U.S. patent application number 15/420242 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-02 for golf bag having accessible pockets for use with a golf cart.
The applicant listed for this patent is Acushnet Company. Invention is credited to Ian Burgess, Duane Marshall.
Application Number | 20180214752 15/420242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62977431 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180214752 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burgess; Ian ; et
al. |
August 2, 2018 |
GOLF BAG HAVING ACCESSIBLE POCKETS FOR USE WITH A GOLF CART
Abstract
An elongated golf bag has a top, a bottom, and four sides
surrounding a longitudinal axis. The front side has a front pocket
extending forward therefrom. Right and left pockets extend from the
right and left side, respectively, both further extending forward
of the front side. The pockets include zipper tracks which allow
the pockets to be opened forward of the longitudinal axis. A hard
base cover surrounds the bottom which, when placed on a level
surface, holds the bottom in a position elevated from the
surface.
Inventors: |
Burgess; Ian; (Tiverton,
RI) ; Marshall; Duane; (East Greenwich, RI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Acushnet Company |
Fairhaven |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62977431 |
Appl. No.: |
15/420242 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 55/408 20151001;
A63B 55/20 20151001; A63B 55/40 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 55/60 20060101
A63B055/60; A63B 55/20 20060101 A63B055/20; A63B 55/40 20060101
A63B055/40; A63B 55/00 20060101 A63B055/00 |
Claims
1. An elongated golf bag having a top, a bottom, and four sides
surrounding a longitudinal axis, the golf bag comprising: a front
side having a front pocket extending forward therefrom; a rear
side; a right side having a right pocket extending from the right
side; a left side having a left pocket extending from the left
side; a first right pocket zipper track embedded within the right
pocket; a first left pocket zipper track embedded within the left
pocket, the right and left pocket zipper tracks being positioned so
they are facing forward and accessible from the front side of the
bag; a hard base surrounding the bottom which, when placed on a
level surface, holds the bottom in a position elevated from the
surface.
2. The elongated golf bag of claim 1, wherein: the first right
pocket zipper track includes a first right pocket zipper pull-tab
operable to open the first right pocket zipper track substantially
along the longitudinal axis; and the first left pocket zipper track
includes a first left pocket zipper pull-tab operable to open the
first left pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal
axis.
3. The elongated golf bag of claim 2, wherein: the right pocket
further extends forward of the front side; and the left pocket
further extends forward of the front side.
4. The elongated golf bag of claim 3, wherein the rear side
includes: a rear handle; and a plurality of coupling members, the
coupling members operable to attach a shoulder harness.
5. The elongated golf bag of claim 4, wherein the top includes: a
first top handle oriented above the right side; a second top handle
oriented above the left side; and a plurality of openings for
inserting golf clubs into the golf bag.
6. The elongated golf bag of claim 5, wherein the right pocket
includes: a first right sub-pocket having a first right sub-pocket
zipper track, the first right sub-pocket zipper track having a
first right sub-pocket pull-tab operable to open the first right
sub-pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis;
and a second right sub-pocket having a second right sub-pocket
zipper track, the second right sub-pocket zipper track having a
second right sub-pocket pull-tab operable to open the second right
sub-pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis,
wherein at least one of the first and second right sub-pocket
zipper tracks is positioned so it is facing forward and accessible
from the front side of the bag.
7. The elongated golf bag of claim 6, wherein the left pocket
includes: a first left sub-pocket having a first left sub-pocket
zipper track, the first left sub-pocket zipper track having a first
left sub-pocket pull-tab operable to open the first left sub-pocket
zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis; and a
second left sub-pocket having a second left sub-pocket zipper
track, the second left sub-pocket zipper track having a second left
sub-pocket pull-tab operable to open the second left sub-pocket
zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis, wherein at
least one of the first and second right sub-pocket zipper tracks is
positioned so it is facing forward and accessible from the front
side of the bag.
8. The elongated golf bag of claim 7, wherein: the right side
includes a detachable right pocket above the right pocket; and the
left side includes a detachable left pocket above the left
pocket.
9. The elongated golf bag of claim 8, wherein front side also
includes a front handle below the front pocket.
10. The elongated golf bag of claim 9, wherein the right side, left
side, and shoulder strap all have flat surfaces containing a
design.
11. The elongated golf bag of claim 10, wherein the base cover
includes a circumferential rim extending downward from the base and
defining a hollow center recess.
12. The elongated golf bag of claim 11, wherein a plurality of grip
legs extend downwards from the rim, the grip legs capable of
elevating the rim from the surface.
