Boat ladder

Abstract

The invention discloses a collapsible marine boarding ladder having an articulated upper and lower ladder section. A platform between the two connected ladder sections provides a supplemental support surface useful for off-boat water activities. The platform is hinged to permit the lower ladder section to be pivotally raised and folded adjacent the upper ladder section. A stand-off is included and can be optionally used for accommodation of the ladder to a boat hull.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to boat ladders and especially to portable marine boarding ladders which are collapsible.

In particular, the device of this invention is concerned with a foldable boat ladder adapted to be suspended from a deck or side of a hull for facilitating access into and egress from the boat. Additionally, this invention is directed to a ladder which includes an intermediate platform providing an auxiliary support surface which can be used for off-boat swimming and other purposes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

The ever increasing popularity of water sports and, in particular, pleasure boating has created the need for a convenient to use and relatively safe ladder device for boarding and disembarking from watercraft. Boat access is also of special concern to those wishing to engage in off-shore water activities such as swimming, diving, water skiing and related water sports. Although a number of different types of boarding ladders are currently available, these ladders do not combine the features or advantages of this invention.

The conventional foldable boarding ladders are of the "straight-leg" construction and do not provide a supplemental support surface. These prior art ladders are designed to have a continuous or "straight" handrail when the ladder is extended.

Furthermore, these ladders have steps which are relatively narrow in width and lie adjacent the topside with little clearance, and it is therefore difficult to obtain more than a toehold for climbing rather than a firm, secure foothold.

Another disadvantage of presently known marine boarding ladders involves their use for off-shore transfer from another boat or dinghy. The problem of maneuvering the vessels into contact or close proximity and the problem of being able to reach the lower ladder steps may be formidable especially in choppy or rough waters. The instant ladder invention avoids these shortcomings because the ladder construction displaces the lower ladder away from the hull by the approximate width of the support surface. The lower ladder section can itself serve as a mooring during the transfer, and the projecting ladder rungs will be within easy grasp.

The supplement support surface previously mentioned is provided by an intermediate platform integral with the ladder, which can be used as a step or seat and can serve as a place to rest during ascent or descent.

A further advantage of the present boat ladder is that the platform can function as a diving board and will also provide a ledge for resting after climbing out of the water.

The swimmming or fishing platforms which are now known are of the type requiring a permanent installation and are generally attached to the transom or other part of the hull. These devices do not combine a ladder as in the instant invention, nor do they provide portability and compactness for on board stowage. Additionally, such platforms are subject to damage during docking maneuvers,, and principally because of esthetic and hydrodynamic reasons, such installations are found unacceptable to sailboat owners. These same disadvantages also apply to the fixed ladder appurtenances.

It should thus be apparent that the boat ladder of this invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of the previous ladder devices and furthermore provides safe, convenient access to and from watercraft.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, this invention is directed to an improved portable marine ladder which is collapsible to permit compact stowage on board. The ladder device also incorporates a platform being of greater width than the ladder rungs, the purpose of which is to provide an auxiliary support surface for off-boat water activities. Additionally, the platform is functionally useful in facilitating access to and egress from a boat.

The ladder apparatus is comprised of at least two articulated ladder sections hingedly connected at the platform which is intermediate to the sections. A ladder section above the platfore is releasably securable to the side of the hull or the edge of the deck. A lower ladder section is extendible below the platform and is spaced from the hull a distance approximating the width of the platform. This displacement of the lower ladder section is particularly advantageous for off-shore boarding, as from a dinghy, and also protects the hull from contact with the ladder section which may scratch or mar the surface.

Another feature of this ladder device is that the extended lower ladder section can be raised or retracted manually to a folded position and counterbalanced adjacent the upper ladder section. Accordinly, the extended length of the ladder can be adjusted to the freeboard, and the ladder does not have to be pulled on deck or removed when running the boat.

An important feature of the ladder apparatus resides in the swingable stand-off which is included and which may be deployed in accordance with the hull contour of the particular vessel such that the ladder may be positioned in a generally vertical orientation. The stand-off also provides added stability to the ladder.

It should be apparent that the instant invention provides a foldable ladder which is versatile in use and adaptable for use with many different types of watercraft.

Having thus summarized the invention, it will be seen that an object thereof is to provide a boat ladder of the general character described herein.

Specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide a portable boat ladder having plural ladder sections articulated to permit collapsible folding action.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a boat ladder having an auxiliary support surface intermediate the ladder section and suitable for off-boat water activities.

A further object of this invention is to provide a foldable boat ladder which, when extended, has a lower ladder section offset from the boat hull for facilitating access thereto during off-shore transfer.

Another object of this invention is to provide a boat ladder which is foldable for compactness and on-board stowage.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a boat ladder with an upper and a lower ladder section having compatible foot rung alignment when folded to permit functional use in either the extended or folded mode.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a boat ladder adaptable for mounting on different types of boats and including a stand-off swingably deployable to contact the hull surface for providing vertical alignment and stability to the boat ladder.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, in which are shown the preferred embodiments of the invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the boat ladder of this invention and shows the ladder as secured to the side of a boat hull including the auxiliary support surface;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the boat ladder of this invention in the extended mode showing in detail an upper ladder section, a lower ladder section, an intermediate platform, and a swingable stand-off in its deployed position;

FIG. 3 is a sectional plan view to a slightly enlarged scale taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2 and shows a plan view of the platform and stand-off which is hingedly affixed to the platform; a hinge axis is shown as being transverse through the platform and dividing the platform into two components;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the boat ladder of this invention with the lower ladder section being folded in the raised position showing the complementary alignment between the upper and lower ladder sections which permit functional use in either the extended or folded modes; additionally, the broken line view illustrates the pivotal movement of the lower ladder section;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal side elevational view of the folded boat ladder suspended along the side of a hull with the lower section counterbalanced in the raised position;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal side elevational view of the extended boat ladder secured to the side of a hull without deployment of the stand-off and the platform above water level;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the boat ladder of this invention shown fully extended and secured to a typical sailboat, the platform being shown at the water level to permit off-boat water activities and to facilitate access into and egree from the boat; the stand-off is also shown in its deployed position to compensate for the hull contour and to permit vertical alignment and ladder stability;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the boat ladder of this invention in the extended mode showing in detail, an upper ladder section, a lower ladder section, an intermediate platform, and a swingable stand-off;

FIG. 3A is a longitudinal side elevational view of the modified boat ladder in the extended mode as secured to the side of a boat;

FIG. 4A is a longitudinal side elevational view of the alternate boat ladder in the folded mode; and

FIG. 5A is a front elevational view of the alternate boat ladder in the folded mode.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now in detail to the drawings, the reference numeral 10 denotes generally the boat ladder of this invention. The ladder 10 as shown in the preferred embodiment is comprised of an upper ladder section 12, a lower ladder section 14, and an intermediate platform 16. Additional ladder sections and platforms may be included and are considered within the purview of this invention.

The upper ladder section 12 includes a plurality of uniform steps or foot rungs 18 which extend between two parallel stiles 20, 22. The stiles 20, 22 support the rungs 18 and further function as handrails which may be grasped when boarding or descending from a boat 23. In order to prevent damaging contact with the side of the hull 25, the contacting surface portions of the stiles 20, 22 are minimized by projecting surfaces or bumpers 24, 26, 28, 30 which can be covered with cushioning material. Additionally, hand openings 32, 34 serve as handles for moving or carrying the ladder 10. The ladder 10 is adapted to be suspended along the hull, stern or bow of the boat, and, accordingly, ladder hooks 36, 38 are provided on the upper ladder section 12 and are engageable with ladder eyes 15, 17 affixed to the edge or side of a boat deck 19.

The lower ladder 14 is similarly constructed and has two parallel stiles 40, 42 a plurality of uniform steps or foot rungs 44, and two hand openings 45, 47. It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment the lower ladder section 14 had four rungs 44, whereas the upper ladder section 12 is provided with three rungs 18. The total number of rungs thus provided, the spacing between the rungs, the width between the stiles and other structural features of this nature can be varied in accordance with the particular use or application for the boat ladder 10, However, it should be further noted that an advantageous feature of the boat ladder 10 is that the corresponding rungs 18 and 44 and the stiles 20, 40 and 22, 42 are designed for complementary alignment when folded as shown in FIG. 4 and 5.

