Submergible water activity platform with linear actuator drive assembly

Abstract

A submergible water activity platform comprising a stationary platform with a deck surface for accommodating people over water. A movable platform adjacent to the stationary platform operates between a raised position forming part of the deck surface and a lowered position submerged in water. The movable platform includes a landing section and walkway section. A drive assembly with at least one linear actuator raises and lowers the movable platform. A cable connects the actuator arm to an adjustable cable connector on the movable platform's bottom side. A pulley on the stationary platform receives the cable. The linear actuator extends the actuator arm to lower the movable platform and retracts it to raise the platform.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to submergible water activity platforms for use with docks and similar structures to provide access into and out of surrounding water, and more particularly to a support system and drive assembly incorporating at least one linear actuator for a movable submergible water activity platform integrated into a dock that moves between a raised position level with and forming a rigid dock surface, and a lowered at least partially submerged position.BACKGROUND

[0002] Swimming facilities, whether in pools, rivers, ponds, lakes, and oceans, often provide ladders for people to enter and exit deep water. These ladders may be attached to the end of docks, piers, or even free-floating platforms anchored in the middle of a lake. These ladders are typically slippery due to algae growth, water accumulation, and wet conditions, making them hazardous to use. The rungs of such ladders are often narrow and spaced at intervals that may be uncomfortable or difficult to navigate. Additionally, ladders require a person to exert substantial strength to pull their body out of the water and onto the ladder, often from an awkward vertical position that places significant strain on the arms, shoulders, and back. The user must support their entire body weight while climbing, which can be particularly challenging after extended periods of swimming when muscles may be fatigued. Persons who have trouble using ladders, including the handicapped, elderly, and even small children may be effectively prevented from participating in recreational water activities associated with deep-water facilities. Individuals with mobility impairments, joint problems, or limited upper body strength may find it impossible to safely use traditional dock ladders. The ladder also fails to provide any underwater support on which a person can rest or participate in deep water recreational activities. Without an intermediate platform or resting point, individuals must either remain in the water treading or complete the entire climb in one continuous effort. People, as well as their pets, enjoy jumping and swimming from docks, but often are in danger of drowning when they cannot climb back on the dock or find a place to rest and are too tired to swim a long distance to shore. Pets, in particular, may lack the ability to climb vertical ladders and can become exhausted attempting to find a way out of the water.

[0003] Devices that can facilitate the entry and exit of people and animals from a body of water to an above water structure by allowing the person and animals to swim directly onto a submerged platform and walk up out of the water by way of steps or a ramp would be beneficial. Such devices would eliminate the need for users to pull themselves vertically out of the water and would instead allow for a more natural walking motion during entry and exit. Devices that give underwater support to persons engaged in recreational water activities in deep water on which the person can stand to participate in the water activities would also be beneficial. Such underwater support would provide a resting point for swimmers who become fatigued, reducing the risk of drowning and allowing individuals to safely catch their breath before continuing to swim or exiting the water.

[0004] On many waterways, there are specific rules and regulations relating to the attachment of items that permanently extend off of a dock, some of which entirely prohibit underwater platforms that extend out from the dock. These regulations are designed to protect watercraft from collisions with submerged structures and to maintain navigable waterways. Violations of such regulations may result in fines, mandatory removal of non-compliant structures, or other penalties. Submergible activity platform systems that are integrated into the dock so as not to extend away from the dock to pose an unnecessary hazard to watercraft, and submergible platforms that can be withdrawn from the water when not in use, would address such regulatory concerns. A platform that remains within the footprint of the existing dock structure when submerged would comply with regulations while still providing the benefits of water access.

[0005] A further challenge exists in providing such a submergible activity platform system that creates a rigid and stable deck surface in the raised arrangement with the rest of the surrounding deck surface of the dock. When the submergible platform and associated stairway are integrated into the dock to form a portion of a deck surface in the raised position, people will stand on and walk across the submergible activity platform system as part of the deck surface. The platform must be capable of supporting the weight of multiple individuals without flexing, bouncing, or feeling unstable underfoot. Any perceived instability in the deck surface may cause users to feel unsafe and may present a tripping hazard. Thus, a desire arises to be able to adequately support the platform system to make it rigid with the rest of the deck surface. The engineering challenge involves designing a mechanism that can both move the platform between raised and lowered positions while also providing sufficient structural support to create a seamless and stable walking surface when raised.

[0006] Accordingly, submergible activity platforms integrated into the dock that may be lowered to provide convenient access into and out of the water and raised to form a part of the dock above the water capable of providing a rigid deck surface with the rest of the surrounding deck surface of the dock would be advantageous. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a submergible activity platform integrated into the dock so that the platform does not extend outward beyond the dock when submerged. It is a further object of the present invention to provide support systems and drive assemblies that can firmly hold the steps and platform in the raised position to provide a stable rigid upper deck surface of the dock on which people can stand and walk, and which can lower the platform into the water while engaged in recreational water activities.SUMMARY

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a submergible water activity platform is provided. The submergible water activity platform includes a stationary platform having a deck surface for accommodating a number of persons over a body of water. A movable platform is adjacent to the stationary platform and is operable between a raised position forming a part of the deck surface and a lowered position at least partially submerged in the body of water. A landing section and a walkway section are included in the movable platform. A drive assembly is operatively connected with the movable platform for raising and lowering the movable platform. At least one linear actuator having an actuator arm operable between an extended position and a retracted position is included in the drive assembly. The linear actuator may be mounted to a dock frame of the stationary platform. A cable has a first end secured to the actuator arm and a second end connected to a cable connector mounted to a cable bracket carried on a bottom side of the movable platform. The cable connector may be adjustable to vary a length and tension of the cable. The cable connector may include a turnbuckle for adjusting the length and tension of the cable. A pulley is carried by the stationary platform and receives the cable between the actuator arm and the cable connector. The linear actuator causes the actuator arm to extend and thereby extend the cable to lower the movable platform, and the linear actuator causes the actuator arm to retract and thereby retract the cable to raise the movable platform.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a submergible water activity platform is provided including a stationary platform supported above a body of water and a movable platform integrated into the stationary platform. The movable platform is operable between a raised position level with the stationary platform and a lowered position at least partially submerged in the body of water. A walkway section included in the movable platform has a set of collapsible steps operable between a collapsed condition when the movable platform is in the raised position and an expanded condition when the movable platform is in the lowered position. In the collapsed condition, each of the steps is folded into lateral alignment in a common horizontal plane with the stationary platform. In the expanded condition, each of the steps is staggered in an inclined arrangement to provide steps leading from the stationary platform to the landing section. A step frame carries the collapsible steps and has a first end pivotally connected to an upper mounting section and a second end pivotally connected to a landing section of the movable platform for moving with the landing section between the raised and lowered positions to collapse and expand the steps. The step frame may include a first upper and lower linkage bar set pivotally connected to a first end surface of each collapsible step, and a second upper and lower linkage bar set pivotally connected to a second end surface opposite the first end surface of each collapsible step. The first and second upper and lower linkage bar sets may each be horizontally aligned and stacked in a vertical plane when the movable platform is in the raised position, and the first and second upper and lower linkage bar sets may each be angled when the movable platform is in the lowered position. A first distal end portion of each of the upper linkage bars may be pivotally connected to the stationary platform, and a second distal end portion of each of the upper linkage bars may be pivotally connected to the landing section. A drive assembly is operatively connected with the movable platform for raising and lowering the movable platform, the drive assembly including at least one linear actuator and a cable operatively associated with the linear actuator, wherein extension of an actuator arm of the linear actuator extends the cable to lower the movable platform and retraction of the actuator arm retracts the cable to raise the movable platform.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a submergible water activity platform is provided including a stationary platform having a deck surface and a movable platform adjacent to the stationary platform and movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A drive assembly is operatively connected with the movable platform, the drive assembly including a linear actuator mounted to a dock frame of the stationary platform, an actuator arm extending from the linear actuator, a cable having a first end secured to the actuator arm, a pulley carried by the stationary platform and receiving the cable, and a cable connector bracket mounted to a bottom side of the movable platform with a cable connector including a turnbuckle for adjusting a length and tension of the cable. A pair of angle brackets is carried by the stationary platform and configured to engage upper linkage bars of the movable platform when the movable platform is in the raised position to stop upward movement of the movable platform and provide a rigid deck surface arrangement with the stationary platform. The movable platform may include a walkway section having a set of collapsible steps operable between a collapsed condition when the movable platform is in the raised position wherein each of the steps is folded into lateral alignment in a common horizontal plane with the stationary platform, and an expanded condition when the movable platform is in the lowered position wherein each of the steps is staggered in an inclined arrangement. A step frame may carry the collapsible steps, the step frame including a first upper and lower linkage bar set pivotally connected to a first end surface of each collapsible step, and a second upper and lower linkage bar set pivotally connected to a second end surface opposite the first end surface of each collapsible step, wherein the upper linkage bars of the first and second upper and lower linkage bar sets are engaged by the pair of angle brackets when the movable platform is in the raised position. At least one crossbar may interconnect opposite sides of the movable platform to reinforce a support frame of the movable platform to resist flexing and twisting.

