CONVERTIBLE STATIONARY TO MOBILE EQUIPMENT BAG

BACKGROUND

A multitude of sports require the storing, transporting, and in-game usage of a variety of equipment, such as the copious number of pads and sticks required for all forms of hockey and lacrosse, or the copious number of clubs and accessories required to play golf. Per golfing regulations, a player is allowed a maximum of fourteen clubs per round with professional players utilizing no less than half that amount. Whether it is the player themselves, or hired caddies, these clubs and related accessories (and any personal belongings) must be carried throughout the day as the player tees off and continues to strike their ball at different locations, on differing terrains, and in differing weather conditions. It is simply not feasible for an individual to carry by hand the number of clubs and accessories needed throughout the day, nor is it feasible to simply leave these in a rented golf cart. The most common method of consolidating and carrying everything needed by the player is a golf bag, however, the combined weight of the bag, the clubs, and all other belongings requires the carrier to expend considerable physical effort when manually lifting and moving the golf bag around the course. Presuming a lack of caddy, the physical burden of transporting a bag full of clubs and accessories may impede the player's game by draining energy or strength otherwise used in their swing and by potentially causing an injury to the upper body.

Past solutions to the problem of transporting bags have included the availability for rental of caddies, wheeled bag-holding devices, and motorized carts. While these past solutions may resolve the issue by allowing the player to not carry their bag, each of them costs a not insubstantial amount of money especially for consistent use. Additionally, many wheeled assemblies capable of holding an equipment bag, such as a golf bag, typically take up a considerable amount of space thereby making traveling and transporting of such assemblies more difficult.

Therefore, there is a general need in the art for a sports equipment bag (or container) that includes a convertible transportation system that is built into, or otherwise stored within, the device capable of deployment and retraction given any player's specific needs. What is needed is a device comprising a fully assembled and integrated wheel system, that may be deployable by any given player with ease and simplicity, such as via a certain mechanical movement, conversion, or indentation of parts. Said wheeled assemblies may be retractable and stowable within the geometry of typical sports equipment bags (or containers), while still allowing for storage and transportation in aforementioned alternatives, such as motorized carts, and conventional storage locations, such as racks, bins, lockers, trunks, as well as unconventional locations found in and around both golf courses and residences.

Furthermore, it is contemplated herein that such integrated wheel assemblies May be designed and built in consideration of the variety of terrains, locations, and weathers of playable courses wherein said wheels may include differing treads, sizes, materiality, as well as interchangeability of portions thereof while in use given the needs of a player. Additionally, it is further contemplated that deployment and retraction may be either mechanically achieved or manually achieved, wherein a button, latch, lever, pedal, switch, or the like may be used to deploy and retract said assembly as well as the hands of a given user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for storing, transporting, and carrying sporting equipment and, more particularly, to such apparatuses capable of being both carried and wheeled, such as those use for golf.

SUMMARY

The novel and non-obvious convertible stationary to mobile equipment bag described herein eliminates the need for overly bulky and expensive transportation methods relating to equipment bags, such as golf bags, or similar apparatuses.

According to one example embodiment contemplated herein, the sports equipment bag or container comprises an elongated member that may extend from a proximal end to a distal end wherein a wheel assembly may be disposed about the distal end and capable of being configured to reside in a first or second position. In one contemplated embodiment, said equipment container may include a mechanical portion capable converting said wheel assembly from a first or second position to a second or first position automatically as well as manually. It is further contemplated herein that a first position for said wheel assembly is a retracted position, wherein said wheels are folded and at least predominantly contained within said equipment container distal end, while a second position for said wheel assembly is a deployed position, wherein said wheels are capable of supporting the weight of the entire container and all objects therein.

At least one contemplated embodiment of the convertible stationary to mobile equipment bag may include a wheel assembly capable of interchangeability or replaceability of wheels thereof, or portions of wheels thereof, given a user's needs relating to weather, terrain, location, or other factors of play. These contemplated embodiments may include iterations of the equipment bag or container wherein a wheel's tread, size, materiality, weight, or other parts/parameters may be altered, exchanged, removed, or otherwise changed by a user either before/after or during use. It is further contemplated herein that any tools, accessories, or widgets necessary that may be required for such alteration or change may be housed within the equipment bag or container.

