US20050163403A1

US20050163403A1 - Protective bag for sports equipment

Info

Publication number: US20050163403A1
Application number: US11/044,671
Authority: US
Inventors: Barbara Piscioneri
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-01-26
Filing date: 2005-01-26
Publication date: 2005-07-28

Abstract

A protective bag. The protective bag has a waterproof flaccid fabric body with a front panel portion and a back panel portion. A top flap, connected to the back panel portion, is releasably securable to the front panel portion to provide an interior bag portion protected from the elements such as wind and rain. Suitable fasteners, such as hook and loop type fasteners may be utilized to secure the top flap to the front panel portion. The bag is provided in kit form with a small carry bag into which it may be placed for storage after folding into suitable small dimensions. The bag may be provided in a machine washable and machine dryable fabric, such as rip-stop nylon, and coated with a suitable type of wear and heat resistant waterproof coating, such as polyurethane.

Description

RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This invention is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/539,376 entitled PROTECTIVE BAG FOR SPORTS EQUIPMENT, filed on Jan. 26, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety, including the specification, drawings, and claims, by this reference.

COPYRIGHT RIGHTS IN THE DRAWING

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The applicant no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to protective bags for covering objects, especially objects such as sports equipment that is subject to the elements.

BACKGROUND

Adverse environmental elements, particularly in the form of rain, are encountered during many athletic endeavors. While some types of sports matches may involve retreat from the elements when rain occurs, it is traditional in other sports, such as in soccer (European football) or in American football, for the match or game to proceed, regardless of weather conditions. In such sports, the players, and particularly youth and adult amateur players, find that the gear bags and other objects which were brought to the playing field become rather wet during game play, as a result of being exposed to the elements. Unfortunately, devices such as backpacking pack covers or makeshift shelters such as tarps or umbrellas do not adequately assure users of such prior art devices that at the end of a match that their gear will be relatively dry.
Thus, the prior art devices known to me for protection of personal sports equipment during inclement weather have failed to provide the degree of protection, and ease of use, which would be desirable. Furthermore, such prior art devices have not addressed the need for cleaning of the storage device, or for storage of the storage device.
Consequently, there remains a need for an easily stored, quickly deployable, and easily cleanable protective bag which is sufficiently waterproof to substantially protect an athlete's personal objects such as gear bags, and equipment therein, as well as loose equipment, from adverse elements, especially rain, during outdoor practice and competition in inclement weather.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In order to enable the reader to attain a more complete appreciation of a new protective bag, and of the novel features and the advantages thereof, attention is directed to the following detailed description which should be considered in connection with the accompanying figures of the drawing, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment for a protective bag, shown as in use securing an object such as a backpack therein and having the top flap secured against the front side via hook and loop fasteners such as complementary strips of Velcro® brand hook and loop fastener components, as well as showing a carry sack with Velcro fastener closures into which the protective bag may be placed for storage.
FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the protective bag just illustrated in FIG. 1, now showing the protective bag in an open position, to reveal a backpack in hidden lines which is being protected from the elements by the protective bag.
FIG. 3 is another view of the embodiment of the protective bag just illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 above, now showing the protective bag in use protecting objects inside the protective bag against falling rain.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a carry bag for a protective bag, showing in further detail the carry bag into which the protective bag may be placed for carriage and storage.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment for a protective bag, now showing in broken lines a backpack placed therein for protection against the elements as just explained by FIG. 3, but here showing the top flap in the open position, and also showing one string type fastener element in the un-tied, open position.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment for a protective bag similar to that just shown in FIG. 6, now showing the top flap closed and secured via the use of fasteners, which in this embodiment is done via suitable hook and loop fasteners.
FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram of one method for assembly of the embodiment of the protective bag illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, i.e., an embodiment most adapted for use with a backpack style sport or duffle style athletic gear bag, showing the use of a first fabric panel wrapped into a generally U-shaped configuration with a front portion and a complementary rear portion to form a bag via securement of complementary lateral edges, and with an extended upper tongue portion for the rear portion, and having attached thereto a flap portion at the upper end edge of the upper tongue potion of the first fabric panel.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a protective bag, showing an elongated embodiment for a protective bag wherein a hook and loop fastener is used for securing the top flap against the front at a location near a pocket, and also showing the use of fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners for securing the top flap to the front of the protective bag.