[0011] The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0012] The system designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter be described, together with other features thereof. The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown and wherein non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a submergible water activity platform, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic front view of a left side of the submergible water activity platform, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the submergible water activity platform in a lowered position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the submergible water activity platform in a lowered position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of a drive assembly with the submergible water activity platform in a lowered position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of the drive assembly with the submergible water activity platform in a partially lowered position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a right side perspective view of the submergible water activity platform in a raised position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a left side perspective view of the submergible water activity platform in a raised position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a movable platform in a raised position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an actuator mounting bracket of the drive assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a side perspective view of a cable connection bracket of the submergible water activity platform, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a linear actuator included in the drive assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a switch operatively associated with the linear actuator of FIG. 12, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more aspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or more other aspects can meet certain other objectives. Each objective may not apply equally, in all its respects, to every aspect of this invention. As such, the preceding objects can be viewed in the alternative with respect to any one aspect of this invention. These and other objects and features of the invention will become more fully apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying figures and examples. However, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are of a preferred embodiment and not restrictive of the invention or other alternate embodiments of the invention. In particular, while the invention is described herein with reference to a number of specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative of the invention and is not constructed as limiting of the invention. Various modifications and applications may occur to those who are skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as described by the appended claims. Likewise, other objects, features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from this summary and certain embodiments described below, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such objects, features, benefits and advantages will be apparent from the above in conjunction with the accompanying examples, figures and all reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom, alone or with consideration of the references incorporated herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0028] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter belongs. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are herein described.

[0029] Unless specifically stated, terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction "and" should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction "or" should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0030] Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or more," "at least," "may", "may include", "but not limited to" or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

[0031] A submergible water activity platform may be provided for use with a dock or similar structure to facilitate access into and out of a body of water. The submergible water activity platform may be integrated into a dock so that the platform does not extend outward from the dock past a stationary portion of the dock structure. The submergible water activity platform may include a stationary platform having a deck surface for accommodating a number of persons over a body of water, and a movable platform adjacent to the stationary platform. The movable platform may be operable between a raised position forming a part of the deck surface and a lowered position at least partially submerged in the body of water. In the raised position, the submergible water activity platform may provide a rigid and stable surface on which people can stand and walk. In the lowered position, the submergible water activity platform may provide convenient access into and out of the water. The movable platform may include a landing section providing a water activity area for supporting persons engaged in water activities when the movable platform is in the lowered position, and a walkway section providing access between the stationary platform and the landing section.

[0032] A drive assembly may be operatively connected with the movable platform for raising and lowering the movable platform between the raised and lowered positions. The drive assembly may include at least one linear actuator. The linear actuator may include an actuator arm that is operable between an extended position and a retracted position. In some cases, the drive assembly may be configured such that extension of the actuator arm causes the movable platform to lower, and retraction of the actuator arm causes the movable platform to raise. The drive assembly may maintain the movable platform in the raised position in a rigid arrangement with a surrounding deck of the stationary platform, allowing people to stand on and walk across the submergible water activity platform as part of the deck surface.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a main deck platform 10 may be carried by an upper dock frame 12 which is supported above a body of water. The main deck platform 10 may be adapted for accommodating multiple people engaged in recreational water activities. The main deck platform 10 may be divided into two parts. A stationary platform 14 may form a first part of the main deck platform 10, and a movable platform 18 may form a second part of the main deck platform 10. The movable platform 18 may be integrated into the stationary platform 14 so that the movable platform 18 does not extend out from the dock past the stationary platform 14.

[0034] The stationary platform 14 may be supported above the water on the upper dock frame 12. In some cases, floating members may support the stationary platform 14 above the water to allow the stationary platform 14 to adjust to changes in water level to ensure the stationary platform 14 does not become too far removed from the surface of the water. The associated structure defining the stationary platform 14 that incorporates the movable platform 18 may be any above water structure such as a dock, pier, free-floating platform, deck surrounding a pool, or boat deck or other platform where ingress and egress from a body of water is desired.

[0035] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the stationary platform 14 and the movable platform 18 may have a deck surface material 15 carried by an underlying dock frame or support frame 17. The deck surface material 15 may be composed of a series of elongated planks made from treated lumber, composite materials, or other components resistant to the corrosive effects of water and other elements commonly used to build docks. The upper dock frame 12 and the support frame 17 for the movable platform 18 may be aluminum, treated steel, or other elements commonly used to build docks.

[0036] The support frame 17 of the movable platform 18 may provide a rigid and stable deck surface in a raised arrangement with the rest of the surrounding deck surface of the dock. When the movable platform 18 is in the raised position as shown in FIG. 2, the stationary platform 14 and the movable platform 18 may form a uniformly level main deck surface. In the lowered position as shown in FIG. 1, the movable platform 18 may be at least partially submerged below the stationary platform 14 to provide access into and out of the water.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, the movable platform 18 is shown in a lowered position where the movable platform 18 is at least partially submerged below a water level 16. In the lowered position, the movable platform 18 is positioned below the stationary platform 14 to provide access into and out of the water. The movable platform 18 may include a landing section 20 and a walkway section 22 for providing access into and out of the water from the stationary platform 14.

[0038] The walkway section 22 may comprise a set of collapsible steps 34. In the lowered position, the collapsible steps 34 may be in an expanded condition where each of the collapsible steps 34 is staggered in an inclined arrangement to provide steps leading from the stationary platform 14 to the landing section 20. The walkway section 22 may function as a set of steps leading from the stationary platform 14 to the landing section 20, or as a ramp when the movable platform 18 is in the lowered position.

[0039] With continued reference to FIG. 3, a step frame 36 may be disposed on both sides of the collapsible steps 34 and may pivotally carry each of the collapsible steps 34. The step frame 36 may include a first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 pivotally connected to each of the collapsible steps 34, and a second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 pivotally connected to an opposite side of each of the collapsible steps 34. When the movable platform 18 is in the lowered position, the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 may each be angled to deploy the collapsible steps 34 in the expanded condition.

[0040] An upper mounting section 21 may connect the step frame 36 to the stationary platform 14. The upper mounting section 21 may remain level with the stationary platform 14 when the movable platform 18 moves between the raised and lowered positions. Support chains 23 may interconnect the landing section 20 with the stationary platform 14 to support the landing section 20 in the lowered position.

[0041] The landing section 20 may create a water activity area free of the walkway section 22 for supporting persons engaged in water activities. When the landing section 20 is submerged, people may stand, sit, or swim off of or directly onto the submerged water activity area of the landing section 20 for support in the water.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the step frame 36 includes the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 that pivotally carry the collapsible steps 34. The first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 includes an upper linkage bar 39a and a lower linkage bar 39b. The upper linkage bar 39a and the lower linkage bar 39b may be pivotally connected to the first end surface 40 of each of the collapsible steps 34 and to a second end surface 44 on the same end of each of the collapsible steps 34 adjacent linkage bars 39a and 39b. The second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 includes an upper linkage bar 43a and a lower linkage bar 43b. The upper linkage bar 43a and the lower linkage bar 43b may be pivotally connected to the collapsible steps 34 in the same manner but on the opposite side of the collapsible steps. Accordingly, the upper linkage bar 43a and the lower linkage bar 43b may be pivotally connected to the collapsible steps 34 at a first end surface 40 of each of the collapsible steps 34 and to a second end surface 44 on the same end of each of the collapsible steps 34 adjacent linkage bars 43a and 43b.

