Boarding Aids Patents (Class 114/362)
  • Patent number: 11964734
    Abstract: A transom lift for boats that can be used for loading and transporting objects such as a dinghy or large coolers. The transom lift has generally parallel and vertical members that fit inside of generally vertical and parallel sides of transom mount ladders. Hooks extend from the generally parallel, spaced apart, elongated, and vertical members, and are constructed and arranged to fit over steps of the transom mount ladder. A supported planar member or platform extends from a lower portion of the generally vertical, spaced apart, elongated, and parallel members. The transom lift is raised and lowered by pulling on an upper end of the transom lift using the transom mount ladder as a guide for vertical movement of the transom lift. The hooks position and hold the planar member or platform in the desired vertical position, either above or below the water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Inventor: William A. Scott
  • Patent number: 11731739
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes recreational watercraft including a drop down boarding point. One example includes a hull, an open platform passenger deck, and a plurality of sides, continuous from the hull. The watercraft includes a panel drop down boarding point, hingedly attached horizontally to the hull, for ingress and egress of persons to the watercraft. The panel drop down boarding point includes a first surface interior to the watercraft when the panel drop down boarding point is closed, a second surface, opposite to the first surface and exterior to the watercraft when the panel drop down boarding point is closed, and an aperture formed between the first surface and the second surface and having an opening in an end surface of the panel drop down boarding point. The aperture is sized and shaped to house a retractable ladder and for the ladder to extend out through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Tulip Factory, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Overbye, Abdul Hameed Khanzada
  • Patent number: 11401012
    Abstract: Boats can include a swim platform with an integrated system of steps that can be selectively deployed and retracted. Such platforms can be attached to a transom of a boat or can be fabricated as an extended portion of the boat's hull. In another embodiment, deployable steps can be integrated with a boat's hull as a side-entry door. In order to reconfigure the step system into a deployed configuration, a linkage is actuated that causes the step system to unfold, forming steps (or a seating configuration) at least partially below the water line. Since the steps can be deployed below the water line, a swimmer can more easily get on board the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Chaparral Boats, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Fafard, Michael Anthony Werle, Justin Everett Brooks
  • Patent number: 11235842
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device that engages and stabilizes a personal watercraft for boarding or exiting. The device simultaneously engages upper surface elements of the watercraft whilst also providing firm land/pier engaged support to the user. A user's weight is able to bear against the inherent buoyancy of the watercraft through a structure rotated downwardly to the watercraft; the rotated structure is hinged and fixed to the land/pier. During entry, the upwardly urging buoyancy of the watercraft stabilizes the watercraft against the downwardly rotated structure while a user steps from the land/pier to the watercraft and fully transfers weight to the watercraft. Exit is the reverse. A method of associated use is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventor: Art Groeneweg
  • Patent number: 11198343
    Abstract: To enlarge a collapsible flap and store the collapsible flap appropriately. In an amphibious vehicle (1) in which a flap (13) which receives lift from water in water navigation is provided to be deployable and storable at a front side in a travel direction of a vehicle body (11), the flap (13) includes a lower flap (21) which is stored to come close to a front surface (11a) of the vehicle body (11) and an upper flap (22) which is stored to come close to an upper surface (11b) of the vehicle body (11), and at least one of the lower flap (21) and the upper flap (22) includes a first flap member (31) and a second flap member (32) and is configured such that a flap length (L13) in a direction orthogonal to a vehicle width direction is variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinichi Sato, Tetsuya Miyamoto, Takashi Matsunaga, Katsuhiko Nakajo, Taichi Omura, Yuta Shimizu, Takenori Kawana, Takashi Mizumoto
  • Patent number: 10994810
    Abstract: A rail system for a marine vessel having an upper deck. The rail system has a set of forward rails that encloses a portion of the upper deck, where the set of forward rails includes a front rail and folding side rails. The set of forward rails is pivotable between an up position and a down position. A plurality of floor hinges pivotally couple the folding side rails to the upper deck. The set of forward rails has an up height when in the up position and a down height when in the down position that is lower than the up height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: BRUNSWICK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kage J. Scheele, Jeremy D. Ward, Kirk W. Harmon
