Patent Publication Number: US-2006006082-A1

Title: Golf bag with self actuating stand

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      This invention relates generally to baggage for being carried by a person and, more particularly, to golf bags having integrated stands which are deployable to support the bag in an inclined position on a ground surface.  
      While the game of golf is ever increasing in popularity, stowing and transporting golf equipment to, from, and around a golf course can be a drawback to an otherwise enjoyable experience. Traditionally, for most golfers, golf clubs are carried around the course in a bag and laid on the ground when it is the golfer&#39;s turn to play. Picking up the bag and laying it down repeatedly during a game of golf, not to mention carrying a full bag of clubs, can be tiresome and inconvenient. It can also be difficult to access the bag to insert, remove, or switch golf clubs when the bag is on the ground. While carrying straps are typically provided, most golf bags are uncomfortable to carry for an extended period of time.  
      In an attempt to address these and other concerns, various types of golf bag stands have been developed which allow users to incline the bag in a supported position when the bag is not being carried, thereby keeping the bag off the ground and providing better access to the clubs during play. The support legs on such bags may extend or retract as needed. Known stand mechanisms, however, are disadvantaged in several aspects.  
      For example, support legs tend to be bulky and increase the weight of the bag and make it more difficult to carry when desired. Additionally, the support structure and support legs are typically mounted to the exterior of the bag and are subject to bending forces, especially at the connection points to the bag, when the bag is transported from place to place, such as in the trunk of a car. If the legs or mounting structure thereof are bent the benefits of the support structure are compromised. Further, in many bags the stands are actuated by accessible components which are exposed from an exterior of the bag. Thus, not only are actuating components unprotected but potentially hazardous conditions are created for golfers if fingers or clothing, for example, become caught or pinched in the moving components of the bag during actuation. Still further, many known stand assemblies are actuated through straps or other triggering members that create reliability issues as well as render the golf bag vulnerable to unexpected and inadvertent actuation of the legs.  
      Furthermore, of the various types of golf bags that have been developed which allow users to incline the bag in a supported position, the base assembly on such bags may pivot from a standing position to an inclined position. Known base assemblies, however, are disadvantaged in several aspects. For example, only a portion of the footprint of the bag may be in contact with the support surface when the bag is in each respective position. Thus, the bag has a reduced stability as only a portion of the base is actually supporting the bag at any one time which renders the bag susceptible to tipping when in use. Further, the pivoting portions of the base assembly may be vulnerable to damage from impact as the bag is handled and transported from place to place, such as in the trunk of a car.  
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      According to an exemplary embodiment, a golf bag comprises a body comprising opposite upper and lower ends and a compartment therebetween configured to contain golf clubs. A base ring is attached to the body proximate the lower end, and a foot is coupled to the base ring and comprises a ground engaging surface covering the lower end. The base ring is mounted to the foot wherein the base ring is selectively positionable relative to the foot to position the body between an upright position and an inclined position when the ground engaging surface is located stationary on a supporting surface. An activation rod is coupled to the foot at a predetermined location with respect to the ground engaging surface. The activation rod extends from the foot toward the upper end of the body, and the predetermined location is constant in each of the upright and inclined positions. A support mount is coupled to the body at a distance from the base ring, and the support mount comprises a plurality of interlocking hinge elements extending radially outward from an outer surface of the body. At least one support leg is rotatably coupled to the support mount via the plurality of interlocking hinge elements, and the leg is positionable in a stowed position adjacent the body when the body is in the upright position and a deployed position extended from the body when the body is in the inclined position. At least one actuator arm is coupled to the support leg and the activation rod, wherein when the body is positioned in the inclined position, relative movement of the activation rod with respect to the body forces the actuator arm to extend the support leg to the deployed position.  
      According to another exemplary embodiment, a golf bag comprises a body comprising opposite upper and lower ends and a compartment therebetween configured to contain golf clubs. A base ring encircles the body proximate the lower end, and a foot is coupled to the base ring. The base ring is mounted to the foot wherein the base ring is movable relative to the foot to selectively position the body between an upright position and an inclined position when the foot is located stationary on a supporting surface. An activation rod is coupled to the foot, and the activation rod extends interior to the body wherein the activation rod is concealed by the body. A support mount is coupled to an exterior of the body, and the support mount comprises a plurality of interlocking hinge elements. At least one support leg is rotatably coupled to the support mount via the interlocking hinge elements, and the leg is positionable in a stowed position when the body is in the upright position and a support position when the body is in the deployed position. At least one actuator arm is coupled to the activation rod interior to the body and extends exterior to the body for connection to the support leg, wherein when the body is positioned in the deployed position, relative movement of the activation rod with respect to the body forces the actuator arm to extend the support leg to the support position.  
