Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for attaching a safety device to the hull of a boat. In one embodiment, the safety device is a net that is held tightly in tension against the hull. The net is attached to the boat while it is in the water, and if the weather or sea state is threatening. If the boat capsizes, there will be sufficient tightness of the net against the hull such that the arms of an unconscious person can be placed through the netting, and the person will be kept safely above the water line. In yet other embodiments, a sheathing is attached to the hull that is a substantially continuous cover. The cover is attached to the boat prior to beaching the boat and protects the hull against abrasion by sharp objects.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/233,691, filed Aug. 13, 2009, entitled BOAT SAFETY NET, and Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/326,916, filed Apr. 22, 2010, entitled HULL PROTECTIVE DEVICE, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Various embodiments of the present invention pertain to a net or sheath for marine use, and in particular some embodiments relate to safety and protective devices for a boat. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There is continuing need for safety devices in the marine environment. A need for a new type of safety device was shown in the tragedy that occurred in early March 2009 in which four NFL players were put into the Gulf of Mexico after their boat capsized. Only one of the players survived. 
         [0004]    Although their boat was capsized, the hull of the boat remained floating above the waterline. However, it is difficult to maintain a grip on a boat hull, which is typically a smooth, arching surface. In addition, even if a person were able to maintain a hold on the hull, the person would have to be conscious and have reasonable strength to do so. If the person became unconscious, there is no easy way to attach or lash them to the boat hull. Further, if the person becomes weak, he can lose his grip. 
         [0005]    Various embodiments of the present invention provide an improved safety device for a capsized boat. Yet other embodiments pertain to a method of protecting a boat hull when beached. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    One aspect of the present invention pertains to an apparatus for attaching a net to a boat. Some embodiments include a floatation device having a length, and a flexible handle attached to the device. Still other embodiments include a plurality of springs, each being spaced apart along the length. Some embodiments include a plurality of finger-operable clasps, each clasp being attached to one of the springs. 
         [0007]    Another aspect of the present invention pertains to a method for attaching a device on the hull of a boat, such as a flexible sheath. Yet other embodiments include attaching a first portion of the sheath to a first location on one side of the bow of the boat, and attaching a second portion of the sheath spaced apart from the first portion to a second location on the other side of the bow of the boat. Some embodiments include placing the unattached portions of the sheath into the water in front of the bow and attaching the sheath to a third location on a side of the boat at a longitudinal position intermediate of the bow and stern. Still other embodiments include attaching a fourth portion of the sheath to a fourth location on the side of the boat, and tensioning the attached sheath against the hull of the boat. 
         [0008]    Yet another aspect of the present invention pertains to an apparatus for attachment over the hull of a boat. Some embodiments include a flexible sheath having a length shorter than the length of the boat. Other embodiments include a pair of floatation devices, each device attached to the sheath proximate to one of the ends. Still other embodiments include a line attached to at least one of the floatation devices for pulling the floatation device in the water and a handle attached to each said device. The sheath tightly covers a portion of the hull of the boat. The other end of said sheath is attached to the boat proximate the bow, and each handle is attached to the boat on opposing sides of the boat intermediate of the bow and the stern. 
         [0009]    It will be appreciated that the various apparatus and methods described in this summary section, as well as elsewhere in this application, can be expressed as a large number of different combinations and subcombinations. All such useful, novel, and inventive combinations and subcombinations are contemplated herein, it being recognized that the explicit expression of each of these combinations is unnecessary. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a top and right side perspective view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  shows the apparatus of  FIG. 1  installed. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  shows the apparatus of  FIG. 2  after the boat has capsized. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a top, right side perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a top, right side perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a top and right side perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  shows the apparatus of  FIG. 6  installed on a boat that has been beached. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  shows a side, perspective view of a flotation and attachment device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a side and frontal perspective view of a safety device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a modified cross-sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0020]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. At least one embodiment of the present invention will be described and shown, and this application may show and/or describe other embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that any reference to “the invention” is a reference to an embodiment of a family of inventions, with no single embodiment including an apparatus, process, or composition that should be included in all embodiments, unless otherwise stated. 
