Abstract:
A locking mechanism for a golf bag cover is provided. The locking mechanism includes a plurality of straps and/or wire ropes to secure the golf bag cover to a golf bag, golf cart, or other object. A locking device is provided to interconnect and lock the golf bag cover to a golf bag/cart or other object. The locking mechanism for a golf bag cover deters theft and prevents damage to the golf clubs. The locking mechanism for a golf bag cover can be configured as a single-bag cover or a double-bag cover. Furthermore, the locking mechanism is compact and easy to use.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/175,679, filed May 5, 2009, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to golf bag covers. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is a golf bag cover that includes a locking mechanism for locking the golf bag cover onto a golf bag, golf cart, or other object so that the user can protect the contents of the golf bag in order to prevent damage and/or deter theft. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A golfer typically utilizes a number of golf clubs during a round of golf. As such, a golfer typically stores, transports, and carry&#39;s his or her golf clubs in a golf bag. Conventional golf bags have an open end to receive the golf clubs. Golf bag covers are commonly used to protect golf clubs from inclement weather or to prevent the golf clubs from being damaged during transport. 
         [0004]    Golf clubs, golf bags, and other accessories typically associated with the sport of golf, are very expensive items. Moreover, in many situations, a golfer must leave his or her golf bag unattended. For example, a golfer may leave his or her golf clubs/bag and/or golf cart unattended when going into a club house or pro-shop, or when he or she strays from the course to recover a wayward ball. In these situations the golf clubs/bag are typically left unattended in racks, on a golf cart, or on the golf course. In these situations, a thief can easily steal one or more golf clubs and/or the golf bag. Accordingly, it is becoming increasingly important to deter would-be thieves from stealing one&#39;s golf clubs and/or golf bag. 
         [0005]    Golf bag covers are typically positioned over the golf bag to enclose at least some portion of the golf bag and golf clubs inside. It is often necessary or desirable, however, to cover and lock a golf bag cover onto the golf bag, golf cart, or some other object to prevent damage and/or deter theft of the golf clubs. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a golf bag cover having a locking mechanism in order to protect the golf clubs and impede and deter theft. 
         [0006]    Some golf bag covers have attempted to prevent damage and/or theft by precluding others from viewing the contents of the golf bag. For example, some golf bag covers completely enclose the golf bag in order to prevent others from observing the contents of the golf bag. However, it takes the golfer additional time to position the golf bag inside the golf bag cover. In addition, golf bags are heavy because they typically carry numerous golf clubs and accessories. As such, positioning the entire golf bag within a golf bag cover can be quite arduous and time consuming. Completely enclosing the golf bag is also disadvantageous if the golfer wants to prevent others from viewing the contents of the bag for a relatively small amount of time. For example, if a golfer is only briefly stopping at the club house but he or she wants to ensure that others cannot view his or her golf clubs, completely enclosing the golf bag with such a cover would be time consuming and laborious. Thus, it would be advantageous to have a golf bag cover that prevents others from viewing the contents of the golf bag that is quick and easy to use. 
         [0007]    Some golf bags and golf bag covers have attempted to include locking mechanisms; however, such locking mechanisms are typically time consuming and complex. For example, some golf bags lock the individual clubs into the golf bag. This is tedious because many golfers want the ease and versatility of bringing multiple clubs with them for their next shot(s) and they do not want to have to individually lock and unlock each golf club. For example, a golfer may want to bring his or her pitching wedge, sand wedge, and putter when evaluating his or her next shot. In this example, it would be burdensome for the golfer to have to unlock and lock each club for each shot at every hole. Thus, it would be beneficial to provide a golf bag cover having a locking mechanism that is quick and easy for the golfer to use. 
         [0008]    Moreover, typical golf bag covers are not efficiently designed to allow the removal and replacement of the stored golf clubs. For example, typical golf bag covers limit the golfers&#39; ability to readily access the golf clubs because golf bag covers are typically bulky and hard to maneuver. That is, to access the golf clubs, one must remove the cover from the bag and set the cover aside to gain access to the stored golf clubs. It would be desirable to provide a golf bag cover that allows easy access to the stored golf clubs. Additionally, it would be beneficial to provide a golf bag cover having a handle positioned for easy removal and replacement of the cover. 
