U.S. patent application number 13/873530 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-30 for deployable rain hoods for golf bags and methods to manufacture the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Christopher E. Kalck, John H. Loudenslager.
Application Number | 20140318998 13/873530 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51788346 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140318998 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Loudenslager; John H. ; et
al. |
October 30, 2014 |
DEPLOYABLE RAIN HOODS FOR GOLF BAGS AND METHODS TO MANUFACTURE THE
SAME
Abstract
Embodiments of a deployable rain hood assembly for a golf bag
and methods of manufacturing the same are generally described
herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
Inventors: |
Loudenslager; John H.;
(Phoenix, AZ) ; Kalck; Christopher E.;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION |
Phoenix |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING
CORPORATION
Phoenix
AZ
|
Family ID: |
51788346 |
Appl. No.: |
13/873530 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/315.4 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
A63B 55/408 20151001; A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 55/406 20151001;
A63B 2209/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/315.4 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
A63B 55/00 20060101
A63B055/00 |
Claims
1. A golf bag comprising: an elongate body with a bottom, an open
top, at least one strap assembly for carrying the golf bag; and a
rain hood assembly comprising: a rain hood for receiving the open
top, the rain hood being configurable between a deployed position
and a collapsed position; and a shroud coupled to the body to
define a cavity, the cavity configured to receive the rain hood
while in the collapsed position through an opening of the cavity,
at least one of the shroud or a portion of the body adjacent the
cavity comprising a cushioned portion; and a closure mechanism
operatively coupled to the shroud and operable between a closed
position wherein the opening is at least partially closed and an
open position wherein the cavity is accessible through the
opening.
2. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein: the cushioned portion
comprises at least one of foam, air compartments, or packing
filler.
3. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein: the rain hood is removeably
coupled to an interior of the cavity by a tether.
4. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein: the rain hood is deployable
from the cavity to the deployed position when the closure mechanism
is in the open position.
5. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein: the closure mechanism is one
of hook and loop, a zipper, buttons, snaps, magnet, or an elastic
band.
6. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein: the elongate body comprises a
hollow interior configured to receive at least one golf club, and
the cavity is adjacent to the hollow interior.
7. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein: the rain hood comprises a
first part of a two part fastener, and the golf bag elongate body
has a complimentary second part of the two part fastener configured
to engage and connect with the first part of the two part
fastener.
8. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein: the rain hood is configured to
be positioned entirely within the cavity when in the collapsed
position.
9. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein: the rain hood comprises one of
polyester, nylon, vinyl, leather, or canvas.
10. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein: the cavity is located
proximate the open top of the elongate body.
11. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein: the rain hood comprises a
first opening configured to receive the open top, and a second
opening opposite the first opening configured to allow access to
the open top when the rain hood is in the deployed position; the
second opening is configurable between and an open and closed
configuration.
12. A deployable rain hood assembly for golf clubs, comprising: a
rain hood configured to receive an open top of a golf bag, the rain
hood being configurable between a deployed position and a collapsed
position; and a storage device configured to be mounted on the golf
bag, the storage device defining a cavity accessible through an
opening, the cavity configured to receive the rain hood in the
collapsed position, the storage device comprising a cushioned
portion.
13. The deployable rain hood assembly of claim 12, wherein: the
rain hood is removeably coupled to an interior of the cavity by a
tether.
14. The deployable rain hood assembly of claim 12, wherein: the
rain hood is configured to be positioned entirely within the cavity
when in the collapsed position.
15. The deployable rain hood assembly of claim 12, wherein: the
storage device comprises at least one of a strap, chain, cable,
rope, belt, or bungee configured for coupling the storage device to
a golf bag.
16. The deployable rain hood assembly of claim 12, wherein: the
rain hood comprises a first opening configured to receive an open
top of a golf bag, and a second opening opposite the first
configured to allow access to the open top of the golf bag when the
rain hood is in the deployed position; and the second opening is
configurable between and an open and closed configuration.
17. The deployable rain hood assembly of claim 12, wherein: the
rain hood is comprised of one of polyester, nylon, vinyl, leather,
or canvas, or any other water proof or water resistant
material.
