U.S. patent application number 11/046282 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-03 for golf organizer.
Invention is credited to June Matulewic.
Application Number | 20060169731 11/046282 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36755428 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060169731 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matulewic; June |
August 3, 2006 |
Golf organizer
Abstract
A device configured to be coupled to a user's waist, the device
comprising a body comprising a front side, a rear side, and at
least one pocket formed on one of the front and rear sides, at
least one fastener extending from the body for coupling the body to
the user, and a counter coupled to the body for providing a visual
indication of a counted value.
Inventors: |
Matulewic; June;
(Chesterfield, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATRICK W. RASCHE;ARMSTRONG TEASDALE LLP
ONE METROPOLITAN SQUARE, SUITE 2600
ST. LOUIS
MO
63102-2740
US
|
Family ID: |
36755428 |
Appl. No.: |
11/046282 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/674 ;
224/684; 224/918 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 57/203 20151001;
A63B 57/20 20151001; A63B 57/207 20151001; A63B 71/0672 20130101;
A45C 15/00 20130101; A63B 2102/32 20151001; A63B 71/0622 20130101;
A45F 5/00 20130101; A45F 5/021 20130101; A63B 2220/17 20130101;
A63B 57/00 20130101; A63B 57/0032 20151001; A45F 2200/0575
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/674 ;
224/684; 224/918 |
International
Class: |
A45C 1/04 20060101
A45C001/04; A45F 3/00 20060101 A45F003/00 |
Claims
1. A device configured to be coupled to a user's waist, said device
comprising: a body comprising a front side, a rear side, and at
least one pocket formed on one of said front and rear sides; at
least one fastener extending from said body for coupling said body
to the user; and a counter coupled to said body for providing a
visual indication of a counted value.
2. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said body is
fabricated from a flexible material.
3. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said body defines at
least one cavity therein.
4. A device in accordance with claim 3 wherein said at least one
cavity is formed integrally with at least one of said front and
rear sides, said device further comprising a fastening mechanism
configured to selectively close said at least one cavity.
5. A device in accordance with claim 3 wherein said at least one
cavity is at least partially defined by said front and rear sides,
said at least one cavity is open along one side of said body, said
at least one cavity is selectively closed using a fastening
mechanism.
6. A device in accordance with claim 3 wherein said body comprises
a top side, a bottom side, and at least one seam that bifurcates
said at least one cavity, said at least one seam extends between
said top side and said bottom side of said body such that a first
compartment and a second compartment are defined by said at least
one cavity.
7. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said body defines at
least two cavities therein, wherein at least one of said at least
two cavities is selectively closed using a fastening mechanism.
8. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said at least one
pocket is fabricated from an elastic material.
9. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said counter
comprises: a cord comprising a first end and a second end that are
each coupled to one of said front and rear sides; and a plurality
of markers slidably coupled to said cord.
10. A device in accordance with claim 9 wherein said cord is
fabricated from an elastic material, said plurality of markers each
comprise an opening extending therethrough, said cord extending
through said opening.
11. A device in accordance with claim 1 further comprising at least
one retainer coupled to said body for retaining at least one golf
tee therein.
12. A device in accordance with claim 11 wherein said at least one
retainer is fabricated from an elastic material.
13. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said body is
fabricated from a water-resistant material.
14. A method of counting a number of golf shots comprising:
coupling a device to a user wherein the device includes at least
one pocket and a counter, wherein the counter includes a cord
coupled to the device and a plurality of markers slidably coupled
to the cord; moving a marker along the cord after each golf shot
wherein movement of the marker provides a visual indication of the
total number of golf shots; and recording the total number of golf
shots upon completion of play.
15. A golf organizer comprising a stroke counter coupled to a body
wherein said body is configured to be coupled to a golfer, said
stroke counter facilitates providing a visual indication of a
number of golf strokes, said body comprises a front side, a rear
side, and at least one cavity defined therebetween.
16. A golf organizer in accordance with claim 15 wherein said
counter comprises a cord comprising a first end and a second end
that are each coupled to one of said front and rear sides, and a
plurality of markers slidably coupled to said cord.
17. A golf organizer in accordance with claim 16 wherein said cord
is fabricated from an elastic material, said plurality of markers
each comprise an opening extending therethrough, said cord
configured to extend through said opening.
18. A golf organizer in accordance with claim 15 wherein said body
comprises a top side, a bottom side, and at least one seam that
bifurcates said at least one cavity, said at least one seam extends
between said top side and said bottom side of said body such that a
first compartment and a second compartment are defined by said at
least one cavity.
19. A golf organizer in accordance with claim 15 wherein said body
further comprises at least one pocket coupled to said front side,
and at least one fastener coupled to said rear side.
