Patent application title: SPLIT GOLF BAG
Inventors:
Glen Bowen (Baytown, TX, US)
Assignees:
KIWI GOLF, LLC
IPC8 Class: AA63B5500FI
USPC Class:
2063156
Class name: For a golf club golf bag including means for separating club shafts
Publication date: 2015-01-15
Patent application number: 20150014195
Abstract:
A short game bag for cooperating with a mother bag is disclosed. The
short game bag may have a tubular body enclosed at a bottom end and open
at a top end; the tubular body having a outer side and an attachment
side, wherein the outer side comprises a handle and an extendable set of
at least two legs attached by a hinge proximal to the top end. Further,
the attachment side has a fastening mechanism for attachment to a mother
bag along a substantially longitudinal axis of the mother bag, wherein
the short game bag can attach in a substantially parallel manner to the
mother bag.Claims:
1. A short game bag for holding golf clubs, the bag comprising: a tubular
body enclosed at a bottom end and open at a top end; the tubular body
having an outer side and an attachment side, wherein the outer side
comprises a handle and an extendable set of at least two legs attached by
a hinge proximal to the top end; and the attachment side comprises a
fastening mechanism for attachment to a mother bag along a substantially
longitudinal axis of the mother bag, wherein the short game bag can
attach in a substantially parallel manner to the mother bag.
2. The short game bag of claim 1, further comprising: at least three tubes extending longitudinally within the tubular body, each of the tubes having an open top end, and a diameter sufficiently wide to admit a handle to a golf club.
3. The short game bag of claim 2, wherein the at least three tubes are less than six tubes.
4. The short game bag of claim 1, further comprising: a shoulder extending from the attachment side, wherein the shoulder extends a panel that makes the top end narrower than the bottom end.
5. The short game bag of claim 4, further comprising: a Velcro® attachment panel that extends at least above a halfway point from bottom end to the top end, wherein the Velcro attachment panel is on the attachment side below the shoulder.
6. The short game bag of claim 4, further comprising: at least one tail, extending from the attachment side, the tail shaped to fit within a half-blind dovetail socket.
7. The short game bag of claim 1, further comprising: a longitudinal ridge, extending a longitudinal length of the short game bag.
8. The short game bag of claim 1, further comprising: a first buckle on a left side of the outer side; and a second buckle on a right side of the outer side.
9. The short game bag of claim 1, wherein engagement to a mother bag along a substantially longitudinal axis includes attachment of the short game bag wherein a longitudinal axis of the short game bag is within 25 degrees of the longitudinal axis of the mother bag.
10. The short game bag of claim 1, wherein the short game bag, when attached to the mother bag, has up to 20 degrees separating a longitudinal axis of the mother bag from a longitudinal axis of the short game bag.
11. The short game bag of claim 4, wherein the panel that makes the top end narrower than the bottom end is arranged such that when the short game bag is attached to the mother bag, a slot is present between the short game bag and the mother bag extending down from the top end at least 20% of a longitudinal length of the short game bag.
12. A mother bag for holding golf clubs, the mother bag comprising: a bag base, from which a first elongated pocket extends along a longitudinal axis; at least one second elongated pocket extending from the bag base, wherein, a transverse slot extends between the first elongated pocket and the second elongated pocket within 20% of a top of the first elongated pocket; wherein the bag base has an attachment side having a contour, and wherein the mother bag is substantially tubular along the longitudinal axis, and an attachment mechanism faces lateral to the longitudinal axis to attach a short game bag having a short game bag contour matching the contour.
13. The mother bag of claim 12, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a Velcro® fastening panel.
14. The mother bag of claim 12, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises at least one strap.
15. The mother bag of claim 12, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises at least one half-blind dovetail socket.
16. A mother bag and short game bag, the mother bag comprising: an elongated body, closed at a bottom end and open at a top end, wherein a transverse strap guide extends across the top end to provide a groove, wherein the groove separates the top end into a cart-facing contour and inner contour forming outer sides to the mother bag, wherein the inner contour comprises a longitudinal contour extending parallel to a longitudinal axis; a fastening mechanism for interlocking the mother bag with the short game bag; and a short game bag having a short game bag inner contour that substantially matches the inner contour, wherein the short game bag comprises: an elongated body, closed at a bottom end and open at a top end, and the short game bag inner contour extends along a length of the short game bag.
17. The mother bag and short game bag of claim 16, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises: at least two straps attached to the mother bag and at least two buckles attached to the short game bag.
