Abstract:
A transportable golf bag includes a bottom and walls defining a chamber sized to receive golf clubs. Wheels are mounted to the bottom of the bag to enable the bag to be rolled over a surface. The bag bottom includes a forward portion and a sloped rear portion. The wheels are sized such that when the bag is resting on the forward portion, the wheels are raised above the ground. The golf bag also includes a button-operated extendable/retractable handle. The handle assembly includes a locking assembly within the handle assembly that it operable by a button at the top of the handle. Pressing of the button releases the locking assembly to allow for the handle, when extended, to be retracted.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
         [0001]    Not Applicable.  
         STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
         [0002]    Not Applicable.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    This version of the invention is concerned with the field of golf bags. More specifically, this version of the invention is concerned with transportable golf bags that are fabricated with at least two rotating wheels and a retractable handle that telescopes from a retracted, stowed position to an extended position.  
           [0004]    In the game of golf, a variety of golf bags are used to store and transport golf clubs, golf balls, and other equipment and accessories to various playing locations on a golf course. Golf bags are generally designed and constructed to be carried or wheeled by a golfer or caddy over the ground or playing surface. Golf bags that are carried are fabricated of one or more storage pouches and compartments and with at least one carrying strap attached thereto. Carrying is accomplished by slinging the golf bag over the shoulder with the strap or belt making direct contact with the top of the shoulder with the full weight of the golf bag and its contents impinging upon the shoulder. Golf bags that are wheeled are constructed with the aforementioned storage pouches and compartments along with at least one pair of rotating wheels attached to the lower portion of the pouch or pouches and a grasping handle affixed to the upper portion thereof.  
           [0005]    When wheeled golf bags are stowed, the grasping or pulling handles are retracted, pivoted, or otherwise collapsed in order to occupy a minimal amount of space. Conversely when wheeled golf bags are being used, the handles are extended or reconfigured so that they project for some distance from the pouch or pouches, thereby allowing such bags to be pulled and directed by the golfer or caddy. In some designs, the rotating wheels fold up into the body of the main pouch.  
           [0006]    While the grasping or pulling handles and rotating wheels generally improve the ability of a golfer or caddy to transport fully-loaded golf bags over the distances necessary to play a game of golf, many handles suffer from various drawbacks and disadvantages. Some are not properly aligned when extended to provide the most efficient means to pull the golf bags; do not function as a secure, stable means to grasp and direct the golf bags; or are difficult to extend and retract, frequently interfering with the exchange of golf clubs into and out of pouch or pouches of the golf bags. In some designs, elaborate mechanisms are used to deploy and retract the rotating wheels and to stabilize the golf bags when the bags are situated in a stationary position.  
           [0007]    What is needed then to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of wheeled golf bags is the provision of a wheeled or transportable golf bag with retractable handle that is comprised of a pair of rotating wheels permanently attached to the lower portion of said bag; handle that is retracted or extended as necessary in order to occupy minimal space during storage and to provide a secure, unobtrusive means by which the golf bag can be pulled and directed during use; and a support stand that assists in stabilizing the golf bag when said bag is situated in a stationary, generally upright position. The golf bag that is the subject of this invention can be transported by a variety of means, such as being carried by a player or caddy, or transported by various vehicles, including automobiles and driving golf carts.  
           [0008]    Numerous designs for transportable or wheeled golf bags have been provided in the prior art. Even though these designs may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present version of the invention. Such designs are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 4,400,006, Golf Bag Provided With A Retractable Rolling Assembly, issued to Larkin on 23 Aug. 1983; U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,095, Transportable Golf Bag, issued to Bridges on 28 Nov. 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,301, Golf Bag Having Retractable Wheels and Handle, issued to Berliner et al. on 2 May 2000; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,047, Golf Bag Equipped With Detachable Carrier, issued to Kim on 31 Oct. 2000.  