         [0021]    The use of an N-series prefix for an element number (NXX.XX) refers to an element that is the same as the non-prefixed element (XX.XX), except as shown and described thereafter. As an example, an element 1020.1 would be the same as element 20.1, except for those different features of element 1020.1 shown and described. Further, common elements and common features of related elements are drawn in the same manner in different figures, and/or use the same symbology in different figures. As such, it is not necessary to describe the features of 1020.1 and 20.1 that are the same, since these common features are apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the related field of technology. Although various specific quantities (spatial dimensions, temperatures, pressures, times, force, resistance, current, voltage, concentrations, wavelengths, frequencies, heat transfer coefficients, dimensionless parameters, etc.) may be stated herein, such specific quantities are presented as examples only, and further, unless otherwise noted, are approximate values, and should be considered as if the word “about” prefaced each quantity. Further, with discussion pertaining to a specific composition of matter, that description is by example only, and does not limit the applicability of other species of that composition, nor does it limit the applicability of other compositions unrelated to the cited composition. 
         [0022]    Various embodiments of the present invention pertain to a net that is used as a safety device. In one embodiment, the net is attached to the boat and extends tightly against the underside of the hull of the boat. Should the boat capsize, the netting is available to hold in safety the former occupants of the boat. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the netting is adapted and configured to first be attached to the boat at one or two locations. The user of the boat can then slowly motor the boat over the net. As the net sits under the hull of the boat, one or two other locations of the netting can be attached to other portions of the boat. The netting is preferably stretched tightly by applying tension at the boat attachment points. The tensioned netting preferably conforms closely to the shape of the hull. 
         [0024]    In some applications, the netting is stretched across the hull of the boat. This can be accomplished by having one or more elastic features in the netting or in the attachment of the netting to boat, or a tensioning device in the boat itself (such as a hand-operated winch). In these applications, the netting is pulled tightly enough to be able to constrain a limb of a user within the netting if the boat has capsized. 
         [0025]    In yet other embodiments, the netting includes a plurality of attachment ears. These attachment ears are connected to the boat above the water line. In one embodiment, the ears that attach to the rear of the boat include a sinking weight and a bobber. The sinker is attached at the outermost portion of the ear, and has sufficient weight to cause the outermost portion of the ear to sink. A bobber is placed inwardly from the location of the sinker, and has sufficient buoyancy to cause the innermost part of the ear to float. In this manner, the outer edges of the ears are projecting downwardly from the surface of the water. 
         [0026]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention pertains to the use of a sheath as a safety or protective device when pulled tightly against a portion of the bow of a boat. Preferably, the sheath (whether a net or continuous covering) has a width that is sufficient to wrap around the hull at its widest point, and extending up to the gunwale or side of the boat. In yet other embodiments, the length of the sheath is sufficient to extend from the bow of the boat to a point forward of the boat&#39;s rudder and propulsion system, so as to not be entangled therein. 
         [0027]    In yet another embodiment, the sunken portion of the ear includes a length of rope or cable attached proximate to the sinkers. In this way, as the boat is motored over the net, an occupant of the boat can pull the length of the rope and thereby pull the attachment ears toward the rear of the boat. This additional length of rope is also useful in those situations in which the boat cannot be driven over the net (such as due to a motor failure), and the net must be pulled by the occupants underneath the boat. 
         [0028]    Yet other embodiments of the present invention pertain to a sheathing that can be attached to the boat so as to protect the hull. This sheathing is preferably fabricated from a smooth, tear-resistant material. The sheathing is attached to opposite sides of the boat, and pulled tightly against the hull. The sheathing protects the bottom of the boat if the boat is beached. 
         [0029]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention pertains to a device for attaching a net or sheath to a boat. In some embodiments, the attachment device includes a plurality of tensioning springs that can be easily detached and reattached to the netting or sheathing. For instance, as a person uses one hand to pull the netting tight against the hull, the person can use his free hand can manipulate a clasp to unhook a spring from the netting and reattach it at a different position so as to provide tautness in the netting. 
         [0030]    In yet another embodiment, there is an attachment device for tightly tensioning a netting or sheathing against the hull of a boat. The attachment device includes a flexible, resilient handle that can be used both to pull the device and the attached netting out of the water, and further can be wrapped around a portion of the boat such as a cleat. The handle is fabricated from an elastic material that can maintain a state of tension over a prolonged period of time. 