18. The mother bag and short game bag of claim 16, wherein the groove is at least half an inch wide and has a bottom at least two inches deep from the top end.
Description:
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to a golf club carrying apparatus and more particularly to a compartmentalized golf club bag.
[0002] Normally, a golf bag carries ten or more clubs, in addition to spare balls, and other tools. Golfers that have played a ball to the green or within a pitching wedge shot of a green have a need for a limited set of golf clubs on or about the green. Reasons such as irregular terrain, and sensitive turf, keep golf carts from being positioned on or near the green. Nevertheless, a golfer can require two or three clubs for the final strokes on or around the green.
[0003] Some golfers, in order to solve the problem of having two or three clubs available, can carry the subset of clubs to the current ball position. Accordingly, the golfer places the extra clubs on the grass as he takes his next shot. However, this approach can add moisture or dirt to the clubs, particularly when the greens still have morning dew on them.
[0004] It would be convenient if the golfer could bring a smaller bag, that still offers the flexibility of choosing the next club while the golfer takes his final shots at the hole. In addition, since the terrain can be more inclined at or near the green, it can be difficult to carry the weight of a full bag. Similarly, curvature of the green can make it difficult to spot any clubs left lying on the turf.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention a short game bag is disclosed. The short game bag may have a tubular body enclosed at a bottom end and open at a top end; the tubular body having a outer side and an attachment side, wherein the outer side comprises a handle and an extendable set of at least two legs attached by a hinge proximal to the top end. Further, the attachment side has a fastening mechanism for attachment to a mother bag along a substantially longitudinal axis of the mother bag, wherein the short game bag can attach in a substantially parallel manner to the mother bag.
[0006] According to a further embodiment of the present invention a mother bag for holding golf clubs is disclosed. The mother bag may have a first elongated pocket for golf clubs extending from a bag base. Further, the mother bag may have at least one second elongated pocket for golf clubs extending from the bag base, wherein, a transverse gap extends between the first elongated pocket and the second elongated pocket within 20% of a top of the first elongated pocket. In addition, the bag base can have an attachment side having a contour and is substantially tubular along an axis, and an attachment mechanism faces lateral to the axis to attach a short game bag having a short game bag contour matching the contour.
[0007] A still further embodiment may comprise an elongated body, closed at a bottom end and open at a top end, wherein a transverse strap guide extends across the top end to provide a groove, wherein the groove separates the top end into a cart-facing contour and inner contour, the inner contour having a longitudinal contour extending parallel to a longitudinal axis. A fastening mechanism for interlocking the mother bag with the short game bag is present on each of the mother bag and a short game bag, wherein a corresponding half of the fastening mechanism is permanently attached to each of the mother bag and short game bag. Further, the short game bag has a short game bag inner contour that substantially matches the inner contour, wherein the short game bag comprises: an elongated body, closed at a bottom end and open at a top end, and the short game bag inner contour extends substantially the length of the short game bag.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of a mother golf bag cooperating with a golf cart in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of a mother golf bag cooperating with a golf cart in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 3A is a side view of a mother golf bag showing the attachment side in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 3B is a side view of a short game golf bag showing the attachment side in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 3C is a top view of the mother golf bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 3D is a top view of the short game golf bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 3E is a side view of the mother golf bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 3F is a side view of the short game golf bag showing a inner side and an attachment side in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIGS. 4A-4F show embodiments having an interstitial gap between the short game bag and the mother bag for accommodating the golf cart strap;
[0017] FIG. 5A is a mother bag having a first strap and a second strap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 5B is a short game bag which corresponds to mother bag of FIG. 5A in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 5C is a top view of mother bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 5D is a top view of short game bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 5E shows a side view of mother bag when viewed in the direction from the side of a golf cart in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 5F shows a side view of short game bag arranged to attach to a mother bag placed at the left of short game bag;
[0023] FIG. 6A is a side view of mother bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 6B is a side view of short game bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 6C is a top view of mother bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 6D is top view of short game bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 6E shows a side view of mother bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and