At least one contemplated embodiment of the convertible stationary to mobile equipment bag or container may include an open proximal end wherein a plurality of sporting equipment may be housed and accessed by a user. It is further contemplated that an embodiment of said bag or container may also include a closeable top operationally engageable about the proximal end of the bag or container, which may be capable of covering, enveloping, or otherwise protecting the housed equipment therein, such as during inclement weather or transportation. Said closable top may be entirely removable from the proximal end yet securably attachable thereto or affixed to the proximal end and storable within a pocket or portion thereof, or a combination thereof.

As it relates to each example embodiment illustrated herein, contemplated arrangements of the convertible stationary to mobile equipment bag or container may include one or more wheel assemblies wherein the at least two wheels present may share a common axis or each may retain their own individual axes. Therefore, as contemplated herein, it is possible for the wheels present to roll along the same axis, to roll independently of one another, and to be of the same or differing sizes and compositions. Said wheels may embody a typical voluble member as well as an atypical member, wherein it is contemplated that said wheels may resemble any of those used on known mobility devices, bags, containers, or those that may be needed to compensate for given weight, weather, size, and overall performance of the bag or container. When converted into a second position, or a deployed position, it is contemplated herein that said wheels will reside below the distal end of the elongated bag such that the overall height of the device will be increased thereby resulting in the distal end being lifted off the ground.

The example embodiments of the convertible stationary to mobile equipment bag or container contemplated herein may include recesses disposed about the distal end into which the wheels and/or wheel assemblies may sit, lie, or otherwise retract when not in use. Said recesses are contemplated as possibly being disposed within the base, side, length, or some combination thereof of the bag or container about its distal end. Furthermore, it is contemplated herein that said recesses, or the overall portion of the bag or container within which it is located, may include a lock or comparable security feature wherein said wheels or assemblies would be unable to deploy, unfold, unfurl, drop down, rotate out, or otherwise leave their housing, recess, or containment. It is further contemplated herein that mechanical components integrated throughout the convertible stationary to mobile equipment bag or container will allow a user to simply and quickly engage a lever, switch, button, or some equivalent component in order to either deploy and/or retract said wheels, and/or the whole assemblies thereof, regardless of whether the device is in use or not. Likewise, it is additionally contemplated that a user May manually (or in future embodiments automatically via wired controls or wireless remote control) deploy or retract said components.

Additionally contemplated features, components, or portions of the convertible stationary to mobile equipment bag or container may comprise at least one handle, strap, sleeve, or equivalent structural element that would allow a user to lift, carry, hold, or otherwise move the bag or container from/into a vehicle as well as along throughout gameplay. It is further contemplated herein that each component or element of the bag or container may be comprised of waterproof or weatherproof material. Likewise, it is further contemplated herein that the bag or container may further comprise one or more extensible rods, members, or alternative elements used to prop up or angle said bag or container and affixed thereto wherein these elements may possess their own pockets, pouches, housing, or storage units.

Future embodiments contemplated herein may include but not be limited to the following features, or equivalent components thereto: remote control and/or motorization of said wheels, wheel assemblies, and deployment/retraction thereof: integrated audio capabilities controllable via wired or wireless methods: integrated visual capabilities controllable via wired or wireless methods: integrated GPS or other tracking technology: and integrated methods of charging any electronic member or capability via wired or wireless methods.

Thus has been broadly outlined the more important features of the present invention, which are understood to be achieved independently or in combination with one another, so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

Objects of the present invention, along with various novel features that characterize the present invention are particularly pointed out in the claims forming a part of this disclosure. For better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses refer to the accompanying drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an isometric side view of an example embodiment of the present invention in a retracted position.

FIG. 2 is an isometric side view of an example embodiment of the present invention in a deployed position.

FIG. 3 is an isometric bottom view of the distal end of an example embodiment of the present invention lacking voluble members.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are isometric side views of an example embodiment of the present invention in a partially deployed or retracted position.

FIGS. 5A through 5C are bottom views of an example embodiment of the present invention moving from a retracted to a deployed position.