         [0031]    In yet other embodiments, the attachment device includes a floatation device to which various springs and a handle are attached. The floatation device has a soft, conforming surface that will not abrade the side of the boat. In some embodiments, the device is fabricated from material that qualifies the device as a Class III personal floatation device. In such embodiments, the attachment device can be detached from the net, and used by an individual to maintain buoyancy in the water. In such embodiments the handle is adapted and configured to be placed around the arm or leg of a person. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 1-3  depict an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. A boat  20  has attached to it a net assembly  40 . Net assembly  40  includes a central netting portion  42  with a plurality of ears  44  placed around the periphery. A pair of ears  44  LF and  44  RF are attached at the left front and right front, respectively, to attachments  26  of boat  20 . In one embodiment, ears  44  LF and  44  RF are extensions of central portion  42  and can also include localized reinforced areas for attachment, such as to a typical cleat  28 . However, the various embodiments of the present invention are not constrained to attachment to a cleat, and can include attachment ears that can be coupled to the hand railing of the boat, or to other connection points within the boat, as examples. 
         [0033]    Central portion  42  of netting  40  extends generally in front of boat  20 . The net can be thrown forward by the occupants of the boat after first attaching the ears  44  LF and  44  RF to the front of the boat. The front central edge of net  40  is located generally under the forwardmost part of the bow of the boat. Ears  44  LF and  44  RF are each twisted 180 degrees relative to the central portion when it extends forward of the bow. 
         [0034]    As best seen in  FIG. 2 , boat  20  can be motored over the central portion  42  of net  40  such that ears  44  LR and  44  RR can be attached at the rear cleats  28  of boat  20  on the left and right sides, respectively. Once all four ears are attached to boat  20 , the ears are preferably pulled snug so as to apply tension throughout the central portion  42  of net  40 . In some embodiments, this tension can be applied by simply removing an ear from its corresponding cleat, pulling on the ear, and reattaching it to the cleat at a different location within the ear. The present invention contemplates any manner of tightening net  40  against the hull  24  of boat  20 , including the use of any hand-operated winches or elastic rubber connections. 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  depicts boat  20  after it has capsized. Most of central portion  42  of netting  40  extends in a tight pattern over hull  24 . The netting provides an easy apparatus by which a former occupant of the boat can hold onto the boat without the need to tread water. Further, in those embodiments in which net  42  is held tightly against bow  24 , a person can couple themselves to the capsized boat (or couple another person to the boat) by placing an arm or other limb through one of the openings in the net. The tight arrangement of the net against the hull will make it difficult for the limb to be removed. Such coupling could be used with an unconscious or weak person. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of the present invention. Net assembly  140  is similar to net assembly  40 , except that net assembly  40  includes features adapted and configured for attaching the net to the boat. Net assembly  140  includes ears  144  LR and  144  RR that include one or more sinkers  150  preferably attached to the outermost portion of the ear. Also connected to the outermost portion of the ear is one end of a length of rope or cable  146  that extends back to an occupant on boat  20 . The innermost portion of ears  144  LR and  144  RR each include a bobber  152  that has sufficient buoyancy to overcome the weight of sinkers  150 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  shows a manner of attaching a safety net to a boat in which it is not necessary to motor the boat over the net. Sinkers  150  maintain a length of the corresponding ear pointed downward in the water. This orientation separates the attachment point of cable  146  from the central body  142  (the central body being buoyant). Bobbers  142  limit the sinking of the ear, and further provide visual indication of the location of the ears. As the occupant pulls cables  146  on either side of netting  140 , the netting is pulled under and around the hull. Attachment of the ears  144  LR and  144  RR can now be made to the respective cleat  128 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of the present invention. Net  240  is similar to nets  40  and  140 , except that net  240  includes a single attachment ear  244  C that is centered about body portion  242 , and is preferably coupled to the tip of the bow of the boat. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show another embodiment of the present invention. A boat  320  has attached to it a sheath assembly  340 . Sheath  340  includes a central sheathing portion  342  with a plurality of ears  344  placed around the periphery. A pair of ears  344  LF and  344  RF are attached at the left front and right front, respectively, to attachments  326  of boat  320 . In one embodiment, ears  344  LF and  344  RF are extensions of central portion  342  and can also include localized reinforced areas for attachment, such as to a typical cleat  328 . However, the various embodiments of the present invention are not constrained to attachment to a cleat, and can include attachment ears that can be coupled to the hand railing of the boat, or to other connection points within the boat, as examples. 
