Watercraft Stern Platform Extension Assembly

Abstract

An auxiliary platform extends laterally from a swim platform at the stern of a watercraft beyond the side of the hull to aid pedestrian traffic between the watercraft and a watercraft located adjacent to the watercraft. The auxiliary platform assembly may be permanently or removably attached to the swim platform or the stern. When the auxiliary platform assembly is permanently attached to the swim platform, the auxiliary platform may be slid horizontally or pivoted between a retracted state and an extended state. The auxiliary platform may be manually or automatically actuated between the retracted state and the extended state.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims one or more inventions which were disclosed in Provisional Application No. 61/345,307, filed May 17, 2010, entitled “BOAT STERN PLATFORM EXTENSION”. The benefit under 35 USC §119(e) of the United States provisional application is hereby claimed, and the aforementioned application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention pertains to the field of watercraft. More particularly, the invention pertains to a platform located off of the stern of a watercraft.

2. Description of Related Art

Many recreational watercraft have a platform connected to, and extending rearward from, the stern of the watercraft. These platforms provide a surface which people can use as an aid when swimming or diving off of the watercraft and are commonly called “swim platforms”. These platforms may be permanently secured to the stern of the watercraft parallel to the surface of the water or they may be removable or hinged so that they do not interfere with the hydrodynamics of the watercraft as it travels through the water.

Accessories to swim platforms are known in the art.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,673, entitled “STERN PLATFORM LADDER” and issued to Ginter et al. on Mar. 13, 1990, discloses a foldable swim ladder extending downward toward the water from the rear of a stern platform. When not in use, the swim ladder folds up to fit under a hinged panel that forms part of the top surface of the stern platform.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,875, entitled “HINGED STAIRWAY SYSTEM FOR WATER VEHICLES” and issued to Krish, Jr. on May 9, 2000, discloses a hinged stairway system extending downward toward the water from the rear of a stern platform. The stairway system rotates up to rest on the stern platform when not in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,400, entitled “BOARDING SYSTEM WITH RETRACTABLE LADDER FOR YACHTING BOATS” and issued to Scotti on Oct. 27, 2009, discloses a stern platform with a ladder extending downward toward the water from the rear of the stern platform. The ladder is retractable into a recess in the platform.

When watercraft are moored at marinas or other docking facilities or gather at beaches or sandbars, they are often tied up together in a side-by-side arrangement. The people on boats not immediately adjacent the dock or shore must traverse over at least one other boat in order to reach the dock or shore. This can become a problem for certain people who must carefully negotiate stepping from the deck of one boat to another. This problem is amplified if the person must travel through an open recess portion of a certain boat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An auxiliary platform extends laterally from a swim platform at the stern of a watercraft beyond the side of the hull to aid pedestrian traffic between the watercraft and a watercraft located adjacent to the watercraft. The auxiliary platform assembly may be permanently or removably attached to the swim platform or the stern. When the auxiliary platform assembly is permanently attached to the swim platform, the auxiliary platform may be slid horizontally or pivoted between a retracted state and an extended state. The auxiliary platform may be manually or automatically actuated between the retracted state and the extended state.

In some embodiments, an auxiliary platform assembly is for a watercraft having a hull with a stern and a swim platform attached to, and extending rearward from, the stern. The auxiliary platform assembly includes at least one auxiliary platform coupleable to the swim platform or the back of the stern by an extension mechanism. The extension mechanism is formed such that the auxiliary platform laterally extends beyond the side of the hull of the watercraft in an extended position.

In some embodiments, a method provides walking access between a first boat having a first hull with a first stern and a first swim platform extending rearward from the first stern and a second boat having a second hull with a second stern and a second swim platform extending rearward from the second stern. The method includes aligning the first swim platform and the second swim platform laterally. The method also includes extending a first auxiliary platform laterally from the first swim platform beyond the side of the first hull and toward the second swim platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a top plan view of a swim platform with an auxiliary platform in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a rear plan view of the auxiliary platform assembly of FIG. 1A as viewed from line 1B-1B of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C shows a top plan view of the auxiliary platform assembly of FIG. 1A, which is hydraulically actuated, in an extended position.

FIG. 1D shows a schematic view of the auxiliary platform assembly of FIG. 1C as viewed from the center of the swim platform.

FIG. 1E shows a bottom plan view of the auxiliary platform assembly of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 1F shows a top plan view of the auxiliary platform assembly of FIG. 1C in a retracted position.

FIG. 1G shows an isometric view of the auxiliary platform assembly of FIG. 1A, which is hydraulically actuated, with the mounting plate removed.