18. A method of providing a deployable rain hood assembly
comprising: providing a rain hood configured to receive the open
end of a golf bag, the rain hood being configurable between a
deployed and a collapsed position, and providing a cavity at least
partially enclosed by a shroud, the cavity configured to receive
the rain hood while in the collapsed position through an opening in
the cavity, at least one of the cavity or a portion adjacent the
opening in the cavity comprising a cushioned portion.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein providing the rain hood
assembly comprises providing a closure mechanism that is operable
between a closed position wherein the opening is at least partially
closed and an open position wherein the cavity is accessible
through the opening.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein; providing a rain hood assembly
comprises a fastening device configured for coupling the storage
device to a golf bag.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a deployable rain hood,
and in particular to deployable rain hoods for golf bags.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many golf bags may be in the form of a tubular fabric or
leather container having a generally cylindrical configuration with
a closed bottom end and an open top end through which golf clubs
are inserted into and removed from the golf bags. During rain an
individual may need to cover the open end of the golf bag in order
to protect the interior of the golf bag and the golf clubs. For
convenience the rain hood may be stored somewhere on the golf bag
so it is readily available for use when needed. In particular the
rain hood may be stored in a pocket on the golf bag that is easily
accessible while the golf bag is being transported or carried by an
individual.
[0003] When a golf bag is configured to be carried or transported
by an individual, the golf bag may have a carrying strap assembly.
The individual can use the carrying strap assembly to support the
golf bag. In particular the individual will have the carrying strap
draped over at least one shoulder while the body of the golf bag
abuts the hip, thigh, side, or back of the individual. To make the
transportation of the golf bag more comfortable there may be a pad
located along the bag in an area that may abut an individual while
the individual is carrying the golf bag.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a golf bag with a rain hood assembly
according to one embodiment.
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates the golf bag and the rain hood assembly
of FIG. 1 in a first configuration according one embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates the golf bag and the rain hood assembly
of FIG. 1 in a second configuration according to one
embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates a cavity of the rain hood assembly in
FIG. 1 according to one embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates another configuration of the rain hood
assembly of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates another configuration of the rain hood
assembly of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment
[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates a rain hood assembly according to another
embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates the cavity of the rain hood assembly of
FIG. 7 according to one embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating one method of
manufacturing a rain hood assembly according to one embodiment.
[0013] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
elements among the various views of the drawings. The headings used
in the figures should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the
claims.
DESCRIPTION
[0014] As described herein, a rain hood assembly includes a rain
hood that is configured to cover an open end of a golf bag. When
the rain hood is in a collapsed position, the rain hood may be
stored in a cavity on the golf bag. The outer surface of the cavity
can include a padded region. The collapsed rain hood can contribute
to the padded region when the rain hood is stored in the cavity.
The cavity may include a closure mechanism that closes an opening
to the cavity to conceal and/or secure the rain hood inside the
cavity. To cover the open end of the golf bag, the rain hood may be
removed from the cavity, deployed, and then placed over the open
end of the golf bag. The rain hood may also be tethered to an
interior of the cavity to keep the rain hood connected to the golf
bag while the golf bag is being used.
[0015] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a golf bag 100
including an elongate body 120 and a rain hood assembly 105. The
rain hood assembly 105 includes a shroud 110 that is attached to
the elongate body 120. FIG. 2 illustrates another view of the golf
bag 100. The rain hood assembly 105 further includes a rain hood
200, which is shown in FIG. 2 to be in the deployed position. FIG.
3 illustrates another view of golf bag 100 with the rain hood 200
in a collapsed position. FIG. 4 illustrates a cavity 400 that may
be substantially defined by a shroud 110 that is coupled to golf
bag 100. The shroud 110 may include a cushioned portion 420. FIG. 5
illustrates the golf bag 100 with the rain hood 200 in the
collapsed position and partially stored in the cavity 400. FIG. 6
illustrates the rain hood 200 being tethered to the golf bag 100 by
a strap 600, which may be constructed from an elastic material.
[0016] In the example of FIG. 1, the golf bag 100 includes an
elongate body 120, a rain hood assembly 105 including a shroud 110
and a rain hood 200, a bag bottom 130, an open bag top 140, and a
strap assembly 150. In the present example, strap assembly 150 of
golf bag 100 includes one strap for carrying the golf bag, but some
strap assembly embodiments may include a plurality of straps
configured to allow an individual to carry the golf bag by using
any one or the plurality of the straps. Any suitable strap assembly
may be employed.