         [0040]    Central portion  342  of sheathing  340  extends generally in front of boat  320 . The sheath can be thrown forward by the occupants of the boat after first attaching the ears  344  LF and  344  RF to the front of the boat. The front central edge of sheath  340  is located generally under the forward most part of the bow of the boat. Ears  344  LF and  344  RF are each twisted 180 degrees relative to the central portion when it extends forward of the bow. 
         [0041]      FIG. 7  shows a boat on which a sheath  340  has been attached. The boat has been beached on sand. Sheath  340  prevents the sand from abrading the bottom of the boat. In some embodiments, sheath  340  is fabricated from a synthetic material with good strength and abrasion resistance, such as Nylon® from DuPont. In some embodiments the sheath is reinforced at the edges with a filament (such as Nylon rope). Also, there can be a plurality of filaments extending in a reinforcing pattern (such as the pattern of net  40 ) either within or on one side of the sheath. 
         [0042]    Although what has been shown and described is a sheath or net assembly  40  including a plurality of ears  44  for attaching the sheath  40  to the boat, yet other embodiments of the present invention contemplate alternative means of attachment to the boat.  FIG. 8  shows an attachment device  460  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Attachment device  460  includes a generally cylindrical flotation device  461 . In some embodiments, flotation device  461  is adapted and configured to comply with U.S. Coast Guard Class III requirements for a personal floatation device, and in yet other embodiments, floatation device  461  is configured to support sheath  440  from sinking, and further to provide a soft interface between sheath assembly  440  and the surface of the boat. 
         [0043]    In one embodiment, floatation device  461  includes a handle  462  used both for pulling on sheath  440 , and further for coupling of device  460  to a cleat  428 . In some embodiments, handle  462  is a substantially flexible length of an elastomeric compound that can be stretched to extend around cleat  428 , and further to maintain a state of tension. In yet other embodiments, handle  462  can include a handle portion of limited or no flexibility that is coupled to device  461  by a material or component capable of maintaining tension between the limited flexibility handle and device  461 . In some embodiments, this attachment portion can be elastomeric straps, and in yet other embodiments this portion can be tensioning springs. 
         [0044]    Further coupled to device  461  are a plurality of tensioning devices  464 . These devices  464  couple at one end to device  461 , and at the other end to sheath  440 . In some embodiments, the tensioning devices  464  and the handle  462  have attachment points to the device  461  that are spaced apart from one another, so as to minimize the concentration of stress within the device  461 . In the example as shown, device  461  is attached by three tensioning devices  464  that are equally spaced along the length of device  461 . Handle  462  is attached to device  461  at points intermediate and in between the tensioning device attachment points. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , tension devices  464  are coil springs, preferably fabricated from a material such as stainless steel. As one example, each spring has a preload and spring constant adapted and configured to extend several inches upon application of a force in excess of about  20  pounds. However, it is understood that the size and load characteristics of the springs can be adjusted as required to account for the use of multiple springs, and for the strength characteristics of different types of individuals. Further, although what has been shown and described is a coiled tension spring, various embodiments of the present invention contemplate springs that are elastomeric straps, and springs of other configurations. 
         [0046]    At the other end of each spring  464  is a finger-operable clasp  466  which couples spring  464  to a selected portion of sheath  440 . Preferably, each clasp  466  is adapted and configured to be of a closed configuration, but openable by manipulation of the fingers and thumb of one hand.  FIG. 7  shows a plurality of different types of clasps  466 , although it is understood that this is by way of example only, and that it would be more typical to configure device  460  to have clasps of the same configuration. 
         [0047]    Clasp  466   a  is a carabiner type of fitting, having a pivoting section that is biased to close an opening. Clasp  466   b  shows a D hook type of clasp, in which one end of the clasp is attached permanently to the spring, and the other end of the clasp includes a finger-operable sliding link that can be manipulated to open the clasping end. Clasp  466   c  is similar to that of  466   b , except including finger operable sliding links at each end of the clasp assembly. 
