U.S. patent application number 10/056523 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-02 for modular stand bag for golf clubs.
Invention is credited to Herold, Jeffrey.
Application Number | 20040238385 10/056523 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27609292 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040238385 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herold, Jeffrey |
December 2, 2004 |
Modular stand bag for golf clubs
Abstract
These inventions provide for golf bags, in particular stand type
golf bags used in game play are arranged with modular components.
These components can be easily switched by a golfer whereby the
component may be replace with one having an alternative function or
style. In addition, components subject to damage may be quickly and
easily replaced with new components. Golf bags are configured with
special fasteners which allow parts to be removably affixed to the
bag for the switchable components. Standard materials and fasteners
might be used elsewhere on the bag. Golf bag components which are
arranged to be changeable include at least: the stand element, a
back pad, shoulder straps and shoulder moulds, and pockets. Kits
comprising an upgrade theme are also arranged to cooperate with
these bags and to be sold as stand alone products in support of
extended uses of the bags.
Inventors: |
Herold, Jeffrey; (Huntington
Bch., CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thelen Reid & Priest LLP
P O Box 640640
San Jose
CA
95164-0640
US
|
Family ID: |
27609292 |
Appl. No.: |
10/056523 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/315.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 55/408 20151001;
A63B 55/00 20130101; A45C 13/04 20130101; A63B 55/53 20151001; A45C
2003/007 20130101; A45F 3/04 20130101; A63B 55/50 20151001; A45C
7/0045 20130101; A45C 5/00 20130101; A45C 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/315.2 |
International
Class: |
A63B 055/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag comprising: a
chassis; at least one attachment facility; at least one pocket or
pouch; and a shoulder strap system, said chassis being a
cylindrical member having a closed bottom and open top; said at
least one pocket or pouch being disposed on the exterior of the bag
chassis removably affixed thereto, said shoulder strap system being
disposed on the exterior of the bag chassis removably affixed
thereto.
2) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag of claim 1, said
attachment facility further comprising fasteners to removably
couple said pockets and said shoulder strap system having mating
fasteners.
3) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag of claim 2, said
fasteners are from the group of fasteners including: hook and loop
fasteners, snaps, buckles, clips, removable studs, and mechanical
interlocking mechanisms.
4) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag of claim 2, said
shoulder strap system is further comprised of a wishbone strap
configuration and two bag straps, two shoulder pad elements each
being removable from the wishbone strap and the bag straps by way
of mating buckle fasteners.
5) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag of claim 4, said
shoulder strap system further is comprised of removable shoulder
molds elements which wrap about said padded shoulder strap elements
and provide an ergonomic fit to the human shoulder.
6) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag of claim 4, said two
bag straps and wishbone strap form a three point attachment with
respect to said chassis whereby either of said two bag straps or
wishbone strap may be replaced by a similar strap.
7) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag of claim 5, said
shoulder padded shoulder strap elements being changeable by way of
a mating pair of buckle fasteners.
8) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag of claim 1, further
comprising a stand system, said stand system being removably
affixed to the bag by way of mechanical interlocking fasteners
whereby said stand may be removed from and replaced to said chassis
without damaging the fasteners.
9) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag of claim 8, said
stand system comprise at least two legs, each leg of the stand
system being separately removable and replaceable via fasteners
which may be operated without tools.
10) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag of claim 1, further
comprising a back pad, said back pad being removably affixed to the
chassis by way of mechanical interlocking fasteners whereby said
back pad may be removed from and replaced to said chassis without
damage to the fasteners.
11) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag of claim 10, said
back pad being a molded foam element on a first side of a plastic
back featuring stud fasteners integrated therewith on the other
side of the plastic back.
12) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag of claim 1, said at
least one pocket includes a pocket with a colored exterior
surface.
13) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag of claim 1, said at
least one attachment facility includes a system permanently affixed
to a bag chassis comprising flap members with a combination of
snaps and hook and loop type fasteners in a predetermined
arrangement.
14) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag of claim 13, said at
least one pocket has a top strip with mating fasteners arranged to
cooperate with the fasteners of said attachment facility.
15) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag of claim 13, said
attachment facility extends along a longitudinal direction of the
bag on one side substantially the full extent of the bag and on the
other side a partial extent to accommodate back pad in the
remaining portion.