  • Patent number: 10864425
    Abstract: Methods for improving respiratory effectiveness including inhaling a breath and, while continuously holding the breath, swimming for a period of at least 10 seconds without exhaling or further inhaling, and inhaling a breath and, without exhaling or further inhaling, adopting, and holding for a period of at least 3 seconds, at least one stretch position, which requires constant muscular exertion to maintain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventor: Marion Octavia Sharon Moore
  • Patent number: 10710683
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vessel that comprises at least one super structure configured to at least in part translate relative to said hull between a first position and at least one other position. The at least one superstructure in said first condition at least in part defines a first zone suitable for accommodating at least one person and/or vehicle, and the at least one superstructure in said second condition at least in part defines a second zone suitable for accommodating at least one person and/or vehicle. Preferably the at least one superstructure at least in part separates the first and second zones. Preferably the vessel's centre of mass is aft of mid-ship in the first condition and forward of mid-ship in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: KILOBRAVO LIMITED
    Inventor: Kyle Dick
  • Patent number: 10633059
    Abstract: A watercraft-mounted personal lifting device includes a remotely-operated arm in mechanical communication with a motor at a first end and a platform at a second end. Upon activation, the arm is configured to selectively raise or lower the platform. The platform is configured to accommodate a wheelchair and user thereby enabling the wheelchair and user to enter or exit the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Peter Elliott
  • Patent number: 10414465
    Abstract: A hydraulic bow door apparatus, comprising a bow door movably mounted on a deck by a hinge shaft, the bow door comprises a doorframe and a door leaf hermetically mounted together, the front side of the doorframe is mounted with a hydraulic actuating cylinder, the cylinder body of the hydraulic actuating cylinder is hinged with the doorframe, the end of its piston rod is hinged with the hinge shaft through a first connecting rod assembly, after the piston rod of the hydraulic actuating cylinder is pushed out, the bow door is turned into a horizontal placement state; and the front side of the bow door is mounted with a foldable guardrail assembly. The hydraulic bow door apparatus ensures the protective security of a passage which is formed after the bow door is connected to dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: WUXI XINFAN MARINE EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiaohua Zhou
  • Patent number: 10351215
    Abstract: A vessel or boat includes a hull having a stern at which there is a stern swim platform having at least one moving part capable of moving along and close to a portion of the stern, the moving part being capable of adopting at least a first working position in which it is out of the water on which the boat floats and a second working position in which the moving part is lowered with respect to the hull into the water, steps being provided at the stern. At least part of the steps is of one piece with the moving part of the stern swim platform and moves therewith over fixed steps provided within the stern, the movement of the steps taking place in a guided way, the moving steps forming an elongatable swim ladder with the fixed steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: FERRETTI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Saverio Scozzoli
  • Patent number: 10329002
    Abstract: A method for tracking divers, tracking status of diver tasks, and providing a diving jet propelled multihull vessel providing a water jetting unit, wherein the method uses an administrative server; downloading the specific lists to an onboard dive server; creating a payroll time sheet for the vessel crew and the dive team; downloading information from the administrative server to an onboard dive server; using onboard software in an onboard dive server to track; and using onboard software in an onboard dive server to create and present an executive dashboard of diver tasks, diver video and vessel information to users via a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Aqueos Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore K. Roche, IV, Bradley M. Parro, Travis A. Detke, Mark O. Wieneke, Troy R. Turner
  • Patent number: 10245198
