Wetsuit containment system

Abstract

A wetsuit containment system and method of using the same. Preferably, the system comprises a bag member defining a peripheral edge and having external and internal portions. A cinching strap is disposed within the peripheral edge so as to cause the bag member to selectively transition from an open configuration, which defines a platform surface of approximately 40 inches in diameter, or less, within which a person can stand and remove a wetsuit, and a second closed configuration, which enables the wetsuit to remain contained within the interior portion of the bag member. Fastening means may be provided to enable the bag member to selectively stay maintained in the second closed configuration. The cinching strap may further be designed as a pair of opposed loop members to facilitate the ability of a bag to transition between the open and closed configurations. The strap portions may further be adjusted to enable the system to be worn as a conventional backpack.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/540,114 entitled WETSUIT CONTAINMENT SYSTEM filed Mar. 31, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] For many decades, wetsuits have been available and have been extensively utilized around the world. Essentially, wetsuits are comprised of a close-fitting suit made of material, such as sponge rubber, that traps a thin layer of water against a person's body to retain body heat. In this regard, wetsuits enable individuals to spend greater lengths of time in colder bodies of water than they would otherwise be able to endure. As a consequence, individuals have been able to enjoy a variety of aquatic sports in colder water temperatures. Among the most well-known of such activities include the sports of surfing and scuba diving, which are frequently enjoyed in virtually all coastal areas.

[0003] Notwithstanding the widespread acceptance and utility offered by wetsuits, problems often arise by virtue of the mechanics necessary to remove a wetsuit from a person's body. As is well-known, to remove a wetsuit requires unzipping and rinsing the wetsuit, and thereafter allowing the same to hang dry. The initial step of such process is quite problematic insofar as most wetsuits are typically drenched with undesirable salt water and further are typically covered (at least partially) with sand. As a consequence, the wetsuit has to be carried and transported with great care or else salt water and sand will be caused to spread around upon the individual or the individual's vehicle. Typically, the user will attempt to wrap the wetsuit in a blanket, which usually is too bulky and inadequate to effectively capture and contain the wetsuit, and can soak through and leak out. Indeed, such practice requires substantial effort to not only clean up after the wetsuit, but the blanket as well.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a substantial need in the art for a wetsuit containment system and method for using the same that quickly and easily enables an individual to remove a wetsuit from the person's body and thereafter contain the same in a manner that substantially reduces the time and mess associated with such process. Still further, there is a need in the art for a wetsuit containment system and method of using the same that is exceptionally more efficient and reliable in containing a wetsuit, particularly a wetsuit drenched in saltwater with particles of sand mixed in therewith, than prior art devices and methods. There is an additional need in the art for a wetsuit containment system and method of using the same that is of simple construction, fast and easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and can be readily manufactured and deployed utilizing commercially available materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the present invention is directed to a wetsuit containment system and method of utilizing the same. According to a preferred embodiment, the wetsuit containment system comprises a bag member having an exterior and a waterproof interior. The bag member further includes a peripheral edge defining an opening into the interior of said bag. A channel is preferably formed about the peripheral edge in which is disposed a cinching strap for causing the bag member to transition between a first open configuration and a second closed configuration. In a more highly preferred embodiment, the bag may include opposed cinching strap members to enable the same to be worn as a backpack when the bag assumes the second closed configuration. The bag may be further formed with a variety of pockets and pouches to accommodate a number of personal items, such as water bottles and the like. The bag may be formed from any of a variety of materials well-known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to canvas or ballistic nylon. The waterproof interior compartment of the bag will likewise be formed from any of a variety of plastics well known in the art capable of providing waterproof capabilities.

[0006] In order to utilize the wetsuit containment system of the present invention, an individual steps within the interior of the bag member while the latter assume the first open configuration. In this regard, when in such open configuration, the interior of the bag defines a platform surface. In this respect, such platform surface defined by the bag will preferably shape which will preferably have a diameter of 40 inches or less. While standing upon such platform surface, the individual removes the wetsuit such that the same is substantially contained within the interior compartment of the bag. While still standing within the interior of the bag, the individual pulls up on the cinching strap so as to cause the bag to transition from its open configuration to its closed configuration. The individual then steps out of the bag and may thereafter carry the bag to the desired location with the wetsuit being substantially contained therewithin. Fastening means, such as buttons, hook/loop fasteners, and the like may be provided to enable the bag to stay maintained in the closed configuration.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a wetsuit containment system and method of using the same that substantially maintains a wetsuit contaminated with either saltwater and/or sand in an isolated condition than prior art systems and methods.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wetsuit containment system and method using the same that enables the wetsuit to be removed from a person's body and thereafter be isolated that is more effective and efficient than prior art systems and methods.

