Systems and methods for an adjustable strap system for a golf bag

Embodiments of bag having an adjustable carrying strap system and methods to manufacture such a bag are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the adjustable carrying strap system includes a plurality of carrying straps configured to be coupled to a bag at one end and a connector plate at the opposite end thereof to provide a self-centering capability to the bag, such as a golf bag. The connector plate comprises an arc region and an apex region opposite the arc region and defines a first arc slot and a second arc slot in the arc region and a first straight slot and a second straight slot within the apex region. In some embodiments, the connector plate defines a center slot defined between the first and second arc slots and the first and second straight slots.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to an adjustable carrying strap system for bags.

BACKGROUND

Most golf bags may be in the form of a tubular fabric or leather container having a generally cylindrical configuration with a closed bottom end and an open top end through which golf clubs are inserted into and removed from the golf bag. Although golf bags are manufactured in a variety of sizes and materials so as to better suit various intended uses, golf bags are conventionally grouped into two basic classes. The first class of golf bags are generally larger and heavier golf bags designed to be carried by a pull cart or transported by a golf cart, while the second class of golf club bags are generally smaller and lighter golf bags designed to be carried by the individual during play.

In particular, the second class of golf bags are usually referred to as “carry bags” which are carried by the individual using a carrying strap arrangement that may be used to lift and carry the golf bag. Many carrying bags have a carrying strap arrangement consisting of either one or two carrying straps for lifting and carrying the golf bag on the individual's shoulders. Specifically, a carrying strap arrangement having a pair of carrying straps may be arranged such that the first carrying strap crosses over the second carrying strap along a buckle that engages both carrying straps in a crossing fashion. This crossing arrangement using the buckle allows each carrying strap to be engaged to a respective shoulder of the individual when carrying the golf bag. Typically, the buckle defines a plurality of slots arranged to require each carrying strap be threaded through the buckle to permit one carrying strap to cross over the other carrying straps, which restrains, prevents, or pinches the carrying straps from moving as the individual carries the golf bag. As such, periodic adjustment of one or more carrying straps may be required when the golf bag shifts as the individual carries the golf bag, thereby requiring the individual to place the golf bag down in order to manually adjust the carrying straps. However, manual adjustment of the carrying straps can be cumbersome and time consuming as the individual may need to place the golf bag down and take the time to make the necessary adjustments to the carrying straps.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding elements among the various views of the drawings. The headings used in the figures should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described herein, a bag having an adjustable carrying strap system and methods of manufacturing such a bag with the adjustable carrying strap system is configured and arranged to allow the carrying straps (generally described as a first carrying strap and a second carrying strap) of the bag to automatically adjust without requiring manual intervention by the individual. The adjustable carrying strap system includes a connector plate that has a plurality of slots that define a first pathway and a second pathway configured to receive the first carrying strap and second carrying strap, respectively, in an overlapping configuration. The slots are arranged to define a first pathway for receiving the first carrying strap and a second pathway for receiving the second carrying strap. The connector plate is configured to avoid pinching or clasping the first and/or second carrying straps and configured to facilitate easier tightening of the first and second carrying straps. In addition, the first and second carrying straps, along with the connector plate, allow the bag to be shifted in a side-to-side movement or up-and-down movement to make adjustments to the position of the bag relative to the individual carrying the bag. The arrangement of the first and second carrying straps engaged to the connector plate allows for a self-centering of the bag while mounted on the back of the individual. The bag as disclosed may be any bag attached to an adjustable carrying strap system, such as a golf bag for carrying golf clubs. Referring to the drawings, embodiments of the adjustable carrying strap system are illustrated and generally indicated as100,200and300inFIGS. 1-30.

Referring toFIG. 1, a first embodiment of the adjustable carrying strap system, designated adjustable carrying strap system100, is shown. The adjustable carrying strap system100is connected to a bag101that may contain weighted objects. In many embodiments, the bag101may be a golf bag having an opening140in communication with a chamber141configured to receive one or more golf clubs144therein. As shown, the bag101may include an upper portion156formed adjacent the opening140, a middle portion157formed between the upper portion156and a lower portion158, which forms the bottom part of the bag101.

