Golf bag with a carrying system, a lockable stand system, and a recessed stand system

A golf bag is provided including a carrying system having two members attached to a surface of the golf bag and arranged to form an “X” pattern. A casing is affixed to the golf bag and defines a recess in a surface of the golf bag. A stand system is mounted in the recess. The stand system includes a pair of attached pivotal members and a center rod assembly disposed between the pivotal members. The stand system further includes a spring mounted to an upper end of the center rod assembly, whereby compression and release of the spring cause the pivotal members to pivot between extended and retracted positions.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to golf bags. More particularly, it relates to improved golf bag components. Most particularly, it relates to golf bag carrying systems, stand systems, and a stand storage structure.

BACKGROUND

In a dual-strap golf bag carrying system, two shoulder straps are attached to a golf bag, usually at the middle and top portions of the golf bag. A bag carrier's arms are inserted into the shoulder loops and the weight of the golf bag is shared between the shoulders. Human shoulders typically have a downward slope. As such, the heavier the contents of a golf bag utilizing a conventional dual-strap carrying system, the more readily the straps will slide off the user's shoulders. Accordingly, there remains a need for a dual-strap carrying system with superior fit and increased comfort that does not slide off the user's shoulders. Furthermore, there also remains a need for a dual-strap carrying system that can also function exceedingly well as a single-strap carrying system for carrying a golf bag short distances or as a player approaches his or her ball.

Conventional golf bag stand systems may include bent wires or the like that act as springs for extending and retracting stand system legs. Generally, the force of setting the golf bag on the ground pushes upward on a pair of bent wire spring members which act to force the legs outward. A variety of problems are caused by the fact that bent wire forms are not always identically produced. For example, imprecise bent wires result in unpredictable stand system actuation, i.e., the legs open at different widths with respect to each other. Furthermore, most conventional bent wires require a tensioning device to control the amount of spring force applied to the leg pivots. This spring force pulls the extended legs toward the center of the bag and frequently causes the legs to impact the bent wires or actuator components making an undesirable clicking noise.

Additional disadvantages of such a conventional stand system include the possibility of two legs crossing into an “X” when retracted due to imprecise bent wires or one or both of the legs getting caught behind the bent wires and preventing leg extension. Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved stand system that provides easy and reliable extension and retraction of the system's legs.

Golf bags are typically of the stand-type (as briefly described above) for walkers, and of the cart-type for riders. Cart-type golf bags typically do not include a stand system and are designed to hold all of a golfer's gear, in addition to golf clubs, since the bag will be transported on a golf cart and weight is not a concern. They frequently do not independently stand safely upright in a terrain typically found on a golf course (e.g., uneven ground, hills, etc.). Stand-type golf bags include a stand system (as briefly described above) and are designed to be carried by a golfer or caddy. Accordingly, stand-type golf bags are typically designed to be lighter than cart-type golf bags.

Some golfers may walk during one golf game and ride a cart during another. Accordingly, the different types of golf bags (stand versus cart) can make such variations in play cumbersome. Alternatively, a golfer may be compelled to own two styles of bags (one stand-style and one cart-style) and switch between them. A golfer who owns only one style of golf bag will be forced to awkwardly use the bag in a manner inconsistent with the design of the bag, i.e., carrying a cart-type golf bag or transporting a stand-type golf bag via a golf cart. A disadvantage of carrying a cart-type golf bag is that it will not likely independently stand safely upright and, therefore, it must be laid down. This makes it awkward for the golfer to retrieve and return clubs and, of course, increases the likelihood that the golf bag will get dirty and/or wet. A disadvantage of transporting a stand-type golf bag via a golf cart is that the stand system protrudes from the profile of the golf bag and interferes with other components (e.g., the metal bracket of a motorized golf cart or cart straps) transported on the golf cart. Furthermore, typical damage to a protruding stand system due to repeated use on a motorized golf cart includes bent wire assemblies affecting stand actuation, bent or broken legs, and/or broken leg brackets.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a hybrid golf bag that will independently stand upright and will not interfere with other components on a golf cart.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a golf bag including a carrying system having two members attached to a surface of the golf bag and arranged to form an “X” pattern. A casing is affixed to the golf bag and defines a recess in a surface of the golf bag. A stand system is mounted in the recess. The stand system includes a pair of attached pivotal members and a center rod assembly disposed between the pivotal members. The stand system further includes a spring mounted to an upper end of the center rod assembly, whereby compression and release of the spring cause the pivotal members to pivot between extended and retracted positions.

