US20130279982A1

US20130279982A1 - Watercraft Lift System

Info

Publication number: US20130279982A1
Application number: US13/835,580
Authority: US
Inventors: Craig A. Wilberts; Robert L. Haberman; Michael D. Salvevold
Original assignee: ShoreMaster LLC
Current assignee: ShoreMaster LLC
Priority date: 2012-04-24
Filing date: 2013-03-15
Publication date: 2013-10-24
Also published as: CA2810972A1

Abstract

A watercraft lift system for effectively operating in shallow water. The watercraft lift system generally includes a base structure, a plurality of support legs pivotally connected to the base structure, a support platform connected to the support legs, a pair of lifting assemblies connected to the base structure and the support platform, and a pair of actuators connected to the base structure and the lifting assemblies.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/637,659 filed Apr. 24, 2012. The 61/637,659 application is currently pending. The 61/637,659 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a boat lift and more specifically it relates to a watercraft lift system for effectively operating in shallow water.
2. Description of the Related Art
Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
Watercraft lifts (a.k.a. boat lifts) are utilized to raise a watercraft (e.g. boat, personal watercraft) above the water surface of during non-usage and to lower the watercraft into the water for usage. Watercraft lifts typically include a base that has a plurality of pads that are supported on the ground beneath the body of water (e.g. lake bed, river bed).
One type of watercraft lift is a vertical lift that lifts and lowers a watercraft in a vertical motion utilizing a vertical lift cable system. One problem with vertical watercraft lifts is that the cables and respective pulleys can become damaged making the lift inoperable.
Another type of watercraft lift is a cantilever lift that is comprised of plurality of pivoting support legs that lift and lower the watercraft in a pivoting motion utilizing a winch cable system. One problem with conventional cantilever lifts is that the winch cable system may become damaged and there is a limitation on the amount of weight that may be lifted because of the limitation of the winch cable system.
Another type of watercraft lift is a hydraulic lift similar to a cantilever watercraft lift except that a plurality of hydraulic cylinders are connected to a base and a front pair of support legs to push the support legs forwardly thereby creating the pivoting motion to lift the watercraft. U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,661 to Phillips and U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,264 to Hey both illustrate exemplary hydraulic watercraft lifts. While the hydraulic lift is capable of lifting heavier watercraft than a cantilever lift, relatively large hydraulic cylinders and pumps are required to create the necessary pivoting force to lift the boat.
Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved watercraft lift system for effectively operating in shallow water.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a boat lift which includes a base structure, a plurality of support legs pivotally connected to the base structure, a support platform connected to the support legs, a pair of lifting assemblies connected to the base structure and the support platform, and a pair of actuators connected to the base structure and the lifting assemblies. The lifting assemblies are comprised of an inverted V-shaped structure when the support platform is in the lowered position.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention in the lowered position.

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the present invention in the partially raised position.

FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the present invention in the raised position.

FIG. 4 a is an upper perspective view of the present invention in the lowered position with a watercraft approaching.

FIG. 4 b is an upper perspective view of the present invention in the lowered position with a watercraft positioned upon the support platform of the watercraft lift.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the present invention in the lowered position with a watercraft positioned upon the support platform.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the present invention in the partially raised position with a watercraft positioned upon the support platform.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the present invention in the raised position with a watercraft positioned upon the support platform.

FIG. 8 is a rear end view of the present invention in the lowered position.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the present invention in the lowered position.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the communications within the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A. Overview