      According to yet another embodiment, a golf bag comprises a body comprising opposite upper and lower ends and a compartment therebetween configured to contain golf clubs, and a base ring surrounding the body proximate the lower end. A rigid unitary foot is coupled to the base ring and encloses the lower end of the body, and the base ring is mounted to the foot wherein the base ring is positionable relative to the foot between an upright position and an inclined position when the foot is located stationary on a supporting surface. An activation rod comprises a first leg, a second leg, and a foot portion extending therebetween, and a support mount is located on an exterior of the body. The support mount comprises first and second hinge members. Each of the first and second hinge members comprise a plurality of interlocking hinge elements, and a first support leg and a second support leg are rotatably coupled to each respective first and second hinge members via the respective interlocking hinge elements. The first and second support legs are positionable in a stowed position adjacent the body when the body is in the upright position and a deployed position extending from the body when the body is in the inclined position. A first actuator arm and a second actuator arm are integrally formed with the first and second legs of the actuator rod, and the first and second actuator arms are coupled to a respective one of the first and second support legs, wherein when the body is positioned in the deployed position, relative movement of the activation rod with respect to the body forces the first and second actuator arms to extend the respective first and second support legs to the deployed position. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of an exemplary golf bag in an upright position with a self actuating stand in a stowed position.  
       FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the golf bag shown in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is a front elevational cutaway view of the bag shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating an exemplary actuation mechanism for the stand.  
       FIG. 4  is a side view of an exemplary base actuation assembly for the golf bag shown in  FIG. 1  in the upright position.  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary foot for the base actuation assembly shown in  FIG. 4 .  
       FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the base actuation assembly shown in  FIG. 4 .  
       FIG. 7  is a bottom assembly view of the base actuation assembly shown in  FIG. 4 .  
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the base actuation assembly shown in  FIG. 4  in a deployed position with the bag inclined over the base.  
       FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of an exemplary support mount assembly for the golf bag shown in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the golf bag shown in  FIG. 1  in an inclined position with the stand deployed.  
       FIG. 11  is a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of a golf bag having a self actuating stand.  
       FIG. 12  is a schematic view of still another exemplary embodiment of a golf bag having a self actuating stand.  
       FIG. 13  is a side perspective view of a golf bag illustrating an exemplary lumbar pad according to the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a golf bag  100  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a standing or substantially upright position with respect to a supporting surface  102 , which may be, for example, the earth. The golf bag  100  includes an elongated body  110  including an upper end  112 , a lower end  114 , and a compartment  116  extending therebetween. The compartment  116  is sized and dimensioned to receive a set of golf clubs  120  therein such that heads  122  of the golf clubs are positioned proximate the upper end  112  of the golf bag  100  and the golf club grips are positioned proximate the lower end  114  of the golf bag  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the compartment  116  is defined by an inner liner  126  extending the length of the golf bag  100 , although it is understood that in alternative embodiments the liner  126  may extend for less than the entire length of the bag  100 . The body  110  is includes an outer covering  128  that extends from the upper end  112  to the lower end  114  of the body  110 .  
      In an exemplary embodiment, the golf bag  100  includes a self actuating stand  124  having a base assembly  130  at the lower end  114  of the body  110 , a support mount assembly  160  at the upper portion  112  of the bag  100 , and an actuating mechanism extending therebetween as described below. As will become evident below, the stand  124  automatically extends to a deployed position when the bag  100  is placed in an inclined position as illustrated in  FIG. 10 .  
      The base assembly  130  includes a foot  132  and a base ring  134  attached thereto. When the golf bag  100  is in the upright position, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base assembly  130  is firmly and solidly in contact with the supporting surface  102 . The foot  132  includes a planar bottom surface  136 , a plurality of footholds  138  extending from a bottom  140  of the planar bottom surface  136  and contacting the supporting surface  102 , and a side wall  142  extending from a top  144  of the planar bottom surface  136  toward the upper end  112  of the golf bag  100 . The base ring  134  includes a side wall  146  that circumscribes an outer perimeter  148  of the foot  132 , as best shown in  FIG. 2 . The base ring  134  is pivotably coupled to the foot  132  such that when the golf bag  100  is rotated from the upright position to the inclined position, the base ring  134  pivots about a joint  150  which couples the foot  132  to the base ring  134 . As the golf bag  100  is moved between the upright and inclined positions, the footholds  138  remain in full contact with the supporting surface  102 , thus providing stability to the bag  100  in both the upright and deployed positions.  
