U.S. patent application number 10/606405 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-26 for golf bag having integrated wheels and an extendable handle.
Invention is credited to Ortega, Charles M..
Application Number | 20040035728 10/606405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31891302 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040035728 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ortega, Charles M. |
February 26, 2004 |
Golf bag having integrated wheels and an extendable handle
Abstract
A golf bag is provided which is utilized for easy transportation
of golf paraphernalia. The golf bag comprises an enclosure for
containing golf products having a top end and a bottom end. An
opening exists at the top end for allowing access to the golf
products. A base is located at the bottom end. At least one
integrated wheel is coupled to the base for providing mobility to
the golf bag. An extendable handle is coupled to the opening for
providing maneuverability to the golf bag.
Inventors: |
Ortega, Charles M.; (Palos
Verdes Estates, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARR & FERRELL LLP
2200 GENG ROAD
PALO ALTO
CA
94303
US
|
Family ID: |
31891302 |
Appl. No.: |
10/606405 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60391849 |
Jun 25, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/315.3 ;
206/315.8; 280/DIG.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 55/30 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/315.3 ;
280/DIG.006; 206/315.8 |
International
Class: |
A63B 055/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A golf bag, comprising: an enclosure for containing golf
products having a top end and a bottom end; an opening at the top
end for allowing access to the golf products; a base located at the
bottom end; at least one integrated wheel coupled to the base for
providing mobility to the golf bag; and an extendable handle
coupled to the opening for providing maneuverability to the golf
bag.
2. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one integrated
wheel is an inline skate wheel.
3. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one integrated
wheel is coupled to the base piece via a bearing and axle
system.
4. The golf bag of claim 3, wherein a spacer is utilized with the
bearing and axle system to couple the at least one wheel to the
base.
5. The golf bag of claim 1, further comprising a kickstand.
6. The golf bag of claim 1, further comprising a release button
coupled to the handle for allowing the handle to extend upward from
the opening.
7. The golf bag of claim 1, further comprising at least one front
support rail.
8. The golf bag of claim 7, further comprising at least one
extension rail coupled to the at least one front support rail and
to the extendable handle.
9. The golf bag of claim 1, further comprising at least one back
support rail.
10. The golf bag of claim 1, further comprising a collar section
coupled to the top end of the enclosure.
11. The golf bag of claim 10, wherein the collar section further
comprises a cradle section for receiving the extendable handle.
12. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one integrated
wheel is a skateboard wheel.
13. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein the base comprises at least
one section that slopes upward.
14. The golf bag recited in claim 1, further comprising a kick
plate located on the base.
15. The golf bag recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one
integrated wheel does not extend beyond a perimeter of the golf
bag.
16. The golf bag recited in claim 1, wherein spacing of the at
least one integrated wheel is fixed.
17. A golf bag, comprising: a base piece; a container portion
coupled to the base piece for housing of golf paraphernalia; a
plurality of wheels coupled to the base piece for providing
mobility to the golf bag; and an extendable handle coupled to the
base piece for providing steerability to the golf bag.
18. The golf bag of claim 17, wherein the base piece further
comprises a sloped section.
19. The golf bag of claim 17, further comprising a release button
for releasing and locking the extendable handle in a particular
position.
20. The golf bag of claim 17, further comprising a guard coupled to
the extendable handle for preventing an item from posing a
hindrance to a non-extended position of the extendable handle.
21. The golf bag of claim 17, further comprising a cradle section
coupled to a top section of the enclosure portion for receiving the
extendable handle.
22. The golf bag of claim 17, wherein the plurality of wheels are
coupled to the base piece via wheel axles.
23. The golf bag of claim 22, wherein the wheel axles are contained
within the base piece.
24. The golf bag of claim 17, wherein the spacing of the plurality
of wheels is fixed.
25. The golf bag of claim 17, wherein the plurality of wheels do
not extend beyond a perimeter of the golf bag.
26. A golf bag, comprising: an enclosure for containing golf
products having a top end and a bottom end; an opening at the top
end for allowing access to the golf products; a base located at the
bottom end; an axle coupled to the base; at least one integrated
wheel coupled to the axle for providing mobility to the golf bag;
at least one front support rail coupled to the base; at least one
extension rail coupled to the at least one front support rail; an
extendable handle coupled to the at least one extension rail for
providing maneuverability to the golf bag; and at least one back
support rail coupled to the base.