20. A golf organizer in accordance with claim 15 wherein said body
further comprises at least one tee retainer coupled to said front
side.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to a storage apparatus, and
more particularly a device for holding and organizing valuables and
other accessories typically carried during a round of golf.
[0002] The popularity of golf has grown throughout the world.
During a round of golf, a golfer may carry several pieces of golf
paraphernalia around the golf course. For example, to enhance the
play of the game, during play a golfer may carry small accessories,
such as a writing utensil, a card for recording the number of
strokes taken, a ball marker for marking a position of a ball on a
green, and/or personal valuables such as money, jewelry not being
worn during the round of golf, and/or car keys. Other such
accessories may include, but are not limited to, a divot repair
tool, golf tees, and/or extra golf balls.
[0003] Although at least some known golf bags include a plurality
of pockets, during play a golfer may become separated from their
golf bag. As such, some golfers may prefer not to use the golf bag
for carrying their valuables and other small accessories. However,
carrying accessories, such as ball markers, a divot repair tool,
golf tees, extra balls, scorecards, and a writing device on the
person may be inconvenient and/or may provide discomfort to the
golfer during the round of golf. Moreover, locating such
accessories in the golfer's pocket may be difficult.
[0004] Known golf accessory storage devices do not enable a golfer
to conveniently carry their accessories and personal valuables
during a golf game, while allowing a golfer to easily record their
stroke count during play without the use of a writing utensil.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one embodiment, a device configured to be coupled to a
user's waist is provided. The device includes a body having a front
side, a rear side, and at least one pocket formed on one of the
front and rear sides. The device also includes at least one
fastener extending from the body for coupling the body to the user,
and a counter coupled to the body for providing a visual indication
of a counted value.
[0006] In another embodiment, a method of counting a number of golf
shots is provided. The method includes coupling a device to a user
wherein the device includes at least one pocket and a counter. The
counter includes a cord coupled to the device and a plurality of
markers slidably coupled to the cord. The method also includes
moving a marker along the cord after each golf shot wherein
movement of the marker provides a visual indication of the total
number of golf shots. The method further includes recording the
total number of golf shots upon completion of play.
[0007] In yet another embodiment a golf organizer is provided. The
golf organizer includes a stroke counter coupled to a body wherein
the body is configured to be coupled to a golfer. The stroke
counter facilitates providing a visual indication of a number of
golf strokes. The body includes a front side, a rear side, and at
least one cavity defined therebetween.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a golf organizer;
and
[0009] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the golf organizer
shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a golf organizer 6. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view
of golf organizer 6. Golf organizer 6 includes a first side 8 and a
second side 10 that are coupled together to define at least one
cavity 11 therebetween. In one embodiment, first side 8 defines a
front side of golf organizer 6, and second side 10 defines a rear
side of golf organizer 6. In the exemplary embodiment, first side 8
is bounded by edges 12, 14, 16, and 18, and has a substantially
rectangular shape, wherein edge 12 is substantially parallel to
edge 16, and edge 14 is substantially parallel to edge 18. In
alternative embodiments, first side 8 may have another shape, such
as, for example, a circular shape, a triangular shape, or a
non-traditional shape. In the exemplary embodiment, second side 10
has a shape that is complimentary to first side 8. Specifically, in
the exemplary embodiment, second side 10 is substantially
rectangular and is bounded by edges 22, 24, 26, and 28, wherein
edge 22 is substantially parallel to edge 26, and edge 24 is
substantially parallel to edge 28. First and second sides 8 and 10
may be fabricated from a material, such as, but not limited to,
cloth, elastic, rubber, nylon, and/or other waterproof or
water-resistant material that facilitates extending the useful life
of organizer 6 while keeping the contents stored therein dry and
protected.
[0011] During assembly of golf organizer 6, at least a portion of
first side 8 is coupled to at least a portion of second side 10. In
the exemplary embodiment, edge 12 is substantially coincident with
and coupled to edge 22, edge 14 is substantially coincident with
and coupled to edge 24, and edge 16 is substantially coincident
with and coupled to edge 26. In the exemplary embodiment, edges 12
and 22, 14 and 24, and 16 and 26 are sewn together. Alternatively,
edges 12 and 22, 14 and 24, and 16 and 26 may be coupled to one
another using other coupling means, such as, for example, glue or a
fastening device. In the exemplary embodiment, edges 18 and 28 are
substantially coincident with one another but are not permanently
coupled to one another. As such, golf organizer 6 is open along
edges 18 and 28 to allow access to an interior portion 29 of golf
organizer 6. In one embodiment, edges 18 and 28 define a top
portion of golf organizer 6. In an alternative embodiment, edges 12
and 22 define an opening. In another alternative embodiment, edges
14 and 24 define an opening. In an alternative embodiment, edges 16
and 26 define an opening. Alternatively, first and second sides 8
and 10 may be formed from a single piece of material and are folded
along edges 14 and 24, for example.