      The support assembly  160  includes a support mount  162 , integral hinge members  164  and  166  extending from the support mount  162 , hinge brackets  170  and  172  coupled to the hinge members  164  and  166 , and support legs  174  and  176  coupled to the respective brackets  170  and  172 . The hinge members  164  and  166  receive the hinge brackets  170  and  172  and allow a rotating movement therebetween. The support legs  174  and  176  are coupled to the respective hinge brackets  170  and  172  and are rotatable with respect to the support mount  162  between a stowed position and a deployed position when the bag  100  is inclined or returned to the upright position, as explained below. The support assembly  160  is mounted to the upper end  112  of the bag  100  and supports the golf bag  100  when the bag  100  is inclined ( FIG. 10 ) and the support legs  174  and  176  are deployed and the legs  174  and  176  contact the supporting surface  102 .  
      In the upright position, illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the support legs  174  and  176  are retained in a retracted or stowed position alongside the outer covering  128  of the bag  100 . Actuator arms  180  and  182  are coupled to the hinge brackets  170  and  172 , respectively, to extend or retract the legs  174  and  176  between the stowed and deployed positions.  
       FIG. 3  illustrates a cutaway view of the golf bag  100  including an exemplary actuating mechanism  200  for the stand  124 . The actuating mechanism  200  includes an activation rod  202 , a brace  204 , and a retention member  206 . The activation rod  202  is a semi-rigid member that includes a lower portion  210  and an upper portion  212  having a generally Y-shaped form when viewed from the front, wherein the lower portion  210  includes a first leg  214  and a second leg  216 , and the upper portion includes the first actuator arm  180  and the second actuator arm  182  extending as continuations from the respective legs  214 ,  216 . In an exemplary embodiment, the activation rod  202  is fabricated from a substantially cylindrical metal shaft which is formed to include the lower and upper portions  210 ,  212  continuing from one another according to known techniques. It is contemplated, however, that other configurations of the activation rod  202  (i.e., other cross sectional shapes, materials and formations) may be employed in other embodiments.  
      The lower portion  210  of the activation rod  202  has a generally U-shaped configuration wherein the first leg  214  and the second leg  216  extend substantially longitudinally along the bag body  210  in a spaced apart relationship and a foot portion  218  extends transversely between and interconnects the legs  214  and  216 . The foot portion  218  of the activation rod  202  is coupled to a retention member  206  of the foot  132 , which retains the activation rod  202  in position relative to the foot  132 . The legs  214  and  216  of the activation rod  202  extend from the foot portion  218  toward the upper end  112  of the golf bag  100  and the legs  214  and  216  are coupled to one another by a brace  204  at a distance from the foot portion  218  of the activation rod  202 . The brace  204  retains each leg  214  and  216  of the activation rod  202  at a predetermined distance  222  from the opposing leg  214  or  216  and prevents the legs  214  and  216  from spreading apart or moving closer to one another at the location of the brace  204 . As such, the brace  204  provides rigidity and stability to the activation rod  202 , and ensures reliable operation of the actuating mechanism  200 .  
      The lower portion  210  of the activation rod  202  is contained entirely within the outer covering  128  of the golf bag  100 , and generally extends between the outer covering  126  and the inner liner  126  ( FIG. 1 ) of the golf bag body  110 . By locating the lower portion  210  of the activation rod  202  inside the bag  100 , the rod  202  is protected by the outer covering  128  and is less likely to be damaged or dislodged during transport of the bag  100 . Further, the enclosed actuation rod  202  at the lower end  114  of the bag  100  provides a safer actuating mechanism by preventing access to the actuating components, and safeguarding a user&#39;s clothing or fingers, for example, from becoming pinched or caught in the mechanism.  
