RETRACTABLE PLATFORM TO ASSIST KAYAKERS TO LAUNCH OFF AN ELEVATED BOAT DOCK
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.
This application claims priority to provisional application 61/468,427 filed on Mar. 28, 2011.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot Applicable
THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENTNot Applicable
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISCNot Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to devices that assist a user in launching a kayak off of a retractable platform.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONMany 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 INVENTIONThe 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.
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:
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.
Platform assembly 22 is mechanically coupled to step assembly 20 as shown in
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 21, 2012
Publication Date: Oct 4, 2012
Inventor: Ward Kollar (Huntington Beach, CA)
Application Number: 13/426,556
International Classification: B63C 3/00 (20060101);