[0012] First and second sides 8 and 10 are coupled together to
define at least one cavity or compartment 11. More specifically, in
the exemplary embodiment, first and second portions 8 and 10 define
a first cavity 30 and a second cavity 32. In one embodiment, golf
organizer 6 includes a seam 34 extending from edges 18 and 28 to
edges 14 and 24. More specifically, seam 34 joins first side 8 to
second side 10 to define first and second cavities 30 and 32.
Specifically, seam 34 divides interior portion 29 of golf organizer
6 into separate compartments 11 for storing items, such as, but not
limited to, golf accessories or personal items. In the exemplary
embodiment, seam 34 is formed by a sewing process. Alternatively,
seam 34 may be formed using another attachment method such as, but
not limited to, a gluing process, or using an attachment
device.
[0013] In the exemplary embodiment, first cavity 30 is closed or
sealed by a fastening mechanism 36 such that items placed in first
cavity 30 are secured therein. In the exemplary embodiment, second
cavity 32 is open and does not include a fastening mechanism for
closing second cavity 32. In an alternative embodiment, both
cavities 30 and 32 include a fastening mechanism 36. In another
alternative embodiment, neither cavity 30 nor 32 includes a
fastening mechanism 36. In the exemplary embodiment, fastening
mechanism 36 includes a hook and pile fastener. Alternatively, any
other suitable fastening device or retaining device may be used
which facilitates securing first side 8 to second side 10, such as,
but not limited to, mechanical fastening devices including, but not
limited to, buckles, interlocking devices, hook and loop fasteners,
tab and slot devices, locking mechanisms, magnets, tying systems,
clips, and/or any combination thereof.
[0014] In one embodiment, first cavity 30 is used to store personal
items therein such as, for example, car keys, a money clip, a
credit card, an identification card, or the like. In another
embodiment, first cavity 30 is used to store golf accessories
therein, such as, a scorecard, a pencil, golf balls, tees, a ball
marker, a divot repair tool, and the like. Second cavity 32 is
sized to receive the above-identified items. In the exemplary
embodiment, second cavity 32 is sized to receive two golf balls
therein. Specifically, second cavity 32 is sized to receive two
golf balls in a secure fashion is an interference fit with the golf
balls, such that the balls can not inadvertently fall out of second
cavity 32.
[0015] Golf organizer 6 includes a plurality of features coupled to
an exterior surface 39 of first side 8 that retain additional
items, such as, for example, golf accessories and personal items.
In the exemplary embodiment, golf organizer 6 includes a first
pocket 40 and a second pocket 42. Alternatively, golf organizer 6
may include more or less than first and second pockets 40 and 42.
In the exemplary embodiment, golf organizer also includes at least
one tee retainer 44.
[0016] In the exemplary embodiment, first pocket 40 is fabricated
from an elastic material and is positioned and sized to receive a
ball marker (not shown). However, it shall be realized that other
items, such as golf accessories or personal items, may be inserted
in first pocket 40. Additionally, first pocket 40 may be fabricated
from other materials, such as, but not limited to, cloth, rubber,
nylon or any other material suitable for durable long-term use.
First pocket 40 is coupled to first side 8 by a sewing process.
Alternatively, first pocket 40 may be coupled using another
attachment method such as, but not limited to, a gluing process, or
using an attachment device. In the exemplary embodiment, first
pocket 40 includes at least one opening 41 sized to enable items to
be inserted into or removed from first pocket 40.
[0017] In the exemplary embodiment, second pocket 42 is fabricated
from an elastic material and is positioned and sized to receive a
divot repair tool (not shown). However, it should be realized that
other items, such as golf accessories or personal items, may be
inserted in second pocket 42. Additionally, second pocket 42 may be
fabricated from other materials, such as, for example, cloth,
rubber, nylon or any other material suitable for durable long-term
use. Second pocket 42 is coupled to first side 8 by a sewing
process. Alternatively, second pocket 42 may be coupled using
another attachment method such as, but not limited to, a gluing
process, or using an attachment device. In the exemplary
embodiment, second pocket 42 includes at least one opening 43 sized
to enable items to be inserted into or removed from second pocket
42.
[0018] In the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of tee retainers 44
are coupled to first side 8. Tee retainers 44 are fabricated from
an elastic material, and each includes a top edge 46, a bottom edge
48, and sides 50 extending therebetween. Sides 50 are coupled to
first side 8 using a sewing process such that a seam extends
between top and bottom edges 46 and 48. Additionally, each tee
retainer 44 is open along top and bottom edges 46 and 48 such that
a golf tee (not shown) may be inserted into each tee retainer 44.