           [0009]    As such, it may be appreciated that there is a continuing need for a new and improved transportable golf bag fabricated with a telescoping handle that provides a stable means by which to grasp, pull, and direct the golf bag; pair of rotating wheels attached to the lower portion of said golf bag; and support stand that is releasably attached thereto in order to stabilize the golf bag at various locations upon a golf course. In these respects, the present version of the invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus that substantially fulfills this need. Additionally, the prior patents and commercial techniques do not suggest the present inventive combination of component elements arranged and configured as disclosed herein.  
           [0010]    The present invention achieves its intended purposes, objects, and advantages through a new, useful and unobvious combination of method steps and component elements, with the use of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, and by employing only readily available materials.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    The present version of the invention, which will be described in greater detail hereinafter, relates to the field of golf bags. More specifically, this version of the invention is concerned with transportable golf bags that are fabricated with at least two rotating wheels and a retractable handle that telescopes from a retracted, stowed position to an extended position. Our version of the invention overcomes all of the shortcomings listed previously, in addition to novel aspects that will be described in detail hereinafter.  
           [0012]    Described briefly, according to a typical embodiment, the invention presents a transportable golf bag with retractable handle that is constructed to store golf clubs and accessories and to be pulled by said handle in an extended position over the ground surface of a golf course. During non-use, the handle is retracted within its frame so as to present a low profile and compact appearance. The transportable golf bag is generally comprised of a container portion and a handle frame assembly. The container portion includes a main pouch that is fabricated of a continuous side wall configured into a rounded or circular shape when viewed from overhead, closed bottom end, and an opened top end through which golf clubs are inserted and removed from the interior of said pouch. Two side pouches are attached to the exterior of the side wall of the main pouch. A lid cover is releasably attached to the top of the main pouch by a zipper and locking mechanism.  
           [0013]    A pair of wheels is affixed to the rear of the container (main pouch) by means of an axle and series of fasteners. The wheels are positioned as such in order to allow the container portion to be supported by said wheels above the ground surface when the golf bag is tilted backward upon the wheels.  
           [0014]    The handle frame assembly is attached to the rear side of the main pouch and includes a fixed portion and a retractable or extendable portion. Two rectangular bars and a series of threaded fasteners attach the fixed portion of the handle frame assembly to the main pouch. As such, the retractable portion can be extended above or retracted to the level of the top edge of the main pouch. The fixed portion of the handle frame assembly is further comprised of a horizontal member and two vertical members, which are joined to opposing ends of the horizontal member. Similarly, the retractable portion of the handle comprises of two vertical members, which are received within the vertical members of the fixed portion, and a horizontal member. This horizontal member, which serves as a hand grip for the handle frame assembly, is fabricated with a button that controls the operation of a handle release and lock apparatus situated within the handle frame assembly. When the button is pushed downward, the release and lock apparatus disengages locking buttons that otherwise extend through apertures within the fixed portion of the handle frame assembly, thereby allowing the retractable portion of the handle frame to be pulled upward or extended for use or pushed downward or retracted for non-use or storage.  
           [0015]    If necessary, an optional support, stand can be releasably attached to the rear side of the main pouch to -assist in stabilizing the golf bag in an upright position upon the ground surface of a golf course, and two shoulder straps can be releasably attached to the handle frame assembly for carrying the golf bag over stair steps. Transporting the golf bag can be accomplished by grasping the handle and pulling upon the wheels as referenced previously; retracting the handle and carrying by the straps; or placing into the cargo area of a driving golf cart.  
           [0016]    Our invention, therefore, resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combination of all of them herein disclosed. It is distinguished from the prior art in this particular combination of all of its structures for the functions specified.  
           [0017]    In order that the detailed description of the invention may be better understood and that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated, additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific methods and structures may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent methods and structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
           [0018]    In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
           [0019]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention.  
           [0020]    Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.  
           [0021]    Accordingly, it is an object of our version of the invention to provide a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture, and easy-to-market transportable golf bag with retractable handle.  