[0043] With continued reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, a bolt or other like fastener member may pivotally interconnect the upper linkage bar 39a, the lower linkage bar 39b, the upper linkage bar 43a, and the lower linkage bar 43b to the first end surface 40 and the second end surface 44 of the collapsible steps 34 on opposite ends of the steps, respectively, in a pivotal arrangement. The pivotal arrangement may allow the upper linkage bar 39a, the lower linkage bar 39b, the upper linkage bar 43a, and the lower linkage bar 43b to pivot relative to the collapsible steps 34.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the bolts attaching the upper linkage bar 39a and the upper linkage bar 43a may be located in a forward portion of the first end surface 40. The bolts attaching the lower linkage bar 39b and the lower linkage bar 43b may be located in a rearward portion of the second end surface 44. The positioning of the bolts in the forward and rearward portions of the end surfaces may facilitate movement of the collapsible steps 34 to the expanded position when the movable platform 18 is lowered.

[0045] With continued reference to FIG. 4, each of the lower linkage bar 39b and the lower linkage bar 43b may be pivotally connected to the landing section 20 at a second distal end portion. When the movable platform 18 is in the lowered position as shown in FIG. 4, the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 may each be angled to deploy the collapsible steps 34 in the expanded condition, providing steps leading from the stationary platform 14 to the landing section 20. As shown in FIG. 2, when the movable platform 18 is in the raised position, the upper linkage bar 39a and the lower linkage bar 39b may be horizontally aligned and stacked in a vertical plane.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a drive assembly 26 may be operatively connected with the movable platform 18 for raising and lowering the movable platform 18 between the raised and lowered positions. The drive assembly 26 may include a linear actuator 60 mounted to the upper dock frame 12 on each side of the movable platform 18. The linear actuator 60 may extend in a horizontal arrangement between the upper dock frame 12 and the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42, respectively, on each side of the movable platform 18.

[0047] With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, an actuator arm 62 may extend from the linear actuator 60. The actuator arm 62 may be operable between an extended position and a retracted position. An actuator angle bracket 63 may be provided through which the actuator arm 62 passes. The actuator angle bracket 63 may carry a second distal end of the linear actuator 60 in a fixed arrangement between the upper dock frame 12 and the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42, respectively, on each side of the movable platform 18.

[0048] The drive assembly 26 may further include a cable 65 operatively associated with the linear actuator 60. A first end of the cable 65 may be secured to a distal end of the actuator arm 62. The cable 65 may be routed through a pulley 66 carried on a pulley bracket 67. The pulley bracket 67 may be mounted to the upper dock frame 12 on each side of the movable platform 18 about mid-way along the collapsible steps 34. The pulley 66 may redirect the cable 65 downward toward the movable platform 18.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, when the actuator arm 62 is in the extended position, the cable 65 is extended and the movable platform 18 is in the lowered position with the collapsible steps 34 in the expanded condition. As shown in FIG. 6, when the actuator arm 62 is in a partially retracted position, the cable 65 is partially retracted and the movable platform 18 is in a partially lowered position where the collapsible steps 34 are transitioning between the expanded condition and a collapsed condition. Extension of the actuator arm 62 may extend the cable 65 to lower the movable platform 18, and retraction of the actuator arm 62 may retract the cable 65 to raise the movable platform 18.

[0050] The drive assembly 26 may provide a vertical displacement of the landing section 20 to move at least two feet downward from the raised position to the lowered position. In some cases, the drive assembly 26 may be constructed and arranged to allow the movable platform 18 to travel less than two feet or considerably beyond two feet from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the movable platform 18 is shown in a fully raised position where the movable platform 18 forms a continuous deck surface with the stationary platform 14. In the raised position, the deck surface material 15 covers both the stationary platform 14 and the movable platform 18, creating a uniform walking surface. The support frame 17 provides structural support for the movable platform 18 in the raised position.

[0052] With continued reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, when the movable platform 18 is in the raised position, the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 may be horizontally aligned and stacked in a vertical plane. The horizontal alignment and vertical stacking of the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 may correspond to the collapsed condition of the collapsible steps 34, where each of the collapsible steps 34 is folded into lateral alignment in a common horizontal plane with the stationary platform 14.

[0053] A pair of angle brackets 50a and 50b may be carried by the stationary platform 14. An angle bracket 50a may extend adjacent a first side of the movable platform 18 as shown in FIG. 7. An angle bracket 50b may extend adjacent a second side of the movable platform 18 opposite the first side as shown in FIG. 8. The angle bracket 50a and the angle bracket 50b may engage the upper linkage bars of the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 when the movable platform 18 is in the raised position. The engagement of the angle bracket 50a and the angle bracket 50b with the upper linkage bars may stop upward movement of the movable platform 18 and provide a rigid deck surface arrangement with the surrounding stationary platform 14 as the drive assembly 26 biases the upper linkage bars 39a and 43a against the angle brackets 50a and 50b, respectively.

[0054] As further shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the support chains 23 may be in a relaxed state when the movable platform 18 is in the raised position. The drive assembly 26 may maintain the movable platform 18 in the raised position in a rigid arrangement with the surrounding deck of the stationary platform 14, allowing people to stand on and walk across the movable platform 18 as part of the deck surface.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 9, a bottom perspective view of the movable platform 18 in a raised position reveals several components of the drive assembly 26. A cable connector bracket 68 may be mounted to a bottom side of the movable platform 18. In some cases, a pair of cable connector brackets 68 may be provided, with one cable connector bracket 68 positioned on each side of the movable platform 18. Each cable connector bracket 68 may extend perpendicular to the lower linkage bar 39b and the lower linkage bar 43b to space a cable connector 70 below the lower linkage bar 39b and the lower linkage bar 43b for improved leverage in raising and lowering the movable platform 18.

[0056] With continued reference to FIG. 9, each cable connector bracket 68 may carry a cable connector 70. The cable connector 70 may include a turnbuckle 72 for adjusting a length and tension of the cable 65. The turnbuckle 72 may provide an adjustable connection point that allows for fine-tuning of the cable 65 tension to ensure proper operation of the drive assembly 26 when raising and lowering the movable platform 18 between the raised and lowered positions.

[0057] At least one crossbar 69 may be provided interconnecting the cable connector brackets 68 mounted to the bottom side of the movable platform 18. The crossbar 69 may reinforce the support frame 17 of the movable platform 18 to resist flexing and twisting. In some cases, a plurality of crossbar frame members may be provided that extend between and interconnect the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set42 for further reinforcement of the support frame 17.

[0058] As further shown in FIG. 10, an actuator mounting bracket 61 may be affixed to the upper dock frame 12. A first distal end of each linear actuator 60 may be received into the actuator mounting bracket 61. The actuator mounting bracket 61 may position the linear actuator 60 in a horizontal arrangement between the upper dock frame 12 and the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42, respectively, on each side of the movable platform 18. The actuator mounting bracket 61 may secure the linear actuator 60 in position to operate the drive assembly 26 for raising and lowering the movable platform 18.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 11, the cable connector bracket 68 is shown mounted to the lower linkage bar 43b, with the upper linkage bar 43a positioned above. The cable connector bracket 68 may extend perpendicular to the lower linkage bar 43b and the lower linkage bar 39b. The perpendicular orientation of the cable connector bracket 68 may space the cable connector 70 below the lower linkage bar 43b and the lower linkage bar 39b. The spacing of the cable connector 70 below the linkage bars may provide improved leverage in raising and lowering the movable platform 18 between the raised and lowered positions.

[0060] With continued reference to FIG. 11, the cable 65 may be secured to the cable connector 70. The cable connector 70 may include the turnbuckle 72 for adjusting the length and tension of the cable 65. The turnbuckle 72 may be positioned between the cable 65 and the cable connector bracket 68. The cable 65 may extend from the cable connector 70 toward the upper dock frame 12 area where the cable 65 is routed through the pulley 66.

[0061] The turnbuckle 72 may provide an adjustable connection point between the cable 65 and the cable connector bracket 68. The adjustable connection point may allow for fine-tuning of the tension on the cable 65. Fine-tuning of the cable 65 tension may ensure proper operation of the drive assembly 26 when raising and lowering the movable platform 18 between the raised and lowered positions. In some cases, the turnbuckle 72 may be adjusted to increase tension on the cable 65 by shortening the effective length of the cable 65 between the actuator arm 62 and the cable connector bracket 68. In some cases, the turnbuckle 72 may be adjusted to decrease tension on the cable 65 by lengthening the effective length of the cable 65 between the actuator arm 62 and the cable connector bracket 68. The deck surface material 15 carried by the upper dock frame 12 is visible in the upper portion of FIG. 11.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the linear actuator 60 of the drive assembly 26 is shown in detail. The linear actuator 60 may include a housing portion at one end that contains a motor and drive mechanism. The actuator arm 62 may extend outwardly from the housing portion of the linear actuator 60. The actuator arm 62 may be operable between an extended position and a retracted position. The actuator arm 62 may include a mounting eye at a distal end of the actuator arm 62 for connection to other components such as the cable 65.

