Patent Application
20070123363
The present invention relates generally to bicycles and the game of golf.
When playing a typical game of golf, a player must transport both himself or herself and his or her golf clubs around a golf course. Traditionally, players either (i) walked the course carrying or pulling a golf bag that contained their clubs, or (ii) rode in a golf carts which also provided a space for their golf bags. Walking provides a player with a significant workout as he/she may traverse 4-5 miles over a typical 18 hole course; however, the pace of the game is reduced substantially and may hold up faster players, such as those using carts. Carts on the other hand open the game to those players that either do not want to or do not have the physical stamina to walk a golf course.
Others over the years have suggested using human powered bicycles and tricycles to transport the golfer and his golf clubs around the course. Typically, these have included provisions such as brackets, mounting apparatus and modified frames that permit a traditional generally cylindrical golf bag to be carried on the vehicle. While such vehicles do allow a rider to traverse the course, the addition of a golf bag to a bicycle for instance introduce significant stability problems that make them unsuitable and potentially dangerous for use by the occasional bicycle rider. Once such bicycle and bracket combination is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,836. Tricycles on the other hand do not present stability issues but can be somewhat cumbersome and difficult to propel. Furthermore, there is a negative stigma attached with the use of tricycles that hinders their acceptance as a suitable means of golf course transportation.
To improve the balance and stability of a golf club-carrying bicycle, a carrier that distributes the weight of the clubs on either side of a rear wheel was proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,770,326. Further, individual tubes are provided to house each club thereby preventing them from moving around as the bicycle is being ridden. This configuration, however, has several series drawbacks. For instance, overall weight of the bicycle with the clubs and a rider is biased towards the rear wheel thereby creating a potential oversteer condition. This could in certain circumstances, such as when descending a hill and turning, cause the rear wheel to skid out from underneath the rider sending him/her the bicycle and the clubs to the ground.
Another potentially more significant impediment to the use of bicycles on golf courses is the potential damage they can cause to golf course grounds. For one, a traditional bicycle or even a standard mountain bike with traditional “fat tires” leave unsightly tracks on the fairways that detract from the manicured image that the grounds keepers of many if not most golf courses. Further, when a course is rain logged and soft, the tread of a bike tire along with the higher than typical ground load can dig into the terrain and cause serious turf damage. Considering the foregoing, golf course managers are unlikely to allow bicycles on their courses severely reducing if not eliminating the economic viability of prior art bicycles designed to carry golf clubs.
Embodiments of the present invention comprise a system for carrying a set of golf clubs on the front end of a suitable bicycle. Other embodiments comprise the system in combination with a bicycle designed to accommodate extra-wide (greater than about 2.9″) tires. Yet other embodiments include a method of playing golf using the aforementioned combination of the system and the extra-wide tired bicycle.
One embodiment of the system comprises a pair of elongated bags and associated mounting hardware. Each bag is adapted to mount to the front end of a bicycle at or proximate the bicycle's handlebar and front fork such that the bags and their associated content turns in unison with the bicycle's front wheel.
Preferably, each bag comprises a main compartment in which a plurality of elongated plastic tubes can be placed. Each tube is adapted to receive a handle of a typical golf club therein. When the main compartment is filled with a predetermined number of tubes, the tubes are effectively held in place relative to the other tubes and the side(s) of the compartment. In one variation, the predetermined number of tubes in the main compartment of each bag is seven thereby providing a total of fourteen tubes to store fourteen golf clubs, the maximum number of clubs permitted under PGA rules.
In one embodiment, the majority of the elongated tubes are of the type known in the art for use with standard prior art golf bags and typically comprise relatively thin walled polyethylene or similar plastic material. These tubes are relatively flexible especially along their lengths yet they are extremely economical. To provide additional stiffness to the associated bag and tube combination one or more of the elongated tubes can comprise a more rigid plastic tube, such as a tube comprised of a thicker PVC material. Typically, but not necessarily, one of the stiffer plastic tubes will be located on an inside edge of the main compartment that is adapted to be the portion of the bag's main compartment closest to an associated bicycle's fork and stem when attached thereto.
In addition to the main compartments, one or more peripheral compartments can be provided on embodiments of the bags for containing other items used in the game of golf, such as but not limited to, golf balls, tee, gloves and score cards. The peripheral compartments can also be used to store other items generally unrelated to the play of golf such as a wallet or small purse, keys and a beverage container.
