Patent Publication Number: US-2022232955-A1

Title: Golf bag incorporating adjustable shoulder strap assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/817,822, filed on Mar. 13, 2020, which is a continuation-in part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/556,290, filed on Aug. 30, 2019, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to golf bags having a single or dual shoulder strap assembly that is configured to be adjustable for positioning in a predetermined location on a wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back when the golf bag is mounted on the wearer. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Both professional and recreational golfers use their golf bags for many different purposes today. The bags are normally designed to carry clubs and balls, and accessories such as head covers, towels, hats, umbrellas, and golf tees. Many golf courses require that golfers walk the entire course and carry their own bags. Thus, the golfer is constantly placing the bag over his/her shoulders, removing the bag from their shoulders, and placing the bag down or standing-up the bag using a support leg mechanism on the bag. The golfer is also constantly removing and placing different clubs in the bag depending upon the shot being made. Thus, the golf bag and attached shoulder strap assembly needs to be durable, relatively lightweight, and comfortable when mounted on the wearer. 
     In this regard, a golf bag can be uncomfortable to carry when an attached shoulder strap isn&#39;t shaped and positioned ideally on the wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back. In conventional golf bag and shoulder strap assemblies, each end of a flexible strap pad is tethered to a strap, with each strap also being attached to the golf bag. These straps can be loosened or tightened between the strap pad and golf bag to adjust the position of the golf bag with respect to the wearer. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to maintain a comfortable strap pad position on the wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back when loosening or tightening a strap tethered/connected between the strap pad and golf bag. 
     Golf bag manufacturers therefore continuously seek to develop improved golf bag and shoulder strap assembly configurations which can solve this problem without meanwhile negatively impacting distribution of the bag&#39;s weight across the golfer&#39;s back on the course. Such improved golf bags and shoulder strap assemblies, if meanwhile durable and producible cost effectively within existing golf bag manufacturing processes, would be particularly useful and desirable. The current golf bag and adjustable shoulder strap assembly of the invention addresses and solves these needs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features that are characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with further objects and attendant advantages, are best understood by reference to the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like elements of the inventive golf bag: 
         FIG. 1A  is a rear perspective view of a person carrying a golf bag incorporating a dual shoulder strap assembly according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a rear perspective view of a person carrying a golf bag incorporating a dual shoulder strap assembly according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 1C  is a rear perspective view of a person carrying a golf bag incorporating a dual shoulder strap assembly according to yet another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 1D  is a front perspective view of a person carrying a golf bag incorporating a dual shoulder strap assembly according to any of the embodiments depicted in  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1B  or  FIG. 1C ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a close-up view of the dual shoulder strap assembly depicted in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a close-up view of the dual shoulder strap assembly depicted in  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 2C  is a close-up view of the dual shoulder strap assembly depicted in  FIG. 1C ; 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up view of first and second support members having different lengths and being configured to be enclosed by a sheath according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a close-up view of each of a support member and a gripping member that contains surface texturing in a predetermined pattern; and 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-section of a shoulder strap construction according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is a rear perspective view of a golf bag and adjustable shoulder strap assembly of the invention mounted on a wearer before the pre-curved shoulder strap pad is positioned/adjusted in a predetermined location on a wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back; 
         FIG. 6B  is a rear perspective view of a golf bag and shoulder strap assembly of the invention mounted on a wearer after the pre-curved shoulder strap pad is positioned/adjusted in a predetermined location on a wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back; 
         FIG. 6C  is a front perspective view of a golf bag and shoulder strap assembly of the invention wherein an adjustable pre-curved shoulder strap pad according to one embodiment is mounted and positioned/adjusted in a predetermined location on a wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back; 
         FIG. 6D  is a front perspective view of a golf bag and shoulder strap assembly of the invention wherein an adjustable pre-curved shoulder strap pad according to a different embodiment than shown in  FIG. 6C  is mounted and positioned/adjusted in a predetermined location on a wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back; 
         FIG. 7  is a close-up view of shoulder strap assembly according to one embodiment; 
         FIGS. 8-10  are elevated, side and top views, respectively, of a pre-curved shoulder strap pad according to one embodiment; 
         FIGS. 11-13  are elevated, side and top views, respectively, of a pre-curved shoulder strap pad according to a different embodiment than shown in  FIGS. 8-10 ; 
         FIG. 14  depicts a pre-curved support member according to one embodiment that can be enclosed within a pre-curved shoulder strap pad of the invention; and 
         FIGS. 15-17  depict a buckle according to one embodiment that can be used to secure the strap in a desired position once the strap is adjusted into a predetermined location on a wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back while the golf bag is mounted on a wearer. 