27. A golf bag, comprising: an enclosure for containing golf
products having a top end and a bottom end; an opening at the top
end for allowing access to the golf products; a base located at the
bottom end; an axle contained within the base; and at least one
wheel affixed to the axle.
28. A golf bag, comprising: an enclosure for containing golf
products having a top end and a bottom end; an opening at the top
end for allowing access to the golf products; an extendable handle
having a guard coupled to the opening; a base located at the bottom
end; and at least one wheel coupled to the base.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority from Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 60/391,849, filed Jun. 25, 2002,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of golf
products, and more particularly to a golf bag having integrated
wheels and an extendable handle.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] The game of golf traditionally requires that numerous items
and paraphernalia associated with the game be transported around a
golf course. Generally, these items are transported via a golf bag.
Golf bags accordingly encase not only clubs, but often shoes, golf
balls, golf gloves, score cards, pens and pencils, cell phones, and
a plurality of other items that a golfer desires to keep close at
hand during the game.
[0006] This assortment of paraphernalia can add considerable weight
to what is already a fairly heavy golf bag. Due to the weight of
the golf bag, most golf courses provide motorized golf carts for
transport. Typically, motorized golf carts include straps on the
back for attaching the golf bag thereto. The motorized golf carts
are maneuvered on pathways provided therefore, as well as some
sections of the course itself. However, these motorized golf carts
are generally not allowed on or near a putting green or various
other areas of the golf course. Thus, a golfer is forced to unstrap
his/her bag and carry the golf bag across a fairway, side of the
putting green, or other locations in order to have ready access to
a variety of clubs. Otherwise, the golfer can select one or two
clubs he/she thinks he/she might use in the areas inaccessible by
the golf cart. In this latter case, the golfer often lacks an ideal
club for an occasion. Disadvantageously, the former case
necessitates a delay in play due to the golfer unstrapping the golf
bag, carrying it to a next point of play, returning to the
motorized golf cart after play, strapping the golf bag back onto
the motorized golf cart, and so forth. Further, the sheer weight of
the golf bag may result in a delay in play since it tends to slow
down a golfer carrying the heavy golf bag.
[0007] As an alternative, golf courses frequently offer wheeled
(non-motorized) golf carts for transporting the golf bags. The
wheeled golf carts include equipment for attaching the golf bag,
and typically include a handle for pulling the golf cart and wheels
extending from the cart. Many golfers prefer the wheeled golf carts
since walking the golf course during the golfer's round facilitates
a cardiovascular workout. Disadvantageously, these manual golf
carts are often bulky and clumsy to use. In addition, due to the
cardiovascular benefits, some golfers prefer to carry their golf
bag for a portion of the round. Since the wheeled golf cart cannot
be abandoned on the golf course in favor of carrying the golf bag,
nor can it be easily lifted with the golf bag strapped to the
wheeled golf cart, the option of carrying the golf bag is
eliminated.
[0008] Due to the disadvantages of the motorized golf carts and the
manual wheeled golf carts, various golf bags have been devised in
order to alleviate the problems associated with the aforementioned
transport mechanisms. Some devices offer stroller devices for golf
bags. Frequently, these stroller-type devices present the same
drawbacks as the manual wheeled golf carts. Alternatively, a
variety of golf bags offer wheels attached to the golf bag.
However, the wheels are generally attached to legs, presenting
difficult manipulation to properly deploy the wheeled legs, and an
inconvenient option for the golfers who desire to carry their golf
bag. Still other golf bags offer handle systems that work to deploy
retractable wheels. These golf bags, however, present bulky handles
that interfere with carrying. Furthermore, the handles often
interfere with space utilized to store the golf clubs within the
golf bag, as do the retracted wheels and the axle therebetween.
Moreover, these prior art golf bags add considerable weight to the
golf bag, thus making the option of carrying the golf bag far less
attractive to the golfers.
[0009] Recently, suitcases have been developed, which allow for
easy transport of the content therein. These suitcases typically
include wheels on a bottom end and a handle near a top end.
However, these suitcases are not feasible for use with
transportation of golf products. Often, the suitcases are too small
to accommodate golf clubs. Further, the contents of these suitcases
are not easily accessible, often requiring a user to fumble with
zippers, locks, latches, and other similar devices. These suitcases
also tend to be bulky, heavy, and difficult to manipulate,
especially as the size of the suitcase increases.