           [0022]    A further object of our version of the invention is to provide an easy-to-use and versatile transportable golf bag with retractable handle.  
           [0023]    A significant object of the invention is to provide a transportable golf bag with retractable handle that is comprised of a container portion having a main pouch with detachable cover and side pouches; rotating wheels affixed to the rear lower corner of the main pouch by means of an axle and fasteners; handle frame assembly comprised of a fixed portion directly attached to the rear side of the main pouch, a retractable or extendable portion that is telescopingly engaged to the fixed portion, and release and lock apparatus; shoulder carrying straps releasably attached to the handle frame assembly; and a support stand that stabilizes or supports the golf bag in an upright position upon various surfaces of a golf course.  
           [0024]    A final but very significant object of the invention is to provide a transportable golf bag with retractable handle, which, upon extension, provides a firm, secure gripping apparatus by which the golf bag can be pulled and directed, and, upon retraction, presents a compact, low-profile so as to occupy minimal space during non-use and storage. During play, the golf bag can be transported by grasping and pulling upon the wheels; retracting the handle and carrying by the straps; or placing into the cargo area of a vehicle, such as a driving golf cart. During non-use the golf cart can be stored and transported within the trunk or cargo area of a vehicle.  
           [0025]    For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the present invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or by modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention illustrated by the accompanying drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]    The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more fully understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transportable golf bag with retractable handle with said handle in the extended position in accordance with the present version of the invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a transportable golf bag with retractable handle with said handle in the retracted position and a shoulder carrying strap releasably attached to the handle frame assembly in accordance with the present version of the invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a locking apparatus used to secure a top cover to the main pouch thereof.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 4 is an elevation view, of the retractable handle of a transportable golf bag with retractable handle displaying the components thereof.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 5 is a partial cross section of a release and locking apparatus illustrated in exploded view and revealing the individual components thereof.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6 is a partial cross section of a locking and release apparatus illustrated as assembled and disposed in the locked position within the handle frame of said golf bag.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 7 is a partial cross section of a locking and release apparatus illustrated as assembled and disposed in the released configuration in- order, to permit retraction or collapsing of the handle frame of said golf bag.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a transportable golf bag with retractable handle with a pivoting support stand releasably attached thereto.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a transportable golf bag with a pivoting handle attached thereto.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of a transportable golf bag with a pivoting handle attached thereto, said pivoting handle displayed in a raised position.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a transportable golf bag with a pivoting, extensible handle attached thereto.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of a transportable golf bag with a pivoting, extensible handle attached thereto, said pivoting handle displayed in a raised position and extended configuration. 
     
    
       [0039]    Corresponding reference numerals will be used throughout the several figures of the drawings.  
       DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS  
       [0040]    [0040] 10  Transportable Golf Bag With Retractable Handle  
         [0041]    [0041] 12  Container  
         [0042]    [0042] 14  Handle Frame  
         [0043]    [0043] 16  Main Pouch  
         [0044]    [0044] 18  Bar  
         [0045]    [0045] 20  Fastener  
         [0046]    [0046] 22  Clasp  
         [0047]    [0047] 24  Lower Side Pouch  
         [0048]    [0048] 26  Upper Side Pouch  
         [0049]    [0049] 28  Top  
         [0050]    [0050] 30  Body  
         [0051]    [0051] 32  Zipper  
         [0052]    [0052] 34  Top  
         [0053]    [0053] 36  Body  
         [0054]    [0054] 38  Upper Portion of Main Pouch  
         [0055]    [0055] 40  Lower Portion of Main Pouch  
         [0056]    [0056] 42  Lip  
         [0057]    [0057] 44  Zipper  