[0028] FIG. 6F shows a side view of short game bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The various figures and embodiments show a two-part apparatus to carry golf clubs. The parts can cooperate together to form a split golf bag when fastened together by the various means about to be explained. The utility of having a bag that can be split is that a smaller set of clubs can be carried separate from the main or mother bag. As such, by use of a short-game bag, which can detach from the mother bag, a golfer can detach about three clubs for use on or around a green, and still avoid laying any spare club on the turf. Game play can be advanced by reducing the trips back to the cart for any needed follow-up club.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a side view of a mother golf bag cooperating with a golf cart in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The mother bag's 101 interaction with golf cart 110 corresponds to the main features depicted in the several embodiments in FIGS. 4A, 4C, 4E, 6A, 6C and 6E, below. Mother bag 101 rests on a ledge projecting out of the back-side of golf cart 110. Post 112 extends from the golf cart and serves as a secure mounting point for mother bag 101. Strap 114 extends from post 112 and may fasten to a buckle or other mechanism on the opposite side (not shown) of mother bag 101. In this embodiment, mother bag 101 provides no recess for strap 114. Nevertheless, it is appreciated, that some fraction of the thickness of a strap may be accommodated by a slight depression in the bag in alternative embodiments. Mother bag 101 is arranged so that by one mechanism or another, a second bag, which can be smaller and lighter, can attach to the mother bag as a short game bag, depicted, for example in sets of figures FIG. 4A-4F, or 6A-6F, below. The short game bag can be lighter and provide pockets for fewer clubs than the mother bag. For simplicity's sake, FIG. 1 does not depict the varying attachment mechanisms that can permit mother bag 101 to attach to a short game bag. FIG. 1 merely shows the operation of a first major design feature of the mother bag--namely, the relationship of the cart's strap to the mother bag's compartment(s) for clubs.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a side view of a mother golf bag cooperating with a golf cart in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The mother bag's 201 interaction with golf cart 210 corresponds to the main features depicted in the several embodiments in FIGS. 3A, 3C, 3E, 5A, 5C and 5E , below. Mother bag 201 rests on a ledge projecting out of the back-side of golf cart 210. Post 212 extends from the golf cart and serves as a secure mounting point for mother bag 201. Strap 214 extends from post 212 and may fasten to a buckle or other mechanism on the opposite side (not shown) of mother bag 201. In this embodiment, mother bag 201 provides a groove or transverse slot for strap 214. Mother bag 201 provides at least one pocket-extension suitable for receiving the handle of a golf club. The pocket-extension extends beyond strap 214 to form at least one groove 205 in which the strap can be placed. Like the mother bag of FIG. 1, mother bag 201 is arranged so that by one mechanism or another, a second bag, which can be smaller and lighter, can attach to the mother bag. For simplicity's sake, FIG. 2 does not depict the varying attachment mechanisms that can permit mother bag 201 to attach to a short game bag. FIG. 2 merely shows the operation of a first major design feature of the mother bag--namely, the relationship of the cart's strap to the mother bag's compartment(s) for clubs. As can be seen, the cart strap is placed in a slot or groove that is somewhat internal among several club compartments.
[0032] FIG. 3A is a side view of a mother bag showing the attachment side in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The manner in which mother bag 301 attaches to the golf cart is depicted in FIG. 2. Importantly, FIG. 3A shows a fastening mechanism used in this embodiment of the mother/short-game bag. A fastening mechanism is any mechanism amenable to fasten bags generally weighing less than 25 lbs., when loaded, to the mother bag in a piggy-back fashion. Fastening mechanisms include, for example, hook-and-loop fabrics, buckles and straps, snap-fit plastic parts, tongue and groove joints, and the like. Importantly, the fastening mechanism can be one half of a two-part corresponding mechanism, such that, when the corresponding part engages the fastening mechanism with the correct force and orientation, the parts interlock to hold the disparate bodies, to which each is attached, together. In the case of the embodiments shown herein, the disparate parts are a mother bag and a short game bag. Similarly, the fastening mechanism permits dis-engagement of the short-game bag from the mother bag, leaving the fastening mechanism as two distinct, but corresponding parts that are permanently attached to the now-separated mother bag and short game bag.
[0033] The Mother bag 301 can have at least one panel of fastener material, such as, for example, Velcro® loop or hook fastener material. Velcro is a trademark of Velcro Industries B.V. Mother bag 301 is shown in a view that corresponds to looking at a golf cart from the rear. In other words, with the short-game bag detached, fastener material 307 is visible. An inner slot 305 can be defined to extend below a top end of the mother bag. A golfer who attaches the mother bag to a cart, can either slide the cart strap from the sides, or drop the strap in from the top of mother bag 301. In other words, when a short game bag is substantially aligned to longitudinal axis 325, fastener panel 307 can form breakable bond to the corresponding fastener panel(s) in the mother bag.
