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.

What I claim is as follows:  
     
         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.