124 when the locking pin 126 is moved downwardly to prevent further downward movement of the locking pin 126.

Illustratively, to lock or secure the boat ramp 14 in a particular location on the deck 16 and generally prevent movement of the boat ramp 14 relative to the deck 16 of the boat 12, a user may move the locking pin 126 downwardly against the bias of the spring within the lock block 124 such that the locking pin 126 is received through one of the plurality of slots 52 of the guide track assembly 24. Illustratively, the bottom end (not shown) of the locking pin 126 is generally T-shaped forming a horizontal “T” member and the vertical shaft member such that the “T” member may be received through one of the slots 52 and the locking pin 126 rotated to a locked position whereby the “T” member is positioned below and engaged with a bottom surface of the guide track plate 28 of the guide track assembly 24 to prevent the locking pin 126 from being removed from the slot 52.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6 and noted above, the guide track plate 28 includes the plurality of slots 52 positioned along the entire 220 degree arc formed by the guide track plate 28 such that the boat ramp 14 may be locked in place on the deck 16 of the boat 12 in any number of locations relative to the deck 16 of the boat 12. While the guide track plate 28 includes the plurality of slots 52 formed therein, it is within the scope of this disclosure to include a single, continuous slot between each of the roller apertures 50. In particular, the guide track plate 28 may include any number of slots or apertures between the each of the roller apertures 50 such that the slots or apertures are otherwise sized to receive the locking pin 126 therein.

Furthermore, either one or both of the lock assemblies 53 associated with the actuator assemblies 20, 22 may be used to secure the boat ramp 14 to the deck 16 of the boat 12. In order to unlock the boat ramp 14 from the guide track assembly 28, the locking pin(s) 126 may be rotated such that the “T” member of the pin(s) 126 is aligned with the slot 52 within which the pin 126 is located to allow the bias of the spring within the lock block 124 to move the respective locking pin(s) 126 vertically out from the locking slot(s) 52 to the unlocked position, thus allowing the boat ramp 14 to be moved relative to the boat deck 16 about the vertical axis 132.

While the concepts of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such an illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the illustrative embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

There are a plurality of advantages of the concepts of the present disclosure arising from the various features of the systems described herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of each of the systems of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of a system that incorporate one or more of the features of the present disclosure and fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A boat ramp system configured to be coupled to a boat to permit persons to board and exit the boat, the boat ramp system comprising:

a boat ramp having (i) a first ramp portion configured to be pivotably coupled to the boat for rotation about a vertical axis relative to the boat, and (ii) a second ramp portion pivotably coupled to the first ramp portion for movement relative to the first ramp portion between a stowed position wherein the second ramp portion is positioned above the first ramp portion and a use position wherein the second ramp portion is generally planar with the first ramp portion.

2. The boat ramp system of claim 1, further comprising an actuator assembly coupled to the first ramp portion and the second ramp portion to pivot the second ramp portion between the stowed and use positions.

3. The boat ramp system of claim 2, wherein the actuator assembly includes a motor, a drive sprocket coupled to the first ramp portion, a driven sprocket coupled to the second ramp portion, and a drive chain coupled to the drive and driven sprockets.

4. The boat ramp system of claim 2, further comprising a second actuator assembly coupled to the first ramp portion and the second ramp portion.

5. The boat ramp system of claim 1, further comprising a guide track assembly including a guide track plate configured to be coupled to a planar surface of the boat and a plurality of rollers coupled to the guide track plate.

6. The boat ramp system of claim 5, wherein the guide track plate is generally C-shaped.

7. The boat ramp system of claim 5, wherein the guide track plate includes a plurality of spaced-apart apertures and the rollers are each positioned within one of the apertures.

8. The boat ramp system of claim 7, wherein the guide track plate further includes a plurality of slots positioned between the apertures.

9. The boat ramp system of claim 8, further comprising a locking pin coupled to the first ramp portion and configured to be received within one of the slots in order to prevent the boat ramp from rotating about the vertical axis relative to the boat.

10. The boat ramp system of claim 5, wherein a bottom surface of the first ramp portion is engaged with the rollers of the guide track assembly.

11. The boat ramp system of claim 1, further comprising a hand rail assembly including a first vertical post coupled to the first ramp portion, a second vertical post movable between a first position coupled to the first ramp portion and a second position coupled to the second ramp portion, and a flexible handrail coupled to and extending between the first and second vertical posts.

12. The boat ramp system of claim 1, wherein the boat ramp is configured to be pivoted approximately 180 degrees about the vertical axis relative to the boat.

13. The boat ramp system of claim 1, further comprising a pivot assembly coupled to the first boat ramp portion and configured to be coupled to the boat.

14. A boat ramp system configured to be coupled to a boat, comprising:

a boat ramp having (i) a first boat ramp portion configured to be coupled to the boat and (ii) a second boat ramp portion pivotably coupled to the first boat ramp portion for movement relative to the first ramp portion between a stowed position wherein the second ramp portion is positioned above the first ramp portion and a use position wherein the second ramp portion is generally aligned with the first ramp portion; and

an actuator assembly coupled to the first boat ramp portion and the second boat ramp portion in order to move the second boat ramp portion between the stowed and use positions.

15. The boat ramp system of claim 14, wherein the boat ramp further includes a pivot assembly coupled to the first boat ramp portion and configured to be coupled to the boat, wherein the pivot assembly defines a vertical, pivot axis therethrough and the first boat ramp portion is configured to rotate about the vertical, pivot axis relative to the pivot assembly and the deck of the boat.

16. The boat ramp system of claim 14, wherein the actuator assembly is a first actuator assembly coupled to a first side of the boat ramp, and further comprising a second actuator assembly coupled to a second side of the boat ramp.

17. The boat ramp system of claim 14, wherein the actuator assembly includes a motor coupled to the first boat ramp portion, a drive sprocket coupled to the motor, and a driven sprocket coupled to the second boat ramp portion.

18. The boat ramp system of claim 14, further comprising a guide track assembly engaged with the first boat ramp portion and configured to be coupled a planar portion deck of the boat.

19. The boat ramp system of claim 18, wherein the guide track assembly includes a generally C-shaped guide track plate and a plurality of roller bearings coupled to the C-shaped guide track plate.

20. A boat comprising:

a generally planar boat deck and a C-shaped channel formed in a top surface of the boat deck;

a boat ramp system coupled to the boat deck, the boat ramp system including (i) a boat ramp configured to pivot about a vertical pivot axis relative to the boat, and (ii) a guide track assembly received within the channel formed in the boat deck and engaged with the boat ramp.