U.S. patent application number 12/851520 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-25 for golf bag.
Invention is credited to Lisa K. Dylina, TIM J. DYLINA, Frank Fenton.
Application Number | 20100294681 12/851520 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43123858 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100294681 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DYLINA; TIM J. ; et
al. |
November 25, 2010 |
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, the lower surface being adapted for placement on the
ground. An internal frame structure may be 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.
Inventors: |
DYLINA; TIM J.; (Kenville,
TX) ; Dylina; Lisa K.; (Kenville, TX) ;
Fenton; Frank; (Sarasota, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
PATENT LAW BUILDING, 8955 CENTER STREET
MANASSAS
VA
20110
US
|
Family ID: |
43123858 |
Appl. No.: |
12/851520 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11808006 |
Jun 5, 2007 |
|
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12851520 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/315.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2055/403 20151001;
A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 55/406 20151001; A63B 2210/50 20130101;
A63B 55/20 20151001; A63B 55/60 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/315.6 |
International
Class: |
A63B 55/08 20060101
A63B055/08 |
Claims
1. A golf bag, comprising: a wall having an open upper end, a
medial area, a lower end, a frontal area, a back area, and an
internal surface, the frontal area further including a golf club
access slot disposed therein, the slot extending from the upper end
of the wall downward to the medial area of the wall; a closed,
rigid base affixed to the lower end of the wall; a plurality of
club shaft holder retainers affixed to the inner surface of the
wall near the upper end thereof; and a flexible club shaft holder,
the holder having a generally semicircular configuration defining
an open center and a peripheral club access opening, the holder
further having a plurality of radially disposed club shaft
retaining slots disposed therein, the club shaft retaining slots
communicating with the open center of the holder, the holder being
removably and replaceably installed and retained within the wall by
the club shaft holder retainers.
2. The golf bag according to claim 1, further including at least
one golf cart attachment strap assembly extending from the back
area of the wall, the strap assembly having an upper strap affixed
to the back area of the wall adjacent the upper end thereof and a
lower strap affixed to the back area of the wall above the medial
area thereof, the upper strap and the lower strap having mating
selectively attachable and detachable clasp components extending
therefrom.
3. The golf bag according to claim 1, further including: laterally
spaced, first and second axle holders extending rearwardly from the
base; a first axle component frictionally adjustably disposed
through the first axle holder, the first axle component having an
inboard portion and an outboard end, the outboard end having a
first wheel rotatably installed thereon; and a second axle
component frictionally adjustably disposed through the second axle
holder, the second axle component having an inboard portion and an
outboard end, the outboard end having a second wheel rotatably
installed thereon, the inboard portion of the first axle component
adjustably telescoping within the inboard portion of the second
axle component.
4. The golf bag according to claim 1, further including a cover
removably disposed over the open upper end and the golf club access
slot of the wall, the cover having a selectively openable closure
disposed over the slot when the cover is installed upon the
wall.
5. The golf bag according to claim 1, further including a rigid
handle extending from the back area of the wall adjacent the open
upper end thereof.
6. The golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises a
shallow, raised conical central area sloping outward and downward
to a plurality of club grip butt receptacles disposed peripherally
therearound, each of the receptacles having a drain passage
therethrough.
7. The golf bag according to claim 1, further including an internal
frame structure defining the upper end, the lower end, and the golf
club access slot of the wall.
8. A golf bag, comprising: a wall having an open upper end, a
medial area, a lower end, a frontal area, a back area, and an
internal surface, the frontal area further including a golf club
access slot disposed therein, the slot extending from the upper end
of the wall downwardly to the medial area of the wall; a closed,
rigid base affixed to the lower end of the wall; and at least one
golf cart attachment strap assembly extending from the back area of
the wall, the strap assembly having an upper strap affixed to the
back area of the wall adjacent the upper end thereof and a lower
strap affixed to the back area of the wall above the medial area
thereof, the upper strap and the lower strap further having mating,
selectively attachable and detachable clasp components extending
therefrom.