As shown inFIGS. 1-3, the adjustable carrying strap system100includes a first carrying strap104and a second carrying strap106that overlap each other in a crossing fashion when engaged to a connector plate102. The connector plate102is configured to allow the first and second carrying straps104and106to be adjustable relative to each other without any manual adjustment required by the individual such that the first and second carrying straps104and106move relative to each other along either axis302for the first carrying strap104or axis300for the second carrying strap106in response to the shifting of the bag101as shown inFIG. 12.

Referring back toFIG. 1, the first carrying strap104has an elongated configuration that defines a proximal portion112and an opposite distal portion116. Similarly, the second carrying strap106also has an elongated configuration that defines a proximal portion114and an opposite distal portion118. In some embodiments, the proximal portion112of the first carrying strap104may include a first shoulder pad108and the proximal portion114of the second carrying strap106may include a second shoulder pad110to provide a cushioning effect as the individual carries the bag101. In some embodiments, the proximal portion114of the second carrying strap106may be engaged with the distal portion116of the first carrying strap104at a first connector arrangement126to couple together the first and second carrying straps104and106adjacent or proximate to the lower portion158of the bag101. Similarly, the proximal portion112of the first carrying strap104may be engaged with the distal portion118of the second carrying strap106at a second connector arrangement127to couple together the first and second carrying straps104and106adjacent or proximate to the upper portion156of the bag101. However, in other embodiments the first and second carrying straps104and106may be separately connected to the bag101using additional connector arrangements. In some embodiments, the first and second connector arrangements126and127may be a ring and loop arrangement, an independent buckle, a hook fastener arrangement, and a snap-fit connector arrangement.

Referring toFIGS. 4-11, the connector plate102is a modular component that may be added after-market to an existing bag101. The connector plate102is configured to permit the first and second carrying straps104and106to overlap each other along the connector plate102and adjust relative to each other without manual intervention when the bag101shifts as it is being carried or as the bag101changes position relative to an individual carrying the bag101as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3. The connector plate102includes a connector plate body120defined by a front surface122and an opposite rear surface123collectively defining an arc region124and an apex region125that together form a general pre-shaped configuration. In some embodiments, the connector plate102may have a symmetrical configuration, an asymmetrical or tapered configuration, or a combination symmetrical and asymmetrical or tapered configuration, although the apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods described herein are not limited in this regard. For example, the connector plate102may have a square configuration, a circular configuration, an oval configuration, and a rectangular configuration or a combination thereof.

As shown inFIG. 4, the circumference of the connector plate body120is defined by a peripheral edge121collectively formed by a first side132, a second side133, and a curved side139. In some embodiments, the arc region124forms the upper half or portion of the connector plate body120defined above the latitudinal axis308, while the apex region125forms the lower half or portion of the connector plate body120defined below the latitudinal axis308. The apex region125further defines an apex138formed by the first and second sides132and133of the connector plate body120.

In some embodiments, the arc region124defines a first arc arm136formed adjacent a first arc slot128and a second arc arm137formed adjacent a second arc slot130. A bridge142is formed between the first and second arc arms136and137. In addition, a center slot131is defined between the first and second arc slots128and130and first and second straight slots134and135. In addition, the apex region125defines a first straight slot134formed in parallel relation relative to the first side132of the apex region125and a second straight slot135formed parallel relation relative to the second side133of the apex region125and in perpendicular relation relative to the first straight slot134. In some embodiments, a front recess portion143is formed along the front surface122of the connector plate body120and a rear recess portion145is formed along the rear surface123of the connector plate body120as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5.

As shown inFIGS. 12, 13A and 14, in one arrangement of coupling the first carrying strap104to the connector plate102the first carrying strap104is received through the first straight slot134, extends across the rear recess145, and is received through the second arc slot130when engaging the first carrying strap104to the connector plate body120along the first pathway. Referring specifically toFIG. 13A, in this arrangement the first carrying strap104extends along an upper plane400that is adjacent to and in parallel relation to the front surface122of the connector plate body120to a lower plane402that is adjacent to and in parallel relation to the rear surface123of the connector plate body120before exiting the connector plate body120back along the upper plane400.