     
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, in one embodiment, a golf bag has a shoulder strap, comprising: an elongated tubular body for holding golf clubs; and a shoulder strap assembly comprising a pre-curved strap pad, the pre-curved strap pad having a first end, a second end, and is configured to slidably receive a strap; wherein the strap has a first strap end and a second strap end, each which is attached to the elongated tubular body; such that the pre-curved strap pad is positioned in a predetermined location on a wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back when the golf bag is mounted on the wearer. 
     The strap may be slidably received within an interior channel that extends within the pre-curved strap pad between the first end and the second end. 
     The strap may be slidably received within slots and/or tabs that are positioned along a top exterior portion of the pre-curved strap pad that does not contact the wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back when the golf bag is mounted on the wearer. 
     The strap may thread each of the pre-curved strap pad and a buckle assembly. 
     The pre-curved strap pad may comprise a sheath and a pre-curved support member that is at least partially comprised of a silicone composition and is enclosed within the sheath. 
     The sheath may have an underside that contains surface texturing therein in a predetermined pattern that is configured to grip any surface that contacts the underside. 
     An underside of the pre-curved strap pad may have a contour that at least partially matches and follows a contour of the wearer&#39;s body when the pre-curved strap pad is positioned in the predetermined location on the wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back. 
     The first end of the pre-curved strap pad may be tethered to the buckle assembly and the buckle assembly is operable with respect to each of the first end of the pre-curved strap pad and a portion of the strap that threads the buckle assembly to selectively adjust and set the position of the pre-curved strap pad into the predetermined location on the wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back when the buckle assembly is in a closed position. 
     The buckle assembly may be in a closed position when i) a first clamping member of the buckle assembly is rotated toward and forced and secured against a first portion of the strap threading the buckle assembly from a first direction thereby forcing and securing the first portion of the strap threading the buckle assembly against the first end of the pre-curved strap pad within the buckle assembly; and ii) a second clamping member of the buckle assembly is rotated toward and forced and secured against a second portion of the strap threading the buckle assembly from a second direction, thereby forcing and securing the first portion of the strap threading the buckle assembly against a second portion of the first end of the pre-curved strap pad within the buckle assembly. 
     The shoulder strap assembly may comprise two pre-curved strap pads, two straps, and two buckle assemblies. Each strap may thread a hub. The hub may be disposed between the second end of each pre-curved strap pad and the second strap end of each strap and slidably receives each strap in a criss-cross configuration. The hub may be positioned on the wearer&#39;s back when the golf bag is mounted on the wearer. 
     The strap may be removably attached at least one end to the elongated tubular body. 
     The strap may be slidably adjusted within the pre-curved strap pad while mounted on the wearer without changing the predetermined location. 
     In a different embodiment, a golf bag of the invention comprises an elongated tubular body for holding golf clubs; and a shoulder strap assembly comprising: (i) a first strap having a first end and a second end; (ii) a second strap having a first end and a second end; and (ii) a bridge member having a first end and a second end. The first bridge member is disposed undetachably between the second end of the first strap and the second end of the second strap. Meanwhile, the elongated tubular body is configured to be detachably adjoined to each of the first end of the first strap, the first end of the second strap, the second end of the first strap and the second end of the second strap. 
     In one embodiment, the first strap comprises a first sheath, a first support member, and a first gripping layer; and the second strap comprises a second sheath, a second support member, and a second gripping member; wherein each sheath has a length L s ; each support member has a length L su ; and each gripping member has a length L g ; wherein L g &lt;L su &lt;L s  such that each of the first strap and the second strap has a predetermined radius R p . 