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 10 illustrate a watercraft lift system 10, which comprises a base structure 20, a plurality of support legs 40 pivotally connected to the base structure 20, a support platform 50 connected to the support legs 40, a pair of lifting assemblies 60, 70 connected to the base structure 20 and the support platform 50, and a pair of actuators connected to the base structure 20 and the lifting assemblies 60, 70.
The present invention may be utilized to lift, lower and support above water any type of watercraft 12 including but not limited to boats, pontoons, personal watercraft 12 and the like. The present invention is particularly useful in extremely low water conditions since the support platform 50 is capable of being lowered close to the ground surface beneath the water. The present invention is preferably constructed of corrosion resistant material such as but not limited to aluminum.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,264 to Hey and U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,661 to Phillips both illustrate conventional watercraft lifts and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. While the figures illustrate the usage of the present invention within a hydraulic watercraft 12 lift structure, the present invention may also be utilized within cable style boat lifts such as vertical cable watercraft lifts and cantilever cable watercraft lifts). In addition, the structure and function of the present invention disclosed herein may be utilized in various other applications such as but not limited to pontoon trailers, ice fishing house support structure and the like.

B. Base Structure

The base structure 20 is similar to conventional watercraft 12 lift bases in that the base structure 20 provides a broad support for the watercraft 12 lift system 10 with respect to the ground beneath a body of water (e.g. lake bed, river bed). As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 and 9, the base structure 20 is wider than the watercraft 12 to be supported to provide stability in supporting the watercraft 12 above the surface of the water.
The base structure 20 preferably is comprised of a substantially flat, rectangular structure comprised of a first side member 21, a second side member 22, a rear member 23 extending between the rear end portions of the side members 21, 22, and a front member 24 extending between the front end portions of the side members 21, 22 opposite of the rear member 23 as best illustrated in FIG. 9 of the drawings. The side members 21, 22 are preferably longer than the rear member 23 and front member 24. The side members 21, 22 are further preferably parallel with respect to one another as illustrated in FIG. 9 of the drawings. The front member 24 and rear member 23 are also preferably parallel with respect to one another.
The base structure 20 has four corners wherein the four corresponding adjustable supports 30 are adjustably connected to. The adjustable supports 30 are each preferably comprised of an adjustable leg 32 that is slidably received within a tubular member and a pad 34 attached to the bottom end thereof. The pads 34 are positioned upon the ground surface of the body of water and the adjustable legs 32 are adjusted to accommodate various undulations within the ground surface to provide for a substantially level support for the support platform 50 (e.g. recessed areas, angled ground surface, etc.). A fastener is utilized for each of the adjustable supports 30 to secure the adjustable leg 32 in a desired vertical position (e.g. through a hole within the adjustable leg 32 or frictional engagement).

C. Watercraft Support Structure

FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate the watercraft support structure comprised of a plurality of support legs 40 and a support platform 50. The watercraft support structure is utilized to raise, lower and support a watercraft 12 with respect to the water. The watercraft support structure is adapted to receive and support various types of watercraft 12 such as but not limited to boats, pontoons and personal watercraft 12. FIGS. 4 a through 7 illustrate the watercraft 12 as a boat and should not be considered limiting to the scope of the invention. The watercraft support structure is pivotally connected to the base structure 20 and is positionable into a lowered position (FIGS. 1, 4 a-5, 8 and 9) or a raised position (FIGS. 3, 7).
As illustrated in FIG. 3 of the drawings, the watercraft support structure is comprised of a plurality of support legs 40 pivotally connected to the base structure 20. There are preferably four support legs 40 and the support legs 40 are offset with respect to their respective pivot points on the base structure 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 7 thereby assisting in maintaining the watercraft support structure in a raised position and for providing easier lifting from a lowered position. The support legs 40 may be the same length or have differing lengths. The support legs 40 pivot forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the base structure 20. The support legs 40 are preferably attached to the side members 21, 22 and vertically aligned with the side members 21, 22 as illustrated in FIG. 9 of the drawings. It is preferable to have a pair of rear support legs 40 that include a rear cross member 42 extending between thereof and a pair of front support legs 40 that include a front cross member 44 extending between thereof.
The watercraft support structure further includes a support platform 50 connected to the support legs 40 opposite of the base structure 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings. The support platform 50 is adapted to receive and support the watercraft 12 regardless of the position of the watercraft support structure (e.g. raised, lowered, intermediate).
The support platform 50 is preferably comprised of a first support member 51 connected in a pivotal manner to the upper ends of the support legs 40 that extend from the first member and a second support member 52 connected in a pivotal manner to the upper ends of the support legs 40 that extend from the second member. A rear support member 53 preferably extends between the rear portions of the support members 51, 52 and a front support member 54 preferably extends between the front portions of the support members 51, 52 forming a rectangular structure as illustrated in FIG. 9.
A first sliding support 55 and a second sliding support 56 are attached to the front support member 54 and the rear support member 53 as illustrated in FIG. 3 of the drawings. The sliding supports 55, 56 slidably receive and release the watercraft 12 as is conventional known in the industry. Various other types of support structures may be utilized as is well known within the industry to support a watercraft 12 (e.g. rollers).