As shown inFIGS. 12, 13B, and 14, the second carrying strap106is received through the first arc slot128, extends through the center slot131, and is received through the second straight slot135when engaging the second carrying strap106to the connector plate body120along the second pathway. Referring specifically toFIG. 13B, in this arrangement the second carrying strap106extends along the upper plane400to the lower plane402and back to the upper plane400before exiting the connector plate body120along the lower plane402.

Referring back toFIGS. 13A, 13B and 14, the upper plane400is defined adjacent or proximate to the front surface122of the connector plate body120and extends in parallel fashion to the first pathway along longitudinal axis302and the second pathway along latitudinal axis300. When the first carrying strap104crosses over the second carrying strap106along the connector plate102, both the first and second carrying straps104and106are disposed adjacent or proximate to the lower plane402. As shown inFIG. 15, when assembling the adjustable carrying strap system100, the first carrying strap104may be received along the first pathway in direction C, while the second carrying strap106may be received along the second pathway in direction D; however, in other embodiments, the insertion of the first and second carrying straps104and106along the first and second pathways may be in a direction opposite to directions C and D, respectively.

In some embodiments, the connector plate102includes two slots or openings defined along the upper part of the connector plate body120and a slot or opening defined in the middle part of the connector plate body120and two slots defined along the lower part of the connector plate body120. This 2-1-2 arrangement of slots or openings along the connector plate body120defines a first pathway in transverse orientation with a second pathway along two different planes that extend above and below the front and rear surfaces of the connector plate body120, respectively, and allow the first and second carrying straps to overlap.

As shown inFIG. 6, in some embodiments the connector plate102may have a length700that is in a range between 75 mm to 89.5 mm corresponding to the overall length of the connector plate body120. Referring toFIG. 8, in some embodiments the connector plate102may have a height702defined between the bridge142and the apex138that is in a range between 64 mm to 76 mm and a width704of 5 mm. Referring toFIG. 4, in some embodiments the first and second arc slots128and130may have a length706that is in a range between 30.5 mm to 42.5 mm and the first and second straight slots134and135may have a length710of that is in the range between 26 mm to 30.5 mm. In addition, the first and second arc slots128and130may have a width708of 5 mm and the first and second straight slots134and135may have a width712of 5 mm. Finally, the center slot131may have a length714of 30.5 mm and a width716of 5 mm.

In some embodiments, the lengths706of the first and second arc slots128and130are longer than the width of the first and second carrying straps104and106which allows the first carrying strap104to shift in a side-by-side movement A and the second carrying strap106to shift in a similar side-by-side movement B as illustrated inFIG. 14. The side-by-side movements A and/or B allow for angle adjustments to the first carrying strap104and/or second carrying strap106as the individual carrying the bag101uses a side-by-side movement and/or up-and-down movement of the bag101to make such adjustments.

One method of manufacturing the bag101with the adjustable carrying strap system100for a golf bag101is illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 30. Referring specifically to the flow chart inFIG. 30, at block500the method comprises forming a golf bag101having an upper portion156, a middle portion157, and a lower portion158in which the upper portion156of the golf bag101forms an opening140in communication with a chamber141configured to receive one or more weighted objects, such as golf clubs144. At block502, the method comprises forming a first carrying strap104having a proximal portion112and a distal portion116. At block504, the method comprises forming a second carrying strap106defining a proximal portion114and a distal portion118. At block506, the method comprises forming a connector plate102having a connector plate body120defining a peripheral edge121forming a first side132, a second side133and a curved side139that form an arc region124and an apex region125, respectively. At block508, the method comprises forming a first arc slot128and a second arc slot130proximate the curved side139of the arc region124. At block510, the method comprises forming a first straight slot134proximate the first side132of the apex region125and a second straight slot135proximate the second side133of the apex region125. At block512, the method comprises inserting the first carrying strap104through the first straight slot134and the second arc slot130such that the first carrying strap104extends directly over the rear recess145of the rear surface123along the first pathway. At block514, the method comprises inserting the second carrying strap106through the first arc slot128, the center slot131and the second straight slot135along the second pathway. In this arrangement of the first and second carrying straps104and106, the second carrying strap106overlaps the first carrying strap104in a transverse orientation. At block516, the method comprises attaching the proximal portion112of the first carrying strap104to the upper portion156of the bag101and attaching the distal portion116of the first carrying strap104to the lower portion158of the bag101. At block518, the method comprises attaching the proximal portion114of the second carrying strap106to the upper portion156of the bag101and attaching the distal portion118of the second carrying strap106to the lower portion158of the bag101. In addition, the first and second carrying straps104and106may move relative to each other such that each respective first and second carrying strap104and106automatically adjusts without manual intervention by the individual whenever the bag101shifts as the individual is carrying the bag101.