[0034] FIG. 3B is a side view of a short game bag showing the attachment side in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Short game bag 351 is shaped generally as an extrusion or tubular body having bottom end 352 and top end 353. The top end is open to receive clubs, while the bottom end is closed. FIG. 3B shows short game bag 351 by the attachment side. The attachment side is the side that is suitable to attach to a corresponding attachment side of the mother bag, such as depicted in FIG. 3A. The attachment side includes fastener material that is of a corresponding form to any fastener material of the corresponding mother bag. For example, if the mother bag uses the hook form of fastener material, the short game bag can use the loop form of fastener material, and vice-a-versa. Fastener material is placed in fastener panel 357 in a position that corresponds with the one or more panels of the mother bag. In other words, when longitudinal axis 375 of short game bag 351 is substantially aligned to longitudinal axis 325 of the mother bag, the bags can be pressed together for a resilient bond.
[0035] FIG. 3C is a top view of the mother golf bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Attachment side 317 supports one or more panels of fastener material Inner slot 305 extends between compartments for clubs. The inner slot can extend up to 20% of the length of the bag. In addition, attachment side presents a longitudinal groove 319 which helps guide placement of short game bag into substantial vertical alignment with the mother bag. The mother golf bag can have a number of tubes, for example, tube 321, used to segregate club shafts from each other.
[0036] FIG. 3D is a top view of the short game bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. This bag is shown having five tubes placed therein. Each tube can accommodate a single club shaft. It is appreciated that fewer, more, or even no tubes can be installed to the short game bag, in the varying alternative embodiments. The tubes can be parallel substantially aligned to the longitudinal axis of the short game bag. Fastener material can be placed on the flat side of longitudinal ridge 368. Longitudinal ridge 368 can operate to align with longitudinal groove 319 of mother bag depicted in FIG. 3C. Accordingly, the short game bag can attach in a substantially parallel manner to the mother bag. Opposite attachment side 369, is outer side 371. Outer side can include additional features, not shown, including a handle, and an extendable set of legs.
[0037] To attach the bags, the golfer merely presses attachment side 317 of mother bag to attachment side 369 of short game bag. For removal, the golfer pulls the mother bag apart from the short game bag directly away from the golf cart. The mother bag stays where it is by virtue of the strap holding it to the golf cart.
[0038] FIG. 3E is a side view of the mother golf bag 301 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The mother bag is arranged to receive a strap from a golf cart generally positioned to the left of mother bag 301. On the other hand, the attachment mechanism, in this case, the fastener panel, faces right, ready to receive the short game bag.
[0039] FIG. 3F is a side view of the short game bag showing an inner side and an attachment side in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Handle 381 can be above an extendable set 383 of legs attached by a hinge. The hinge is proximal to top end 353. In this embodiment, the short game bag is substantially parallel to the mother bag as long as the corresponding longitudinal axes are within 5° of each other. However, it is appreciated, that in embodiments that lack a longitudinal groove, as shown below, the bags can be substantially parallel when the corresponding axes are within 25° of each other.
[0040] FIGS. 4A-F show embodiments having an interstitial gap between the short game bag and the mother bag for accommodating the golf cart strap. Like the embodiments in FIGS. 3A-F, the short game bag attaches to the mother bag using a fastener panel. FIG. 4A shows mother bag 401 with fastener panel 407 on an attachment side. FIG. 4A roughly corresponds to (side view of) mother bag 101 of FIG. 1 in that the space for the cart strap is open by virtue of a recess in the short game bag that attaches to mother bag 101.
[0041] FIG. 4B shows short game bag 451 with fastener panel 457 on an attachment side. Short game bag 451 provides a ledge below a recessed portion 455, which, provides a gap suitable for a cart strap when the fastener panel 457 mates to fastener panel 407 of mother bag 401 in FIG. 4A.
[0042] FIG. 4C shows the mother bag in a top view. Attachment side 417 is the side to which the short game bag attaches.
[0043] FIG. 4D, shows the top view of the short game bag. Attachment side 469 extends upwards from ledge 470. Accordingly, the panel above ledge 470 is sufficiently open to permit insertion and removal of the golf cart strap, when the short game bag attaches to the mother bag.
[0044] FIG. 4E shows the mother bag 401 facing the short game bag present in FIG. 4F.
[0045] FIG. 4F shows short game bag 451 with the corresponding ledge 470. Top end 453 is narrower than bottom end 452, at least in a front-to-back direction.