         [0058]    [0058] 46   a  Zipper Head With Clasp  
         [0059]    [0059] 46   b  Clasp  
         [0060]    [0060] 48  Aperture  
         [0061]    [0061] 50  Top  
         [0062]    [0062] 52  Wheel  
         [0063]    [0063] 54  Axle  
         [0064]    [0064] 56  Fastener  
         [0065]    [0065] 58  Retractable Portion of Handle Frame  
         [0066]    [0066] 60  Fixed Portion of Handle Frame  
         [0067]    [0067] 62  Hand Grip of Retractable Portion  
         [0068]    [0068] 64  Vertical Member of Retractable Portion  
         [0069]    [0069] 66  Button  
         [0070]    [0070] 68  Vertical Member of Fixed Portion  
         [0071]    [0071] 70  Horizontal Member of Fixed Portion  
         [0072]    [0072] 72  Protuberance  
         [0073]    [0073] 74  Button  
         [0074]    [0074] 76  Strap  
         [0075]    [0075] 78  Lock  
         [0076]    [0076] 80  Upper Member of Hand Grip  
         [0077]    [0077] 82  Lower Member of Hand Grip  
         [0078]    [0078] 84  Fastener  
         [0079]    [0079] 86  Rod  
         [0080]    [0080] 88  Fastener  
         [0081]    [0081] 90  Spring  
         [0082]    [0082] 92  Spring Seat  
         [0083]    [0083] 94  Hanger  
         [0084]    [0084] 96  Rod  
         [0085]    [0085] 98  Knob  
         [0086]    [0086] 100  Middle Member  
         [0087]    [0087] 102  Side Member  
         [0088]    [0088] 104  Side Member  
         [0089]    [0089] 106  Upper Bore  
         [0090]    [0090] 108  Middle Bore  
         [0091]    [0091] 110  Lower Bore  
         [0092]    [0092] 112  Spring  
         [0093]    [0093] 114  Upper Projection  
         [0094]    [0094] 116  Middle Projection  
         [0095]    [0095] 118  Middle Projection  
         [0096]    [0096] 120  Lower Projection  
         [0097]    [0097] 122  Spring  
         [0098]    [0098] 124  Upper Bore  
         [0099]    [0099] 126  Middle Bore  
         [0100]    [0100] 128  Lower Bore  
         [0101]    [0101] 130  Pin  
         [0102]    [0102] 132  Aperture  
         [0103]    [0103] 134  Support Stand  
         [0104]    [0104] 136  Fastener  
         [0105]    [0105] 138  Foot  
         [0106]    [0106] 140  Transportable Golf Bag, Second Embodiment  
         [0107]    [0107] 142  Handle  
         [0108]    [0108] 144  Hand Grip  
         [0109]    [0109] 146  Arm Member  
         [0110]    [0110] 148  Connecting Member  
         [0111]    [0111] 150  Protrusion  
         [0112]    [0112] 152  Transportable Golf Bag, Third Embodiment  
         [0113]    [0113] 154  Handle  
         [0114]    [0114] 156  Hand Grip  
         [0115]    [0115] 158  Arm  
         [0116]    [0116] 160  Connecting Member  
         [0117]    [0117] 162  Panel Member  
         [0118]    [0118] 164  Protrusion  
         [0119]    [0119] 166  Flange  
         [0120]    [0120] 168  Slot  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0121]    The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what we presently believe is the best mode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
         [0122]    Referring now to the drawings and, in particular, to FIG. 1 wherein there is illustrated a typical embodiment of  5  the transportable golf bag with retractable and extendable handle  10  with the handle in the fully raised or extended configuration. The present version of the invention  10  is comprised of a container portion  12  and handle frame assembly  14 , said handle frame assembly  14  affixed to a rear side  10  of the container portion  12 . The container portion  12  is comprised of a main pouch  16  to which the handle frame assembly  14  is secured by two rectangular bars  18  and a series of threaded fasteners  20 . As can be appreciated, other forms of fasteners, such as rivets, can be used to secure the handle frame assembly  14  to the pouch  16 . Additionally, depending on the materials from which the pouch  16  and assembly  14  are made, the assembly  14  can be secured to the pouch, by welding, gluing, or other conventional means. The main pouch  16 , when viewed from above, presents a rounded perimeter, which assists in positioning and transporting the golf bag in a driving golf cart during play. The main pouch, although shown to be generally oval, can be circular or any other desired shape. Four clasps  22  are affixed to the rear side of the main pouch  16  adjacent to handle frame assembly  14 . A lower side pouch  24  and upper side pouch  26  are attached to one side of the main pouch  16 . The lower side pouch  24  includes a top  28  and body portion  30 , which can be joined or separated by means of a zipper  32 . Similarly, the upper side pouch  26  is comprised of a top  34 , body portion  36 , and zipper  32 . The main pouch  16  is tubular in shape and is fabricated with an upper portion  38  and a lower portion  40 . An oval lip  42  with zipper  44  and zipper head with clasp  46   a  attached thereon is affixed to the upper portion  38  of the main pouch  16  and encloses an aperture  48 . An optional top  50  cover with zipper and clasp  46   b  is aligned over the over lip  42  for releasable attachment thereon.  