D. Lifting Assemblies

FIGS. 1 through 4 b illustrate the first lifting assembly 60 and the second lifting assembly 70. The lifting assemblies 60, 70 are preferably mirrored structures with the first lifting assembly 60 attached to one side of the base structure 20 and the second lifting assembly 70 attached to the opposite side of the base structure 20. The lifting assemblies 60, 70 preferably have a generally inverted V-shaped structure when the water craft support structure is in the lowered position as best illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings. It is preferable that the lifting assemblies 60, 70 are attached to a central location of the base structure 20 and to a rearward location on the support platform 50.

1. First Lifting Assembly

The first lifting assembly 60 is pivotally connected at a first pivot point to a first side of the base structure 20. The first lifting assembly 60 is also connected at a first connection point to the watercraft support structure. It is preferable that the first connection point is comprised of a pivot point allowing the first lifting assembly 60 to pivot with respect thereto.
The first lifting assembly 60 is pivotally connected to the first side member 21 of the base structure 20. The first lifting assembly 60 is preferably attached to an outside of the first side member 21 of the base structure 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4 a and 9 of the drawings. In addition, the first lifting assembly 60 is preferably positioned outside of the base structure 20 (in particular, outside of the first side member 21) so as to not engage the base structure 20 when moving along a vertically orientated plane when pivoting as best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings. Positioning the first lifting assembly 60 outside of the base structure 20 allows for the first lifting assembly 60 to lower the watercraft support structure lower into the water and closer to the ground surface beneath the water surface which is particularly desirable for low water levels (e.g. water levels less than three feet and is capable of operating in water levels of only approximately 7 inches).
The first lifting assembly 60 is preferably comprised of an inverted V-shaped structure when the watercraft support structure is in the lowered position as illustrated in FIGS. 4 a through 5 of the drawings. The inverted V-shaped structure preferably has an interior angle less than ninety-degrees, however, the angle may be equal to or greater than ninety-degrees. The first actuator 80 is connected to the first lifting assembly 60 to force the first lifting assembly 60 to pivot with respect to the base structure 20, and in particular, the first actuator 80 is preferably connected to the interior corner of the first lifting assembly 60 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings.
The first lifting assembly 60 is preferably comprised of a first front arm 62 pivotally connected to the base structure 20 and a first rear arm 64 extending at a first angle from the first arm, wherein the first rear arm 64 is connected to the watercraft support structure as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings. The first angle is preferably comprised of an acute angle but may be greater than an acute angle. A first connector 66 is preferably attached between and connecting the first front arm 62 and the first rear arm 64 The first front arm 62 may be pivotally connected to the first connector 66 or non-movably connected to the first connector 66. The first rear arm 64 may be pivotally connected to the first connector 66 or non-movably connected to the first connector 66 also. It is preferable to have at least one of either the first front arm 62 or the first rear arm 64 pivotally connected to avoid the requirement for a constant radius of movement for the end of the first rear arm 64 connected to the watercraft support structure (alternatively stated, there is no requirement for a constant distance between the end of the first rear arm 64 and the pivot point on the base structure 20 for the actuator). The first rear arm 64 and the first front arm 62 are preferably the same length, however, they may have different lengths.
