Utility saddlebag for watercraft

A utility saddlebag which has a top (20), sides (26), and ends (30) and (32), of woven fabric attached together by seams of thread configured to cover the engine compartment enclosure of a jet-propelled watercraft. The saddlebag is held in place by the use of an elastic member (36) sewn into a bead on the skirt or periphery of the device allowing it to be stretched over and held in place by tucking the ends under the edges of the housing. A number of pockets (28) on the sides and on the rear (34) provide storage compartments, and a strap (40) assures closure on the sides. The invention provides storage for a watercraft, without any modification or alteration heretofore unavailable.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
The present invention relates to vehicle storage containers in general, and 
more specifically to a pocket containing cover for a jet-propelled 
watercraft. 
BACKGROUND ART 
Previously, many types of bags have been used in endeavoring to provide an 
effective means of storage of goods on various vehicles. Examples of this 
prior art include pannier bags for bicycles, motorcycles, and pack 
animals. In most cases, these have been limited to a type of saddlebag 
that balances the weight on each side of a structure or body. This art is 
also replete with external pockets for storing goods therein. 
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly 
on the claims of the instant invention, however, the following U.S. 
patents were considered related: 
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Patent No. Inventor Issue Date 
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4,580,706 Jackson et al Apr. 8, 1986 
4,491,258 Jones Jan. 1, 1985 
4,442,960 Vetter Apr. 17, 1984 
4,402,439 Brown Sep. 6, 1983 
4,345,703 Allen Aug. 24, 1982 
4,258,869 Hilgendorff Mar. 31, 1981 
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Jackson et al teach a saddlebag arrangement for cycles that includes a 
cut-away in the forward lower corner portion for heel clearance. A 
U-shaped bar is also employed as part of an internal frame. Straps secure 
the bag in place with a rigid strap mounted to a fixed part of the cycle. 
Vetter discloses a pair of saddlebags for a motorcycle that join together 
with flexible straps which straddle the vehicle. Compartments are formed 
with a protective cover within, having buckles adjustably securing the 
ends of the straps. A pair of handles are included with each housing 
through which each housing may be carried individually or in combination. 
Brown utilizes a frame for his bicycle pannier bag that is streamlined in 
the direction of travel. A flexible cover is used to enclose the frame and 
maintain the shape. A zipper provides entrance into the bag and a strip of 
reflective fabric is used on the outer surface cover to increase 
visibility during periods of darkness. 
Hilgendorff teaches a saddlebag primarily for pack animals, but adaptable 
to humans and other means of transportation, such as snowmobiles and 
motorcycles. A curvilinear cut-out is included that is specifically 
configured to conform to the cantle base of a saddle. Each side of the 
housing include an open top compartment with a flexible cover and a 
separate overflap. The cover providing a shelf for a subcompartment formed 
on top of the compartment between the cover and the overflap. The side 
housings contain zippered end compartments. The web includes at least one 
pouch formed therein. 
For background purposes and as indicative of the art to which the invention 
relates, reference may be made to the remaining cited patents. 
It is clearly evident that prior art utilizes saddlebags, for carrying 
objects, that are specifically designed for a particular animal, or 
vehicle, and, in most cases, these are quite distinct, even if adaptable 
within the same gender. As an example, a bicycle is general in nature and 
specifically configured, allowing one basic embodiment to fit almost all 
styles. This is evident in motor driven cycles, however, since the advent 
and popularity of jet-propelled watercraft, the need has been apparent for 
a bag that would provide storage, however, any prior art available has 
severly lacked in adaptability to be used with a highly specialized 
apparatus, such as this waterborne vehicle. The specific shape of the 
watercraft does not allow the use of just any bag and as the craft is 
oftimes overturned provisions must be made to endure this circumstance. 
Further, the specific shape is unique to this type of vehicle and its 
attachment must not interfere with its basic operation. 
With this in mind, it is a primary object of the invention to provide a 
storage saddlebag allowing articles to be stowed and easily reached on a 
specific jet-propelled watercraft having no inherent means for attachment. 
This watercraft is characterized by the so-called JET SKI manufactured by 
Kawasaki Motors Corp. 
Another object of the invention is the location of the saddlebag over the 
top of the engine compartment enclosure providing an accessible and 
convenient position placing pockets on each of the sides and on the end 
nearest the operator of the craft. This allows access to the pockets when 
the operator is kneeling in a driving position. 
Another object of the invention allows installation to be accomplished 
without any modification to the watercraft itself. This is accomplished 
using elastic tape on the periphery of the saddlebag and tucking the end 
under the lower edge of the engine compartment enclosure securely 
positioning the device in a self-centering and contoured manner. 
Still another object of the invention provides a secure compartment or 
pocket in the sides by the use of a single strap that is easily attached 
or removed. This is particularly important allowing the objects to be held 
in place if the craft overturns, but accessible without cumbersome 
zippers, buttons, or snaps, that are hard to operate when wet or from 
outside of the craft if the operator is in the water. 