         [0009]    In addition, conventional golf bag covers are not easily storable within the golf bag and/or golf cart. Because typical golf bag covers are cumbersome and bulky many golfers elect not to bring their golf bag covers with them on the golf course. Moreover, thieves are aware that many golfers choose not to bring and use their golf bag covers on the golf course; accordingly, many golf bags/carts are susceptible to theft. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a golf bag cover that is capable of being stored unobtrusively and used easily in order to deter potential theft. 
         [0010]    Furthermore, golf bags come in numerous sizes and styles, including junior bags, cart bags, stand bags, etc. Some conventional golf bag covers are sized specifically for certain golf bags. This is undesirable if a golfer would like the flexibility to use the same golf bag cover with different golf bags. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a golf bag cover that is capable of being used with a variety of golf bags. 
         [0011]    Thus, there is a long felt but unsolved need for a locking mechanism for a golf bag cover that avoids the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art and that is capable of impeding and deterring theft by quickly and securely locking a golf bag cover to a golf bag, golf cart, or other object. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a locking mechanism for a golf bag cover. The golf bag cover of one embodiment of the present invention is capable of locking the golf bag cover onto a golf bag, golf cart, or other object. More specifically, the locking mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention provides a plurality of straps, cables or ropes for interconnecting and selectively securing the golf bag cover to a desired object. Further, the locking mechanism of one embodiment of one present invention includes locking means, for example, a padlock or combination lock, for locking the golf bag cover to a desired object. 
         [0013]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a locking mechanism for a golf bag cover that is capable of deterring theft. More specifically, the golf bag cover of one embodiment of the present invention deters theft by precluding others from viewing the contents of the golf bag. 
         [0014]    It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a locking mechanism for a golf bag cover that is quick and easy for a golfer to use. Preferably, the golf bag cover has a length to accommodate golf clubs of various lengths. In addition, the golf bag cover of one embodiment includes a handle for removing and replacing the golf bag cover. 
         [0015]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a golf bag cover that is compact, capable of being stored unobtrusively, and easily used in order to deter theft. Embodiments of the present invention are flexible and foldable and thus are easily stored in the golf bag/cart until needed. Embodiments of the present invention also cover at least a portion of the golf bag, as such the golf bag cover is less bulky and more compact. Even though the golf bag cover of the present invention is compact the locking mechanism deters and protects against potential theft. 
         [0016]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a locking mechanism for a golf bag cover that is versatile. As such, embodiments of the present invention are used in connection with golf bags and golf carts, including push carts and motorized carts. 
         [0017]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a locking mechanism for a golf bag cover having still further versatility. The golf bag cover of the present invention can be locked using a variety of locks such as padlocks, combination locks, or other mechanical fastening device. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various locking mechanisms may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention. The versatile locking mechanism allows the golfer to use different locks with the golf bag cover. For example, if the golfer is at an unfamiliar golf course he or she may wish to use a more complex or more secure locking means. In contrast, if the golfer is at a driving range where the golfer will remain in close contact with his or her golf bag, the golfer may desire to use a less robust lock for the golf bag cover. 
         [0018]    It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a locking mechanism for the golf bag cover that accommodates most sizes of golf bags, including a plurality of golf bags. Thus, it is contemplated that the locking mechanism for a golf bag cover will accommodate many styles, sizes, and brands of golf bags. 
