Abstract:
Provided herein are devices for enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of golf bag supports and golf bag systems. Devices can comprise an elongated body having an axial cavity capable of accepting a leg of a golf bag support and attachment means capable of securably maintaining the axial cavity in a mated position with the leg. Devices can further comprise aesthetic and function elements and contours.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The sport of golf is a major professional and recreational activity. Millions of people play the sport on a regular basis in the United States alone. Individual players often desire to distinguish themselves from other golfers by their attire as well as by their quality of play. Many golfers enjoy displaying brands and various insignia on specialized golf clothing and equipment, including hats, shirts, golf bags, and club covers. However, other avenues of display are desired by golfers and advertisers. More versatile display forms are also desired. 
         [0002]    Further, the golfing industry is becoming increasingly ripe with new equipment and accouterment which standard golf bags may be unable to accommodate. In some circumstances, golfers must occasionally or routinely change golf bags for various reasons such as advertising and endorsement requirements. The constant transfer of equipment and accouterment between bags can waste precious time that could otherwise be spent on the golfing greens, and can cause items to be misplaced and force a golfer to brave the greens without essentials. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In general, this disclosure describes techniques for enhancing one or more legs of a golf bag support device. In particular, this disclosure describes techniques for enhancing golf bag support devices by increasing aesthetic and functional values thereof. It should be noted that although the techniques of this disclosure are described with respect to examples for golf bag support devices, the techniques described herein are generally applicable to all manner of luggage and support devices therefore. 
         [0004]    A device for a golf bag support can include an elongated body comprising an outer surface and an axial cavity capable of accepting a leg of a golf bag support; and an attachment means capable of securably maintaining the axial cavity in a mated position with the leg, wherein axial cavity defines an inner surface and the device increases the outer surface area of the leg. The device can include one or more of aesthetic and functional elements. 
         [0005]    A golf bag can comprise a container to receive golf clubs therein and a stand connected to the container. The stand can include at least two legs moveable between a stand position and a retracted position. The golf bag can further comprise at least one device attached to either leg, each of the at least one device including an elongated body comprising an outer surface axial cavity capable of accepting one of the legs and an attachment means capable of securably maintaining the axial cavity in a mated position with the leg. The device can include one or more of aesthetic and functional elements. 
         [0006]    The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting example embodiments of the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a golf bag and a support device known in the art. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a golf bag support device known in art. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a device for a golf bag support, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 3A-E  illustrate cross-sectional top views of devices for golf bag supports, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 4A-D  illustrate cross-sectional side views of devices for golf bag supports, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 5A-B  illustrate perspective views of devices for golf bag supports, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5C  illustrates a side view of a device for golf bag supports, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 6A-D  illustrate side views of devices for golf bag supports, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    The present invention is described with reference to the attached figures, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not drawn to scale and they are provided merely to illustrate the invention. Several aspects of the invention are described below with reference to example applications for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide an understanding of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. The present invention is not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0017]      FIGS. 1A-B  show two embodiments of golf bag supports known in the art.  FIG. 1A  shows a golf bag system including a golf bag  101  coupled with a golf bag support  100 . Golf bags  101  can comprise, among other things, side pockets  120 . Golf bag support  100  comprises at least one, and typically at least two legs  110 . Legs  110  allow a golf bag to be released from the grasp of a golfer and maintained in an upright position. An upright position can include a 90 degree position relative to the ground, a 60 degree to 90 degree position relative to the ground, or any angled position relative to the ground such that the contents of the bag are maintained therein, or particular parts of the bag  101  or support  100  are prevented from contacting the ground (e.g., a side pocket  120  or a knuckle  115 ). Embodiments provided herein can be practiced with all manner of bag support systems, including basic support systems comprising only support legs, bag support systems further comprising backpack or carry straps, bag support systems comprising wheeled pull-carts, and the like. A golf bag is typically carried on a golfer&#39;s shoulder or back, and the golfer sets the bag down to retrieve items stored therein. 