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a person comprises a frame with at least two leg members fixedly attached to each other via a pair of transverse beams, a pair of vertical bars separated at a predetermined distance, wherein the vertical bars are fixedly attached to the frame via connector bars and transverse beams. The lifting apparatus comprises at least two vertical central beams fixedly attached to the frame at a predetermined position via the connector bars and transverse beams. A vertical carriage assembly comprises a seating assembly and a movable subassembly mounted on the vertical central beam and an actuator mechanism is used to elevate the vertical carriage assembly via a plurality of T-slots to slide along the vertical central beam. The design of the horizontal seating plate is smaller in size to allow the apparatus to be used in confined spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventor: James Lucas
  • Patent number: 10106227
    Abstract: A bulwark terrace with integrated door is provided; the bulwark terrace may be a portion of a bulwark on a ship or yacht that is hinged so as to be able to fold outwards and downwards and be flush with the deck after doing so, thereby extending the deck surface. The bulwark terrace may also include a door that may open independently of the bulwark terrace to allow boarding of the yacht or ship through the bulwark without deploying the bulwark terrace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Alexander Marine International Co., Limited
    Inventor: Richard Corley Allender
  • Patent number: 10100462
    Abstract: There is provided a high-tensile synthetic fiber rope having a low percentage elongation, the rope dramatically improving the strength utilization rate of the tensile strength of the synthetic fibers, and ensuring the percentage elongation approximately the same as the percentage elongation of the synthetic fibers used in the rope. The synthetic fiber rope includes a plurality of strands twisted or braided together, each of the strands including: a tubular woven fabric woven with warp and weft yarns made of synthetic fibers; and a core material disposed in the tubular woven fabric, the core material being constituted by a plurality of parallel-bundled yarns made of the synthetic fibers in the tubular woven fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignees: OBAMA ROPE MFG., CO., LTD., ASHIMORI INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuzo Kikuchi, Yoshihiro Kinoshita, Toshiyuki Kosaka, Sosuke Morimoto
  • Patent number: 10098314
    Abstract: A horizontal frame to mount in the back bay of a vehicle, formed with a rearwardly opening tunnel and ladder device received in the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Alan Murray
  • Patent number: 9914508
    Abstract: A folding step for a boat cockpit includes a gunwale bracket connectable to a wall extending downward from a gunwale of a boat. Support bracket(s) support a step in a pivoting manner between a deployed and a stowed position. A support bar is attachable within the cockpit to be in a stowed position, in which it is out of the way, and in a deployed position for supporting the step when it is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Inventor: David A. Neese
  • Patent number: 9725139
    Abstract: A boat includes a hull provided with a rear stern hatch located in correspondence with an internal stern compartment of the hull and suitable for opening and closing in correspondence with an aperture of the compartment, the hatch having a body with opposed side located in correspondence with side walls of the compartment and upper edge and lower edge. The hatch includes an actuator to open and close the compartment arranged inside its own body, the actuator rotatably constraining at least one of the sides of the hatch to a support movable with respect to the stern of the hull and suitable for allowing the hatch to reach, upon opening, a position submerged in the water where the boat is, the body of the hatch being not provided with any further connections of the sides to the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: FERRETTI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Frabetti
  • Patent number: 9708039
    Abstract: The portable telescoping boat ladder is easily stored, installed, and used. The ladder comprises a ladder assembly mounted to a base assembly. The ladder assembly comprises telescoping ladder sections able to be collapsed into a stored position with the rungs adjacent each other. The base assembly comprises a platform, a means for engagement with a boat hand rail, and a means for providing a maximum angle at which the ladder assembly may be deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Grady-White Boats, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Neese
  • Patent number: 9540077
    Abstract: A ladder assembly for mounting a concealed ladder to a boat includes a frame having a pair of spaced-apart guides. The frame is adapted to be mounted within a boat. A slide is movably mounted to the guides for sliding from one end of said frame to an opposite end, and a ladder is pivotally mounted to said slide, such that the ladder can extend from a hatch in the boat and be lowered for use of the ladder in entering and exiting the water from the boat. In one embodiment, a pivot plate is pivotally mounted to the slide and the ladder is pivotally mounted to the slide. A control arm is pivotally mounted to the pivot plate or slide and provides leverage for the easy deployment and storing of the ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: S2 Yachts Inc.