The first actuator 80 is connected between the base structure 20 and the first lifting assembly 60 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings. The first actuator 80 provides a lifting force to the first lifting assembly 60 thereby lifting the support platform 50 with the watercraft 12 out of the water. The first actuator 80 also preferably allows for controlled lowering of the first lifting assembly 60. The first actuator 80 is preferably comprised of a hydraulic cylinder that telescopes, however various other actuator devices may be utilized. Alternatively, a winch and cable system may be utilized instead of the first actuator 80 to provide a pulling force upon the corner of the first lifting assembly 60 instead of the pushing force applied by the first actuator 80 (e.g. the winch could be connected to the base structure 20 with the cable extending from the winch to the corner of the first lifting assembly 60).
The first actuator 80 is connected to the base structure 20 and preferably to the first side member 21 of the base structure 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1 through 3 of the drawings. The first actuator 80 is connected to the first lifting assembly 60 between the first pivot point and the first connection point. In particular, the first actuator 80 is preferably connected to the first lifting assembly 60 between the first front arm 62 and the first rear arm 64. The first actuator 80 is attached to an outside of the first side member 21 of the base structure 20 and further preferably is positioned outside the first side member 21 of the base structure 20 thereby allowing pivoting along a vertical plane that is outside of the base structure 20.
The first actuator 80 is preferably connected to the first lifting assembly 60 between the first front arm 62 and the rear arm as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings. The first rear arm 64 of the first lifting assembly 60 is preferably pivotally connected to the first support member 51 of the support platform 50 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings.
The first actuator 80 includes a lower end attached to the base structure 20 and an upper end attached to the first lifting assembly 60. The lower end of the first actuator 80 is positioned between a first vertical axis extending through the first pivot point and a second vertical axis extending through the first connection point when the watercraft support structure is in the lowered position as best illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings. The lower end is preferably not positioned between the first vertical axis and the second vertical axis when the watercraft support structure is in the raised position as best illustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawings. As further shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings, the first connection point preferably moves forwardly past the first pivot point when the watercraft support structure is raised to the raised position.
When the watercraft support structure is within the lowered position, the first connection point has a first position. When the watercraft support structure is within the raised position the first connection point has a second position. The second position is vertically aligned on a side of the first pivot point opposite of the first position as illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings.