In one embodiment, each bag of the pair is completely separate from the other bag and includes its own means of attachment to the bicycle. In at least one variation, each bag includes top and bottom hook and loop straps that wrap around a fork blade and the handlebar respectively to secure the bag to the bicycle. A separate center bag may also be provided that can be located between the pair of bags when the three bags are attached to a bicycle. The center bag and each of the pair of elongated bags can include hook and loop material to couple the bags together. Further, variations of the center bag can include straps to secure it to a bicycles stem or handlebar. The center bag can be utilized to carry any number of items as the user sees fit.
In yet another embodiment, the pair of bags are physically coupled, such as by a strip of fabric or other material or by way of a center bag. Each of the elongated bags will typically have lower attachment means, such as hook and loop straps, but all three bags (assuming a center bag) may use the same attachment means, such as a single pair of hook and loop straps, to secure the system to an associated bicycle.
No matter which embodiment or variation of the system utilized in connection with a bicycle, the placement of the golf club carrying system to the front of the bicycle ameliorates many of the problems associated with prior art devices. For instance, the potential oversteer condition is reduced if not eliminated and the overall stability of the bicycle and golf club combination is enhanced. By placing each club in separate tubes and balancing the number of clubs on either side of the bicycle's front fork, the load can be evenly balanced so that the center of gravity of the loaded golf club carrying system is located proximate the left to right center of the front wheel's axle. Further, more by placing the clubs in individual tubes where they are prevented from moving significant amounts from side to side, the weight distribution of the bicycle and golf club combination remains relatively stable during turning, ascents and descents.
The mounting means used to attached the system to a bicycle can be specific to a particular design of bicycle or to specific mounting brackets coupled to a bicycle or the mounting means of the system can be adaptable to mounting on a large number of different bicycles, such as when certain variations of hook and loop straps are utilized. Accordingly, variations and embodiments of the system can be mounted to mountain bikes, cruisers, racing bikes, and even adult tricycles. While the golf club carrying system is fully functional in combination within any suitable bicycle, most bicycles with standard diameter wheels will cause excessive loading on golf course fairways and as such may not be approved for use on a particular golf course by the golf course's managers.
However, in a combination comprising one of the embodiments or variations of the golf bag-carrying system and a bicycle having extra-wide tires, the loading of the bicycle when laden with both a rider and his/her clubs is reduced to a level comparable with or below that of a typical golf cart, such as the club car brand of golf carts. A number of golf course managers have permitted the extra-wide tired bicycle and club carrying system combination to be used on their fairways after witnessing a demonstration of the minimal impact the combination has on the grass surfaces. In contrast, golf courses approached about permitting a standard fat-tired mountain bike to be used on the fairways turned the request.
Further, the wide tires further increase the stability of the bicycle making the combination suitable for users who are not regular bicycle riders. The inherent stability and ease of use of the bicycle combination in conjunction with the game of golf was field tested by numerous individuals in 2006. In general, the users indicated the bicycle combinations worked well and made the game more enjoyable. A number of the users expressed a desire to use the bicycles again the next time they played golf.
When a user gets off the bicycle combination to hit a ball, a kickstand is provided to keep the bicycle upright. Traditional prior art kickstands have relatively small ends that could dig into or even sink into a fairway or grass surface causing the bicycle to tumble and/or causing damage to the ground surface. Accordingly, a prior art kickstand may not be welcome on a golf course by grounds keepers. Without a kickstand, a user will have to lay his/her bicycle down on to the ground every time he/she gets off the bicycle to hit a golf ball. Repeatedly laying the bicycle down and lifting it up can detract from a user's enjoyment of the game and may even prevent a user from cycling a golf course instead of using a cart or walking.
Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a modified kickstand that can be utilized with (i) any bicycle wherein support on a relatively soft surface is desired or (ii) the aforementioned combination of the extra-wide tired bicycle and the golf club carrying system. Simply the end of the kickstand that contacts the ground comprises the head of a wood-type golf club or a facsimile thereof. The wide bottom surface area of the club head supports the bike on ground that a prior art kick stand would sink into. Further, the look of the kickstand is aesthetically pleasing to golf aficionados.
Terminology
The terms and phrases as indicated in quotes (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document including the claims unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.
The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”.
References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment.
The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or a direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.
Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of a applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.
As applicable, the terms “about” or “generally” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−20%. Also, as applicable, the term “substantially” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−10%. It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied.
As used herein, the terms “bicycle” and “bike” are used interchangeably.