Specifically, golf tees may be retained in tee retainers 44 as the
pointed end of each golf tee is inserted underneath a specific tee
retainer 44. More specifically, golf tees may be inserted
underneath either top edge 46 or bottom edge 50. Golf tees are
securely retained by tee retainers 44 against first side 8.
Additionally, a pencil (not shown) may similarly be retained by tee
retainer 44.
[0019] A counter 60 is coupled to golf organizer 6. In the
exemplary embodiment, counter 60 includes a cord or wire 62
extending between a first end 64 and a second end 66. Cord 62 is
fabricated from an elastic material. Alternatively, cord 62 may be
fabricated from other materials such as, but not limited to, cloth,
rubber, nylon, or other materials. Counter ends 64 and 66 are
coupled to golf organizer 6 by a sewing process. Alternatively,
ends 64 and 66 may be coupled using another attachment method such
as, but not limited to, a gluing process, or using an attachment
device, such as, for example, a fastening mechanism.
[0020] In the exemplary embodiment, counter 60 includes a plurality
of markers 68 that provide a visual indication of a counted value.
Specifically, markers 68 are slidably coupled to cord 62 such that
each golf stroke taken by a golfer during play my be accounted for
by moving or sliding a respective marker 68 along cord 62. In the
exemplary embodiment, markers 68 each include an opening 70
extending therethrough that enables markers 68 to be slidably
coupled to cord 62. In one embodiment, markers 68 are each beads.
Openings 70 are sized to enable markers 68 to be slidably coupled
to cord 62 in a slight interference fit. The interference fit
facilitates reducing inadvertent movement of markers 68 with
respect to cord 62. In the exemplary embodiment, markers 68 may be
individually, or as a group, moved along cord 62 between ends 64
and 66.
[0021] A plurality of retainers 80 are coupled to second side 10.
In the exemplary embodiment, retainers 80 are fabricated from an
elastic material. Each retainer 80 includes a top edge 82, a bottom
edge 84, and sides 86 extending therebetween. Top and bottom edges
82 and 84, respectively, are coupled to second side 10 using a
sewing process such that a seam 88 is formed between sides 86 of
each retainer 80. Additionally, each retainer 80 is open along each
side 86 such that retainer 80 may be coupled to a golfer's belt
(not shown). Specifically, a belt may be inserted through the
openings along sides 86 of each retainer 80 such that the belt is
positioned between each retainer 80 and second side 8. As such,
golf organizer 6 may be secured to the golfer during play of the
golf game.
[0022] In use, prior to beginning a round of golf, a user inserts a
belt through retainers 80 to secure golf organizer 6 to his or her
person. The user then inserts desired accessories for playing the
game of golf, including, but not limited to, a divot repair tool in
second pocket 42, a ball marker in first pocket 40, golf tees in
tee retainers 44, golf balls in second cavity 32, and/or personal
or other items, such as keys, cash, credit cards, scorecard, and/or
a writing utensil in first cavity 30. Prior to beginning a hole,
the user positions all markers 68 along cord 62 at either end 66 or
end 64 to indicate a zero reading. After each golf stroke, the user
slides a single marker 68 from its location to an opposite end of
cord 62. The user continues to count golf strokes until the user
has completed that particular golf hole, at which point counter 60
provides a record of the number of golf strokes taken during that
particular hole. Alternatively, the golfer may use counter 60 to
score a number of golf strokes on more than one hole. After
recording the number of strokes on a scorecard, the user may then
slide all markers 68 along cord 62 to either end 64 or end 66 of
cord 62 to indicate again a zero reading.
[0023] Accordingly, during use, the user may easily and
conveniently access the golf accessories contained in cavities 30
and 32 and/or pockets 40 42. The user may also easily and
conveniently access golf tees stored in tee retainers 44. Golf
balls stored in cavity 32 may be conveniently accessed to replace
golf balls inadvertently lost during play. Moreover, a user may not
want to store valuables, such as money, credit cards, or an
identification card in a car or in a golf bag. Cavity 30 may serve
to store such personal items during play.
[0024] The above-described golf organizer is cost-effective and
highly reliable. The golf organizer enables a golfer to simply and
conveniently store and transport both personal items and golf
accessories during a round of golf. Additionally, the items are
easily accessible when needed. Moreover, the golf organizer
includes a counter to facilitate tracking a number of golf strokes
during play. Accordingly, the golf organizer facilitates aiding a
golfer in a cost-effective and reliable manner during a round of
golf.
[0025] Exemplary embodiments of golf organizers are described above
in detail. The golf organizers are not limited to the specific
embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each
organizer may be utilized independently and separately from other
components described herein.
[0026] While the invention has been described in terms of various
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit
and scope of the claims.
* * * * *