13. A golf bag having a top, a bottom, and four sides surrounding a
longitudinal axis, the golf bag comprising: a front side having a
front pocket extending forward therefrom; a rear side having: a
rear handle; and a detachable shoulder harness; a right side having
a right pocket extending therefrom, the right pocket having: a
first right sub-pocket; and a second right sub-pocket; a left side
having a left pocket extending therefrom, the left pocket having: a
first left sub-pocket; and a second left sub-pocket; a first right
pocket zipper track fixed to the right pocket in a position forward
of the front side, the first right pocket zipper track having a
first right pocket zipper pull-tab operable to open the first right
pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis; and
a second zipper track fixed to the left pocket in a position
forward of the front side, the left pocket zipper track having a
first left pocket zipper pull-tab operable to open the first left
pocket zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis, the
right and left pocket zipper tracks being positioned so they are
facing forward and accessible from the front side of the bag.
14. The golf bag of claim 13, wherein: the first right sub-pocket
includes: a first right sub-pocket zipper track oriented in front
of the front side of the golf bag; and a first right sub-pocket
pull-tab operable to open the first right sub-pocket zipper track
substantially along the longitudinal axis; and the first left
sub-pocket includes: a first left sub-pocket zipper track oriented
in front of the front side of the golf bag; and a first left
sub-pocket pull-tab operable to open the first left sub-pocket
zipper track substantially along the longitudinal axis.
15. The golf bag of claim 14, wherein: the second right sub-pocket
includes: a second right sub-pocket zipper track oriented in front
of the front side of the golf bag; and a second right sub-pocket
pull-tab operable to open the first right sub-pocket zipper track
substantially along the longitudinal axis; and the first left
sub-pocket includes: a first left sub-pocket zipper track oriented
in front of the front side of the golf bag; and a first left
sub-pocket pull-tab operable to open the first left sub-pocket
substantially along the longitudinal axis.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The subject disclosure relates to golf bags, and more
particularly to golf bags designed to be used with a golf cart.
2. Background of the Related Art
[0002] Golf is a wonderful game that can be universally enjoyed.
However, for many golfers, a wonderful walk along a beautiful
course can be spoiled by the labor of carrying a cumbersome golf
bag. A poor match between the golfer and the golf bag exacerbates
the problem, which can lead to distraction, loss of enjoyment, and
muscle fatigue that impacts one's play. In other words, the golf
bag is equipment that directly impacts not only enjoyment but
performance.
[0003] Many golfers decide to rent a golf cart which minimizes the
amount of time a golfer needs to carry their golf bag. Despite the
fact that many golfers rent golf carts, most golf bags are not
designed for convenient use when they are attached to a golf cart.
As such, it can be difficult for a golfer to freely access some of
their golf equipment, such as tees, gloves, divot tools, and
beverages, while the golf bag is attached to the golf cart.
[0004] Further, although using a golf carts minimize the amount of
time spent carrying a golf bag, often it does not eliminate it
altogether. For example, golfers still need to carry their golf bag
between the course and their vehicle. Often golfers will also need
to remove their golf bag from the golf cart and carry it at various
points while playing the course. For example, many golf courses
have designated areas where golf carts are prohibited. If a golfer
needs to make a shot from a prohibited area, they must either
select a club before walking over to their ball, or remove their
golf bag from the golf cart and carry it over. Unfortunately, golf
bags can be inconvenient and/or uncomfortable to easily pick up or
remove from a golf cart and carry.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The subject technology includes a golf bag that can be used
effectively even when attached to a golf cart. Further, the subject
technology provides a golf bag that is convenient to pick up, and
carry. Finally, the subject technology provides a golf bag that can
be easily removed from or attached to a golf cart.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the
disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to
make and use the same, reference may be had to the following
drawings.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical golf cart.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a golf cart, the golf cart
having an attached golf bag in accordance with the subject
disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front right side perspective view of a golf bag
in accordance with the subject disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a front left side perspective view of a golf bag
in accordance with the subject disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a rear left side perspective view of a golf bag in
accordance with the subject disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a front view of a golf harness for a golf bag in
accordance with the subject disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a golf bag in accordance with the
subject disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a front view of detachable pockets for a golf bag
in accordance with the subject disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The subject technology overcomes many of the prior art
problems associated with golf bags and their compatibility with
golf carts. The advantages, and other features of the technology
disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having
ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description
of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the
drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present
invention and wherein like reference numerals identify similar
structural elements. All references such as up, down, top, bottom,
horizontal, vertical, left, right and the like are arbitrary terms
used to refer to one position of an element based on one
perspective in the Figures and are not meant as limiting the scope
of the invention.