      The upper portion  212  of the activation rod  202  includes the actuator arms  180  and  182  which extend outward in a V-shaped configuration relative to one another from the lower portion  210  of the activation rod  202 . A portion of the actuator arms  180  and  182  proximate the legs  214  and  216  of the activation rod  202  are contained within the outer covering  128  of the golf bag  100 , but the actuator arms  180  and  182  extend from the interior to the exterior of the bag  100  through corresponding slits or openings  226  and  228  in the outer covering  128  of the golf bag  100 . The exterior ends of the actuator arms  180  and  182  are coupled to the corresponding hinge brackets  170  and  172 . The actuator arms  180  and  182  function to retain the support legs  174  and  176  alongside the body  110  in the stowed position, or alternatively to extend the support legs  174  and  176  from the body  110  in the deployed position when the golf bag  100  is moved between the upright position and the inclined position.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates the base assembly  130  in the upright position wherein a longitudinal axis  111  of the body  110  is positioned approximately perpendicular to the supporting surface  102  above the foot  132 . The footholds  138  extend downwardly from a substantially planar bottom surface  136  of the foot  132 , and the side wall  142  extends upwardly from the planar bottom surface  136 . The foot  132  is fabricated from a rigid material, such as, for example, plastic according to known techniques. The footholds  138  are formed with a generally flat bottom surface  238  which contacts the support surface  102 . The side wall  142  extends upward from the planar bottom surface  136  in a direction toward the upper end  112  ( FIG. 1 ) of the golf bag  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the side wall  142  is curvilinear and follows a curved path generally complementary to the curvature of the outer covering  128  of the golf bag  100 .  
      The side wall  146  of the base ring  134  circumscribes an outer perimeter  148  of the foot  132  and is attached to the outer covering  128  of the golf bag  100 . The base ring  134  is connected to the foot  132  via the joint  150  and is movable relative to the foot  132  between the upright position and a deployed position ( FIG. 8 ) when the bag  100  is inclined. The base ring  134  has an angular shape defined by a first and second ring portions  240  and  242 , each of which extends around approximately one half of the outer covering  128  of the bag  100 . The ring portions  240  and  242  are canted or angled with respect to one another, wherein the first ring portion  240  of the base ring  134  extends substantially parallel to the supporting surface  102  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) when the bag  100  is in the upright position, while the second ring portion  242  of the base ring  134  is inclined or oriented at an angle with respect to the supporting surface  102 . However, when the golf bag  100  is in the inclined position as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , the base ring  134  is moved over the foot  132  via the hinge  150  such that the second ring portion  242  of the base ring  134  extends substantially parallel with the supporting surface  102  and the first ring portion  240  is oriented at an angle with respect to the supporting surface  102 . Thus, when the golf bag  100  is moved between the inclined and the upright positions, the base ring  134  pivots over the foot  132  accordingly while the foot  132  remains in a stationary position relative to the supporting surface  102 .  
      Each of the first and second ring portions  240  and  242  includes footholds  244  extending downwardly therefrom, which align with the footholds  138  of the foot  132  to further support the base assembly  130  in the upright and deployed positions. Center footholds  245  are also provided between the ring portions  240  and  242  proximate the joint  150  where the base ring  134  is attached to the foot  132 . Thus, when the golf bag  100  is in the upright position of  FIG. 4 , the footholds  244  extending from the first ring portion  240  and the center footholds  245  of the base ring  134  are in contact with the supporting surface  102  to stabilize and support the full weight of the golf bag  100  and relieve pressure on the joint  150 . As the golf bag  100  is inclined ( FIGS. 8 and 10 ), the base ring  134  rotates or pivots over the foot  132  until the footholds  244  extending from the second ring portion  242  of the base ring  134  are in contact with the supporting surface  102  and support the golf bag  100  on the lower end  114  while the support legs  174  and  176  support the bag  100  on the upper end  112 , thereby reducing the stress on the joint  150 . In either position of the bag  100 , the footholds  138  associated with the foot  132  remain in full contact with the supporting surface  102 , thereby providing stability to the bag  100  in the upright position, the inclined position, and intermediate positions.  
       FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the foot  132  including the retention member  206  coupled to and extending from a top  256  of the side wall  142 , first and second pegs  250  and  252  extending outwardly from the side wall  142 , and a pair of fastener elements  256  coupled to the planar bottom surface  136  between opposing portions of the side wall  142 . The side wall  142  extends upwardly from a top  144  of the planar bottom surface  136  and extends generally away from the supporting surface  102  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), and the planar bottom surface  136  extends continuously within the confines of the side wall  142 . The bottom surface  136  and the side wall  142  are fabricated in an exemplary embodiment from a rigid plastic material in a unitary construction which maintains the shape of the foot  132  and capably supports the weight of the golf bag  100  when loaded with clubs and golf gear.  