     In one embodiment, the bridge member, the first strap and the second strap are vertically coupled to form the shoulder strap assembly. In another embodiment, the bridge member, the first strap and the second strap are coupled horizontally to form the shoulder strap assembly. 
     In one embodiment, the bridge member comprises a flexible material. 
     In one embodiment, the first strap and the second strap are each flexibly adjoined to the elongated tubular body; and the first strap is flexibly adjoined to the second strap. 
     In one particular embodiment, the shoulder strap assembly is configured such that the second strap has a shape that is a reflection of the first strap&#39;s shape. In another embodiment, the first strap has a shape that differs from a shape of the second strap. 
     In one embodiment, at least one of the first strap sheath and the second strap sheath has an underside that contains surface texturing therein in a predetermined pattern that is configured to grip any surface that contacts the underside. In a specific such embodiment, the surface texturing is rubber-based. 
     In one embodiment, a golf bag of the invention comprises an elongated tubular body for holding golf clubs and a shoulder strap assembly comprising first and second straps; wherein a first section of each strap is configured to be adjacent a front of a wearer; a second section of each strap is configured to be adjacent a shoulder of the wearer; and a third section is configured to be adjacent to the wearer&#39;s back; and wherein the third section has a curve such that an upper portion of the third section extends vertically with respect to the wearer and a lower portion of the third section is horizontal with respect to the wearer. 
     A golf bag of the invention may comprise an elongated tubular body for holding golf clubs and a shoulder strap assembly, wherein the shoulder strap assembly comprises first and second straps; each strap having (i) a concave radius r cc  extending from a first end of the strap to approximate a second end of the strap; and (ii) a convex radius r cv  at the second end of the strap; wherein r cc &gt;r cv . 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Advantageously, a golf bag of the invention includes a dual shoulder strap assembly which enables and facilitates mounting of both straps about the golfer&#39;s shoulders as well as improves continued distribution of the bag&#39;s weight across the golfer&#39;s back on the course and is meanwhile durable, possesses high mechanical strength, and is producible cost effectively within existing golf bag manufacturing processes. Collectively,  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1B , and  FIG. 1C  depict rear perspective views of a person carrying a golf bag incorporating a dual shoulder strap assembly according to three different constructions, and  FIG. 1D  depicts a frontal perspective view thereof. Golfer  1  carries golf bag  2  which comprises elongated tubular body  4  for holding golf clubs; as well as a dual shoulder strap assembly  6  that includes (i) a first strap  8 , having a first end  10  and a second end  12 ; (ii) a second strap  14 , having a first end  10  and a second end  12 ; and (iii) a bridge member  16  having a first end  18  and a second end  20 . 
     Elongated tubular body  4  of golf bag  2  has a closed end  3  and an opposing open end  5 , into which golf clubs  7  can be inserted into open end  5  of tubular body  4  (which has a cavity that is bordered by side walls (not shown)) of golf bag  2  such that, usually, golf club heads  9  with head covers  11  project from open end  5 . The sidewall forming the cavity (not shown) within elongated tubular body  4  may include pockets and rings, and other compartments for golf balls, and accessories such as towels, hats, gloves, golf tees, beverages, and the like. 
     Elongated tubular body  4  can be made of any suitable textile material including leather, and woven/non-woven fabrics. Also, golf bag  2  may include a carrying handle and support leg assembly. The same or different fabric materials can be used to construct elongated tubular body  4 , such as lightweight, high-strength fabrics and/or plastics. For example, woven fabrics made of nylon, polypropylene, or polyester, can be used. Elastic webbing made of spandex or rubber fabric material also can be used. The webbing normally is relatively thin and has minimal or no padding. Plastic, metal, composite, or other suitable material may be used as well. 
     In turn,  FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2B , and  FIG. 2C  are enlarged/close-up views of the dual shoulder strap assemblies  6  depicted collectively in  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1B , and  FIGS. 1C, and 1D  respectively. 