FIG. 6 is isometric bottom view of an example embodiment of the present invention in a deployed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1 through 6 thereof, example embodiments of the convertible stationary to mobile equipment bag employing the principles and concepts of the convertible stationary to mobile equipment bag and generally designated by the reference number 100 will be described. The system, components, and elements described and depicted in the illustrated example embodiments herein as well as those otherwise discussed are not meant to be limiting. It is readily understood that aspects, components, and elements of the convertible stationary to mobile equipment bag can be arranged in a variety of different configurations, combinations, and amalgamations, all of which are contemplated herein. While figures depicted herein may include or exclude various aspects, components, or elements, it is understood herein that embodiments may include fewer or more features than are depicted, discussed, or otherwise disclosed in any manner herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, convertible stationary to mobile equipment bag 100 (hereinafter “equipment bag 100”) is depicted in a first and second position, respectively. In both positions equipment bag 100 is depicted as including body 105 having proximal end 102 and distal end 104, strap assembly 115 removably attached to body 105 via fastening elements disposed thereon which also allow for alteration of sizing, accessory containment unit 110 for housing additional items that may be helpful or required for a given sport, as well as support assembly housing 120 and proximal end topper 130 covering open-end 103. As an example, for use with the game of golf, accessory containment unit 110 may be used to store golf balls, tees, gloves, scorecards, divot tools, and the like within a variety of internal pouches or pockets that may have walls and dividers separating them. Though not depicted herein, accessory containment unit 110 is contemplated herein as being releasably secured or openable by a zipper or some other equivalent fastenable element known in the art.

Proximal end topper 130 is depicted herein as laying atop open-end 103 at proximal end 102 thereby protecting it and all items, equipment, and accessories contained therein from inclement weather and other hazards associated with gameplay and transportation. Though not illustrated herein, additionally contemplated versions of proximal end topper 130 may include a zippered storage unit for accessories or housing a weather-proof poncho or wrapping therein capable of covering equipment bag 100 for protection while traveling or transporting, some releasable fastenable element capable of interaction with proximal end 102 for greater protection of equipment therein, and/or an additional handle component.

Support assembly housing 120 is depicted herein includes support assembly 125 having at least one leg 126 therein which itself has at least one ground-contacting member 127. Regardless of what position or orientation equipment bag 100 is in, support assembly 125 can be extended from its housing 120 in order to prop up equipment bag 100 to keep it from laying directly on the ground or from falling due to uneven terrain. Though not depicted herein, support assembly housing 120 may be stored in a separate zippered (or otherwise fastenably recloseable) storage or containment unit along body 105 of equipment bag 100. An alternative manner of storage contemplated herein for a metallic version of support assembly housing 120 involves the use of magnets to maintain its stored position along body 105 until physically separated by a user. Once released from said unit or separated from body 105, support housing assembly 120 may be extended outward whereby each leg 126 telescopes or unfolds outward and downward therefrom until each ground-contacting member 127 at the tip thereof makes contact with the ground. These ground-contacting members 127, illustrated herein as possessing feet, are also contemplated herein as including pegs, skis, glides, spikes, shoes, equivalent structures known in the art, or combinations thereof. Additionally contemplated versions may include removable, replaceable, or otherwise interchangeable ground-contacting members 127 wherein said alternative members and any tools required for changing May be housed within accessory containment unit 110, which itself is contemplated herein as being of varying sizes, shapes, and disposed at varying locations along body 105.

Strap assembly 115 is depicted herein as removably attached to body 105 wherein fastenable elements affixed to body 105 allow for the removal or customization of dimensions thereof. Common to many equipment bags, strap assembly 115 can be adjusted to fit a user's body thereby making transportation of equipment bag 100 easier and more comfortable while leaving a user's hands free to carry other items or perform other tasks. As depicted herein, strap assembly 115 includes additional straps or padding which may be configured to help distribute the weight of equipment bag 100 across the back and shoulders of a user. Additionally contemplated, but non-illustrated, embodiments of strap assembly 115 include permanent affixation to body 105 wherein fastenable elements are included only within strap assembly 115. Regardless of which embodiment is used, strap assembly 115 (or at least one component thereof) is capable of being entirely removed from equipment bag 100 and replaced by a user as necessary. An additional grippable element is contemplated, though not depicted, herein as being permanently affixed along body 105 whereby a user may grasp this element (such as a fabric handle or strip of material) to more easily lift and transport equipment bag 100.

In the example embodiments contemplated herein, all portions of body 105 (including proximal end topper 130) and strap assembly 115 may be made from durable, water-resistant, and lightweight materials such as nylon, polyester, leather, or equivalent fabric materials while all portions of support assembly 125 and housing 120 may be made from strong, durable, water-resistant, and lightweight materials such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel, steel alloys, carbon fiber, polymers, equivalent materials, as well as combinations or compositions thereof.

