Retractable bumper system and method

A boat bumper system secured to a vessel comprising:

• a bumper plate, having a generally “L” shaped cross-section formed by first and second portions, said first portion of said generally “L” shaped bumper plate disposed horizontally proximate a top region of said bumper and configured to serve as a step for entrance to and exit from said vessel, said second portion coupled to said first portion forming said generally “L” shaped cross-section and configured to serve as a bumper element, said bumper plate including a layer of shock-absorbing material;
• means for moving said bumper plate between a retracted position wherein said bumper plate is disposed proximate said vessel and an extended position wherein said bumper plate is disposed distal from said vessel, wherein in said distal position, said bumper plate is configured to serve both as a bumper and a step;
• and
• a positioning selector coupled to said means for moving for allowing a user to choose between an in-use position wherein said bumper plate is disposed in said extended position and a non-use position wherein said bumper plate is disposed in said retracted position.

A boat bumper for use with a vessel comprising:

• a bumper plate having a generally “L” shaped cross-section formed by first and second portions, said first portion of said generally “L” shaped bumper plate disposed horizontally proximate a top region of said bumper and configured to serve as a step for entrance to and exit from said vessel, said second portion coupled to said first portion forming said generally “L” shaped cross-section and configured to serve as a bumper element,;
• a positioning mechanism adapted to be secured to said vessel and said bumper plate, said positioning mechanism including at least one cylinder and at least one piston disposed within said at least one cylinder;
• and
• a positioning selector, said positioning including a first position wherein said at least one piston is substantially disposed within said at least one cylinder and a second position wherein said at least one piston is extended from said at least one cylinder relative to said first position.

A bumper system for a vessel comprising:

• a bumper plate having a generally “L” shaped cross-section formed by first and second portions, said first portion of said generally “L” shaped bumper plate disposed horizontally proximate a top region of said bumper and configured to serve as a step for entrance to and exit from said vessel, said second portion coupled to said first portion forming said generally “L” shaped cross-section and configured to serve as a bumper element,;
• a positioning mechanism secured to said bumper plate, said position mechanism configured to move said bumper plate between a retracted position wherein said bumper plate is disposed proximate said vessel and an extended position wherein said bumper plate is disposed distal from said vessel;
• and
• a controller for selecting between said extended and said retracted positions.