         [0018]    Golf bag support  100  further comprises support bars  112  which restrict the motion of the one or more legs  110  and connect thereto at one or more knuckles  115  (e.g., connections, joints, etc.). One or more legs  110  can be capable of moving from a deployed position (shown) to a compact position (not shown), such movement often being facilitated by a knuckle  115  which is jointed or movable along a leg  110 . One or more legs  110  can each comprise a base  111  to provide surface gripping or to allow a leg  110  end to contiguously orient against a surface in a substantially vertical position without penetrating or damaging the surface. In some embodiments a base  111  has a smaller diameter than the leg  110 , a substantially similar diameter as the leg  110 , or a larger diameter than the leg  110 . In some embodiments the base  111  is part of the leg  110  and may simply embody the end of the leg  110 .  FIG. 1B  shows a golf bag support  100 ′ which is capable of accepting a golf bag  101 . Legs  110 ′ provide structure to the support  100 ′. 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  shows a golf bag  101 , golf bag support  100 , and a leg enhancer  200  on each leg  110 . A leg enhancer  200  can include an outer surface  201 , one or more aesthetic facings  210  such as a decal or painted on logo, and one or more functional elements  220  such as a dry erase board, magnet, or score card holder. Outer surface  201  and/or aesthetic facing  210  can comprise a separate layer of material, or can simply comprise the outer portion of the entire leg enhancer  200 . Aesthetic facings  210  can cover a portion of a leg enhancer  200  outer surface  201  or the entire outer surface  201 . Aesthetic facings  210  can include all manner of personalized and organization-affiliated material. Aesthetic facings  210  can display aspects particular to a golfer (e.g., name, player number, hometown, zodiac symbol, favorite Bible verse, etc), aspects particular to an organization (e.g., organization names or logos, product names or logos, organization slogans, organization or product mascots, etc), or aspects particular to an event (e.g., event name, event location, event purpose, among other things). Aesthetic facings  210  can be directly integrated into or represented by the outer surface  201  material, such as outer surface  201  coloring, texture or material choice. Aesthetic facings  201  and functional elements  220  can be attached or integrated directly into the leg enhancer  200 , for example. 
         [0020]    Outer surface  201  can comprise an outer material coating different from the main leg enhancer  200  material of construction, or an outer sheath. For example, outer surface can comprise a shrink-wrapped layer capable of serving functional (e.g., water proofing) or aesthetic purposes. Outer surface  201  can be air-inflated. Outer surface can comprise a zipper or sealable access means. The outer surface  201  can be a single layer or single construction material of the leg enhancer  200 . 
         [0021]    A leg enhancer  200  generally attaches to a golf bag support leg  110 . Leg enhancer  200  can attach to a leg  110  spaced above a leg base  111 , proximate or contiguous with a leg base  111 , or extended down past the leg base  111 . A leg enhancer  200  can have an axial length appropriate for its use. For example, a leg enhancer axial length can be sized to fit the length of a senior sized golf bag support leg, or sized to fit the length of a junior sized golf bag support leg. A leg enhancer axial length can be determined to fit any given leg length. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  shows a leg enhancer  200  which allows for customization of a support  100  of a golf bag system by utilizing legs  110  which are relied upon for basic support. In some endorsement or participation arrangements, golf bags are provided and a user is restricted from altering the bag (e.g., adding endorsements or personalization, or covering endorsements or functional elements of the bag). Embodiments provided herein enable a user to adhere to imposed endorsement or participation arrangement conditions, while allowing for enhanced personalization, modification, or functionality of the user&#39;s overall equipment set. Leg enhancers  200  also allow for a golfer to swap golf bags between a common support (e.g., support  100  or support  100 ′) while maintaining essential or preferred aesthetic or functional elements on the common support. 
         [0023]    Similar advantages are realized by golf experience providers (e.g., corporate sponsors, tournament sponsors, golf course owners, golf clubs, etc.). A golf experience provider can supply golf bag supports to golfers, and maintain on the provided supports aesthetic facings  210 , such as an organization or sponsor logo, and/or functional elements  220  such as GPS trackers. By utilizing embodiments of the leg enhancers  200  provided herein, a golf experience provider is thus immediately able to advance several objectives including promoting personal or sponsorship brands, and preventing theft of organizational equipment by rogue golf participants. 