9. The golf bag according to claim 8, further including: a
plurality of club shaft holder retainers affixed to the inner
surface of the wall near the upper end thereof; and a flexible club
shaft holder, the holder having a generally semicircular
configuration defining an open center and a peripheral club access
opening, the holder further having a plurality of radially disposed
club shaft retaining slots disposed therein, the club shaft
retaining slots communicating with the open center of the holder,
the holder being removably and replaceably installed and retained
within the wall by the club shaft holder retainers.
10. The golf bag according to claim 8, further including: laterally
spaced, first and second axle holders extending rearwardly from the
base; a first axle component frictionally and adjustably disposed
through the first axle holder, the first axle component having an
inboard portion and an outboard end, the outboard end having a
first wheel rotatably installed thereon; and a second axle
component frictionally adjustably disposed through the second axle
holder, the second axle component having an inboard portion and an
outboard end, the outboard end having a second wheel rotatably
installed thereon, the inboard portion of the first axle component
adjustably telescoping within the inboard portion of the second
axle component.
11. The golf bag according to claim 8, further including a cover
removably disposed over the open upper end and the golf club access
slot of the wall, the cover having a selectively openable closure
disposed over the slot when the cover is installed upon the
wall.
12. The golf bag according to claim 8, further including a rigid
handle extending from the back area of the wall adjacent the open
upper end thereof.
13. The golf bag according to claim 8, wherein the base comprises a
shallow, raised conical central area sloping outward and downward
to a plurality of club grip butt receptacles disposed peripherally
therearound, each of the receptacles having a drain passage
therethrough.
14. The golf bag according to claim 8, further including an
internal frame structure defining the upper end, the lower end, and
the golf club access slot of the wall.
15. A golf bag, comprising: a wall having an open upper end, a
medial area, a lower end, a frontal area, a back area, and an
internal surface, the frontal area further including a golf club
access slot disposed therein, the slot extending from the upper end
of the wall downwardly to the medial area of the wall; a closed,
rigid base affixed to the lower end of the wall; laterally spaced
first and second axle holders extending rearwardly from the base; a
first axle component frictionally and adjustably disposed through
the first axle holder, the first axle component having an inboard
portion and an outboard end, the outboard end having a first wheel
rotatably installed thereon; and a second axle component
frictionally adjustably disposed through the second axle holder,
the second axle component having an inboard portion and an outboard
end, the outboard end having a second wheel rotatably installed
thereon, the inboard portion of the first axle component adjustably
telescoping within the inboard portion of the second axle
component.
16. The golf bag according to claim 15, further including: a
plurality of club shaft holder retainers affixed to the inner
surface of the wall near the upper end thereof; and a flexible club
shaft holder, the holder having a generally semicircular
configuration defining an open center and a peripheral club access
opening, the holder further having a plurality of radially disposed
club shaft retaining slots disposed therein, the club shaft
retaining slots communicating with the open center of the holder,
the holder being removably and replaceably installed and retained
within the wall by the club shaft holder retainers.
17. The golf bag according to claim 15, further including at least
one golf cart attachment strap assembly extending from the back
area of the wall, the strap assembly having an upper strap affixed
to the back area of the wall adjacent the upper end thereof and a
lower strap affixed to the back area of the wall above the medial
area thereof, the upper strap and the lower strap further having
mating, selectively attachable and detachable clasp components
extending therefrom.
18. The golf bag according to claim 15, further including a cover
removably disposed over the open upper end and the golf club access
slot of the wall, the cover having a selectively openable closure
disposed over the slot when the cover is installed upon the
wall.
19. The golf bag according to claim 15, further including a rigid
handle extending from the back area of the wall adjacent the open
upper end thereof.
20. The golf bag according to claim 15, wherein: the base comprises
a shallow, raised conical central area sloping outward and downward
to a plurality of club grip butt receptacles disposed peripherally
therearound, each of the receptacles having a drain passage
therethrough; and an internal frame structure is disposed within
the wall, the frame structure defining the upper end, the lower
end, and the golf club access slot of the wall.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/808,006 filed on Jun. 5, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to 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.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] 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.