Disposed about distal end 104, wheel assembly housing 200 is depicted herein as housing first wheel assembly 210 having first voluble member 220 and second wheel assembly 230 having second voluble member 240. It is contemplated herein that these first and second wheel assemblies 210, 230 may share a single axis (as shown in FIGS. 5A through 5C) or may each possess their own in additional embodiments. It is contemplated herein that these first and second voluble members 220, 240 may be of substantially the same size (as depicted in all figures) or may be of varying sizes in additional embodiments. While all figures herein depict equipment bag 100 as possessing two wheel assemblies 210, 230 and two voluble members 220, 240, it is contemplated herein that additional embodiments may include only a single wheel assembly and voluble member (such as one resembling a large trackball), more than two assemblies and voluble members, as well as one assembly with more than one voluble member.

In at least one contemplated embodiment, both wheel assemblies 210, 230 are made from polymers and/or metallic (or metallic alloy) components and both voluble members 220, 240 are made from similar materials such that consistent use in a variety of climates, weathers, locations, and situations may not cause breakage or disrepair. One example may include wheel assemblies 210, 230 made from durable and resilient polymer materials while any frame and retractable arm component therein may be constructed from similarly durable and resilient materials such as aluminum or steel (or alloys thereof) and polymers. Additionally contemplated herein is the capability of voluble members 220, 240 and at least portions of wheel assemblies 210, 230 to be removed, replaced, and otherwise interchanged. Voluble members 220, 240 are contemplated herein as being large enough to easily roll over uneven terrain, wet and/or muddy terrain, as well as rocky/gravely terrain while not being so large as to add undue weight or bulk to equipment bag 100. Additionally, while not depicted herein, various alternative voluble members or installable covers thereon are contemplated such as inflatable voluble members (useful for beach games) and treaded voluble members or installable treads thereon (useful for muddy and rocky terrain).

As illustrated example embodiments FIGS. 1 and 2, wheel assembly housing 200 is capable of storing voluble members 220, 240 in a horizontal retracted position that is substantially parallel with the bottommost portion of distal end 104 while allowing for their conversion into a vertical deployed position via the levering of movement mechanism 300. Once converted into a vertical deployed position, voluble members 220, 240 directly contact the ground thereby raising equipment bag 100 such that no other portion thereof (aside from ground-contacting members 127) need to directly contact the ground.

Movement mechanism 300 is operationally engaged to rod 320 at rod-mechanism joint 310. Once rod 320 has been raised or lowered, thereby levering movement mechanism 300, wheel assemblies 210, 230 and voluble members 220, 240 thereof are converted between a deployed and a retracted position. Rod 320 is disposed along body 105 and operationally engaged to handle assembly 330 at rod-handle joint 340 about proximal end 102 of equipment bag 100. Handle assembly 330 includes handle assembly pivot 335 permanently affixed to body 105 about proximal end 102 and handle 350 whereby a user may simply and easily lift (or lower) handle 350 which rotates about handle assembly pivot 335 to cause levering of movement mechanism 300 thereby converting equipment bag 100 from a stationary wheel-retracted orientation to a mobile wheel-deployed orientation (or vice versa). Also included in handle assembly 330 are retracted rod locking mechanism 360 and deployed rod locking mechanism 370 wherein once handle 350 has either been raised or lowered, thereby deploying or retracting wheel assemblies 210, 230, rod 320 is releasably secured within one locking mechanisms 360, 370 to maintain the chosen orientation. Rod locking mechanisms 360, 370 are contemplated herein as comprising frictional, dimpled, pinned-in, or alternative locking mechanisms known in the art that will maintain the chosen orientation regardless of any incidental contact but will still allow for alteration of orientation either upon the application of intentional directional force is applied by a user or once the user specifically unlocks said mechanism. It is further contemplated that embodiments of equipment bag 100 May include a sleeve affixed or removably secured to body 105 capable of encapsulating and protecting rod 320 as well as additional components operationally engaged thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 3 through 6, an example embodiment of the operation of converting the components stored within wheel assembly housing 200 between a first and second position (or retracted and deployed position) is illustrated. Referring first to FIG. 3, wherein wheel assembly housing 200 having first and second wheel assembly 210, 230 are depicted without a first and second voluble member disposed thereon. While first and second wheel assembly 210, 230 are properly labeled with the correct reference numbers herein, it is contemplated in additional embodiments that these assemblies May be interchangeable or otherwise replaceable with one another. When a user operationally engages movement mechanism 300 it causes a complementary operation to occur with wheel assembly axis 250, thereby converting first and second wheel assemblies 210, 230 between positions. Though not depicted in FIG. 3, first and second voluble members are housed within voluble member recess 260 having recess walls 265. In addition to rod locking mechanisms 360, 370, the presently depicted embodiment of equipment bag 100 contemplates an additional or alternative deployment lock 270 within each voluble member recess 260 (only one depicted due to angle of figures) wherein failure of one locking mechanism will not cause collapse or overall failure of the entire equipment bag 100 system.

