Abstract:
Systems, devices, and methods for providing a swinging system and platform assembly that deploys a swim platform from the front of a pontoon boat which is mounted underneath the deck between the pontoons in a raised position adjacent to the underside of the pontoon deck. The platform assembly, when deployed, provides a safe method for users of pontoon boat vessels to access the front deck area from land or from a body of water. The platform deploys from two pivoting frames affixed to the bottom of the deck, which is powered by an actuator with the push of a button on the control panel. For deployment, the platform is both lowered and extended out from the pontoon boat. A powered actuator positions the platform in the deployed position for use and then retracts the platform for storage.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to swim platforms, and in particular to systems, devices, and methods for providing an automatic power driven swim platform that rests in a stowed raised and retracted position underneath a pontoon deck between pontoon floats, and extends out to a lowered extended position adjacent to the water level allowing for users to safely board the platform or pass from the platform into the water. 
     BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
     Pontoon boats generally have platform type decks that are supported length wide under side edges by floatation units, referred to as pontoons. As such, the pontoon boats have a substantial open area between the pontoons underneath each vessel which is generally unused for any purpose. 
     Additionally, the height of the raised platform deck makes it difficult for someone to slide into the water from the platform or move easily from the water onto the deck, without having to do excessive climbing up or down. 
     Factory of aftermarket, hook type ladders have been popular to attach to the main platform structures. However, these devices still require the user to have to climb up or down from the raised platform deck to reach the water, or come out of the water, which can be made further difficult when having climb a small, slippery ladder. To exit or enter the pontoon boat from the front or back, one must jump on or off the boat. Injuries occur annually from scrapes and bruises to more serious cuts and broken bones. To date, pontoon boats have been a challenge getting on and off them safely. 
     Additionally swim ladders are affixed at the rear of motorized pontoon boats near the engine and prop and are the presence of sharp edges, gas fumes and fluids floating on the top of the water from the engine. 
     In addition, the side attached ladders are either kept on the side of the pontoon boat and not stowed, or if stowed need to be placed on top of the platform deck taking up valuable space on the top of the deck. 
     Various types of gangplanks, swim platforms, and plank/ramps have been proposed for pontoon boats. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,341 to Merkel; U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,164 to Whitton; U.S. Pat. No. 6,868,799 to Wright, U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,632 to Blank and U.S. Pat. No. 8,056,496 to Bussa. However, these devices have inherent problems and do not solve the main problems. 
     Although the Merkel gangplank has a power control, the gangplank basically rolls in and out on horizontal tracks similar to a drawer, and remains parallel and spaced above the water in both retracted and extended positions. In the extended position, the user would have to jump into the water similar to a diving board. Additionally, the user would have to physically climb up out of the water to reach the outer edge of the gangplank. 
     The Whitton device requires dual horizontal tracks, that are bent to vertical orientation, which allow the platform to move from a retracted raised position to an extended lower position. However, this device requires elaborate pulleys and a winch with cables, where the winch must be mounted on top of the pontoon deck platform, which takes away valuable space on the pontoon deck platform. Additionally, horizontal and vertical track system only allows for one lower position, and one raised position and nothing in between. 
     The Wright and Blank devices have stowable rigid ramps, that when pulled out can pivot to a slanted position. However, the outer ends of the extended ramps are intended to rest on solid surfaces, and not on the water. Additionally, these devices are manually operated and must be pulled out or pushed in, which can be difficult to use on the water away from a dock or land. Thus, they would be impractable to be used as a swim platform the user can easily and safely onto or swim off from. 
     Furthermore, the prior art patents generally keep their gangplanks, swim platforms, and plank/ramps, in generally aligned position when in the retracted positions. Once these devices are extended the ends of the extended gangplanks, swim plafforms, and plank/ramps can swing and sway side to side and not be stable. 
     Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems with the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary objective of the present invention is to provide systems, devices, and methods for providing an automatic power driven swim platform that rests in a stowed raised and retracted position underneath a pontoon deck between pontoon floats, and can automatically extend out to selected lowered positions adjacent to the water level, so that a user can easily and safely board the platform or pass from the platform into the water. 
     A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide systems, devices, and methods for providing retractable swim platform that rests in a stowed raised and retracted position underneath a pontoon deck between pontoon floats, which does not take up any space on the side of the pontoon boat or on top of the pontoon deck. 
