Pivoting docking platform for personal watercraft

A pivoting docking platform for personal watercraft of this invention includes a support tube, or equivalent structure, that is rigidly attached to and extends perpendicularly from a dock or other structure near and above the water where a personal watercraft is used. A frame is pivotally attached to the support tube. The frame pivots between an upward parked position and a downward receiving position. The parked position positions the frame and the personal watercraft parked thereon, parallel to the edge of the dock or other structure and parallel to the water surface. A pair of skids in a parallel spaced relationship are attached to a top of the frame. The skids receive and holds a personal watercraft on the frame. The skids have a receiving end and a forward end. The receiving ends of the skids are positioned beneath the water surface when the frame is in the receiving position. A personal watercraft can be driven onto the receiving end of the skids when the frame is in the receiving position. One or more stop mechanisms limits the pivot of the frame by stopping the downward pivoting of the frame at the receiving position and stopping an upward or forward pivoting of the frame at the parked position. The stop mechanism is typically fixed to the support tube to limit the frame's pivoting action. In conjunction with the stop mechanism, at least one lock mechanism will typically be used to lock the frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 The present invention relates to a pivoting docking platform for personal
 watercraft.
 Personal watercraft are very popular and are gaining more popularity every
 year. The use is wide spread and they can be found on almost all bodies of
 water used for boating. They are typically used to provide entertainment,
 but they are also a mode of transportation over water. As fun as they are,
 there are some problems associated with their use.
 One problem is the boarding and off boarding. Since they are a small
 watercraft, they easily tip to one side as they are boarded or off
 boarded. This often results in the watercraft tipping over, and/or the
 person getting wet. They are not that easy to board, unless they are in
 very shallow water or are being held in a stable position by someone or
 something. This invention provides a means of easily boarding a personal
 watercraft without the craft tipping and without the person getting wet.
 The watercraft is held in a stable horizontal position out of the water so
 a person can easily board and off board the craft.
 Another problem with the personal watercraft is docking and parking. The
 personal watercraft is a lot smaller than a typical boat, so boat slip
 having parallel docks on each side of the craft are to big. As a result,
 the personal watercraft is tied up along side the dock. In this position,
 the wave action and wind pounds the craft against the dock. Damage can be
 done to both the dock and the craft. The pivoting docking platform for
 personal watercraft overcomes these problems.
 Often the personal watercraft is simply beached. This provides a simple
 solution for several problems. The watercraft is parked in a stable
 position. The wind and waves are not much of a factor. However, the bottom
 of the craft is scrapped against sand, mud, or rocks at the beached area
 which can damage the underside of the watercraft. The shallow water also
 makes it easy to board and off board because the craft is being held
 stable by the bottom of the water. But, the person has to get wet to get
 off and on and the person has to pull the craft off the bottom in order to
 board and to propel the craft. Plus, the beached watercraft is often not
 conveniently located. It is in the way of swimmers, and fishermen and it
 can be a troublesome location in general. The pivoting docking platform
 for personal watercraft overcomes these problems. It provides a convenient
 location for docking and parking. It provides a stable docking position to
 board and off board. The person boarding does not have to use any strength
 to get it going nor does the person need to get wet. The watercraft is
 boarded and launched with a simple motion. Docking the personal watercraft
 is as simple as driving the craft onto the pivoting docking platform.
 Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pivoting
 docking platform for personal watercraft that provides a convenient
 location for docking, parking and launching a personal watercraft. With
 the pivoting docking platform for personal watercraft of this invention it
 has been found that it can be positioned on a dock, retaining wall or any
 other structure near the water, at a location that is out of the way but
 having easy access. This provides more enjoyment of the personal
 watercraft in that a person does not need to worry about damage to the
 personal water craft, it provides easy access, and a specific designated
 location for docking, parking and launching. Plus the advantage of easily
 boarding and off boarding.