      The top  254  of the side wall  142  is sloped and generally defines opposite raised ends  251  and  253  and recessed sides  255  and  257  extending between the raised ends  251  and  253  in the side wall  142 . The recessed sides  255  and  257  slope downwardly from each of the raised ends  251  and  253 , and thus extend in a valley shape, with the joint  150  ( FIG. 4 ) located approximately at the low point of the valley. The angle of the valley substantially corresponds to the angle between the ring portions  240  and  242  of the base ring  134  ( FIG. 4 ).  
      The joint  150  includes first and second pegs  250  and  252  and corresponding openings  260  and  262  in the base ring  134 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . The first and second pegs  250  and  252  extend from the side wall  142  outwardly or away from the interior of the foot  132 . The pegs  250  and  252  are located on opposing sides of the foot  132 , and are retained by the openings  260  and  262  located in the base ring  134 , as described below. In an exemplary embodiment, the pegs  250  and  252  are integrally formed with the foot  132 , although it is contemplated that they may be provided separately in other embodiments.  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the retention member  206  extends upwardly from the top wall  254  of the foot  132  at the raised end  253  and is substantially centered between the valleys of the recessed sides  255 ,  257  of the sidewall  142 . In use, the foot portion  218  ( FIG. 3 ) of the activation rod  202  is coupled to the retention member  206  such that the activation rod  202  can be pivoted about the retention member  206  while being retained therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the retention member  206  is, for example, a clip  264  having an inner surface  266  defining a slot  268 . The clip  264  has a length  270  which is approximately equal to the width  272  of the foot portion  218  of the activation rod  202 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , such that the activation rod  202  can be inserted into the slot  268  defined by the inner surface  266  of the clip  264 . However, other types of retention members  206  can be utilized to retain the activation rod  202  in contact with the foot  132 , such as, for example, a strap, or another fastener familiar to those in the art.  
      The fasteners  256  are coupled to the top  144  of the planar bottom surface  136  and are used to fasten a bottom portion  284  ( FIG. 6 ) of the inner liner  126  to the planar bottom surface  136  of the foot  132 . In an exemplary embodiment, the fasteners  256  are, for example, commercially available Velcro® brand fastener strips. Other types of fasteners  256 , however, can be used, such as, for example, an interlocking device, a rivet, a locking mechanism, a tying system, or a clip.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of the lower end  114  of the golf bag  100  including the outer cover  128 , the inner liner  126 , the base ring  134 , and the foot  132 . The ring portions  240  and  242  of the base ring  134  are coupled to the outer cover  128  of the golf bag  100  using a known fastener  274 , such as, for example, a snap fastener. However, other known fasteners  274  can be utilized such as, by way of example only, an interlocking device, a rivet, a hook and loop fastener, a locking mechanism, a tying system, or a clip. The foot  132  is coupled to the base ring  134  at the joint  150  via the pegs  250  and  252  of the foot  132  and the corresponding openings  260  and  262  located within the base ring  134 . In an alternative embodiment, the pegs  250  and  252  may be formed with the base ring  134  and the openings  260  and  262  may be formed within the foot  132  in lieu of the above-described embodiment.  
      In an exemplary embodiment, the inner liner  126  includes an outer perimeter  282  complementary in shape to the outer covering  128  and which is located adjacent to the outer covering  128 . A bottom portion  284  of the inner liner  126  encloses the compartment  116  ( FIG. 1 ) for housing the golf clubs  120 . The bottom portion  284  of the inner liner  126  includes fasteners  286  coupled thereto for interfacing with the fasteners  256  coupled to the foot  132 . In an exemplary embodiment the fasteners  286  associated with the inner liner  126  are, for example, Velcro® brand fastener strips. However, other types of fasteners can be used, such as, for example, an interlocking device, a locking mechanism, a tying system, or a clip. The fasteners  286  of the inner liner  126  couple the bottom portion  284  of the inner liner  126  to the planar bottom surface  136  of the foot  132 . As such, the bottom of the compartment  116  of the bag  100  substantially corresponds to the bottom surface  136  ( FIG. 5 ) of the foot  132 .  
       FIG. 7  illustrates the base assembly  130  wherein the plurality of footholds  138  are dispersed around the outer perimeter  148  of the planar bottom surface  136 . The first ring portion  240  of the base ring  134  has a perimeter  288  that is substantially similar and adjacent to the outer perimeter  148  of the foot  132 , while the second ring portion  244  is angled with respect to the bottom planar surface  136  of the foot  132 . The base ring  134  is coupled to the foot  132  at the joint  150 , wherein the pegs  250  and  252  extend from the foot  132  into the openings  260  and  262  located within the base ring  134 . The foot  132  encloses the entire lower end  114  of the body  110  of the golf bag  100 , and thereby protects the actuation mechanism  200  ( FIG. 3 ) at the lower end of the bag with the rigid bottom surface  136 .  
