Abstract:
A golf bag support for releasably retaining a golf bag having a longitudinal axis includes a base, a foot, and a pair of arms. The base has a bottom for contacting a surface. The foot is connected to the base and movable between a first position and a second position, the second position arranging the foot to stabilize the base on the surface. The pair of arms extends from the base. The arms are spaced from each other to define a seat sized to receive the golf bag. The arms are movable relative to each other.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to golf bag stands, and more particularly, to an adjustable golf bag stand for retaining a golf bag in the trunk of a vehicle. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    While a number of golfers may be members of a facility at which their golf clubs are stored, a substantial number of golfers transport their clubs to the course for each round of play. Such transportation typically involves loading the clubs into the trunk or rear of a vehicle, driving to the course and unloading the golf bag. However, as golf clubs have a concentration of weight at the club head, the clubs tend to slide from the bag during transportation. As the clubs slide from the back, the heads and shafts tend to contact each other thereby marring or even damaging the clubs. 
         [0005]    As the cost of golf equipment has significantly increased in recent years, there is increased incentive to protect and preserve the golf clubs from inadvertent damage during transport. 
         [0006]    Therefore, the need exists for a stand that can be disposed in the trunk of a vehicle to retain the golf bag within the vehicle, as well as to maintain the clubs within the golf bag. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention remedies the foregoing needs by providing an adjustable golf bag stand. 
         [0008]    According to one aspect of the invention, a golf bag support for releasably retaining a golf bag having a longitudinal axis includes a base, a foot, and a pair of arms. The base has a bottom for contacting a surface. The foot is connected to the base and movable between a first position and a second position, the second position arranging the foot to stabilize the base on the surface. The pair of arms extends from the base. The arms are spaced from each other to define a seat sized to receive the golf bag. The arms are movable relative to each other. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect of the invention, a golf bag support for securely retaining a golf bag on a substantially flat surface includes a base, a foot, and a pair of arms. The foot is rotatable relative to the base between a first position in which the foot is contained substantially within base and a second position in which a portion of the foot protrudes from the base. The base and the foot have substantially co-planar bottoms defining a footprint of the golf bag support that is relatively larger in the second position. The pair of arms is attached to the base and the arms are movable relative to each other. The space between the arms defines a seat for receiving the golf bag. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective of a golf bag support retaining a golf bag according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are, respectively, a perspective view and a front plan view of the base of the golf bag support according to  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the foot of the golf bag support according to  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an arm of the golf bag support according to  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate, respectively, perspective views of a storage position and an operating position of the golf bag support according to  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is an alternate arm for use with a preferred golf bag support. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a golf bag support according to another embodiment of the preferred invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  depicts a golf bag support according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated therein, a golf bag support generally includes a base  10 , a moveable foot  20 , and a pair of arms  30 . 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  depicts the base  10 . The base  10  has a substantially flat bottom  12  and a substantially flat front face  11  perpendicular to the bottom  12 . Accordingly, the base  10  is configured to rest on a flat surface on either the bottom  12  or on the front face  11 . The base  10  also preferably includes an attachment point for attaching the arms  30  as will be described in more detail below. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment portion includes a plurality of ears  14  protruding from a top  13  of the base  10 . Through-holes  15  preferably are formed in each of the ears  14  for receiving a bolt or similar structure to attach the arms  30 . A channel  16  preferably also is formed in the top  13  of the base  10 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the channel  16  is generally rectangular and the ears  14  are disposed generally adjacent to each of the four corners of the channel  16 . The purpose of the channels  16  will be described in more detail below. 
         [0020]    The base  10  preferably also includes a recess  17  which, in the preferred embodiment, is an opening formed in both the front face  11  and the bottom  12  of the base  10 . The recess  17  generally accepts the foot  20  and is therefore preferably sized and shaped according to the size and shape of the foot. For example, the recess  17  of this preferred embodiment is a generally U-shaped opening in the front face of the base, because the foot  20  (described in more detail below) has a generally U-shaped cross-section. 
         [0021]    A mount  18  or similar structure preferably also is provided in the recess  17  to facilitate attachment of the foot  20  to the base  10 . The preferred mount  18  includes a generally cylindrical central portion  18   a  that receives a fastener passed through an aperture in the foot  20  and an outer portion  18   b.  A cylindrical groove  19  is formed between the inner portion  18   a  and the outer portion  18   b  of the mount  18  for receiving a portion of the foot  20  therein. 