2. Second Lifting Assembly

The second lifting assembly 70 is preferably the same structure as the first lifting structure except for being mirrored on the opposite side of the base structure 20. The second lifting assembly 70 is pivotally connected at a second pivot point to a second side of the base structure 20. The second lifting assembly 70 is also connected at a second connection point to the watercraft support structure. It is preferable that the second connection point is comprised of a pivot point allowing the second lifting assembly 70 to pivot with respect thereto.
The second lifting assembly 70 is pivotally connected to the second side member 22 of the base structure 20. The second lifting assembly 70 is preferably attached to an outside of the second side member 22 of the base structure 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4 a and 9 of the drawings. In addition, the second lifting assembly 70 is preferably positioned outside of the base structure 20 (in particular, outside of the second side member 22) so as to not engage the base structure 20 when moving along a vertically orientated plane when pivoting as best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings. Positioning the second lifting assembly 70 outside of the base structure 20 allows for the second lifting assembly 70 to lower the watercraft support structure lower into the water and closer to the ground surface beneath the water surface which is particularly desirable for low water levels (e.g. water levels less than three feet).
The second lifting assembly 70 is preferably comprised of an inverted V-shaped structure when the watercraft support structure is in the lowered position as illustrated in FIGS. 4 a through 5 of the drawings. The inverted V-shaped structure preferably has an interior angle less than ninety-degrees, however, the angle may be equal to or greater than ninety-degrees. The second actuator 82 is connected to the second lifting assembly 70 to force the second lifting assembly 70 to pivot with respect to the base structure 20, and in particular, the second actuator 82 is preferably connected to the interior corner of the second lifting assembly 70 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings.
The second lifting assembly 70 is preferably comprised of a second front arm 72 pivotally connected to the base structure 20 and a second rear arm 74 extending at a second angle from the second arm, wherein the second rear arm 74 is connected to the watercraft support structure as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings. The second angle is preferably comprised of an acute angle but may be greater than an acute angle. A second connector 76 is preferably attached between and connecting the second front arm 72 and the second rear arm 74 The second front arm 72 may be pivotally connected to the second connector 76 or non-movably connected to the second connector 76. The second rear arm 74 may be pivotally connected to the second connector 76 or non-movably connected to the second connector 76 also. It is preferable to have at least one of either the second front arm 72 or the second rear arm 74 pivotally connected to avoid the requirement for a constant radius of movement for the end of the second rear arm 74 connected to the watercraft support structure (alternatively stated, there is no requirement for a constant distance between the end of the second rear arm 74 and the pivot point on the base structure 20 for the actuator). The second rear arm 74 and the second front arm 72 are preferably the same length, however, they may have different lengths.
The second actuator 82 is connected between the base structure 20 and the second lifting assembly 70 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4 of the drawings. The second actuator 82 provides a lifting force to the second lifting assembly 70 thereby lifting the support platform 50 with the watercraft 12 out of the water. The second actuator 82 also preferably allows for controlled lowering of the second lifting assembly 70. The second actuator 82 is preferably comprised of a hydraulic cylinder that telescopes, however various other actuator devices may be utilized. Alternatively, a winch and cable system may be utilized instead of the second actuator 82 to provide a pulling force upon the corner of the second lifting assembly 70 instead of the pushing force applied by the second actuator 82 (e.g. the winch could be connected to the base structure 20 with the cable extending from the winch to the corner of the second lifting assembly 70).
The second actuator 82 is connected to the base structure 20 and preferably to the second side member 22 of the base structure 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1 through 3 of the drawings. The second actuator 82 is connected to the second lifting assembly 70 between the second pivot point and the second connection point. In particular, the second actuator 82 is preferably connected to the second lifting assembly 70 between the second front arm 72 and the second rear arm 74. The second actuator 82 is attached to an outside of the second side member 22 of the base structure 20 and further preferably is positioned outside the second side member 22 of the base structure 20 thereby allowing pivoting along a vertical plane that is outside of the base structure 20.
The second actuator 82 is preferably connected to the second lifting assembly 70 between the second front arm 72 and the rear arm as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings. The second rear arm 74 of the second lifting assembly 70 is preferably pivotally connected to the second support member 52 of the support platform 50 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 of the drawings.
The second actuator 82 includes a lower end attached to the base structure 20 and an upper end attached to the second lifting assembly 70. The lower end of the second actuator 82 is positioned between a first vertical axis extending through the second pivot point and a second vertical axis extending through the second connection point when the watercraft support structure is in the lowered position as best illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings. The lower end is preferably not positioned between the first vertical axis and the second vertical axis when the watercraft support structure is in the raised position as best illustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawings. As further shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings, the second connection point preferably moves forwardly past the second pivot point when the watercraft support structure is raised to the raised position. The actuators 80, 82 preferably are initially angled slightly forwardly when the support platform 50 is in the lowered position as illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings.
When the watercraft support structure is within the lowered position, the second connection point has a first position. When the watercraft support structure is within the raised position the second connection point has a second position. The second position is vertically aligned on a side of the second pivot point opposite of the first position.