FIG. 2A shows a top plan view of a swim platform with an auxiliary platform assembly in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B shows a rear plan view of the auxiliary platform assembly of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A shows a top plan view of a swim platform with an auxiliary platform assembly in yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B shows a rear plan view of the auxiliary platform assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 shows a rear plan view of a swim platform with a removable auxiliary platform assembly in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a top plan view of a swim platform with an auxiliary platform assembly in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows adjacent moored watercraft with auxiliary platforms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An auxiliary platform assembly is attached to the swim platform of a conventional recreational watercraft in an embodiment of the present invention. The auxiliary platform generally extends laterally from the swim platform, or, in other words, from the side of the swim platform, to beyond the side of the hull of the watercraft. There may be only one auxiliary platform extending from one side of the swim platform, or each side of the swim platform may have an auxiliary platform.

The auxiliary platform assembly may be permanently or removably mounted in a recess of the swim platform, to the bottom of the swim platform, to the stern below the swim platform, or to both the bottom of the swim platform and the stern below the swim platform.

In embodiments where the auxiliary platform assembly is permanently mounted, the auxiliary platform is preferably actuatable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the auxiliary platform assembly preferably does not extend laterally past the swim platform. The auxiliary platform assembly may be manually or automatically actuated, including electronically by remote control or a control button or switch on the watercraft. In some embodiments, the auxiliary platform is hydraulically actuated between a retracted position and an extended position. In other embodiments, the auxiliary platform is mechanically actuated by sliding the platform horizontally. In yet other embodiments, the auxiliary platform is mechanically actuated on a pivot between a retracted position and an extended position.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary platform may have more than one extended position such that a user may select a particular extended position, for example, depending on the distance to the adjacent moored, rafted, connected, or otherwise arranged boat and depending on whether the neighboring boat has an auxiliary platform. The auxiliary platform is preferably stationary in each extended position when a person is on the auxiliary platform such that the auxiliary platform does not move with respect to the swim platform.

When the watercraft are moored, rafted, connected, or otherwise arranged in a side-by-side arrangement with their sterns approximately adjacent to each other, the swim platforms, if each watercraft is so equipped, are also approximately adjacent to each other. Some swim platforms are as long as the entire width of the stern of the watercraft, while others are shorter than this width. Regardless, when watercraft are arranged adjacent to each other, the distance between the swim platforms of each watercraft is large enough to prevent a person from conveniently and safely walking from one platform to another. The auxiliary platform assists people walking from watercraft to watercraft by way of the swim platforms, thereby avoiding having to walk on an adjacent watercraft's deck or step over side rails and negotiate through the open well portion of other watercraft.

The auxiliary platform assembly may be made from any material strong enough to support the weight of a person and that is impervious or resistant to the corrosive effects of either salt or fresh water. Such materials include, but are not limited to, galvanized steel, stainless steel, reinforced fiberglass, aluminum, and strength-reinforced, water-resistant, corrosion-resistant polymers.

FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically show a swim platform 10 attached to the transom 12 of a watercraft. Auxiliary platforms 14 extend laterally from each side of the swim platform 10. The auxiliary platforms 14 are shown as being partially extended from an internal recess 16 within the swim platform 10. The auxiliary platforms 14 are horizontally actuated between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended state shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the distal ends of the auxiliary platforms 14 extend laterally beyond the sides of the hull 18 of the boat.

FIGS. 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and 1G show more detailed views of an auxiliary platform assembly 24 that is hydraulically horizontally actuated. A hydraulic cylinder 20 aids in the actuation of telescoping slides 22 on which the auxiliary platform 14 of the auxiliary platform assembly 24 is fixed. A mounting plate 28 is coupled to the other ends of the telescoping slides 22 and is mounted to a bottom surface of the swim platform 10 or a top surface of a recess 16 in the swim platform 10 by one or more fasteners, preferably screws or bolts. The distal end 26 of the auxiliary platform 14 is shown as having a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the swim platform 10, but the distal end may alternatively have any shape, including, but not limited to, straight and angled or straight and perpendicular to the stern of the watercraft.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a swim platform 30 with auxiliary platforms 34 that pivot 33 below the swim platform 30 on a horizontal pivot 35 from recesses 36 under each side of the swim platform 30. The distal ends of the auxiliary platforms are shown as having straight shapes perpendicular to the stern of the watercraft, but the distal end may alternatively have any shape, including, but not limited to, straight and angled or curved. In the extended state shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the distal ends of the auxiliary platforms 34 extend laterally beyond the sides of the hull 38 of the boat.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a swim platform 40 with auxiliary platforms 44 that pivot 43 above the swim platform 40 on a horizontal pivot 45 from recesses 46 located on the upper surface of the swim platform 40. In the extended state shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the distal ends of the auxiliary platforms 44 extend laterally beyond the sides of the hull 48 of the boat.