     In each of these figures, bridge member  16  is disposed between and connecting the second ends  12  of first strap  8  and second strap  14  undetachably/unremovably/fixedly. Bridge member  16  is preferably formed from fabrics and/or compositions that are entirely or at least partially flexible, expandable, stretchable or otherwise pliable such as spandex or a rubber-containing fabric material. However, it is also envisioned that non-flexible fabrics and/or compositions may also be suitable materials for bridge member  16  such as an undetachable, non-removably attached plastic. 
     Meanwhile, elongated tubular body  4  of  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1B ,  FIG. 1C  and  FIG. 1D  is configured to be detachably adjoined/connected to first ends  10  and second ends  12  of each of first strap  8  and second strap  14  at connection mechanisms  13  and  15 , respectively. 
     It is envisioned that first ends  10  and second ends  12  may be adjoined to elongated tubular body  4  either directly, or alternatively, indirectly by, for example, connecting straps  17  which are preferably undetachably/unremovably/fixedly attached to/ajoined with/to first ends  10  and second ends  12  yet detachably/removably attached/tethered to/ajoined with elongated tubular body  4  via attaching mechanisms  19  such as but not limited to sliders or other buckles, clips, clasps, hubs, pivots, eyehooks, loops, ties/knots, tri-glide clip, slide piece, or adjusting member that allows the shoulder strap to be adjusted lengthwise. Connecting straps  17  preferably have adjustable lengths. 
     In some embodiments, in lieu of attaching mechanisms  19 , a bridge member such as bridge member  16  may be used to adjoin first ends  10  and second ends  12  to elongated tubular body  4  undetachably at both ends of each of straps  17 . Any suitably shaped/constructed flexible or non-flexible or at least partially flexible bridge member may be used to adjoin first ends  10  and second ends  12  to elongated tubular body  4 . 
     In one embodiment, as is represented in the cross-section of first strap  8  of  FIG. 5 , first strap  8  (as well as second strap  14 , not shown) may be constructed so that sheath  22  is adjacent to support member  24 , which in turn is adjacent to gripping member  25  (having an underside with surface texturing  26  thereon in a predetermined pattern  27  such as also depicted in  FIG. 4 ); wherein sheath  22  has a length L s ; support member  24  has a length L su ; and gripping member  25  has a length L g ; wherein L g &lt;L su &lt;L s  such that each strap (first strap  8 /second strap  14 ) has a predetermined radius R p . This construction can facilitate and improve how a strap  8  conforms to the wearer&#39;s shoulder. In a specific embodiment, surface texturing  26  in a predetermined pattern  27  may be formed of a rubber-based material. 
     In another embodiment, each strap comprises a sheath that encloses a support member which has a contour that is configured to be enclosed by the sheath. In this embodiment, the support member(s) are preferably flexible, curved, lightweight and relatively flat when not flexed or otherwise bent. 
     In one embodiment, bridge member  16 , first strap  8  and the second strap  14  are coupled horizontally within shoulder strap assembly  6  such as in  FIG. 1A . In another embodiment, bridge member  16 , first strap  8  and second strap  14  are coupled vertically within shoulder strap assembly  6  such as in  FIG. 1B  and  FIG. 1C . Other constructions are likewise envisioned, for example, wherein bridge member  16 , first strap  8  and second strap  14  are coupled diagonally within shoulder strap assembly  6 . 
     As used herein, the phrase “coupled vertically” means that the intersection of first end  18  (of bridge member  16 ) and second end  12  (of first strap  8 ) is vertically aligned with the intersection of second end  20  (of bridge member  16 ) and second end  12  (of second strap  14 ). Meanwhile, as used herein, the phrase “coupled horizontally” means that the intersection of first end  18  (of bridge member  16 ) and second end  12  (of first strap  8 ) is horizontally aligned with the intersection of second end  20  (of bridge member  16 ) and second end  12  (of second strap  14 ). 
     In one embodiment, first strap  8  and second strap  14  are each flexibly adjoined to elongated tubular body  4 ; and first strap  8  is flexibly adjoined to second strap  14 . 