         [0123]    As is common, dividers (not shown), in the form of spaced apart bars, or in the form of a grid, is preferably placed within the main compartment or pouch  16 . Often, the dividers are positioned near the pouch top portion  38 . However, preferably, the dividers are spaced below the pouch top portion. By positioning the dividers below the top portion, for example, approximately one-third of the way down from the top portion, it is easier for a golfer to place golf clubs in the pouch.  
         [0124]    A pair of wheels  52  is attached by means of an axle  54  and fastener brackets  56  to the lower, rear corner of the main pouch  16 . The bottom side or floor of the main pouch  16  makes contact with the ground surface at the front corner thereof and tapers upwardly toward the rear corner so that the rearward portion of the bottom side or floor is raised above the ground surface for some distance and is supported as such by the wheels  52  and axle  54 . When the golf bag  10  is tilted back upon the wheels  52  and axle  54 , the bag  10  is thus raised above the ground surface and therefore easily transported by the wheels  52 .  
         [0125]    Referring again to FIG. 1, the handle frame assembly  14  is fabricated of a retractable and extendable portion  58  and a fixed portion  60 , said fixed portion  60  attached directly to the rear side of the main pouch  16  by threaded fasteners  20 . Alternatively, the fixed portion  60  can be mounted to the main pouch to be spaced from the main pouch, to space the complete handle frame assembly  14  from the main pouch. The retractable portion  58  of the handle frame assembly  14  is comprised of a horizontal member or hand grip  62  and two vertical members  64  that are attached at one end to opposing ends of the hand grip  62 . A button  66  is disposed within the center of the hand grip  62  and engages a locking and release apparatus that will be described later in this disclosure. Similarly, the fixed portion  60  of the handle frame assembly  14  is constructed of two vertical members  68  and a horizontal member  70 . The vertical members  64  of the retractable portion  58  are disposed in telescoping engagement within the vertical members  68  of the fixed portion  60  of the handle frame assembly  14  and extend or retract with respect to said vertical members  68  when the hand grip  62  is pulled upward or pushed downward, respectively. Rectangular protuberances  72  anchor vertical members  64  of the retractable portion  58  within the vertical members  68  of the fixed portion  60 , thereby preventing the vertical members  64 ,  68  from becoming disengaged from the vertical members  68 .  
         [0126]    Buttons  74  extend or retract with respect to cooperating apertures in response to actuation of the locking and release mechanism situated within the handle frame assembly  14  in order to lock the retractable portion  58  of the handle frame  14  in an extended or upright position during use as shown in FIG. 1 or to release the retractable portion  58  of the handle frame assembly  14  from the extended position and allow it to assume a retracted position within the fixed portion  60  of the handle frame assembly  14  as illustrated in FIG. 2. Also, a pair of shoulder straps  76  is releasably affixed to the clasps  22  for carrying the golf bag  10  over stair steps when it is infeasible to pull said golf bag  10  upon the wheels  52  over the stair steps.  