16) A modular golf club and golf accessory bag of claim 1, said at
least one pocket includes at least two pockets, a first pocket
having thereon an attachment facility suitable for couple thereto a
second pocket to form a piggy-back arrangement.
17) A kit of golf bag components including a plurality of pockets
having colored exterior surfaces.
18) A kit of golf bag components including a plurality of pockets
having exterior surfaces with indicia to reflect a particular theme
or event.
19) A kit of golf bag components including components which are
characterized as oversized and high capacity whereby the capacity
of the bag may be extended by application of the kit to a golf
bag.
20) A kit of golf bag components including components which are
characterized as brief and lightweight whereby the weight of the
bag can be reduced.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] The following invention disclosure is generally concerned
with containers for sporting equipment and associated accessories
and more specifically concerned with stand bags for carrying golf
clubs on the course during play.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] The notion of interchanging parts of an article to realize
added function is not precisely new. Indeed in the clothing
industry, there is opportunity for changing parts to form an
altered whole and thereby achieve a new look or function.
Similarly, personal telephones now come with kits to redress the
appearance at the user's pleasure. At present, one major automobile
manufacture is considering a vehicle which has changeable
components which may be applied to a common chassis to change a
`car` into a `truck`. Thus, both the look and function may change
as a result of changing various component parts of an article.
[0005] With further regard to clothing, a few examples are
suggested as follows. Some outer layer jackets have been configured
with removable sleeves. In warmer weather, the top portion of the
sleeve unzips from the shoulder and the sleeves may be stored. EI
this way, a jacket may be transformed into a vest type garment. In
another similar example, the interior layer of a multi-layer jacket
can be removed. The 11 g of a ski jacket can be removed to reduce
the extent of the insulation. In this way, a single jacket can be
used in various weather conditions. Thus, the function of an
article of clothing is changed in accordance with removable
components.
[0006] The popularity of mobile telephones leads to a desire to
personalize the devices. Some like to express a certain look and
style. Therefore, phone manufactures have created a body portion
with a face portion which may be snapped into place but easily
removed. Customers may purchase as an aftermarket accessory a new
face portion with special indicia and designs. While the design may
be pleasing for some time, the novelty tends to fade. After one
design is no longer appreciated, the phone user can easily change
the look and style of the phone without buying a new phone.
Accordingly, the fashion of an article may be changed in accordance
with removable components which may be switched and combined with a
base or body portion.
[0007] Although some devices and articles have been designed with
components which may be switched with others, there remains
apparatus where this has not been attempted and remains completely
unknown. For example, when one purchases a suitcase, it comes fully
and permanently assembled. There is no opportunity to change the
color nor the look; so the buyer selects carefully, a black
bag.
[0008] A major problem with common golf bags in use today is that
these bags are subject to very rough use. Parts of the bag tend to
break despite being made from the most durable materials available.
In this case, a golfer must send the bag, for example to the
manufacture, for repair. When the bag is in its normal service
period, these repairs are generally warranty repairs paid for by
the manufacture. Since a golf bag is quite large it is problematic
when having to return ship a bag to a manufacturer for service. Not
only does the golfer find it cumbersome to pack, the shipping
company may charge for excessively large sized objects like a golf
bag. Further, the shipping and repair time is sometimes quite long.
A golfer may expect to be without the service of his bag for
several weeks. Accordingly, it is very expensive for both the
manufacture and the golfer to have a bag, or part thereof, break.
It would be a great benefit to the sport should a solution be found
where a broken bag was repaired without large expense and returned
to service without long delays. Some of the objectives of the
following disclosure are directed to solutions for these
problems.
[0009] While the systems and inventions of the art are designed to
achieve particular goals and objectives, some of those being no
less than remarkable, these inventions have limitations. These
inventions of the art are not used and cannot be used to realize
the advantages and objectives of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS
[0010] Comes now, Jeffrey Herold with inventions of stand type bags
for golf clubs with highly modular removable-replaceable
components. Stand bags are used on the golf course for carrying
clubs and accessories between holes. Stand bags of these inventions
include bags with interchangeable parts. In particular, these bags
may include pockets which may be switched to support various
carrying capacity. In addition, pockets with a exterior of various
colors may be switched to bring about an alternative color scheme.