    Inventors: Linwood Addison Fuller, IV, Dwayne Back
  • Patent number: 9517816
    Abstract: The invention relates to a foldout stern-lowering means (1) which constitutes an integral part of the watercraft (38) and has at least three sectors (A, B, C) which can be walked on and optionally three further sectors (D, E, F) which can be walked on, with three different foldout modes: gangway, stairs and tender, with a safety means on the lifting means (18) in order always to return the stern-lowering means (1) into the starting position, and a safety means by means of an emergency lifting means (31) for people, and also to compensate for the additional weight of a stern-lowering means (1) by means of buoyancy means (39, 39a) and to increase the comfort while underway and before anchoring, assisted by slosh plates (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Peter A. Mueller
  • Patent number: 9421408
    Abstract: An inflatable structure for physical exercise in water is described. The inflatable structure is able to be associated to a support wall of said inflatable structure, the support wall extending along a plane substantially orthogonal to a reference plane corresponding substantially to a stretch of water. The inflatable structure comprises means for accessing the inflatable structure, which are configured to allow a person the access from the water to the inflatable structure, said access means being operatively connected to a lower portion of the inflatable structure, said access means extending along a plane substantially orthogonal to the reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Mattia Massola
  • Patent number: 9302740
    Abstract: A motorized or manual extendable and retractable floating device is supported longitudinally by one or more floatation devices. The flotation deck is stored and supported by tracks or rails from beneath and between an upper deck of a houseboat, pontoon boat, tritoon boat, catamaran, floating dock, pier-supported dock or other watercraft or dock. When fully extended, the floating deck will remain attached to the watercraft, and additional width may be achieved with extendable or fold out sides or wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Quadratoon Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael O'Neal, Blaine Lawson
  • Patent number: 9205895
    Abstract: A securing device for a lowerable platform on a watercraft, wherein a lowering of the platform by way of a technical device that is mounted on the tail of the watercraft is only activated after the height and steering positions of the technical device have been adjusted and secured by sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Peter A. Mueller
  • Patent number: 9120540
    Abstract: A dive door for a marine vessel comprising a planar body having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The door is disposed between the gunwale of the boat and is hingeably attached to the deck of the boat. The door is releasably retained to the gunwale by one or more latches disposed at a top edge of the dive door. One or more gas shocks are attached to the door and the boat such that the dive door is selectively operable between a deployed position and a closed position. When deployed, the interior surface of the dive door extends outwardly from the boat. In the closed position, the outer surface of the dive door is matches the profile of the gunwale, providing a sleek integrated look. A ladder may hinged to the dive door and is configured to extend downward into the water surface when the door is deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Whaler, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Dean Foss, Paul Sherwood-Berndt
  • Patent number: 9114857
    Abstract: Various designs and arrangements of preferably tubular handle members are detachably mounted upon the swim platform of a boat for aiding swimmers to enter and/or exit from the water. In one embodiment the handles have an end, or ends, thereof slidably mountable within a tubular portion of a socket member that is preferably secured in a counter-sunk fashion in the swim platform. In a further embodiment handles are provided with an end lug for detachably mounting the handle to a mounting plate. When not in use, the handle members are slidably detached from the mounting members thereby providing an unencumbered surface on the swim platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventors: Rodger E. Miller, Carol E. Cook
  • Patent number: 9067647
    Abstract: The portable telescoping boat ladder is easily stored, installed, and used. The ladder comprises a ladder assembly mounted to a base assembly. The ladder assembly comprises telescoping ladder sections able to be collapsed into a stored position with the rungs adjacent each other. The base assembly comprises a platform, a means for engagement with a boat hand rail, and a means for providing a maximum angle at which the ladder assembly may be deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventor: David A. Neese
  • Patent number: 9016228
    Abstract: A swim platform for mounting onto the stern of a boat. Generally, the swim platform includes an upper platform, a lower platform, and a central support member for interconnecting the platforms and for mounting the swim platform to the boat. The platforms are sized and configured such that one or more persons could comfortably stand or sit on them. A forward portion of the lower platform is disposed proximate a rearward portion of the upper platform. Also, the lower platform is spaced vertically below the top platform and is ideally positioned at or slightly above the surface of the water. In operation, as the boat accelerates, the lower platform tilts towards the water as the bow tilts upwards. As the lower platform contacts the water, an upward force is exerted onto the lower platform, which forces the bow downwards and simultaneously forces the stern up and out of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Bryant Boats, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Parker Dorton, John R. Dorton
