Adjustable boat trailer step assembly

• US 6,986,523 B1
• Filed: 05/11/2004
• Issued: 01/17/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Arthur O. Bickford
• Original Assignee: Arthur O. Bickford
• Inventors: Bickford, Arthur O.
• Primary Examiner(s): Morris, Lesley D
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen, Michael T.
• Application Number:
  US10/843,067
• Time in Patent Office: 616 Days
• Field of Search: 280/414.1, 280/163, 280/166, 280/164.1, 280/763.1, 280/766.1, 248/689
• US Class Current: 280/414.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 3/1066 Arrangement of supports, rollers or winches on the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 3/02 Retractable steps or ladders, e.g. movable under shock B60R3/005 takes precedence

Abstract

A boat trailer step assembly is provided with several features making the assembly adjustable in several respects, allowing the step to be placed at varying positions for different trailers and boats. The step is mounted on a support member made of overlapping parts that can be extended or contracted to obtain different heights. The support member is connected to a rotatable plate at a 45 degree angle. This allows the step to be extended outward in various directions. Adjustment of the step location in a generally front-to-rear direction is provided by sliding a clamping device along a beam of the trailer on which it is mounted.

Claims

1. A boat trailer carried step assembly comprising:

a step;

an elongated support member having an upper end and a lower end, said step connected to said upper end and adapted to be disposed horizontally;

a first, rotatable plate connected to said lower end;

said support member extending upward angularly and outwardly, projecting said step away from vertical alignment with said plate;

a second plate mated with said first plate;

a clamping device connected to said second plate and to said trailer;

said support member comprising an upper portion and a lower portion connectable to one another at variable lengths, thereby raising or lowering said step;

said second plate having a plurality of peripheral openings and said first plate having an opening alignable with a selected one of said peripheral openings;

a connecting bolt or pin insertable in said aligned openings to obtain a rotated position; and

said clamping device is adapted to be placed at adjusted positions on said trailer.

2. The assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said support member is comprised of rectangular metal tubing.

3. The assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein said portions are different from one another in size whereby one of said portions may be slid within the other to adjust the length of the support member.

4. The assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein said support member is disposed at an angle of 45 degrees with relation to said step and said first plate.

5. The assembly as defined in claim 4 including an axially disposed pin or bolt connected to said first plate and rotatably engaging a central opening defined in said second plate.

6. The assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein said trailer has a side rail beam and said clamp is connected to said beam.

7. The assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein said clamping device comprises a pair of opposing plates bolted together.

8. The assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said pin is a spring-driven pin.