 Another object of the present invention is to provide a pivoting docking
 platform for personal watercraft constructed to provide a means of docking
 and parking the personal watercraft in a position where the personal
 watercraft is out of the water. The pivoting docking platform for personal
 watercraft of this invention pivots during docking and the pivot motion
 positions the personal watercraft in a horizontal position above the water
 surface. This eliminates the action of the waves and wind while docked and
 while trying to board or of board the craft.
 A further object of the present invention is to provide a pivoting docking
 platform for personal watercraft adapted for holding the personal
 watercraft in a stable position for loading and unloading thereby
 increasing the enjoyment on the use of a personal watercraft. The personal
 watercraft, with the pivoting docking platform of this invention, is held
 in a stable horizontal level position at a very convenient height near the
 dock or other structure for boarding and off boarding. The person can
 board and off board without the personal watercraft tipping or leaning nor
 does the person need to get into or touch the water.
 Still another object of the present invention is to provide a pivoting
 docking platform for personal watercraft designed and constructed with
 materials that make a long lasting product that is easily repaired, has
 interchangeable parts to minimize inventories, and to make shipping to and
 assembly at the site easy. The preferred embodiment herein described was
 selected for cost, durability and aesthetics.
 To accomplish the foregoing and other objects of this invention there is
 provided a pivoting docking platform for personal watercraft and more
 particularly to a pivoting frame with receiving skids attached to a dock
 or other structure at a convenient location for receiving, docking and
 parking a personal watercraft.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 The pivoting docking platform for personal watercraft of this invention
 includes first a support tube, or equivalent structure, that is rigidly
 attached to and extends perpendicularly from a dock or other structure
 near and above the water where a personal watercraft is used. A frame is
 pivotally attached to the support tube. The frame pivots between an upward
 parked position and a downward receiving position. The parked position
 positions the frame and the personal watercraft parallel to the edge of
 the dock or other structure and parallel to the water surface. A pair of
 skids in a parallel spaced relationship are attached to a top of the
 frame. The skids receive and holds a personal watercraft. The skids have a
 receiving end and a forward end. The receiving ends of the skids are
 positioned beneath the water surface when the frame is in the receiving
 position A personal watercraft can be driven onto the receiving end of the
 skids when the frame is in the receiving position. One or more stop
 mechanisms limits the pivot of the frame by stopping the downward pivoting
 of the frame at the receiving position and stopping an upward or forward
 pivoting of the frame at the parked position. The stop mechanism is
 typically fixed to the support tube to limit the frame's pivoting action.
 In conjunction with the stop mechanism, at least one lock mechanism will
 typically be used to lock the frame in the parked position. Provisions are
 included to automatically lock the frame in the parked position when a
 personal water craft is driven upon said skids and the frame to pivots
 from the receiving position to the parked position. A skid stop pad is
 included at the forward end of the skids. The skid stop pads slows and
 stop the forward momentum of the personal watercraft as it is driven onto
 the skids.
 The above mentioned and other objects, and features of the present
 invention will be better understood and appreciated from the following
 detailed description of the main embodiment thereof, selected for purposes
 of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
 Referring now to the drawings there is shown the preferred embodiment for
 the pivoting docking platform for personal watercraft 10 of this
 invention.
 The pivoting docking platform 10 is used for parking and storing a personal
 watercraft at the dock and point of boarding and use. The pivoting docking
 platform for personal watercraft 10 is attached to a dock or other
 structure at a convenient location for easy access. The pivoting docking
 platform for personal watercraft 10 allows a person to easily board the
 watercraft in a parked position. Once the personal watercraft 6 is
 boarded, a simple pivoting motion is initiated by the person. The pivoting
 docking platform pivots downward and the personal watercraft 6 easily
 slides off into the water. In a lower position, or receiving position, the
 receiving end 24 of the pivoting docking platform is beneath the water
 line. To dock the personal water craft, a person simply drives the
 personal watercraft 6 onto the platform. The forward momentum of the
 personal watercraft on the platform causes the pivoting docking platform
 to pivot forward into a parked position. In the parked position, the
 personal watercraft is positioned out of the water and is readily boarded
 or off boarded at the dock by a person or persons.