The stand portion may be switched in view of certain preferences
which are different from one player to another, or with respect to
a player, from one day to another. Likewise, a first strap with a
particular size and function may be quickly removed and changed for
another strap which supports a caddy of a different size or
preference. Thus, bags of these inventions are composed of parts
which are easily removed and replaced with others via carefully
selected and appropriately arranged fasteners. Special fasteners
which allow removal and replacement of these components may include
fasteners such as snaps, buckles, `Velcro` type hook and loop
fasteners, mechanical interlocking elements, zippers, et cetera.
The positioning of these fastener elements is specially arranged to
cooperate with the components to be attached; i.e. the fasteners
are placed and arranged with complementary patterns and design so
that various different components may be affixed to the bag chassis
in the same place with the same fasteners.
[0011] It is a primary function of these golf club bags to provide
interchangeability with regard to the components from which it is
made. It is a contrast to prior art methods and devices that known
systems do not allow for one to change the function and style of a
bag after purchase; one must carefully chose a bag before purchase
which satisfies a particular need and has a neutral or modestly
attractive look. A fundamental difference between golf bags of the
instant invention and those of the art can be found when
considering the modular nature and the interchangeability of their
components.
[0012] Accordingly, stand type bags for golf clubs formed of
modular components which allow those components to be switched and
changed without causing the bag to be shipped to a specialist for
long periods of time are first presented herein this disclosure as
included inventions.
[0013] Objectives of the Inventions
[0014] It is a primary object of these inventions to provide golf
club bags of a highly modular nature.
[0015] It is an object of these inventions to provide golf club
bags comprised of components which may be easily removed.
[0016] It is a further object to provide golf club bags which may
easily change their appearance and style.
[0017] It is an object of the invention to provide golf club bags
which support a highly advanced and sophisticated special warranty
service.
[0018] A better understanding can be had with reference to detailed
description of preferred embodiments and with reference to appended
drawings. Embodiments presented are particular ways to realize
these inventions and are not inclusive of all ways possible.
Therefore, there may exist embodiments that do not deviate from the
spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth by the claims, but
do not appear here as specific examples. It will be appreciated
that a great plurality of alternative versions are possible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0019] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims and drawings where:
[0020] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a preferred version of a golf
bag in agreement with this disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a fully assembled modular golf bag of
these inventions;
[0022] FIG. 3 is another exploded view where alternative components
are suggested;
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a chassis component with fasteners
arranged to receive pocket components;
[0024] FIG. 5 shows a detail of a removable pocket being affixed to
a special golf bag chassis;
[0025] FIG. 6 is an example of a removable stud fastener useful to
removably couple some components; and
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a golfer using one custom configuration
of the bag.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIONS
[0027] In accordance with each of the preferred embodiments of
these inventions, there is provided golf club stand bags having
modular components. It will be appreciated that each of these
embodiments described include both apparatus and kits and that the
apparatus and kit of one preferred embodiment may be different than
the apparatus and kit of another separate embodiment.
[0028] Golf bags having modular removable components provide great
advantages to the golfer most importantly, but also to the retailer
and to the manufacturer. Although the mechanical differences taught
here may seem slight to some, the difference these differences make
is considerable and not less than remarkable. This can be fully
appreciated in consideration of the following three sections.
[0029] Golfer Selectable Configuration
[0030] Generally, when a golfer selects a golf bag for purchase he
considers personal preferences with regard to type of play, desired
capacity, design style, among others. Where conflicts arise,
compromise is the only solution. While sometimes a very large
deluxe bag is desirable, other times a lightweight brief bag is
preferred. In the past, it has been impossible to serve both of
these conflicting needs. Similarly, a bag having a plush padded
dual shoulder strap does not have a single shoulder strap and it
may be difficult to carry a dual strap over a single shoulder
because the balance is not correct. Where one wishes for a bag
having both functions, standard bags fail. Compromise becomes the
only solution for such conflicts as a single golf bag cannot
address these mutually exclusive properties. Thus, a golfer
struggles to find the perfect stand bag which serves all
occasions.