The present invention also provides a dual-strap carrying system for use with a golf bag exerting a downward force on the dual-strap carrying system and having an open end, a mid-section, and a closed end. The dual-strap carrying system includes a segmented left-shoulder strap and a segmented right-shoulder strap, each of open loop configuration and extending in a generally longitudinal direction between spaced attachment points along the golf bag. The dual-strap carrying system further includes a left-side back member and a right-side back member pivotally connected to each other by a center pivot point device.

The present invention further provides a stand system for use with a golf bag having an open end and a closed end. The stand system includes a ground engaging member pivotally attached adjacent the closed end of the golf bag. A pair of pivotal members is attached adjacent the open end of the golf bag. A center rod assembly is disposed between the pivotal members. A spring is disposed at an upper portion of the center rod assembly. A tilting of the golf bag toward the ground engaging member causes an upward ground force to be exerted upon the ground engaging member and translated to an upward force upon the center rod assembly, thereby compressing the spring and causing the pivotal members to pivot in an outward direction away from the golf bag to an extended position. A tilting of the golf bag from the extended position away from the ground engaging member causes the upward ground force to be removed from the ground engaging member and the center rod assembly, thereby permitting the spring to expand and causing the pivotal members to pivot in an inward direction toward the golf bag to a retracted position.

The present invention also provides a casing for use with a golf bag. The casing includes a shell affixed to an outer surface of the golf bag. The shell defines a recess that houses a stand system in a recessed configuration.

The present invention further provides a golf bag including a frame defining top, bottom, and sides of the golf bag with a covering connected to and overlying the frame. At least two carrying members having at least four ends are attached to the frame at spaced apart locations so that the carrying members are arranged in a crossing pattern. A casing is affixed to the frame and defines a recess in a surface of the covering. The golf bag further includes a bag stand having at least two pivotal members, having fixed and free ends, mounted with the fixed ends adjacent to the top of the frame. A rod is located between the pivotal members and extends between the top and bottom of the frame. A connecting linkage connects the two pivotal members and the rod. An elastic element is operatively associated with the pivotal members and the connecting linkage. Actuation of the elastic element causes the pivotal members to move away from and toward the recess in the casing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not considered limiting. Words such as “front,” “back,” “top,” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. This terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Additionally, the terms “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically noted. The phrase “at least one” followed by a list of two or more items, such as A, B, or C, means any individual one of A, B, or C, as well as any combination thereof.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawing figures where like numerals represent like elements throughout.

Referring toFIG. 1, a golf bag10includes a carrying system20having two members26,28attached to a surface18of the golf bag10and arranged to form an “X” pattern. A casing140is affixed to the golf bag10and defines a recess146in a surface144of the golf bag10. A stand system80is mounted in the recess146. The stand system80includes a pair of attached pivotal members108and a center rod assembly110disposed between the pivotal members108. The stand system80further includes a spring134mounted to an upper end of the center rod assembly110, whereby compression and release of the spring134cause the pivotal members108to pivot between extended and retracted positions.

FIGS. 2 and 3illustrate a dual-strap carrying system20for use with a golf bag10exerting a downward force on the dual-strap carrying system20. Referring toFIG. 2, the golf bag10has an open end12, a mid-section14, and a closed end16. The dual-strap carrying system20includes a segmented left-shoulder strap22and a segmented-right shoulder strap24, each of open loop configuration extending in a generally longitudinal direction between spaced attachment points26,28,30,32along the golf bag10.

The segmented left-shoulder strap22includes a forward strap segment34having a forward end36attached at a forward attachment point26disposed substantially along the mid-section14of the golf bag10. The forward strap segment34further includes a rearward end38. The segmented left-shoulder strap22further includes a rearward strap segment52having a rearward end54attached at a rearward attachment point32disposed substantially along the mid-section14of the golf bag10. The rearward strap segment52further includes a forward end56.