         [0022]    The foot  20  according to the preferred embodiment will now be described with reference to  FIG. 3 . The foot  20  preferably is attached to the base  10  to provide added stability to the golf bag support  1  when the base  10  is disposed on its bottom  12  on a flat surface. Moreover, the foot  20  preferably is movable between a first, operating position, in which the foot enlarges a footprint of the golf bag support  1  to provide the aforementioned added stability for the golf bag support, and a second, storing position, in which the footprint of the golf bag support  1  (and more preferably the overall size of the golf bag support  1 ) is relatively smaller. To this end, the foot  20  preferably includes a flat bottom  22  and a front surface  21  substantially perpendicular to the flat bottom  22 . The foot  20  preferably is fastened to the base  10  at the mount  18  of the base  10 . More specifically, the preferred foot  20  has a hole  23  through a top thereof and a ring  24  encircling the hole  23  and protruding from the top of the foot  20 . The foot  20  is mounted to the base  10  using a screw or similar fastener, which is passed thru the hole  23  and threadably engaged to the central portion  18   a  of the base  10 . When so mounted, the ring  24  is received within the groove  19  of the base  10  with clearance between the ring  24  and both the inner portion  18   a  and the outer portion  18   b  of the mount  18 . When the foot  20  is so attached to the base  10 , the foot  20  is rotatable relative to the base  10  and the fastener. 
         [0023]    As illustrated, the foot  20  has a generally U-shaped cross-section and is generally disc-shaped. The foot  20  preferably is truncated at the flat front face  21 , which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the foot  20 . When the foot  20  is rotated relative to the base  10  to the storing position described above, the flat face is preferably arranged to be substantially coplanar with the front face  11  of the base  10 . In this manner, the base and foot combination can be laid on a flat surface such that the front face  11  of the base  10  and the face  21  of the foot  20  contact the flat surface. Alternatively, when the foot  20  is relatively rotated approximately 180° from the storing position, i.e., to the operating position, the foot  20  protrudes outwardly from the front face  11  of the base  10 . As should be understood, in this operating position, the golf bag support  1  cannot be arranged such that the front face  11  of the base  10  rests on a flat surface. Instead, in the second position, the golf bag support preferably is disposed on a flat surface such that the bottom surface  12  of the base  10  and the bottom surface  22  of the foot  20  contact the substantially flat surface. In the operating position, the golf bag support  1  has improved rigidity on a flat surface because the foot provides the golf bag support  1  with a relatively larger footprint, or area of contact with the substantially flat surface. Of course, as should be understood, if the foot is rotatable through 360° relative to the base  10 , an infinite number of positions for the foot relative to the base  10  may be achieved. The operating position and storing position discussed above are shown respectively in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b.    
         [0024]    One of the arms  30  is depicted in more detail in  FIG. 4 . As illustrated, each arm is generally L-shaped having a longer, side portion  31  and a shorter, bottom portion  32  joined at ends thereof. A through hole  33  is transversely formed through the arm  30  proximate to the area at which the side portion  31  joins the bottom portion  32 . In the preferred embodiment, an inner surface  31   a  of the side portion  31  and an inner surface  32   a  of the bottom portion  32  are preferably curvilinear. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment, the bottom portion  32  of the arm  30  preferably is narrower than the side portion  31  of the arm  30 . 
         [0025]    Two arms preferably attach to the base  10  such that the distal end of the side portion  31  of each arm  30  is directed away from the bottom surface  12  of the base  10 . Moreover, the arms are arranged, as shown in  FIG. 1 , such that the inner surface  31   a  of each side portion  31  faces the inner portion  31   a  of the opposing arm&#39;s side portion  31 . Preferably, the through hole  33  formed transversely through each side arm is aligned with the holes  15  passing through the ears  14  of the base  10 . A bolt or similar fastener is preferably passed through the aligned holes to fasten the arms  30  to the base  10 . The bolt preferably also serves as a shaft about which the arms rotate relative to the base  10 . 