[0016] In brief overview, the subject technology is a golf bag with
designed for convenient and comfortable use with or without a golf
cart. The bag is easy to pick up and move quickly, comfortable to
carry, and allows full access to all storage pockets even when it
is firmly secured to a golf cart.
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a typical
golf cart is shown generally at 100. The golf cart 100 is designed
to be driven throughout a golf course by a golfer. The rear portion
102 of the golf cart 100 is designed to removably attach a golf bag
120 (i.e. See FIG. 2). To that end, the rear portion 102 includes a
staging platform 104 for supporting two golf bags. The staging
platform has two recesses 106,108, each of which is shaped to
secure the bottom of a golf bag 120. Two harnesses 110, 112 are
affixed to the rear portion 102, each of which can be fastened
around a golf bag 120 to secure it to the back of the golf cart
100. In other embodiments, the harnesses 110, 112 can be
semi-circular shaped holders and straps (not shown) can extend from
the ends of the holders. When the bags 120 are placed on the
platform 104 and nested in the holders, the straps can be fed
through the rear handle or other fastening piece on the bags 120 to
secure the bags to the back of the golf cart 100.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 2 a golf bag 120, in accordance with
the subject technology, is shown being attached to the golf cart
100. The golf bag 120 is elongated, between a top 122 and a bottom
124, along a longitudinal axis "a" to allow room to store golf
clubs. Four sides 126, 128, 130, 132 surround the longitudinal axis
"a" and define the central golf club housing. When the bag 120 is
placed on the golf cart 100, the bottom 124 sits on the staging
platform 104 with the front side 126 facing outward from the cart
100. A harness 110 wraps around the front side 126 to hold the bag
120 securely to the cart 100. The top 122 of the golf bag 120
includes a plurality of openings or slots 134 (defined by club
dividers that extend across the top opening of the bag) through
which a golfer can insert golf clubs into the golf bag 120.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 3, a golf bag 120 in accordance with
the subject disclosure is shown with the front side 126 and right
side 128 facing forward. The bag 120 has a front pocket 136 which
extends from the front side 126 of the bag 120. The front pocket
136 has a zipper 138 with two zipper pull-tabs 140,142 along a
front zipper track 144. The zipper track 144 runs along the front
pocket 126 in the area furthest from the front side 126, forming a
somewhat oval shaped flap 146. As shown, the pocket 136 is closed
and secure. However, the zipper 138 is operable to open the flap
146, allowing a user access to the interior of the pocket 136 to
store or remove contents. Due to the configuration of the pocket
136, pull-tabs 140,142, and zipper track 144, as described herein,
a golfer is free to access the interior of the front pocket 136
even when the golf bag 120 is secured to the golf cart 100 (i.e.
FIG. 2). In various embodiments, the front pocket 136 may have one
zipper and/or the zipper track may be oriented different along the
front pocket 136, such as seen in the zipper configurations with
respect to other pockets discussed below. Also, the front pocket
136 is shown having an oval shape, but it should be understood that
the front pocket 136 can have any suitable shape, for example,
circular, square, rectangular, and the like.
[0020] Still referring to FIG. 3, the right side 128 of the golf
bag 120 includes a right pocket 148a. The right pocket 148a extends
outward from the right side 128 of the bag 120. The foremost
portion 150a of the right pocket 148a extends forward of the front
side 126. A first right pocket zipper 152a has a zipper track 154a
which runs along the right pocket 148a. The track 154a runs
generally parallel to the longitudinal axis "a" with an upper
portion 156a necking inwards towards the longitudinal axis "a."
Currently, the right pocket 148a is in the closed position. The
pocket zipper 152a has a pull-tab 158a which is operable to open
the bag 120 along the zipper track 154a and allow access to the
interior of the right pocket 148a. The zipper track 154a is
forward-facing so the pocket is easily accessible when the bag is
secured to the cart (FIG. 2).
[0021] The right pocket 148a also includes a first and second right
sub-pocket 160a, 162a, both of which form smaller pockets within
the interior of the right pocket 148a. Each subpocket 160a, 162a is
a separate and distinct compartment defined by the internal panels
(not shown).The first right sub-pocket 160a has a zipper 164a with
a zipper track 166a which runs substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis "a" with an upper portion 168a necking inwards
towards the longitudinal axis "a". The second right-sub pocket 162a
has a zipper 170a with a zipper track 172a that runs substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axis "a." Both right sub-pocket
zippers 164a, 170a have pull-tabs 174a, 176a which allow the
sub-pockets 160a, 162a to be opened substantially along the
longitudinal axis "a", allowing access to the interior of the
respective pocket 160a, 162a. As shown, both right sub-pockets
160a, 162a are in the closed position.