  • Patent number: 9003997
    Abstract: A vessel, including a transom for mounting outboard engines thereto, is spanned on opposite sides by aft-facing hull extensions which extend beyond the engines and allow a swim platform to be positioned between the hull extensions. The design allows the outboard engines to be covered with an engine cover, which provides an attractive vessel design in which the outboard engines can be concealed with a cover, which may serve other functions, such as a seat or the like. The cover houses an engine cowl mist shield which includes a support frame surrounding one or more outboard engines. The frame includes aperture(s) with edges spaced from the cowl and a flexible member extending from the edges to the cowl below the air intake of the cowl, such that spray and mist from the operation of the vessel does not reach the air intake of the cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: S2 Yachts Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Gratz, Bruce F. Thompson, Linwood Addison Fuller, IV
  • Patent number: 8950353
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ship, in particular a freight ship, comprising an outer wall and a gangway for embarking and disembarking the ship, which can be moved backwards and forwards between an embarking/disembarking position and a stored position when the ship is being driven. The invention also relates to a ship in which the gangway comprises a base having a lower surface which, when said gangway is in the stored position, is flush with the surface of the outer wall. The invention also relates to a gangway for embarking and disembarking a ship, which is embodied according to the claimed invention for use on a ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Rohden
  • Patent number: 8943995
    Abstract: The invention comprises of a railing (1) which is foldable or and height adjustable or and extendable lengthwise and has rungs (5) or pivotable safety footsteps (14a) which, if necessary, can be kept in the vertical position (V) or horizontal position (Q) or and when tilting down the railing (1) remain in a stable position. The railing (1) has technical mean (4a,40,43a,45a,51) as well as an emergency mean (10,11) and can if necessary take up a tender (42) and other objects and the footsteps (14) can be transparent for example to improve visibility to the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Peter A. Muller
  • Patent number: 8944210
    Abstract: A ladder attachment having a base member slideably attached to lock member, a pivot mount pivotally attached to the lock member and a surface defining a lock port which is optimally configured to be orientated to slide upon the lock member when in a stored orientation such that when the base member and pivot mount is slideably repositioned with respect to the lock member, a ladder assembly which is attached to the pivot mount is in a stored orientation. The ladder assembly has an extended and retracted orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Vallery Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell L. Sedlack, II
  • Patent number: 8925130
    Abstract: An access apparatus for enabling transfer of personnel between a seaborne vessel and an offshore installation is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a body adapted to be mounted to a deck of a seaborne vessel, clamping members adapted to grip a buffer tube, mounted to a support of an offshore installation, therebetween, to limit vertical movement of the buffer tube relative to the clamping members, wherein the clamping members can pivot relative to the body about a respective single pivot axis extending in at least two mutually perpendicular directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Osbit Power Limited
    Inventor: Stephen William Bedford
  • Patent number: 8899168
    Abstract: The present invention provides a motor box for a sea-faring vessel, comprising a skirt, a lid, and a lid cushion. The lid is pivotably attached to the skirt and the lid cushion is pivotably attached to the lid. Accordingly, the lid opens to provide access to the inboard motor of which the motor box encases. The lid cushion pivots to reveal the top surface of the lid, which may be textured. The forward side of the skirt and the lid include a step which allows a user to step onto and over the motor box for easier ingress/egress. An aft step may be disposed adjacent to the aft of the motor box at the transom to provide additional footing when stepping off of or onto the motor box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Carrie Anne Fodor, Jack Stanfield Jones, John William Hamilton
  • Patent number: 8894342
    Abstract: A retractable boarding assembly for use with a marine vessel mounted on a boat lift includes an elongate ramp pivotally mounted to a dock or other structure adjacent to the boat lift and supported boat. There is a directional pulley supported above a body of water adjacent to the dock. An elongate cable or marine rope engages the pulley. A first end of the cable is secured to a lift platform of the boat lift. An opposite, second end of the cable is secured to the ramp. Raising the boat lift with a boat supported thereon allows the ramp to pull the attached cable across the pulley until the boarding ramp is pivotally deployed to engage a deck of the supported boat. Alternatively, when the boat lift is lowered to introduce the boat into the water, the lift platform pulls the cable through the directional pulley such that the boarding ramp is pivotally retracted and disengaged from the deck of the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventors: Raymond Masciana, Genaro Esposito
  • Patent number: 8863341