     A third objective of the present invention is to provide systems, devices, and methods for providing retractable swim platform that rests in a stowed raised and retracted position underneath a pontoon deck between pontoon floats and extends to a stable aligned position where the platform would not tend to swing or sway side to side. 
     A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide systems, devices, and methods for providing retractable and extendable a swim platform for pontoon boats that does not use tracks for sliding or rolling edges of the platform therefrom. 
     The novel retractable and extendable swim platform is intended to provide for safe entry and exit from the front of a pontoon boat. The platform can be affixed to four legs that area attached to two separate frames which allow the platform to swing forward and back, by a powered actuator, that forces the platform into a set of stops. 
     Theses stops position the platform and keep it aligned when it&#39;s deployed for use or stowed. All pivot points have specifically designed bushings to allow smooth operation and prevent wear. The stops are welded to the frames and have rubber “Y” shape piece that fits into the welded details. These rubber pieces are what the legs press into when the platform is deployed for use. They position the platform to prevent side to side motion. The stowed stops are similar in design, but instead of having a “Y” shape, one of the sides where the “Y” shape is has been cut off, leaving a flat surface for the platform to pull into, with only the outer “Y” sides remaining. There is a limit switch mounted on the rear of the frame which allows a beeper to sound when the key is used to start the engine and will sound alarm until platform is fully stowed. The same beeper will also sound when the platform is in motion. The actuator itself is protected by a sewn, water-resistant cover that protects the actuator from water damage. 
     Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the retractable and extendable swim platform system attached underneath a pontoon deck between pontoon floats in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 1B  is another perspective view of the retractable and extendable swim platform system attached underneath the pontoon deck between pontoon floats shown in  FIG. 1A  in an extended position. 
         FIG. 2A  is a front end view of the swim platform system attached underneath the pontoon deck of  FIG. 1A  in a retracted raised position. 
         FIG. 2B  is a front end view of the swim platform system attached underneath the pontoon deck of  FIG. 1B  in an extended lowered position. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the retractable and extendable swim platform system of the preceding figures in a retracted raised position. 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the retractable and extendable swim platform system of the preceding figures in an extended lowered position. 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of the retractable and extendable swim platform system of  FIG. 3A  in the retracted raised position. 
         FIG. 4B  is a side view of the retractable and extendable swim platform system of  FIG. 3B  in the extended lowered position. 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective side view of the retracted raised swim platform of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective side view of the extended lowered swim platform of  FIG. 4B . 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective bottom view of the retracted raised swim platform of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective bottom view of the extended lowered swim platform of  FIG. 5B . 
         FIG. 7  is an upper perspective upper view of the swim platform system of the preceding FIGURES with an actuator in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 7A  is an enlarged view of the actuator rod to platform mount in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 7B  is an enlarged view of the actuator rear mount in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 8  is an upper perspective upper view of the swim platform of preceding FIGURES with an actuator in an extended position. 
         FIG. 8A  is an enlarged view of the actuator rod to platform mount in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 8B  is an enlarged view of the actuator rear mount in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of a pontoon boat with the retractable and extendable swim platform system mounted underneath the platform deck between pontoon floats. 
         FIG. 9A  is a side cross-sectional view of the swim platform mounted underneath the platform deck of the pontoon boat along arrows  9 X. 
         FIG. 9B  is an enlarged view of the channel structure for mounting the platform of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the pontoon boat with the retractable and extendable swim platform system mounted underneath the platform deck between pontoon floats of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 10A  is an enlarged view of the pontoon boat channel structure and platform mounting channel of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the actuator controller for the retractable and extendable swim platform mounted underneath the pontoon deck between the pontoon floats. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. In the Summary above and in the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification does not include all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. 
     In this section, some embodiments of the invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, 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 be thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments. 
     A list of components will now be described.