The term “handlebar” as used herein refers to the any device used to steer a bicycle or, as applicable, any other human powered vehicle. The term “stem” refers to the device used to connect the handlebar to the front fork of a bicycle. The term “fork” or more specifically “front fork” refers to the pivotal portion of a bicycle attached to the front wheel that facilitates steering of the bicycle or other human powered vehicle.
A System for Carrying a Set of Golf Clubs Attached to a Bicycle According to Several Embodiments
Referring to
In the variation illustrated in
The enclosures 25&30 can be made from any suitable material including flexible and rigid plastic but is typically comprised of a woven fabric 40. One variation the woven fabric is comprised of cotton or cotton-blend fibers. In yet other variations, the fabric is comprised of polymeric fibers, such as nylon. Further, the enclosures can comprise a combination of materials and structures. For instance, a plastic framework, either internal or external can be provided to support associated fabric material. In the illustrated variations, the enclosures are comprised substantially of fabric and the associated tubes 35 provide the structure necessary to support and provide rigidity to the enclosure.
As shown, the enclosures comprise a primary or main elongated compartment with an upwardly facing opening and a body that extends about 70-90% the length of a typical golf club terminating in a closed bottom end. The main compartment is generally cylindrically shaped although in variations any suitable shape can be used. The open end of the main compartment may include a drawstring 45 that extends around it periphery to permit the end to be tightened around the plurality of associated tubes. In variations, the drawstring can be replaced with an elastic band, a strap, snaps, hook and loop material, buckles, buttons or any other suitable adjustment means for varying the size of the opening or cinching it around the enclosures contents.
One or more peripheral compartments 50 can be attached to the exterior of the bag to permit a user to carry items other than golf clubs that may be related to the play of golf. For instance, the peripheral bags can be used to store golf balls, scorecards, pencils, keys, wallets, beverages, jackets, sweaters, tees and/or golf shoes therein. In the Figures, a single peripheral compartment is provided on each of the left and right enclosures generally opposite the portion of the enclosure that is in direct contact with the front fork of the associated bicycle. The peripheral compartment, as shown, is comprised of one or more pieces of fabric that our sewn or otherwise attached to the exterior surface of the main compartment. The top opening of the peripheral compartments include a draw string closure 55 but any suitable type of closure may be utilized including but not limited to hook and loop material, a zipper, snaps, buttons, straps and buckles or D-rings. Further, although the peripheral compartment is fixedly attached to the main compartment in the Figures, variations are contemplated wherein the peripheral compartments may comprise distinct bags that are removably attached such as by way of zippers or hook and loop material patches. It is to be further appreciated that the number of peripheral compartments can vary depending on a particular embodiment or variation of the respective left or right enclosure.
Referring to
To provide additional longitudinal stiffness to each enclosure, a stiffer more stout tube 35A is also provided in certain variations. The stouter tube typically has a similar inside diameter as the other tubes but is substantially thicker and therefore much stiffer. In some variations, at least one of these stouter tubes is typically placed closest to the portion of the enclosure that braces against the front fork of the bicycle to help prevent movement of the enclosures relative to the bicycle while it is being ridden. In one variation, the stouter tube is comprised of an ABS or PVC plastic and has a thickness of about 0.050-0.125 inches.
In some variations, the tubes 35 are all independently placed in the main compartment and collectively they fill the substantial majority of the volume of the compartment. The tension and compressive forces in play between the various tubes and the fabric wall of the main compartment generally act to hold the tubes in place relative to each other. However, in other variations the plurality of tubes from each compartment are independently secured and/or coupled to each other. As illustrated in
The illustrated means for securing the enclosures 25&30 to the bicycle comprises a plurality of hook and loop straps in the illustrated embodiment of
The number of and general configurations of the straps illustrated in the Figures can vary substantially as well. Snaps, buckles, and buttons can replace the hook and loop material. The location of the straps can change as well. For instance, wherein the enclosures are coupled to each other, such as through a center bag 40 as shown in
Referring to the mounting means of
Top lateral strap 70 is also comprised of a fabric material with a loop material surface on all or a portion of one side surface and a hook material surface on all, or more typically the end portion, of the other surface. Likewise, a proximal end of the strap is sewn, riveted or otherwise secured to the fabric of the main compartment. A D-ring 85 is also attached to the enclosure proximate the straps distal end. The strap is used in a generally similar manner as the bottom lateral strap except the strap is wrapped around one or both the bicycle's handlebar and/or stem before being passed through the D-ring and secured in place. Typically, the strap is wrapped around the handlebar/stem multiple times.