         [0127]    The top cover  50  is releasably affixed to the oval lip  42  of the main pouch  16  by means of the zipper  44 . As shown in detail in FIG. 3, the cover  50  can be secured to the lip  42  and pouch  16  by positioning a lock  78  within the aligned zipper head with clasp  46   a  and clasp  46   b . In an alternate embodiment (not shown), two zippers are attached to the top  50  cover and oval lip  42 . Each zipper is fabricated with a dedicated zipper head with clasp. The lock  78  can then pass through the clasp of each zipper head. The top cover  50  and oval lip  42  are securely joined when the zipper heads with clasps receive the lock  78  once the zipper heads with clasps are pulled together as necessary to close the two zippers.  
         [0128]    As shown in FIG. 4, the hand grip  62  is comprised of a rectangular upper member  80  and a rectangular lower member  82 , which is secured to the upper member  80  by means of threaded fasteners  84 . A pair of rods  86  is attached by means of fasteners  88  to the underside of the upper member  80 . The ends of the rods  86  that face each other communicate with the underside of the button  66 . Springs  90  affixed to the lower member  82  within spring seats  92  urge upward against the ends of the rods  86  to ensure that ends of the rods  86  make continual contact with the button  66 . Hangers  94  are attached to opposing ends of the rods  86  and secure elongate rods  96  thereon that are otherwise disposed within the interior of the vertical members  64 ,  68  of the handle frame assembly  14 .  
         [0129]    As the rectangular rods  86  are medially attached to respective fasteners  88  in a pivoting configuration, the ends of the rods  86  communicating with the button  66  are urged downward when the button  66  is pushed and the opposing ends thereof are raised upward, thereby lifting the hangers  94  and rods  96  from their initial position. The ends of the rods  86  and  96  that engage each other are hooked to form, a positive engagement. This positive engagement will ensure that the rods  96  will be lifted by the rods  86  when the button  66  is depressed. Alternatively, the rods  86  and  96  could be independently secured to the hanger  94 .  
         [0130]    In FIGS.  5 - 7  the distal end of a rod  96  with anchoring knob  98  is illustrated as attached to and controlling operation of a locking and release apparatus that is located within the vertical members  64 ,  68  of the handle frame assembly  14  near the protuberances  72 . As displayed in FIG. 5, the apparatus is comprised of a middle member  100  into which the rod  96  and knob  98  are situated and two side members  102 ,  104 . The middle member  100  is rectangular in shape and is fabricated with an upper bore  106 , middle bore  108 , lower bore  110 , and spring  112 . The first side member  102  is partially constructed of an upper projection  114 , two middle projections  116 ,  118 , lower projection  120 , and spring  122 . The second side member  104  contains an upper bore  124 , middle bore  126 , and lower bore  128 . When the members  100 ,  102 ,  104  are assembled as shown in FIG. 6, the upper projection  114  of the first side member  102  communicates with the upper bore  106  of the middle member  100  and upper bore  124  of the second side member  104 ; the first middle projection  116  communicates with the middle bores  108 ,  126 ; and the second middle member  118  communicates with the lower bore  110  of the middle member  100  and middle bore  126  of the second side member  104 . The lower projection  120  of the first side member  102  is received directly by the lower bore  128  of the second side member  104 . Additionally, a pin  130  extends through the upper bore  124  of the second side member and into the upper bore  106  of the middle member  100 . As can be appreciated, there are openings (not shown) in the side surfaces of the bores of the middle member  100  to allow the projections of the first side member  102  to pass through the middle member bores to be received by the second side member bores. In this configuration, the spring  112  of the middle member  100  is fully extended, and the spring  122  of the first side member  102  is partially compressed, as seen in FIG. 6. In response to urging of the spring  122  of the first side member  102 , the button  74  extends through a cooperating aperture  132  (FIG. 7) formed within the vertical member  68  of the fixed portion  60  of the handle frame assembly  14 , thereby preventing the vertical member  64  of the retractable portion  58  from dropping into the vertical member  68  of the fixed portion  60  as necessary when the retractable portion  58  of the handle frame assembly  14  is fully extended with respect to the fixed portion  60 .  