         [0048]    Although several different types of clasps have been shown and described, the present invention is not so constrained and yet other embodiments contemplate the use of any type of clasp in which one end is attachable to the spring and the other end can be readily and easily manipulated by one hand to be fastened or unfastened to the rungs of a net. Yet other embodiments of the present invention contemplate various means for releasably attaching (or snap attaching) the floatation device to the net, wherein the means includes, as examples, carabiners, snap hooks, pelican hooks, chain hooks, swivel snap shackles, swivel-eye boat snaps, swivel snaps, or any type of hook that is biased or snaps to a closed configuration, and including those that are permanently attached or swaged onto the end of the spring. 
         [0049]    Further coupled to one end of device  461  is a hook  468 . This hook in one embodiment is a substantially closed eyelet, to which a line such as nylon rope is connected. However, it is understood that in other embodiments of the present invention hook  468  can be coupled to an open hook on a long pole. 
         [0050]    Device  460  can be used to attach any type of sheathing, whether open as a net or closed as a cover, to the hull of a boat. There is no need for the attachment ears  444  shown earlier, although some embodiments envision a combination of both a device  460  and an ear  444  to be used in conjunction. 
         [0051]    In one embodiment of the present invention, a sheath  40  is attached on opposite sides of the boat and proximate to the bow. Preferably, the sheath  40  is taut between the two connection points, or at least does not contain excess, folded sheathing material. In some embodiments, a pair of attachment devices  460  are used to couple the sheath to the boat, although in other embodiments the sheathing or net can be attached directly to the boat, or attached to the boat in any manner. 
         [0052]    After attachment of sheath  40  to the bow, the remainder of the net with a pair of floatation devices  60  attached to it is placed in the water in front of the boat. Each floatation device  61  is adapted and configured to float the weight of sheath  40 . A line or a pole with a hook is attached to each hook  68  of device  60 . A first device  60  is placed generally in front of the boat on one side, and the other attachment device  60  is located generally in front of the boat on the other side. One person pulls the line and device on the port side of the boat, underneath the hull, back to a longitudinal position intermediate of the bow and stern. Another person (or the same person, after first loosely attaching the first side), pulls the other line and attachment device  60  under the boat and toward a longitudinal position intermediate of the bow and stern on the starboard side of the boat. 
         [0053]    After each device  60  is located in the water relatively close to the desired attachment point (such as a cleat), the device  60  is pulled out of the water and the handle is attached around the cleat. Although what has been shown and described is the attachment of a device  60  to a cleat by way of a flexible handle, it is further understood that other securement means can be used, including rigging lines. 
         [0054]    After the first device is loosely attached to a cleat, the device on the opposite side of the boat is likewise pulled up, and the handle is attached to a cleat on that side of the boat. The sheath  40  can now be tightly tensioned against the hull. If the sheath  40  is not sufficiently tight, then the operator can pull upward on sheath  40 , disconnect a clasp, and reconnect the clasp so as to maintain tension. The other clasps on that device can further be detached, the sheath pulled tight, and the clasps reattached. The process of tensioning, detaching, and reattaching can continue until sheath  40  is sufficiently tensioned against the hull. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show an attachment and safety assembly  560  that includes a pair of modified attachment devices  560 - 1  and  560 - 2  that each include a floatation device  561 - 1  and  561 - 2 , respectively, with means for self-storing other components, such as netting  540 , springs  564 , and clasps  566 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 9  shows a pair of safety and attachment devices  560 - 1  and  560 - 2  that are coupled together in a parallel configuration by a pair of straps  563 . Straps  563  are placed at either end of the assembly of the two attachment devices and firmly join them together. The handles  562  extend outwardly, and provide a convenient means for carrying the assembly. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , both handles  562  extend from the same side of the assembly. However, other embodiments of the present invention contemplate other locations for placement of the straps, including straps on opposite sides (right and left sides, as seen in  FIG. 9 ), especially in those embodiments in which the opposite strap locations are preferable when using device  560  as a personal floatation device. Further, it is understood that the assembly  560  shown in  FIG. 9  could further be protectively wrapped in a material, such as a clear shrink wrapping to keep dirt, water, and debris out of the interior of assembly  560  until it is time to use it. Still further, although the pair of devices are shown in a parallel configuration, it is understood that yet other embodiments contemplate two or more devices that are arranged in a co-linear fashion. The netting remains internal to the devices and extends from a rightmost end of the internal volume to the leftmost end of the internal volume. In addition, although  FIG. 9  shows two devices  560  arranged side by side, yet other embodiments contemplate an arrangement of three or four devices arranged in parallel in a triangular or quadrilateral configuration, respectively. In such embodiments, it is preferable that the openings of the internal volume all be generally facing one another, to facilitate storage of the netting among them. 