FIG. 4 shows a swim platform 50 with removable auxiliary platforms 54 secured to a receptacle 56 located at each end of the swim platform. The auxiliary platforms 54 include supports 55 extending upward from a bottom portion of the receptacles 56 toward the distal ends of the auxiliary platforms 54. The removable auxiliary platforms 54 may be stowed in a storage locker or elsewhere in the watercraft. In the extended state shown in FIG. 4, the distal ends of the auxiliary platforms 54 extend laterally beyond the sides of the hull 58 of the boat.

FIG. 5 shows a swim platform 60 with auxiliary platforms 64 that pivot horizontally 63 on a vertical pivot 65 from respective recesses or pockets 66 within, above, or below the body of the swim platform 60.

Although the illustrated auxiliary platform assemblies each have a single, flat, substantially horizontal auxiliary platform for users to step on when walking from one swim platform to an adjacent swim platform, the auxiliary platform may be angled and multiple auxiliary platforms may be used. In some embodiments, the angle of the auxiliary platform or the relative vertical positions of multiple auxiliary platforms are adjustable to compensate for adjacent swim platforms at different elevations from the swim platform or the auxiliary platform. This allows the elevation of the distal end of the auxiliary platform to be adjusted to the height of the adjacent swim platform or auxiliary platform.

FIG. 6 shows three watercraft 70, 72, 74, each with a swim platform 76, 78, 80, respectively, at the stern of the watercraft. The three watercraft are separated by spacers 82, which are preferably floating devices, such as buoys, to prevent contact between the hulls of the watercraft. The three swim platforms 76, 78, 80 are substantially aligned. The auxiliary platform 84 extending from the first swim platform 76 toward the second swim platform 78 and the auxiliary platform 86 extending from the second swim platform 78 toward the first swim platform 76 substantially eliminate the gap between the swim platforms 76, 78 to permit a person to traverse more safely and more easily between the two swim platforms 76, 78 and between the two watercraft 70, 72. The auxiliary platform 88 extending from the third swim platform 80 toward the second swim platform 78 substantially reduces the gap between the swim platforms 78, 80 to permit a person to traverse more safely and more easily between the two swim platforms 78, 80 and between the two watercraft 72, 74.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.

Claims

1. An auxiliary platform assembly for a watercraft having a hull with a stern and a swim platform attached to, and extending rearward from, the stern, the auxiliary platform assembly comprising:

at least one auxiliary platform coupleable to the swim platform or the back of the stern by an extension mechanism;

wherein the extension mechanism is formed such that a distal end of the auxiliary platform laterally extends beyond the side of the hull of the watercraft in an extended position.

2. The auxiliary platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary platform assembly is retractable such that in a retracted position, the auxiliary platform assembly does not extend beyond an outer edge of the swim platform.

3. The auxiliary platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the extension mechanism comprises a pair of horizontal slides coupled to the auxiliary platform.

4. The auxiliary platform assembly of claim 3, wherein the extension mechanism is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder.

5. The auxiliary platform assembly of claim 1, wherein a mounting plate couples the extension mechanism to the watercraft.

6. The auxiliary platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the extension mechanism comprises a horizontal pivot such that the mounting plate rotates in a vertical plane between a retracted position and the extended position.

7. The auxiliary platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the extension mechanism comprises a vertical pivot such that the mounting plate rotates in a horizontal plane between a retracted position and the extended position.

8. The auxiliary platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary platform assembly is mounted to a bottom surface of the swim platform.

9. The auxiliary platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary platform assembly is reversibly mounted to the swim platform.

10. The auxiliary platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary platform assembly is formed such that the auxiliary platform supports the weight of pedestrian traffic in the extended position.

11. A method of providing walking access between a first boat having a first hull with a first stern and a first swim platform extending rearward from the first stern and a second boat having a second hull with a second stern and a second swim platform extending rearward from the second stern, the method comprising the steps of:

a) aligning the first swim platform and the second swim platform laterally; and

b) extending a distal end of a first auxiliary platform laterally from the first swim platform beyond the side of the first hull and toward the second swim platform.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising arranging the first boat and the second boat with spacers between the boats to prevent hull-to-hull contact between the boats.

13. The method of claim 11 further comprising extending a distal end of a second auxiliary platform laterally from the second swim platform beyond the side of the second hull and toward the first swim platform.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising adjusting an elevation of the distal end of the first auxiliary platform toward an elevation of the distal end of the second auxiliary platform.

15. The method of claim 11 further comprising adjusting an elevation of the distal end of the first auxiliary platform toward an elevation of the second swim platform.