[0010] Travel bags for the transportation of actual golf bags and
golf clubs have also been developed. These travel bags frequently
include wheels for easy manipulation of the golf bag and golf clubs
during travel. Disadvantageously, as with suitcases, the travel
bags do not allow easy access to the golf bag and the contents
thereof typically encasing the golf clubs. Accordingly, a user must
disengage locking mechanisms on the travel bag that prevent the
golf bag inside or the golf clubs from escaping the travel bag.
Furthermore, travel bags are intended only to protect the golf bag
and the golf clubs from damage that may occur during travel. The
size, shape, and configuration of the travel bags are not suitable
for transporting the contents thereof on an actual golf course.
Moreover, many travel bags are extremely heavy due to the fact that
the materials of which they are constructed seek to prevent damage,
such as punctures, forces that may bend or break golf clubs, etc.,
to the golf bag and the golf clubs sealed inside the travel
bag.
[0011] Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a
continuing need for a new and improved golf bag with integrated
wheels that do not interfere with the storage of items in the golf
bag or with the carrying of the golf bag. There is a further need
for a convenient handle that does not interfere with carrying the
golf bag, as well as features that do not add considerable weight
to the golf bag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention provides in various embodiments a golf
bag, which overcomes prior problems associated with prior art golf
bags. The golf bag comprises an enclosure for containing golf
products having a top end and a bottom end. An opening exists at
the top end for allowing access to the golf products. A base is
located at the bottom end. At least one integrated wheel is coupled
to the base for providing mobility to the golf bag. An extendable
handle is coupled to the opening for providing maneuverability to
the golf bag.
[0013] In one embodiment, the golf bag comprises an enclosure
having a top end and a bottom end for containing golf products. An
opening at the top end allows access to golf products. A base is
located at the bottom end. An axle is contained within the base,
and wheels are affixed to the axle.
[0014] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the
inventions herein may be realized by reference to the remaining
portions of the specification and the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a golf
bag having integrated wheels and an extendable handle;
[0016] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the extendable handle and a
kickstand in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary interior of the
golf bag;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary base
of the golf bag in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a handle design in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the golf bag; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the exemplary handle design
of FIG. 4 in an extended position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0022] As shown in the exemplary drawings wherein like reference
numerals indicate like or corresponding elements among the figures,
an embodiment of a system according to the present invention will
now be described in detail. The following description sets forth an
example of an improved golf bag.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1A, a perspective view of one
embodiment of a golf bag 100 having at least one integrated
wheel(s) 116 and an extendable handle 114 is shown. Generally, the
golf bag 100 includes various pockets 102 for transporting and
storing items. A carrying strap 104 may be attached to the golf bag
100 for over the shoulder carrying of the golf bag 100.
[0024] Further, a kickstand (not shown) may be attached to the golf
bag 100 at a back side. The kickstand allows for the angled
positioning of the golf bag 100, which provides easier access to
golf clubs contained within the golf bag 100. A lever 128 that
activates the kickstand may be located at or near the bottom of the
golf bag 100. The lever 128 typically deploys the kickstand when
the golf bag 100 is tilted in such a manner as to depress the lever
128. However, any type of mechanism for activating the kickstand is
within the scope of the invention.
[0025] A strap handle 108 may be attached to a front side of the
golf bag 100 for transport, as is conventional with golf bags. A
kick plate 110 is included on the golf bag 100 for simple
manipulation of the golf bag 100. For example, a user may apply a
force to the kick plate 110 in order to move the golf bag 100 into
a mobile position (i.e., balanced on the integrated wheels
116).
[0026] The carrying strap 104 may be any type of carrying strap
suitable for use with the present golf bag 100. For example, the
carrying strap 104 may be a dual strap type, which allows a user to
carry the golf bag 100 in a similar manner as a back pack is
carried. This provides more stability for the golf bag 100 during
transport, and more evenly distributes the weight of the golf bag
100 and the golf bag's contents on the user.