[0031] Golf bags of these inventions are designed to be
reconfigured at will. On one day the bag may be dressed to a full
capacity whereby loads of accessories and support equipment may be
carried. Other days the bag may be striped of components to form
the most brief and lightweight of bags. Other functions may be
changed also. For example, a dual shoulder strap may be switched
out for a single shoulder strap. Shoulder molded elements may be
changed in agreement with preferences. Pockets may be switched for
various carrying and storage tasks. One set of pockets might well
serve the task of compartmenting and protecting individual small
items, while another might be an unusual shape to hold special
objects like an elongated pocket for an umbrella. A back pad may be
removably affixed to a bag chassis whereby it can be removed and
changed for a different back pad with a preferred characteristic. A
premium quality lightweight stand made of graphite might be changed
for a standard aluminum stand. Alternatively, a heavy duty stand
might be employed instead where anticipated loads are large.
[0032] Configuration is not limited to functional considerations,
but rather also include design and aesthetic attributes. While golf
bags are known to have attractive and splashy color schema, these
schema can become less attractive with age and less undesirable
thereby reducing the overall utility of the bag. Bags of these
inventions support a change of color scheme. Simple exchange of
pockets and other components with new colors creates a new look
which can make an aged bag feel new and fresh. As fashion trends
change in time, bags which support changes in color schema without
replacement of the entire bag will be quite attractive to golfers
who do not want to buy a new bag every season to maintain the
fashion trend
[0033] Warranty Service
[0034] A major problem arises in the normal use of golf bags. These
bags are subject to very rough use and even abuse. Golf bags, even
those of the highest quality, sometimes suffer damage or breakage.
In these cases, the bags must be sent for repair. However, handling
such large bags is quite expensive and cumbersome. Shipping for
oversized items is not only expensive, but also time consuming.
Thus, the long time from which the bag is kept out of service is a
great inconvenience to the golfer. Since a manufacturer tends to
warranty a bag, the repairs and shipping are generally paid for by
the manufacturer. A tremendous operating expense for golf club
manufacturers includes the expense associated with warranty repair,
in particular, shipping expense. For these reasons among others, it
is desirable to provide alternatives and solutions.
[0035] To more clearly illustrate this, the following example is
provided. If the seam of a pocket which is sewn to a bag catches on
a sharp object and begins to tear, the entire 20 pound bag is
shipped to the manufacture for repair. In bags having removable
pockets, only the pocket is shipped A pocket may only weigh a small
fraction of one pound
[0036] Further, and more importantly, bags of these inventions
allows `forward` warranty service. A customer complaining of a torn
pocket can call to request repair. In response, a entirely new
pocket can be immediately overnight shipped to the customer. The
torn pocket can be returned to the manufacture at the convenience
of the golfer. Thus, a golfer rarely has to go a single day without
the complete service of his golf bag. This is absolutely not
possible with golf bags in service today.
[0037] Retail Inventory
[0038] Sophisticated retailers are forever mindful of inventory
excess. It is important to maintain a stock of items which move
frequently. A item which sits on a showroom floor for too long a
period costs the retailer in alternatives. To illustrate, one might
imagine an item of a particular color which is not very popular.
The entire wholesale cost of the item is tied up as inventory
expense. For a golf bag, this may be several hundred dollars. Thus
a retailer would be reluctant to allocate several hundred dollars
to keep in stock a golf bag having a zebra stripe color scheme.
Golf bags having a zebra stripe color scheme are quite novel but
unlikely to sell fast and in great numbers.
[0039] However, a retailer might be inclined to stock a pocket kit
having a zebra stripe color scheme as the pocket kit may only have
a wholesale cost of a few tens of dollars. That pocket kit could
then be purchased and affixed by the golfer to a special bag having
appropriately arranged fasteners in view of the pocket kit
configurations. Thus a very special pocket kit could be arranged to
cooperate with a bag chassis via predetermined arrangement of
special removable fasteners.
[0040] If a retailer stocks a modest amount of golf club bag
chassis, say for example ten, and stocks fifty pocket kits with
various color schemes, the retailer has effectively stocked fifty
different golf bags at a great reduction in inventory expense.
Presently, pro shops wanting to stock bags of fifty different color
schema are necessarily required to purchase fifty entire bags at
great expense.
[0041] These objectives and others which will become clear in view
of this entire presentation are met by the arrangements of golf
bags described.
[0042] Golf club and accessory bags of these inventions are quite
unique in that they are highly modular with modules or components
being easily interchangeable. The interchangeable functionality of
these golf bags can be executed without special skill or tools and
is therefore operable by common users of these bags. These golf
bags are comprised of a plurality of components configured for
quick and easy change without expertise or complex machine
tools.
