Abstract:
Golf bag buddy is a bracket (assembly) that is designed to attach a golf bag to a motorized golf cart. This product allows for easy access to the golf clubs, as well as the bag&#39;s pockets. The design is portable and allows users to move the device from cart to cart as needed. This device is designed to make any golf game or practice more enjoyable by making it easier for an individual to access their equipment.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/448,928, filed Mar. 3, 2011 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
       1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates generally to the field of golf vehicle accessories and more specifically relates to a support attachment for retaining a golf bag to a rear portion of a golf vehicle. 
       2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0005]    Many individuals in modern society play sports to maintain a healthy lifestyle. One of the more popular sports is golf. Golf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing golfers use a variety of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes. Some golfers carry their golf clubs about the course as the game is played. This can be a tiresome endeavor given courses can be nine or more holes, each hole comprising a considerable distance from the last. Other golfers use golf carts to transport the golfers and clubs between shots, possibly making the game progress at a quicker pace and making it more enjoyable. Golf carts may also make the game more accessible and viable for elderly players. 
         [0006]    Currently, the way golf bags are strapped into the golf cart makes it difficult for players to remove their clubs and accessories from the bag(s). It can be hard to identify which club is which and many players end up removing several clubs before they find the correct one. The pockets at the rear of the bag are typically not easily accessible without undoing the retainer strap. This may be time consuming and inconvenient. Also, large golf bags may be damaged by the limited room provided in a golf cart. 
         [0007]    Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,355,746; U.S. Pub No. 2003/0097736; U.S. Pat. No. 7,600,729; U.S. Pub No. 2005/0000987; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,227,427; and 4,768,650. This prior art is representative of brackets. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
         [0008]    Ideally, a support attachment for retaining a golf bag to a rear portion of a golf vehicle should be user-friendly and not damage the golf cart&#39;s resale value, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable golf bag support attachment system to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known bracket art, the present invention provides a novel golf bag support attachment system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a convenient means for supporting golf bags on golf carts for easy access by golfers. 
         [0010]    Golf bag buddy is a bracket that is designed to attach a golf bag to a motorized golf cart. This product allows for easy access to the golf clubs, as well as the bag&#39;s pockets. The design is portable and allows users to move the device from cart to cart as needed. This innovative apparatus is designed to make any golf game or practice more enjoyable by making it easier for an individual to access their equipment. 
         [0011]    A support attachment for retaining a golf bag to a rear portion of a golf vehicle is disclosed herein in a preferred embodiment comprising: at least one bracket assembly comprising: at least one bracket support; at least one golf vehicle fastener; and at least one golf bag attacher, the golf bag attacher comprising a carabiner clip in preferred embodiments. The bracket support comprises a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the proximal end of the bracket support comprises a first support arm and a second support arm. The first and second support arms of the bracket support extend outwardly at about a 90 degree angle from the bracket support. 
         [0012]    The first support arm and second support arm of the bracket support comprise substantially identical measurements and dimensions and are substantially parallel to each other. The distal end of the first and second support arms each comprise a round-shaped hole. The bracket support preferably comprises ferrous material which is durable in service and comprises a rust-proof coating providing enhanced weather-resistance for the support attachment. 
         [0013]    The round-shaped hole(s) (round or substantially round) comprise a circumference substantially equivalent to a circumference of the golf vehicle fastener; the golf vehicle fastener able to pass through the round-shaped hole(s). The rear portion of the golf vehicle fits within a gap space located between the first support arm and the second support arm of the bracket support. The golf vehicle fastener is insertable through the round-shaped hole of the first support arm to frictionally retain the rear portion of the golf vehicle against the second support arm. 
         [0014]    The golf bag attacher is preferably located on the distal end of the bracket support; wherein the golf bag attacher attaches the golf bag to the bracket support forming a user-defined angle of the golf bag from the rear portion of the golf vehicle (as it hangs therefrom) dependant on length of the golf bag attacher. The golf bag is secured to the golf vehicle via the golf bag attacher attached to the bracket support during transport about a golf course while providing improved ease of access to the golf bag(s) by a golfer. 