[0063] With continued reference to FIG. 12, the linear actuator 60 may be configured to be mounted to the upper dock frame 12 via the actuator mounting bracket 61. A second distal end of each linear actuator 60 may pass through an opening in the actuator angle bracket 63 to carry the second distal end in a fixed arrangement between the upper dock frame 12 and the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42, respectively, on each side of the movable platform 18. The linear actuator 60 may operate to extend and retract the actuator arm 62, which in turn controls the raising and lowering of the movable platform 18 through the cable 65.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 13, a switch 64 may be electrically connected to and operatively associated with the linear actuator 60. The switch 64 may include a display screen on a front face of the switch 64 and several control buttons arranged around the display screen for operating the linear actuator 60. The switch 64 may be configured to actuate the linear actuator 60 to extend or retract the actuator arm 62 when the switch 64 is actuated to a desired position. Actuation of the switch 64 to extend the actuator arm 62 may cause the movable platform 18 to lower from the raised position to the lowered position. Actuation of the switch 64 to retract the actuator arm 62 may cause the movable platform 18 to raise from the lowered position to the raised position. The switch 64 may thereby control the movement of the movable platform 18 between the raised and lowered positions.

[0065] In operation, the drive assembly may be actuated to move the movable platform between the raised and lowered positions. When a user operates the switch, the switch may send an electrical signal to the linear actuator. The electrical signal may cause the linear actuator to extend the actuator arm from the housing portion of the linear actuator. As the actuator arm extends, the cable secured to the distal end of the actuator arm may be paid out through the pulley. The pulley may redirect the cable downward toward the cable connector bracket mounted to the bottom side of the movable platform. As the cable extends through the pulley, the movable platform may descend from the raised position toward the lowered position.

[0066] As the movable platform descends, the step frame may pivot about the pivotal connections at the upper mounting section and at the landing section. The pivoting of the step frame may cause the upper and lower linkage bar sets to transition from the horizontally aligned and vertically stacked arrangement to an angled arrangement. As the upper and lower linkage bar sets transition to the angled arrangement, the collapsible steps may expand from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. In the expanded condition, each of the collapsible steps may be staggered in an inclined arrangement to provide steps leading from the stationary platform to the landing section. The support chains may become taut as the landing section reaches the lowered position, supporting the landing section in the submerged configuration.

[0067] When a user operates the switch to raise the movable platform, the switch may send an electrical signal to the linear actuator to retract the actuator arm. As the actuator arm retracts into the housing portion of the linear actuator, the cable may be pulled through the pulley toward the linear actuator. The pulling of the cable through the pulley may exert an upward force on the cable connector bracket mounted to the bottom side of the movable platform. The upward force may cause the movable platform to ascend from the lowered position toward the raised position.

[0068] As the movable platform ascends, the step frame may pivot about the pivotal connections at the upper mounting section and at the landing section in a direction opposite to the lowering operation. The pivoting of the step frame may cause the upper and lower linkage bar sets to transition from the angled arrangement to the horizontally aligned and vertically stacked arrangement. As the upper and lower linkage bar sets transition to the horizontally aligned and vertically stacked arrangement, the collapsible steps may collapse from the expanded condition to the collapsed condition. In the collapsed condition, each of the collapsible steps may be folded into lateral alignment in a common horizontal plane with the stationary platform.

[0069] As the movable platform reaches the raised position, the upper linkage bars of the upper and lower linkage bar sets may engage the angle brackets carried by the stationary platform. The engagement of the upper linkage bars with the angle brackets may stop upward movement of the movable platform. The linear actuator may continue to exert a retracting force on the cable, biasing the upper linkage bars against the angle brackets. The biasing of the upper linkage bars against the angle brackets may maintain the movable platform in a rigid arrangement with the surrounding deck of the stationary platform. In the raised position, the deck surface of the movable platform may be level with the deck surface of the stationary platform, forming a uniform deck surface on which people may stand and walk.

[0070] The turnbuckle included in the cable connector may be adjusted to vary the length and tension of the cable. Adjustment of the turnbuckle may allow for fine-tuning of the cable tension to ensure proper operation of the drive assembly. In some cases, the turnbuckle may be adjusted to increase cable tension by shortening the effective length of the cable between the actuator arm and the cable connector bracket. In some cases, the turnbuckle may be adjusted to decrease cable tension by lengthening the effective length of the cable between the actuator arm and the cable connector bracket. Proper cable tension may ensure that the movable platform reaches the raised position with the deck surface level with the stationary platform deck surface, and may ensure that the movable platform descends smoothly to the lowered position when the actuator arm is extended.

[0071] While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific exemplary embodiments and methods thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and / or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventor did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matters.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0027]The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0028]Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter belongs. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are herein described.

[0029]Unless specifically stated, terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. Likewise, a g...

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to submergible water activity platforms for use with docks and similar structures to provide access into and out of surrounding water, and more particularly to a support system and drive assembly incorporating at least one linear actuator for a movable submergible water activity platform integrated into a dock that moves between a raised position level with and forming a rigid dock surface, and a lowered at least partially submerged position.BACKGROUND

[0002] Swimming facilities, whether in pools, rivers, ponds, lakes, and oceans, often provide ladders for people to enter and exit deep water. These ladders may be attached to the end of docks, piers, or even free-floating platforms anchored in the middle of a lake. These ladders are typically slippery due to algae growth, water accumulation, and wet conditions, making them hazardous to use. The rungs of such ladders are often narrow and spaced at intervals that may be uncomfortable or difficult to navigate. Additionally, ladders require a person to exert substantial strength to pull their body out of the water and onto the ladder, often from an awkward vertical position that places significant strain on the arms, shoulders, and back. The user must support their entire body weight while climbing, which can be particularly challenging after extended periods of swimming when muscles may be fatigued. Persons who have trouble using ladders, including the handicapped, elderly, and even small children may be effectively prevented from participating in recreational water activities associated with deep-water facilities. Individuals with mobility impairments, joint problems, or limited upper body strength may find it impossible to safely use traditional dock ladders. The ladder also fails to provide any underwater support on which a person can rest or participate in deep water recreational activities. Without an intermediate platform or resting point, individuals must either remain in the water treading or complete the entire climb in one continuous effort. People, as well as their pets, enjoy jumping and swimming from docks, but often are in danger of drowning when they cannot climb back on the dock or find a place to rest and are too tired to swim a long distance to shore. Pets, in particular, may lack the ability to climb vertical ladders and can become exhausted attempting to find a way out of the water.

[0003] Devices that can facilitate the entry and exit of people and animals from a body of water to an above water structure by allowing the person and animals to swim directly onto a submerged platform and walk up out of the water by way of steps or a ramp would be beneficial. Such devices would eliminate the need for users to pull themselves vertically out of the water and would instead allow for a more natural walking motion during entry and exit. Devices that give underwater support to persons engaged in recreational water activities in deep water on which the person can stand to participate in the water activities would also be beneficial. Such underwater support would provide a resting point for swimmers who become fatigued, reducing the risk of drowning and allowing individuals to safely catch their breath before continuing to swim or exiting the water.

[0004] On many waterways, there are specific rules and regulations relating to the attachment of items that permanently extend off of a dock, some of which entirely prohibit underwater platforms that extend out from the dock. These regulations are designed to protect watercraft from collisions with submerged structures and to maintain navigable waterways. Violations of such regulations may result in fines, mandatory removal of non-compliant structures, or other penalties. Submergible activity platform systems that are integrated into the dock so as not to extend away from the dock to pose an unnecessary hazard to watercraft, and submergible platforms that can be withdrawn from the water when not in use, would address such regulatory concerns. A platform that remains within the footprint of the existing dock structure when submerged would comply with regulations while still providing the benefits of water access.

