Access opening and ramp for boats

Abstract

Access openings and ramps for boats are detailed. Collar assemblies may include segments split in one or more ways and adapted to unfold, or otherwise open, along the splits to form ramps extending outward from the hulls of associated boats. Alternatively, portions of the segments may be removable. Boats with rigid hulls and foam (or other) fenders may include hinged segments of the hulls and fenders that open both to expose access openings into the boats and create ramps.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A boat comprising: 
 a. a hull; and    b. a collar assembly or sidewall having a segment connected directly or indirectly to the hull, the segment being moveable with respect to the collar assembly or sidewall so as to create an access opening allowing entry onto or exit from the boat.    
     
     
         2 . A boat according to  claim 1  in which, when the access opening is created, the segment forms a ramp.  
     
     
         3 . A boat according to  claim 2  in which the boat comprises a tubular collar assembly and the segment likewise is tubular and contains foam material.  
     
     
         4 . A boat according to  claim 3  in which the segment comprises connected first and second portions, the first portion being moveable relative to the second portion so as to create the access opening.  
     
     
         5 . A boat according to  claim 4  in which the first and second portions are connected along an axis and the first portion rotates about the axis so as to create the access opening.  
     
     
         6 . A boat according to  claim 5  further comprising means for latching the first portion to the hull in a closed position, thereby eliminating the access opening.  
     
     
         7 . A boat according to  claim 6  in which at least part of the latching means functions as a step when the access opening is created.  
     
     
         8 . A boat according to  claim 6  in which rotation of the first portion about the axis exposes at least one handle attached to either the first portion or the second portion.  
     
     
         9 . A boat according to  claim 8  in which, when the first portion is latched in the closed position, the at least one handle is not exposed.  
     
     
         10 . A boat according to  claim 5  in which the first portion rotates about the axis until it abuts the hull  
     
     
         11 . A boat according to  claim 1  in which the boat comprises a sidewall.  
     
     
         12 . A boat according to  claim 11  further comprising hinges connecting the sidewall to the hull.  
     
     
         13 . A boat according to claim  111  in which, when the access opening is created, the segment forms a ramp.  
     
     
         14 . A boat according to  claim 11  in which the segment comprises a rigid portion to which a fender is attached.  
     
     
         15 . A boat according to  claim 14  in which the fender comprises foam material.  
     
     
         16 . A boat according to  claim 15  further comprising a step attached to the segment.  
     
     
         17 . A boat according to  claim 15  further comprising means for latching the segment in a closed position, thereby eliminating the access opening.