[0043] In general, stand bags are used on the golf course for
carrying clubs between holes. Typically, a stand bag is carried
over the shoulder or shoulders while the bag is used about the golf
course. When removed from the shoulder and set to the ground, a
tripod stand automatically deploys to hold the bag in an upright
position with the clubs easily accessible as they present from the
top.
[0044] To support concepts relating to golfer selectable
configurations, improved warranty service, and reduced retailer
inventory expense the golf bags of these inventions have been
created and devised. The following description in connection with
the drawing figures will enable persons interested to fully realize
the inventions. In particular, with reference to FIG. 1 which is an
exploded view of a golf bag and several example components. The
chassis of the bag is comprised of a cylidrical member 1 preferably
made of a rigid material which holds its shape and is quite rugged.
To the chassis, a bottom member is affixed. This fixture is
preferably a permanent fixture created with a fastener like glue,
sewing or rivets. This is because the bottom is not considered a
switchable component. A good bottom design is sufficient for nearly
all types of bags and there is little need to replace a bottom
element. An attachment facility 3 may also be permanently affixed
to the bag chassis member. This device supports fastening means
such as snaps or velcro in example in a predetermined arrangement.
In preferred versions, it may best be described as a nylon flap
with snaps and velcro at its periphery with the velcro on the
underside; i.e. the side of the nylon which is closest to the
chassis. The attachment facility rnay be glued or sewn or riveted
to the chassis on a vertical line at its longitudinal symmetry
axis. A pocket 4 may be permanently affixed atop thereof the
attachment facility. Although most pockets are removable and
changeable, a permanent pocket is useful in some versions of these
inventions which do not exclude where one or more of the pockets
are permanently affixed to a portion of the bag.
[0045] A special member for helping to ergonomically couple the bag
to a user's back while worn at the shoulders is a back pad 5. The
pad may be a molded foam material with a prescribed shape and size.
It may be coupled to the bag chassis via strong stud elements
(detail description follows) at its backside (not shown). Holes
drilled or punched into and through the chassis can accommodate
such studs whereby the back pad is very securely affixed but
remains optionally removable by way of the removable studs.
[0046] Padded shoulder strap elements 6 come in various forms.
These may include very think plush pads of circular cross section
or may be simple nylon webbing material. Choice of any particular
pad configuration may be quite different from one person to the
next. It is therefore a major part of these inventions that this
portion of the strap be easily and readily changeable with
alternative forms of padded shoulder straps.
[0047] The shoulder straps may be further improved by shoulder mold
elements 7. These elements better and more ergonomically couple the
padded shoulder straps to the shoulders. As the shoulders of
various persons are highly variable in shape and size from one
person to another, these shoulder molds are made to be easily
coupled to the shoulder straps whereby they are removable and
replaceable with custom shoulder molds particular to a certain
golfer. Thus a golfer may choose the precise nature of the shoulder
mold without having to change all the other elements of her
bag.
[0048] Padded shoulder strap elements are further coupled to the
bag chassis by way of both bag straps 8 and wishbone strap 9. The
bag straps and wishbone strap are preferably connected and affixed
to the padded shoulder straps with two piece buckles 10 forming a
mechanical interlock. These are generally male and female
cooperating elements. By way of simple operation of the removable
fasteners, one can replace separate elements of the strap system.
It is not necessary to replace the entire strap as it is the case
in other systems where permanent non-removable fixtures and
fasteners such as glue are used.
[0049] When a golf club stand bag is set to the turf, a mechanism
at the bottom operates to deploy a stand. Basically, two legs 11
extend away from the longitudinal axis of the bag and form two
parts of a tripod stand. The third part of the tripod stand is the
bag itself. While aluminum is generally a satisfactory material for
stand legs, some persons prefer different arrangements. Players who
use bags of very high capacity might not be satisfied with the
strength of aluminum legs and would prefer something which offers a
bit more stability. For example, legs made of carbon fiber are
lightweight and very rigid. Although they are more expensive, they
are quite useful in configurations which some golfers demand. In
bags where the legs are not removable and changeable, one must buy
the rest of the bag configuration which comes with the leg set
desired. In bags of these inventions, a user selects any of the
particular leg options and combines those with options of other
components.