[0005] A further challenge exists in providing such a submergible activity platform system that creates a rigid and stable deck surface in the raised arrangement with the rest of the surrounding deck surface of the dock. When the submergible platform and associated stairway are integrated into the dock to form a portion of a deck surface in the raised position, people will stand on and walk across the submergible activity platform system as part of the deck surface. The platform must be capable of supporting the weight of multiple individuals without flexing, bouncing, or feeling unstable underfoot. Any perceived instability in the deck surface may cause users to feel unsafe and may present a tripping hazard. Thus, a desire arises to be able to adequately support the platform system to make it rigid with the rest of the deck surface. The engineering challenge involves designing a mechanism that can both move the platform between raised and lowered positions while also providing sufficient structural support to create a seamless and stable walking surface when raised.

[0006] Accordingly, submergible activity platforms integrated into the dock that may be lowered to provide convenient access into and out of the water and raised to form a part of the dock above the water capable of providing a rigid deck surface with the rest of the surrounding deck surface of the dock would be advantageous. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a submergible activity platform integrated into the dock so that the platform does not extend outward beyond the dock when submerged. It is a further object of the present invention to provide support systems and drive assemblies that can firmly hold the steps and platform in the raised position to provide a stable rigid upper deck surface of the dock on which people can stand and walk, and which can lower the platform into the water while engaged in recreational water activities.SUMMARY

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a submergible water activity platform is provided. The submergible water activity platform includes a stationary platform having a deck surface for accommodating a number of persons over a body of water. A movable platform is adjacent to the stationary platform and is operable between a raised position forming a part of the deck surface and a lowered position at least partially submerged in the body of water. A landing section and a walkway section are included in the movable platform. A drive assembly is operatively connected with the movable platform for raising and lowering the movable platform. At least one linear actuator having an actuator arm operable between an extended position and a retracted position is included in the drive assembly. The linear actuator may be mounted to a dock frame of the stationary platform. A cable has a first end secured to the actuator arm and a second end connected to a cable connector mounted to a cable bracket carried on a bottom side of the movable platform. The cable connector may be adjustable to vary a length and tension of the cable. The cable connector may include a turnbuckle for adjusting the length and tension of the cable. A pulley is carried by the stationary platform and receives the cable between the actuator arm and the cable connector. The linear actuator causes the actuator arm to extend and thereby extend the cable to lower the movable platform, and the linear actuator causes the actuator arm to retract and thereby retract the cable to raise the movable platform.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a submergible water activity platform is provided including a stationary platform supported above a body of water and a movable platform integrated into the stationary platform. The movable platform is operable between a raised position level with the stationary platform and a lowered position at least partially submerged in the body of water. A walkway section included in the movable platform has a set of collapsible steps operable between a collapsed condition when the movable platform is in the raised position and an expanded condition when the movable platform is in the lowered position. In the collapsed condition, each of the steps is folded into lateral alignment in a common horizontal plane with the stationary platform. In the expanded condition, each of the steps is staggered in an inclined arrangement to provide steps leading from the stationary platform to the landing section. A step frame carries the collapsible steps and has a first end pivotally connected to an upper mounting section and a second end pivotally connected to a landing section of the movable platform for moving with the landing section between the raised and lowered positions to collapse and expand the steps. The step frame may include a first upper and lower linkage bar set pivotally connected to a first end surface of each collapsible step, and a second upper and lower linkage bar set pivotally connected to a second end surface opposite the first end surface of each collapsible step. The first and second upper and lower linkage bar sets may each be horizontally aligned and stacked in a vertical plane when the movable platform is in the raised position, and the first and second upper and lower linkage bar sets may each be angled when the movable platform is in the lowered position. A first distal end portion of each of the upper linkage bars may be pivotally connected to the stationary platform, and a second distal end portion of each of the upper linkage bars may be pivotally connected to the landing section. A drive assembly is operatively connected with the movable platform for raising and lowering the movable platform, the drive assembly including at least one linear actuator and a cable operatively associated with the linear actuator, wherein extension of an actuator arm of the linear actuator extends the cable to lower the movable platform and retraction of the actuator arm retracts the cable to raise the movable platform.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a submergible water activity platform is provided including a stationary platform having a deck surface and a movable platform adjacent to the stationary platform and movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A drive assembly is operatively connected with the movable platform, the drive assembly including a linear actuator mounted to a dock frame of the stationary platform, an actuator arm extending from the linear actuator, a cable having a first end secured to the actuator arm, a pulley carried by the stationary platform and receiving the cable, and a cable connector bracket mounted to a bottom side of the movable platform with a cable connector including a turnbuckle for adjusting a length and tension of the cable. A pair of angle brackets is carried by the stationary platform and configured to engage upper linkage bars of the movable platform when the movable platform is in the raised position to stop upward movement of the movable platform and provide a rigid deck surface arrangement with the stationary platform. The movable platform may include a walkway section having a set of collapsible steps operable between a collapsed condition when the movable platform is in the raised position wherein each of the steps is folded into lateral alignment in a common horizontal plane with the stationary platform, and an expanded condition when the movable platform is in the lowered position wherein each of the steps is staggered in an inclined arrangement. A step frame may carry the collapsible steps, the step frame including a first upper and lower linkage bar set pivotally connected to a first end surface of each collapsible step, and a second upper and lower linkage bar set pivotally connected to a second end surface opposite the first end surface of each collapsible step, wherein the upper linkage bars of the first and second upper and lower linkage bar sets are engaged by the pair of angle brackets when the movable platform is in the raised position. At least one crossbar may interconnect opposite sides of the movable platform to reinforce a support frame of the movable platform to resist flexing and twisting.

[0011] The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0012] The system designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter be described, together with other features thereof. The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown and wherein non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a submergible water activity platform, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic front view of a left side of the submergible water activity platform, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the submergible water activity platform in a lowered position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the submergible water activity platform in a lowered position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of a drive assembly with the submergible water activity platform in a lowered position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of the drive assembly with the submergible water activity platform in a partially lowered position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a right side perspective view of the submergible water activity platform in a raised position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a left side perspective view of the submergible water activity platform in a raised position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a movable platform in a raised position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an actuator mounting bracket of the drive assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a side perspective view of a cable connection bracket of the submergible water activity platform, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a linear actuator included in the drive assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a switch operatively associated with the linear actuator of FIG. 12, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more aspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or more other aspects can meet certain other objectives. Each objective may not apply equally, in all its respects, to every aspect of this invention. As such, the preceding objects can be viewed in the alternative with respect to any one aspect of this invention. These and other objects and features of the invention will become more fully apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying figures and examples. However, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are of a preferred embodiment and not restrictive of the invention or other alternate embodiments of the invention. In particular, while the invention is described herein with reference to a number of specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative of the invention and is not constructed as limiting of the invention. Various modifications and applications may occur to those who are skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as described by the appended claims. Likewise, other objects, features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from this summary and certain embodiments described below, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such objects, features, benefits and advantages will be apparent from the above in conjunction with the accompanying examples, figures and all reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom, alone or with consideration of the references incorporated herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0028] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter belongs. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are herein described.

[0029] Unless specifically stated, terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction "and" should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction "or" should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0030] Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or more," "at least," "may", "may include", "but not limited to" or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

[0031] A submergible water activity platform may be provided for use with a dock or similar structure to facilitate access into and out of a body of water. The submergible water activity platform may be integrated into a dock so that the platform does not extend outward from the dock past a stationary portion of the dock structure. The submergible water activity platform may include a stationary platform having a deck surface for accommodating a number of persons over a body of water, and a movable platform adjacent to the stationary platform. The movable platform may be operable between a raised position forming a part of the deck surface and a lowered position at least partially submerged in the body of water. In the raised position, the submergible water activity platform may provide a rigid and stable surface on which people can stand and walk. In the lowered position, the submergible water activity platform may provide convenient access into and out of the water. The movable platform may include a landing section providing a water activity area for supporting persons engaged in water activities when the movable platform is in the lowered position, and a walkway section providing access between the stationary platform and the landing section.