       FIG. 8  illustrates the base assembly  130  when the golf bag  100  is in the inclined position wherein the base ring  134  has been pivoted about the joint  150  ( FIG. 4 ). Notably, the foot  132  remains in a stationary position corresponding to the position of the foot  132  when the golf bag  100  is in the upright position ( FIG. 4 ). That is, the foot  132  does not move in relation to the supporting surface  102  when the body  110  is moved between the upright and inclined positions. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the footholds  138  maintain contact with the supporting surface  102 , and the forward-most footholds  244  associated with the base ring  134  are also in supporting contact with the supporting surface  102 .  
      A portion of the actuating mechanism  200  is illustrated in phantom in  FIG. 8 , showing the position and attachment of the activation rod  202  in relation to the foot  132 , the inner liner  126 , and the outer covering  128 . The activation rod  202  is pivotably coupled to the retention member  206 , and when the golf bag  100  is moved to the inclined position, the position of the various bag components, such as, for example, the base ring  134  and the outer covering  128 , change in relation to the position of the activation rod  202  thereby activating the actuating mechanism  200  to deploy the legs  174 ,  176  of the support stand, as described below.  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the support mount  162 , hinge members  164  and  166 , hinge brackets  170  and  172 , and corresponding support legs  174  and  176 . The support mount  162  is coupled to the exterior of the golf bag body  110  and is located proximate to the upper end  112  of the body  110 . The support mount  126  includes a first end  290 , a second end  292 , and a central bridge portion  294  extending therebetween. The hinge members  164  and  166  are located at the first and second ends  290  and  292 , respectively, of the support mount  126 . In an exemplary embodiment, the ends  290  and  292 , together with the hinge members  164  and  166 , and the bridge portion  294  are integrally formed and fabricated from metal, such as aluminum.  
      Interlocking hinge elements  296  extend from each of the hinge members  164  and  166  and interface with the hinge brackets  170  and  172 , respectively, such that the hinge brackets  170  and  172  are rotatably mounted to the support member  126 . The hinge brackets  170  and  172  are in a stowed position alongside the bag  100  when the golf bag  100  is in the upright position and are in a deployed position when the golf bag  100  is in the inclined position. In an exemplary embodiment, the interlocking hinge elements  296  form a piano hinge with the hinge brackets  170  and  172 , such that a plurality of fingers  302  extend from each of the hinge members  164  and  166  and the hinge brackets  170  and  172 , respectively. The fingers  302  overlap and interlock in a dovetail arrangement such that the hinge members  164  and  166  and the hinge brackets  170  and  172  are rotatably coupled to each other via, for example, a hinge pin (not shown) extending through the fingers  296  and  302 .  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the actuator arms  180  and  182  extend from within the outer covering  128  of the golf bag  100  through respective slits  226  and  228 , or openings, in the outer covering  128 . The actuator arms  180  and  182  are coupled to the respective hinge brackets  170  and  172  using a fastener  304 , such as, for example, a pin or bolt. However, other known fasteners  304  can be utilized. As further illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the support legs  174  and  176  are coupled to the hinge brackets  170  and  172  and extend away from the support mount  126  towards the lower end  114  of the golf bag  100 .  
       FIG. 10  illustrates the golf bag  100  in the inclined position with the legs  174  and  176  deployed. The actuating mechanism  200  is engaged, or activated, when the golf bag  100  is rotated from the upright position ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to the inclined position ( FIG. 10 ), wherein the base ring  134  is pivoted upon the foot  132 . As such, the relative position of the base ring  134  and the outer covering  128  of the golf bag  100  change with respect to the retention member  206  and the activation rod  202 . Due to this change in position of the golf bag  100  relative to the activation rod  202 , the actuator arms  180  and  182  are displaced relatively closer to the upper portion  112  of the bag  100 , thereby forcing more of the actuator arms  180  and  182  out of the internal portion of the golf bag  100  and causing the actuator arms  180  and  182  to actuate the hinge brackets  170  and  172  and the support legs  174  and  176  from the stowed position to the deployed position. As such, no external triggering components are needed to actuate the support legs  174  and  176 , and the legs  174  and  176  are self-extending as the bag  100  is inclined. As the legs  174  and  176  are extended, they are splayed from one another such that shoes  306  coupled to the legs  174  and  176  contact the supporting surface  102  and capably support the golf bag  100  in the inclined position while the footholds  138  remain in a stationary position in full contact with the supporting surface  102 . As the bag  100  is moved back toward the upright position, the actuator arms  180  and  182  pull the support legs  174  and  176  back to the stowed position alongside the body of the bag.  
       FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a golf bag  400  having an actuating mechanism  402  including an activation rod  404  attached to the planar bottom surface  136  of the foot  132 , an internal stay  406  attached to the base ring  134 , an actuator  408  attached to the activation rod  404 , and the first and second actuator arms  180  and  182  attached to the actuator  408 . The actuating mechanism  402  is engaged, or activated, when the golf bag  400  is rotated from the upright position to the deployed position, and the actuating mechanism  402  is located interior to the outer covering  128  of the golf bag  400 , which hides the components for protection, safety and reliability.  
      The golf bag  400  includes a plurality of internal stays  406  which support the golf bag  400 , giving the golf bag  400  its shape. In one embodiment the stays  406  are cylindrical and hollow and have a length such that a first end  412  and a second end  414  of the internal stay  406  extend from the lower end  114  of the golf bag  400  to the upper end  112  of the golf bag  400  respectively. The internal stays  406  are contained within the outer covering  128  of the golf bag  400  so as to not be exposed to external elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the stays  406  are connected to the base ring  134 . The golf bag  400  has a single shaft activation rod  404  which is located interior to the outer covering  128  of the golf bag  400 , and more specifically, is located at least partially within the hollow cavity of the internal stay  406 . However, in the upright position, the lower portion of the activation rod  404  extends beyond the first end  412  of the internal stay  406  to the planar bottom surface  136  where it is pivotably coupled to a retention member  420  connected to the foot  132 .  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the activation rod  404  is a single cylindrical shaft having a single longitudinal axis extending within the internal stay  406  towards the upper end  112  of the golf bag  400 . The activation rod  404  has a first end  422  coupled to the retention member  420 , and a second end  424  located proximate to the upper end  112  of the golf bag  400 . When the golf bag  400  is rotated to the inclined position, the internal stay  406 , which is coupled to the base ring  134 , is moved downward a distance  430  along the rod longitudinal axis until the stay first end  412  and the rod first end  422  are adjacent.  
      A sliding actuator  408  is located proximate to the second end  424  of the activation rod, and in one embodiment, is coupled to the second end  424  and surrounds the internal stay  406  such that the actuator  408  is moveable relative to the internal stay  406 . The actuator  408  is contained within the outer covering  128  of the golf bag  400 . The actuating mechanism  402  includes the first and second actuator arms  180  and  182 , each having a first end  442  and a second end  444 . In an illustrative embodiment, the first ends  442  of the actuator arms  180  and  182  are coupled to opposing sides of the actuator  408 . The actuator arms  180  and  182  extend from the interior of the outer covering  128  to the exterior of the bag  400  through corresponding slits  226  and  228 , or openings, in the outer covering  128  in a V-configuration. The second ends  444  of the actuator arms  180  and  182  are coupled to corresponding hinge brackets  170  and  172 .  
      In use, when the golf bag  400  is moved to the inclined position, as described above, the internal stay  406  moves downward on the cylindrical shaft of the activation rod  404  the predetermined distance  430 . Correspondingly, the second end  414  of the internal stay  406 , or more particularly the support assembly  160 , moves downward the same distance  430  such that the actuator  408  and the support mount  162  are forced relatively closer to each other. Due to this decrease in relative distance between the actuator  408  and the support mount  162 , the actuator arms  180  and  182  force the corresponding hinge brackets  170  and  172  and support legs  174  and  176  to rotate, or swing, in a direction away from the golf bag  400  and into the support position.  
       FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiment of a golf bag  500  having an actuating mechanism  502  including a single activation rod  504  rotatably coupled to the top wall  254  of the foot  132 , an internal stay  506  attached to the base ring  134 , an actuator  508  coupled to the activation rod  504 , and the first and second actuator arms  180  and  182  attached to the actuator  508 . The actuating mechanism  502  is engaged, or activated, when the golf bag  500  is rotated from the upright position to the inclined position. The actuating mechanism  502  is located interior to the outer covering  128  of the golf bag  500 , which hides the components for protection, safety and reliability.  