           1 . retractable/extendable platform system installed on pontoon boat     2 . left pontoon float     4 . right pontoon float     6 . pontoon deck     7 . underside of pontoon deck     8 . channel structure on underside of pontoon deck     10 . platform system     12 . front frame members     13 . surface of platform, can be roughened for traction     14 . left side rearwardly extending leg     16 . right side rearwardly extending leg     18 . rear frame member     20 R right side pivoting frame     20 L left side pivoting frame     21 . lower pivot point for front swing arm  24       22  elongated mounting channel     23 . upper pivot point for front swing arm  24       24 . front swing arm     25 . lower pivot point for rear swing arm  26       26 . rear swing arm     27 . upper pivot point for rear swing arm  26       32 . deployed angled stops (front)     33 . resilient groove ends     34 . stowed vertical stop (front)     35 . resilient groove end     36 . deployed angled stops (rear)     37 . resilient groove ends     38 . stowed vertical stop (rear)     39 . resilient groove end     40 . actuator assembly     42 . piston     43 . pivot end for piston arm     44 . actuator motor     48 . pivoting rear mount     50 . actuator control     60 . boat power supply       

       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view  1  of the retractable and extendable swim platform system  10  attached underneath a pontoon deck  5  between a pair of pontoon floats  2 ,  4 , in a retracted position.  FIG. 1B  is another perspective view  1  of the retractable and extendable swim platform system  10  attached underneath the pontoon deck  5  between pontoon floats  2 ,  4  shown in  FIG. 1A  in an extended position. 
       FIG. 2A  is a front end view of the swim platform system  10  attached underneath the pontoon deck  6  of  FIG. 1A  in a retracted raised position.  FIG. 2B  is a front end view of the swim platform system  10  attached underneath the pontoon deck of  FIG. 1B  in an extended lowered position. 
       FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the retractable and extendable swim platform system  10  of the preceding figures in a retracted raised position.  FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the retractable and extendable swim platform system  10  of the preceding figures in an extended lowered position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-3B , the swim platform system  10  can include a platform surface  13  with front frame members  12  and rear frame member  18 , with right side rearwardly extending leg  14 , and left side rearwardly extending leg  16 . A right side pivoting frame  20 R can be pivotally attached to the right side leg  16 , and a left side pivoting frame  20 L can be pivotally attached to the left side leg  14 , with the pivoting frames  20 R,  20 L fixably attached to an underside  7  of the pontoon deck  6 . Stops  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  (which will be described in greater detail) extending down from elongated mounting channel(s)  22  can limit the raised and lowered extended position of the platform system  10 . An actuator assembly  40  which will also be described later in greater detail will control the lowering and extending of the platform system  10  and retracting and raising of the platform system  10 . 
       FIG. 4A  is a side view of the retractable and extendable swim platform system  10  of  FIG. 3A  with the right side pivoting frame  20 R in the retracted raised position.  FIG. 4B  is a side view of the retractable and extendable swim platform system  10  of  FIG. 3B  with the right side pivoting frame  20 R in the extended lowered position. 
       FIG. 5A  is a perspective side view of the platform system of  FIG. 4A  with the right side pivoting frame  20 R in the retracted position.  FIG. 5B  is a perspective side view of the swim platform system  10  of  FIG. 4B  with the right side pivoting frame  20 R in the raised retracted position. 
       FIG. 6A  is a perspective bottom view of the swim platform system  10  of  FIG. 5A  with the right side pivoting frame  20 R in a raised retracted position.  FIG. 6B  is a perspective bottom view of the swim platform system of  FIG. 5B  with the right side pivoting frame  20 R in a lowered extended position. 
       FIG. 7  is an upper perspective upper view of the swim platform system  10  of the preceding FIGURES with an actuator  40  in a retracted position.  FIG. 7A  is an enlarged view of the actuator rod  42  with pivoting point  43  to platform mount frame  18  in  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 7B  is an enlarged view of the rear pivoting mount  43  of the actuator  40  in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 8  is an upper perspective upper view of the swim platform system  10  of the preceding FIGURES with an actuator  40  in an extended position.  FIG. 8A  is an enlarged view of the actuator rod  42  with pivoting point  43  to platform mount frame  18  in  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8B  is an enlarged view of a rear pivot mount  43  of the actuator  40  in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 9  is a top view of a pontoon boat with the retractable and extendable swim platform system  10  mounted underneath the pontoon deck  6  between pontoon floats  2 ,  4 . 