[0006] Thus, a golf bag solving the aforementioned problems is
desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] An alternative embodiment includes many of the features
noted above, but provides for the selective removal and replacement
of the semicircular club shaft retainer if it becomes worn or
damaged. Also, rather than providing a single shoulder strap on the
rear of the bag for carriage of the bag, the alternate embodiment
bag is devoid of such a shoulder strap but includes a pair of
shorter golf cart attachment straps for securing the bag to the
conventional rear lateral rail of a golf cart. In this manner, the
conventional lateral strap used to secure the golf bag to the back
of the cart need not be extended across the bag and its front
opening or slot, with the front slot or opening of the bag
remaining completely accessible. A rigid handle is provided for
handling the golf bag, with a pair of wheels on a laterally
telescoping axle being provided for transport of the bag over the
surface.
[0014] 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
[0015] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a golf bag
according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the golf bag according to the
present invention.
[0017] 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.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a side view of an internal frame structure of the
golf bag according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side view of a ball carrier of the golf bag
according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the
golf bag according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of a golf bag according to the present invention,
showing the removal and installation of a removable club shaft grip
therein.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the golf bag of FIG. 7,
showing the securing of the back of the bag to the conventional
lateral bag attachment rail at the rear of a golf cart.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a partial rear view of the golf bag of FIGS. 7-8,
illustrating details of the laterally telescoping wheel axle.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a partial elevation view of the golf bag of FIGS.
7-9, shown broken away and partially in section to show details of
the base of the bag.
[0025] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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 attachment,
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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] FIGS. 7 through 10 provide illustrations of various features
of an alternative embodiment of the golf bag, designated as golf
bag 110 in the drawings. The golf bag 110 has a general
configuration similar to that of the golf bag 10 of FIGS. 1 through
4 and FIG. 6, i.e., the golf bag 110 includes an upstanding wall
112 with an open upper end 114, medial area 116, lower end 118,
frontal area or portion 120, and back area or portion 122. The wall
112 further includes an internal surface 124, with a frame 126
therein defining at least the open upper end 114, the lower end
118, and the golf club access slot 128 of the wall 112. The frame
126 defines the shape of the bag 110 when the wall 112 is formed of
a non-rigid material. The frame may be omitted if the structural
material of which the bag wall 112 is formed is sufficiently sturdy
and rigid. The club access slot 128 is formed in the frontal area
120 of the golf bag 110 and extends downwardly at least to the
medial area 116 of the wall 112, with the open upper end 130 of the
slot 128 communicating with the open upper end 114 of the bag. A
cover similar to the cover 22 of the golf bag 10 shown in FIGS. 2
and 3 may be removably installed over the club access slot 128 and
open upper end 130 of the golf bag 110, if so desired. The lower
end 118 of the golf bag 110 is closed by a closed, rigid base 132
affixed thereto.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 7, cooperating golf club shaft holder
retainers are installed upon the inner surface 124 of the wall 112
near the upper end 114 thereof. The lower club shaft holder
retainer comprises a semicircumferential lower portion 134a that
forms a ledge to support an edge of the golf club holder 136 from
below. The single lower portion 134a extends from one edge of the
club access slot 128 around the interior of the bag 110 to the
opposite edge of the slot 128. The lower retainer portion 134a has
radially disposed slots defined therein to provide clearance for
golf club shafts secured within the bag by the club shaft holder
136, discussed below. Discrete upper retainer portions 134b are
spaced apart radially about the inner surface 124 of the wall 112.
The upper retainer portions 134b may be small wedge-shaped members
protruding above the lower retainer 134a, or may be pins with oval
heads, or may have any desired shape to retain an edge of the golf
club holder 136 between the lower retainer 134a and the spaced
apart upper retainers 134b. At least one such upper retainer 134b
may be provided to each side of the club access slot 128, with
others provided about the interior of the bag at any suitable
angular interval. The upper retainer portions 134b and the lower
retainer portion 134a define a slot for retaining the club shaft
holder 136 removably therein, as described below.