 The pivoting docking platform for personal watercraft 10, in the most
 simple of explanations, has a support tube 12, a frame 14, a pair of skids
 16, at least one stop mechanism 18, and a lock mechanism 22. The support
 tube 12 attaches to a dock 8 or other supporting structure. Note for
 simplicity, throughout this description the term dock will be used, but it
 is intended that the support tube can be attached to and extended from any
 structure, including but not limited to docks, buildings, boat houses,
 wharfs, water or wave breaks, retaining wall, or any type of structure
 near, above or located in the vicinity of water in which a personal
 watercraft can be used.
 The support tube 12 extends outward perpendicularly from the dock 8. A
 frame 14 is pivotally attached to the support tube 12. The frame 14 is
 generally rectangular or square in shape. In general terms, it is
 typically about as wide as a personal watercraft and about one and a half
 times long as wide. The frame can pivot between a downward receiving
 position and an upward parked position. A stop mechanism 18 limits the
 frames pivot about the support tube 12. There is a means to stop the pivot
 in the downward position or receiving position and another means to stop
 the pivot in the upward position or parked position. A pair of skids 16
 are attached to the top of the frame. The skids 16 receives the personal
 watercraft 6 and holds or cradles it in a parked position. In the
 receiving position, a receiving end 24 of the skids 16 are positioned
 beneath the water. In this position, a personal watercraft 6 can slide off
 the skids 16 into the water and can be driven onto the skids 16 for
 parking the personal watercraft. A locking mechanism 22 locks the frame in
 the parked position with the personal watercraft in a horizontal position,
 or parked position, out of the water and parallel to the dock edge.
 The preferred embodiment and the best mode contemplated of the pivoting
 docking platform for personal watercraft 10 of the present invention are
 herein described. However, it should be understood that the best mode for
 carrying out the invention hereinafter described is offered by way of
 illustration and not by the way of limitation. It is intended that the
 scope of the invention include all modifications which incorporate its
 principal design features.
 A support tube 12, in the preferred embodiment, consists of a round tube
 like structure attached to and extending perpendicular outward from a dock
 8. In the preferred embodiment and best mode contemplated, the support
 tube 12 consists of a steel pipe. The steel pipe used in the preferred
 embodiment is 3 inches in diameter and approximately 8 feet long. Part of
 the support tube 12 is attached to the underside of the dock and
 approximately 4 feet extends outward for receiving the frame 14. The
 support tube 12 can be a straight pipe or there can be an offset 26 for
 proper positioning on the dock. As illustrated in FIG. 2, section 30 is
 the portion extending perpendicular from the dock 8 and where the frame 14
 is pivotally attached. The portion 32 is attached to the under side of the
 dock. An offset 26 provides a means of properly placing section 30, and
 thus the frame 14, at the right height above the water. The amount of the
 offset 26 is determined by the particular structure. The height above the
 water should be such that when the frame 14 is in the parked position, the
 bottom of a personal watercraft parked thereon, should be at about the
 same height as the dock surface and parallel to the water and the edge of
 the dock. This allows easy access onto and off the personal watercraft as
 it is parked. A bracket 28 can be included for securing an end of the
 support tube 12 to the dock. It should also be considered that other
 structure and design will also work and function. The critical design
 feature is that a section 30 is extending perpendicularly outward from the
 dock 8 for pivotally receiving the frame 16. The section 32 that attaches
 to the dock can be square or have a flat surface to better secure the
 support tube 12 to the dock. Typically, the support tube 12 is simply
 bolted to the dock and/or some sort of mounting bracket can be used as
 desired or as needed. FIG. 9, shows a typical means of bolting the section
 32 of the support tube 12 to the underside of dock 8. Bolts ??
