Securing the platform on a watercraft

• US 9,205,895 B2
• Filed: 12/27/2012
• Issued: 12/08/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Peter A. Mueller
• Original Assignee: Peter A. Mueller
• Inventors: Mueller, Peter A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Morano, S. Joseph
• Assistant Examiner(s): Polay, Andrew
• Application Number:
  US13/728,597
• Publication Number:
  US 20130112132A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,076 Days
• Field of Search: 114/343, 114/362, 114/363, 114/364, 114/369, 114/258
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 27/14 of ramps, gangways or outboard ladders ; Pilot lifts
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 27/143 Ramps
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 27/16 of lifts or hoists pilot lifts B63B27/146

Abstract

A securing device for a lowerable platform on a watercraft, wherein a lowering of the platform by way of a technical device that is mounted on the tail of the watercraft is only activated after the height and steering positions of the technical device have been adjusted and secured by sensors.

Claims

1. A security unit for a lowerable platform on a watercraft, the security unit comprising:

a platform with a lift mechanism fixed to the platform;

a steering sensor that detects a steering angle of a steering wheel;

an obstacle sensor that detects whether an obstacle associated with the watercraft is at a predetermined elevated position; and

a controller that is structured to;

allow the platform to be lowered when both the steering sensor detects that the steering angle of the steering wheel is at a predetermined angle and the obstacle sensor detects that the obstacle is at the predetermined elevated position; and

not allow the platform to be lowered when either the steering sensor detects that the steering angle of the steering wheel is not at the predetermined angle or the obstacle sensor detects that the obstacle is not at the predetermined elevated position.

2. The security unit according to claim 1, wherein the obstacle includes a rudder, a jet drive or a Z-drive.

3. The security unit according to claim 1, wherein the obstacle is a Z-drive, and the Z-drive must be in a position other than in a raised position in order for the controller to allow the platform to be lowered.

4. The security unit according to claim 1, further comprising:

a control light, wherein the controller controls the control light such that the control light flashes when the controller does not allow the platform to be lowered and the control light is continuously lit when the controller allows the platform to be lowered.

5. The security unit according to claim 1, wherein the steering angle of the steering wheel is adjusted to the predetermined angle either manually or via an auxiliary drive.

6. The security unit according to claim 1, wherein the controller automatically moves the steering wheel to the predetermined angle and the obstacle to the predetermined elevated position in order to lower the platform.

7. The security unit according to claim 1, wherein whether the controller allows the platform to be lowered is also dependent on an engine speed control or a gear lever position.

8. The security unit according to claim 1, further comprising:

a locking element that is capable of locking the platform in a raised position, wherein the controller unlocks the locking element when the platform is in the raised position in order to lower the platform.