[0032] A drive assembly may be operatively connected with the movable platform for raising and lowering the movable platform between the raised and lowered positions. The drive assembly may include at least one linear actuator. The linear actuator may include an actuator arm that is operable between an extended position and a retracted position. In some cases, the drive assembly may be configured such that extension of the actuator arm causes the movable platform to lower, and retraction of the actuator arm causes the movable platform to raise. The drive assembly may maintain the movable platform in the raised position in a rigid arrangement with a surrounding deck of the stationary platform, allowing people to stand on and walk across the submergible water activity platform as part of the deck surface.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a main deck platform 10 may be carried by an upper dock frame 12 which is supported above a body of water. The main deck platform 10 may be adapted for accommodating multiple people engaged in recreational water activities. The main deck platform 10 may be divided into two parts. A stationary platform 14 may form a first part of the main deck platform 10, and a movable platform 18 may form a second part of the main deck platform 10. The movable platform 18 may be integrated into the stationary platform 14 so that the movable platform 18 does not extend out from the dock past the stationary platform 14.

[0034] The stationary platform 14 may be supported above the water on the upper dock frame 12. In some cases, floating members may support the stationary platform 14 above the water to allow the stationary platform 14 to adjust to changes in water level to ensure the stationary platform 14 does not become too far removed from the surface of the water. The associated structure defining the stationary platform 14 that incorporates the movable platform 18 may be any above water structure such as a dock, pier, free-floating platform, deck surrounding a pool, or boat deck or other platform where ingress and egress from a body of water is desired.

[0035] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the stationary platform 14 and the movable platform 18 may have a deck surface material 15 carried by an underlying dock frame or support frame 17. The deck surface material 15 may be composed of a series of elongated planks made from treated lumber, composite materials, or other components resistant to the corrosive effects of water and other elements commonly used to build docks. The upper dock frame 12 and the support frame 17 for the movable platform 18 may be aluminum, treated steel, or other elements commonly used to build docks.

[0036] The support frame 17 of the movable platform 18 may provide a rigid and stable deck surface in a raised arrangement with the rest of the surrounding deck surface of the dock. When the movable platform 18 is in the raised position as shown in FIG. 2, the stationary platform 14 and the movable platform 18 may form a uniformly level main deck surface. In the lowered position as shown in FIG. 1, the movable platform 18 may be at least partially submerged below the stationary platform 14 to provide access into and out of the water.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, the movable platform 18 is shown in a lowered position where the movable platform 18 is at least partially submerged below a water level 16. In the lowered position, the movable platform 18 is positioned below the stationary platform 14 to provide access into and out of the water. The movable platform 18 may include a landing section 20 and a walkway section 22 for providing access into and out of the water from the stationary platform 14.

[0038] The walkway section 22 may comprise a set of collapsible steps 34. In the lowered position, the collapsible steps 34 may be in an expanded condition where each of the collapsible steps 34 is staggered in an inclined arrangement to provide steps leading from the stationary platform 14 to the landing section 20. The walkway section 22 may function as a set of steps leading from the stationary platform 14 to the landing section 20, or as a ramp when the movable platform 18 is in the lowered position.

[0039] With continued reference to FIG. 3, a step frame 36 may be disposed on both sides of the collapsible steps 34 and may pivotally carry each of the collapsible steps 34. The step frame 36 may include a first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 pivotally connected to each of the collapsible steps 34, and a second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 pivotally connected to an opposite side of each of the collapsible steps 34. When the movable platform 18 is in the lowered position, the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 may each be angled to deploy the collapsible steps 34 in the expanded condition.

[0040] An upper mounting section 21 may connect the step frame 36 to the stationary platform 14. The upper mounting section 21 may remain level with the stationary platform 14 when the movable platform 18 moves between the raised and lowered positions. Support chains 23 may interconnect the landing section 20 with the stationary platform 14 to support the landing section 20 in the lowered position.

[0041] The landing section 20 may create a water activity area free of the walkway section 22 for supporting persons engaged in water activities. When the landing section 20 is submerged, people may stand, sit, or swim off of or directly onto the submerged water activity area of the landing section 20 for support in the water.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the step frame 36 includes the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 that pivotally carry the collapsible steps 34. The first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 includes an upper linkage bar 39a and a lower linkage bar 39b. The upper linkage bar 39a and the lower linkage bar 39b may be pivotally connected to the first end surface 40 of each of the collapsible steps 34 and to a second end surface 44 on the same end of each of the collapsible steps 34 adjacent linkage bars 39a and 39b. The second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 includes an upper linkage bar 43a and a lower linkage bar 43b. The upper linkage bar 43a and the lower linkage bar 43b may be pivotally connected to the collapsible steps 34 in the same manner but on the opposite side of the collapsible steps. Accordingly, the upper linkage bar 43a and the lower linkage bar 43b may be pivotally connected to the collapsible steps 34 at a first end surface 40 of each of the collapsible steps 34 and to a second end surface 44 on the same end of each of the collapsible steps 34 adjacent linkage bars 43a and 43b.

[0043] With continued reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, a bolt or other like fastener member may pivotally interconnect the upper linkage bar 39a, the lower linkage bar 39b, the upper linkage bar 43a, and the lower linkage bar 43b to the first end surface 40 and the second end surface 44 of the collapsible steps 34 on opposite ends of the steps, respectively, in a pivotal arrangement. The pivotal arrangement may allow the upper linkage bar 39a, the lower linkage bar 39b, the upper linkage bar 43a, and the lower linkage bar 43b to pivot relative to the collapsible steps 34.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the bolts attaching the upper linkage bar 39a and the upper linkage bar 43a may be located in a forward portion of the first end surface 40. The bolts attaching the lower linkage bar 39b and the lower linkage bar 43b may be located in a rearward portion of the second end surface 44. The positioning of the bolts in the forward and rearward portions of the end surfaces may facilitate movement of the collapsible steps 34 to the expanded position when the movable platform 18 is lowered.

[0045] With continued reference to FIG. 4, each of the lower linkage bar 39b and the lower linkage bar 43b may be pivotally connected to the landing section 20 at a second distal end portion. When the movable platform 18 is in the lowered position as shown in FIG. 4, the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 may each be angled to deploy the collapsible steps 34 in the expanded condition, providing steps leading from the stationary platform 14 to the landing section 20. As shown in FIG. 2, when the movable platform 18 is in the raised position, the upper linkage bar 39a and the lower linkage bar 39b may be horizontally aligned and stacked in a vertical plane.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a drive assembly 26 may be operatively connected with the movable platform 18 for raising and lowering the movable platform 18 between the raised and lowered positions. The drive assembly 26 may include a linear actuator 60 mounted to the upper dock frame 12 on each side of the movable platform 18. The linear actuator 60 may extend in a horizontal arrangement between the upper dock frame 12 and the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42, respectively, on each side of the movable platform 18.

[0047] With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, an actuator arm 62 may extend from the linear actuator 60. The actuator arm 62 may be operable between an extended position and a retracted position. An actuator angle bracket 63 may be provided through which the actuator arm 62 passes. The actuator angle bracket 63 may carry a second distal end of the linear actuator 60 in a fixed arrangement between the upper dock frame 12 and the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42, respectively, on each side of the movable platform 18.

[0048] The drive assembly 26 may further include a cable 65 operatively associated with the linear actuator 60. A first end of the cable 65 may be secured to a distal end of the actuator arm 62. The cable 65 may be routed through a pulley 66 carried on a pulley bracket 67. The pulley bracket 67 may be mounted to the upper dock frame 12 on each side of the movable platform 18 about mid-way along the collapsible steps 34. The pulley 66 may redirect the cable 65 downward toward the movable platform 18.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, when the actuator arm 62 is in the extended position, the cable 65 is extended and the movable platform 18 is in the lowered position with the collapsible steps 34 in the expanded condition. As shown in FIG. 6, when the actuator arm 62 is in a partially retracted position, the cable 65 is partially retracted and the movable platform 18 is in a partially lowered position where the collapsible steps 34 are transitioning between the expanded condition and a collapsed condition. Extension of the actuator arm 62 may extend the cable 65 to lower the movable platform 18, and retraction of the actuator arm 62 may retract the cable 65 to raise the movable platform 18.

[0050] The drive assembly 26 may provide a vertical displacement of the landing section 20 to move at least two feet downward from the raised position to the lowered position. In some cases, the drive assembly 26 may be constructed and arranged to allow the movable platform 18 to travel less than two feet or considerably beyond two feet from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the movable platform 18 is shown in a fully raised position where the movable platform 18 forms a continuous deck surface with the stationary platform 14. In the raised position, the deck surface material 15 covers both the stationary platform 14 and the movable platform 18, creating a uniform walking surface. The support frame 17 provides structural support for the movable platform 18 in the raised position.