[0040] A flexible club shaft holder 136 is removably installed
within the retaining slot of the club shaft holder retainers 134a
and 134b, generally as shown in FIG. 7, and is gripped securely
therein. The club shaft holder 136 is preferably formed of a
reasonably firm but flexible plastic material and has a generally
semicircular configuration with an open center area 138 and a
peripheral club access opening 140. A plurality of radially
disposed club shaft retaining slots 142 are formed about the inner
edge of the club shaft holder 136, the slots 142 communicating with
the open central area 138 of the holder 136. Preferably a total of
fourteen club shaft retaining slots 142 are provided in the club
shaft holder 136 to provide for carriage of the maximum number of
clubs permitted for use in tournament play. However, more or fewer
such slots 142 may be provided.
[0041] The club shaft holder 136 is removably retained within the
bag 110 by the club shaft holder retainer portions 134a and 134b,
as noted further above. The club shaft holder 136 is installed
within the bag 110 with its peripheral club access opening 140 in
registry with the open slot 128 of the golf bag 110 to allow golf
clubs C (FIG. 8) to be removed from and replaced in the bag 110
through the side slot 128 of the bag, generally as shown in FIG. 1
of the drawings. The removability of the club shaft holder 136
allows it to be removed and replaced when worn or damaged, or for
cleaning the holder 136 or to facilitate access to the interior of
the golf bag 110 for cleaning or other purposes.
[0042] FIG. 8 of the drawings provides a detailed perspective view
of the upper rear portion of the golf bag 110, including the golf
cart attachment strap assemblies disposed thereon. Golf bags are
conventionally secured to a golf cart by means of a rearwardly
disposed lateral strap on the cart that passes around the golf
bag(s) to capture the bag(s) between a rearward lateral rail
extending across the back of the cart and the lateral strap. This
works well for securing conventional golf bags to the cart, where
access to the clubs within the golf bag is achieved through the
open upper end of the bag. However, it will be seen that the
laterally disposed strap would pass directly across the club access
slot 128 of the golf bag 110 if it is secured to the cart using the
conventional rearward lateral strap of the cart.
[0043] Accordingly, at least one, but preferably two golf cart
attachment strap assemblies are provided to the upper portion of
the back area 122 of the golf bag wall 112. Each strap assembly
comprises an upper strap 144 affixed to the back area 122 of the
bag wall 112 adjacent to the upper end 114 thereof, and a lower
strap 146 affixed to the back area 122 of the bag wall 112 above
the medial area 116 thereof. Each of the upper straps 144 includes
a buckle or clasp component 148 extending from the distal end
thereof, with the lower straps also having buckle or clasp
components 150 extending from their distal ends. The corresponding
buckle or clasp components 148 and 150 may be conventional side
latch buckle components or other suitable latch mechanisms. The
buckle or clasp components selectively latch together to secure the
golf bag 110 to a support structure or the like, e.g., the
conventional rearward lateral rail or bar R of a golf cart. In this
manner, the club access slot 128 is disposed to the rear, away from
the supporting rear rail or bar R of the cart, thus permitting free
access to golf clubs C within the bag 110 through the club access
slot 128 when the bag 110 is secured to the golf cart.
[0044] A rigid handle 152 is affixed to the upper end 114 of the
golf bag wall 112 at the back area 122 thereof, or more
specifically, to a rigid member defining the upper end or edge of
the bag 110. The handle 152 may be made to be removable, if so
desired. The rigid upper member may be an extension of the internal
frame 126, if so equipped. Alternatively, the golf bag 110 of FIGS.
7 through 10 may be provided with a shoulder strap similar to the
shoulder strap 18 of the golf bag 10. The shoulder strap may be
provided in addition to or in lieu of the handle 152.