[0017] In general, the elongate body 120 defines a hollow interior
configured to receive at least one golf club (not shown). The
elongate body 120 can be made of any material such as leather,
canvas, or heavy cloth. The elongate body 120 may include a
plurality of pockets 160 for storing an individual's personal
belongings and golf accessories (not shown). The plurality of
pockets 160 may be positioned anywhere along the elongate body 120
for convenience, comfort, accessibility, and/or function.
Generally, the plurality of pockets 160 may be made of the same, or
a similar material as the elongate body 120.
[0018] The elongate body 120 may also include cushioned portions
420 configured to abut an individual while the golf bag 100 is
being carried by the individual. In the current example, the
cushioned portion 420 is distinct from the plurality of pockets
160, but in other embodiments of golf bag 100, the cushioned
portion 420 may be proximate to, or integrated into one or more of
the plurality of pockets 160.
[0019] Now referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the rain hood 200 is
depicted in the deployed position and the collapsed position,
respectively. The rain hood 200 may include a bag-like rain hood
body 210 and an open end 220 that is configured to receive the open
bag top 140. When the rain hood 200 receives the open bag top 140,
the rain hood body 210 covers the open bag top 140 and any object
that may be placed in the golf bag 100 and/or protruding from the
open bag top 140, such as golf clubs. The rain hood body 210 is
malleable to allow an individual to configure the rain hood in a
deployed or collapsed position (e.g. see collapsed rain hood 200 in
FIG. 3). The rain hood body 210 may be made from any one or a
combination of polyester, nylon, vinyl, leather, canvas or any
other suitable water proof/resistant and malleable material.
[0020] The rain hood 200 of FIG. 2 may include at least one
fastener 230. The fastener 230 can be used to secure the rain hood
200 to the golf bag 100 after the rain hood 200 is placed over the
open bag top 140 to cover the open bag top 140. In the current
example, the fastener 230 is a two part fastener. A complimentary
two part fastener 240 is located on the elongate body 120 of golf
bag 100. The complementary two part fastener 240 is located
proximate to the open bag top 140 in the current example, but the
complementary two part fastener 240 may be located anywhere along
golf bag 100 between the open bag top 140 and the bag bottom 130
without departing from the present disclosure. The two part
fastener may comprise any suitable two part fastener. For example a
hook and loop fastener, buttons, and/or magnets may be used.
Additionally, the two part fastener may be located on opposite
sides, different quarters, or any suitable fraction of the golf bag
100 body. In another embodiment fastener 230 can be a one part
fastener such as a clamping mechanism or a tie.
[0021] The open end 220 of the rain hood 200 may include an elastic
perimeter 250 configured conform the rain hood 200 to the open bag
top 140 by conforming to the profile of the elongate body 120 of
golf bag 100 and frictionally engaging the elongate body 120 of the
golf bag 100. In some examples, the rain hood 200 may have a second
opening 260 that includes a closure mechanism 270 opposite the open
end 220. The closure mechanism 270 may be comprised of any suitable
closure mechanism such as a zipper or hook and loop. The second
opening 260 in rain hood 200 can allow an individual access to
items in the golf bag 100 through the second opening 260 while the
rain hood 200 is being used to cover the bag open top 140.
[0022] The rain hood 200 may be folded, rolled and/or crumpled to
achieve the collapsed position illustrated in FIG. 3. While the
rain hood 200 is in the collapsed position it is more compact than
the rain hood 200 in the deployed position so that the rain hood
200 can be stored in the cavity 400. The folding, rolling and/or
crumpling of the rain hood 200 traps air within rain hood 200 and
provides stacked layers of the malleable material from which the
rain hood 200 is constructed. Therefore, collapsing the rain hood
200 can create a cushion like entity. In the example shown in FIG.
3, the size of the collapsed rain hood 200 is comparable to the
size of the shroud 110 of golf bag 100 so that the rain hood 200
can fit in the cavity 400 in the collapsed position. However in
other embodiments the collapsed rain hood 200 can be smaller in
size or larger in size than the shroud 110. For example, a rain
hood 200 that is larger than the shroud 110 may fit in the shroud
for storage by applying more compression during folding, rolling
and/or crumpling of the rain hood 200 to collapse the rain hood
200.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 4, the shroud 110, the cushioned portion
420, and the cavity 400 of rain hood assembly 105 are illustrated.
