Retractable step for boat swim platform
A retractable step for use with a boat in water comprising at least one moveable arm pivotally coupled with the boat, a step coupled with the arm such that the step is moveable between a stored position above the water surface and a deployed position below the water surface, and a lock configured to hold the moveable arm in a stationary position when the step is in its deployed position, but is releasable to accommodate movement of the step to its stored position.
1. A retractable step for use with a boat in water comprising:
a base having a recess;
a pair of stationary arms, each of said arms coupled with said base;
a pair of moveable arms, each of said moveable arms coupled with one of said stationary arms;
a step having a top side and an underside, said step coupled with said moveable arms and capable of being rotated 180° between a stored position within said recess, wherein said underside is exposed, and a deployed position below the water surface, wherein said top side is exposed; and
a spring biased locking mechanism configured to hold at least one of said moveable arms in a stationary position when said platform is in said deployed position and releasable to accommodate movement of said platform to said stored position.
2. The retractable step of claim 1 , wherein said base is demountably coupled with the boat.
3. The retractable step of claim 1 , wherein said base is integral with the boat.
4. The retractable step of claim 1 , wherein said step comprises a material characterized in that it is less dense than water.
5. A deployable swim step for use with a boat in water comprising:
a step having a top side and an underside;
means for coupling said step with the boat, said coupling means configured to permit rotation of said step 180° from a stored position above the water surface, wherein said underside is exposed, and a deployed position below the water surface, wherein said top side is exposed; and
means for locking said coupling means in a stationary position when said step is in said deployed position, said locking means further configured to accommodate movement of said step to said stored position.
6. A method of deploying a retractable step used with a boat in water, said method comprising:
providing a base having a recess;
providing a step having a top side and an underside, said step moveably coupled with said base and positioned within said recess when in a stored position, wherein said underside is exposed;
providing a spring biased locking mechanism to hold said step in said stored position;
disengaging said locking mechanism;
rotating said step 180° out of said recess and into a deployed position below the water surface, wherein said top side is exposed; and
reengaging said locking mechanism to hold said step in said deployed position.