Patent Application
20140261133
This invention relates to a swim platform for a boat. More particularly, this invention relates to a stern-mounted swim platform adapted to aid the boat in getting on plane.
Stern drive boats typically include a motor mounted inside the boat in front of the transom. A propulsion leg extends from the motor rearward and through the transom. The propulsive force in these types of boats is typically behind and below the rear most portion of the boat. In many stern drive boats, a swim platform and ladder is provided at the stern of the boat, either built into the boat or mounted on the boat. Swim platforms are particularly useful for sports such as wake boarding and water skiing. However, typically a swim platform is positioned too high above the water for optimum convenience, and while the platform may provide some separation between users and the propeller, it may be desirable to provide additional separation. Therefore, the present invention provides a more convenient swim platform with greater separation between the propeller and users.
A cantilever swim platform is mounted onto the stern of a boat having a planing hull. The hull includes a bow and port and starboard sides extending between the bow and stern. Generally, the swim platform includes an upper platform, a lower platform, and central support member.
The upper platform includes a continuous generally U-shaped rear edge terminating at a first end and second end and a forward edge connecting the first end and second end. A first substantially planar top surface is defined by the forward edge and rear edge. Similarly, the lower platform includes a continuous generally U-shaped rear edge terminating at a first end and a second end and a forward edge connecting the first end and second end.
A second substantially planar top surface is defined by the forward edge and rear edge of the lower platform. A forward portion of the lower platform is disposed proximate a rearward portion of the upper platform. Also, the second top surface is spaced vertically below the first top surface and is ideally positioned slightly above the surface of the water when the boat is resting.
A ladder may mounted to the lower platform. The ladder may transition from a use position to a stowed position. The top surfaces may include non-slip surfaces. A guard may be fixedly mounted between the upper platform and the lower platform. The guard may include a plurality of horizontal bars intersecting a plurality of vertical bars.
A central support member connects together the upper platform and lower platform. It includes an upper prong extending from the central support member and a lower prong extending from the central support member. The upper prong and lower prong are spaced apart from one another. The upper prong is configured for mounting to the upper platform and the lower prong is configured for mounting to the lower platform. Mounting hardware is located on the central support member and is configured for mounting the central support member to the boat.
The swim platform may also include first and second side platforms. Each side platform includes a third substantially planar top surface. The first side platform is located adjacent a first side of the upper platform and the second side platform is located adjacent a second side of the upper platform. A first lower support leg connects the first side platform to the lower platform and a first upper support leg connects the first side platform to the upper platform. A second lower support leg connects the second side platform to the lower platform and a second upper support leg connects the second side platform to the upper platform.
Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:
Referring now to the drawings and
As shown in
With reference to
The mounting bracket 206 may further include connection apertures 260 in the upper end 250 and lower end 252 of each of the arm members 248. The connection apertures 260 are configured to receive a connector, such as a through bolt, to connect the mounting bracket 206 to the central support 208. In certain embodiments, as shown best in
With reference to
Preferably, the rear edge 214 is continuous (i.e., unbroken or smooth) and is generally U-shaped so as to avoid sharp edges or corners. A continuous and smooth rear edge 214 is preferable to other configurations because it eliminates sharp corners and sides. Additionally, the forward edge 216 is preferably configured to closely conform to the shape and design of the stern 106 in order to minimize the gap between the swim platform 100 and the hull 102. For example, as shown in
The lower platform 204 is defined by a rear edge 224 and a forward edge 226. A second substantially planar top surface 228 is defined by the forward edge 226 and the rear edge 224. The second top surface 228 is sized and configured to function as a seat or step for ingress and egress into or out of the boat. In particular, the second top surface 228 provides a flat surface that extends outwards away from the stern 106 and from the first top surface 218. In particular, as shown in
The lower platform 204 is preferably sized such that one or more persons could comfortably stand or sit on the second top surface 228. More preferably, the lower platform 204 is sized such that a user can comfortably stand on the platform along with other objects such as watersports equipment (skis, a wakeboard, etc.), beverage coolers, etc. To prevent a user from slipping, the fist top surface 218 may be provided with a non-slip surface. The lower platform 204 may include means for securing persons, equipment or other items, such as straps, hooks, anchors, etc.
Preferably, the rear edge 224 is continuous (i.e., unbroken or smooth) and is generally U-shaped so as to avoid sharp edges or corners. As shown in
The swim platform 100 may further comprise a guard 234 that is designed to prevent users or objects from inadvertently slipping between the upper platform 202 and the lower platform 204. Preferably, the guard 234 is fixedly mounted between the upper platform 202 and the lower platform 204. However, it is also contemplated that the guard 234 may be removably attached to the swim platform 100. The guard 234 may comprise a plurality of horizontal bars intersecting a plurality of vertical bars.
As shown in
The upper prong 210 is configured to mount to and secure the upper platform 202. As shown in
Similarly, the lower prong 212 is configured to mount to and secure the lower platform 204. The lower prong 212 may mount to a bottom portion of the lower platform 204. As shown in
Positioning the upper platform 202 and lower platform 204 in this manner creates a stair-like configuration, which provides easy access on and off of the boat. Another benefit of this configuration is that it provides some protection for occupants against contacting a propeller that is located behind the boat.
Finally, the lower platform 204 acts as a trim tab or leveling device for the boat. When a boat accelerates, the bow 104 often begins to rise out of the water and the stern 106 will be pushed lower into the water. With the swim platform 100 mounted to the boat, the lower platform 204 will be lowered towards the water as the bow 104 begins to tilt upwards. As the lower platform 204 makes contact with the water, an upward force is exerted onto the lower platform, which causes the bow 104 to move downwards and simultaneously moving the stern 106 up and out of the water. As a result, the boat reaches planing mode more quickly and with less power than a boat having no such platform.
As shown throughout the drawings and as best shown in
With reference to
The central support 208 may be connected to the mounting bracket 206 by first attaching the hook 274 to the bar 262 (
The swim platform 100 is attached to the stern 106 of the boat using a plurality of fasteners. In certain embodiments, through bolts may be inserted through each of the side platforms 236 and into a portion of the hull 102. Additionally or alternatively, through bolts may also be inserted through the central support member 208 and then into the hull 102. The hull 102 may further comprise brackets mounted to the hull for receiving the bolts and that correspond to each of the through bolts. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other fastening means may be used in other embodiments, and that the invention is not limited by the type of fastener used to connect the swim platform 100 to the hull 102.
The foregoing description of embodiments for this invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide illustrations of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