 The frame 16 in the preferred embodiment is made from steel 2 inch square
 tubing with an outside frame dimension of approximately 30 inches wide and
 48 inches long. The frame 16 would consist of at least a forward member, a
 rear member and two side members. The dimensions and material can be
 altered and modified as desired as long as the frame 14 can be pivotally
 attached to the support tube 12 and have structural strength to receive
 skids 16 and support a personal watercraft.
 In the preferred embodiment, one or more collar(s) 34 are used to pivotally
 attach the frame 14 to the support tube 12. The collar or collars 34 are
 attached to the lower side of the frame, FIG. 2. Typically the collar or
 collars are welded to the side members of the frame approximately 20
 inches from the forward edge of the frame 14. However, different
 configurations may alter this measurement. If one collar 34 is used it
 will resemble a steel pipe. The steel pipe collar 34 would extend across
 the width of the frame 14 and be welded to the two outer members of the
 frame 14. In this configuration, the collar 34 would add structural
 support to the frame. In the preferred embodiment, two collars 34, having
 a width of approximately 2 inches, are used. One collar 34 would be
 attached, typically by welding, to each of the frame 14 outer members. The
 collars 34 in the preferred embodiment, whether a single collar or two
 collars are used, have a diameter of 3.5 inches. This allows the collar(s)
 34 to slip over the support tube 12, which in the preferred embodiment,
 has a three inch diameter. In this manner, the frame 14 can readily pivot
 on the support tube 12.
 A pivot device such as a hinge like device would also function in place of
 the collar. This feature is not illustrated because a hinge like device is
 commonly known and understood by virtually everyone and especially by one
 skilled in the art. The pivot device would simply be attached to the
 bottom of the outside members of frame 14 and to the support tube 12 in
 place of collars 34. The pivot device would allow the frame to pivot
 between the receiving position and the parked position. One advantage of
 this arrangement is that it can be set up such that the hinged would be
 closed and would assist in stopping the frame at the parked position. This
 is an alternative method but it is not the preferred embodiment. There are
 more advantages using the collar 34, and is thus the preferred embodiment.
 At least one stop mechanism 18 would have to be used to limit the pivot of
 the frame 14 on the support tube 12. The stop mechanism 18 would stop the
 pivot in a lower position or receiving position, and at an upper position
 or parked position. Without the stop mechanism, the frame 14 could pivot
 completely around the support tube 12 in the preferred embodiment as
 described.
 In the preferred embodiment, two stop mechanisms 18 and 20 are used. Stop
 bracket 18 being on the inner side or left side as illustrated in FIGS. 5
 and 6, and stop bracket 20 being on the outer side or right side as
 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. These brackets 18 and 20 are identical in
 description of the components, but are arranged in an opposite and
 reciprocal relationship, FIGS. 5-8. There would be one attached to the
 support tube 12 on each side of frame 14. This arrangement provides
 greater stability and strength in both the parked and receiving positions.
 The stop mechanism 18, in the preferred embodiment, has an attachment
 collar 36. The attachment collar 36 is physically similar to collar 34, in
 that it slides over the support tube 12. However, the attachment collar 36
 is physically fixed to the support tube 12. In the preferred embodiment,
 the attachment collar 36 is simply bolted in a fixed position on the
 support tube 12 by bolt 40. Bores 38 would be provided through the
 attachment collar 36 and through the support tube 12 for the bolt 40.
 Attached to one side of the attachment collar 36 is a down stop bracket 42.
 The down stop bracket 42 stops the pivot of frame 14 in the lower or
 receiving position. The down stop bracket 36, in the preferred embodiment,
 is made from two pieces of 2 inch square tubing, 44 and 46. The down stop
 bracket 42 contacts the lower side of the outer frame members on frame 12.