         [0131]    As shown in FIG. 7, when the button  66  is pushed downward, the rod  96  and middle member  100  are pulled upward with respect to the vertical members  64 ,  68 . Such action compresses the spring  112  of the middle member  100  and allows the spring  122  of the first side member  102  to extend, thereby pulling the button  74  inward past communicating aperture  132 . Consequently, the vertical member  64  of the retracting portion  58  of the handle frame can be pushed downward with respect to the vertical member  68  of the fixed portion  60  of the handle frame until handle frame assembly  14  assumes the collapsed or stowed configuration.  
         [0132]    An optional means of supporting the golf bag  10  albeit at an inclined or tilted position is illustrated in FIG. 8. A support stand  134  comprising two elongate rods is attached by means of a fastener  136  with pivoting sockets to the upper rear side of the main pouch  16 . Circular foot  138  members are affixed to the ends of the rods opposite to the ends attached to the fastener  136  and assist in stabilizing the support stand  134  upon the ground surface.  
         [0133]    In FIG. 9, a second embodiment  140  of the transportable golf bag  5  is illustrated with a handle  142  attached to the rear side of the main pouch  16 . The handle-  142  is comprised of an oval hand grip  144 , two arm members  146 , and a connecting member  148 . The arm members  146  are attached at a first end to one side of the hand grip  144  and extend in parallel relation therefrom and are attached at a second end to the connecting member  148 . The connecting member  148  is pivotally attached to protrusions  150  on opposing sides thereof. As such, the handle  142 , as shown in FIG. 10, can be pivoted upon the connecting member  148  and protrusions  150  to a raised position and locked into place at an appropriate angle with respect to the main pouch  16  for pulling the golf bag  140 . Preferably, the fit between the protrusions  150  and the connecting member  148  or the ends of the arms  146  is sufficiently tight so that the handle  142  will not pivot freely relative to the protrusions  150  and the main pouch  16 . That is, some effort (albeit a slight effort) is required to move the handle  142  between is raised and lowered positions shown in FIGS. 10 and 9, respectively. This frictional fit will also enable the handle  142  to remain raised, when raised. Alternatively, a locking mechanism, such as a spring biased ball in the ends of the arms which would be received in a series of discrete indentations arranged in an arc on the inner surface of the protrusions  150  can be used to more positively hold the handle  142  in a desired position relative to the pouch  16 .  
         [0134]    A third embodiment  152  of the transportable golf bag is illustrated in FIG. 11 with an extendible/retractable handle  154  attached to the rear side of the main pouch  16 . The handle  154  is comprised of a hand grip  156  having two arm members  158  disposed in parallel relation and attached at first ends thereof to a connecting member  160 , and additionally comprised of a flat panel member  162 , which is pivotally attached to protrusions  164 . Referring to FIG. 12, the extendible/retractable handle  154  can be pivoted upon the panel member  162  and the protrusions  164  to a raised position and eventually locked into place at an appropriate angle with respect to the main pouch  16 . The hand grip  156  is slidably engaged to the panel member  162  with flanges  166  located on facing sides of the arm members  158 , said flanges  166  disposed within slots  168  situated on opposing sides of the panel member  162 . As such, the hand grip  156  can be extended or retracted with respect to the panel member  162  to facilitate pulling the golf bag  152 .  
         [0135]    While this version of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the version of the invention are desired to be protected. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.  
         [0136]    From the foregoing, it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that an improved, transportable golf bag with retractable handle has been provided. The invention is relatively simple and easy to manufacture, yet affords a variety of uses. While our description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the version of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the preferred embodiments thereof. The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred forms have been made only by way of example and numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.