초록 ▼

A self retracting step apparatus (10) mounted on the underside of a boat step (12) that projects rearwardly from the transom (14) of a boat. The step apparatus includes a mounting bracket (26) to which a support bar (16) is pivotally connected. A stirrup step (20) is secured to the distal end of the

A self retracting step apparatus (10) mounted on the underside of a boat step (12) that projects rearwardly from the transom (14) of a boat. The step apparatus includes a mounting bracket (26) to which a support bar (16) is pivotally connected. A stirrup step (20) is secured to the distal end of the support bar, and is pivotal between an extended position and a retracted position. The support bar and stirrup step define a forwardly facing reactive surface (24) against which drag forces act upon movement of the boat. Springs (22) connected from the mounting bracket to the support bar nominally bias the stirrup step to the extended position, but may be overcome by the drag forces to allow the stirrup step to begin pivoting towards the retracted position. Once the stirrup step has begun movement from the extended position, the springs act to compel further pivoting of the stirrup step to a retracted position for stowage.

대표청구항 ▼

A step apparatus, mountable to the exterior of a boat hull to assist a person in climbing into the boat, the step apparatus comprising: a support member; a step member, mounted on the support member for receiving a person\s foot, the step member and at least a portion of the support member defining

A step apparatus, mountable to the exterior of a boat hull to assist a person in climbing into the boat, the step apparatus comprising: a support member; a step member, mounted on the support member for receiving a person\s foot, the step member and at least a portion of the support member defining a reactive surface; pivot means for pivotally mounting the support member to the exterior of the boat hull to pivot the apparatus between an extended position and a retracted position; and first biasing means for biasing the step member towards the extended position in which a person may be supported by the step member, the first biasing means capable of being overcome by water drag force acting on the reactive surface during movement of the boat to move the step member towards the retracted position, in which the reactive surface presents a reduced drag profile.