         [0019]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a locking mechanism for the golf bag cover that aesthetically appears safe and secure. A golf bag cover having a locking mechanism looks more secure than a golf bag cover without a locking mechanism. Thus, a golf bag cover having a locking mechanism is more likely to deter potential thieves than a golf bag cover without a locking mechanism. Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide the outward appearance that the contents of the golf bag are safe and secure. The locking mechanism of the golf bag cover may also include a drawstring and cord lock to tighten and cinch the golf bag cover onto the golf bag. The locking mechanism of the golf bag cover may also include a plurality of snap fasteners or hook and loop fasteners to further interconnect the golf bag cover to a golf bag. One skilled in the art will appreciate that any number of fastening devices may be employed to interconnect the golf bag cover to a golf bag/cart and/or other object in order to further deter theft and enhance the visual appearance that a golf bag is secured. 
         [0020]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a golf bag cover having one or more pockets for storing golf accessories such as, golf balls, tees, gloves, score cards, range finders and/or GPS devices, suntan lotion, cellular telephones, rain/wind jackets, first aid kits, snacks, and beverages. Preferably, the pocket(s) of the golf bag cover are positioned on the outside of the cover so they can be readily accessed by the golfer. However, it is also envisioned that at least one “secret” pocket is positioned on the inside of the golf bag cover so that the pocket is concealed and hidden from view. 
         [0021]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a golf bag cover having a window portion. That is, embodiments of the present invention include a transparent portion that enables the golfer to view and/or verify the contents of his or her golf bag. This is advantageous to golfers who want the security of having a locking mechanism on their golf bag cover but who also want to be able to see inside at least a portion of the cover. 
         [0022]    It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a golf bag cover that is convertible into a tote bag. When the golf bag/cart is not unattended, the golf bag cover can be used for other purposes. For example, after a golfer has finished his or her round of golf, the golfer may wish to visit the club house and/or bar. However, before going to the club house and/or bar, many golfers prefer to change out of their golf shoes. Thus, the golfer can place his or her shoes into the golf bag cover of the present invention and conveniently store his or her shoes so that any dirt/grass from the golfer&#39;s shoes do not transfer to the golfer&#39;s vehicle. 
         [0023]    It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a golf bag cover that is convertible into a beverage holder/container. Golf courses may or may not provide coolers or other types of beverage holders. Thus, the golf bag cover of the present invention can be used inverted thereby converting it into a beverage container. Moreover, the golf bag cove of the present invention could be insulated with insulative material. Thus, when the golf bag cover was inverted it could also be converted into a cooler. The golf bag cover may also include a zipper along the bottom end of the golf bag cover so that when the cover is used as a beverage container/cooler the beverages can be stored and contained within the golf bag cover. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any number of closure mechanisms, such as snaps, buckles, buttons, hook and eye, or hook and loop closure mechanisms may also be used to contain beverages within the beverage container/golf bag cover. In addition, perforations or holes may be included in the golf bag cover to drain the excess liquid when the cover is being used as a cooler and/or beverage container. Thus, it is envisioned that the golf bag cover of the present invention is easily convertible for a variety of uses and other purposes. 
         [0024]    The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions. 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a locking mechanism for a golf bag cover of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the bottom portion is folded upwards; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a locking mechanism for a golf bag cover of one embodiment of the present invention, shown positioned for interconnecting and locking onto a golf bag; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention, shown locked onto two golf bags and positioned on a golf cart; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
       [0031]    To assist in the understanding of the present invention, the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Component 
                 # 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Golf bag cover 
                 2 
               