         [0024]      FIGS. 3A-E  show cross-sectional top views of several embodiments of leg enhancers  200 .  FIG. 3A  shows a cross-sectional top view of a leg enhancer embodiment  300  having an outer surface  201 , an axial cavity  205  defining an inner surface  204 . Leg enhancer  300  has a cross sectional diameter  202  and axial cavity has a cross sectional diameter  206 . In some embodiments, cross sectional diameter  202  and axial cavity cross sectional diameter  206  can be variable when leg enhancer is comprised of materials which are not entirely rigid. Diameter  206  can be greater than the diameter of a leg  110  or the same or substantially similar than the diameter of a leg  110 . In some embodiments, when the leg enhancer is constructed from materials which are not entirely rigid (e.g., extruded polyethylene), the diameter  206  can be smaller than the diameter of a leg such that the leg enhancer  300  can be installed to a leg  110  fully or partially by compression fit. Compression fitting can be considered an attachment means. Similarly, the inner surface  204  can comprise a material having a high frictional, adhesive, or suction properties which aid in maintaining the inner surface  204  in contact with a leg  110 . The axial length of a leg enhancer can be modified to accommodate various leg  110  lengths, and aesthetic or functional purposes. Diameter  202  can be similarly modified. 
         [0025]    Leg enhancers in many embodiments can be installed on a leg  110  simply by sliding the leg  110  into the axial cavity  205 . When such installation is not possible due to leg  110  and leg enhancer  200  dimensions, design, and/or materials of construction or attachment means (e.g., two-sided tape applied to the inner surface  204 , or leg  110 ), embodiments can include an axial slit  209  which extends partially or fully between the inner surface  204  and the outer surface  201 . Axial slit  209  enables ready installation of a leg enhancer and can accommodate to various leg  110  designs. For example, a leg enhancer  300  can include an axial slit  209  when a leg  100  includes a base  111  and the base  111  diameter exceeds the actual or maximum variable axial cavity diameter  206 . Axial slit  209  can allow a portion of a leg  110  to remain exposed when a leg enhancer  300  is installed thereon. Axial slit  209  may further allow for a leg enhancer  300  to be installed on a leg  100  without interfering with support bar  112  or knuckle  115 . 
         [0026]    Leg enhancers can comprise one or more axial slits, wherein any of the axial slits are capable of receiving a sign, card, or planar structure. For example, an axial slit can receive a score card such that the plane of the card extends radially outward from the leg enhancer. The axial slit can also receive a planar structure such that the plane of the structure is parallel with a cross section of the leg enhancer. Planar structures can include score cards, advertising material, decorative elements, and the like. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3B  shows a leg enhancer  300  wherein the axial cavity center  207  is positioned a distance  208  from the leg enhancer center  203 . Distance  208  can be modified to accomplish aesthetic goals, in addition to accomplishing functional goals. For example, a distance  208  can be chosen such that a portion of the outer surface  201  of the leg enhancer  300  has a minimized distanced from the axial cavity center  207 , or leg  110  when positioned therein. This prevents movement of a leg  110  from a deployed position to a compact position from being obstructed by leg enhancer  300  outer surface  201  contacting a portion of a golf bag  101  or support  100 . The orientation of leg enhancer center  203  and axial cavity center  207  can be chosen such that the difference between the leg enhancer diameter and distance  208  is equal to or less than the distance between a golf bag  101  and a leg  110  when in a compact orientation. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG.  3 B′, a distance  208  can be chosen wherein the axial cavity inner surface  204  is exposed and continuous with outer surface  201 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 3C  shows a leg enhancer cross sectional design  301  having  3  faces. A leg enhancer can similarly embody any number of faces. For example,  FIG. 3D  shows an embodiment wherein a leg enhancer has a cross sectional design  302  having two faces. Axial cavity  205  can be positioned, for example, closest to face  320  in order to prevent interfering with the movement of a leg  110  from a deployed position to a compact position. In other embodiments, the axial cavity of a leg enhancer can have a variety of cross sectional shapes such as triangular, square, as shown in  FIG. 3E , ovular, or the like. An inner cavity cross sectional shape can be chosen to match the cross sectional shape of a leg. In other embodiments, an inner cavity cross sectional shape can be different from the cross sectional shape of a leg, to allow for compression fitting, for example. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 4A-D  show embodiments of leg enhancers with various side profiles.  FIG. 4A  shows a leg enhancer  400  having a rectangular side profile wherein the leg enhancer cross sectional diameter does not vary axially.  FIGS. 4B-C  show leg enhancers wherein the cross sectional diameter varies axially.  FIG. 4B  shows a leg enhancer  401  having a triangular or trapezoidal side profile.  FIG. 4C  shows a leg enhancer  402  having a round or bulbous side profile.  FIG. 4D  shows a leg enhancer  403  having a mimicking outer contour. A mimicking contour can reference commercial products, sports equipment, personalities, geographic features, and the like. Leg enhancers can have side profiles with replicated units. In particular, leg enhancer  403  has replicated units  410  which mimic soda or beer cans. Such replicated units  410  can be paired with functional or aesthetic elements  411 , such as a brand logo. Mimicking outer profiles such as side profile  403  can be useful, for example, for beverage companies in advertising products at a public and/or televised golf event. Leg enhancers, such as  403 , provide an advertising entity added flexibility in promoting products, particularly when a golf event participants are restricted from modifying their golf bags or outfits. Aesthetic or functional elements, such as  411 , can be removable or allow for additional elements to be installed thereover, and therefore allow for a leg enhancer  403  to be reused, for example, to promote a variety of different products or brands. 
         [0030]      FIG. 5A  shows a leg enhancer  200  and various attachment means. Straps  530  can be used to attach a leg enhancer  200  to a leg  110 , a knuckle  115 , or another golf bag  101  or support  100  element. Straps  530  can further be used to hold accessories, such as golf gloves or rain ponchos. Attachment means can be integrated or applied to the leg enhancer, one or more legs or any combination of the above. Leg enhancer attachment means  510  can comprise Velcro, adhesive tape, hooks, clasps, or the like. Attachment means  510  can permanently or removably couple a leg enhancer  200  to a golf bag support leg  110 . In some embodiments, a leg enhancer  200  can comprise attachment means  520  such as snaps, or holes capable of accepting cord, for permanently or removably coupling the leg enhancer  200  to a golf bag support leg  110 . Cord can comprise functional or aesthetic elements, or both, such as hockey laces, and can be woven through holes  520  similar to a shoe or woman&#39;s corset in order to secure the leg enhancer  200  to a leg  110 . Adhesive tape can be used to attach a leg enhancer to a leg  110 . In some embodiments, adhesive tape contacts one or more of a leg  110  and a leg enhancer inner surface  204 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 5B  shows a leg enhancer  200  having an axial slit  209  and a second axial slit  509  which can separate leg enhancer  500  into two halves. Hinges  540  connect the halves and allow for installation on a golf bag support leg  110 . In particular, such hinged embodiments are beneficial when the leg enhancer is constructed from a hard, inflexible material such as wood, plastic (e.g., polyethylene), metal, or the like. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5C  shows a leg enhancer  200  having a variety of functional elements. Any functional elements as disclosed herein can comprise a leg enhancer singularly or in combination with the same or other functional elements or aesthetic elements. A leg enhancer  200  can comprise one or more indicator lights  550 , a radio  552 , one or more display screens  555 , one or more accessory clips  570 , one or more outer accessory pockets  590 , a washing apparatus including one or more of a brush  566 , a water dispensing gun, and a cavity  560  capable of containing water. A cavity  560  can also hold accessories such as golf tees and balls. Electronic elements such as the indicator lights  550 , radio  552 , and display screen  555  can be couple with a power source on the leg enhancer  200 , or connect to a power source located, for example, in a golf bag pocket  120  via a wire  580 . Display screen  555  can comprise a GPS, a yardage tool, or wirelessly connect to the internet. Display screen  555  can comprise a touch screen and can be used for golf match scoring. In tournament play, display screen  555  can display information such as weather and player rankings. Indicator lights  550  can be used to indicate personal information such as team affiliation, match information such as number of strokes, or be purely decorative. For example, a leg enhancer can comprise indicator lights in sets of 9 to keep score for one or more rounds of golf. Indicator lights  550  can be located in various formats over all surfaces of the leg enhancer  200 . For example, indicator lights  550  can be positioned in the shape of a logo. 