[0052] With continued reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, when the movable platform 18 is in the raised position, the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 may be horizontally aligned and stacked in a vertical plane. The horizontal alignment and vertical stacking of the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 may correspond to the collapsed condition of the collapsible steps 34, where each of the collapsible steps 34 is folded into lateral alignment in a common horizontal plane with the stationary platform 14.

[0053] A pair of angle brackets 50a and 50b may be carried by the stationary platform 14. An angle bracket 50a may extend adjacent a first side of the movable platform 18 as shown in FIG. 7. An angle bracket 50b may extend adjacent a second side of the movable platform 18 opposite the first side as shown in FIG. 8. The angle bracket 50a and the angle bracket 50b may engage the upper linkage bars of the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42 when the movable platform 18 is in the raised position. The engagement of the angle bracket 50a and the angle bracket 50b with the upper linkage bars may stop upward movement of the movable platform 18 and provide a rigid deck surface arrangement with the surrounding stationary platform 14 as the drive assembly 26 biases the upper linkage bars 39a and 43a against the angle brackets 50a and 50b, respectively.

[0054] As further shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the support chains 23 may be in a relaxed state when the movable platform 18 is in the raised position. The drive assembly 26 may maintain the movable platform 18 in the raised position in a rigid arrangement with the surrounding deck of the stationary platform 14, allowing people to stand on and walk across the movable platform 18 as part of the deck surface.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 9, a bottom perspective view of the movable platform 18 in a raised position reveals several components of the drive assembly 26. A cable connector bracket 68 may be mounted to a bottom side of the movable platform 18. In some cases, a pair of cable connector brackets 68 may be provided, with one cable connector bracket 68 positioned on each side of the movable platform 18. Each cable connector bracket 68 may extend perpendicular to the lower linkage bar 39b and the lower linkage bar 43b to space a cable connector 70 below the lower linkage bar 39b and the lower linkage bar 43b for improved leverage in raising and lowering the movable platform 18.

[0056] With continued reference to FIG. 9, each cable connector bracket 68 may carry a cable connector 70. The cable connector 70 may include a turnbuckle 72 for adjusting a length and tension of the cable 65. The turnbuckle 72 may provide an adjustable connection point that allows for fine-tuning of the cable 65 tension to ensure proper operation of the drive assembly 26 when raising and lowering the movable platform 18 between the raised and lowered positions.

[0057] At least one crossbar 69 may be provided interconnecting the cable connector brackets 68 mounted to the bottom side of the movable platform 18. The crossbar 69 may reinforce the support frame 17 of the movable platform 18 to resist flexing and twisting. In some cases, a plurality of crossbar frame members may be provided that extend between and interconnect the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set42 for further reinforcement of the support frame 17.

[0058] As further shown in FIG. 10, an actuator mounting bracket 61 may be affixed to the upper dock frame 12. A first distal end of each linear actuator 60 may be received into the actuator mounting bracket 61. The actuator mounting bracket 61 may position the linear actuator 60 in a horizontal arrangement between the upper dock frame 12 and the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42, respectively, on each side of the movable platform 18. The actuator mounting bracket 61 may secure the linear actuator 60 in position to operate the drive assembly 26 for raising and lowering the movable platform 18.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 11, the cable connector bracket 68 is shown mounted to the lower linkage bar 43b, with the upper linkage bar 43a positioned above. The cable connector bracket 68 may extend perpendicular to the lower linkage bar 43b and the lower linkage bar 39b. The perpendicular orientation of the cable connector bracket 68 may space the cable connector 70 below the lower linkage bar 43b and the lower linkage bar 39b. The spacing of the cable connector 70 below the linkage bars may provide improved leverage in raising and lowering the movable platform 18 between the raised and lowered positions.

[0060] With continued reference to FIG. 11, the cable 65 may be secured to the cable connector 70. The cable connector 70 may include the turnbuckle 72 for adjusting the length and tension of the cable 65. The turnbuckle 72 may be positioned between the cable 65 and the cable connector bracket 68. The cable 65 may extend from the cable connector 70 toward the upper dock frame 12 area where the cable 65 is routed through the pulley 66.

[0061] The turnbuckle 72 may provide an adjustable connection point between the cable 65 and the cable connector bracket 68. The adjustable connection point may allow for fine-tuning of the tension on the cable 65. Fine-tuning of the cable 65 tension may ensure proper operation of the drive assembly 26 when raising and lowering the movable platform 18 between the raised and lowered positions. In some cases, the turnbuckle 72 may be adjusted to increase tension on the cable 65 by shortening the effective length of the cable 65 between the actuator arm 62 and the cable connector bracket 68. In some cases, the turnbuckle 72 may be adjusted to decrease tension on the cable 65 by lengthening the effective length of the cable 65 between the actuator arm 62 and the cable connector bracket 68. The deck surface material 15 carried by the upper dock frame 12 is visible in the upper portion of FIG. 11.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the linear actuator 60 of the drive assembly 26 is shown in detail. The linear actuator 60 may include a housing portion at one end that contains a motor and drive mechanism. The actuator arm 62 may extend outwardly from the housing portion of the linear actuator 60. The actuator arm 62 may be operable between an extended position and a retracted position. The actuator arm 62 may include a mounting eye at a distal end of the actuator arm 62 for connection to other components such as the cable 65.

[0063] With continued reference to FIG. 12, the linear actuator 60 may be configured to be mounted to the upper dock frame 12 via the actuator mounting bracket 61. A second distal end of each linear actuator 60 may pass through an opening in the actuator angle bracket 63 to carry the second distal end in a fixed arrangement between the upper dock frame 12 and the first upper and lower linkage bar set 38 and the second upper and lower linkage bar set 42, respectively, on each side of the movable platform 18. The linear actuator 60 may operate to extend and retract the actuator arm 62, which in turn controls the raising and lowering of the movable platform 18 through the cable 65.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 13, a switch 64 may be electrically connected to and operatively associated with the linear actuator 60. The switch 64 may include a display screen on a front face of the switch 64 and several control buttons arranged around the display screen for operating the linear actuator 60. The switch 64 may be configured to actuate the linear actuator 60 to extend or retract the actuator arm 62 when the switch 64 is actuated to a desired position. Actuation of the switch 64 to extend the actuator arm 62 may cause the movable platform 18 to lower from the raised position to the lowered position. Actuation of the switch 64 to retract the actuator arm 62 may cause the movable platform 18 to raise from the lowered position to the raised position. The switch 64 may thereby control the movement of the movable platform 18 between the raised and lowered positions.

[0065] In operation, the drive assembly may be actuated to move the movable platform between the raised and lowered positions. When a user operates the switch, the switch may send an electrical signal to the linear actuator. The electrical signal may cause the linear actuator to extend the actuator arm from the housing portion of the linear actuator. As the actuator arm extends, the cable secured to the distal end of the actuator arm may be paid out through the pulley. The pulley may redirect the cable downward toward the cable connector bracket mounted to the bottom side of the movable platform. As the cable extends through the pulley, the movable platform may descend from the raised position toward the lowered position.

[0066] As the movable platform descends, the step frame may pivot about the pivotal connections at the upper mounting section and at the landing section. The pivoting of the step frame may cause the upper and lower linkage bar sets to transition from the horizontally aligned and vertically stacked arrangement to an angled arrangement. As the upper and lower linkage bar sets transition to the angled arrangement, the collapsible steps may expand from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. In the expanded condition, each of the collapsible steps may be staggered in an inclined arrangement to provide steps leading from the stationary platform to the landing section. The support chains may become taut as the landing section reaches the lowered position, supporting the landing section in the submerged configuration.

[0067] When a user operates the switch to raise the movable platform, the switch may send an electrical signal to the linear actuator to retract the actuator arm. As the actuator arm retracts into the housing portion of the linear actuator, the cable may be pulled through the pulley toward the linear actuator. The pulling of the cable through the pulley may exert an upward force on the cable connector bracket mounted to the bottom side of the movable platform. The upward force may cause the movable platform to ascend from the lowered position toward the raised position.

[0068] As the movable platform ascends, the step frame may pivot about the pivotal connections at the upper mounting section and at the landing section in a direction opposite to the lowering operation. The pivoting of the step frame may cause the upper and lower linkage bar sets to transition from the angled arrangement to the horizontally aligned and vertically stacked arrangement. As the upper and lower linkage bar sets transition to the horizontally aligned and vertically stacked arrangement, the collapsible steps may collapse from the expanded condition to the collapsed condition. In the collapsed condition, each of the collapsible steps may be folded into lateral alignment in a common horizontal plane with the stationary platform.

