Abstract:
This is directed to systems, processes, machines, and other means that enable a user to launch a kayak from a dock. The invention can easily be cranked into a portable or usable position depending on user preference and enable a user to easily launch a kayak.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to provisional application 61/468,427 filed on Mar. 28, 2011. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    This invention relates to devices that assist a user in launching a kayak off of a retractable platform. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Many consumers may have difficulty getting into and stepping out of their kayaks. The docks from which consumers must step to enter their kayaks may be elevated, requiring users to take large steps down to reach their kayaks. This can cause users to lose their balances and slip. When leaving the kayaks, users may need to hoist themselves up, leading to painful strained muscles. An effective, safe solution is necessary and is provided by the claimed invention. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention includes methods, systems, and other means for a retractable platform to assist a user with launching a kayak. The retractable platform comprises a support frame assembly mechanically coupled to a step assembly. The support frame assembly is mechanically coupled to a platform assembly, a hand crank, a hand rail and a platform assembly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the invention shown in use. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the invention illustrated with optional planking. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the invention illustrated without optional planking for clarity. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the invention illustrating major assembly components. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the invention illustrated in extended position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the invention illustrated in partially retracted rotational position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    Embodiments of the present invention overcome many of the obstacles associated with launching a kayak in shallow water, and now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings that show some, but not all embodiments of the claimed inventions. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  shows the invention in use. User  10  desires to launch kayak  16  in water  12  from dock  14 . The present invention, retractable platform  24 , meets that need. Retractable platform  24  comprises support frame assembly  18  which further comprises dock mount  32 . Dock mount  32  is immediately adjacent to dock  14  and is mechanically coupled to hand crank post  30  which is further mechanically coupled to hand crank  26 . Hand crank  26  comprises crank line  54  and crank handle  56 . Crank line  54  mechanically couples hand crank  26  to hand rail  58  (not shown) which is further mechanically coupled to platform assembly  22  as shown in more detail in  FIG. 5 . A user can utilize hand crank  56  to lift platform assembly  22  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0018]    Platform assembly  22  is mechanically coupled to step assembly  20  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Here, step assembly  20  is shown comprising planking  60 , though it can also comprise diamond grating  62  as shown in  FIG. 7 . Planking  60  is mechanically coupled to support frame assembly  18  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  shows retractable platform  24  in more detail. As noted above retractable platform  24  comprises support frame assembly  18  mechanically coupled to step assembly  20  which is further mechanically coupled to platform assembly  22 . Support frame assembly  18  comprises dock mount  32  which is mechanically coupled to mounting frame  34  and hand crank post  30 . Step assembly  20  is mechanically coupled to mounting frame  34  at step pivot fastener hole  52  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0020]    Platform assembly  22  comprises platform frame  42  which is mechanically coupled to left platform side aim  44 , right platform side arm  44  and further mechanically coupled hand rail  58  by left bracket  48  and right bracket  48 . Left platform side arm  44  is mechanically coupled to mounting frame  34  by left platform arm  36  and left step pivot fastener hole  50  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Similarly, right platform side arm  44  is mechanically coupled to mounting frame  34  by right platform arm  36  and right step pivot fastener hole  50  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Here, planking  60  is mechanically coupled to step assembly  20  and platform assembly  22 . 
         [0021]    As noted above, hand crank  26  comprises crank handle  56  and is mechanically coupled to hand crank platform  28 . Hand crank platform  28  is mechanically coupled to hand crank post  30 , which is further mechanically coupled to mounting frame  34 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the invention without planking  60 . While a variety of materials can be used to make the components of retractable platform  24 , the following materials have been notably effective: platform frame  42  can be made from 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch by 0.188 inch steel tube. Step assembly  20  also can be made from 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch by 0.188 inch steel tube. Additionally, step pivot fastener  36  and platform pivot fastener  38  can be made from 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch by 0.188 inch steel tube. Mounting frame  34  can be made from 2 inch by 2 inch by 0.188 inch steel angle. Deck mount  32  can be made from 0.188″ by 3″ hot rolled flat steel bar. 