[0027] The present golf bag 100 also includes internal front
support rails (not shown) for providing stability and for housing
the extendable handle 114. The extendable handle 114 slides in and
out of these front support rails. Back support rails (not shown),
opposite the front support rails discussed above, are also included
internally in the golf bag 100. Accordingly, the golf bag 100
internally houses four supporting rails. The internal front and
back support rails will be discussed in more detail in connection
with FIG. 2.
[0028] Further included on the golf bag 100 are the integrated
wheels 116. The integrated wheels 116 are attached at a base of the
golf bag 100 on either side of the kick plate 110. Alternatively,
the integrated wheels 116 may be attached at any area of the base
of the golf bag 100 as is suitable with the present invention.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
integrated wheels 116 are inline skate wheels. Inline skate wheels
are typically 50 to 80 millimeters in diameter. Smaller wheels
usually provide maneuverability, whereas larger wheels provide more
speed. For use with the golf bag 100 of the present invention,
smaller inline skate wheels may be utilized, since speed is not
required on a golf course, in the golf course parking lot, etc.
However, larger wheels may also be employed in order to provide
added stability. In alternative embodiments, other forms of wheels
may also be utilized. Although inline skate wheels typically do not
extend beyond the perimeter of the golf bag, inline skate wheels
and other forms of wheels may optionally extend beyond the
perimeter of the golf bag. In one embodiment, the integrated wheels
116 are detachable.
[0030] In order to ease friction, bearings may be included in the
hub of each inline skate wheel. There are a variety of types,
sizes, etc. of bearings. Any bearings suitable for use with the
inline skate wheels, or any other contemplated wheel types, may be
employed. Further, bearing spacers may be utilized with the inline
skate wheels. As with the bearings, there are numerous types of
spacers. Any type of spacers suitable for use with the inline skate
wheels, or any other contemplated wheel types, may be employed.
[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
integrated wheels 116 may be skateboard type wheels. Skateboard
type wheels are typically 55 millimeters in diameter. However, any
diameter suitable for use with the present invention may be
employed.
[0032] Generally, wheels come in a variety of sizes, shapes,
colors, profiles, width, and hardness. In particular, the hardness
of a wheel is referred to as its durometer. Durometer is measured
on a scale from zero to one hundred, with one hundred being the
hardest. Durometer is denoted by the suffix "A" (e.g., 80A).
Durometers for inline skate wheels tend to range from 74A to 96A,
while skateboard wheel durometers tend to range from 78A to 100A. A
softer wheel may be more suitable for rougher terrain, such as
asphalt surfaces for instance. However, harder wheels provide more
durability and speed. Any wheel durometer suitable for use with the
present invention may be employed.
[0033] Although inline skate wheels and skateboard type wheels have
been exemplified, any type of wheels suitable for use with the golf
bag 100 of the present invention may be employed. Further, any
characteristics (i.e., size, shape, color, profile, hardness,
width, etc.) associated with wheels may be utilized as is suitable
for use with the present invention. Additionally, more or fewer
wheels may be utilized in accordance with the present
invention.
[0034] In use, the user can tilt the golf bag 100 via the
extendable handle 114, the strap handle 108, or other area of the
golf bag 100 that may be grasped. Further, the user may use the
kick plate 110 to assist with moving the golf bag 100 to the tilted
position. The extendable handle 114 may be extended prior to or
after tilting of the golf bag 100. The extendable handle 114 is
then utilized to assist in the transportation of the golf bag 100
(e.g., from a vehicle to a golf course, on the golf course, etc.)
by pushing or pulling the golf bag 100 via the extendable handle
114 to place the integrated wheels 116 in motion. The golf bag 100
may be transported in any manner suitable for use with the present
invention.
[0035] The pockets 102, carrying strap 104, and strap handle 108
may be included as part of the golf bag 100, but are not a
necessary part of the invention. One or more of the pockets 102,
carrying strap 104, and strap handle 108 may be excluded from the
golf bag 100 or additional items added in accordance with the
present invention.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 1B, a perspective view of the
extendable handle 114 and a kickstand 117 is shown. The extendable
handle 114 is housed inside the front support rails. As discussed
herein, four supporting rails are included in the golf bag 100,
creating a support network for stability. The front and back
support rails will be discussed in more detail in connection with
FIG. 2. As shown, the extendable handle 114 extends from a rested
position on top of the golf bag 100. Extension rails 120 are
attached to the extendable handle 114 and protrude from the front
support rails. The extendable handle 114 may include a guard 122
for preventing golf clubs from falling through space created
between the extension rails 120 and the extendable handle 114 upon
extension. The extendable handle 114 itself may include an opening
124, which allows a user to grasp the extendable handle 114. When
the extendable handle 114 is not extended, the extendable handle
114 rests flush with a collar 126 of the golf bag 100.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of an interior
of the golf bag 100 is shown in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. The interior of the golf bag
100 includes a base piece 202, attachment pieces 204, connecting
elements 206, front support rails 210, and back support rails 212.