    Abstract: A ramp assembly for deplaning passengers from and boarding passengers on an airplane includes a level deck having a front deck edge, at least one bridge connector assembly carried by the level deck at the front deck edge and at least one floating upper bridge carried by the at least one bridge connector assembly. The at least one bridge connector assembly facilitates horizontal pivoting movement, vertical pivoting movement and side-to-side movement of the at least one floating upper bridge relative to the level deck. A passenger deplaning and boarding method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventors: William Floyd Keith, Christa Keith
  • Publication number: 20140261145
    Abstract: The portable telescoping boat ladder is easily stored, installed, and used. The ladder comprises a ladder assembly mounted to a base assembly. The ladder assembly comprises telescoping ladder sections able to be collapsed into a stored position with the rungs adjacent each other. The base assembly comprises a platform, a means for engagement with a boat hand rail, and a means for providing a maximum angle at which the ladder assembly may be deployed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Grady-White Boats, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Neese
  • Publication number: 20140261133
    Abstract: A swim platform for mounting onto the stern of a boat. Generally, the swim platform includes an upper platform, a lower platform, and a central support member for interconnecting the platforms and for mounting the swim platform to the boat. The platforms are sized and configured such that one or more persons could comfortably stand or sit on them. A forward portion of the lower platform is disposed proximate a rearward portion of the upper platform. Also, the lower platform is spaced vertically below the top platform and is ideally positioned at or slightly above the surface of the water. In operation, as the boat accelerates, the lower platform tilts towards the water as the bow tilts upwards. As the lower platform contacts the water, an upward force is exerted onto the lower platform, which forces the bow downwards and simultaneously forces the stern up and out of the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Bryant Boats, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Parker Dorton, John R. Dorton
  • Patent number: 8833290
    Abstract: The invention comprises a segmented platform (1) for watercraft which, which serves as a stair lift, swimplatform or gangway and can be lowered by an active or passive cylinder (4) and a parallelogram (3). The platform (1) consists of plates (2) and optional lateral lifting bodies (8), as well as of a locker (11,12) whereby the whole unit can be tilted up by the bearing (6) attached to the side plates (7) and in addition a down stroke (H1,H2,H3) is created by a second parallelogram (28) or pivot mean (29), therefor the watercraft takes up less space when not in use. The plates (2) can have a cover (21) in the form of a strap (18) and when lifting the plates (2) a higher safety for people is made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Peter A. Mueller
  • Patent number: 8826845
    Abstract: A marine vessel includes an outboard motor mounting portion provided at a stern of a hull body, an outboard motor locating hole provided rearward of the outboard motor mounting portion and near the outboard motor mounting portion and penetrating vertically through the stern, a platform provided rearward of the outboard motor locating hole, and an outboard motor located in the outboard motor locating hole and mounted to the outboard motor mounting portion. This structure enables an occupant of the marine vessel to freely move in a space around the outboard motor on the platform and use the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasushi Mochizuki, Yoshifumi Nakazono, Hirohide Ihara, Takayuki Moue
  • Patent number: 8820262
    Abstract: The invention relates to a variable-height platform, which is fitted to a watercraft and has an additional travel and/or a longitudinally movable mounting plate, by positive control such that obstructions in the pivoting area can be fully bypassed without long pivoting arms and special linear-movement cylinders, and a reasonable immersion depth of the platform is ensured in all cases and, in the event of failure of the linear-movement cylinder, the platform can always be moved to the position A by an energy store or accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Peter A. Muller
  • Patent number: 8813672
    Abstract: A swimming platform assembly that is adapted to be mounted to a drive assembly housing of a watercraft includes a support platform adapted to provide a stable support for a swimmer and a mounting assembly coupled to the support platform to mount the support platform onto the watercraft. The support platform has planar top and bottom surfaces, while the mounting assembly is secured to an intermediate portion of a drive assembly housing of the watercraft such that the top surface of the support platform is disposed below the surface of the water when the watercraft is stationary or is traveling in a forward direction at or below a critical rate of speed, and such that the bottom surface of the support platform is disposed above the surface of the water when the watercraft is traveling in a forward direction above the critical rate of speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Gary Nelson
  • Patent number: 8806690
    Abstract: A ramp assembly for deplaning passengers from and boarding passengers on an airplane includes a level deck, at least one bridge connector assembly carried by the level deck and at least one floating upper bridge carried by the at least one bridge connector assembly. The at least one bridge connector assembly facilitates horizontal pivoting movement, vertical pivoting movement and side-to-side movement of the at least one floating upper bridge relative to the level deck. A passenger deplaning and boarding method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: William Floyd Keith, Christa Keith
