Flotation mat extension, retraction and storage apparatus

A flotation mat storage apparatus configured to extend onto and retract from a body of water a flotation mat with a first laterally extending edge, said apparatus comprising:

• first and second spaced apart support members, both support members including an upper and a lower end, the first and second spaced apart support members secured to a boat dock;
• a connecting member extending between the first and second spaced apart support members proximate the lower end of the support members;
• first and second slidable members mounted to the first and second spaced apart support members, wherein the first and second slidable members further each comprise longitudinally opposed upper and lower ends;
• (i) a rotatable shaft with a first and second end, the rotatable shaft extending between the upper ends of the first and second slidable members;
• (ii) a bracing member extending between the lower ends of the first and second slidable members;
• a first rotation member mounted to the first end of the rotatable shaft for rotation of the shaft;
• and
• at least one lift-assist member with a first end and a second end, the first end of the at least one lift-assist member mounted to at least one of (i) the bracing member, (ii) the first support member, or (iii) the second support member, wherein the lift-assist member aids in the raising and lowering of the first and second slidable members and rotatable shaft when supporting the weight of the flotation mat.

A flotation mat storage apparatus configured to extend onto and retract from a body of water a flotation mat with a first laterally extending edge, said apparatus comprising:

• first and second spaced apart support members, both support members including an upper and a lower end, the first and second spaced apart support members secured to a boat dock;
• a connecting member extending between the first and second spaced apart support members proximate the lower end of the support members;
• first and second slidable members mounted to the first and second spaced apart support members, wherein the first and second slidable members further each comprise longitudinally opposed upper and lower ends;
• at least two slider bearings mounted to each of the slidable members to facilitate translation of the slidable members along the first and second spaced apart support members;
• (i) a rotatable shaft with a first and second end, the rotatable shaft extending between the upper ends of the first and second slidable members;
• (ii) a bracing member extending between the lower ends of the first and second slidable members;
• at least two roller guides disposed atop the bracing member to lessen frictional resistance of the mat rubbing against the bracing member during extension and retraction of the mat;
• at least two mat spool prevention rails each with a first and a second end, the first end of each mat spool prevention rail secured to the bracing member to facilitate even extension and retraction of the flotation mat;
• a first rotation member mounted to the first end of the rotatable shaft for rotation of the shaft;
• a drive chain connecting the first rotation member to a second rotation member rotatably mounted to the first slidable member;
• a drive motor operable to rotate the second rotation member for powered rotation of the rotatable shaft;
• and
• at least one lift-assist member with a first end and a second end, the first end of the at least one lift-assist member mounted to at least one of (i) the bracing member, (ii) the first support member, or (iii) the second support member, wherein the lift-assist member aids in the raising and lowering of the first and second slidable members and rotatable shaft when supporting the weight of the flotation mat.

A flotation mat storage apparatus configured to extend onto and retract from a body of water a flotation mat with a laterally extending edge, said apparatus comprising:

• first and second rigid members for attachment to the underside of deck support cross-members of a watercraft, each rigid member comprising first and second longitudinally opposed ends;
• first and second spaced-apart support members each with an upper and a lower end, the lower ends of the first and second spaced apart support members pivotally secured respectively to the second ends of the at least two rigid members;
• a first and second lift-assist member each with a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the lift-assist members are mounted respectively proximate to the second ends of the first and second spaced-apart rigid members and the second ends of the lift-assist members are mounted respectively proximate to the first ends of the first and second spaced-apart support members, wherein the lift-assist members aid in the raising and lowering of the first and second spaced-apart support members when supporting the weight of the flotation mat;
• a connecting member extending between the first and second spaced-apart support members proximate a mid-point of the support members;
• a rotatable shaft with a first and second end, the rotatable shaft disposed between the upper ends of the first and second spaced-apart support members;
• and
• a first rotation member mounted to the first end of the rotatable shaft for rotation of the shaft.

A flotation mat storage apparatus configured to extend onto and retract from a body of water a flotation mat with a laterally extending edge, said apparatus comprising:

• first and second spaced-apart support members, both support members comprising an upper and a lower end, wherein an axle member is secured to the lower end of each of the first and second spaced-apart support members;
• a connecting member extending between the first and second spaced apart support members proximate the lower end of the support members;
• a rotatable shaft with a first and second end, the first and second ends mounted to the upper ends of the first and second spaced-apart support members;
• and
• a first rotation member mounted to the first end of the rotatable shaft for rotation of the shaft.