Abstract: Provided is a carrying device having a housing including a housing recess defining a recess face. The device further includes an alignment member being insertable within the housing recess. The alignment member defines an insertion orientation relative to the housing when an inner end portion is facing toward the housing recess, the outer end portion is facing away from the housing recess, and the alignment face is facing toward the recess face. The alignment member is sized to limit insertion into the housing recess to insertion when the alignment member is in the insertion orientation. The alignment member is disposed in a stowed position in fixed relation relative to the housing upon insertion into the housing recess. A tether is connected to the alignment member and is retractably connected to the housing.

Abstract: A self-retracting step assembly is attached to a swimming platform provided on the rear of the hull of a boat. The self-retracting step assembly includes a ladder comprising a series of telescoping tubes which enable its extension and retraction. The step assembly including the ladder assembly are attached to the swimming platform in a position in which the ladder is capable of extending into the water wherein the watercraft or boat floats. The telescoping ladder assembly can be extended and placed from a normally horizontal position into an inclined position wherein at least the last step of the ladder reaches the water. The energy for extending the ladder is supplied by a human user. The step assembly includes a motor or mechanical means for storing the energy used for extending the ladder. The ladder assembly is locked into the extended and inclined position by an improved mechanism that is located within the assembly attached to the swimming platform.

Abstract: A self-retracting step assembly is attached to a swimming platform provided on the rear of the hull of a boat. The self-retracting step assembly includes a ladder comprising a series of telescoping tubes which enable its extension and retraction. The step assembly including the ladder assembly are attached to the swimming platform in a position in which the ladder is capable of extending into the water wherein the watercraft or boat floats. The telescoping ladder assembly can be extended and placed from a normally horizontal position into an inclined position wherein at least the last step of the ladder reaches the water. The energy for extending the ladder is supplied by a human user. The step assembly includes a motor or mechanical means for storing the energy used for extending the ladder. The ladder assembly is locked into the extended and inclined position by an improved mechanism that is located within the assembly attached to the swimming platform.