Collapsible sports ball bag and method of use thereof

Abstract

A collapsible sports ball bag for storing one or more basketballs, wherein the bag can be removably fastened to a stationary or portable basketball goal pole to provide weather-resistant storage. The collapsible sports ball bag has a carrying handle and a storage section with a hingedly-fixed flap closure, wherein the flap closure is secured to the storage section via a zipper. A cover extends over the flap closure and zipper thereof to provide protection from weather elements. The flap closure holds accessories, such as a pump, needle and/or tube extension. Additionally, when not in use, the collapsible sports ball bag can be collapsed to a flat profile to reduce overall size, and, thus, storage space.

1 . A collapsible sports ball bag comprising: 
 a storage section;    a flap closure, wherein said flap closure selectively seals said storage section; and    a cover.    
   
   
       2 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 1 , wherein said sports ball bag comprises a material selected from the group consisting of weather-resistant material and waterproof material.  
   
   
       3 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 1 , wherein said flap closure is secured to said storage section via a fastener.  
   
   
       4 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 3 , wherein said cover extends over said flap closure.  
   
   
       5 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 3 , wherein said cover covers said fastener.  
   
   
       6 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 1 , wherein said storage section and said cover comprise cooperatively-engaging fasteners.  
   
   
       7 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 6 , wherein said cooperatively engaging fasteners are selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop fasteners, button/buttonhole combinations, snap fasteners, strap/buckle combinations, ties, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       8 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 1 , wherein said storage section comprises a first side, a front side, a second side, a rear side and a bottom.  
   
   
       9 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 8 , wherein said storage section comprises fold lines.  
   
   
       10 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 9 , wherein said fold lines are disposed on said first side, said second side and said bottom.  
   
   
       11 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 10 , wherein said front side is disposed proximate said rear side when said collapsible sports ball bag is collapsed about said fold lines.  
   
   
       12 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 1 , further comprising means for securing said collapsible sports ball bag to an upright support structure.  
   
   
       13 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 12 , wherein said means for securing comprises straps comprising cooperatively-engaging fasteners.  
   
   
       14 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 13 , wherein said cooperatively engaging fasteners are selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop fasteners, button/buttonhole combinations, snap fasteners, strap/buckle combinations, ties, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       15 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 1 , wherein said collapsible sports ball bag is dimensioned to receive a sports ball therewithin and immobilize the sports ball.  
   
   
       16 . A method of preventing damage and/or soiling of sports equipment from ambient weather conditions, said method comprising the steps of: 
 a. sealing sports equipment within a bag via a sealing means; and    b. covering said sealing means with a covering means, wherein said equipment is protected from seepage of ambient weather elements through said sealing means.    
   
   
       17 . A collapsible sports ball bag comprising: 
 a storage section comprising fold lines, wherein said collapsible sports ball bag can be collapsed to a flat profile about said fold lines.    
   
   
       18 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 17 , said collapsible sports ball bag further comprising a front side and a rear side.  
   
   
       19 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 18 , wherein said front side is disposed proximate said rear side when said collapsible sports ball bag is collapsed.  
   
   
       20 . The collapsible sports ball bag of  claim 19 , further comprising a flap closure hingedly-fixed to said storage section.