     In one particular embodiment, shoulder strap assembly  6  is configured such that second strap  14  has a shape that is a reflection of the shape of first strap  8 . In another particular embodiment, shoulder strap assembly  6  is configured such that second strap  14  has a shape that is a partial reflection of the shape of first strap  8 . 
     In yet another embodiment, shoulder strap assembly  6  is configured such that second strap  14  has a shape that is a translation of the shape of first strap  8 . In still another embodiment, shoulder strap assembly  6  is configured such that second strap  14  has a shape that is a partial translation of the shape of first strap  8 . 
     In alternative embodiments, first strap  8  has a shape that differs partially or in its entirety from the shape of second strap  14 . 
     In particular embodiments, first strap  8  is shorter than second strap  14 , which can facilitate a golfer&#39;s mounting and/or dismounting of the golf bag assembly by permitting one or more ends of first strap  8  to be released/disconnected from elongated body  4  before releasing one or more ends of second strap  14  so that the golf bag assembly can be slidably removed perhaps without even disconnecting second strap  14  from elongated body  4 . 
     In one particular embodiment of a golf bag of the invention, shoulder strap assembly  6  comprises first strap  8  and second strap  14 ; wherein a first section of each strap is configured to be adjacent the wearer&#39;s front or chest area; a second section of each strap is configured to be adjacent or rest upon a shoulder of the wearer; and a third section of each strap is configured to be adjacent wearer&#39;s back; and wherein third section has a curve such that an upper portion of the third section extends vertically with respect to both the strap assembly and the wearer and a lower portion of the third section extends horizontally with respect to both the strap assembly and the wearer. It is envisioned that the lengths of each of the first, second and third sections can be pre-selected and coordinated considering torso measurement ranges for wearers or be customized according to match a particular wearer&#39;s torso measurements. 
     As emphasized on first strap  8  in  FIG. 2A , first strap  8  and second strap  14  may each have (i) a concave radius r cc  extending from first end  10  to approximate a second end  12 ; and (ii) a convex radius r cv  at second end  12 ; wherein r cc &gt;r cv . 
     It is envisioned that any of the constructions/shaped/contours of first strap  8  and second strap  14  discussed herein may be reversed, which may be of particular use for example when considering whether a person is left-handed or right-handed. 
     Any portion of shoulder straps  8  and  14  can have a cushioned portion made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, foams, natural and synthetic leathers, natural and synthetic rubbers, woven and non-wovens, and natural and synthetic fabrics. Foamed materials are particularly preferred for constructing the cushioned portions. These foamed materials have good stability and yet are also sufficiently flexible to make the cushioned portions comfortable when resting on the shoulders. These foamed materials can have a relatively soft durometer, for example, the hardness can be in the range of about 10 to about 80 Shore A. Another hardness scale (Asker®C) can be used to measure the indentation hardness of the foams, soft rubbers, elastomers or other materials, and the Asker C hardness is normally in the range of 25 to 75. In general, foam compositions are made by forming gas bubbles in a polymer mixture using a foaming (blowing) agent. As the bubbles form, the mixture expands and forms a foam composition having either an open or closed cellular structure. Many foams contain both open and closed cells. Various thermoplastic and thermoset materials may be used in forming the foam compositions as discussed further below. In one preferred embodiment, a polyurethane foam composition is used to form the foam material. In another embodiment, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foams are used. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a high-stretch, high-recovery foam material referred to as AriaPrene™, and available from Tiong Long Corp. can be used. This foam material is hypo-allergenic, lightweight, non-toxic, and decomposable. 
     Other thermoplastic elastomers that can be used in accordance with this invention include polyester-polyether block copolymers such as Hytrel® resins, available from DuPont. These block copolymers are available in different grades and contain hard (crystalline) segments of polybutylene terephthalate and soft (amorphous) segments based on long-chain polyether glycols. Polyether-amide block copolymers, which are commonly known as Pebax® resins, and are available from Arkema, Inc. (Columbs, France), also may be used. Other suitable thermoplastic polymers include, but are not limited to, polyurethanes, polyureas, silicones, ethylene acid copolymer ionomers, polyesters, polyolefins, polyamides, polyamide-ethers, polyamide-esters; fluoropolymers, polystyrenes, polyvinyl chlorides, polycarbonates, polyethers, and polyimides including homopolymers, copolymers, and modified polymers and blends thereof. 