The uppermost rung of the lower ladder section 14 and the lowermost rung of the upper ladder section 12 form corresponding components 46, 48 of the platform 16. These components 46, 48 are joined along a hinge axis 50 and are pivotally held together by hinge plates 52, 54. The transverse width of the components 46, 48 are each greater than the transverse width of either rungs 18 or 44. Furthermore, the width of component 48 is greater than the width of component 46, as can be observed from FIG 3, thereby permitting nestable folding as shown in FIG. 4. When the boat ladder 10 is in the extended position, as shown in FIG. 2, the components 46, 48 are coplanar and form a rigid support surface which can be used as a ledge or seat either for off-boat swimming activities or for facilitating boarding or descending from the boat. Additionally, this ladder 10 can serve for emergency boat repair purposes wherein the platform 16 provides a work area.

When the lower section 14 is raised as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the component 46 is positioned overlapping and slightly above component 48, however component 46 still may serve in its capacity as a platform; and since the rungs 44, 18 are in compatible alignment, the ladder 10 is functional in the folded mode.

The lower ladder section 14 is raised by being swung about the hinge axis 50 and is counterbalanced or gravitationally urged against the upper section 12 because the hinge plates 52, 54 are aligned so that the components 46, 48 will be canted when in the overlapping folded mode as shown in FIG. 5 and the complementary stiles 20, 40 and 22, 42 will be in abutment. As a further safety precaution, when the ladder 10 is in the folded mode, these previously mentioned stiles can also be secured as by conventional fastening means 56.

It should thus be apparent that the lower ladder section 14 can be raised in accordance with the freeboard, and when it is desired to run the boat without removing the ladder or pulling same on deck.

Another feature of this invention relates to the provision which permits this ladder to be readily accommodatable to the boat hull contour. For instance, the hull contour between a sailboat and a motor cruiser will vary significantly, and accordingly the boat ladder 10 of this invention has been provided with a stand-off 58 which is hingedly attached to the platform 16 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The stand-off 58 is designed for a maximum strength and minimum weight, and therefore an open frame 60 is used and pivotally attached as by hinges 62, 64 to the platform 16. The frame can also be adjustable or telescopically expandible for universal application. In order to prevent marring of the hull finish, rubber or neoprene bumpers 66 are fixed to the edge of the frame 60 which contacts the hull surface. When not deployed, the stand-off 58 may be secured to the upper ladder section 12 with snap-fit fasteners 68 having receiving recesses 70. When needed, the stand-off 58 can be released and swingably displaced as shown in FIG. 7 wherein the ladder 10 can be suspended from a sailboat and positioned in a generally vertical alignment with added stability provided by abutment of frame 60 against the hull surface.

The boat ladder 10 is preferably fabricated from wood such as teak, fiberglass, aluminum or molded plastic, although other conventional marine structural materials may be used. The platform 16 is constructed with an open grid to permit water drainage and to reduce the overall weight of the ladder. When the ladder 10 is collapsed in the folded position, it provides for compact stowage on board. The support surfaces of the rungs 18, 44 and platform 16 are preferable coated with a non-skid material for providing greater friction and added safety.

An alternate embodiment of the boat ladder previously described is shown in FIGS. 2A-5A, wherein like reference numerals are used to represent corresponding elements.

A modified boat ladder 10a is comprised of an upper ladder section 12a, a lower ladder section 14a, and an intermediate platform 16a. The ladder 10a also has a stand-off 58a pivotally connected to the platform 16a as shown in FIG. 2A.

A plurality of steps or foot rungs 18a extend between two parallel stiles 20a, 22a on the upper section 12 a. The lower section 14a has a plurality of foot rungs 44a between parallel stiles 40a, 42a; however the stiles 40a, 42a are spaced closer together than stiles 20a, 22a in order to permit nestable folding as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 5A.

The platform 16a is hinged at both ends to the stiles 20a, 22a by a pivot pin 52a extending through the platform and secured in the stiles 20a, 22a and by a pivot pin 54a similarly extending through the stiles 40a, 42a, respectively. It should be noted that a clearance space is provided between the edge of platform 16a and each of the stiles 20a, 22a in order to accommodate the respective stiles 40a and 42a when folded. Furthermore, the rugs 44a are positioned slightly rearwardly between the stiles 20a, 22a to receive the platform 16a.

A pair of rigid braces or a flexible rope or chain 72, 74 is used to support the platform 16a when extended, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A. It should be apparent that this variant form of the boat ladder includes the improvements and features of the previously described embodiment and will provide the aforementioned advantages and benefits.