The segmented right-shoulder strap24includes a forward strap segment46having a forward end48attached at a forward attachment point30disposed substantially adjacent the open end12of the golf bag10. The forward strap segment46further includes a rearward end50. The segmented right-shoulder strap24further includes a rearward strap segment40having a rearward end42attached at a rearward attachment point28disposed substantially adjacent the open end12of the golf bag10. The rearward strap segment40further includes a forward end44.

The dual-strap carrying system20further includes a left-side back member58having a forward end60and a rearward end62. Referring toFIG. 3, the forward end60is attached to the rearward end38of the forward strap segment34of the segmented left-shoulder strap22. The rearward end62is attached to the forward end56of the rearward strap segment52of the segmented left-shoulder strap22. A right-side back member64is pivotally connected to the left-side back member58by a center pivot point device66(shown inFIG. 2). The right-side back member64includes a forward end68and a rearward end70. The forward end68is attached to the rearward end50of the forward strap segment46of the segmented right-shoulder strap24. The rearward end70is attached to the forward end44of the rearward strap segment40of the segmented right-shoulder strap24.

The downward force exerted by the golf bag10on the dual-strap carrying system20is increased as heavier contents are added to the golf bag10and/or as user activity produces dynamic loads. Such an increase in the downward force causes each rearward end62,70of the left-side back member58and the right-side back member64to rotate in an outwardly direction with respect to each other. The left-side back member58and the right-side back member64pivot in a reverse scissor motion. Accordingly, rotation of each rearward end62,70of the left-side back member58and the right-side back member64in an outwardly direction with respect to each other causes each forward end60,68of the left-side back member58and the right-side back member64to rotate in an inward direction with respect to each other. Such movement causes each forward strap segment34,46of the segmented left-shoulder strap22and the right-shoulder strap24to move toward each other, helping to prevent the straps22,24from sliding off the user's shoulders.

The dual-strap carrying system20can be converted for single-strap use over either shoulder as desired. Pivotal attachment between either one of the left-side or right-side back members58,64and its respective forward strap segment34,46helps facilitate such single-strap use.FIG. 2illustrates, for example, a shoulder pivot point device72pivotally attaching the forward end60of the left-side back member58to the rearward end38of the forward strap segment34of the segmented left-shoulder strap22. Such a shoulder pivot point device72could alternatively pivotally attach the forward end68of the right-side back member64to the rearward end50of the forward strap segment46of the segmented right-shoulder strap24(not shown), if desired. The shoulder pivot point device72may be integrated into the rearward end38of the forward strap segment34of one of the segmented left-shoulder strap22and the right-shoulder strap24, as shown inFIG. 2. Alternatively, the shoulder pivot point device72may be integrated into one of the forward ends60,68of the left-side back member58and the right-side back member64, as shown inFIG. 3. The shoulder pivot point device72allows the strap to which it is connected to fall away from the user's shoulder during single-strap use of the carrying system20. Such a feature, in conjunction with the center pivot point66of the left-side and right-side back members58,64, transfers the load on the strap not in use to the strap that is in use. In other words, the system functions exceedingly well as a single-strap carrying system for carrying a golf bag short distances or as a player approaches his or her ball.

Each of the attachments of the rearward ends62,70of the left-side back member58and the right-side back member64to the forward end56,44of the rearward strap segment52,40of the respective segmented left-shoulder strap22and segmented right-shoulder strap24is adjustable. Such adjustability helps to achieve a superior fit and increased comfort for the user. Alternatively, each of the attachments of the forward ends60,68of the left-side back member58and the right-side back member64to the rearward end38,50of the forward strap segment34,46of the respective segmented left-shoulder strap22and segmented right-shoulder strap24may be adjustable, and/or the golf bag attachment points26,28,30,32may be adjustable.

The center pivot point device66includes at least one stop to limit the rotation of the left-side back member58and the right-side back member64with respect to each other. Furthermore, the center pivot point device66is releasable for ease of assembly. As illustrated inFIG. 3, each of the left-side back member58and the right-side back member64extends radially from its respective forward end60,68and rearward end62,70through a curvature radius R of about 25 to 35 inches. Such a range results in a comfortable configuration for the average user, but may be modified as necessary to accommodate specific user sizes.

