Patent ID: 7318385

Claim:
A pontoon lift system comprising: an elongate channel having a pair of spaced C-shaped tracks, the channel comprising a top wall connecting the pair of C-shaped tracks together, the top wall defining mounting flanges for connecting the channel to an underside of a pontoon deck; a threaded shaft rotationally mounted between the pair of C-shaped tracks and supported at first and second ends of the elongate channel; a leg pivotally connected at one end of the elongate channel; a threaded follower positioned between the pair of C-shaped tracks and engaging the threaded shaft, the threaded follower comprising: a block having a central opening extending between opposing first and second sides of the block; a threaded member having an outer surface configured to fit within the central opening, the threaded member having a bore defined between first and second ends of the threaded member, the bore configured with internal threads complimentary to the threaded shaft, the internal threads of the bore being mated with the threaded shaft, first and second end plates connected to the opposing first and second sides of the block, each of the first and second end plates configured to define an opening, the threaded shaft extending through the openings of the first and second end plates, first and second wheels mounted on posts connected to opposing third and fourth sides, respectively, of the block, the first and second wheels positioned within the pair of C-shaped tracks; an arm having a first end connected to the leg at a point spaced from the pivotal connection of the leg to the elongate channel, the arm having a second end connected to the posts on the block third and fourth sides; and means connected to the threaded shaft for rotating the shaft, whereby the threaded follower is carried along the threaded shaft, the arm thereby causing the leg to pivot relative to the elongate channel.