The integrated wheels 116 may attach to the base piece 202 via any
means suitable for use with the present invention. As shown in FIG.
2, the base piece 202 includes areas of indentation for attaching
the integrated wheels 116. Typically, the integrated wheels 116 are
secured to the base piece 202 utilizing independent axles for each
of the integrated wheels 116. However, any method of securing the
integrated wheels 116 to the base is within the scope of the
invention. For example, the integrated wheels 116 may be secured to
the base by screwing the wheel to the base piece 202, mounting the
integrated wheels 116 to the base piece 202 via a bolt and a lug
nut, mounting the integrated wheels 116 to the base piece utilizing
a single common axle, and so on.
[0038] The front support rails 210 and the back support rails 212
may be made of any material(s) suitable for use with the present
invention. The front support rails 210, which receive the extension
rails 120 include an opening wide enough for this receipt.
Alternatively, the extension rails 120 may envelope the front
support rails 210, so that the extension rails 120 include openings
wide enough to cover, or otherwise slide over, the front support
rails 210. The back support rails 212, on the opposite side of the
golf bag 100, may be of a similar size or a different size as the
front support rails 210. The connecting elements 206 are positioned
at a top portion of the front support rails 210 for connecting the
extension rails 120 to the front support rails 210 to allow for
movement of the extension rails 120 therein.
[0039] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, two
front support rails 210 for receiving the two extension rails 120
are contemplated. However, in this embodiment, there is only one
back support rail. Accordingly, the golf bag 100 of this embodiment
only includes three support rails.
[0040] A shell 208, which is made of fabric or any other material
suitable for use with the present invention, encloses the inner
structure that may include a portion of the base piece 202, the
front support rails 210, and the back support rails 212, thereby
forming a container for golf clubs. A top piece, which may be
referred to as the collar 126, resides atop the front support rails
210 and the back support rails 212, and forms a space (e.g., an
indented area) for the extendable handle 114 when the extendable
handle 114 is in a rested, or otherwise non-extended position.
[0041] As previously discussed, the guard 122 may or may not be
coupled to the extendable handle 114 structure. One purpose of the
guard 122 is to prevent golf clubs from slipping through a space
created between the extendable handle 114 and the extension rails
120, the golf clubs possibly posing a hindrance to moving the
extendable handle 114 back into the rested (i.e., non-extended)
position. The guard 122 may meet the extendable handle 114 and sits
flush against the extendable handle 114 or against the ends of the
extendable handle 114. Alternatively, the guard 122 may extend only
a portion of the way up the extension rails 120, leaving a space
between the guard 122 and the extendable handle 114. Where the
guard 122 is included, the guard 122 can slide with the extendable
handle 114 and the extension rails 120. Thus, the guard 122 is
housed within the golf bag 100 when the extendable handle 114 is in
the resting position.
[0042] The extendable handle 114, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a
flexible crescent shaped handle. However, any extendable handle 114
suitable for use with the present invention may be employed.
Advantageously, the extendable handle 114 adds stability to the
golf bag 100 assembly due to potential manipulation of the
extension rails 120 via the extendable handle 114 when transporting
the golf bag 100 in a manner consistent with the present invention.
For example, a user rolling the golf bag 100 may compensate for
tipping of the golf bag 100 to one side by applying pressure to the
extendable handle 114, and thus the extension rails 120, opposite
the side where the tipping is occurring. Other contemplated handles
may present similar benefits.