 As such, the down stop bracket 42 must be positioned beneath the frame 12
 as it pivots about support tube 12. The first piece of two inch square
 tubing 44 is welded to the attachment collar 36. The second piece of two
 inch square tubing 46 is attached to the side of piece 44. This positions
 the second piece 46 under the frame 12 when the stop mechanism 18 is
 positioned on the support tube 12 adjacent to collar 34 on frame 14. The
 clown stop bracket 42 would be positioned on the attachment collar 34 such
 that the frame 14 is positioned with the receiving ends 24 of skids 16,
 attached to frame 14, are positioned beneath the water surface.
 The down stop bracket 42 can also be equipped with a down stop adjustment
 bolt 48. The top surface of the down stop bracket 42, that contacts the
 frame 12, would be have provisions for receiving a bolt, such as a
 threaded bore or smooth bore with a welded nut thereon. The adjustment
 bolt 48 would provide a means of adjusting the lower limit of the frame's
 14 pivoting motion, and thus the lower positioning of the receiving ends
 24 of skids 16. Generally, the adjustment bolt 48 would be screwed into
 the threaded bore or welded nut and locked in place with another nut. The
 head of the adjustment bolt 40 would be contacting the lower side of the
 side member of frame 14 as it pivoted downward in the receiving position.
 Attached to the opposite side of the attachment collar 36, from the down
 stop bracket 42, there is an up stop bracket 50. The up stop bracket stops
 the frame's 14 upward or forward pivot and stops it in the parked
 position. The frame 14, in the parked position, is parallel to the water
 surface and parallel to the edge of the dock 8. The up stop bracket 50,
 like the down stop bracket 42, must be positioned beneath the side member
 of the frame 14. To do this, the up stop bracket 50, in the preferred
 embodiment, is also made with two pieces of square tubing 52 and 54. The
 first piece of square tubing 52 is attached, typically by welding, to the
 attachment collar 36 opposite the down stop bracket 42. it typically
 extends upward adjacent to the frame 14, and can also be called a lock
 mechanism bracket because a lock mechanism can be easily accommodated with
 or within this piece. The second piece 54 is attached to the side of first
 piece 52 for placement of the second piece 54 under the frame 14 when the
 stop mechanism 18 is positioned on the support tube 12 adjacent to the
 collar 34 on frame 14. Obviously, both pieces 52 and 54 would be properly
 positioned to stop the frame 14 in the proper position.
 At least one lock mechanism 22 would be incorporated with the up stop
 bracket 50 to lock the frame in the parked position. Typically, in the
 preferred embodiment, the lock mechanism 22 would be incorporated on the
 stop mechanism 18 located on the dock side of the frame 14. In one
 embodiment, the lock mechanism 22 consists of a spring loaded locking pin.
 A locking pin 56 would extend through a bore through the first square
 tubing 52 or also called a lock mechanism bracket, on the up stop bracket
 50. A spring 58 would be positioned on the shaft of the locking pin 56
 within the inside of the first square tubing 52. The spring 58 would
 provide bias to keep a section of the locking pin 56 extending outward,
 towards the frame 14. The locking pin 56 would engage a hole or bore
 properly located in the side of the outer side member of frame 14. A
 sloped bracket or ramping devices can be added to allow the locking pin to
 be retracted by the frame as it pivots into the parked position. Once the
 frame 14 reaches the parked position the locking pin would automatically
 engage the bore or hole in the frame 14. This provision allows the frame
 to be automatically locked in the parked position when a personal water
 craft pivots the docking platform forward. To release the frame 14 and
 launch the personal watercraft, the locking pin 56 is simple pulled
 outward to disengage the pin from the frame.