[0009] Still further objects of the present invention are to provide a wetsuit containment system and method of using the same that can be easily and readily utilized, are of low cost, of simple instruction, may be utilized for a variety of other general utility purposes, and can greatly facilitate the handling of wetsuits than prior art methods and systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] These, as well as other features of the present invention, will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wetsuit containment system constructed in accordance to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an individual in phantom wearing a wetsuit standing within the wetsuit containment system depicted in FIG. 1, the latter assuming a first open configuration.

[0013] FIG. 3 depicts the individual in FIG. 2 causing the wetsuit containment system to assume a second closed configuration.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an individual in phantom utilizing the wetsuit containment system depicted in FIG. 1 as a backpack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0015] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

[0016] Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1, there is perspectively illustrated a wetsuit containment system 10 constructed in accordance to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the system 10 comprises a bag member 12 having an exterior 14 and an interior compartment 16. With respect to the latter, such interior 16 will be fabricated from a waterproof material, which will preferably comprise any of a variety of rubberized, pliable materials well known to those skilled in the art. The interior 16 of bag 12 will further be specifically designed and configured to hold and contain a wetsuit contaminated with saltwater and/or sand, as discussed more fully below. The remainder of the bag portion 12 may be fabricated from any of the variety of materials well-known to those skilled in the art, including canvas, ballistic nylon, or any of a variety of synthetic and/or natural fibers.

[0017] The bag 12 further includes a peripheral edge 18 which separates the exterior portion 14 from the interior portion 16. The peripheral edge 18 is further preferably characterized by a channel 20 within which is disposed at least one cinching strap, a portion of which extending therefrom. As illustrated, such cinching strap may include opposed loop portions 22, 24 having padded grip members 26, 28 formed respectively thereon. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the cinching strap portions 22, 24 enable the bag member 12 to selectively transition from a first open configuration, whereby the interior 16 of the bag 12 may be readily accessed, and a second closed configuration whereby the interior becomes closed by virtue of the peripheral edge 18 having assumed a small, relatively closed diameter.

[0018] Although not shown, the system 10 in the present invention may be provided with a number of prior art utility pouches and the like for use in storing and handling other personal items. For example, it is believed that one or more zippered pouches may be provided to hold personal items. It is further contemplated that one or more pouches may be provided for holding water bottles and the like. The wetsuit containment system 10 in the present invention may additionally be manufactured to conform to a particular style or color, so that the same assumes a fashionable appearance. As is well-known in the art, the use of wetsuits for which the containment system 10 in the present invention is contemplated can take a variety of styles and fashions, and that the containment system 10 may be so fabricated to compliment such appearance.

[0019] Referring now to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, and with initial reference to FIG. 2, there is shown the method for utilizing the system 10 in the present invention. Initially, the system 10 is deployed such that the bag member 12 assumes a first, open configuration so that the interior 16 thereof may be accessed. In this regard, such bag member 12 will be opened such that the interior 16 defines a small platform surface upon which a single individual 30 may stand, as shown.

[0020] To achieve that end, the bag will be specifically sized and shaped such that the interior thereof forms a generally circular platform surface of approximately 40 inches or less in diameter. Preferably, the platform surface will have a size of approximately 38 to 36 inches in diameter. In this regard, in order to effectively contain the wetsuit in a space efficient manner, the platform surface should have such limited dimensions. More particularly, the wetsuit containment system of the present invention, in contrast to prior art blankets and the like, by virtue of such small dimensions, is thus capable of effectively capturing the wetsuit such that the contents remain therein and are not allowed to spill out, as discussed more fully below.

[0021] While standing within the interior 16 of the bag member 12, the individual 30 may remove the wetsuit 32 with the same being substantially contained within the interior 16 of bag 12. As is well-known to those skilled in the art, wetsuits such as 32 require great skill in constantly moving and isolating the same such that salt water, sand and the like do not disburse upon the individual, other individuals, or other surroundings such as a vehicle. Advantageously, the system and method of the present invention enables a wetsuit 32 to initially be removed such that the same is at all times maintained in an isolated condition, and not allowed to come into contact or spill out onto clean surfaces.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown the manner by which the wetsuit (not shown) may be isolated through use of the system 10 in the present invention. As shown, once the wetsuit (not shown) is removed, the individual need only pull up on cinching strap portions 22, 24 in the direction by the letter “A” to thus cause channel 20 to correspondingly decrease in size. To facilitate the individual's 30 ability to manipulate cinching strap portions 22, 24, there may be provided padded grip member 26, 28 which, as discussed more fully below, may further serve as shoulder rest portions.

