Boat slip step assembly

Abstract

A boat slip step assembly (10) for being mounted proximate the corner of a boat slip (16). The step assembly (10) includes at least one tread member (24) for being mounted in a corner of the boat slip (16) below the level of the upper surface of the boat dock (14) that defines the boat slip (16). The tread member (24) has a first edge portion (26) for being secured to a first dock section (20), and a second edge portion (28) for being secured to a second dock section (22).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of Invention [0004] This invention pertains to a step assembly for mounting in a boat slip to facilitate movement of an individual between the dock that defines the slip and a boat moored in the slip. More particularly, this invention pertains to a step assembly which is mountable in the corner of a slip, and which incorporates at least one tread member that is disposed at a level below the level of the upper surface of the dock. [0005] 2. Description of the Related Art [0006] Boat docks are often provided with boat slips for mooring boats. A boat slip is typically defined by a boat dock having at least two dock sections that intersect to define a corner of the slip. Boat slips can also be defined by three dock sections such that the dock borders the slip on three sides, and the slip defines tw...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a boat slip step assembly that can be easily mounted in the corner of a boat slip. The assembly includes a tread member that is secured to the dock sections of the boat slip, as well as riser members that facilitate securing the assembly to the dock. The assembly can also include a handrail for easy movement between the boat dock and the boat moored in the slip. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a convenient and safe way to access the boat from the dock."

Problems solved by technology

Whereas boat slips are provided to facilitate the movement of individuals between the dock defining the slip and boats moored at the dock, often the disparity in the height of the upper surface of the dock and the height of the deck of the boat can make such movement difficult.

Ladders secured to the dock have been used to provide a means for boat users to move between the dock and the deck of a boat, but ladders can be difficult to use, particularly for an individual who is carrying something, or an individual who does not have the necessary physical dexterity climb up or down a ladder.

Moreover, such ladders are generally mounted on the portion of the dock which forms the side of the slip and can take up useful slip space, and also can be an undesirable obstacle when a boat is being pulled into the slip.

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