The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 14, 2005
Filed:
Jul. 16, 2004
Albert Mardikian, Corona Del Mar, CA (US);
Raffi Pinedjian, Fountain Valley, CA (US);
Aaron Delaby, Carlsbad, CA (US);
Albert Mardikian, Corona Del Mar, CA (US);
Raffi Pinedjian, Fountain Valley, CA (US);
Aaron Delaby, Carlsbad, CA (US);
The Mardikian Family Trust, Corona Del Mar, CA (US);
Abstract
A self-retracting step assembly is attached to a swimming platform provided on the rear of the hull of a boat. The self-retracting step assembly includes a ladder comprising a series of telescoping tubes which enable its extension and retraction. The step assembly including the ladder assembly are attached to the swimming platform in a position in which the ladder is capable of extending into the water wherein the watercraft or boat floats. The telescoping ladder assembly can be extended and placed from a normally horizontal position into an inclined position wherein at least the last step of the ladder reaches the water. The energy for extending the ladder is supplied by a human user. The step assembly includes a motor or mechanical means for storing the energy used for extending the ladder. The ladder assembly is locked into the extended and inclined position by an improved mechanism that is located within the assembly attached to the swimming platform. Retraction of the ladder assembly is triggered by a change in the angle of the ladder relative to the water, said change being triggered by force of the water relative to the ladder when the watercraft or boat moves. The energy utilized for the retraction is preferably the stored energy of the extension, or it can be supplied by a motor.