Referring next to FIGS. 4 through 6, first and second wheel assemblies 210, 230 having voluble members 220, 240 are depicted in before, during, and after conversion between a first and second position wherein the example embodiment of FIG. 4B illustrates the inner workings of the operations occurring and interrelation between movement mechanism 300 and components within wheel assembly housing 200. As mentioned previously relating to other example embodiments depicted herein, a user's operational engagement with movement mechanism 300 via rod 320 through rod-mechanism joint 310 causes deployment or retraction of first and second wheel assemblies 210, 230 and by extension first and second voluble members 220, 240. Similar to first and second wheel assemblies 210, 230 relating to FIG. 3, first and second voluble members 220, 240 are properly referenced and labeled herein but are contemplated as being replaceable or interchangeable with one another in additional embodiments.

FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate a bottom view of example embodiments of wheel assembly housing 200 as handle 350 of handle assembly 330 rotates about handle assembly pivot 335 of rod-handle joint 340 thereby levering rod 320 which causes complementary force to be exerted upon movement mechanism 300 through rod-mechanism joint 310 thereby engaging wheel assembly axis 250 and deploying first and second wheel assembly 210, 230 having first and second voluble member 220, 240 from a stowed/retracted horizontal position within voluble member recesses 260 of wheel assembly housing 200 to an extended/deployed vertical position. Not depicted herein are rod locking mechanisms 360, 370 or deployment lock 270 which are contemplated herein as operationally locking first and second wheel assemblies 210, 230 into place until specifically and intentionally disengaged by a user.

Complementary to FIG. 3, the example embodiment in FIG. 6 depicts components of wheel assembly housing 200 of equipment bag 100 in a deployed position wherein first and second wheel assembly 210, 230 having first and second voluble member 220, 240 are positioned vertically and will operate to raise the overall height of equipment bag 100 thereby keeping it from direct contact with the ground. As mentioned above in relation to FIGS. 4A though 5C, all manner of operation remains the same except for the orientation and operational engagement of movement mechanism 300. In the presently depicted figure, movement mechanism 300 is aligned parallel with the bottommost portion of distal end 104, whereas in all prior figures it was aligned perpendicular thereto. It is contemplated in this and additional embodiments of equipment bag 100, that movement mechanism 300 may exist in either orientation (or some orientation therebetween) wherein force from a user's operational engagement with rod 320 may be translated into movement mechanism 300 thereby engaging wheel assembly axis 250 and causing deployment or retraction of the remainder of the system. This may be effectuated by altering how a user operationally engages with rod 320, such as by rotating the operationally engaged handle assembly 330 sideways as opposed upward and downward, or through some additional pivoting, rotating, or conversion element that translates said force.

Additionally contemplated in alternative or future embodiments is the capability of a user to convert equipment bag 100 from a stationary (retracted) position to a mobile (deployed) position via an automated system integrated within wheel assembly housing 200. This may be accomplished via wireless remote control or via a wired (or otherwise integrated) button or switch disposed about equipment bag 100. Separately, while all figures herein depict a single wheel assembly axis (or shaft), operationally engaged to first and second voluble members 220, 240 via operational engagement with first and second wheel assemblies 210, 230, it is contemplated herein that each wheel assembly and voluble member thereof may have its own independent axis (or shaft) in future or alternative embodiments such that each member is capable of independent rotation and overall action. Likewise, each voluble member 220, 240, while depicted herein as being equivalent (or substantially equivalent) in size and material make up are contemplated in alternative or future embodiments as being differently sized and/or composed of different materials from one another.

The description and depiction of the different embodiments contemplated herein has been presented for purposes of illustration of equipment bag 100 and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to those embodiments in the form disclosed. Modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, alternative advantageous embodiments and/or components thereof may arise later and should be understood as being contemplated within the scope of the concept presented herein.

CONVERTIBLE STATIONARY TO MOBILE EQUIPMENT BAG

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