[0050] One of the most interesting features of these inventions is
realized via pockets 12 which may be replaced and changed with
compatible pockets. In particular, preferred bags of these
inventions combine an entirely black chassis with colored pockets
to form a nice color scheme. By merely changing the colored pockets
with pockets of another color, one effectively changes the color of
his golf bag without having to buy a new bag. This is very
attractive to tournament promoters who might like to issue special
tournament pockets. While the special pockets are nice for
day-of-the-event promotions, the tournament color scheme might not
be as appealing at a later date. The tournament pockets could then
be removed, replaced with a neutral color scheme which is
attractive to the golfer but doesn't reflect dated material or
insignia.
[0051] In preferred versions, the pockets are attached to the bag
with fasteners which allow the pockets to be removably affixed. In
best versions, the male portion of snaps 13 are attached a top
strip portion of the pocket. The stripe does not interfere with use
of the pocket as access to the pocket interior is made through
zipper openings at the sides of the pocket. A flap attachment
facility permanently affixed to the bag chassis exterior forms a
cooperating portion of the entire fixture. Female portions of snaps
14 are mounted within a flap of cloth material such as nylon which
forms the flap. The top strip of the pocket can be slipped under
the flap and snapped thereto. In addition, for extra security and
neatness, the flap and pocket may also incorporate a common area to
which two cooperating hook and loop fasteners are arranged.
[0052] It is not only the case that a pocket may be removably
affixed to the bag chassis, but some pockets are arranged to be
removably affixed to other pockets. A piggy-back arrangement is
useful for a special function pocket. Pocket 15 is sometimes used
as a `nutrition pocket`. A food pouch containing sports quality
nutrition supplements can be kept in this special pocket. The
pocket `piggy-backs` to another pocket by way of snaps 16, and
complementary and cooperating snaps 17. Similarly, the main pocket
has cooperating fasteners 18 which affix the assembly to the bag
chassis at fasteners 19. The fasteners are arranged in a
predetermined pattern and cooperating elements are arranged to fit
into that interface. Although the piggy back pocket is very useful
for some people, others prefer a different sort of pocket at this
location which can easily be accessed while the bag is worn with a
double shoulder strap. More details in this regard can be
appreciated in further view of FIG. 7 described in sections
herefollowing.
[0053] When the parts of FIG. 1 are all nicely assembled together,
the bag nearly looks like one of permanent integration
Cosmetically, the bags are similar. However, one can surely now
appreciate the advance functionality offered by the bags of the
invention FIG. 2 is provided to show how the bag of FIG. 1 looks
when it is all assembled. Bag chassis 21 has a bottom end 22 and
leg stand 23. Padded shoulder straps 24 are wrapped by molded
shoulder elements 25. The shoulder straps are connected to the bag
by bag straps 26. Colored pockets 27 are attached to the bag by way
of attachment facilities 28 which each include a flap, snaps and
velcro. A nutrition pocket 29 is attached to a special pocket
having thereon another pocket attachment facility.
[0054] FIG. 3 is quite similar to FIG. 1; bag chassis 31 with
bottom 32, strap system 33, and legs 34. However, FIG. 3 includes a
very special elongated pocket 35. This illustrates how various
components need only be designed with respect to the attachment
facility, including snap pairs 36 and 37, in order that they
cooperate with the affixing means. One could use the prescribed
snap and velcro pattern to enable a great plurality of pocket or
other accessories of various fons to be coupled to the bag. There
is no practical limit to the items which may be fastened to such a
golf bag.
[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred version of a bag chassis 41.
The material is a black nylon. Black is chosen because it is a
complement of every color. When pockets of virtually any color are
affixed to the chassis, the combination results in a very
attractive look Bag stand system 42 in a deployed mode shows how
the bag sets when put to the turf bag bottom down. The light duty
stand might be replaced with a heavy duty improved stand as it is
removably attached to the bag chassis via fasteners which can be
operated without special tools or skills. Attachment facility 43
includes a flap of nylon material with snaps and hook and loop type
fasteners. Receiving space 44 is arranged to accompany a pocket top
strip therein such that the pocket may be affixed to the flap.
[0056] A more clear and direct view is expressed as FIG. 5. Bag
chassis 51 supports removable pockets 52 by way of fastening means
including hook and loop strips 53 and snap 54 at the pocket top
strip. These fasteners have complementary parts 55 and 56 on the
attachment facility affixed to the bag chassis.