[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, when the golf bag 120 is placed
on a golf cart 100, all zipper tracks 154a, 166a, 172a which run
along the right pocket 148a are situated away from the rear portion
102 of the golf cart 120, on the same side of the longitudinal axis
"a" as the front side 126. In fact, in the embodiment shown, the
zipper tracks 154a, 166a, 172a run almost entirely in front of the
front side 126 of the golf bag 120. Therefore even when the golf
bag 120 is attached to the cart 100, a golfer is able to access the
interior of the right pocket 148a and right sub-pockets 160a, 162a
to store or remove items. In this way, when the golfer wishes to
access items stored within their golf bag 120, the golfer does not
need to remove the golf bag from the golf cart 100, or twist and
turn the golf bag 120 after it is already securely harnessed in.
Additionally, including multiple pockets allows the golfer to keep
items separated. For example, the golfer might put a water bottle
in the right pocket 148a, golf balls in the first right sub-pocket
160a, and golf tees in the second right sub-pocket 162a.
[0023] It should be noted that while the left side 130 of the golf
bag 120 is not shown in this particular view, the left side 130 is
a mirror image of the right side 128. Therefore in various
embodiments, the left side may have some or all of the various
components shown on the right side and vice-versa. For example,
referring now to FIG. 4, the left side of the golf bag is shown,
wherein like reference numerals identify like components discussed
with respect to FIG. 3. Therefore, as seen in FIG. 4, the golf bag
120 has all of the features shown with respect to the right side in
FIG. 3. Further, all orientations with respect to the components on
the right side 128 of the bag 120 hold true for the components on
the left side 130 of the bag 120 as well.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 2-5, the golf bag includes handles 180,
182 which allow the bag 120 to be easily picked up, rotated, or
otherwise manipulated. To that end, the top portion 122 has two
handles 180, 182; one handle 180 extends from the top portion 122
above the right side 128 of the bag 120 and another extending from
the top portion 122 above the left side 130 of the bag 120 (See
FIG. 2). The bag 120 is shown having two handles 180, 182 extending
from the fourteen (14)-way top cuff 122, wherein the club dividers
form fourteen separate channels or slots 134 for holding the golf
clubs (not shown). Each slot 134 is designed to hold one club
separately. However, it should be understood the top cuff 122 can
have a single handle or any suitable number of multiple handles
(e.g., three extending handles) and a single club divider or any
suitable number of club dividers arranged in a variety of
configurations. For example, the top cuff 122 can contain club
dividers so that there are three, four, five, or six slots 134 and
each slot can hold multiple clubs. The bag 120 also includes a rear
handle 184 extending from rear portion 132 of the bag 120 (See FIG.
4). Further, a front handle 186 extends from the front side 126.
The handles 180, 182, 184, 186 are secured to the bag 120 and are
all capable of individually supporting the full weight of the golf
bag 120, as well as the equipment stored within the bag 120, such
that each of the handles 180, 182, 184, 186 can be used
individually to move the golf bag 120. However, the handles 180,
182, 184, 186 are designed such that any combination of two of the
handles may be gripped simultaneously to comfortably and
efficiently move the golf bag 120. For example, the top handles
180, 182 may gripped simultaneously to easily lift the golf bag 120
upwards along the longitudinal axis "a" such that the golf bag 120
can be easily removed from the rear portion 102 of the golf cart
100. Further the front handle 186 can be gripped in conjunction
with either of the top handles 180, 182 to easily turn the golf bag
120 on its right or left sides 128, 130. This can be beneficial,
for example, when a golfer wishes to move the golf bag 120 into the
trunk of their car.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 5, the golf bag 120 is shown seated on
a solid ground surface 188 such that it stands in an upright
position. The golf bag 120 has a hard base 190 which surrounds the
bottom 124 of the golf bag 120. The hard base 190 is a stiff
material such that the base 190 allows the bag 120 to rest stably
along a level surface. The base 190 is also designed to keep the
bag elevated slightly from the ground 188.