[0046] FIG. 5A is a mother bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Mother bag 501 may have a first strap 511 and a second strap 521. Each strap is placed on an opposite side of the mother bag 501. FIG. 5A roughly corresponds to (side view of) mother bag 201 of FIG. 2 in that the space for the strap is open by virtue of a recess in the short-game bag that attaches to mother bag 201. Each strap can be attached to outer side of mother bag 501. Attachment side 517 is so-named, because it can be covered when the short game bag is attached to mother bag 501.
[0047] FIG. 5B shows a short game bag 551 which corresponds to mother bag 501 of FIG. 5A. Short game bag 551 can have two buckles 561, 571 located on either side. Short game bag 551 can be placed into a groove of mother bag 510 in a way that permits strap 511 to meet buckle 561, and strap 521 to meet buckle 571. In which case, a golfer can buckle, latch or otherwise attach each of the buckles to its corresponding strap.
[0048] FIG. 5C is a top view of mother bag 501 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Mother bag can have two straps: left strap 521 and right strap 522. The mother bag may have tubes to separate each club. Alternatively, as pictured in FIG. 5C, no tubes are present.
[0049] FIG. 5D is a top view of short game bag 551 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Short game bag can have two buckles: left buckle 571 and right buckle 572.
[0050] FIG. 5E shows a side view of mother bag 501 when viewed in the direction from the side of a golf cart (golf cart not shown). Strap 521 extends outwards from mother bag 501 so that a short game bag can be attached from the right.
[0051] FIG. 5F shows a side view of short game bag 551 arranged to attach to a mother bag placed at the left of short game bag 551. Buckle 571 is available to capture and secure strap 521 as needed by the golfer. Further support for short game bag 551 can come from a ledge of a golf cart, which typically extends below and beyond the mother bag. Additional securing of the short game bag can be by use of a second buckle on the hidden side of the short game bag. It is appreciated that more, or fewer buckles can be used than depicted in FIGS. 5A-F in order to bring the two bags into attachment.
[0052] FIG. 6A shows a side view of mother bag 601 arranged in a manner similar to mother bag 101 of FIG. 1. Mother bag has attachment side 517 that provides for two half-blind dovetail sockets 607, 609 that have an opening for a corresponding tail piece at the top of the respective blind dovetail sockets.
[0053] FIG. 6B shows a side view of short game bag 651 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Short game bag has two tails 657, 659 that each correspond to half-blind dovetail sockets 607, 609 in FIG. 6A. When placed above each half-blind dovetail socket, and generally against attachment side 617 of mother bag, tail 657 slides downward within half-blind dovetail socket 607 to secure the short game bag against movement to any of the sides. Similar interlocking occurs between tail 659 and half-blind dovetail socket 609. Shelf 670 provides space near the top end, to admit a golf strap between the main portions of mother bag and short game bag 651.
[0054] FIG. 6C shows a top view of mother bag 601. Attachment side 617 provides the half-blind dovetail socket 607. The further half-blind dovetail socket may be in rough vertical alignment with half-blind dovetail socket 607.
[0055] FIG. 6D shows top view of short game bag 651. Shelf 670 provides space for a golf cart strap. Tail 657 extends from short game bag. The top of tail 657 is broad and is visible as a trapezoid shape. Tail 657 can taper as it extends downward, thereby easing the alignment of the tail as it is placed into half-blind dovetail socket 607. A second tail may be present below tail 657.
[0056] FIG. 6E shows a side view of mother bag 601. Within mother bag each half-blind dovetail socket 607, 609 is arranged with an opening somewhat larger than the corresponding tail. Accordingly, some space is allowed for an initial misalignment--thus easing entry of the tail into the half-blind dovetail socket. Attachment side 617 faces left, ready to receive a corresponding short game bag, for example, as shown in FIG. 6F.
[0057] FIG. 6F shows a side view of short game bag 651. Short game bag extends tail 657 and tail 659 to the left. Shelf 670 leaves room for a cart strap.
[0058] Each of the short game bag embodiments, described above, may optionally include a handle on the outer side, as well as extendable legs that keep the short game bag generally upright when removed from the mother bag.
[0059] The illustrative embodiments permit a golfer to carry a light bag to sensitive areas on and around a green, without carrying the entire golf bag and attendant clubs. Further, the availability of a more compact bag arrangement, allows the golfer to keep one or more additional golf clubs in reserve without needing to drop such clubs on wet, muddy or otherwise unsuitable terrain. The golfer has at least the dual benefit of keeping all clubs dry, while making the detached set of clubs more visible while within the short game bag. As such, clubs are easier to spot, and less likely to be left behind.
[0060] The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
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