Power-Actuated Deploying Platform for a Small Marine Vessel

Abstract

A power-actuated platform affixed to the frame of the marine vessel that rides on wheels that follow tracks to form a moving carriage. The relative angle of the platform in relation to the deck or water surface changes as the platform travels from a stowed position to a deployed position. The device is uses a powered actuator attached to a fixed substrate of the device at one end and the carriage on the other. The actuator can be controlled remotely by the vessel operator using a directional power controller affixed to the helm, by radio signal from a handheld unit that can be a cellular telephone, or by means of a plug-in the lanyard multidirectional controller. On a pontoon boat or catamaran, the platform of the present invention can be attached to the forward deck area for convenience. When deployed, the platform provides easy ingress and egress to the vessel.

Description

[0001]This application is related to, and claims priority from, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 241,887 filed Oct. 15, 2015. Application 62 / 241,887 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to small marine vessels such as pontoon boats, catamarans and the like, and more particularly to a power-actuated platform that attaches to such boats.[0004]Description of the Problem[0005]A pontoon boat or catamaran is typically powered by internal combustion engine, or in some cases a battery driven motor. Such boats have a helm station and sponsons or pontoons which position a deck area at a fixed distance from the surface of the water. This distance from the deck area to the water is typically too great for a person to gain unencumbered egress and ingress to the boat main deck area from the water or from a landing area. A pontoon boat or catamaran vessel may be equipped with a ladder or ap...

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