FIG. 9 shows another perspective view of a protective bag, showing the elongated embodiment just noted in FIG. 8, now laid out flat on a table for inspection, illustrating the use of a centrally located strip of hook and loop fastener which may be affixed to a complementary strip of hook and loop fastener near the center of the protective bag, as well as showing the approximate location of the front fastening strips as compared to the bottom of the protective bag.
FIG. 10 is a perspective diagram of one method for assembly of the embodiment of the protective bag just illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, i.e., an embodiment adapted for use with an elongated duffle style sport or back pack style athletic gear bag, now showing the use of a first fabric panel wrapped into a generally U-shaped configuration with a front portion and a complementary rear portion to form a bag via securement of complementary lateral edges, and no longer having a tongue portion as was the case in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and now showing how the flap portion is attached at the upper end edge of the first fabric panel.
FIG. 11 is a perspective diagrammatic view of a fully assembled protective bag generally of the type just illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 10, now showing the use of double pocket on the outer side of the first fabric panel, and a hook and loop fastener system to secure the center of the flap to the first fabric panel, and the use of a hook and loop fastener system to secure the outer portions of the cover flap to the front fabric panel.
FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view of yet another method for construction of a protective bag similar to that provided in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, but now showing the use of separate first and second fabric panels for construction of the bag portion, rather than the use of a single fabric panel wrapped into a U-shaped configuration, and without a tongue portion as variously illustrated above.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment for a protective bag, similar to that first shown in FIG. 1 above, shown as in use securing an object such as a backpack therein and having the top flap secured against the front side via hook and loop fasteners such as complementary strips of Velcro® brand hook and loop fastener components, as well as showing in hidden lines at the upper center of the figure a pair of complementary strips of Velcro® brand hook and loop fastener components for securing the protective bag tightly over an object being protected, such as an athlete's sports gear bag or backpack.
FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the protective bag just illustrated in FIG. 13, now showing the same embodiment of a protective bag in an open position, to reveal an object being protected, such as the backpack in hidden lines which is being protected from the elements by the protective bag, as well as now showing the internally positioned complementary strips of Velcro® brand hook and loop fastener components for securing the protective bag tightly over the object being protected
The foregoing figures, being merely exemplary, contain various elements that may be present or omitted from actual implementations and structural configurations for a protective bag for sports equipment as taught herein, depending upon the circumstances. An attempt has been made to draw the figures in a way that illustrates at least those elements that are significant for an understanding of the various embodiments and aspects of the invention. However, various elements of the unique sports equipment bag illustrated herein are shown and briefly described to enable the reader to understand how various features, including optional or alternate features, may be utilized in order to provide a compact, flexible, secure, overbag for protecting objects such as personal sports bags against inclement weather.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Attention is now directed to FIG. 1, wherein a perspective view of one embodiment for a kit 10 including a protective bag 12 and a separate carry sack 14 is provided. The protective bag 12 is shown in a working configuration where it has secured therein an object; a typical object protected is a backpack or duffle style holding gear for a selected sport therein, as is shown in extended hidden lines. The top flap 20 is secured against the outer side 22 of the front fabric panel portion 24 by use of one or more, and in one embodiment, two or more complementary fasteners. Hook and loop fastener segments 30 _Fand 32 _Fsecured to the front side 22 of the protective bag 12 may be provided, complementary in location, size, and shape to segments 34 _Tand 36 _Trespectively, and thereby secure the top flap 20 of protective bag 12 to the front panel portion 24. Complementary strips of Velco® brand or other suitable hook and loop fastener components may be advantageously utilized for fastener segments 30 _Fand 32 _Fand segments 34 _Tand 36 _T.
As better seen in FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the protective bag 12 has a flaccid fabric body 38 including a front panel portion 24 and a back panel portion 40. The front panel portion 24 has an upper edge portion 42. The back panel portion has an upper edge portion 44. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, an upwardly extending tongue portion 46 is included as a part of the back panel portion 40, wherein the tongue portion 46 extends outwardly and upwardly toward the upper edge portion 44 of rear panel 40.