         [0033]    Washing elements such as the water dispensing gun  565  and cavity  560  can be in fluid communication via a tube. A tube can comprise a flexible or inflexible pipe, tube, or the like. Tube  581  can connect the washing elements such as the water dispending gun  565  to an external water source located, for example, in a golf bag pocket  120 . Water dispensing element can be used in combination with brush  566  to clean golf clubs, golf balls, golf cleats, and other equipment. 
         [0034]    Leg enhancer  200  can comprise one or more accessory clips  570  for holding beverages, golf balls, golf clubs, alignment sticks, pencils or dry erase markers, and the like. A golf bag is often carried on a golfer&#39;s back, and accessory clips  570  provide the golfer ready access to accessories without having to set the golf back down. For example, a golfer can access a water bottle held by an accessory clip  570  while walking. Clip  570  can be configured to hold a cell phone for viewing, charging or general storage. Such a configuration can be considered a cell phone dock. 
         [0035]    Outer accessory pocket  590  can be used to hold all manner of accessories. Accessory pocket  590  can have a transparent outer surface such that items held within can be visible. For example, an accessory pocket can be used to display a golfer&#39;s personal information, a sponsored message, or the like. Such an accessory allows a golfer&#39;s equipment to be readily customized and personalized based on organization affiliations, sponsorship agreements, and event rules. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 6A-D  show various leg enhancer  600  outer contours.  FIG. 6A  shows a dimpled contour  605  which mimics the contour of a golf ball. Similarly, contour  605  can mimic other contours as desired. For example, contour  605  could mimic a baseball stitch pattern or snakeskin.  FIG. 6B  shows a wrapped contour  610  which can mimic wrapped contours such as a golf club grip, a taped hockey stick, or the like. Such a contour can be particularly useful for advertisers trying to showcase a new, for example, golf club grip design. Utilizing a leg enhancer  600  for advertising products such as golf grips can be beneficial because a leg enhancer can be significantly larger than a standard golf grip and is therefore more readily viewable by spectators and television views. The contours can further comprise additional aesthetic features, such as a company name or logo, such as a company name screen printed on a golf grip contour.  FIG. 6C  shows another embodiment of a leg enhancer outer contour  615  comprising fur, or a fur-like material. 
         [0037]      FIG. 6D  shows a leg enhancer  600  outer contour  620  which is both aesthetic and functional. Contour  620  can comprise pockets capable of accepting accessories such as golf balls while allowing the accessories to be at least partially visible. The pockets can further give the leg enhancer  600  a distinctive look. This particular embodiment can comprise a deformable material of construction, such as expanded polyethylene to allow for pockets to accept an accessory, and similarly allow the release thereof. 
         [0038]    Embodiments of leg enhancers provided herein can comprise any material of construction as would be deemed practicable by one of skill in the art after review of this disclosure. For example, a leg enhancer can comprise polyethylene, plastic, polyurethane, or foam and be manufactured by injection molding. Leg enhancers can comprise metal, wood, and the like. Leg enhancers can also comprise, for example, polyethylene and be manufactured by extrusion. All embodiments can further comprise outer coatings or sheaths, which can comprise screen printed inks, plastics, cloth, shrink-wrap plastics, polyethylene, polyurethane, and the like.