RETRACTABLE PLATFORM TO ASSIST KAYAKERS TO LAUNCH OFF AN ELEVATED BOAT DOCK

Abstract

This is directed to systems, processes, machines, and other means that enable a user to launch a kayak from a dock. The invention can easily be cranked into a portable or usable position depending on user preference and enable a user to easily launch a kayak.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional application 61/468,427 filed on Mar. 28, 2011.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to devices that assist a user in launching a kayak off of a retractable platform.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many consumers may have difficulty getting into and stepping out of their kayaks. The docks from which consumers must step to enter their kayaks may be elevated, requiring users to take large steps down to reach their kayaks. This can cause users to lose their balances and slip. When leaving the kayaks, users may need to hoist themselves up, leading to painful strained muscles. An effective, safe solution is necessary and is provided by the claimed invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes methods, systems, and other means for a retractable platform to assist a user with launching a kayak. The retractable platform comprises a support frame assembly mechanically coupled to a step assembly. The support frame assembly is mechanically coupled to a platform assembly, a hand crank, a hand rail and a platform assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention shown in use.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention illustrated with optional planking.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention illustrated without optional planking for clarity.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the invention illustrating major assembly components.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the invention illustrated in extended position.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the invention illustrated in partially retracted rotational position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention overcome many of the obstacles associated with launching a kayak in shallow water, and now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings that show some, but not all embodiments of the claimed inventions. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 shows the invention in use. User 10 desires to launch kayak 16 in water 12 from dock 14. The present invention, retractable platform 24, meets that need. Retractable platform 24 comprises support frame assembly 18 which further comprises dock mount 32. Dock mount 32 is immediately adjacent to dock 14 and is mechanically coupled to hand crank post 30 which is further mechanically coupled to hand crank 26. Hand crank 26 comprises crank line 54 and crank handle 56. Crank line 54 mechanically couples hand crank 26 to hand rail 58 (not shown) which is further mechanically coupled to platform assembly 22 as shown in more detail in FIG. 5. A user can utilize hand crank 56 to lift platform assembly 22 as shown in FIG. 6.

Platform assembly 22 is mechanically coupled to step assembly 20 as shown in FIG. 3. Here, step assembly 20 is shown comprising planking 60, though it can also comprise diamond grating 62 as shown in FIG. 7. Planking 60 is mechanically coupled to support frame assembly 18 as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 shows retractable platform 24 in more detail. As noted above retractable platform 24 comprises support frame assembly 18 mechanically coupled to step assembly 20 which is further mechanically coupled to platform assembly 22. Support frame assembly 18 comprises dock mount 32 which is mechanically coupled to mounting frame 34 and hand crank post 30. Step assembly 20 is mechanically coupled to mounting frame 34 at step pivot fastener hole 52 as shown in FIG. 4.

Platform assembly 22 comprises platform frame 42 which is mechanically coupled to left platform side aim 44, right platform side arm 44 and further mechanically coupled hand rail 58 by left bracket 48 and right bracket 48. Left platform side arm 44 is mechanically coupled to mounting frame 34 by left platform arm 36 and left step pivot fastener hole 50 as shown in FIG. 4. Similarly, right platform side arm 44 is mechanically coupled to mounting frame 34 by right platform arm 36 and right step pivot fastener hole 50 as shown in FIG. 4. Here, planking 60 is mechanically coupled to step assembly 20 and platform assembly 22.

As noted above, hand crank 26 comprises crank handle 56 and is mechanically coupled to hand crank platform 28. Hand crank platform 28 is mechanically coupled to hand crank post 30, which is further mechanically coupled to mounting frame 34.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the invention without planking 60. While a variety of materials can be used to make the components of retractable platform 24, the following materials have been notably effective: platform frame 42 can be made from 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch by 0.188 inch steel tube. Step assembly 20 also can be made from 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch by 0.188 inch steel tube. Additionally, step pivot fastener 36 and platform pivot fastener 38 can be made from 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch by 0.188 inch steel tube. Mounting frame 34 can be made from 2 inch by 2 inch by 0.188 inch steel angle. Deck mount 32 can be made from 0.188″ by 3″ hot rolled flat steel bar.

FIG. 4 shows the mechanical couples mentioned above in more detail in an exploded view of the invention. Cross brace 66 provides additional support to mounting frame 34. To mechanically couple step assembly 20 to mounting frame 34, a user must first mechanically couple right step stop 64 and left step stop 64 to mounting frame 34. After that, a user must mechanically couple left step arm 38 and right step arm 38 to mounting frame 34. Left step arm 38 further comprises left step pivot fastener hole 52. Right step arm 38 further comprises right step pivot fastener hole 52.