E. Control Unit

The control unit 84 is in communication with a power source 86 (e.g. battery, AC power) and is in communication with the first actuator 80 and the second actuator 82 to cause the actuators to extend and retract depending upon the action required by the user. The control unit 84 includes a switch that allows the operator to raise and lower the watercraft support structure.
The control unit 84 is preferably comprised of a hydraulic pressure unit (e.g. a hydraulic pump fluidly connected to a fluid reservoir) that is fluidly connected to and provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuators 80, 82. U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,661 to Phillips discloses an exemplary hydraulic lift control system that is incorporated by reference herein.

F. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In use, the support platform 50 is lowered sufficiently into the water to allow for a watercraft 12 to be maneuvered onto the support platform 50 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4 a and 4 b of the drawings. After the watercraft 12 is properly positioned and aligned upon the support platform 50, the control unit 84 is activated to extend the actuators 80, 82 to lift the support platform 50 and the watercraft 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6 of the drawings. The actuators 80, 82 continue to extend applying a lifting force to the lifting assemblies 60, 70 thereby pulling and lifting the support platform 50 upwardly. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 6 of the drawings, the lifting assemblies 60, 70 pull upwardly and forwardly upon the support platform 50 thereby lifting the same. After the support legs 40 are over-centered in the raised position, the control unit 84 is deactivated and the support platform 50 is in the fully raised position as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7 of the drawings. To remove the watercraft 12 into the water, the above process is simply reversed resulting in the support platform 50 being lowered as it moves rearwardly in a substantially level manner.
The positioning of the actuators 80, 82 and the lifting assemblies 60, 70 outside of the base structure 20 allows for the upwardly pulling force to lift the load while the support platform 50 remains substantially level at all times between the lowered position and the raised position. Furthermore, the positioning of the actuators and the lifting assemblies 60, 70 outside of the base structure 20 allows for a minimal structure positioned beneath the support platform 50. Also, conventional hydraulic lifts require a significantly amount of hydraulic pressure initially during lifting of a watercraft 12 because very little of their longitudinal extension force is applied to a vertical lifting force because of the inherent binding (e.g. 2,800 PSI is often times required initially) and the required force decreases as the support platform 50 is raised. However, with the present invention, requires significantly lower hydraulic pressure to initially lift a watercraft 12 from the initial lowered position (e.g. 1,650 PSI) because there is no binding and a significant portion of the longitudinal extension force is being applied in a vertical manner to lift the support platform 50. Furthermore, the present invention has a more consistent load applied to the actuators 80, 82 as they are extended compared to conventional hydraulic lifts. Hence, the present invention requires a lower hydraulic pressure to operate thereby saving money and extending the useful life with respect to the actuators 80, 82 and the control unit 84 since lower pressure components may be utilized. The present invention is capable of operating in lower water conditions than conventional lifts (down to approximately 7 inches of water) utilizing lower hydraulic pressures.
The above discussion and figures illustrate the support legs 40 along with the lifting assemblies 60, 70 pivoting in a forward motion thereby causing the support platform 50 to raise and move forwardly simultaneously when lifting a watercraft 12 (and to move forwardly when lowering the watercraft 12). It can be appreciated that the present invention may be configured so that the support legs 40 along with the lifting assemblies 60, 70 pivot in an opposite rearward motion thereby causing the support platform 50 to raise and move rearwardly simultaneously when lifting a watercraft 12 (and to move forwardly when lowering the watercraft 12).
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Claims

The invention claimed is:

1. A watercraft lift, comprising:

a base structure;

a watercraft support structure pivotally connected to said base structure, wherein said watercraft support structure is positionable into a lowered position or a raised position, and wherein said watercraft support structure is adapted to receive and support a watercraft;

a first lifting assembly, wherein said first lifting assembly is pivotally connected at a first pivot point to a first side of said base structure, and wherein said first lifting assembly is connected at a first connection point to said watercraft support structure; and

a first actuator, wherein said first actuator is connected to said base structure and to said first lifting assembly, wherein said first actuator is connected to said first lifting assembly between said first pivot point and said first connection point.

2. The watercraft lift of claim 1, wherein said first actuator is attached to an outside of said first side of said base structure.