         [0026]    When a pair of arms  30  is disposed on the base  10  as described above, the curvilinear inner surface  31   a  of the side portions  31  of the arms  30  and the inner portions  32   a  of the bottom portions  32  of each arm  30  form an opening or seat for receiving a golf bag. In use, the arms  30  are rotated relatively away from each other to widen the opening, i.e., by moving the distal ends of the side portions  31  of the arms  30  relatively away from each other. When the arms are so moved to widen the opening, the arms rotate about the bolt, and the distal ends of the bottom portion  32  of each arm are displaced relatively upwardly. Accordingly, when the golf bag is placed within the opening defined by the arms  30 , the weight of the golf bag forces the bottom portion  32  of each of the arms downwardly, thereby causing the arms to rotate relatively towards each other and “clamp” around the golf bag. 
         [0027]    In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated most clearly in  FIG. 1 , the golf bag is placed such that the portion of the bag proximate the bag&#39;s open end (i.e., the end in which golf clubs are received) is placed in the golf bag support  1 . As should be appreciated, when the golf bag is supported by the golf bag support in this manner, the end of the bag opposite the opening is resting on the flat surface, thereby setting the bag at an incline. As will be appreciated, this inclined orientation of the bag will result in maintaining the golf clubs in the bag, especially during transport. 
         [0028]    As will be appreciated from the foregoing embodiment, the golf bag support is capable of receiving golf bags of varied diameters without the need for any adjustments. Nevertheless, the curvilinear inner surfaces  31   a  of each of the arms is preferably sized and contoured, and the arms preferably are spaced at a distance such that the golf bag stand accommodates a standard-sized golf bag. It is contemplated that the bottom portion  32  of each of the arms  30  will be substantially horizontal when a golf bag is at rest in the golf bag stand. Nevertheless, the bottom portion  32  of each of the arms  30  is preferably sized such that as the arms are rotated relatively near each other, the bottom portion  32  may descend into the channel  16  formed in the top of the base  10 . For example, the bottom portion  32  of each of the arms  30  may necessarily be disposed in the channel when a golf bag is placed in the golf bag stand that has a relatively smaller diameter, thus dictating a smaller distance between the distal ends of the side portions  31  of the arms  30 . 
         [0029]    When the golf bag stand is not in use, the foot preferably is rotated into the first position described above, such that the flat base  21  of the foot  20  is substantially coplanar with the front face  11  of the base  10 . Moreover, to further decrease the size of the device when not in use, the arms  30  preferably are rotated relatively closer to each other, thereby reducing the size of the stand. Preferably, the arms are rotated relatively closer to each other such that at least one, but preferably both of the bottom portions  32  of the arms  30  are disposed within the recess  17 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 6 , each of the arms may have a cut-out  34  to facilitate further rotation of the arms relatively closer to each other. As shown in that figure, the cut-out is preferably slightly wider than half the depth of the side portion  31  of the arm. In this manner, when the arms are rotated toward each other, they may fold over each other. Moreover, this arrangement allows for the use of identical arms  30  for both of the arms. Of course, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art, other cut-outs or arrangements could be used to allow further rotation of the arms in a direction relatively closer to each other to thereby reduce the overall size of the golf bag stand when not in use. 
         [0030]    While the invention has been described to this point in connection with a preferred embodiment, modifications also are anticipated. 
         [0031]    For example, the golf bag stand also may incorporate a strap or similar device selectively attaching the distal ends of the side portions  31  of the arms  30 . Any number of fasteners, clips and/or adjusters also may be used in connection with the strap, to further secure a golf bag in the golf bag stand  1 . 
         [0032]    Moreover, although the invention is described wherein a bolt is passed through a through hole  33  in the arm  30  and a through hole  15  in the base  10  to provide both an attachment and a pivot about which the arm rotates relative to the base, other arrangements are anticipated. For example, instead of using through holes, at least one of the base  10  and the arms  30  may include one or more detents or protrusions while the other of the base  10  and the arms  30  includes one or more indents. In this manner, the arms are snap-fit into the base, and the relative rotation is preserved, i.e., because the detent is free to rotate within the indent. By snap fitting the arms  30  into the base  10 , there is no need for extra fasteners. 
         [0033]    Another embodiment of the invention is depicted in  FIGS. 7-10 . As illustrated therein, a golf bag stand  101  includes a base (a bridge  110  in this embodiment), a foot  120  connected to the bridge  110 , and a pair of arms  130  extending generally upwardly from the bridge  110 . 
         [0034]    The bridge is generally an elongate member having a longitudinally extending seating channel  112 , with a bottom  114  of the seating channel  112  including a plurality of spaced recesses  116 . 