A user then inserts first left bolt 70 into first flange bearing 72 through left step pivot fastener hole 52 into second flange bearing 72, into third flange bearing 72, into fourth flange bearing 72 into first nut 74 and into second nut 74 completing left step connection. Subsequently, a user inserts first right bolt 70 into fifth flange bearing 72 through right step pivot fastener hole 52 into sixth flange bearing 72, into seventh flange bearing 72, into eighth flange bearing 72 into third nut 74 and into fourth nut 74 completing right step connection.

To mechanically couple platform assembly 44 to mounting frame 34, a user must first mechanically left platform arm 36 and right platform arm 36 to mounting frame 34. Left platform arm 36 further comprises left platform pivot fastener hole 50. Right platform arm 36 further comprises right platform pivot fastener hole 50.

A user then inserts second left bolt 70 into ninth flange bearing 72 through left platform pivot fastener hole 50 into tenth flange bearing 72, into eleventh flange bearing 72, into twelfth flange bearing 72 into fifth nut 74 and into sixth nut 74 completing left platform connection. Subsequently, a user inserts second right bolt 70 into thirteenth flange bearing 72 through right platform pivot fastener hole 50 into fourteenth flange bearing 72, into fifteenth flange bearing 72, into sixteenth flange bearing 72 into seventh nut 74 and into eighth nut 74 completing right platform connection.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the invention in use. As noted above, support frame assembly 18 is mechanically coupled to step assembly 20 and platform assembly 22 as shown in FIG. 4. Support frame assembly 18 is also mechanically coupled to hand crank 26. Here, support frame 18 comprises gusset plate 40 which is mechanically coupled to platform arm 36 and mounting frame 34. Gusset plate 40 provides additional support to platform arm 36.

In use, dock mount 24 is parallel and immediately adjacent to dock 14 (not shown). Mounting frame 38 will he perpendicular to dock 14 (not shown). The weight of dock mount 32 should be sufficient to keep retractable platform 24 in place. When user 10 operates hand crank 26 such that crank line 54 becomes loose, retractable platform 24 should appear as in FIG. 5, which is, platform frame 42 is parallel to dock mount 32 and held in place by platform side arm 44.

FIG. 6 shows retractable platform 24 in motion. As user 10 engages hand crank 56 in a clockwise manner, crank line 54 is wrapped around hand crank 26 and attachment point 58 is pulled toward hand crank post 30. As this happens, platform frame 42 pivots about right platform pivot fastener hole 50 and left platform pivot fastener hole 50 causing platform frame 42 to gradually become parallel with mounting frame 34. As this occurs, and platform frame 42 (or planking 60 if used) will become immediately adjacent to step assembly 20 and exert force upon step assembly 20. This force causes step assembly 20 to rotate about right step pivot fastener hole 52 and left step pivot fastener hole 52. As this occurs, step assembly 20 gradually becomes parallel with mounting frame 34.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of retractable platform 24 where a first diamond grating 62 is mechanically coupled to step assembly 20. A second diamond grating 62 is mechanically coupled to platform base 42.

Claims

1. A retractable platform to assist a user with launching a kayak, comprising,

a support frame assembly mechanically coupled to a step assembly;

where the support frame assembly is mechanically coupled to a platform assembly;

where the support frame assembly is mechanically coupled to a hand crank;

where the hand crank is mechanically coupled to a hand rail;

where the hand rail is mechanically coupled to the platform assembly.

2. The retractable platform to assist the user with launching a kayak of claim 1 further comprising,

where the support frame assembly is mechanically coupled to the step assembly by a first right bolt and a first left bolt;

where the support frame assembly is mechanically coupled to the platform assembly by a second right bolt and a second left bolt;

where the support frame assembly is mechanically coupled to the hand crank by a hand crank post mechanically coupled to a hand crank platform;

where the hand crank is mechanically coupled to the hand rail by a crank line;

where the hand rail is mechanically coupled to the platform assembly by a left bracket and a right bracket.

3. The retractable platform to assist the user with launching a kayak of claim 1 further comprising,

the support frame assembly further comprises a dock mount mechanically coupled to a mounting frame which is further mechanically coupled to a left step arm, a right step arm, a left platform arm, a right platform arm, a cross brace, and a gusset plate;

the platform assembly further comprises a platform base mechanically coupled to the left platform side arm, the right platform side arm, a right bracket, a left bracket and the hand rail.