[0043] The golf bag 100 may include fewer or more support rails
than the four support rails (i.e. the front support rails 210 and
the back support rails 212) discussed herein. For example, only one
front support rail and two back support rails may be included in
the golf bag 100. In this embodiment, a single extension rail is
moveably connected to the one front support rail in a telescoping
manner. In order for such a single extension rail to provide
stability via potential manipulation of the golf bag 100 while
transporting the golf bag 100 via the integrated wheels 116, the
handle on the single extension rail may be curved. For example, the
handle may be "u" shaped, like the handle of an umbrella. Such a
handle would occupy little space in a niche of the collar 126 of
the golf bag 100 carved out. The handle may extend over the lip, or
otherwise top edge, of the golf bag 100, being contiguous with the
collar 126 of the golf bag 100 when the single extension rail is in
a rested position. A release button may also be included for
locking and releasing the handle and single extension rail. Any
handle suitable for use with the invention may be utilized in
accordance with this embodiment.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the
front support rails 210, the back support rails 212, the extension
rails 120, the extendable handle 114 and optional guard 122 may be
located exterior to the shell 208 of the golf bag 100. In such an
embodiment, the golf bag 100 is capable of being removed from the
extendable handle 114, front support rails 210, and back support
rails 212. In addition, the integrated wheels 116 and/or the base
piece 202 in such an embodiment may be detachable. Accordingly, the
extendable handle 114, the fronts support rails 210 and the back
support rails 212 structure, integrated wheels 116, and possibly
the base piece 202 may be detached from the golf bag 100, itself. A
user may choose to detach the golf bag 100 from the foregoing
structures in order to alleviate weight, or the user may simply
desire to carry the golf bag 100, conventionally.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded, perspective view of an
exemplary base 300 of the golf bag 100, including the base piece
202, front support rails 210, and back support rails 212 is shown.
The base 300 includes the kick plate 110 area and the integrated
wheels 116. Further, the base 300 houses the attachment elements
204 for securing the front support rails 210 and the back support
rails 212 to the base piece 202. Any placement of the attachment
elements 204, the front support rails 210, and the back support
rails 212 suitable for use with the present invention may be
employed.
[0046] The attachment elements 204 shown in FIG. 3 are widened at a
bottom portion and narrowed as the attachment elements 204 protrude
up from the base piece 202 to meet and enclose the front support
rails 210 and the back support rails 212. Any attachment elements
204 suitable for use with the present invention may be utilized.
The attachment elements 204 may be flexible to allow for added
flexibility of the front support rails 210 and the back support
rails 212. Alternatively, the attachment elements 204 may be rigid
to reduce or eliminate flexibility of the front support rails 210
and the back support rails 212.
[0047] Further, a floor 302 of the base piece 202, as shown in FIG.
3 is generally flat, but includes an elevated portion 304. The
elevated portion 304 slopes upward from the flat portion of the
floor 302 of the base piece 202. This sloping enables the golf bag
100 to lean in a stable manner when the kickstand 117 (FIG. 1B) is
utilized. Alternatively, a larger or smaller elevated portion 304
may be employed. Further, the elevated portion 304 may not be
employed at all in the base piece 202, such as, for example, where
the golf bag 100 does not include the kickstand 117. Where no
elevated portion 304 is included, the floor 302 of the base piece
202 will typically be flat. In another embodiment, more than one
elevated portion 304 is included as part of the floor 302 of the
base piece 202.
[0048] In one embodiment, wheel axles (not shown) are contained
within the base piece 202. The wheel axles may comprise a
supporting shaft, transverse bar, or member on or with which the
one or more wheels 116 revolve. Thus, a single transverse bar or
shaft may connect the wheels 116 located on opposing sides of the
base piece 202, or each of the at least one wheel 116 may include
an axle. The spacing of the wheels 116 in this embodiment may be
fixed. As discussed herein, the base piece 202 may include an area
of indentation, or recessed area, for housing the wheels 116, such
that the wheels 116 do not extend beyond the perimeter of the
bag.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 4A, a perspective view of the
extendable handle 114 design is shown. As discussed herein, the
extendable handle 114 is crescent shaped and extends between the
two extension rails 120 (FIG. 1). Alternatively, any extendable
handle 114 suitable for use with the present invention may be
utilized. As indicated in FIG. 4A, the extendable handle 114 in a
rested position 402 (i.e., 2.sup.nd position) sits flush with the
collar 126.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 4B, a perspective view of an
alternative embodiment of the golf bag 100 is shown. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, two front support rails 210 are shown,
while a single back support rail 212 is shown. The single back
support rail 212 is attached to the base piece 202 opposite the
side of the base piece 202 where the integrated wheels 116 and
front support rails 210 are attached. As discussed herein, any
number of front support rails 210 and/or back support rails 212 are
within the scope of the invention.