3. The watercraft lift of claim 1, wherein said first actuator is positioned outside of said base structure.

4. The watercraft lift of claim 1, wherein said first lifting assembly is attached to an outside of said first side of said base structure.

5. The watercraft lift of claim 1, wherein said first lifting assembly is positioned outside of said base structure.

6. The watercraft lift of claim 1, wherein said first actuator includes a lower end and an upper end, wherein said lower end is positioned between a first vertical axis extending through said first pivot point and a second vertical axis extending through said first connection point when said watercraft support structure is in said lowered position.

7. The watercraft lift of claim 6, wherein said lower end is not positioned between said first vertical axis and said second vertical axis when said watercraft support structure is in said raised position.

8. The watercraft lift of claim 1, wherein said first lifting assembly is comprised of an inverted V-shaped structure when said watercraft support structure is in said lowered position.

9. The watercraft lift of claim 8, wherein said first lifting assembly is comprised of a first front arm pivotally connected to said base structure and a first rear arm extending at a first angle from said first arm, wherein said first rear arm is connected to said watercraft support structure.

10. The watercraft lift of claim 9, including a first connector attached between and connecting said first front arm and said first rear arm.

11. The watercraft lift of claim 9, wherein said first actuator is connected to said first lifting assembly between said first front arm and said rear arm.

12. The watercraft lift of claim 9, wherein said first angle is comprised of an acute angle.

13. The watercraft lift of claim 1, wherein said watercraft support structure is comprised of a plurality of support legs pivotally connected to said base structure, and a support platform connected to said support legs opposite of said base structure, wherein said support platform is adapted to receive and support a watercraft.

14. The watercraft lift of claim 13, wherein said first lifting assembly is connected to said support platform.

15. The watercraft lift of claim 1, wherein when said watercraft support structure is within said lowered position said first connection point has a first position, and wherein when said watercraft support structure is within said raised position said first connection point has a second position, wherein said second position is vertically aligned on a side of said first pivot point opposite of said first position.

16. The watercraft lift of claim 1, including:

a second lifting assembly, wherein said second lifting assembly is pivotally connected at a second pivot point to a second side of said base structure, and wherein said second lifting assembly is connected at a second connection point to said watercraft support structure; and

a second actuator, wherein said second actuator is connected to said base structure and to said second lifting assembly, wherein said second actuator is connected to said second lifting assembly between said second pivot point and said second connection point.

17. A watercraft lift, comprising:

a base structure;

a first lifting assembly, wherein said first lifting assembly is pivotally connected at a first pivot point to a first side of said base structure, and wherein said first lifting assembly is connected at a first connection point to said watercraft support structure;

a first actuator, wherein said first actuator is connected to said base structure and to said first lifting assembly, wherein said first actuator is connected to said first lifting assembly between said first pivot point and said first connection point, wherein said first actuator is attached to an outside of said first side of said base structure;

a second lifting assembly, wherein said second lifting assembly is pivotally connected at a second pivot point to a second side of said base structure, and wherein said second lifting assembly is connected at a second connection point to said watercraft support structure;

wherein said first lifting assembly and said second lifting assembly are each comprised of an inverted V-shaped structure when said watercraft support structure is in said lowered position; and

a second actuator, wherein said second actuator is connected to said base structure and to said second lifting assembly, wherein said second actuator is connected to said second lifting assembly between said second pivot point and said second connection point, wherein said second actuator is attached to an outside of said second side of said base structure.

18. The watercraft lift of claim 17, wherein said first actuator is positioned outside of said base structure and wherein said second actuator is positioned outside of said base structure.

19. The watercraft lift of claim 17, wherein said first lifting assembly is attached to an outside of said first side of said base structure and wherein said second lifting assembly is attached to an outside of said second side of said base structure.

20. The watercraft lift of claim 17, wherein said first lifting assembly is positioned outside of said base structure and wherein said second lifting assembly is positioned outside of said base structure.