[0045] FIG. 9 provides an illustration of a laterally telescoping
wheel assembly that may be installed with the golf bag 110. The
base 132 of the bag 110 includes laterally spaced, first and second
axle holder brackets or bosses, respectively 154 and 156 extending
rearwardly therefrom. The axle holders 154, 156 include respective
axle passages 158 and 160 therethrough, and first and second axle
components 162 and 164 pass through the axle passages 158, 160 of
their respective axle holder brackets 154, 156. The axle passages
158 and 160 are sized to provide a fairly tight frictional fit,
i.e., an interference fit, for their respective axle components 162
and 164, to prevent the axle components from sliding freely back
and forth laterally through the axle holders 154 and 156. Each axle
component 162, 164 has an outboard end, respectively 166 and 168,
the outboard end 166 of the first axle component 162 having a first
wheel 170 rotatably disposed thereon and the opposite outboard end
168 of the second axle component 164 having a second wheel 172
rotatably disposed thereon.
[0046] It will be noted that the first axle component 162 has a
smaller diameter than the second axle component 164, so that the
first axle component 162 telescopes concentrically within the
second axle component 164. The inboard portion 174 of the second
axle component 164 includes a reduced diameter passage 176 at its
extreme end that fits closely about the smaller diameter of the
first axle component 162 to allow the first axle component 162 to
slide freely therethrough. The inboard portion 178 of the first
axle component 162 includes a larger diameter flange 180 extending
from its extreme inboard end, the flange 180 being larger than the
reduced diameter passage 176 of the second axle component 164.
Thus, the inboard portion 178 of the first axle component 162 is
free to slide laterally within the inboard portion 174 of the
second axle component 164. Escape of the first axle component 162
from the second axle component 164 at its extreme range of travel
is prevented by the smaller diameter passage 176 of the second axle
component 164 stopping movement of the larger diameter flange 180
of the first axle component 162.
[0047] A golfer using the golf bag 110 may expand the width of the
two wheels 170, 172 by pulling outwardly on the wheels, thereby
drawing their axle components 162, 164 frictionally through their
respective bracket passages 158 and 160, resulting in a wheel
position somewhat as shown in broken lines in FIG. 9. When more
compact storage of the golf bag 110 is desired, the golfer need
only tap the two wheels 170 and 172 inwardly with his or her toe to
retract the wheels 170, 172 to the positions shown in solid lines
in FIG. 9.
[0048] FIG. 10 of the drawings provides an elevation view in
section of the closed and rigid base 132 of the golf bag 110,
illustrating various details thereof. The base 132 includes a
shallow, raised, conical central area 182, sloping downwardly and
outwardly to drain any water that may collect in the bag 110 toward
the periphery of the base 132. Golf clubs C are placed within the
bag 110 with their heads extending upwardly from the bag and their
grips in the lower portion of the bag. The butt ends of the grips
rest in a corresponding plurality of club grip butt receptacles 184
disposed about the periphery of the base 132, the receptacles 184
defining the lowermost portion of the interior of the golf bag 110.
Accordingly, each of the club grip butt receptacles 184 is provided
with a drain passage 186 therethrough to allow any water that might
otherwise collect within the base 132 of the bag 110 to drain
therefrom.
[0049] The various components of the golf bags 10 and 110 may be
combined with one another, e.g., the telescoping wheels, conical
base with its club grip butt receptacles, removable club shaft
retainer, and cart attachment straps may be used with the golf bag
10 of FIGS. 1 through 4 and 6, while features of the golf bag 10
such as the shoulder strap, cover, and golf ball holder(s) may be
installed with the golf bag 110, if desired. In addition, it is
recognized that many golf bags are equipped with additional
external pockets and compartments for the carriage and storage of
accessories such as towels, golf shoes, tees, ball markers, etc.,
and either of the golf bags 10 or 110 disclosed herein may be
equipped accordingly to further enhance their utility.
[0050] 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.
* * * * *