      The activation rod  504  has a first end  512  and a second end  514  such that the first end  512  is rotatably coupled to a retention member  516  located at the top wall  254  of the foot  132 , and the second end  514  is located proximate to the upper end  112  of the golf bag  500 . When the golf bag  500  is in the upright position, the first end  512  of the activation rod  504  and a first end  518  of the internal stay  506  are adjacent to one another. However, when the golf bag  500  is transferred to the deployed position the internal stay  506  is moved downward a distance  520  along the outer periphery of the foot side wall  142  towards the support surface  102 , and is positioned remotely with respect to the first end  512  of the activation rod  504  which remains fixed at the top wall  254  relative to the support surface  102 .  
      The actuator  508  is located proximate to the second end  514  of the activation rod  504 , and in one embodiment, is coupled to the second end  514 . The actuator  508  is contained within the outer covering  128  of the golf bag  500 . A first end  526  of each actuator arm  180  and  182  is coupled to opposing sides of the actuator  508 . The actuator arms  180  and  182  extend from the interior of the outer covering  128  to the exterior of the bag  500  through corresponding slits  226  and  228  ( FIG. 11 ), or openings, in the outer covering  128  in a V-configuration. A second end  528  of each actuator arm  180  and  182  is coupled to the corresponding hinge bracket  170  and  172 .  
      In use, when the golf bag  500  is moved to the inclined position, as described above, the internal stay  506  moves downward the distance  520  relative to the activation rod  504 . Correspondingly, a second end  530  of the internal stay  506 , or more particularly the support assembly  160 , moves a substantially similar distance downward towards the actuator  508  forcing the actuator  508  and the support mount  162  to be positioned relatively closer to each other. Due to this decrease in relative distance between the actuator  508  and the support mount  162 , the actuator arms  180  and  182  force the corresponding hinge brackets  170  and  172  and support legs  174  and  176  to rotate, or swing, in a direction away from the golf bag  500  and into the support position.  
      Also, and as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the base ring  134  is coupled to the foot  132  via a solid axle  532  to form a pivoting joint  150  in lieu of the pegs  250  and  252  (shown in  FIG. 5 ).  
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the golf bag  100  illustrating a lumbar member  550  which may be used with, for example, any of the foregoing golf bags, such as the golf bag  100 . The lumbar member  550  includes a padded portion  552 , having a front side  554  and a back side  556 , and a plurality of attachment members  558  extending from the padded portion  552 . The padded portion  552  of the lumbar member  550  is positioned on the golf bag  100  such that, while the golf bag  100  is being carried by the golfer, the front side  554  of the padded portion  552  contacts the lower back or side of the golfer giving an added layer of comfort for the golfer. In an exemplary embodiment, the lumbar member  550  is movable and can be adjusted by the golfer to a desired position.  
      In an illustrative embodiment, the lumbar member  550  is attached to the golf bag  100  by fastening the plurality of attachment members  558  using a Velcro® brand fastener  560 . However, other types of fasteners can be utilized, such as, for example, an interlocking device, a tab and slot device, a locking mechanism, a tying system, or a clip. In an alternative embodiment, the back side of the padded portion  552  has an attachment member, such as a Velcro® brand fastener. However, other types of attachment members can be used, such as, for example, an interlocking device, a hook and pile fastener, a tab and slot device, a locking mechanism, a magnet, a tying system, or a clip.  
      In an illustrative embodiment the lumbar member  550 , and specifically the padded portion  552 , is fastened to the bag in a manner wherein a clearance is created between an outer covering  562  of the bag and the back side  556  of the padded portion. That is, the padded portion  562  is suspended upon the attachment members  558  in a spaced position from the outer cover  562  of the bag. The clearance or space therebetween defines an airflow path, generally indicated by the arrows  564 , for airflow between the lumbar member  558  and the outer covering of the bag  100 . The airflow path provides a cushioning effect when the bag is carried, such as with a shoulder harness (not shown) or carrying straps (not shown), with the lumbar member  550  resting upon a lower back region of the person carrying the bag. The airflow path  564  further provides a cooling effect when the bag is carried by the user by permitting airflow in the vicinity of the lumbar member  550 .  
      FIGS.  13  also illustrates pockets  560  which may be used with the golf bag  100 . The pockets  560  are attached to the outer covering  562  of the golf bag  100  and are sized to receive golfing accessories therein.  
      While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.