A final object of the invention provides drain ports in the bottom of the 
pockets allowing the water to be dispelled when the craft overturns, or 
fills with water, due to the wake of other boats or the inherent operating 
environment of the craft itself. 
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become 
apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred 
embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the 
accompanying drawings.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of a 
preferred embodiment. The preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 
through 6 is comprised of a top 20 shaped to follow the domed contour with 
flat sides of the engine compartment enclosure 21 of a jet-propelled 
watercraft. The top 20 of the invention, in order to achieve this shape, 
utilizes a pair of elongated sections 22 tapered to a point on each end 
and positioned in parallel relationship to a longitudinal section located 
therebetween. This configuration allows the top 20 to match identically to 
the domed contour of the craft preventing wrinkles, or bulges, from 
occurring when justapositioned with the compartment enclosure. 
The invention is directed to all jet-propelled watercraft in general, but 
more specifically to a JET SKI manufactured by Kawasaki Motors Corp. This 
particular apparatus includes an engine air intake port, or combustion air 
intake manifold scoop, on the top of the engine compartment housing, 
therefore, a seamed round opening 24 in the invention encloses this port 
uniformly, so as to allow air to enter unrestricted. 
Attached to the top 20 are sides 26 on each opposed vertical plane. These 
sides 26 are also formed in the same shape as the engine compartment 
enclosure 21, just as the top is, and they further contain a number of 
storage pockets 28 on the outside near the bottom edge. The pockets 28 are 
attached on three sides with the top open providing easy access to the 
interior. The pockets may be flat or formed in such a manner as to extend 
beyond the surface for greater capacity, in either event they provide 
ample and convenient means to store articles inside. 
Attached similarly to the above elements are a front end 30 and a rear end 
32, also contoured in the same manner. The assembly now forming a complete 
wrapper capable of covering the entire engine compartment enclosure. The 
rear end 32 also utilizes a series of storage pockets, not unlike those 
described above. These pockets 34 are directly accessible to the driver of 
the watercraft, as they are below the steering arm and while in a kneeling 
position, may be easily reached. 
The saddlebag is held in place on the watercraft by securing means that 
allow the sides and ends to be tucked beneath the lower edge of the engine 
compartment enclosure 21. These securing means are in the form of an 
elastic member 36, such as synthetic rubber strands woven into a cloth 
material, a plurality of stretchable bands encompassed by a woven fabric 
commonly known as a bungee cord, or any other stretchable substance 
embedded into the periphery of the saddlebag. The elastic material, in its 
relaxed state, is smaller than the periphery of the saddlebag causing the 
form to be pulled inward at the bottom. When the saddlebag is stretched 
over the engine compartment, the elastic member 36 urges the top 20, sides 
26, and ends 30 and 32, into conformance while tucking under the edge 
securely holds the device in place. This method of attachment allows a 
stable, yet removable mode of connection without any modification to the 
watercraft structure. 
The construction materials of the above elements may be of any woven fabric 
having sufficient integrity to retain objects within the pockets when 
subject to the environment of a watercraft. This includes synthetic 
fabrics, such as nylon, dacron, polyester, and the like, or even natural 
woven fibers, such as cotton, as all of the preferred material of 
construction consist basically of a woven fabric stretching the components 
together, preferably accomplished by sewing with thread. This sewing 
method includes attachment of the top 20 to the sides 26 and ends 30 and 
32, as well as the pockets 28 and 34. This type of construction allows the 
exact shape to be determined by each piece, assuring a tight fit all 
around. 
As the saddlebag is subjected to occasional submersion in water, as a 
result of the watercraft falling on its side, each pocket 28 or 34 
contains a number of drain ports 38 in the bottom. These ports 38 may be 
any type of opening, however, a grommet is preferred, as it allows the 
water to drain freely and covers the edges of the hole preventing fraying 
of the edges of the hole. Occasional submerging of the watercraft on its 
side creates another problem with the side pockets 28 in that material 
stored inside may be accidently dislodged. To preclude this situation, a 
pair of straps 40 are attached at the outside edge of each set of pockets 
28. These straps 40 utilize connecting means in the form of a quick 
release fastener 42, allowing each end to be joined, forcing the pockets 
28 underneath in a flat position on the top creating a compressed closure. 
This arrangment allows easy access to the pockets when the strap is 
removed, even if the driver is in the water at the side or in a kneeling 
position in the cockpit of the watercraft. The quick release fastener 42 
may be any type suitable for the purpose, with clamping action, over 
center lever, hooks, and the like, being entirely adequate. 
In operation the utility saddlebag is stretched over the vehicle engine 
compartment enclosure 21 and secured beneath the lower edge of the 
enclosure edges with the elastic member 36 retracting, holding it securely 
in place. Articles are placed in the pockets and the straps 40 are 
connected together securing the pockets 28 and 34. 
While the invention has been described in complete detail and pictorially 
shown in the accompanying drawings, it is not to be limited to such 
details, since many changes and modifications may be in the invention 
without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is 
described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come 
within the language and scope of the appended claims.