Patent ID: 6021733
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
A step assembly for a watercraft, comprising:a U-shaped base step having two elongate sides and a rung extending therebetween, the sides each having an end remote from the rung; andtwo mounting elements for pivotably supporting the base step proximate each of the ends of the sides, each mounting element comprising means for fixing the element to a watercraft for providing a pivot axis for enabling rotation of the base between a first position where the base step extends substantially downward for use by a person trying to embark or disembark from the watercraft, and a second position where the step is rotationally retracted with respect to the first position, and means for biasing the base step to rotationally retract by rotating from the first position to the second position, the means for biasing including a force transfer member for nonintegrally contacting each side at a location spaced from the pivot axis to transfer force from the means for biasing to the step such that the step pivots from the first position to the second position, wherein the force transfer member comprises a plate rotatably mounted about an axis distinct from the pivot axis.