[0026] For example, referring now to FIG. 7, the center of the base
190 includes a somewhat hollow recess 192 while a rim 194 runs
along the circumference of the base 190 and extends down from the
bottom 124 of the golf bag 120. A number of base cover legs 196
extend from the rim 194 further downward. The legs 196 provide a
better gripping surface between the base 190 and a soft ground
surface, allowing the golfer to dig the legs 196 in so that the bag
120 remains in place. Further, since the legs 196 and rim 194
elevate the rest of the bag 120, they help avoid having the golf
bag 120 rest in water if the course is soggy.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, a rear perspective view of a
golf bag 120 and a detachable shoulder harness 200 are shown,
respectively. When a golfer wishes to carry the bag 120 a somewhat
far distance, the bag 120 is designed to be comfortably carried
over a shoulder. To that end, the shoulder harness 200 includes
upper connector webbing 202a and lower connector webbing 202b
extending from a padded center 204. The center portion 204 is made
of relatively thick, cushioned material. The cushioned portion 204
rests on the golfer's shoulders so the bag is well supported and
he/she can carry the bag comfortably. The connector webbing 202a,
202b is made of a relatively thin, short fabric material and has
minimal or no padding. The rear portion 132 of the golf bag 120
includes two coupling members 206a 206b, or clips, which are
operable to conjoin with the straps 202a, 202b to attach the
shoulder harness 200 to the golf bag 120. It is recognized that the
straps 202a, 202b can be attached to the body of the bag 120 by any
suitable fastening means. For example, the bag 120 can contain
connector rings such as pivotal D-shaped rings. The straps 202a,
202b can contain spring-loaded clips that can be removably attached
to the pivotal D-shaped ring. Once the shoulder harness 200 is
attached to the golf bag 120, the golfer can sling the golf bag 120
over one of their shoulders such that the padded center 204 sits
over the golfer's shoulder and carries the weight of the bag 120.
In this position, the rear portion 132 of the golf bag 120 usually
rests against the golfer's back. Therefore the rear portion 132 is
padded to provide a cushion between the bag 120 and a golfer's back
as the bag 120 is being carried. In particular, the rear portion
132 may contain a right-sided hip pad and left-sided hip pad (not
shown). As the golf bag 120 is carried over the shoulder, this hip
pad rests against the golfer or caddy's hip and provides comfort
and support.
[0028] Still referring to FIG. 5, the rear portion 132 also
includes a rear handle 184 which runs along the longitudinal axis
"a" and has a pad for comfortable gripping. The rear handle 184 can
be gripped by the golfer to easily lift the bag 120, for example,
when placing the golf bag 120 on the golf cart 100. Other handles
180, 182, 186 can also be gripped in conjunction with the rear
handle 184 to efficiently move the golf bag 120. For example, the
top handles 180, 182 are conveniently located to allow a golfer to
quickly pick up or move the golf bag 120.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, producers of golf equipment
often desire to place a design, such as a brand name, trademark,
logo, or the like, on the equipment they create. Therefore the bag
120 design includes a number of flat surfaces 220, 222, 224, 226
onto which a design may be placed. For example, right side 128,
left side 130, and shoulder strap 200 all have large flat areas
222, 224, 226 where upon which a logo can be placed. The front side
126 also has a large, substantially flat area 220 where a design
can be placed.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 8, right and left detachable pockets
240, 242 are shown. These pockets 240, 242 can be easily fixed to
or removed from the bag 120. For example, both pockets 240, 242
contain a button coupler 244, 246, which can be fixed to button
couplers 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d (not shown) on the bag 120 (See
FIGS. 3-5). In this way, the user may include or remove their
additional detachable pockets as they so desire. The pockets 240,
242 each contain a zipper track 248, 256. Zipper pull-tabs 252, 254
are operable along their respective zipper track 248, 256 to open
their respective pocket 240, 242.
[0031] It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in
the pertinent art that the functions of several elements may, in
alternative embodiments, be carried out by fewer elements, or a
single element. Similarly, in some embodiments, any functional
element may perform fewer, or different, operations than those
described with respect to the illustrated embodiment. Also,
functional elements (e.g., coupling arrangements, tracks, slider
assemblies, buckles and the like) shown as distinct for purposes of
illustration may be incorporated within other functional elements
in a particular implementation.
[0032] All patents, patent applications and other references
disclosed herein are hereby expressly incorporated in their
entireties by reference. While the subject technology has been
described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in
the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or
modifications can be made to the subject technology without
departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by
the appended claims. For example, each claim may depend from any or
all claims in a multiple dependent manner even though such has not
been originally claimed.
* * * * *