The shroud 110 can be made of the same or similar material as the
elongate body 140; or the shroud 110 can be made of a material
distinct from the elongate body. The shroud 110 may have a
trapezoidal shape as depicted, or any other shape or configuration.
A portion of, or the entirety of shroud 110 may include padding in
the form of foam, trapped air, packing filler, or any other
suitable padding to create the cushioned portion 420.
Alternatively, the cushioned portion 420 may only make up a portion
of the shroud 110. The shroud 110 is coupled to golf bag 100 such
that the cushioned portion 420 may abut an individual when the golf
bag 100 is being carried.
[0024] The shroud 110 is coupled to the golf bag 100 and
substantially defines a cavity 400. A portion of cavity 400 can be
enclosed by the shroud 110, or the shroud 110 can encase the entire
cavity 400. An opening 430 in the cavity 400 allows access to the
cavity 400. The opening 430 may be a slit in the shroud 110, or the
opening 430 may be at a detached portion of the shroud perimeter
440.
[0025] The shroud 110 may include a closure mechanism 450 that is
configurable between an open position and a closed position. When
the closure mechanism 450 is in the open position (e.g. a zipper
that is unzipped in the example shown in FIG. 4), the opening 430
allows at least partial access to the cavity 400. When the closure
mechanism 450 is in the closed position (e.g. a zipper that is
zipped in the example shown in FIG. 4), the opening 430 at least
partially impedes access to the cavity 400. The closure mechanism
may be any one of a zipper, hook and loop, magnets, buttons, snaps,
elastic, or any other operable closure mechanism.
[0026] The cavity 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 is located near the
open bag top 140. The placement of the cavity 400 in FIG. 4 is
merely exemplary. In the current example, when the golf bag 100 is
carried by an individual, the upper portion of the elongate body
120 abuts the individual on the lower back or side of the
individual. The location of the cavity 400 allows the cushioned
portion 420 to be located approximately where the golf bag 100
abuts an individual when the individual is carrying the golf bag.
The placement of cavity 400 may vary with differently designed golf
bags. Some factors that may assist in determining the placement of
the cavity 400 are the strap assembly, the shape of the elongate
body, the location of pockets on the golf bag, the point of contact
between the individual carrying the golf bag and the golf bag, the
stand mechanism on the golf bag, or the size of the cavity.
[0027] The cavity 400 in the example of FIG. 4 may be partly
defined by the elongate body 120 such that the cavity 400 does not
encroach on the interior space of the elongate body 120. In other
words, the cavity 400 may not penetrate the elongate body 120.
However, in other embodiments the cavity 400 can be located
partially or wholly in the interior space surrounded by the
elongate body 120 of golf bag 100 without departing from the
current disclosure. For example, the elongate body 120 may include
an opening defining a portion of the cavity, which may extends into
the elongate body 120.
[0028] Turning to FIG. 5, the collapsed rain hood 200 is depicted
partially stored in the cavity 400. The cavity 400 may be
configured to receive the entire rain hood 200 or a substantial
portion of the rain hood 200 for storage. The collapsed rain hood
200 can contribute to the padding in the cushion portion 420 by
adding malleable volume adjacent to the cushion portion 420. When
the closure mechanism 450 is in the closed position and the rain
hood 200 is in the collapsed position in the cavity 400, the rain
hood 200 is maintained and stored in the cavity 400 in the
collapsed position. When the closure mechanism 450 is in the open
position the rain hood 200 may be easily accessible and is
deployable through the opening 430 to the deployed position.
[0029] Turning to FIG. 6, a tether 600 for connecting the rain hood
200 to the golf bag 100 is illustrated according to one embodiment.