         [0035]    In this preferred embodiment, each of the arms  130  is adjustably connected to the bridge  110  by disposing a vertically actuated pin  118  relative to the recesses  116  in the bottom of the channel  112 . More specifically, the vertically actuated pin  118  is actuated to disengage the recesses such that the associated arm  130  is transversely slidable in the channel  112 . When the arm  130  is at a desired position, the pin  118  is actuated to engage a recess  116 , thereby locating the arm  130  relative to the bridge  110 . It is further contemplated that the bottom of the channel can be formed with a plurality of teeth and that the portion of the arm includes corresponding teeth. In this manner, upon operable engagement of the teeth, further horizontal displacement of the arms  130  relative to the bridge is precluded. When such teeth are used, the arm  130  is moved relative to the channel by lifting the arm vertically such that the corresponding teeth are removed from engagement, locating the arm horizontally, and lowering the arm vertically to then engage the teeth. 
         [0036]    The arms  130  preferably have a generally curvilinear profile sized generally to engage the outer portion of a bag retained by the stand. As illustrated, each of the arms preferably includes a root  132  receivable in the seating channel  112 . The root  132  can include a pair of projecting pins to engage corresponding grooves within the channel  112 , to aid in maintaining orientation of the arm  130  in the channel  112 . 
         [0037]    In a preferred configuration, the arms  130  preferably also are rotatable relative to the channel between a first, operating position generally transverse to the bridge, and a second, storage position, in which the arms are folded to a position generally adjacent to the bridge. As should be appreciated, the overall size of the golf bag stand is generally reduced when the arms are folded to the storage position—to more easily store the device when not in use. 
         [0038]    One or more feet also are provided in this embodiment, generally to provide added stability to the stand when in use. In the illustrated embodiment, two feet are rotatably connected to a bottom of the bridge. The feet are rotatable between a generally parallel storage position and a partially transverse operating position. In one configuration, each foot is rotatably mounted to the bridge such that upon assuming the storage position, the feet are collinear with each other and the bridge. 
         [0039]    The feet generally are connected to the bridge using known means, for example, threaded fasteners, and the like. In other contemplated embodiments, the feet may not be rotatable relative to the bridge, but instead may be relatively slidable or hinged. Regardless of the attachment method, the one or more feet preferably are movable between a first, storage position, and a second, operating position. In the operating position, the footprint of the stand is preferably larger than the footprint of the stand in the storage position, to provide added stability to the stand. Of course, the feet may be rigidly, i.e., immovably, attached to the bridge, if it is decided that the feet need not be movable relative to the bridge. 
         [0040]    To use the golf bag stand according to this preferred embodiment of the invention, a golfer preferably moves the feet relative to the base into the operating position, i.e., generally transverse to the bridge, and sets the stand on the feet on a flat surface of the trunk, or the like. The feet are preferably then rotated so as to be substantially transverse to the bridge, defining a generally U-shaped seat bounded on the sides by the curvilinear surfaces of the arms and on the bottom by a portion of the bridge intermediate the arms. Preferably, a portion of the golf bag proximate the open end of the golf bag is placed in the seat, i.e., on the portion of the bridge intermediate the two arms, such that an axis of the substantially cylindrical golf bag is generally normal to the channel of the bridge. The arms are then moved relatively closer to each other, e.g., as described above, until the curvilinear surfaces of both arms contact the exterior of the golf bag. Accordingly, the golf bag is contacted by both of the arms, and by the portion of the bridge intermediate the arms. 
         [0041]    Typically, the bridge has a length of at least eight inches and typically on the order of fifteen to twenty inches. 
         [0042]    Of course, modifications to this embodiment also are contemplated. For example, although a vertically actuated pin is discussed as a mechanism for locating the arms relative to bridge, other known mechanisms would also be known to those of ordinary skill. For example, a ball detent, a pull pin, a set screw, or the like, also may be used to locate the arms relative to the bridge. 
         [0043]    Many of the modifications described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-6  also may be made to the present embodiment. Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art also would recognize that many features of the embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 1-6  could also be used in the embodiment described with reference to  FIG. 7 , and vice versa. 
         [0044]    Although the golf bag stand according to the present invention can be formed from any of a variety of materials including metals, composites, alloys and even wood. It is anticipated that a satisfactory material will be a relatively hard or rigid plastic, including thermoplastics, thermosets or thermoplastic elastomers. 
         [0045]    While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.