The front panel portion 42 has first 50 and second 52 lateral edge portions. The back panel portion has third 54 and fourth 56 lateral edge portions. The first 50 and third 54 lateral edge portions are secured each to the other. The second 52 and fourth 56 lateral edge portions are secured each to the other. The panels may be secured each to the other as just mentioned by sewing, or by glue or hot melt or other suitable fabrication technique. In this manner, a generally upwardly opening U-shaped bag portion 60 is formed by portions of the flaccid fabric body, namely front panel portion 24 and back panel portion 40. The bottom edge portion 62 of the top flap 20 and the upper edge portion 44 of the back panel portion 40 are secured each to the other.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the protective bag 12 may be provided in an embodiment wherein the front fabric panel portion 24 and the back fabric panel portion 40 are formed from a single fabric piece.
Alternately, as shown in FIG. 12, in a different embodiment, a protective bag 70 may be provided wherein the front 72 and back 74 fabric panel portions are formed from separate fabric pieces. Generally, in one embodiment, the front 72 and back 74 panel portions may be provided in a parallelepiped shape. The front panel portion 72 has first 80 and second 82 lateral edge portions. The back panel portion has third 84 and fourth 86 lateral edge portions. The first 80 and third 84 lateral edge portions are secured each to the other. The second 82 and fourth 86 lateral edge portions are secured each to the other. The front 72 and back 74 panel portions may be secured each to the other as just mentioned by sewing, or by glue or hot melt or other suitable fabrication technique. In this manner, a generally upwardly opening U-shaped bag portion 90 is formed by portions of the flaccid fabric body 38, namely front panel portion 72 and back panel portion 74. The bottom edge portion 62 of the top flap 20 and the upper edge portion 44 of the back panel portion 40 are secured each to the other.
As illustrated in various figures, at least one pocket 100 may be provided, and generally a second pocket 102 is provided, so that one or more, and in some embodiments, at least two pockets are provided. Pockets 100 and 102 are in one embodiment affixed to the outer side 22 of the front panel portion 24. Pocket panels such as the first pocket panel 100 have a longitudinally extending upper edge 104, a longitudinally extending lower edge 106, and vertically extending lateral edges 108 and 110. The lower edge 106 and the vertically extending lateral edges 108 and 110 are securely affixed to the outer side 22 of the front panel portion 24, so that the upper edge 104 of the first pocket panel 100 provides an upwardly directed first pocket opening 112. Similarly, the second pocket 102 has a longitudinally extending upper edge 116, a longitudinally extending lower edge 118, vertically extending lateral edges 120 and 122. The lower edge 118 and the vertically extending lateral edges 120 and 122 are securely affixed to the outer side 22 of the front panel portion 24, so that the upper edge 116 of the second pocket panel 102 provides an upwardly directed second pocket opening 124.
It has been found that the protective bag 12 can be advantageously fabricated using a selected rip stop fabric, such as rip stop nylon. A water resistant fabric, using a water resistant coating such as polyurethane is advantageous. It is also advantageous for the selected fabric to be a machine washable fabric. It is even more advantageous for the selected fabric to be a machine dryable fabric. The fabric used for the protective waterproof bag is desirably wear resistant and able to retain its waterproof capability through repeated cleanings, especially when mechanically cleaned in washing machines.
In one embodiment, the top flap 20 has an interior surface 130, and the bag 12 includes at least one tie closure 160, having a first end 162 affixed to the interior surface 130 of the top flap 20, and a second end 164 affixed to the upper edge 42 of the front panel portion 24. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, in one embodiment the at least one tie closure 160 is located along a mid-line marked C_Lcentrally located between the first 50 and second 52 lateral edges. Alternately, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, the top flap 20 has on its interior surface 130 at least one flap hook and loop fastener closure 140. The at least one flap hook and loop fastener closure 140 has a first end 142 affixed to the interior surface 130 of the top flap 20, and a second end 144 affixed to the upper side 22 of the front panel portion 24. Like the at least one tie closure 132, the at least one hook and loop fastener closure 140 may be located along a mid-line C_Lcentrally located between the first 50 and second 52 lateral edges.
Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 10, useful dimensions for two embodiments for a protective bag 12 (FIG. 7) or 12′ (FIG. 10) are provided. In FIG. 7, a protective bag 12 is provided in a style useful for enclosing a backpack style sport or duffle style athletic gear bag. In FIG. 10, a protective bag 12′ is provided useful for enclosing a long style sport or athletic gear bag. As shown in FIG. 10, a long protective bag 12′ may be provided wherein the front panel portion 24 and the back panel portion each have a long length L_B. In one suitable configuration, the long length L_Bis from approximately 22 inches to approximately 26 inches. In that same configuration, the top flap portion 20 has a length L_F. In one suitable configuration, the length L_Fis from approximately 12 inches to approximately 16 inches.
Turning now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the front panel portion 24 has a length L_G, and the back panel has a length of L_Gplus L_T, the latter being the length of the tongue portion 46. The back panel portion 50 has a length L_G, not including the tongue portion of length L_T. In one suitable embodiment, the length L_Gis from approximately 24 inches to approximately 26 inches. In such an embodiment, the tongue portion 46 of length L_Tand the top flap portion 20 has a length L_P, which together provide an overall cover length L_Oequal to the sum of the length L_Tand length L_P. In one suitable embodiment, the overall length L_Ois approximately 19 inches.