         [0015]    A method of using a support attachment for retaining a golf bag to a golf vehicle is disclosed herein comprising the steps of: installing a support bracket to a rear portion of the golf vehicle (cart) via a golf vehicle fastener; attaching the golf bag to the support bracket via a golf bag attacher to create a user-defined angle conducive for accessing golf clubs; and accessing the golf clubs and golf related articles from the golf bag. 
         [0016]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a golf bag support attachment system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, golf bag support attachment system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a golf bag support attachment system in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the golf bag support attachment system in an in-use condition attached to a golf bag according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a bracket support, a golf vehicle fastener, and golf bag attacher in combination forming a bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view illustrating the bracket assembly as attached to a golf vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view illustrating the bracket assembly as attached to the golf bag according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating the bracket assembly as used to couple the golf bag to the golf vehicle such that a golfer is able to access clubs and accessories from a convenient angle according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1 and 4B . 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the golf bag support attachment system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-5 . 
       
    
    
       [0025]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a bracket device and more particularly to a golf bag support attachment as used to improve the convenience and accessibility of items stored in golf bags coupled to golf carts. 
         [0027]    Generally speaking, Golf Bag Buddy provides golfers with an effective method for attaching a golf bag to a golf cart. The invention is comprised of a bracket made from metal or plastic or other suitable material. The U-channel portion of the bracket slides over the rear frame of a golf cart where the retainer straps are attached and is pinned beneath the rear frame using a cotterless hitch pin. The (about) 14 inch long portion of the bracket then attaches to a golf bag using a carabiner clip or other suitable means of attachment. The size of the U-channel portion (gap space) can vary slightly depending on the make and model of golf cart. It will typically measure about 4 inches and the overall length of the bracket is about 14 inches; however other dimensions may be used if desired. 
         [0028]    Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIG. 1 , a perspective view illustrating golf bag support attachment system  102  in an in-use condition  150  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0029]    Golf bag support attachment system  102  (golf bag buddy systems  100 ) may comprise a support attachment for retaining golf bag  125  to a rear portion  200  of a golf vehicle  110  comprising: at least one bracket assembly  122 . Bracket assembly  122  comprises: at least one bracket support  120 ; at least one golf vehicle fastener  160 ; and at least one golf bag attacher  170 . 
         [0030]    Bracket support  120  comprises a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the proximal end of bracket support  120  comprises first support arm  116  and second support arm  118 . First support arm  116  and second support arm  118  of bracket support  120  extend outwardly at about a 90 degree angle from bracket support  120 . First support arm  116  and second support arm  118  of bracket support  120  comprise substantially identical measurements and dimensions in preferred embodiments. First support arm  116  and second support arm  118  are substantially parallel to each other as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0031]    Further, to accommodate attachment to golf vehicle  110  first support arm  116  and second support arm  118  each comprise a round-shaped hole  114 . Round-shaped hole(s)  114  comprise a circumference substantially equivalent to a circumference of golf vehicle fastener  160 ; golf vehicle fastener  160  able to pass through round-shaped hole(s)  114 , as also shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0032]    Rear portion  200  (back of seat or portion of body or frame) of golf vehicle  110  fits within a gap space  108  (U-channel portion) located between first support arm  116  and second support arm  118  of said bracket support, as shown in  FIG. 4A . In this way the present invention may be fit to or retro-fitted to golf vehicle  110  without damaging golf vehicle  110  for resale. As mentioned, the present invention can be used with different models of golf vehicle(s)  110 . Golf vehicle fastener  160  is insertable through round-shaped hole  114  of first support arm  116  to frictionally retain the rear portion  200  of golf vehicle  110  against second support arm  118 . Golf bag attacher  170  is preferably located on the distal end of bracket support  120  (as also shown in  FIG. 2 ); and golf bag  125  is thereby secured to golf vehicle  110  via golf bag attacher  170  attached to bracket support  120  during transport about a golf course  130  while providing improved ease of access to golf bag  125  by golfer  140 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view illustrating golf bag support attachment system  102  in an in-use condition  150  attached to golf bag  125  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0034]    Golf bag attacher  170  attaches golf bag  125  to bracket support  120  forming a user-defined angle  410  (also alluded to in  FIGS. 4B and 5 ) of golf bag  125  from rear portion  200  of golf vehicle  110  dependant on length of golf bag attacher(s)  170 . Golf vehicle  110  comprises a golf cart such as made by Club Car®; Yamaha® and the like (slightly different dimensioning of bracket support  120  for example of gap space  108  may apply as needed.) Golf bag attacher(s)  170  may also be chained together for increased length if desired to increase angle of golf bag  125  from golf vehicle  110 . 