In some embodiments, the connector plate body120may be formed using a molding process, a stamping process, a milling process, and a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the connector plate body120may be made from a plastic, metal, or a composite material.

Referring toFIGS. 16-19, a second embodiment of an adjustable carrying strap system, designated200, is illustrated. Similar to the connector plate102, the connector plate202is a modular component that may be added after-market to an existing bag101(FIG. 1). The connector plate202is also configured to permit the first and second carrying straps204and206to overlap each other along the connector plate202and move relative to each other without manual intervention when the bag101shifts as it is being carried or as the bag101changes position relative to an individual carrying the bag101. As shown, the connector plate202includes a connector plate body220defined by a front surface222and an opposite rear surface123collectively defining an arc region224and an apex region225. In some embodiments, the connector plate202may have a symmetrical configuration, an asymmetrical or tapered configuration, or a combination symmetrical and asymmetrical or tapered configuration, although the apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods described herein are not limited in this regard. For example, the connector plate202may have a square configuration, a circular configuration, an oval configuration, and a rectangular configuration.

As shown inFIG. 16, the circumference of the connector plate body220is defined by a peripheral edge221collectively formed by a first side232, a second side233, and a curved side239. The arc region224forms the upper half or portion of the connector plate body220defined above the latitudinal axis310. The apex region225forms the lower half and/or portion of the connector plate body220defined below the latitudinal axis310. As shown, an apex238is formed between the first and second sides232and233of the connector plate body220.

In some embodiments, the arc region224defines a first arc arm236formed adjacent to the first arc slot228and a second arc arm237formed adjacent the second arc slot230with a bridge242formed between the first and second arc arms236and237. In this embodiment, the connector plate body220does not include a center slot131. As further shown, the apex region225defines a first straight slot234formed along the first side232and a second straight slot235formed along the second side233and in perpendicular relation relative to the first straight slot234. In some embodiments, a front recess portion243is formed along the front surface222of the connector plate body220and a rear recess245is formed along the rear surface223of the connector plate body220.

Referring toFIG. 19, in some embodiments the first straight slot234and the second arc slot230collectively define a first pathway along the connector plate body220configured to receive the first carrying strap204, while the first arc slot228and the second straight slot235collectively define a second pathway along the connector plate body220configured to receive the second carrying strap206. In some embodiments, the first pathway extends along an axis306and the second pathway extends along an axis304that is oriented substantially perpendicular to axis306to form an overlapping configuration between the first and second carrying straps204and206.

As further shown, in one arrangement of coupling the first carrying strap204to the connector plate202the first carrying strap204is received through the first straight slot234, extends across the rear recess245of the rear surface223, and is received through the second arc slot230when engaging the first carrying strap204to the connector plate body220along the first pathway. In one arrangement of coupling the second carrying strap204to the connector plate202the second carrying strap206is received through the first arc slot228, extends across the front recess portion243of the front surface222, and is received through the second straight slot235when engaging the second carrying strap206to the connector plate body220along the second pathway.

The operation and functionality of the adjustable carrying strap system200are substantially the same as the adjustable carrying strap system100discussed above. In particular, the adjustable carrying strap system200allows for angle adjustments to the first carrying strap204and/or second carrying straps206as the individual carrying the bag101uses a side-by-side movement and/or up-and-down movement of the bag101to make such adjustments.