With respect to width of various embodiments of a suitable protective bag, as seen in FIG. 7, an overall width W_Gcan be provided. In one suitable embodiment, the overall width W_Gis from approximately 27.5 inches to approximately 33 inches. Alternately, as seen in FIG. 10, an overall width W_Bis provided. In one suitable embodiment, an overall width W_Bof approximately 31 inches can be provided.
For ease of use, it is advantageous to provide a kit including a protective bag such as protective bags 12, 12′, or 70, as well as a carry sack 14 for the selected one of such protective bags 12, 12′, or 70. Then, the carry sack 14, including the selected protective bag 12, or 12′, or 70, can be conveniently stored in a sports bag or other location until the need for it arises during inclement weather such as the occurrence of rain 149. The carry sack 14 is sized and shaped to accommodate, for carriage or storage, the selected protective bag 12, 12′, or 70 in a folded, compact configuration. In one suitable embodiment, as noted in FIGS. 1 and 4, the carry sack 14 is provided in a generally rectangular flaccid fabric having an end opening 150. The end opening 150 is reversibly securely closed via use of complementary hook and loop fabric fastener portions 152 and 154.
As noted in FIGS. 1 and 2, in interior fastener system such as a simple string-type fastener system 160 can be utilized where appropriate. In both of the just mentioned figures, the string-type fastener system 160 is shown in a closed, or tied state, with a knot and bow provided in a manner normally associated with shoe laces, for example. The user may untie the fastener system to remove the object being secured from the protective bag 12. A first end 162 of the string type fastener system 160 is affixed to the inner surface of the tongue portion 46 of the fabric body, and a second end 164 of the string type fastener system is affixed to the upper edge 42 of the front panel 24 of the fabric body.
In yet another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, an interior fastener system can also be provided utilizing complementary hook and loop fastener components. Such an interior fastener system may, but not necessarily, use Velcro brand hook and loop fasteners, be utilized for interior fastener system 170. In one embodiment, the interior fastener system includes complementary hook and loop engaging first 172 and second 174 portions. The first portion 172 is secured to tongue portion 46 along length 173 by suitable attachment method such as sewing, hot melt glue, or other suitable attachment method known in the art. Similarly, second portion 174 is secured to the inside of front panel 24 along a length 175 by suitable attachment method such as sewing, hot melt glue, or other suitable method known in the art. In FIG. 14, the protective bag 12″ is shown in an open position, to reveal an object being protected, such as the backpack 16 in hidden lines which is being protected from the elements by the protective bag 12″, as well as now showing the internally positioned complementary strips of Velcro® brand hook and loop fastener system 170 components for securing the protective bag 12″ tightly over the object 16 being protected.
In use, the protective bag 12 is always ready to keep an athlete's gear dry. The protective bag 12 is lightweight and easy to carry in its carry sack 14, and can be quickly taken out when the athlete is ready to use the protective bag 12. During use, the complementary hook and loop fasteners easily adjust to fit a particular athlete's gear bag. Keys, watches, or other items are easily stored in the front pockets. After a game, the protective bag 12 can be shoved into the gear bag, taken home, machine washed, dried, refolded, and stowed in the carry sack 14 so that it is ready for the next game.
Although various aspects and elements of certain embodiments of an exemplary protective bag are herein disclosed for illustrative purposes, it is to be understood that the protective bag as described herein is an important improvement in the state of the art of protective gear, especially for the personal possessions of athletes engaged in a variety of sports which are played in any weather condition. Although only a few exemplary aspects have been described in detail, various details are sufficiently set forth in the figures of the drawing and in the specification provided herein to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention(s), which need not be further described by additional writing in this detailed description. Importantly, the aspects and embodiments described and claimed herein may be modified from those shown without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages provided as described herein, and may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. It is especially pointed out that the size, and shape of a protective bag, and the amount of fabric necessary to provide a protective bag of suitable size, will vary widely, especially when used by athletes, based on the sport involved and the personal preferences of the athletes. Further, the use of the term “flaccid” is intended to convey the concept that the fabric of the protective bag taught herein is sufficiently weak and compressible or foldable that it can be configured in a manner for placement in a smaller carry bag for storage, and easily secured about an object to be protected from the elements, and no further limitation(s) should be inferred therefrom.
The various embodiments presented herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. As such, this disclosure is intended to cover the structures described herein and not only structural equivalents thereof, but also equivalent structures. Numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention(s) may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Thus, the scope of the invention(s) is as described herein and as set forth in the appended claims, and as indicated by the drawing and by the foregoing description, is intended to include variations from the embodiments provided which are nevertheless described by the broad interpretation and range properly afforded to the plain meaning of the language of the claims set forth below, and the legal equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A protective bag, said protective bag comprising:

a weather resistant enclosure for personal gear and equipment of a soccer player, said enclosure comprising a flaccid fabric body including a front panel portion and a back panel portion, said front panel portion and said back panel portion each having an upper edge portion, said front panel portion having an outer side, and first and second lateral edge portions, said back panel portion having third and fourth lateral edge portions,

and wherein said first and said third lateral edge portions are secured each to the other,

and wherein said second and fourth lateral edge portions are secured each to the other,

so that a generally upwardly opening U-shaped bag portion is formed by said flaccid fabric body;

a top flap, said top flap having a bottom edge portion,

said bottom edge portion of said top flap and said upper edge portion of said back panel portion secured each to the other;

said front panel portion and said top flap further including one or more cooperating fasteners, at least one of said one or more cooperating fasteners having a first fastener portion affixed to said top flap, and a second fastener portion affixed to said outer side of said front panel portion, said first fastener portion and said second fastener portion positioned for juxtaposition into secure mating engagement, wherein said top flap is secured for closure of said bag.

2. The protective bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein said front and said back fabric panel portions are formed from a single fabric piece.

3. The protective bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein said front and said back fabric panel portions are formed from separate fabric pieces.

4. The protective bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein said front and said back panel portions are each provided in a parallelepiped shape.

5. The protective bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein said back panel portion further comprises an upwardly extending tongue portion, said tongue portion extending outwardly beyond the upper edge portion of said first panel portion.

6. The protective bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein said bag further comprises, affixed to said outer side of said front panel portion, at least one pocket.

7. The protective bag as set forth in claim 6, wherein said at least one pocket comprises a first pocket panel comprising

a longitudinally extending upper edge,

a longitudinally extending lower edge,

vertically extending lateral edges, and

wherein said lower edge and said vertically extending lateral edges are securely affixed to said outer side of said front panel portion, so that said upper edge of said first pocket panel provides an upwardly directed first pocket opening.

8. The protective bag as set forth in claim 6, wherein said at least one pocket further comprises a second pocket panel, said second pocket panel comprising

a longitudinally extending upper edge,

a longitudinally extending lower edge,

vertically extending lateral edges, and

wherein said lower edge and said vertically extending lateral edges of said second pocket panel are securely affixed to said outer side of said front panel portion, so that said upper edge of said second pocket panel provides an upwardly directed second pocket opening.