Each of the left-side back member58and the right-side back member64is molded from plastic material. The present invention, however, is not limited to such material, and each of the left-side back member58and the right-side back member64may be molded or machined from composite material or any other material rigid enough to perform the above-stated functions. Each of the left-side back member58and the right-side back member64is covered with padding74and fabric76, as illustrated inFIG. 2.

Each of the forward strap segments34,46of the left-shoulder strap22and the right-shoulder strap24includes at least one pocket23containing beads25made from expanded polystyrene plastic, as illustrated inFIG. 2. The beads25(also referred to as microbeads due to their extremely small size) contained within the pockets23on the forward strap segments34,46conform the straps22,24to the user's shoulders and distribute weight, offering cushion and comfort for a completely custom fit. The material contained within the pockets23is not limited to expanded polystyrene plastic microbeads, and the pockets23may contain other plastics, composite material, foam, gel, or any other material in various forms supple enough to perform the above-stated functions.

The dual-strap carrying system20is stowable (not shown) within a pocket11(shown inFIG. 2) formed on a surface of the golf bag10. Such a feature allows the user to easily stow away the carrying system20within the pocket11during cart use for a streamlined appearance. Stowing the dual-strap carrying system20also prevents it from interfering with other components (e.g., the metal bracket of a motorized golf cart or cart straps) transported on the golf cart.

Referring toFIGS. 4-9B, a stand system80is provided for use with the golf bag10. The stand system80includes a base member82encasing the closed end16of the golf bag10. A cylindrically-shaped vertical constraint84is integrally molded at a top portion of the base member82. A ground engaging member86is pivotally attached adjacent the closed end16of the golf bag10. More specifically, the ground engaging member86is pivotally attached at one end to a bottom portion of the base member82, and the stand system80further includes a link88pivotally connected at one end to another end of the ground engaging member86. An elongated adjustment assembly90is pivotally connected to another end of the link88and disposed within the vertical constraint84. The elongated adjustment assembly90facilitates a vertical adjustment of the stand system80with respect to the golf bag10.

A top frame92is attached adjacent the open end12of the golf bag10. A lateral bracket94is secured to the top frame92. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the top frame92includes mounting pegs96. As represented inFIG. 6, the lateral bracket94includes corresponding apertures98(hidden from view and represented by dashed lines) for receiving the mounting pegs96to help ensure proper alignment of the stand system80with respect to the golf bag10. The bracket94has a center housing100disposed between a pair of clevis devices102. Each of a pair of elongated cap members104is pivotally attached at respective top ends to the clevis devices102about a single clevis axis C. Each of the cap members104includes a mid-region pivot socket106.

Each of a pair of pivotal members108is attached adjacent the open end12of the golf bag10. More specifically, each of the pivotal members108includes a top portion disposed within the cap members104.

A center rod assembly110is disposed between the pivotal members108. The center rod assembly110includes an outer tube112having an upper portion and a lower portion, the outer tube112extending along a substantial length of the center rod assembly110and the lower portion disposed within the elongated adjustment assembly90. The center rod assembly110further includes an inner tube guide114. Referring toFIG. 5, the inner tube guide114has a top end and a bottom end. The top end is disposed within the housing100of the lateral bracket94(FIG. 4B) and the bottom end has external threads116(FIG. 7). The inner tube guide114is longitudinally moveable within the upper portion of the outer tube112.

A knuckle118is secured to the upper portion of the outer tube112. As illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8B, the knuckle118includes a pair of opposing lateral pivot sockets120. A top portion of the knuckle118has a gripping device122having substantially vertical flexible fingers124. The substantially vertical flexible fingers124include internal threads126for engagement and disengagement with the external threads116of the bottom end of the inner tube guide114.

Referring toFIGS. 4A and 4B, each of a pair of connecting members128is pivotally connected at one end to the mid-region pivot sockets66of the cap members104about a single pivot cap axis PC. Each of the connecting members128is pivotally connected at another end to the opposing lateral pivot sockets120of the knuckle118about a single knuckle axis K, thereby pivotally linking the center rod assembly110to the pivotal members108.