Referring toFIGS. 20-22, another embodiment of the adjustable carrying strap system200for coupling with the connector plate202is illustrated. In some embodiments, the adjustable carrying strap system200is coupled to a golf bag201through a first carrying strap204, a second carrying strap206, a third carrying strap208and a fourth carrying strap209. Specifically, the first carrying strap204defines a proximal portion218coupled to the golf bag201along a first slot210and a distal portion222coupled to the connector plate202in a loop configuration through the second arc slot230. The second carrying strap206defines a proximal portion220coupled to a quick-release buckle clip arrangement216(shown in phantom) attached to the golf bag201and a distal portion224coupled to the connector plate202in a loop configuration through the first arc slot228. Alternatively, the proximal portion220of the second carrying strap206may be sewn directly to the body of the golf bag201rather than coupled to the quick-release buckle clip arrangement216. In addition, the third carrying strap208defines a proximal portion217coupled to the golf bag201along a second slot212and a distal portion215coupled to the connector plate202in a loop configuration through the second straight slot235. The fourth carrying strap209defines a proximal portion219coupled to the golf bag201through a third slot214and a distal portion213coupled to the connector plate202in a loop configuration through the first straight slot234. In some embodiments, the proximal portion219of the fourth carrying strap209may be inserted through the third slot214for operative engagement with a pair of deployable legs (not shown) attached to the golf bag201which are retracted by the fourth carrying strap209when lifted upward onto the shoulders of the individual carrying the golf bag201.

In some embodiments, a free end of the distal portion215of the third carrying strap208can be sewn to the remainder of the distal portion215. In other embodiments, the free end of the distal portion215of the third carrying strap208can be coupled to the remainder of the distal portion215using a clasp, an adhesive, or any other suitable mechanism. Further, in some embodiments, a free end of the distal portion213of the fourth carrying strap209can be sewn to the remainder of the distal portion213. In other embodiments, the free end of the distal portion213of the fourth carrying strap209can be coupled to the remainder of the distal portion213using a clasp, an adhesive, or any other suitable mechanism.

In some embodiments, the free ends of the proximal portions217and218may be configured in an overlapping fashion to allow passage through the respective first and second slots210and212in a first orientation (e.g., parallel orientation relative to the respective slots210and212), while preventing passage of the free ends of the proximal portions217and218back through the respective first and second slots210and212when the free ends are in a second orientation (e.g., perpendicular orientation relative to the respective slots210and212). In this arrangement, the proximal portions217and218establish a secure engagement with the body of the golf bag201.

In some embodiments, the distal portion215of the third carrying strap208and the distal portion213of the fourth carrying strap209may each include a ladder lock to provide an easier way of adjusting the respective lengths of the third and fourth straps208and209. In some embodiments, the proximal portions216and218may include a strap tightness adjustment ladder lock to adjust the respective lengths of the first and second carrying straps204and206.

The arrangement of the first carrying strap204, the second carrying strap206, third carrying strap208, and fourth carrying strap209coupled to the connector plate202as described above provides a self-centering function for the golf bag201when mounted onto the shoulders of the individual.

Referring toFIGS. 23-25, another embodiment of the adjustable carrying strap system100for coupling with the connector plate102is illustrated. In some embodiments, the adjustable carrying strap system100is coupled to the connector plate102through a first carrying strap104, a second carrying strap106, and a third carrying strap105. Specifically, the first carrying strap104defines a proximal portion170coupled to the golf bag101along a first slot180and a distal portion168coupled to the connector plate102in a loop configuration through the second arc slot130. The second carrying strap106defines a proximal portion176coupled to a quick-release buckle clip arrangement184attached to the golf bag101or sewn directly to the golf bag101and a distal portion166coupled to the connector plate102in a loop configuration through the first arc slot128. The third carrying strap105defines a proximal portion172coupled to the golf bag101through a second slot182and a distal portion174coupled to the golf bag101through a third slot183. In some embodiments, the proximal portion174of the third carrying strap105may be inserted through the third slot183for operative engagement with a pair of deployable legs (not shown) attached to the golf bag101which are retracted by the third carrying strap105when lifted upward onto the shoulders of the individual carrying the golf bag101. In addition, a middle portion of the third carrying strap105defined between the proximal portion172and distal portion174is coupled to the connector plate102. In some embodiments, the third carrying strap105may be inserted through the first straight slot134, the center slot131, and through the second straight slot135such that the third carrying strap105forms a perpendicular configuration between the portion of the third carrying strap105received through the first straight slot134and the portion of the third carrying strap105received through the second straight a lot135which allows the third carrying strap105to slide relative to the connector plate102when manually adjusted by the individual.