The rain hood 200 is coupled to one end of tether 600 proximate to
the rain hood opening 220. The opposite end of the tether 600 is
attached to the golf bag 100 from inside the cavity 400, proximate
the cavity opening 430 so the tether 600 can be entirely inserted
into the cavity along with the rain hood 200. The tether 600 may be
formed of an elastic band, and the tether 600 may be detachable
from either the cavity 400 and/or the rain hood 200. The tether 600
may be made of a rope, bungee, cable, strap, or any other suitable
tethering method. The tether 600 may be attached anywhere in the
cavity 400, the shroud 110, or the elongate body 120 without
departing from this disclosure.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a rain hood assembly
according to another embodiment is illustrated. The rain hood
assembly 700 includes a rain hood 710 that is similar to rain hood
200, and a storage device 720 having a cavity 810. The storage
device 720 is configured to store the rain hood 710 in the
collapsed position in the cavity 810. The rain hood assembly may
also include a tether 730 for attaching the rain hood 700 to
storage device 720.
[0031] Rain hood assembly 700 includes at least one adaptable strap
740 for mounting the rain hood assembly 700 on a golf bag. The rain
hood assembly 700 has a square shaped cavity storage device 720
with an adaptable strap 740 attached to sides of the storage device
720 to facilitate mounting the rain hood assembly 700 to a golf
bag. Other embodiments may have alternative methods for mounting to
the rain hood assembly 700 to a golf bag. For example, a hook and
loop system, a bungee, or a permanent mounting method may be used
for mounting the rain hood assembly 700 on a golf bag without
departing from the current disclosure.
[0032] In FIG. 8, the storage device 720 includes an opening 800
that leads into an interior cavity 810. The opening 800 may include
a closure mechanism 815 configured to substantially open and close
the opening 800 to allow discretionary access to the cavity 810.
The storage device 720 includes at least one cushioned portion 820.
The cushioned portion 820 may be similar to cushioned portion 420
in many respects. Therefore, a detailed description of the
cushioned portion 820 is not provided. The storage device 720 can
receive rain hood 710 within the cavity 810. When rain hood 710 is
received in cavity 810, the rain hood 710 may contribute to the
padding in the cushioned portion 820.
[0033] Turning to FIG. 9, a method 900 of providing a rain hood
assembly is illustrated. The method 900 may include providing a
rain hood (block 910) that is configurable between a deployed
position and a collapsed position and is capable of receiving the
open bag top (e.g., open bag top 140 of FIG. 1). Providing a rain
hood according to method 900 includes providing a rain hood that
may be similar to the rain hood 200 or the rain hood 710, and may
comprise features similar to the fastener 230 (FIG. 2), an elastic
perimeter 250 (FIG. 2), or a second opening that is configurable
between an open position and a closed position (not shown).
[0034] The method 900 also includes providing an interior cavity
that is at least partially enclosed by a shroud, and the interior
cavity being accessible through an opening in the cavity (block
920). In some examples an interior cavity provided according to
method 900 may be similar to cavity 400 (FIGS. 4-5) or cavity 810
(FIG. 9). In some examples a shroud provided by method 900 may be
similar to the shroud 110 (FIGS. 4-5), and the shroud can have a
shroud perimeter 440 (FIG. 4). In some examples the opening
provided according to method 900 may be similar to opening 430
(FIG. 4), having a closure mechanism 450 (FIG. 4) or closure
mechanism 815 (FIGS. 7-8), or being located on a shroud perimeter
440 (FIG. 4). Providing an interior cavity according to the method
900 may alternatively include providing the storage device 720
having the cavity 810.
[0035] The method 900 may include providing a cushion portion
located on at least one of the shroud or an area adjacent to the
shroud (block 930). In some examples, a cushion portion provided
according to method 900 may be similar to the cushion portion 420
(FIG. 4-5) or the cushion portion 820, and can include foam,
trapped air, packing filler, cotton, or any other suitable
material, or being the same, less or greater in area than the
shroud 110.
[0036] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, various changes may be made without departing
from the spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
disclosure of embodiments of the invention is intended to be
illustrative of the scope of the invention and is not intended to
be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the invention shall
be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. For
example, the method 900 may comprise many different procedures,
processes, and activities and be performed by many different
modules, in many different orders. Additionally, any element of
FIGS. 1-9 may be modified, and that the foregoing discussion of
certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a
complete description of all possible embodiments.
[0037] All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential
to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently,
replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes
reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other
advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with
regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions
to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any
benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced,
however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or
essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless
such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly
stated in such claim.
* * * * *