Patent ID: 7314019
Filing Date: 2008-01-01
Classification: B63B

Abstract:
1. A step assembly for a craft, the step assembly comprising: a U-shaped base step having two elongate sides and a rung extending therebetween; and two mounting elements for pivotally supporting the base step proximate each of the ends of the sides, each mounting element comprising means for fixing the element to a craft for providing a pivot axis for enabling rotation of the base step between a first position where the base step extends substantially downward for use by a person trying to embark on or disembark from the craft, and a second position where the base 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, wherein the base step has a locking mechanism for locking the base step into the first position against the means for biasing, the locking mechanism including a rod extending from each bracket and rotatable with respect thereto, the base step being fixed with respect to the rod for rotating with the rod, and the rod having a cam surface thereon, the locking mechanism also comprising a plate, the plate having biasing means for biasing the plate in an opposite rotational direction as the ladder, the plate being adapted for engaging the cam surface in the locked position to hold the rod from rotating, and the plate being manually movable in the same rotational direction of the step and rod to release the locking mechanism in response to pressing on the plate to move the plate in the same rotational direction as the bias of the step.