In some embodiments, the free ends of the proximal portions170and172may be configured in an overlapping fashion to allow passage through the respective first and second slots180and182in a first orientation (e.g., parallel orientation relative to the respective slots180and182), while preventing passage of the free ends of the proximal portions170and172back through the respective first and second slots180and182when the free ends are in a second orientation (e.g., perpendicular orientation relative to the respective slots180and182). In this arrangement, the proximal portions170and172establish a secure engagement with the body of the golf bag101. The arrangement of the first carrying strap104, the second carrying strap106and the third carrying strap105coupled to the connector plate102as described above provides a self-centering function for the golf bag101when mounted onto the shoulders of the individual. In the alternative, the free ends of the proximal portions170and172may be sewn or otherwise attached to the golf bag101.

Referring toFIGS. 26-29, another embodiment of the adjustable carrying strap system, designated300, is illustrated. As shown inFIG. 29, a third embodiment of the connector plate302forms a generally square-like body320that defines a first side330, a second side332, a third side334and a fourth side336. As shown, the connector plate302defines a first straight slot326formed in parallel orientation relative to the first side330, a second straight slot324formed in parallel orientation relative to the second side332, a third straight slot328formed in parallel orientation relative to the third side336, and a fourth straight slot332formed in parallel orientation relative to the fourth side334. In some embodiments, the connector plate302may define a central aperture350with respective curved slots352and354defined on both sides of the central aperture350.

As shown inFIGS. 26-28, the adjustable carrying strap system300is coupled to a golf bag301through a first carrying strap304, a second carrying strap306, a third carrying strap308and a fourth carrying strap310. Specifically, the first carrying strap304defines a proximal portion370coupled to the golf bag301through a first slot380and a distal portion368coupled to the connector plate302in a loop configuration through the first straight slot326. As shown, the second carrying strap306defines a proximal portion376coupled to a quick-release buckle clip arrangement384(shown in phantom) attached to the golf bag301, or alternatively sewn directly to the body of the golf bag301, and a distal portion366coupled to the connector plate302in a loop configuration through the second straight slot322. The third carrying strap308defines a proximal portion372coupled to the golf bag301through a second slot382and a distal portion378coupled to the connector plate302through the straight slot324. In some embodiments, the fourth carrying strap310defines a distal portion377coupled to the connector plate302in a loop configuration through the fourth straight slot328and a proximal portion374inserted through the third slot383for operative engagement with a pair of deployable legs (not shown) attached to the golf bag301which are retracted by movement of the fourth carrying strap310when lifted upward onto the shoulder of the individual carrying the golf bag301.

In some embodiments, a free end of the distal portion378of the third carrying strap308can be sewn to the remainder of the distal portion378. In other embodiments, the free end of the distal portion378of the third carrying strap308can be coupled to the remainder of the distal portion378using a clasp, an adhesive, or any other suitable mechanism. Further, in some embodiments, a free end of the distal portion377of the fourth carrying strap310can be sewn to the remainder of the distal portion377. In other embodiments, the free end of the distal portion377of the fourth carrying strap310can be coupled to the remainder of the distal portion377using a clasp, an adhesive, or any other suitable mechanism.

In some embodiments, the free ends of the proximal portions370and372may be configured in overlapping fashion to allow passage through the respective first and second slots380and382in a first orientation (e.g., parallel orientation relative to the respective slots380and382), while preventing passage of the free ends of the proximal portions370and372back through the respective first and second slots380and382when the free ends are in a second orientation (e.g., perpendicular orientation relative to the respective slots380and382). In this arrangement, the proximal portions370and372establish a secure engagement with the body of the golf bag301.