[0023] Once cinching strap portions 22, 24 have been pulled upwardly as far as the individual 30 is capable, the individual 30 may step out of the interior portion 16 of the bag 12. As will be readily appreciated, the bag portion 12 will assume a second, closed configuration which isolates the wetsuit (not shown) therewithin. A fastening mechanism, which may take the form of any well known to those skilled in the art, including hook/loop fasteners, snap fasteners, zippers, buttons and the like, may be formed anywhere about the peripheral edge 18 of the bag member 12 so as to enable the bag member 12 to maintain the second closed configuration. According to a preferred embodiment, strips of hook/loop fasteners may be deployed on complimentary, diametrically opposed portions of peripheral edge 18 such as when compressed theretogether, a releasable fastener is formed which causes the peripheral edge 18 to conceal and isolate the contents stored within the interior portion of the bag member 12.

[0024] Once the wetsuit is isolated within the interior 10 of the bag member 12, the system 10 may be handled and transported as desired. In one embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the system 10 may be configured to resemble a conventional backpack whereby cinching strap portions 22, 24 may be worn over the shoulders of an individual 30 such that the bag portion 12 is suspended therebehind. To provide greater comfort, and as discussed above, padded portions 26, 28 may be formed on the respective cinching strap loop portions 22, 24. Moreover, although not shown, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that the cinching strap portions 22, 24 may be further provided with adjustable straps as to adjust the length thereof. By providing such strap adjustments means, the system 10 and more particularly the bag member 12, may be caused to have a desired orientation relative to the individual 30 wearing the same.

[0025] There has thus been provided a wetsuit containment system and method of using the same. It is to be understood that various additions, deletions, modifications and alterations may be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, it should be readily appreciated that any of a variety cinching mechanisms may be utilized whereby bag member 12 may be caused to transition from its first, open configuration to its second closed configuration. Moreover, it should be recognized that the system 10 may be provided with one or more handle members such that the same may be transported as per conventional athletic bags and the like. Accordingly, it is intended that all such additions, deletions, modifications and alterations be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A wetsuit containment system for containing a wetsuit from a person's body following use thereof comprising:

a) a bag member defining a peripheral edge, said bag member having an exterior portion and an interior portion;

b) a cinching strap disposed within said peripheral edge of said bag member, said cinching strap being operative to cause said bag member to selectively transition between:

i) a first open configuration whereby said interior portion of said bag member defines a platform surface of no greater than approximately 40 inches in diameter upon which an individual wearing said wetsuit may stand and remove said wetsuit from said person's body; and,

ii) a second closed configuration whereby said peripheral edge is caused to sufficiently reduce in length such that said wetsuit removed from said person is substantially contained within the interior of said bag member.

2. The wetsuit containment system of claim 1 wherein said system further includes fastening means for securely maintaining said peripheral edge of said bag member in said second closed configuration.

3. The wetsuit containment system of claim 1 wherein said cinching strap includes two loop portions extending from dedicated apertures formed upon the peripheral edge of said bag member, said strap portions being manually graspable by said person so as to facilitate the ability of said person to cause said bag member to transition from said open configuration to said closed configuration.

4. The wetsuit containment system of claim 1 wherein said interior of said bag member is formed from a waterproof material.

5. The wetsuit containment system of claim 3 wherein said strap portions are formed at opposed ends of said peripheral edge of said bag member.

6. The wetsuit containment system of claim 3 wherein said loop portions include length adjustment mechanisms to facilitate handling by said individual.

7. The wetsuit containment system of claim 6 wherein said system may be worn by an individual as a back pack when said bag member assumes said closed configuration.

8. The wetsuit containment system of claim 1 wherein said bag member and cinching strap are formed to have a desired color.

9. The wetsuit containment system of claim 1 wherein said system further includes at least one utility pouch for holding personal items.

10. The wetsuit containment system of claim 1 wherein said bag member includes means for holding a water bottle.

11. A method for isolating a wetsuit from a person's body following use thereof comprising the steps:

a) providing a wetsuit containment system, said wetsuit containment system comprising:

i) a bag member defining a peripheral edge, said bag member having an exterior portion and an interior portion;

ii) a cinching strap disposed within said peripheral edge of said bag member, said cinching strap being operative to cause said bag member to selectively transition between:

a first open configuration whereby said interior portion of said bag member defines a platform surface of no greater than approximately 40 inches in diameter upon which an individual wearing said wetsuit may stand and remove said wetsuit from said person's body; and,

a second closed configuration whereby said peripheral edge is caused to sufficiently reduce in length such that said wetsuit removed from said person is substantially contained within the interior of said bag member;

b) causing said bag member of said wetsuit containment system to assume first open configuration;

c) standing within said platform-like surface of said bag member;

d) removing said wetsuit such that the same is contained within said interior portion of said bag member of said wetsuit containment system; and

e) causing said bag member of said wetsuit containment system to assume said second closed configuration.

12. The wetsuit containment system of claim 1, wherein said interior portion of said bag member defines a platform surface of approximately 36 inches to 40 inches in diameter when said bag member assumes said first open configuration.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein in step (a) said bag member defines a platform surface of approximately 36 inches to 40 inches in diameter when said bag member assumes said first open configuration.