[0069] As the movable platform reaches the raised position, the upper linkage bars of the upper and lower linkage bar sets may engage the angle brackets carried by the stationary platform. The engagement of the upper linkage bars with the angle brackets may stop upward movement of the movable platform. The linear actuator may continue to exert a retracting force on the cable, biasing the upper linkage bars against the angle brackets. The biasing of the upper linkage bars against the angle brackets may maintain the movable platform in a rigid arrangement with the surrounding deck of the stationary platform. In the raised position, the deck surface of the movable platform may be level with the deck surface of the stationary platform, forming a uniform deck surface on which people may stand and walk.

[0070] The turnbuckle included in the cable connector may be adjusted to vary the length and tension of the cable. Adjustment of the turnbuckle may allow for fine-tuning of the cable tension to ensure proper operation of the drive assembly. In some cases, the turnbuckle may be adjusted to increase cable tension by shortening the effective length of the cable between the actuator arm and the cable connector bracket. In some cases, the turnbuckle may be adjusted to decrease cable tension by lengthening the effective length of the cable between the actuator arm and the cable connector bracket. Proper cable tension may ensure that the movable platform reaches the raised position with the deck surface level with the stationary platform deck surface, and may ensure that the movable platform descends smoothly to the lowered position when the actuator arm is extended.

[0071] While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific exemplary embodiments and methods thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and / or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art using the teachings disclosed herein. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventor did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matters.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0027]The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0028]Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter belongs. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are herein described.

[0029]Unless specifically stated, terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. Likewise, a g...

Claims

1. A submergible water activity platform, comprising: a stationary platform having a deck surface for accommodating a number of persons over a body of water;a movable platform adjacent to the stationary platform operable between a raised position forming a part of the deck surface and a lowered position at least partially submerged in the body of water;a landing section and a walkway section included in the movable platform; anda drive assembly operatively connected with the movable platform for raising and lowering the movable platform, the drive assembly including:at least one linear actuator having an actuator arm operable between an extended position and a retracted position;a cable having a first end secured to the actuator arm and a second end connected to a cable connector mounted to a cable bracket carried on a bottom side of the movable platform; anda pulley carried by the stationary platform receiving the cable between the actuator arm and the cable connector;wherein the linear actuator causes the actuator arm to extend and thereby extend the cable to lower the movable platform; andwherein the linear actuator causes the actuator arm to retract and thereby retract the cable to raise the movable platform.

2. The submergible water activity platform of claim 1, wherein the cable connector is adjustable to vary a length and tension of the cable.

3. The submergible water activity platform of claim 2, wherein the cable connector includes a turnbuckle for adjusting the length and tension of the cable.

4. The submergible water activity platform of claim 1, wherein the walkway section includes a set of collapsible steps having a collapsed condition when the movable platform is in the raised position wherein each of the steps is folded into lateral alignment in a common horizontal plane with the stationary platform, and an expanded condition when the movable platform is in the lowered position wherein each of the steps is staggered in an inclined arrangement to provide steps leading from the stationary platform to the landing section.

5. The submergible water activity platform of claim 4, further comprising a step frame carrying the collapsible steps, the step frame having a first end pivotally connected to an upper mounting section, and a second end pivotally connected to the landing section for moving with the landing section between the raised and lowered positions to collapse and expand the steps.

6. The submergible water activity platform of claim 5, wherein the step frame includes a first upper and lower linkage bar set pivotally connected to a first end surface of each collapsible step, and a second upper and lower linkage bar set pivotally connected to a second end surface opposite the first end surface of each collapsible step, wherein the first and second upper and lower linkage bar sets are each horizontally aligned and stacked in a vertical plane when the movable platform is in the raised position, and the first and second upper and lower linkage bar sets are each angled when the movable platform is in the lowered position.

7. The submergible water activity platform of claim 6, wherein a first distal end portion of each of the upper linkage bars is pivotally connected to the stationary platform, and a second distal end portion of each of the upper linkage bars is pivotally connected to the landing section.

8. The submergible water activity platform of claim 7, further comprising a pair of angle brackets carried by the stationary platform, wherein one of the angle brackets extends adjacent a first side of the movable platform and the other of the angle brackets extends adjacent a second side of the movable platform opposite the first side, and wherein the angle brackets engage the upper linkage bars when the movable platform is in the raised position to stop upward movement of the movable platform.

9. The submergible water activity platform of claim 8, wherein a movable platform deck surface carried on the walkway section and the landing section is level with the deck surface of the stationary platform when the upper linkage bars engage the angle brackets in the raised position.

10. A submergible water activity platform, comprising:a stationary platform supported above a body of water;a movable platform integrated into the stationary platform and operable between a raised position level with the stationary platform and a lowered position at least partially submerged in the body of water;a walkway section included in the movable platform having a set of collapsible steps operable between a collapsed condition when the movable platform is in the raised position and an expanded condition when the movable platform is in the lowered position;a step frame carrying the collapsible steps and having a first end pivotally connected to an upper mounting section and a second end pivotally connected to a landing section of the movable platform; anda drive assembly operatively connected with the movable platform for raising and lowering the movable platform, the drive assembly including a cable which extends to lower the movable platform and retracts to raise the movable platform.

11. The submergible water activity platform of claim 10, wherein the step frame includes a first upper and lower linkage bar set pivotally connected to a first end surface of each collapsible step, and a second upper and lower linkage bar set pivotally connected to a second end surface opposite the first end surface of each collapsible step.

12. The submergible water activity platform of claim 11, wherein the first and second upper and lower linkage bar sets are each horizontally aligned and stacked in a vertical plane when the movable platform is in the raised position, and the first and second upper and lower linkage bar sets are each angled when the movable platform is in the lowered position.

13. The submergible water activity platform of claim 12, further comprising a pair of angle brackets carried by the stationary platform, wherein the angle brackets engage upper linkage bars of the first and second upper and lower linkage bar sets when the movable platform is in the raised position to stop upward movement of the movable platform.

14. The submergible water activity platform of claim 10, wherein the drive assembly further includes a pulley carried by the stationary platform, the cable being routed through the pulley between an actuator for extending and retracting the cable and a cable connector bracket mounted to a bottom side of the movable platform.

15. The submergible water activity platform of claim 14, wherein the cable connector bracket carries a cable connector including a turnbuckle for adjusting a length and tension of the cable.

16. The submergible water activity platform of claim 10, further comprising at least one crossbar interconnecting opposite sides of the movable platform to reinforce a support frame of the movable platform to resist flexing and twisting.

17. A submergible water activity platform, comprising: a stationary platform having a deck surface;a movable platform adjacent to the stationary platform and movable between a raised position and a lowered position;a drive assembly operatively connected with the movable platform, the drive assembly including:a linear actuator mounted to a dock frame of the stationary platform;an actuator arm extending from the linear actuator;a cable having a first end secured to the actuator arm;a pulley carried by the stationary platform and receiving the cable; anda cable connector bracket mounted to a bottom side of the movable platform witha cable connector including a turnbuckle for adjusting a length and tension of the cable; anda pair of angle brackets carried by the stationary platform and configured to engage upper linkage bars of the movable platform when the movable platform is in the raised position to stop upward movement of the movable platform and provide a rigid deck surface arrangement with the stationary platform.

18. The submergible water activity platform of claim 17, wherein the movable platform includes a walkway section having a set of collapsible steps operable between a collapsed condition when the movable platform is in the raised position wherein each of the steps is folded into lateral alignment in a common horizontal plane with the stationary platform, and an expanded condition when the movable platform is in the lowered position wherein each of the steps is staggered in an inclined arrangement.

19. The submergible water activity platform of claim 18, further comprising a step frame carrying the collapsible steps, the step frame including a first upper and lower linkage bar set pivotally connected to a first end surface of each collapsible step, and a second upper and lower linkage bar set pivotally connected to a second end surface opposite the first end surface of each collapsible step, wherein the upper linkage bars of the first and second upper and lower linkage bar sets are engaged by the pair of angle brackets when the movable platform is in the raised position.

20. The submergible water activity platform of claim 19, further comprising at least one crossbar interconnecting cable connector brackets mounted to a bottom side of the movable platform to reinforce a support frame of the movable platform to resist flexing and twisting.

Images