The generally vertical top strap 75 is also comprised of a fabric material wherein the distal end includes a hook material portion in one surface. The proximal end of the strap is sewn or otherwise secured to the enclosure. Further, a strip of vertically-extending loop material 90 is secured to the enclosure and extends downwardly from the proximal end of the vertical top strap. In use, the vertical top strap is wrapped around the handlebar and/or stem several times and the hook surface of the distal end of the strap is secured to the loop material. When all three straps for each enclosure are properly secured to the front fork and handlebar/stem of the bicycle, the system 10& 20 is firmly held in place on the bicycle.
A center bag 40 can be provided with the system that is typically located between the left and right enclosures 25&30. In the one embodiment of
A Combination of a Bicycle-Mounted Golf Club Carrying System and an Extra-Wide Tired Bicycle According to One Embodiment
Traditional mountain bikes can typically accept tires up to about 2.3″ in diameter with 2.1″ diameter tires being the largest diameter commonly used on these bikes. These tires must be run at tire pressures of 30-35 psi (or 20-25 psi for tubeless variants). In contrast, the tires 100 on an extra-wide tired mountain-style bike are greater than 3.0″ in diameter, more preferably greater than 3.3 in diameter and most preferably greater than 3.6″. A 3.7″ diameter tire marketed by Quality Bicycle Products, Inc of St. Bloomington, Minn. under the Surly® brand can be normally be run at pressures as low as 12 psi and in some cases as low as 8-9 psi. Referring to
Whereas a typically mountain bicycle with a typical pair of traditional fat tires has a much greater impact on terrain and fairway turf than a traditional golf cart, such as a club car, the extra-wide tired bicycle's impact is substantially less than that of a loaded club car as is indicated in the following paragraphs.
A typical club car golf cart weighs about 1250 pound when loaded with two riders and their golf bags. The four tires of the golf cart have about 176 square inches of contact area with the ground. Accordingly, the average impact on the terrain from the club car is about 7 pounds per square inch.
A typical mountain bicycle with traditional 2.1″ fat tires weighs about 230 pounds including a rider and golf gear. The two tires have a total contact area of about 25 square inches. Accordingly, the average impact on the terrain from the bicycle is about 9 pounds per square inch.
An extra-wide tired bicycle with 3.7″ diameter tires weighs about 240 pounds fully loaded with a rider and golf gear. The two extra-wide tires have a contact area of about 50 square inches. Accordingly, the average impact on the terrain from the bicycle is about 5 pounds per square inch.
As is evident from the exemplary numbers the impact of an extra-wide tired bike 95 with 3.7″ diameter tires 100 is substantially less than the impact of a golf cart. Furthermore, for bike with 3.0″ or greater diameter tires the impact of the bicycle is about the same or less than that of a typical golf cart. Accordingly, there would be little basis for a grounds keeper of a golf course to prohibit the use of a extra-wide tired bike with the golf club carrying system for use on his/her course especially if the course, as most courses, allows golf carts to traverse the fairways. In contrast, a traditional mountain bicycle with traditional fat tires has about 30% greater the impact compared with a golf cart.
An extra-wide tired bicycle is generally similar to a traditional mountain bike or cruiser-style bicycle; however, suitably modified to permit the fitment of the much larger than typical tires. One of the differences includes larger wheel rims to accommodate the large tires. One such rim is the Large Marge rim marketed by Surly Bicycles, Inc., which has a crosswise width of about 2-3 inches compared with the 1.25-1.75″ crosswise width of most mountain bicycle rims.
Other differences can, but do not necessarily, include: (i) front fork blades that are spaced farther apart than typical with a 120-135 mm dropout spacing instead of the standard 100 mm spacing along with a wider front wheel hub; (ii) a 100 mm wide bottom bracket shell 125 in contrast to the traditional 68 mm or 73 mm shell; and (iii) chainstays 130 and seatstays 135 that are spaced further apart than traditional mountain bicycle chainstays and seatstays proximate the location wherein the rear wheel's tire passes therethrough.
In other respects, the configurations of various extra-wide tired bicycles can vary drastically and significantly, both among various extra-wide tired models and other traditional bicycles. For instance, some may have traditional rear derailleurs with rear freewheeling cogs for changing gear ratios; whereas, others may have internally geared hubs. Some may have front derailleurs to move the drive chain among a plurality of front chainrings and others may completely forgo a front gear changer. Different variations may have disk or cantilever brakes or a combination thereof. Some bicycles may be configured more like a mountain bicycle; whereas, others will be configured more like a cruiser or a traditional upright bicycle. Some bicycles may include front and/or rear suspensions while others do not. Further, on some variations, bracketry may be built into or installed on the front fork, the stem 140 and/or the handlebar 145 to facilitate the attachment of the golf club carrying system described and claimed herein.