The arrangement of the first carrying strap304, the second carrying strap306, the third carrying strap308, and the fourth carrying strap310coupled to the connector plate102as described above provides a self-centering function for the golf bag301when mounted onto the shoulders of the individual.

In some embodiments, the connector plate302may have a length718of 63 mm and a height720of 63 mm, while the first, second, third, and fourth slots322,324,326and328each have a length722of 26 mm.

In same embodiments, the bags101,201and301may be able to carry or transport weighted objects. The weighted objects may be any item that can fit into the bags101,201and301including, but not limited to, golf clubs including iron-type golf clubs, wood-type golf clubs, and putter-type golf clubs, books, supplies, clothes, carpentry tools, architect tools, bowling ball, survey tools, computers and computer related accessories, papers, documents, art supplies, weapons, shoes, and food supplies. The bags101,201and301may be in any configuration or shape as long as it is connected to the adjustable carrying strap systems100,200and300. In some embodiments, the bags101,201and301may be generally a golf bag, an elongated duffle bag, a backpack, a bowling bag, a backpack, a computer bag, a rucksack, or a suitcase.

In addition, the bags101,201and301may be made from a variety of materials, such as leather, synthetic rubber, neoprene, polyethylene, polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, plastic, fabric material, or combinations thereof. In addition, the carrying straps104/106/105,204/206/208/209, and304/306/308/310may also be made from a variety of materials, such as leather, synthetic rubber, neoprene, polyethylene, polyurethane, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, plastic, fabric material, or combinations thereof. The apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods described herein are not limited in this regard.

Clause 1: A connector plate comprising a connector plate body comprising a front surface and a rear surface defined opposite the front surface, the front and rear surfaces collectively defining an upper region and a lower region. The connector plate further comprising a first slot defined proximate a first side of the upper region, a second slot defined proximate a second side of the upper region opposite the first side of the upper region, a third slot defined proximate a first side of the lower region, and a fourth slot defined proximate a second side of the lower region opposite the first side of the lower region. The first slot, second slot, third slot, and fourth slot are configured to receive a first carrying strap, a second carrying strap, a third carrying strap, and a fourth carrying strap respectively.

Clause 2: The connector plate of clause 1, wherein the first slot has an arcuate configuration and is defined proximate the side of the first side of the upper region; the second slot has an arcuate configuration and is defined proximate the second side of the upper region; the third slot is a straight slot defined proximate the first side of the lower region; the fourth slot is a straight slot defined proximate the second side of the lower region; the first side and the second side of the upper region are curved; and the first side of the upper region is conjoined with the second side of the upper region to form a continuous arcuate shape.

Clause 3: The connector plate of clause 1, wherein the first slot is a straight slot defined proximate the first side of the upper region; the second slot is a straight slot defined proximate the second side of the upper region; the third slot is a straight slot defined proximate the first side of the lower region; the fourth slot is a straight slot defined proximate the second side of the lower region; the first side of the upper region is opposite the second side of the lower region, and the second side of the upper region is opposite the first side of the lower region; the first slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the first side of the upper region, the second slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the second side of the upper region, the third slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the first side of the lower region, and the fourth slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the second side of the lower region.

Clause 4: The connector plate of clause 1, wherein the upper region forms an upper half of the connector plate body and the lower region forms a lower half of the connector plate body.

Clause 5: The connector plate of clause 1, wherein a center slot is defined between the upper region adjacent the lower region.

Clause 6: The connector plate of clause 5, wherein the first slot, the center slot and fourth slot are aligned along a first axis and wherein the third slot and the second slot are aligned along a second axis.

Clause 7: The connector plate of clause 6, wherein the first axis is in transverse relation relative to the second axis.

Clause 8: The connector plate of clause 2, wherein the first slot is in alignment with the second slot.

Clause 9: The connector plate of clause 2, further comprising a bridge defined between the first slot and the second slot.

Clause 10: The connector plate of clause 3, wherein the third slot is in perpendicular relation relative to the fourth slot.

Clause 11: The connector plate of clause 1, wherein the first slot and the second slot each have respective lengths greater than each respective lengths of the third slot and the fourth slot.