     Natural and synthetic rubber materials also may be used. Suitable rubber materials include, but are not limited to, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber (“EPR”), ethylene-propylene-diene (“EPDM”) rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrenic block copolymer rubbers (such as “SI”, “SIS”, “SB”, “SBS”, “SIBS”, “SEBS”, “SEPS” and the like, where “S” is styrene, “I” is isobutylene, “E” is ethylene, “P” is propylene, and “B” is butadiene), polyalkenamers such as, for example, polyoctenamer, butyl rubber, halobutyl rubber, polystyrene elastomers, polyethylene elastomers, polyurethane elastomers, polyurea elastomers, metallocene-catalyzed elastomers and plastomers, copolymers of isobutylene and p-alkylstyrene, halogenated copolymers of isobutylene and p-alkylstyrene, copolymers of butadiene with acrylonitrile, polychloroprene, alkyl acrylate rubber, chlorinated isoprene rubber, acrylonitrile chlorinated isoprene rubber, and blends of two or more thereof. 
     Advantageously, a golf bag and adjustable shoulder strap assembly of the invention desirably allows the wearer to optimize strap pad comfort and positioning on the wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back while also facilitating golf bag positioning against the particular wearer. In a golf bag and adjustable shoulder strap assembly of the invention, a strap is slidably and adjustably received within a pre-curved strap pad and can be locked/secured into a desired position such that the pre-curved strap pad is located in a predetermined location on a wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back when the golf bag is mounted on the wearer. 
     In this regard,  FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 7-17  represent and depict several non-limiting embodiments of a golf bag and adjustable shoulder strap assembly of the invention. Generally,  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  are each rear perspective views of a golf bag and adjustable shoulder strap assembly of the invention, differing in that in  FIG. 6A , the pre-curved strap pad has not been adjusted within the shoulder strap assembly (wearer  60 &#39;s belt  79  is visible); whereas in  FIG. 6B , the pre-curved strap pad has indeed been adjusted within the adjustable shoulder strap assembly (wearer  60 &#39;s belt in not visible). 
     Meanwhile,  FIG. 6C  and  FIG. 6D  are each front perspective views of a golf bag and adjustable shoulder strap assembly of the invention, differing in that  FIG. 6C  depicts one pre-curved strap pad according to the invention, whereas  FIG. 6D  depicts a different pre-curved strap pad according to the invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a close-up view of one possible adjustable shoulder strap assembly of the invention.  FIGS. 8-10  are elevated, side and top views, respectively, of a pre-curved strap pad according to one embodiment; and  FIGS. 11-13  are elevated, side and top views, respectively, of a pre-curved strap pad according to a different embodiment than that depicted in  FIGS. 8-10 . 
       FIG. 14  represents one possible pre-curved support member that can be enclosed within a sheath portion of any pre-curved strap pad of the invention; and  FIGS. 15-17  represent one possible securing means (a buckle) for securing the strap once it is secured to position in the pre-curved strap pad in a predetermined location on a wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back when the golf bag is mounted on a wearer. 
     Now referring specifically to  FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D , and/or  7 - 17  collectively, golf bag  30  has an elongated tubular body  34  for holding golf clubs  36 ; an adjustable shoulder strap assembly  38  comprising a pre-curved strap pad  40  having a first end  42 , a second end  44 , and being configured to slidably receive a strap  46  within an aperture portion  32  of pre-curved strap pad  40 . Strap  46  has a first strap end  48  and a second strap end  50 , each which is attached/connected to elongated tubular body  34  such that pre-curved strap pad  40  is positioned in a predetermined location  52  on a wearer  60 &#39;s front  54 , shoulder  56  and back  58  when golf bag  30  is mounted on wearer  60 . 