9. The protective bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein said fabric comprises rip-stop nylon.

10. The protective bag as set forth in claim 9, wherein said fabric further comprises comprises a water resistant coating.

11. The protective bag as set forth in claim 10, wherein said water resistant coating comprises polyurethane.

12. The protective bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein said fabric comprises a polyurethane coated rip-stop fabric.

13. The protective bag as set forth in claim 7, wherein said top flap comprises an interior surface, and wherein said protective bag further comprises at least one interior fastening system, said at least one interior fastening system comprising a first end affixed to said interior surface of said top flap, and a second end affixed to said upper edge of said front panel portion.

14. The protective bag as set forth in claim 13, wherein said at least one interior fastening system is located along a mid-line centrally located between said first and said second lateral edges.

15. The protective bag as set forth in claim 14, wherein said at least one interior fastening system comprises a distinctive, distinguishing set of colored complementary hook and loop fasteners.

16. The protective bag as set forth in claim 8, wherein said top flap comprises an interior surface, and wherein said protective bag further comprises at least one hook and loop fastener closure, and wherein said at least one hook and loop fastener closure comprises a first end affixed to said interior surface of said top flap, and a second end affixed to said upper edge of said front panel portion.

17. The protective bag as set forth in claim 16, wherein said at least one hook and loop fastener closure is located along a mid-line centrally located between said first and said second lateral edges.

18. The protective bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein said fabric comprises a machine washable fabric.

19. The protective bag as set forth in claim 18, wherein said fabric comprises a machine dryable fabric.

20. The protective bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein said front panel portion and said back panel portion have a length L_B.

21. The protective bag as set forth in claim 20, wherein said length L_Bis approximately 22 inches.

22. The protective bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein said top flap portion has a length L_F.

23. The protective bag as set forth in claim 22, wherein said length L_Fis from approximately 12 inches to approximately 16 inches.

24. The protective bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein said front panel portion and said back panel portion have a length L_G.

25. The protective bag as set forth in claim 24, wherein said length L_Gis from approximately 24 inches to approximately 26 inches.

26. The protective bag as set forth in claim 24, wherein said tongue portion has a length L_T, and wherein said top flap portion has a length L_P, and wherein an overall cover length L_Oequal to the sum of said length L_Tand said length L_Pis provided.

27. The protective bag as set forth in claim 26, wherein said overall length L_Ois approximately 19 inches.

28. The protective bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein an overall width N_Gis provided.

29. The protective bag as set forth in claim 28, wherein said overall width W_Gis from approximately 27.5 inches to approximately 33 inches.

30. The protective bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein an overall width W_Bis provided.

31. The protective bag as set forth in claim 30, wherein said overall width W_Bis approximately 31 inches.

32. A protective bag, said protective bag comprising:

a flaccid fabric body, said flaccid fabric body comprising rip-stop nylon having a water resistant polyurethane coating,

said flaccid fabric body including a front panel portion and a back panel portion fabricated from a single piece of fabric,

said front panel portion and said back panel portion each having an upper edge portion,

said front panel portion having an outer side, and first and second lateral edge portions

said protective bag further comprising, affixed to said outer side of said front panel portion, at least one pocket,

said back panel portion having third and fourth lateral edge portions,

said protective bag flaccid fabric body providing a generally upwardly opening U-shaped bag portion,

and wherein said back panel portion further comprises an upwardly extending tongue portion, said tongue portion extending beyond said upper edge portion of said first panel portion;

a top flap, said top flap having a bottom edge portion,

33. A protective bag kit, said kit comprising

(a) a protective bag as set forth in claim 32, and

(b) a carry sack, said carry sack sized and shaped to accommodate, said protective bag in a folded, compact configuration, so that as a consequence, said protective bag can be easily carried or stored.

34. The kit as set forth in claim 33, wherein said carry sack comprises a generally rectangular flaccid fabric bag having an end opening, and wherein said end opening is reversibly securely closed via use of complementary hook and loop fabric fastener portions.