In operation, the boat ladder of this invention can be lowered along the side of the hull and is secured by engaging the ladder hooks into the ladder eyes which are affixed to the boat. The ladder can, of course, be used in the conventional manner to permit boarding from or unloading to docks and dinghies. This ladder, however, with its platform and offset lower ladder construction, provides an additional safety feature and an added convenience to the user. The platform provides a landing for resting packages and equipment being loaded or unloaded from the boat. The platform also serves as a ledge with a secure footing and a place where one can assist those making an off-shore transfer. The offset lower ladder section is easier to grasp when climbing aboard from or to an adjacent boat, particularly because the boat can be maneuvered into close proximity to the ladder rung because of this projection.

It should be obvious that the ladder with the platform described is suitable for various other purposes and can be used, for instance, for off-boat swimming, diving, water skiing, emergency boat repair work, fishing, and sunbathing.

The articulated construction and relative light weight of the boat ladder is ideal for compact folding and stowage, and further makes the ladder completely portable.

As other possible embodiments might be made of the present invention and as various changes might be made in the embodiments set forth, it is to be understood that all matter herein described or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in the limiting sense.

Claims

Having thus described the invention, it is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent:

1. A portable marine ladder securable to a boat deck or hulland extendible along the side of the hull for boarding or disembarking, said ladder comprising an upper ladder section having plural spaced foot rungs extending between two parallel stiles, attachment means on the upper ladder section for suspending the ladder downwardly toward the water surface, a lower ladder section having plural spaced foot rungs extending between two stiles, platform means connected to said upper and lower ladder sections for providing a substantially horizontal support surface between the upper and lower ladder sections, said platform having a transverse width greater than the width of the ladder rungs wherein the platform defines a bottom rung of the upper ladder section and a coincident top rung of the lower ladder section, said platform further being positionable into a substantially horizontal orientation projecting outwardly away from the hull and having an open space thereabove and adjacent the upper ladder section with the upper ladder section and the lower ladder section each being in distinct substantially vertical planes horizontally spaced a distance approximating the transverse width of the platform when the ladder is extended to provide a landing for standing or resting during ascent or descent from the boat.

2. A portable marine ladder as claimed in claim 1, further including hinge means for permitting pivotal movement between the ladder sections, with the lower ladder section being optionally foldable against the upper ladder section for compatible alignment between the respective stiles and rungs of said sections whereby the boat ladder is functional in either of the extended or folded modes.

3. A portable marine ladder as claimed in claim 2, including stand-off means for accommodating the ladder sections to the boat hull, said stand-off means being selectively deployable to provide substantially vertical ladder alignment for ease in climbing.

4. A portable marine ladder as claimed in claim 2, including a bipartite platform wherein the top rung of the lower ladder section defines a first component of the platform and the bottom rung of the upper ladder section defines a second coplanar component of the platform, and the hinge means defines a longitudinal hinge axis coincident with the juncture between said components.

5. A portable marine ladder as claimed in claim 4, wherein the corresponding pairs of stiles from the upper and lower ladder sections respectively from above and below the platform frame into the platform on either side of the hinge axis and selectively permit swingable displacement of the lower ladder section about the hinge axis with the respective platform components being in confronting relationship in the folded mode.

6. A portable marine ladder as claimed in claim 5, wherein the transverse width of the platform components, when the ladder is in the folded mode, is greater than the transverse width of the rungs on either the upper or lower ladder sections.

7. A portable marine ladder as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second platform component has a greater transverse width than the first platform component to thereby provide clearance for the first component and lower ladder section when in the folded mode.

8. A portable marine ladder as claimed in claim 2, including a unitary platform with said platform being pivotally connected at opposed ends thereof, respectively, to the upper ladder section and the lower ladder section.

9. A portable marine ladder as claimed in claim 8, wherein the platform is swingable about the pivotal connection to the upper ladder section and movable adjacent to the rungs of the upper ladder section, and the lower ladder section is swingably displaceable upwardly and in confronting relationship to the upper ladder section when in the folded mode.

10. A portable marine ladder as claimed in claim 8, wherein the spacing between the stiles of the upper ladder section is greater than the spacing between the stiles of the lower ladder section, whereby the lower ladder section is foldable adjacent the upper section with the corresponding stiles of the respective ladder sections being juxtaposed.