[0051] Further, FIG. 4B indicates the up and down motions of the
extendable handle 114, extension rails 120, and optional guard 122.
In one embodiment, the extendable handle 114 extends 13 inches from
the golf bag 100. However, the extendable handle 114 may extend any
suitable length from the golf bag 100. The extendable handle 114 in
FIG. 4B is shown in the extended position 404 (i.e., 1.sup.st
position).
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the
extendable handle 114 in an extended position is shown. Preferably,
the extendable handle 114 may include a release button 502 for
releasing the extendable handle 114 from its niche where the
extendable handle 114 sits flush with the collar 126 (FIG. 1a). The
release button 502 can also lock the extendable handle 114 and
extension rails 120 into place when in the extended position.
Conversely, when the release button 502 is pressed while the
extendable handle 114 is in an extended position, or otherwise
activated, the extension rails 120 will slide back into the
receptacle of the front support rails 210, and the extendable
handle 114 will return to its niche. Thus, the release button 502
is capable of locking the extendable handle 114 while in the rested
position, in the extended position, or any position in between.
Accordingly, the extendable handle 114 may be locked into various
extended positions.
[0053] In an alternative embodiment, the release button 502 may be
located elsewhere on the golf bag 100. For example, a release
button 502 positioned on the top of the collar 126 may release the
extendable handle 114. Any positioning of the release button
suitable for use with the present invention may be employed.
[0054] Beneath the extendable handle 114, the guard 122 may be
coupled to the extendable handle 114 and/or the extension rails
120. Any method of coupling may be used that is suitable for use
with the present invention. For instance, the guard 122 piece may
be sewn to the extendable handle 114 and/or extension rails 120 in
some manner. Further, the extension rails 120 may be adapted to
receive the guard 122. For example, the extension rails 120 may
include openings along the length of the extension rails 120 into
which the guard 122 can slide into position. As another example,
the extension rails 120 may include snap receivers so that the
guard 122 may be snapped onto the extension rails 120. Further, the
guard 122 may be made of any material suitable for use with the
present invention, such as plastic, leather, etc.
[0055] Additionally, the golf bag 100 may include a padded fabric
504 wrapped around the collar 126 (FIG. 1A). Typically, the collar
126 of the golf bag 100 is made of plastic and thus, the collar 126
may be hard and can inadvertently mar golf clubs placed within.
Therefore, the collar 126 is preferably padded with the padded
fabric 504, but any material(s) suitable for use with the present
invention may be utilized to form the collar 126. Further, any type
of fabric 504, padded or otherwise, may be provided to wrap around
the collar 126 of the golf bag 100.
[0056] As shown in the FIG. 5 close-up, as well as in FIGS. 1A, 1B,
2, and 4, separators or dividers 506 may be included in the golf
bag 100 at or near the collar 126, or at any other location in the
golf bag 100, for separating golf clubs. The dividers 506 may be a
single piece or multiple pieces attached to the collar 126, or
elsewhere, of the golf bag 100 in any manner consistent with the
present invention.
[0057] The golf bag 100 of the present invention allows a user to
extend the handle and wheel the golf bag 100 from a parking lot to
a golf course, on the golf course itself, etc. By virtue of the
integrated wheels 116, the golf bag 100 can either be rolled for
transportation thereof, or manually carried. Neither the integrated
wheels 116 nor the extendable handle 114 add considerable weight,
thereby allowing for simple manual carrying of the golf bag 100.
Further, due to the negligible weight added to the golf bag 100 by
the features discussed herein, the golf bag 100 does not create
damage to the golf course beyond the ordinary wear and tear
conventional golf bags create. The extendable handle 114 assists
with maneuvering the golf bag 100 and allows a user to prevent the
golf bag 100 from tipping to one side or the other. The integrated
wheels 116, such as the inline skate wheels discussed herein, allow
for simple transport and maneuvering of the golf bag 100 on and off
of the golf course.
[0058] The above description is illustrative and not restrictive.
Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those of
skill in the art upon review of this disclosure. The scope of the
invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to
the above description, but instead should be determined with
reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of
equivalents.
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