               
                   
                 Locking mechanism 
                 6 
               
               
                   
                 Top end 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 Bottom end 
                 14 
               
               
                   
                 Sidewall 
                 18 
               
               
                   
                 Seam (top) 
                 22 
               
               
                   
                 Handle 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 Seam (bottom) 
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 Strap 
                 34 
               
               
                   
                 Grommet 
                 38 
               
               
                   
                 Golf bag 
                 42 
               
               
                   
                 Handle (golf bag) 
                 46 
               
               
                   
                 Wire ropes 
                 50 
               
               
                   
                 Swaged connection 
                 54 
               
               
                   
                 Golf cart 
                 58 
               
               
                   
                 Beam 
                 62 
               
               
                   
                 Third strap 
                 66 
               
               
                   
                 Padlock 
                 70 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0032]    It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , a golf bag cover of one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Embodiments of the present invention are integrated into a golf bag cover  2  having a locking mechanism  6 . 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the golf bag cover  2  includes a top end  10  a bottom end  14 , and sidewalls  18 . In the embodiment shown, the golf bag cover  2  is adapted to fit over a single golf bag. The top end  10  includes a seam  22  interconnected to the top portion of the sidewalls  18 . The seam  22  gives the golf bag cover  2  a shape that is capable of being slid over the open end of a golf bag and covering the golf clubs. The height of the sidewalls  18  is preferably long enough to fit over the portion of the golf clubs that protrude out of the golf bag and at least some portion of the golf bag itself. However, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the length of the sidewalls  18  could be longer or shorter in order to cover more or less of the golf bag. The bottom end  14  of the golf bag cover  2  includes a seam  30  that interconnects the bottom end  14  to the sidewalls  18  of the golf bag cover  2 . As described herein, means or storing may include a golf bag cover adapted to fit over a golf bag. As described herein, means for receiving a cable proximate to the lower opening of the golf bag cover may include any number of devices for receiving a cable associated with the cover, including for example, seams, hook and loops, zippers, snaps, or glue. 
         [0035]    The golf bag cover  2  is preferably made of a strong, durable, and flexible material such as ballistic nylon. However, one of skill in the art will appreciate that any number of materials could be used to make the golf bag cover  2  such as nylon, Cordura brand fabric, canvas, leather, neoprene, burlap, etc. depending on the look and feel desired. The golf bag cover  2  may also be made of material that is long lasting and resistant to scratches, abrasions, scuffs, tears, and punctures. In addition, depending the environmental factors the golf bag cover  2  may also be made of material that is water resistant and/or water proof. 
         [0036]    The top end  10  of the golf bag cover  2  is interconnected to at least one handle  26 . However, one of skill in the art will appreciate that any number of attachment devices may be used to facilitate removal and replacement of the golf bag cover  2 . For example, the top end  10  may include a plurality of handles and/or ergonomic hand grips. Moreover, the golf bag cover  2  may also include additional attachment means at other locations on the golf bag cover such as the sidewalls  18  or bottom end  14 . Preferably, the handle  26  is made of a strong yet flexible material such as ballistic nylon. However, it is envisioned that the handle  26  could also be made of a braided rope/cord or a moldable plastic. As described herein, means for grasping may include a handle or a grip. 
         [0037]    The locking mechanism  6  of the golf bag cover  2  is designed to thwart unwanted access to a golf bag. The locking mechanism  6  is interconnected to the bottom end  14  of the golf bag cover  2 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism  6  comprises a plurality of straps  34  having grommets  38 . In the embodiment shown, the locking mechanism  6  utilizes two straps  34 . More preferably, the straps  34  are positioned at some distance apart from one another and are interconnected to the rear face of the bottom end  14  of the golf bag cover  2 . The length of the straps  34  is long enough to secure the golf bag cover  2  to a golf bag, golf cart, or other object. Moreover, the straps  34  may be made from any number of materials that are strong, durable, and flexible, such as ballistic nylon, nylon, Cordura brand fabric, canvas, leather, etc. The straps  34  of one embodiment include a plurality of holes that are reinforced by grommets  38 . 
         [0038]    The plurality of grommets  38  are provided on the straps  34  to further facilitate the versatility of the locking mechanism  6 . For example, when securing the golf bag cover  2  to a larger golf bag a golfer can use the grommet  38  closest to the end of the strap  34  (thereby using the full length of the strap) in fastening the golf bag cover  2  to the desired object. In contrast, the golfer may want to use a different grommet  34  when fastening the golf bag cover  2  a smaller object in order to securely fasten the golf bag cover  2 . In the embodiment shown, the straps  34  have three grommets  38 ; however, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any number of grommets  38  may be used to enhance the adjustability of the straps  34 . In one embodiment, a grommet  38  is also positioned in substantially the middle of the front face of the bottom end  14  of the golf bag cover  2 . In a preferred embodiment, the grommets  38  are metal. However, plastic grommets or grommets made from different materials may also be used. One skilled in the art will also appreciate than any number of devices may be used to reinforce the holes in the straps  34 , such as eyelets or reinforced fabric and stitching. 
