Lift apparatus

Abstract

A lift apparatus for use in varying the height of a boat gunwale. In one non-limiting embodiment, the lift apparatus comprises an elongated sleeve, an extension rod, a toggle switch, at least one extension rod securement member, and an over-extension preventer.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A lift apparatus for use in varying the height of a boat gunwale, comprising:
 an elongated sleeve, said sleeve defines a top end, a bottom end, and a sleeve interior, said top end of said sleeve includes an aperture;   an extension rod located in said elongated sleeve, said extension rod is tubular in construction with an exterior surface, said extension rod defines an opening in its exterior surface and said extension rod is extendable out of and conversely retractable into said sleeve interior via said aperture in said top end of said sleeve;   a toggle switch, said toggle switch defines opposite top and bottom ends thereof, top end of said toggle switch faces towards said top end of said elongated sleeve, said top end of said toggle switch is angled inwards towards the exterior surface of said extension rod, said bottom end includes a flat surface angled to prevent movement of said extension rod back inside said top end of said elongated sleeve, said toggle switch is moveable between a default position that protrudes through said opening in the exterior surface of said extension rod and a forced compressed position wherein said flat surface of said bottom end of said toggle switch is resiliently retracted inside said extension rod;   at least one extension rod securement member for reducing lateral movement of said extension rod inside said sleeve, said at least one extension rod securement member being located inside said sleeve, wherein said extension rod is in slidable engagement with said at least one extension rod securement member, said at least one extension rod securement member has an inner diameter, said inner diameter is interrupted by a through-notch to slidably accommodate said toggle switch in its default position when said extension rod is retracted into said elongated sleeve; and   a rod over-extension preventer.   
     
     
         2 . A lift apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a gunwale support member.