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view illustrating bracket support  120 , golf vehicle fastener  160 , and golf bag attacher  170  in combination forming bracket assembly  122  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0036]    Bracket support  120  comprises ferrous material such as steel in preferred embodiments, given its inherent durability and cost-efficiency in manufacture. In these embodiments bracket support  120  comprises a rust-proof coating providing enhanced weather-resistance of the support attachment. In other alternate embodiments bracket support  120  comprises plastic or other such suitable equivalent materials. Golf vehicle fastener  160  comprises non-threaded fastener  330  in preferred embodiments for ease of removal and attachment. Non-threaded fastener  330  preferably comprises a pin and key fastener for securing bracket support  120  to rear portion  200  of golf vehicle  110 . Non-threaded fastener  330  may comprise a recessed ball and a ring-pull in other embodiments, wherein the recessed ball is pushable in and out to release and lock non-threaded fastener  330 . A cotterless hitch pin may also be used or other suitable equivalent(s). 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 4A , a perspective view illustrating bracket assembly  122  as attached to golf vehicle  110  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0038]    Golf vehicle fastener  160  may comprise a thumb screw for securing bracket support  120  to the rear portion  200  of golf vehicle  110 .  FIG. 4B , shows a perspective view illustrating bracket assembly  122  as attached to golf bag  125  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . The indicated user-defined angle  410  enables a golfer  140  to conveniently remove and insert at least one golf club  128  from golf bag  125 ; golf club  128  also oriented on the user-defined angle  410  within golf bag  125 , as also shown in  FIG. 5 . Golf bag attacher  170  may comprise a sturdy-clip and/or a support ring. Sturdy-clip comprises a carabiner clip  340  in preferred embodiments such that golf bag  125  is easily removable. Carabiner clip  340  may also be attached to existing golf bag strap  136  on golf bag  125 . 
         [0039]    Golf bag support attachment system  102  (golf bag buddy systems  100 ) may be sold as kit  440  comprising the following parts: at least one bracket support  120 ; at least one golf vehicle fastener  160 ; at least one golf bag attacher  170 ; and at least one set of user instructions. Golf bag support attachment system  102  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different fastener/retaining means and combinations thereof, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view illustrating bracket assembly  122  as used to couple golf bag  125  to golf vehicle  110  such that a golfer  140  is able to access golf club  128  and accessories from a convenient angle according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1 and 4B . 
         [0041]    Bracket support  120  is couplable with at least one existing securing strap on golf bag  125  belonging to golfer  140 . In this way bracket support  120  provides a redundant securer of golf bag  125  in addition to (existing) retainer belt  112  of golf bag  125  on golf vehicle  110 . Bracket support  120  in combination with existing golf bag retaining belt (retainer belt  112 ) allow golf bag  125  to be positioned at a hang-sit angle of greater than 20 degrees relative to a vertical position of the rear portion  200  of golf vehicle  110 , creating user-defined angle  410  as also shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4B . A plurality of compartments  510  in golf bag  125  are thereby more accessible to golfer  140  via user-defined angle  410  provided by bracket support  120 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart  650  illustrating a method of use  600  for golf bag support attachment system  102  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-5 . 
         [0043]    A method of using (method of use  600 ) a support attachment for retaining at least one golf bag  125  to golf vehicle  110  comprises the steps of: step one  601  installing support bracket  120  to rear portion  200  of golf vehicle  110  via golf vehicle fastener  160 ; step two  602  attaching golf bag  125  to support bracket  120  via golf bag attacher  170  to create user-defined angle  410  conducive for accessing golf clubs  128 ; and step three  603  accessing golf clubs  128  and golf related articles from golf bag  125 . Support bracket  120  may be removed as desired. 
         [0044]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0045]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, 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.