       FIG. 9A  is a side cross-sectional view of the swim platform system  10  mounted underneath the pontoon deck  6  of the pontoon boat along arrows  9 X.  FIG. 9B  is an enlarged view of the channel structure  8  underneath the pontoon deck  6  for mounting the swim platform system  10  of  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the pontoon boat with the retractable and extendable swim platform system  10  mounted underneath the plafform deck  6  between pontoon floats  2 ,  4  of  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 10A  is an enlarged view of the pontoon boat channel structure  8  and platform mounting channel  22  of  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the actuator controller  50  for the retractable and extendable swim platform system mounted underneath the pontoon deck between the pontoon floats, which controls a boat power supply  60  (such as a 12 volt power supply) to operate actuator  40  (such as a 12 volt linear actuator). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 9, 9A, 9B, 10, 10A , the platform system  10  can be mounted to the underside  7  of the pontoon deck  6  by fasteners (such as bolts, and screws) that attach the elongated mounting channels  22  on the right and left pivoting frames  20 R,  20 L to the parallel pontoon channel structure(s) that exist on the underside  7  of the pontoon deck  6 . Additionally, the actuator motor  44  can be attached to one of the channel structure(s) by a pivoting rear mount  48 . 
     The operation of the pivoting frames  20 R and  20 L will now be described. Referring to  FIGS. 3A-8B and 11 , each of the pivoting frames  20 R,  20 L, include an elongated mounting channel  22  having a generally upside down U shaped configuration, which includes a pair of rearwardly facing deployed angled stops (front)  32  that are attached at their base inside of the channel  22 , and a pair of rearwardly facing deployed angled stops (rear)  36  that are attached at their base inside of the channel  22 , with both pairs of stops  32 ,  36  along a straight line. The stops  32 ,  36  can be angled at approximately 35 degrees, and can include outer exposed ends  33 ,  37  having grooves, such as but not limited to a V shaped grooves, that can be formed from a resilient material such as rubber, and the like. 
     Additionally, each of the elongated channel(s)  22  (in pivoting frames  20 R,  20 L) includes a stowed vertical stop (front)  34  and stowed vertical stop (rear)  38  mounted at their base inside of and at a perpendicular orientation to the channel  22 , and both stops  34 ,  38  along another straight line parallel to the straight line formed from stops  32 ,  36 . The stops  34 ,  38  can include outer exposed ends  35 ,  39  having grooves, such as but not limited to V shaped grooves, that can be formed from a resilient material such as rubber, and the like. 
     In the retracted position as shown in  FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A, and 7 , stops  32 ,  36  and groove ends  33 ,  37  are off to the side and spaced from right side rearwardly extending leg  16 , with piston  42  in a contracted state in actuator  44 . 
     Operating controller  50  to run the actuator  40  to an extend mode causes piston  42  to extend out from actuator motor  44  so that the outer end of the piston  42  pushes against rear frame member  18  on the platform  13  to extend from elongated mount channels  22 . As the piston  42  extends out, swing arms  24 ,  26  begin to rotate in a clockwise direction along their pivot points  21 ,  25  relative to leg  16 , and along their other pivot points  23 ,  27  relative to elongated mounting channel  22 . This rotational movement can run until the groove ends  33 ,  37  of stops  32 ,  36  fit and abut about sides of the swing arms  24 ,  26 , as shown in  FIGS. 4B, 5B, 6B and 8 . The groove ends  33 ,  37  fit about sides of the swing arms  24 ,  26  which keeps the extended pivoting frames  20 R,  20 L, in a stable aligned position, so that the lowered platform  13  and frame members  12 ,  18  does not sway or shift side to side. 
     Operating controller  50  to reverse the platform system into a raised and retracted position causes piston  42  to contract into actuator motor  44  so that the outer end of the piston  42  pulls rear frame member  18  on platform  13  to retract into the space formed from between channels  22  and raised upward. As the piston  42  retracts, swing arms  24 ,  26  begin to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction along their pivot points  21 ,  25  relative to leg  16 , and along their other pivot points  23 ,  27  relative to elongated mounting channel  22 . This rotational movement can run until the groove ends  35 ,  39  of stops  34 ,  38  fit and abut about right side rearwardly extending leg  16  as shown in  FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A and 7 . The groove ends  35 ,  39  fit about the top of leg  16  which keeps the retracted pivoting frames  20 R,  20 L, in a stable aligned position, so that the raised platform  13  and frame members  12 ,  18  does not sway or shift side to side. 