[0057] As mentioned previously, the back pad is strongly affixed to
the bag chassis by way of a removable stud. FIGS. 6A and 6B
illustrate operation of a removable stud which can be used to affix
a back pad to a bag chassis. The stud may have a head 61 or may
alternatively be directly integrated with a back pad. Two bendable
clasp elements 62 form a mechanical interlock 63 when placed
through a hole in a bag chassis 64. Should one desire a new
configuration for a back pad, the stud is manipulated such that it
can be removed from the chassis. The clasps are squeezed together
with pressure 65 such that their keeper ends 66 no longer interlock
the hole in the chassis 67 thereby releasing the back pad 68 in the
direction 69. A new back pad with appropriately placed studs can be
snapped into its place on the golf bag.
[0058] FIG. 7 illustrates a golf bag in use. Clearly the golfer 71
is quite happy to have such a handsome and highly functional stand
bag 72. The golf clubs 73 are nicely held because the correct
configuration of back pad (not visible), dual shoulder strap system
74, and pocket set is attached to the bag chassis. Special
component pocket 76 which is easily accessible while the bag is
worn is one of many pocket types which may be affixed into that
place on the lower end of the bag. That pocket might be replaced
with an alternative pocket thus changing the appearance and
function of the golf bag.
[0059] The following sections include more precise descriptions of
the various components and fasteners useful in highly modular golf
bags having interchangeable components.
[0060] Components
[0061] The components of the bag may include but are not limited to
chassis, foot or bottom, club divider, retractable tripod stand,
pockets and pouches, back pad, attachment facilities, and a
shoulder crying strap. Of these components, preferred versions of
the inventions provide for the tripod stand, pockets, back pad, and
shoulder strap in particular to be changeable-replaceable
components affixed to the bag via fasteners which permit decoupling
without destroying the fastener. In preferred versions, the bottom,
the club divider, attachment facilities; and sometime at least one
pocket, are components which may be permanently affixed to the
chassis with fasteners such as glue, sewing, rivets, et cetera.
[0062] Fasteners
[0063] Fasteners include those operable by golfers without complex
tools or special skills including: hook and loop type strips
sometimes known as velcro, snaps, mechanical interlocking buckles,
zippers, removable studs, quarter-turn Allen screw interlocks,
among others. These fasteners may be undone and redone without
special tools or knowledge. They usually involve a mating pair of
mechanical interlocking elements. These fasteners are herein called
`removable` and `easily removable`. By `easily removable`, it is
meant that no special or complex tools or procedures are required
to remove an article from its fixture and that the fastener is not
destroyed in the process of removing. Further, the fastener remains
operable such that the component or another component having
appropriately placed and cooperating fasteners can be
reattached.
[0064] Common fasteners used on most golf bags of the art which are
not appropriate in arrangements of these inventions include:
sewing, gluing, riveting, welding, as these fasteners cannot be
removed without destroying the fastener thereby preventing
reconnection of bag components held by these fasteners. These
fasteners may be characterized in that they are not generally
comprised of a mating pair. In addition, these fasteners require
special tools and skills to rebuild. These fasteners might
sometimes be called permanent fasteners.
[0065] One can more fully appreciate details and advantages of
these inventions in consideration of the following discussion
directed to component changes undertaken to realize alternative
function and style.
[0066] Function
[0067] Golf bags presented herein support various function and form
easily changed from time to time on the user's whim
[0068] Shoulder Strap
[0069] For example, a shoulder strap system may be configured in
many ways to support various function. One shoulder strap systems
might be arranged and balanced with respect to the connection
points to support single shoulder operation. Conversely, a shoulder
strap system may be balanced and configured for a dual shoulder
carrying process. Another strap system might be configured with
swivel elements in the strap chain to provide for a rolling
function whereby the straps are more easily put onto the shoulders
by rolling up the arm. A shoulder strap system may be made with the
objective of being very light in weight with the understanding that
it is sufficient for reduced loading. Another might be well suited
for very heavy loads. These functions each are associated with
various strap configurations. One strap may be changed for another
when it is desired that the bag serve a different function
[0070] Pocket
[0071] Pockets and pocket sets are also provided to address various
possible functional objectives. The pocket set shown in FIG. 7 is
ideal for golfer who find compartment type pockets useful. One
pocket for a water bottle, one for cell phone, one for PDA and
another each for golf tees, gloves, hat and glasses is possible.