     Strap  46  may be slidably received within an interior channel  62  that extends within pre-curved strap pad  40  between first end  42  and second strap end  44 . In this embodiment, strap  46  is not visible when looking at top exterior portion  64  of pre-curved strap pad  40 . 
     In alternative embodiments, as is shown in  FIGS. 6D and 11-13 , strap  46  may be slidably received within slots/tabs  66  that are positioned along top exterior portion  64  of pre-curved strap pad  40  such that at least segments  67  of strap  46  are visible when looking at top exterior portion  64 . 
     In each of these embodiments, top exterior portion  64  of pre-curved strap pad  40  does not contact the wearer  60 &#39;s front  54 , shoulder  56  and back  58  when golf bag  30  is mounted on wearer  60 . 
     Strap  46  threads each of the pre-curved strap pad  40  and buckle assembly  68 . 
     Pre-curved strap pad  40  comprises a sheath  70  and a pre-curved support member  72  which can at least partially be comprised of a silicone composition and is enclosed within sheath  70 . Sheath  70  has an underside  74  that can be configured to grip any surface that contacts the underside. Underside  74  has a pre-curved contour  76  that at least partially matches and follows a contour  78  of wearer  60 &#39;s body  80  when pre-curved strap pad  40  is positioned in predetermined location  52  on wearer  60 &#39;s front  54 , shoulder  56  and back  58 . 
     First end  42  of pre-curved strap pad  40  can be tethered to buckle assembly  68  which is operable with respect to each of first end  42  and a portion of strap  46  that threads buckle assembly  68  to selectively adjust and set pre-curved strap pad  40  into predetermined location/position  52  on the wearer  60 &#39;s front  54 , shoulder  56  and back  58  when buckle assembly  68  is in a closed position  82 . 
     Buckle assembly  68  is in a closed position  82  when i) a first clamping member  84  of buckle assembly  68  is rotated toward and forced and secured against a first portion  86  of strap  46  threading buckle assembly  68  from a first direction  88  thereby forcing and securing the first portion  86  against first end  42  of pre-curved strap pad  40  within buckle assembly  68 ; and ii) a second clamping member  90  of buckle assembly  68  is rotated toward and forced and secured against second portion  92  of strap  46  threading buckle assembly  68  from second direction  94 , thereby forcing and securing first portion  86  against second portion  92 . 
     It is understood that buckle  68  represents one of several different securing mechanisms that can be utilized to set pre-curved strap pad  40  into predetermined location/position  52  on the wearer  60 &#39;s front  54 , shoulder  56  and back  58  when the securing mechanism is in a closed position. 
     The adjustable shoulder strap assembly may comprise two pre-curved strap pads  40 , two straps  46 , and two buckle assemblies  68 . Each strap  46  threads a hub  96  which is disposed between second end  44  of each pre-curved strap pad and second strap end  50  of each strap  46  and slidably receives each strap  46  in a criss-cross configuration. Hub  96  is positioned on wearer  60 &#39;s back  58  when golf bag  30  is mounted on wearer  60 . Embodiments are indeed envisioned, however, wherein the adjustable shoulder strap assembly has a single pre-curved strap pad. 
     At least one end of strap  46  (first strap end  48  and/or second strap end  50 ) may be removably attached to elongated tubular body  34  such as with a clip. 
     Accordingly, pre-curved strap pad positioning and golf bag placement with respect to the wearer can be set and changed simply and easily by slidably adjusting the strap within the pre-curved strap pad. And desirably, golf bag positioning against the wearer can even be adjusted thereby without changing the position of the shoulder strap pad on the wearer&#39;s front, shoulder and back during that adjustment since the strap is slidably adjustable within and through the pre-curved strap pad. 
     When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values may be used. Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values and percentages such as those for amounts of materials and others in the specification may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. All patents, publications, test procedures, and other references cited herein, including priority documents, are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this invention and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted. It is understood that the compositions, golf ball components, and finished golf balls described and illustrated herein represent only some embodiments of the invention. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and additions can be made to compositions and products without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. It is intended that all such embodiments be covered by the appended claims.