Marine vessel maintenance apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus includes a buoyant frame that surrounds a space, and a net mounted to the buoyant frame such that the net extends across the space. The frame includes a plurality of linear segments, each including a respective structural member, foam, and a shell that covers the structural member and the foam. The apparatus may be placed on the surface of water adjacent to a boat to catch tools, replacement parts, etc. that may be dropped during boat repair or maintenance, thereby saving expensive tools and parts from being lost or damaged.

1 . A method comprising:
 possessing an apparatus having a buoyant frame that surrounds a space and a net mounted to the buoyant frame such that the net extends across the space;   placing the apparatus on the surface of a body of water adjacent a boat and such that the net is generally horizontal and covers a portion of the surface of the body of water; and   performing maintenance on the boat with tools or parts above the net.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a plurality of linear segments;
 wherein each linear segment includes a respective rigid structural member, foam, and a shell that covers the structural member and the foam.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the rigid structural members are aluminum. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein at least two of the linear segments includes a respective rail defining a groove; and
 wherein the apparatus includes a shelf that extends into the grooves and across the space.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising placing tools or parts on the shelf. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the apparatus includes at least one magnet mounted to the shelf or one of the segments. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising a tray magnetically attached to the magnet. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus comprising:
 a buoyant frame that surrounds a space;   a net mounted to the buoyant frame such that the net extends across the space;   wherein the frame includes a plurality of linear segments;   wherein each linear segment includes a respective rigid structural member, foam, and a shell that covers the structural member and the foam;   wherein at least two of the linear segments includes a respective rail defining a groove; and   wherein the apparatus includes a shelf that extends into the grooves and across the space.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the length and width of the net do not exceed six feet; and
 wherein the net defines a plurality of holes, each of the holes being no larger than ⅛ inches in any dimension.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the segments are selectively pivotable relative to the other segments such that the apparatus is collapsible.