Stern platform ladder

Claim 1

A swim platform ladder for a boat, comprising: a panel adapted to fit in an opening in a swim platform of a boat, said panel having a top side and an underside; first hinge means for mounting the panel to the boat to pivot about a horizontal axis between a closed position in which the panel is generally horizontal and in the plane of the swim platform and an open position in which the panel is generally vertical and above the plane of the swim platform; an upper ladder portion fixed to the underside of the panel so as to pivot about the first hinge means axis with the platform, said upper ladder portion having hand rails extending above the swim platform in the open position; a lower ladder portion below the upper ladder portion in the open position, said lower ladder portion having at least one rung; second hinge means for providing a joint between the upper ladder portion and the lower ladder portion for pivoting said portions relative to one another about a horizontal axis which is parallel to the first hinge means axis; at least one control link having two ends; third hinge means for pivotally connecting one end of each control link to the boat to rotate about a horizontal axis which is parallel to the first hinge means axis; fourth hinge means for pivotally connecting the other end of each control link to the lower ladder portion for rotation about a horizontal axis which is parallel to the first hinge means axis; locking means for securing the panel in the open position; and wherein moving the panel into the open position deploys the ladder to extend downwardly beneath the platform and moving the panel into the closed position folds the ladder to stow it, under the panel.