Clause 12: The connector plate of clause 5, wherein the center slot is defined between the first and second arc slots and the first and second straight slots.

Clause 13: The connector plate of clause 5, wherein a center slot is defined between the upper region and the adjacent lower region, and the center slot is configured to receive a carrying strap.

Clause 14: A carrying strap system for a golf bag comprising a plurality of carrying straps comprising a first carrying strap, a second carrying strap, a third carrying strap, a fourth carrying strap. The carrying strap system further comprising a connector plate comprising a connector plate body engaged to the first carrying strap, the second carrying strap, the third carrying strap, and the forth carrying strap. The connector plate further comprising a front surface, a rear surface formed opposite the front surface, the front surface and the rear surface collectively defining a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side, wherein the first side is formed opposite the third side, and wherein the second side is formed opposite the fourth side, and a first slot, a second slot, a third slot, and a fourth slot collectively formed by the front surface and rear surface. The connector plate embodiment wherein the first slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the first side, the second slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the second side, the third slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the third side, and the fourth slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the fourth side.

Clause 15: The carrying strap system of clause 14, comprising the connector plate wherein the first slot and second slot are in an upper region of the connector plate body, and the third slot and the fourth slot are in a lower region of the connector plate body, the first side and the second side of the upper region are curved; and the first side of the upper region is conjoined with the second side of the upper region to form a continuous arcuate shape.

Clause 16: The carrying strap system of clause 15, comprising the connector plate wherein, the first slot has an arcuate configuration and is defined proximate the side of the first side of the upper region, the second slot has an arcuate configuration and is defined proximate the second side of the upper region, the third slot is a straight slot defined proximate the first side of the lower region, and the fourth slot is a straight slot defined proximate the second side of the lower region.

Clause 17: The carrying strap system of clause 14, comprising the connector plate wherein, the first slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the first side of the upper region, the second slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the second side of the upper region, the third slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the first side of the lower region, and the fourth slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the second side of the lower region, and the first side of the upper region is opposite the second side of the lower region, and the second side of the upper region is opposite the first side of the lower region.

Clause 18: The carrying strap system of clause 17, comprising the connector plate wherein the first slot is a straight slot defined proximate the first side of the upper region, the second slot is a straight slot defined proximate the second side of the upper region, the third slot is a straight slot defined proximate the first side of the lower region, and the fourth slot is a straight slot defined proximate the second side of the lower region.

Clause 19: The carrying strap system of clause 14, wherein the first carrying strap is coupled to the first slot in a loop configuration, the second carrying strap is coupled to the second slot in a loop configuration, the third carrying strap is coupled to the third slot in a loop configuration, and the fourth carrying strap is coupled to the fourth slot in a loop configuration.

Clause 20: A bag comprising an elongated body having a first upper portion defining an opening in communication with a chamber configured to receive one or more golf clubs therein. The bag further comprising an adjustable carrying strap coupled to the bag, the adjustable carrying straps system comprising a first carrying strap, a second carrying strap, a third carrying strap, and a fourth carrying strap, each of the first carrying strap, second carrying strap, third carrying strap, and fourth carrying strap defining a respective proximal portion attached to the elongated body. The bag further comprising a connector plate engaged to a respective distal portion of the first carrying strap, the second carrying strap, the third carrying strap and the fourth carrying strap. The connector plate comprising a front surface, a rear surface formed opposite the front surface, the front surface and the rear surface collectively defining a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side, wherein the first side is formed opposite the third side, and wherein the second side is formed opposite the fourth side, and a first slot, a second slot, a third slot, and a fourth slot collectively formed by the front surface and rear surface. The connector plate embodiment wherein the first slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the first side, the second slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the second side, the third slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the third side, and the fourth slot is formed in parallel orientation relative to the fourth side. The bag wherein the distal portion of the first carrying strap is coupled to the first slot in a loop configuration, the distal portion of the second carrying strap is coupled to the second slot in a loop configuration, the distal portion of the third carrying strap is coupled to the third slot in a loop configuration, and the distal portion of the fourth carrying strap is coupled to the fourth slot in a loop configuration.