Alternatively, a different pocket set is good for different
function. A large pocket with a small pocket piggy back as shown in
FIG. 1 is a very useful combination to serve specific purpose.
[0072] Pockets might take a special shape to accommodate certain
odd shaped items and still be affixed at an attachment facility as
shown and taught in this disclosure. For example, an umbrella might
occupy a very long narrow pocket which runs a substantial length of
the bag.
[0073] Pockets can be securely closed or conversely an open top
pouch style for easy access. The precise combination of pockets
chosen by the particular golfer is highly variable from one to
another. It would be highly unlikely that the precise combination
of pockets desired by any one golfer would be found on a standard
bag available at a pro shop. With bags of these inventions, not
only is the precise configuration of the bag available, but
changeable. If a golfers desires change in time, so can the bag
change to accommodate.
[0074] Stand
[0075] Some stands are suitable for most bags however some golfers
might choose alternative stand configurations. A stand of very high
quality which is lightweight yet supports large loads might be
excessively expensive for use as standard equipment. Therefore, a
upgrade stand might be a bag add-on component which a golfer would
like to change when customizing a bag for a personal preference.
Stand legs may also be made shorter or longer to change the tripod
orientation and stability in agreement with personal preferences.
In this way, the stand component of bags of these inventions are
changeable by way of special fasteners.
[0076] Chassis
[0077] The chassis might also be considered changeable component as
well. Although it forms the primary structural member of a bag, it
can be replaced and all the other components fastened to a new
chassis to support certain function. When a certain complex coarse
or match, perhaps a big travel weekend, calls for a full load of
clubs and accessories some chassis are not large enough. Therefore,
the chassis may be provide in several sizes. In this way, the
chassis may be replaced to address capacity needs.
[0078] Style
[0079] The bags presented herein support various looks and style
easily changed from time-to-time on the user's desire. Where common
golf bags are purchased with a particular look and feel, i.e. one
made of dark blue nylon, that bag is necessarily blue throughout
its practical lifetime. Barring fading or radical procedures such
as dying or bleaching, the bag remains a dark blue bag. To get a
new style, a golfer must purchase a new bag.
[0080] One of the most useful features of the bags of these
inventions is the wonderful benefit of style changes. These style
changes may be brought about via pocket kits packaged and sold
separately.
[0081] Pocket Color Kit
[0082] Although leopard skin designs are highly attractive and
fashionable, it would be quite boring to have a leopard skin design
everyday. Some styles are best used once-in-a-while but are not
really so nice as `everyday designs`. Thus, some fashion conscience
golfers might like to purchase kits of color matching pockets and
accessories. With only one golf bag and several pocket color kits,
one can give the impression of playing with a different bag each
day.
[0083] Pocket Theme Kit
[0084] As mentioned, a tournament pocket kit might be given away in
promotional efforts by a tournament promoter or equipment
manufacturer. While it may be prohibitively expensive to provide
tournament bags at all but the most prestigious events, the greatly
reduced expense of issuing a pocket kit for certain themes makes
the bags of these inventions wonderful tools in support of
promotional efforts.
[0085] Kits may also support function changes as well. It is
possible to devise an `over capacity kit` including large heavy
duty pockets, oversized dual shoulder strap, thick and rugged stand
system, et cetera. Similarly, a lightweight kit might have bag
components all in brief versions appropriate for light duty
service. A standard bag could be the players default service
equipment while on light days where play does not require a full
complement of accessories, the lightweight kit of components could
be affixed to the bag to make the bag more appropriate for the type
of use anticipated
[0086] Some of the examples above are directed to specific
embodiments which illustrate preferred versions of devices and
methods of the invention. In the interests of completeness, a more
general description of devices and the elements of which they are
comprised is presented herefollowing.
[0087] One will now fully appreciate how the elements and
components of a golf club bag nay be changed and replaced to
realize new function and style. Although the present invention has
been described in considerable detail with clear and concise
language and with reference to certain preferred versions thereof
including the best mode anticipated by the inventor, other versions
are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention
should not be limited by the description of the preferred versions
contained therein, but rather by the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *