U.S. patent application number 11/847305 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-05 for golf bag having stand assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to GATHERING STORM LLC D/B/A TMAX GEAR, GATHERING STORM LLC D/B/A TMAX GEAR. Invention is credited to Bryan Smeltzer.
Application Number | 20090057180 11/847305 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40405708 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090057180 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smeltzer; Bryan |
March 5, 2009 |
GOLF BAG HAVING STAND ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A golf bag is provided that includes a bag body and a deployable
stand assembly. The bag body defines an upper opening for receiving
golf clubs and a bottom end including a base. The base defines the
bottom end of the bag body and includes a first section, a second
section and an intermediate section. The intermediate section is
disposed between and hinged to both the first section and the
second section. The bag includes a support assembly coupled to the
bag body proximate to the upper opening and in operative
communication with the base such that flexion of the base causes
the support assembly to deploy to support the bag in an inclined
position.
Inventors: |
Smeltzer; Bryan; (Coto de
Caza, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TSIRCOU INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW
655 Central Ave., 17th Floor
Glendale
CA
91203
US
|
Assignee: |
GATHERING STORM LLC D/B/A TMAX
GEAR
Carlsbad
CA
|
Family ID: |
40405708 |
Appl. No.: |
11/847305 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/315.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 55/57 20151001;
A63B 55/53 20151001; A63B 55/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/315.7 |
International
Class: |
A63B 55/06 20060101
A63B055/06 |
Claims
1. A golf bag, comprising: a bag body defining an upper opening for
receiving golf clubs and a bottom end; a base defining the bottom
end of the bag body, the base including a first section, a second
section and an intermediate section disposed between and hinged to
both the first section and the second section; and a support
assembly coupled to the bag body proximate to the upper opening and
in operative communication with the base such that flexion of the
base causes the support assembly to deploy to support the bag in an
inclined position.
2. A golf bag as defined in claim 1, wherein the base includes a
first hinge assembly that pivotally couples the first section to
the intermediate section.
3. A golf bag as defined in claim 1, wherein the base includes a
second hinge assembly that pivotally couples the second section to
the intermediate section.
4. A golf bag as defined in claim 1, wherein the first section, the
second section and the intermediate section define a support
surface of the base for contacting the ground.
5. A golf bag as defined in claim 1, wherein the base defines a
first flexion line between the first section and the intermediate
section.
6. A golf bag as defined in claim 1, wherein the base defines a
second flexion line between the second section and the intermediate
section.
7. A golf bag as defined in claim 1, wherein the first section is
formed of unitary construction and includes a hinge portion that
attaches to a hinge portion of the intermediate section to enable
the first section to pivot relative to the intermediate
section.
8. A golf bag as defined in claim 1, wherein: the first section,
the second section and the intermediate section are each
independent structures; the intermediate section including a first
hinge portion on a first side of the intermediate section and a
second hinge portion on a second side of the intermediate section;
the first section including a hinge portion coupled to the first
hinge portion of the intermediate section to enable the first
section to pivot relative to the intermediate section; and the
second section including a hinge portion coupled to the second
hinge portion of the intermediate section to enable the second
section to pivot relative to the intermediate section.
9. A golf bag as defined in claim 1, wherein the base defines a
first flexion line between the first section and the intermediate
section, and the base defines a second flexion line between the
second section and the intermediate section.
10. A golf bag as defined in claim 9 wherein the base is formed of
unitary construction.
11. A golf bag, comprising: a bag body defining an upper opening
for receiving golf clubs and a bottom end; a base defining the
bottom end of the bag body, the base having three segments couple
to each other, each segment of independent structure, including a
first segment having a first hinge portion, a second segment having
a second hinge portion, and an intermediate segment disposed
between the first segment and the second segment, the intermediate
segment having a first hinge portion coupled to the first hinge
portion of the first section, forming a first hinge to enable the
first section to pivot relative to the intermediate section, the
intermediate segment having a second hinge portion coupled to the
second hinge portion of the second section, forming a second hinge
to enable the second section to pivot relative to the intermediate
section; and a support assembly coupled to the bag body proximate
to the upper opening and in operative communication with the base
such that flexion of the base causes the support assembly to deploy
to support the bag in an inclined position.
12. A golf bag as defined in claim 11, wherein the first segment,
the second segment and the intermediate segment define a support
surface of the base for contacting the ground.
13. A golf bag as defined in claim 11, wherein the support is
formed of unitary construction, the support having an upper portion
coupled to a pivot assembly disposed adjacent to the upper end of
the bag body, an elongated intermediate portion and two
wishbone-type leg portions extending from the intermediate portion,
the leg portions angled rearward from the intermediate portion
about the bag body.
14. A golf bag as defined in claim 11, wherein the support includes
a truss section having a support portion angled relative to a
longitudinal axis of the support.
15. A golf bag as defined in claim 11, wherein the support includes
a truss section having a plurality of support portions angled
relative to a longitudinal axis of the support.
16. A golf bag, comprising: a bag body defining an upper opening
for receiving golf clubs and a bottom end; a base defining the
bottom end of the bag body; and a support assembly coupled to the
bag body proximate to the upper opening and in operative
communication with the base to deploy to support the bag in an
inclined position, the support assembly including a support formed
of injection-molded material.
17. A golf bag as defined in claim 16, wherein the support is
formed of unitary construction, the support having an upper portion
coupled to a pivot assembly disposed adjacent to the upper end of
the bag body, an elongated intermediate portion and two
wishbone-type leg portions extending from the intermediate portion,
the leg portions angled rearward from the intermediate portion
about the bag body.
18. A golf bag as defined in claim 16, wherein the support includes
a truss section having a support portion angled relative to a
longitudinal axis of the support.
19. A golf bag as defined in claim 16, wherein the support includes
a truss section having a plurality of support portions angled
relative to a longitudinal axis of the support.
20. A golf bag as defined in claim 16, wherein the support includes
a pair of legs, each leg formed of unitary construction of
injection-molded material, each leg having an upper end coupled to
a pivot proximate to the upper end of the bag body.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to golf bags and,
more particularly, golf bags having a deployable stand
assembly.
[0002] Golf bags are typically designed as elongated structures
designed to receive golf clubs, having an open top end and a closed
base, such that the club heads extend out the top of the bag. This
enables convenient identification and selection of clubs during
play. As a consequence, however, a fully loaded golf bag has the
center of gravity located near the top of the bag, which promotes
instability.
[0003] To compensate for instability, certain golf bags include a
deployable stand to support the bag in an inclined position.
Commonly referred to as stand bags, such bags commonly include a
pair of straight legs pivotally attached proximate to an upper end
of the bag coupled to a pedal proximate to the base of the bag via
rods. In use, a user can deploy the legs by pressing down on the
bag so that the pedal causes the rods to displace axially, forcing
the legs to a deployed position. For example, during the course of
play a golfer would set down the stand bag near the ball, causing
the legs to deploy, and select a club. With the legs deployed, the
bag is comparatively more stable.
[0004] Although such stand bags are generally effective, shortfalls
exist. For example, current stand begs often require substantial
force imparted by the user to cause the legs stands to deploy. In
addition, on uneven ground, it can be difficult to impart such
force, while maintaining bag stability. Moreover, current
approaches hamper design esthetics of the bag.
[0005] It should be appreciated that there remains a need for a
golf bag having a stand assembly that addresses these concerns. The
present invention fulfills this need and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In general terms, the present invention provides a golf bag
having a bag body and a deployable stand assembly. The bag body
defines an upper opening for receiving golf clubs and a bottom end
including a base. The base defines the bottom end of the bag body
and includes a first section, a second section and an intermediate
section. The intermediate section is disposed between and hinged to
both the first section and the second section. The bag includes a
support assembly coupled to the bag body proximate to the upper
opening and in operative communication with the base such that
flexion of the base causes the support assembly to deploy to
support the bag in an inclined position, while ensuring that a
substantial portion of the base remains in contact with the ground
throughout the deployment process, facilitating smooth deployment
of the stand.
[0007] More specifically, and by way of example in an embodiment of
the invention, the first section, the second section and the
intermediate section of the base are each independent structures.
The intermediate section includes a first hinge portion on a first
side of the intermediate section and a second hinge portion on a
second side of the intermediate section. The first section includes
a hinge portion coupled to the first hinge portion of the
intermediate section to enable the first section to pivot relative
to the intermediate section. The second section includes a hinge
portion coupled to the second hinge portion of the intermediate
section to enable the second section to pivot relative to the
intermediate section.
[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, the base is formed
of unitary construction and includes three sections partitioned by
two hinge sections formed by lines of weakening extending parallel
to one another across the base. These lines of weakening create
flexion lines, which upon application of force onto the bag, causes
the base sections to rotate relative to one another.
[0009] In an independent aspect of the invention, the golf bag
includes a bag body having a base defining the bottom end of the
bag body and a support assembly coupled to the bag body proximate
to the upper opening and in operative communication with the base
to deploy to support the bag in an inclined position. The support
assembly includes a support formed of injection-molded material.
The support is configured facilitate structural strength of the
support, while enabling the support to be relatively
lightweight.
[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the support is formed of unitary
construction, in which an upper portion is coupled to a pivot
assembly disposed adjacent to the upper end of the bag body, and
support includes two wishbone-type leg portions extending from an
intermediate portion, the leg portions angled rearward from the
intermediate portion about the bag body. The support can includes
truss sections having a support portion angled relative to a
longitudinal axis of the support.
[0011] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages
achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention
have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that
not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance
with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example,
those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be
embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one
advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without
necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or
suggested herein.
[0012] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope
of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of
the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled
in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention
not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment
disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in
which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a golf bag in
accordance with the present invention, depicting a stand in a
retracted position.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of the golf bag of FIG. 1, depicting
the stand in a deployed position.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front view of the golf bag of FIG. 1, depicting
the sidewall of the bag body in phantom.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of the base the golf bag of FIG.
1.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top view of the base the golf bag of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of a base for a second embodiment of a
golf bag in accordance with the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a top view of the base of FIG. 7.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a stand assembly for
another embodiment of a golf bag in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1,
there is shown a golf bag 10 having a bag body 12 and a support
assembly 14 coupled to a base 16. The bag can be supported in both
an upright position and in an inclined position. The base and the
support assembly are configured to cooperatively support the bag in
an inclined position. More particularly, the bag body defines an
upper opening for receiving golf clubs and a bottom end. The base
aids in defining the bottom end of the bag body. The base includes
three sections, a front section 18, an intermediate section 20, and
back section 22 coupled to each other via a first hinge assembly 24
between the front and the intermediate sections and a second hinge
assembly 26 between the intermediate and the back section. The
support assembly is in operative communication with the base such
that flexion of the base causes the support assembly to deploy to
support the bag in an inclined position, while ensuring that a
substantial portion of the base remains in contact with the ground
throughout the deployment process.
[0023] The support assembly 14 is coupled to the base 16 by an
actuator 30. The actuator includes a lower portion 30 attached to
the front section 18 of the base and an upper portion 32 attached
to an upper end 34 of the support 36. Inclination of the bag causes
the base sections to hinge relative to one another, imparting force
onto the actuator and resulting in deployment of the support (FIG.
2). The first and second hinges 24, 26 of the base facilitate
smooth deployment of the support, even in when used on uneven,
inclining or declining ground. In this manner, the golf bag enables
stable support in a variety of situations.
[0024] With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the support 14 is
attached to a support hinge 38 disposed proximate to the upper end
of the bag body. The upper end 34 of the support 36 includes a pair
of end projections 40 that are received in a pair of pivot slots 42
of the hinge. The actuator 28 includes a pair of ends 44 that
attach to the end projections 40 of the support, distally from the
pivot slots 42. The support includes an intermediate portion 46
below the end projections. The width of the intermediate portion is
less than the width of the support across the end portions. The
support terminates in a pair of legs 48 that extend from the
intermediate portion in a general wishbone configuration. The legs
include a pair of enlarged ends 50 to provide a stable base in
contact with the ground.
[0025] The support 36 is formed of unitary construction from molded
polymer material, such as thermoplastic resin (TPR) perimeter with
(EVA) intersection. In other embodiments, supports can be formed of
other molded materials, to include but not limited to injection
molding of polycarbonate, carbon fiber, nylon with fiberglass
injection, fiberglass, and polymer-based materials. In addition,
nanotech material fabrication can be used as an additive and/or
used as a coating.
[0026] The support is 36 symmetrical about its longitudinal axis
(L) and includes a plurality of truss members 52 that are angled
relative to the longitudinal axis. The truss members facilitate
structural strength of the support, while enabling the support to
be relatively lightweight. The legs 48 are angled rearward relative
to the intermediate portion 46. In this manner, the legs provide a
measure of protection to the golf bag and its contents. Moreover,
the legs are comparatively shielded, minimizing chances that they
may snag on other objects, such as during transport.
[0027] The lower portion 30 of the actuator 28 attaches to a pivot
54 on the front section 18 of the base 16. A substantial portion of
the actuator resides within the bag body. The actuator extends out
of the bag body 12 through an opening 56 defined in an intermediate
region thereof. In the exemplary embodiment, the actuator is formed
of bent metal wire. However, in other embodiments, various other
materials and configurations can be used sufficient to provide
operative communication between the support and the base.
[0028] With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the golf bag 10 further
includes stays 58 extending from the base 16 to the throat
structure 60 of the bag. The stays facilitate structural integrity
of the bag throughout use. In the first embodiment, the sections
(18, 20, 22) of the base are formed as independent structures
attached to one another via hinges (24, 26). In this embodiment,
the structures of the hinges are integrally formed in constituent
with the unitary construction of the respective sections. In other
embodiments, hinge structures can be formed separately and coupled
to the base sections.
[0029] The base 16 includes an upper lip 62 that circumscribes the
contact surface of the base and extends upward. In the exemplary
embodiment, the sidewall of the bag body 12 attaches to the upper
lip by a plurality of rivets disposed about the base. The upper
portion of the sidewall attaches to the throat structure 60 (FIG.
1), thereby restricting access to the bag body interior to the
upper open-end. The sidewall further includes a plurality of
compartments for receiving a golfer's accessories to be accessible
during play.
[0030] With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a base 70 for a second
embodiment of a golf bag is shown. In this embodiment, the base is
formed of unitary construction and includes three sections (72, 74,
76) partitioned by two-hinge sections (78, 80) formed by lines of
weakening extending parallel to one another across the base. These
lines of weakening create flexion lines, which upon application of
force onto the bag, causes the base sections to rotate relative to
one another.
[0031] With reference now to FIG. 8, a third embodiment is shown
having a support assembly 100 that includes multiple legs 102,
preferably formed of molded polymer material, to aid in support of
the bag. Each leg is attached to a separate pivot slot 104
proximate to the opening of the golf bag. Each leg includes a
plurality of truss members 106 that are angled relative to the
longitudinal axis. The truss members facilitate structural strength
and durability of the support, while enabling the support to be
relatively lightweight.
[0032] It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present
invention provides a golf bag having a bag body and a deployable
stand assembly. The bag body defines an upper opening for receiving
golf clubs and a bottom end including a base. The base defines the
bottom end of the bag body and includes a first section, a second
section and an intermediate section. The intermediate section is
disposed between and hinged to both the first section and the
second section. The bag includes a support assembly coupled to the
bag body proximate to the upper opening and in operative
communication with the base such that flexion of the base causes
the support assembly to deploy to support the bag in an inclined
position.
[0033] Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with
reference only to the exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various other embodiments can be provided
without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
invention is defined only by the claims set forth below.
* * * * *