No matter the general configuration of the bicycle, some preferred variations will have a chainguard, whether the type attached to the frame of the bicycle or the type coupled to the front chainring to protect a golfer's pants from being damaged and/or marked with grease. Additionally, the same or other variations will also include front and/or rear fenders to prevent mud and/or water from splashing onto the rider. In at least one variation, the rear fender is also a rear rack that has an additional compartment attached thereto wherein a golfer may store additional items such as a coat, a rain poncho or a sweater.
Referring specifically to
In variations of the kickstand, the end may comprise a portion that is a facsimile of a wood-style golf club head instead of an actual golf club head. The orientation of the head can vary relative to the bicycle. Further, the mechanism 185 related to the kickstand's attachment to the bicycle can vary as well. Simply, in addition to the advantages provided by specifying a kickstand with an end having a large bottom surface area, the aesthetic characteristics of a wood-style golf club kickstand end is also unique regardless of the type of kickstand to which the end is attached.
Other embodiments of the kickstand can include ends that are reminiscent of the heads of other types of golf clubs, such irons or putters. In yet other embodiments, the end can be more utilitarian with a shape designed primarily for providing a kickstand to ground contact patch much larger than prior art stands.
A Method of Playing Golf According to One Embodiment
In at least one embodiment, the golfer rents a bicycle having a golf club carrying system attached to the front end thereof as indicated in block 205. It is appreciated that avid golfers may purchase their own bicycles but just like golfers rent golf carts from the golf course, it is expected that they will often rent the bicycle from the golf course as well. Typically, the bicycle will be one with extra-wide tires as described in greater detail above; however, the bicycle may be of a more traditional design. While it is expected most courses will not allow traditional bicycles to be ridden on the fairway, it is not inconceivable that at least some will allow traditional bicycles.
Since in most circumstances, the golfer will not have his own set of enclosures or system to carry his/her clubs on the front end of the bicycle, the golfer transfers his/her clubs and other golfing paraphernalia to the system installed on the rented bicycle as indicated by block 210. Once bicycles become more accepted on golf courses, it may become more common for golfers to purchase their own systems to carry their clubs in which case the golfer would secure the system to the front end of the bicycle instead of transferring his/her clubs. Of course, some golfers may have their own bicycle and carrying system combinations that they bring with them to the golf course and therefore will not need to rent either the bicycle or the system from a particular golf course.
Next, as indicated in block 215, the golfer rides the bicycle on the golf course. As necessary, the golfer (i) dismounts, (ii) optionally, deploys the kickstand having an end with a large surface area, (iii) selects a suitable golf club, and (iv) hits the golf ball as indicate in blocks 220-235. The golfer then replaces the club, remounts the bicycle and rides to the location of the golf ball as indicated by block 240. The process of hitting the ball and riding to the ball is repeated multiple times in the course of a round of golf.
Other Embodiments and Variations
The various embodiments and variations thereof illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations of the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.
For instance, the system for carrying golf clubs on the front of a bicycle can comprise a plurality of tubes sans the cloth enclosures wherein the bottom end of the tubes are closed and the tubes attach to bicycle by way of bracketry and/or straps that attach to the each of the right and left set of tubes. On specially designed bicycles, the frames, front forks, handlebars and/or stems can have slots or brackets attached or configured thereon to facilitate the attachment of the system to the bicycle. In other embodiments, the tubes used to keep the various clubs separate from each other can be replaced with other means to keep the clubs from knocking against each other during transport, such as a molded plastic top end that defines a plurality of individual openings. While it is generally desirable to prevent the clubs from shifting during riding to prevent any adverse affect on bicycle handing, variations and embodiments are contemplated wherein there is no means whatsoever to divide the clubs within the left and right enclosures.
Concerning the bicycle to which the various embodiments of the system are attached, the potential variations are numerous. Further, the golf club style kickstand can vary substantially as well. For instance, kickstands that attach to bicycles at the chainstays proximate the bottom bracket shells are also contemplated. In addition to the aforementioned golf club kickstand heads, other heads that have a relatively large surface area can be used. Some examples include polo mallets heads, hockey stick blades, and even hockey pucks but the variations are endless.
This application claim priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/740,956 entitled “Golf club carrying system for bicycles” filed on Nov. 29, 2005 having the same inventorship as this application. The above referenced application is also fully incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60740956 | Nov 2005 | US |