         [0039]    The locking mechanism  6  is secured using a lock (not shown) such as a padlock, combination lock, a tubular, cylinder, or radial lock, a U-lock, a chain lock, a cable lock, or other mechanical fastening device. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various locking mechanisms may be used to securely fasten the golf bag cover  2  of the present invention to a golf bag/cart, or other object. As described herein, means for securing may include, among others, any of the above-mentioned devices. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an alternative locking mechanism design for the golf bag cover  2  is shown. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism  6  utilizes wire ropes  50  (rather than the above-mentioned straps  34 ). The length of the wire ropes  50  is sufficient to secure the golf bag cover  2  to a golf bag, golf cart, or other object. In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism  6  utilizes two wire ropes  50 . More preferably, the wire ropes  50  are positioned at some distance apart from one another and are interconnected to the rear face of the bottom end  14  of the golf bag cover  2 . For example, the wire rope  50  may be sewn into the bottom end  14  of the golf bag cover  2  by the seam  30 . The wire ropes  50  can be made from any number of materials such as steel or wrought iron. The wire ropes  50  may terminate by turning the end back to form a loop, for example in a swaged connection  54  where the end forms a loop and is deformed to create a permanent connection. A hole and reinforcing grommet  38  are positioned in substantially the middle of the front face of the bottom end  14  of the golf bag cover  2 . As described herein means for interconnecting may include a plurality of straps or wire ropes. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the golf bag cover assembly is shown. To use the locking mechanism  6  of the golf bag cover  2 , a golfer first positions the golf bag cover  2  over his or her golf bag  42 . Then, the golfer threads the wire ropes  50  through the object(s) to which the golf bag cover  2  will be secured to. Once the wire ropes  50  have been interconnected to the object, the golfer uses a lock to interconnect the swaged connection  54  or looped portion of the wire ropes  50  to the golf bag cover  2  (via the grommet  38  on the golf bag cover  2 ). For example, a golfer may thread the wire ropes  50  through a handle of a golf bag, align the swaged connection  54  of the wire ropes  50  with the grommet  38  of the golf bag cover  2 , and securely fasten the wire ropes  50  to the golf bag cover  2  with a lock (not shown). 
         [0042]    The locking mechanism having straps  34  is used in substantially the same manner as discussed above with regard to the wire ropes  50 . To use the locking mechanism  6  of the golf bag cover  2 , a golfer first positions the golf bag cover  2  over his or her golf bag  42 . Then, the golfer threads the straps  34  through the object to which the golf bag cover  2  will be secured to. Once the straps  34  of the golf bag cover  2  have been interconnected to the object, the golfer uses a lock to interconnect the straps  34  (via the grommets  38 ) to the golf bag cover  2  (via the grommet  38  on the bottom end  14  of the golf bag cover  2 ). For example, a golfer may thread the straps through a handle  46  on the golf bag  42 , align the grommets  38  on the straps  34  with the grommet  38  on the golf bag cover  2 , and then lock the straps  34  to the grommet  38  on the golf bag cover  2 . In another example (not shown), a golfer may thread the straps through a handle  46  on the golf bag  42  and through at least a portion of a golf rack before locking the golf bag cover  2  to the golf rack. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , an alternative embodiment of the golf bag cover  2  is shown. Specifically, the golf bag cover  2  is adapted to fit over two golf bags. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may also be adapted to fit over more than two golf bags. In  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the golf bag cover  2  is shown in a locked position on a golf cart  58 . The golf bag cover  2  is positioned over two golf bags  42 . The straps  34  (or wire ropes  50 ) are threaded through a rear portion of the golf cart  58  (i.e., a structural support beam  62 ) and then wrapped around the front of the golf bags  42 . In addition, a third strap  66  (or wire rope) may be provided. The third strap  66  is interconnected to the middle portion of the rear of the golf bag cover  2  and is threaded between the golf bags  42  and so that it can be interconnected with the other straps or wire ropes. However, one of skill in the art will appreciate that additional straps or wire ropes may be provided to secure the golf bag cover  2  to a desired object. In the embodiment shown, the grommets  38  of the straps  34  and  66  are aligned and a padlock  70  is inserted through the grommets  38  thus securing and locking the golf bag cover  2 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that a similar assembly may be used to attach the golf bag cover  2  to a non-motorized golf cart. 
         [0044]    One of skill in the art will appreciate that any number of additional storage components may be integrated with the golf bag cover. For example, the golf bag cover may include one or more external or internal pockets for storing golf accessories (i.e., golf balls, tees, gloves, score cards, key, etc.). As described herein, means for adjustably storing a plurality of golf accessories may include pockets, drawstrings, zippered compartments, and other storage compartments. 
         [0045]    While various embodiment of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.