     A description of the platform system  10  for mounting to the underside  7  of the deck  6  will now be described. The platform system  10  assembly starts with 2 frames  20 R,  20 L that can attach to the underside  7  of the deck  6  between the pontoon floats  2 ,  4 . There are parallel rows of aluminum channel structures  8  that run from the front of the boat to the rear of the boat which is what the deck  6  attaches to. The frames  20 R,  20 L can bolt to these channel structures  8  in three spots: front, center, and rear. The channel structures  8  can be attached with ⅜″ bolts, washers, and lock nuts. 
     The frames  20 R,  20 L, can house the axle blocks and platform stops  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 . There are 4 swinging arms  24 ,  26  that can attach to the frames  20 R,  20 L, 2 on the port side and 2 on the starboard side. There can be 2 bushings that can fit into the arm holes that the axle bolt goes thru. These arms  24 ,  26  can then attach to the platform at the other end. There are also 2 bushings that fit into the arm holes coupled with 2 coped bushings that transition from the arms  24 ,  26  which are flat, to the platform pipe leg  16  which is round. This assembly can get bolted together with ⅜″ bolts, washers, and locking nuts. Next, there is an electrically powered actuator  40  with piston  42  that can be attached to the rear  18  of the platform by a pivot point  43  using a ½″ bolt, washer, and lock nut. 
     The other end of the actuator  40  motor end  43 , gets attached to the underside  7  of the boat using ⅜″ bolts, washers, and lock nuts. A wiring harness can be plugged into the actuator  40  and limit switch. The other end goes thru the deck  6  of the boat to a switch panel that gets mounted on or near the actuator control  50 . 
     To operate the platform system  10 , the installer must first flip the power switch on the actuator control  50  to the “on” position. Next depress the “out” rocker switch and hold until the platform fully deploys. To retract the platform  13 , power switch “on”, then depress the “in” rocker switch and hold until the platform  13  fully retracts. A beeper can sound when the platform  13  is in motion. There is also a beeper that sounds when the operator tries to start the boat without the platform  13  being fully retracted. The beeper can continue to sound until the plafform hits the limit switch which lets the operator know that the platform  13  is safely stowed. 
     The concept is for the actuator  40  to push the platform rear  18  forward until each arm  24 ,  26  presses firmly into a set of grooves  33 ,  35  in the stops  32 ,  34 , automatically by the push of a button. The stops  32 ,  34  not only provide a stopping point for each arm  24 ,  26  but also provide stability for side to side movement. This allows the platform  13  to extend past the nose of the boat and drop down to provide a safe step onto shore or provide a platform  13  for a swimmer to get onto the boat safely. Another push of a button also stows the platform by pulling the platform  13  towards the actuator until the platform  13  itself seats on grooves  35 ,  39  on the stops  34 ,  38 . 
     While the stops can be used to limit fully stowed or fully extended positions, the operator can further adjust the extension and lowering of the platform to selected heights and extensions. For example, the operator can remove their finger from the button control which can limit the lowering and extension positions. 
     Although the preferred embodiment shows an automatic motor controlled platform system, the invention can be used without the actuator to be manually controlled. For example, an operator can pull or push the platform, where latches can be used to lock the platform in the raised retracted position, and lock the platform in selected lowered and extended positions. 
     The components used in the invention can be formed from non-corrosive or corrosive resistant materials, such as but not limited to fiberglass composite, polyethylene composite, nitrile butadiene, rubber compound, polyvinyl chloride compound, aluminum alloys, stainless steel alloys, plastic, wood, combinations thereof and the like. 
     In the retracted position, the swim platform can be approximately 6 inches beneath the pontoon platform deck. In the extended position, the swim platform can be lowered another approximately 6 inches to be close to the water level. 
     The term “approximately” can be +/−10% of the amount referenced. Additionally, preferred amounts and ranges can include the amounts and ranges referenced without the prefix of being approximately. 
     Although the invention describes using the retractable and extendable lowerable horizontal platform for pontoon boats, the invention can have other applications. For example, the retractable and extendable lowerable platform can be used with docks and/or raised decks or other marine platforms over water. 
     While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.