An annular rotatable locking lever130is disposed about the substantially vertical flexible fingers124of the gripping device122of the knuckle118. A washer132is fully disposed annularly about the inner tube guide114(as shown inFIG. 4B) and partially disposed vertically within an upper portion of the locking lever130(hidden inFIG. 4B). Rotation of the locking lever130in a locked position causes the substantially vertical flexible fingers124to squeeze the bottom end of the inner tube guide114causing the internal threads126of the substantially vertical flexible fingers124to engage the external threads116of the bottom end of the inner tube guide114, thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the inner tube guide114within the outer tube112. Rotation of the locking lever130in an unlocked position causes the substantially vertical flexible fingers124to release the bottom end of the inner tube guide114causing the internal threads126of the substantially vertical flexible fingers124to disengage the external threads116of the bottom end of the inner tube guide114, thereby permitting longitudinal movement of the inner tube guide114within the outer tube112.

A spring134is disposed at an upper portion of the center rod assembly110. The spring134is disposed about the inner tube guide114, the spring134having a top end disposed within the center housing100of the bracket94and a bottom end abutting against a top surface of the washer132.

In the unlocked position of the locking lever130, a tilting of the golf bag10toward the ground engaging member86causes an upward ground force to be exerted upon the ground engaging member86and translated through the link88resulting in an upward force upon the outer tube112. In other words, the translation of force through the link88translates a radial motion of the ground engaging member86to a substantially vertical linear motion of the outer tube112. The tilting of the golf bag10toward the ground engaging member86further causes a downward force from the center housing100of the lateral bracket94which causes the inner tube guide114to move longitudinally into the outer tube112. Such movement causes an upward force from the washer132to compress the spring134, thereby causing the connecting members128to pivot in an outward direction away from the golf bag10, which causes the pivotal members108to pivot in an outward direction away from the golf bag10to an extended position as illustrated inFIGS. 9A and 9B.

A tilting of the golf bag10from the extended position shown inFIGS. 9A and 9Baway from the ground engaging member86causes the upward ground force to be removed from the ground engaging member86and the outer tube112, thereby causing the upward force from the washer132to be removed. Such removal of forces permits the spring134to expand, causing the inner tube guide114to move longitudinally out from the outer tube112, thereby causing the connecting members128to pivot in an inward direction toward the golf bag10, which causes the pivotal members108to pivot in an inward direction toward the golf bag10to a retracted position as illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B.

Throughout movement of the stand system80between the extended position (FIGS. 9A and 9B) and retracted position (FIGS. 4A and 4B), the clevis axis C, the pivot cap axis PC, and the knuckle axis K are parallel with respect to each other. Alternatively, in the event that the clevis axis C, the pivot cap axis PC, and the knuckle axis K are not parallel with respect to each other, a rotational component such as, for example, an orbital socket, may be installed at each joint location of the pivot cap axis PC and the knuckle axis K to facilitate movement along the three non-parallel axes C, PC, K. The above-described configurations of the stand system80provide easy and reliable extension and retraction of pivotal members108. In the event of a component failure, each component of the stand system80is replaceable rather than requiring replacement of the entire stand system80.

The pivotal members108and the center rod assembly110are machined from aluminum material. The present invention, however, is not limited to such material, as the pivotal members108and the center rod assembly110may be made from other metals, plastic, composite material, or any other material strong enough to perform the above-described functions.

The connecting members128are made from rigid plastic material. The present invention, however, is not limited to such material, as the connecting members128may be made from other metal, composite material, or any other material rigid enough to perform the above-described functions.

Referring toFIGS. 10A-11, a hybrid cart/stand-style golf bag is illustrated. More specifically, a casing140is provided for use with the golf bag10. The casing140includes a shell142affixed to an outer surface144of the golf bag10. The shell142defines a recess146that houses the stand system80in a recessed configuration. As illustrated, the shell142is integrally formed with the golf bag10. Alternatively, the shell142may be releasable from the golf bag10.

The configuration and functionality of the stand system80of the hybrid cart/stand-style golf bag is virtually identical to those described above with reference toFIGS. 4A-9B. The stand system80enables the golf bag10to independently stand upright as illustrated inFIG. 11. Additionally, in the retracted position illustrated inFIGS. 10A and 10B, the stand system80is housed within the recess146of the shell142so that it does not interfere with other components in a golf cart.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described which should be considered as merely exemplary. Further modifications and extensions of the present invention may be developed and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.