  • Patent number: 8800470
    Abstract: A dive door for an inflatable boat configured as a semi-cylindrical body having a planar platform surface and an outer curved surface. The door is hingeably attached to the deck of the boat and is disposed between a first gunwale tubing section and a second gunwale tubing section of the boat. The dive door is selectively operable between a deployed position and a closed position. In the deployed position, the planar platform surface extends outwardly from the boat and the outer curved surface faces downward toward the water. A hydraulic ram may be attached to and disposed between the platform surface and a rigid structure of the boat, whereby the hydraulic ram is translates the door between the deployed position and the closed position. In the closed position, the outer curved surface is coincident with the gunwale tubing such that it appears that the door is integrated into the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Commercial and Government Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Mason Cummings
  • Patent number: 8752499
    Abstract: Disclosed is water craft providing inventive features to achieve a double-decked vessel having: a.) substantially continuous, flat and open upper deck; b.) a substantially continuous and fiat lower deck with an enclosed fore section and an exposed aft section forming a swim deck; and c.) a system of collapsible bulwarks in the upper and swim decks that permit: the vessel to transition from a traditional configuration (better suited for travel) to an open configuration (better suit for entertainment activities while stationary).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventors: Luiz De Basto, Enrique Ramirez Magaña
  • Patent number: 8745801
    Abstract: A gangway construction 1 for providing access between a vessel 3 and an offshore object 33 comprises a support frame 2 and a movably guided gangway 10. A guiding assembly comprises an upper and lower rotatable pulley wheel 5, 6. A first cable 8 is connected to the frame or the gangway at a forward and backward connecting position 16, 17 and extends in a longitudinal direction between this forward and backward connecting position. With this the first cable 8 extends from its forward connecting position 16 towards the lower pulley wheel 6, is guided in for example a counter clockwise direction along at least part of the circumference of the lower pulley wheel 6 and in for example a clockwise direction over at least part of the circumference of the upper pulley wheel 5, and from the upper pulley wheel 5 extends towards its backward connecting position 17.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Offshore Solutions B.V.
    Inventor: Willem Frederik Prins
  • Patent number: 8720643
    Abstract: The aquatic ladder has wide, deep treads, arranged like a staircase, with side and upper railings to make it easy to enter or exit the water, even by elderly people, tired individuals, those carrying aquatic equipment, such as SCUBA gear or water skis, and, even, by pets. The ladder is preferably made from aluminum, although it can be made of other materials, such as steel (e.g., stainless or galvanized), fiberglass, plastic, or other composites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Ray Adair
  • Patent number: 8671869
    Abstract: The invention comprises a segmented plate (1) for watercraft which is able to be swivelled into a stair lift, swimplatform or gangway by means of an active cylinder (4), or passive cylinder (44). The plate (2) consists of segmented strips (5), which have flexible elements (19) or are releasable and equipped with sensors (13), so that in case of bending or releasing of a segmented strip (5), on the grounds of a foreign element (15) trapped into the segmented strip (5), the cylinder (4) is stopped by means of the controller (14). Contact bands (16) and light strips (17) and cover (11) additionally increase the safety of the swivelable plate (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Peter A. Müller
  • Publication number: 20140048008
    Abstract: A fiberglass pontoon boat, having raised and integrated fiberglass side rails, a flat floor, and a side entry level with the flat floor. Integrated seats are molded in fiberglass. The hull and deck join together by flexing the hull to compensate for opposing draft angles of the hull and deck at the side entry. The deck has a floor and at least one other interior component, and terminates in a deck trim flange. The hull has at least two hollow pontoons and at least two side rails that extend from an outer edge of the pontoons, and the hull terminates in a hull trim flange. When assembled, the hull trim flange operatively engages beneath the deck trim flange to form a unified pontoon boat having a space between the deck and hull and wherein the side rails are integrated as structural parts of the interior component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Anthony KALIL
  • Patent number: 8646400
    Abstract: A movable platform assembly comprises a base portion, able to be fixed to a support structure, and at least one pivotable arm hinged at one end with the base portion, about a first hinging axis, and at the other end with a loading platform, about a second hinging axis, the pivotable arm being able to be rotated by means of actuating devices, which are designed to allow the platform to maintain a constant inclination with respect to the base portion during rotation of the pivotable arm. The actuating devices comprise a first and a second rotary actuator mounted on the first and second hinging axis, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Opacmare S.p.A
    Inventor: Michele Grimaldi