         [0058]      FIG. 10  is a cutaway view of the left side of device  560 , showing a cutaway of attachment device  560 - 1 . It is appreciated that the cutaway line jogs through a spring attachment location and a handle attachment location.  FIG. 10  shows that floatation device  561 - 1  is fabricated from a generally rectangular piece of material that is placed into a C-shaped configuration. Preferably, the material of device  561 - 1  is generally soft and conformable to a surface, and preferably a material that retains a floatation quality, especially for certification as a Class III safety device. In some embodiments, the planned shape of device  561 - 1  is rectangular, and is able to expand back to a rectangular shape after release from straps  563 . However, in yet other embodiments, the material of device  561 - 1  is formed into a C-shape, and retains that general shape even after release from straps  563 . Yet other embodiments include a device  561 - 1  that is fabricated from a empty cylinder, with an arc of the cylinder removed for storage of the netting, or with a parting line introduced along one side to allow access to the interior. 
         [0059]    Floatation device  561 - 1  as shown in  FIG. 10  defines an internal volume  561 . 1 . Referring back to  FIG. 9 , the ends  561 . 2  of the C-shape generally oppose each other in one direction, and further oppose in a different direction the ends of the C-shape of the device  561 - 2 . Although what has been shown and described is a quantity of material that has been formed into a C-shape, yet other embodiments contemplate other configurations, including configurations that are substantially circular, such as where the ends of the C-shape are in contact. Further, yet other embodiments contemplate other cross-sectional shapes, including rounded triangular shapes and square shapes, as examples. 
         [0060]    Safety netting  540  is folded and stored within the internal volume  561 . 1  of the stored device  560 - 1 . In those embodiments in which multiple devices  560  are coupled to each other (such as in  FIG. 9 ), about half of netting  540  is stored in the internal space of a first attachment device  560 - 1 , and the remainder is stored in the internal volume of the other attachment device.  FIG. 10  shows a portion of netting extending toward the right, where it would couple to the other half of the stored netting (not shown). 
         [0061]    Again referring to  FIG. 10 , spring  564  can be stored within the thickness of the material of floatation device  561 . 1 , and further since the netting  540  is readily conforming, a portion of spring  564  can also extend into internal volume  561 . 1 . Netting  540  is shown stored and already attached by a clasp  566   a  to the end of spring  564 . The other end of spring  564  is shown coupled to floatation device  561 - 1  by way of a mushroom head that extends beyond a washer or grommet  565 . 
         [0062]    Assembly  560  is shown in  FIG. 9  in a storage configuration, with a pair of straps  563  coupling together a pair of attachment devices  560  storing within them netting  540 . This compact configuration is easily and neatly stored on the boat. Further, if necessary, device  560  can be thrown overboard as a single floatation device, with the swimmer holding on to one or both straps  562 . 
         [0063]    However, if the users of the boat sense threatening conditions, then the straps  563  (and shrink wrap) can be removed for deployment of the netting. After the two attachment devices  560 - 1  and  560 - 2  are separated, the netting extends between them, which further unfolds to reveal a forward portion for attachment to the bow. After the forward portion is attached to the bow (such as to cleats on the bow), the remainder of the netting and the two separated attachment devices are pulled back along the boat, such that netting  540  extends underneath the boat and over the hull. The handles  562  are subsequently coupled to the boat (such as to cleats located mid-ships), and the netting can be placed in tension as previously described. When the net is placed in tension, floatation device  561 - 1  opens to a flatter shape. 
         [0064]    While the inventions have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.