Golf bag

Abstract

The golf bag provides a golf bag for carrying golf clubs, allowing the user to remove the golf clubs through a slot formed through a wall thereof, rather than through the conventional upper opening. The golf bag includes a base having upper and lower surfaces, with the lower surface being adapted for placement on the ground. An internal frame structure is mounted to the upper surface of the base, and the internal frame structure supports an external wall. The internal frame defines an open interior region for receiving at least one golf club, and an open upper end of the external wall communicates with the open interior region. The slot is formed through a front portion of the external wall, and extends from the open upper end to a central region of the external wall.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a golfing accessories, and particularly to a golf bag for carrying a set of golf clubs. Particularly, the golf bag has a slot formed through a wall thereof, allowing the user to remove or insert a golf club through the slot, rather than pulling the club up through the open upper end of the golf bag.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Conventional golf bags are typically tubular or cylindrical bags having an open upper end for receiving a set of golf clubs. Given the typical length of golf clubs, conventional golf bags are relatively long bags and, when placed in an upright position, require the user to extend his or her arm upwardly in order to remove or insert a golf club. Elderly or infirm users may find such arm movement to be painful or injurious. It would be desirable to provide a golf bag that allows a user to insert or remove a golf club without having to uncomfortably overextend his or her arm.

[0005] Thus, a golf bag solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The golf bag provides a golf bag for carrying golf clubs, allowing the user to remove the golf clubs through a slot formed through a wall thereof, rather than through the conventional upper opening. The golf bag includes a base having upper and lower opposed surfaces, with the lower surface being adapted for placement on a golf cart or other supporting surface. An internal frame structure is mounted to the upper surface of the base, and the internal frame structure supports an external wall.

[0007] The internal frame defines an open interior region for receiving at least one golf club, and an open upper end of the external wall communicates with the open interior region, as is known in conventional golf bags. The internal frame structure includes at least one vertical support forming a spine of the internal frame structure, and at least one horizontal support. Preferably, the horizontal supports are formed as circumferential bands, joined to the vertical support. The external wall is secured to outer faces of the horizontal supports and the vertical support.

[0008] A lower end of the external wall is secured to the upper surface of the base, and the slot is formed through a front portion of the external wall, and extends from the open upper end of the external wall to a central region of the external wall. Preferably, the internal support frame includes a substantially U-shaped support mounted to the horizontal supports and positioned opposite the vertical support. The substantially U-shaped support is positioned adjacent the slot formed through the external wall and maintains the slot in a permanently open contour.

[0009] Clips for releasably securing at least one golf club within the open interior region are further provided. Preferably, at least one substantially C-shaped clip is mounted to the inner face of one of the horizontal supports. The at least one substantially C-shaped clip is adapted for releasably gripping the shaft of the corresponding golf club. Alternatively, an annular ring or retaining plate may be mounted within the bag, with the retaining plate having a plurality of notches formed along the inner circumference thereof. The shafts of the golf clubs may be respectively received within the notches for releasably retaining the golf clubs therein.

[0010] Further, a cover is preferably provided, with the cover being dimensioned and configured to releasably and removably cover and close the upper opening of the external wall and the slot. Fasteners releasably secure the cover to the external wall, such as snaps or the like. The cover may have an opening formed therethrough, allowing for the removal of golf clubs from the golf bag when the cover is in place. Preferably, the opening is closed via a zipper or the like.

[0011] At least one golf ball carrier may be attached to the external surface of the external wall and, preferably, a carrying strap is further secured to the external surface.

[0012] These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a golf bag according to the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the golf bag according to the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a side view of the golf bag according to the present invention shown rotated 90.degree. from the view of FIG. 2.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of an internal frame structure of the golf bag according to the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of a ball carrier of the golf bag according to the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the golf bag according to the present invention.

[0019] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The present invention is directed towards a golf bag 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the golf bag 10 provides a bag for carrying golf clubs C, allowing the user to remove one or more golf clubs C through a slot 12 formed through a wall thereof, rather than through the conventional upper opening 60. In a conventional golf bag, clubs C are removed and inserted only through upper opening 60, which requires the user to extend his or her arm upwardly, which can be painful or injurious to elderly or infirm golfers. As shown in FIG. 1, the golf bag 10 allows the user to remove or insert a club C through slot 12, which does not require the user to extend his or her arm in an upward direction.

[0021] As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the golf bag 10 includes a base 16 having upper and lower opposed surfaces, with the lower surface being adapted for placement on a supporting surface (such as the floor of a golf cart, on the ground, etc.). The external wall 14 of the golf bag 10 is secured to the outer surface of an internal frame structure 62, which is shown in FIG. 4. The internal frame structure 62 is mounted to the upper surface of the base 16, and the external wall 14 is secured to the outer surfaces of internal frame structure 62 through any suitable fastener.