         [0023]      FIG. 4  shows the mechanical couples mentioned above in more detail in an exploded view of the invention. Cross brace  66  provides additional support to mounting frame  34 . To mechanically couple step assembly  20  to mounting frame  34 , a user must first mechanically couple right step stop  64  and left step stop  64  to mounting frame  34 . After that, a user must mechanically couple left step arm  38  and right step arm  38  to mounting frame  34 . Left step arm  38  further comprises left step pivot fastener hole  52 . Right step arm  38  further comprises right step pivot fastener hole  52 . 
         [0024]    A user then inserts first left bolt  70  into first flange bearing  72  through left step pivot fastener hole  52  into second flange bearing  72 , into third flange bearing  72 , into fourth flange bearing  72  into first nut  74  and into second nut  74  completing left step connection. Subsequently, a user inserts first right bolt  70  into fifth flange bearing  72  through right step pivot fastener hole  52  into sixth flange bearing  72 , into seventh flange bearing  72 , into eighth flange bearing  72  into third nut  74  and into fourth nut  74  completing right step connection. 
         [0025]    To mechanically couple platform assembly  44  to mounting frame  34 , a user must first mechanically left platform arm  36  and right platform arm  36  to mounting frame  34 . Left platform arm  36  further comprises left platform pivot fastener hole  50 . Right platform arm  36  further comprises right platform pivot fastener hole  50 . 
         [0026]    A user then inserts second left bolt  70  into ninth flange bearing  72  through left platform pivot fastener hole  50  into tenth flange bearing  72 , into eleventh flange bearing  72 , into twelfth flange bearing  72  into fifth nut  74  and into sixth nut  74  completing left platform connection. Subsequently, a user inserts second right bolt  70  into thirteenth flange bearing  72  through right platform pivot fastener hole  50  into fourteenth flange bearing  72 , into fifteenth flange bearing  72 , into sixteenth flange bearing  72  into seventh nut  74  and into eighth nut  74  completing right platform connection. 
         [0027]      FIG. 5  shows a side view of the invention in use. As noted above, support frame assembly  18  is mechanically coupled to step assembly  20  and platform assembly  22  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Support frame assembly  18  is also mechanically coupled to hand crank  26 . Here, support frame  18  comprises gusset plate  40  which is mechanically coupled to platform arm  36  and mounting frame  34 . Gusset plate  40  provides additional support to platform arm  36 . 
         [0028]    In use, dock mount  24  is parallel and immediately adjacent to dock  14  (not shown). Mounting frame  38  will he perpendicular to dock  14  (not shown). The weight of dock mount  32  should be sufficient to keep retractable platform  24  in place. When user  10  operates hand crank  26  such that crank line  54  becomes loose, retractable platform  24  should appear as in  FIG. 5 , which is, platform frame  42  is parallel to dock mount  32  and held in place by platform side arm  44 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 6  shows retractable platform  24  in motion. As user  10  engages hand crank  56  in a clockwise manner, crank line  54  is wrapped around hand crank  26  and attachment point  58  is pulled toward hand crank post  30 . As this happens, platform frame  42  pivots about right platform pivot fastener hole  50  and left platform pivot fastener hole  50  causing platform frame  42  to gradually become parallel with mounting frame  34 . As this occurs, and platform frame  42  (or planking  60  if used) will become immediately adjacent to step assembly  20  and exert force upon step assembly  20 . This force causes step assembly  20  to rotate about right step pivot fastener hole  52  and left step pivot fastener hole  52 . As this occurs, step assembly  20  gradually becomes parallel with mounting frame  34 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 7  shows an alternate embodiment of retractable platform  24  where a first diamond grating  62  is mechanically coupled to step assembly  20 . A second diamond grating  62  is mechanically coupled to platform base  42 .