 A second lock mechanism 64 can be included on the stop bracket 20 on the
 outer side of the support tube 12. The second lock mechanism 64 can
 function in the same manner as the first. In another embodiment, there is
 simply a slide pin or bolt 56 that can be lock into the frame 14 to lock
 the frame in the parked position. This arrangement provides added security
 and rigidity while in the parked position. Provisions can be included for
 a pad lock or other locking device. This would be used for a longer term
 storage and to provide some level of security, in that the pivoting
 docking platform for personal watercraft can be locked in the parked
 position.
 If a square or other configuration of support tube 12 were used, the collar
 36 would typically take the shape of the support tube, but slightly larger
 to slide over the support tube 12. If a square or rectangular tube were
 used, the collar's shape would also help stabilize the stop mechanism 18
 and 20, but they would still be bolted in position. This is mentioned as
 an alternative arrangement that is considered within the scope of the
 invention. It is not illustrated because, it would be readily understood
 by anyone and especially anyone skilled in the art and with any kind of
 mechanical knowledge.
 A pair of skids 16 are attached to the top of frame 14. Each skid 16 has a
 receiving end 24 and a forward end 60. The receiving end 24 is lowered
 into the water for receiving and unloading a personal watercraft. The
 skids 16 pivot with the frame 14 which is pivotally attached to the
 support tube 12. The skids 16 are in a parallel spaced relationship to
 each other. Generally speaking, the two skids 16 will be spaced apart wide
 enough to accept a personal watercraft without the fear of falling through
 or going between the skids 16. In the preferred embodiment, the skids 16
 are spaced apart approximately 19 inches on center. In the preferred
 embodiment, the skids 16 are made from 3 inch schedule 40 PVC pipe nine
 feet long, and which are bolted onto frame 14. The PVC pipe and frame 14
 are pre-drilled to accept a bolt. The schedule 40 pipe provides the needed
 strength to support a personal watercraft. Other material, such as a steel
 pipe, steel tubing, or wood skids could also be used as skids 16 without
 departing from the scope of this invention. The PVC pipe is considered the
 best mode contemplated because it is light weight, is easily shipped, is
 easily worked, has the required strength, is readily replaced with common
 materials, provides a level of protection to the watercraft as it slides
 along the surface, and provides a level of safety should an out of control
 personal watercraft strike the skids.
 The forward end 60 of at least one of the skids 16 contains a skid stop pad
 62. In the preferred embodiment both skids 16 contain a stop skid pad 62.
 The skid stop pad(s) slow and stop a personal watercraft's forward motion
 when the personal water craft is driven onto the skids. In a simple
 embodiment, the stop skid pads are simply pieces of carpet screwed onto
 the forward ends 60 of skids 16.
 This description has described the configuration of the preferred
 embodiment and best mode contemplated. There are also many other
 configurations that fall within the general description and within the
 scope and limitation of the claims. It is intended that all variations and
 modifications are within the scope of this invention, as long as the
 principle features as claimed are meet. One such embodiment would be to
 use a square support tube 12 with a pivot device, such as a hinge type
 arrangement, attached between the support tube 12 and frame 14. The stop
 mechanism would of course have to be modified to function with this
 alternative configuration. Many other configurations and variations are
 too numerous to list. The claims and not the description of the preferred
 embodiment and best mode contemplated, should be considered as the
 limiting factor. This preferred embodiment is considered the best mode
 contemplated for several reason. One is the mass production of the parts.
 Parts are readily interchangeable between various models and are readily
 changed if replacement is necessary. Another is the ease of shipment to
 the site and assembly of the unit once at the location of use. All parts
 can be readily shipped and easily assembled. The configuration as
 described, has also proven to be very dependable, reliable, and long
 lasting. The finished product has a very pleasing appearance compared to
 other configuration. These and other reasons make the preferred embodiment
 as described, the best mode contemplated.
 Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will
 appreciate that modifications may be made of the invention without
 departing from the spirit of the inventive concept herein described.
 Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to
 the specific and preferred embodiments illustrated and described. Rather,
 it is intended that the scope of the invention be determined by the
 appended claims and their equivalents.