[0022] The internal frame structure 62 defines an open interior region for receiving at least one golf club C. As shown, the open upper end of external wall 14 communicates with the open interior region, allowing for access to the open interior region (along with access through slot 12, as will be described in detail below). As shown in FIG. 4, the internal frame structure 62 includes at least one vertical support 32, forming a spine of the internal frame structure 62, and at least one horizontal support 30. Preferably, the horizontal supports 30 are formed as circumferential bands joined to the vertical support 32. The external wall 14 is secured to outer faces of the horizontal supports 30 and to the vertical support 32. In FIG. 4, four horizontal supports 30 are shown mounted to vertical support or spine 32. It should be understood that any suitable number of horizontal supports may be provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the horizontal supports 30 are preferably in the form of circumferential bands, though at least two of the bands preferably have a substantially C-shaped contour to accommodate U-shaped frame portion 34, as will be explained in further detail below.

[0023] A lower end of vertical support 32 is joined to the upper surface of base 16 in any suitable manner. Base 16 is preferably rigid and formed from relatively rugged material, allowing for placement on variable terrain. Base 16 may be formed from polypropylene or any other suitable material.

[0024] A lower end of the external wall 14 is secured to the upper surface of the base 16, and the slot 12 is formed through the external wall 14. The slot 12 extends from the open upper end 60 of the external wall 14 to a central region of the external wall 14. As noted above, the internal support frame 62 preferably includes a substantially U-shaped support 34, which is mounted to the horizontal supports 30 and positioned opposite the vertical support 32. The substantially U-shaped support 34 is positioned adjacent the slot 12 formed through the external wall 14 and maintains the slot 12 in a permanently open configuration. The internal frame structure 62, including horizontal supports 30, vertical support 32 and U-shaped support 34, are preferably formed from relatively lightweight metal, such as aluminum or plastic.

[0025] Clips for releasably securing at least one golf club C within the open interior region are further provided. Preferably, at least one substantially C-shaped clip 28 is mounted to the inner face of one of the horizontal supports 30, as shown in FIG. 4. The at least one substantially C-shaped clip 28 is adapted for releasably gripping the shaft of the corresponding golf club C. Preferably, approximately fourteen such clips 28 are provided for receiving and retaining a full set of golf clubs. The clips 28 are preferably arranged circumferentially about one of the horizontal bands 30, as shown, and are evenly spaced apart from one another. It should be understood that releasable fasteners other than clips may be used securing the golf clubs C, depending upon the particular types of golf clubs C stored within golf bag 10. Further, it should be understood that clips 28 may be mounted to any suitable portion of the internal surface of the golf bag, rather than only on one of the horizontal bands 30.

[0026] In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 6, clips 28 have been replaced by an annular ring or retaining plate 70. Annular retaining plate 70 has a central opening formed therethrough, and defines a plurality of recesses 72 for retaining the shafts of golf clubs C. Retaining plate 70 may be secured to the interior of the golf bag 10 through the use of any suitable means of securement, dependent upon the particular needs and desires of the user. Preferably, as shown, the annular ring 70 is substantially C-shaped in contour, with an opening being formed therethrough, adjacent the slot.

[0027] As shown, notches or recesses 72 are formed along the inner circumference of annular retaining plate 70. The shafts of golf clubs C may be releasably held within the notches 72. Preferably, there are 14 such notches 72, allowing for reception of a full set of golf clubs C therein.

[0028] Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a cover 22 is preferably provided, with the cover 22 being dimensioned and configured to releasably and removably cover and close both the upper opening 60 of the external wall 14 and the slot 12. Cover 22 may be formed from a transparent material, as shown. Preferably, cover 22 is formed from transparent vinyl. The external wall 14 and the cover 22 are formed from relatively flexible materials, allowing for ease in transport and storage. As shown, the cover 22 includes an upper portion for covering the golf club heads above the open upper end 60, and a lower portion for covering slot 12. A fastener for releasably securing the cover 22 to the external wall 14, such as snaps 24 or the like, may be provided. In addition, the cover 22 may have an opening formed therethrough, allowing for the removal of golf clubs C from the golf bag 10 when the cover 22 is in place. Preferably, the opening is closed via a zipper 26 or the like.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, at least one golf ball carrier 20 may be attached to the external surface of the external wall 14 and, preferably, a carrying strap 18 (shown in FIG. 2) is also secured to the external wall. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of golf ball carriers 20 are provided, each being secured to the external wall 14 on either side of slot 12. An exemplary golf ball carrier 20 is shown in FIG. 5. It should be understood that any number of ball carriers 20 may be provided, and that the ball carriers 20 may be positioned on any suitable portion of the golf bag 10. For example, a pair of ball carriers 20 may be positioned on either side of slot 12, adjacent the side edges of slot 12, rather than being positioned substantially symmetrically about the circumference of the bag, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0030] The golf ball carrier 20 preferably has a substantially tubular configuration, which may include a segmented housing 36, as shown. Tabs 48 and 50 are provided at the upper and lower ends, respectively, of the housing 36 for attachment to the external surface of external wall 14.

[0031] The housing 36 includes open upper and lower ends, which are releasably closed by upper and lower covers 38, allowing golf balls B to be inserted or removed through either the upper or lower ends. Each cover 38 includes a flap 40 extending outwardly therefrom, and each flap 40 includes a fastener for releasably closing the respective cover 38 to the external surface of housing 36. In FIG. 5, the fastener is shown as being hook and loop fasteners 42, although any suitable releasable fastener may be used. Housing 36 is preferably formed from any suitable flexible material.

[0032] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A golf bag, comprising: a base having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface being adapted for placement on a support surface; an internal frame structure having at least one vertical support and at least one horizontal support, the internal frame structure being mounted on the upper surface of the base and extending upwardly therefrom, the internal frame structure defining an open interior region adapted for receiving at least one golf club; and an external wall mounted to the internal frame structure and attached, at a lower end thereof, to the upper surface of the base, the external wall defining an upper opening in communication with the open interior region defined by the internal frame structure, and defining a slot extending from an upper end of the external wall to a central region thereof, whereby a user may remove the at least one golf club from the open interior region through the slot.

2. The golf bag as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for releasably securing the at least one golf club within the open interior region of the golf bag.

3. The golf bag as recited in claim 2, wherein the at least one golf club comprises a plurality of golf clubs, said means for releasably securing comprising an annular retaining plate mounted to an interior surface of said golf bag, an inner circumference of the annular retaining plate having a plurality of notches formed therein for releasably receiving the plurality of golf clubs.

4. The golf bag as recited in claim 2, wherein said means for releasably securing the at least one golf club within the open interior region comprises at least one clip mounted to the at least one horizontal support.

5. The golf bag as recited in claim 1, further comprising a cover releasably attached to the external wall for releasably covering and closing the upper opening and the slot defined in the external wall.

6. The golf bag as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one horizontal support comprises: an upper horizontal support mounted to an upper end of the at least one vertical support; and at least one central horizontal support mounted to a central portion of the at least one vertical support.

7. The golf bag as recited in claim 6, wherein the upper horizontal support has a substantially C-shaped contour defining a front opening formed therethrough.

8. The golf bag as recited in claim 7, further comprising a substantially U-shaped frame member having an open upper end and a closed lower end, the open upper end thereof being secured to the upper horizontal support adjacent and contiguous to the front opening formed therethrough, the closed lower end being secured to the at least one central horizontal support, the U-shaped frame element defining a forward opening, the forward opening being positioned adjacent the slot formed through said external wall.

9. The golf bag as recited in claim 1, further comprising a carrying strap secured to said external wall.

10. The golf bag as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one ball carrier mounted to an outer surface of said external wall.

11. The golf bag as recited in claim 10, wherein the at least one ball carrier comprises: a tubular wall having open upper and lower ends, the tubular wall defining an open interior region adapted for receiving at least one golf ball; and upper and lower flaps secured to the upper and lower ends of the tubular wall, respectively for selectively and releasably closing the upper and lower ends thereof.

12. The golf bag as recited in claim 11, further comprising upper and lower releasable fasteners for releasably securing at least a portion of each of the upper and lower flaps to an outer surface of the tubular wall.

13. The golf bag as recited in claim 12, wherein the upper and lower releasable fasteners comprise hook and loop fasteners.

14. The golf bag as recited in claim 13, wherein the tubular wall is segmented to define a plurality of separate compartments for removably receiving multiple golf balls.

15. The golf bag as recited in claim 5, further comprising means for releasably securing the cover to an outer surface of the external wall.

16. The golf bag as recited in claim 15, wherein the means for releasably securing the cover to an outer surface of the external wall comprises a plurality of snap fasteners.

17. The golf bag as recited in claim 5, wherein the cover has an opening formed therethrough.

18. The golf bag as recited in claim 17, further comprising means for releasably closing the opening formed through the cover.

19. The golf bag as recited in claim 18, wherein the means for releasably closing the opening comprises a zipper.

20. The golf bag as recited in claim 3, wherein the annular retaining plate has a substantially C-shaped contour.