Snap-in, rope loop step pad

Abstract

An individual step pad which can be incorporated into any loop of rope or dock line. The step pad provides a permanent or temporary rescue and utility footing in combination with a piece of rope. The step pad comprises a step pad portion, the step pad portion having a generally flat upper surface, a lower surface, upper edges, a predetermined thickness and lengthwise ends. The step pad portion further has two rope receiving notches in the lengthwise ends each consisting of a semi-circular groove extending vertically through the step pad, the semi-circular groove having a predetermined diameter, whereby the piece of rope is captured within the semi-circular groove of the notches on either end of the step pad. The device is portable and can float, and when installed in a loop of rope, can be thrown to a person in the water or in another boat, etc. The device can accommodate ropes or dock lines of different sizes, the device being secured at either end by a rope of a predetermined size fitted into one of the rope notches at either end of the device, rendering the device infinitely adaptable to ropes of various operative dimensions. A method for using the step pad is also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.