The embodiments of the present invention relate to a customizable golf club carrying bag configured to retain golf clubs in an organized and accessible manner.
Golf is a very popular game. Approximately 30 million people in the U.S. play golf. The number worldwide is significantly higher. Golf requires the use of golf club bags which in most instances comprise an elongated, enclosed tubular article defining an upper opening into which the golf clubs are placed.
While golf technology has changed significantly over the years, golf club bags have remained relatively unchanged. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to develop a new golf club bag customizable while maintaining golf clubs in an organized, easy-to-locate fashion while eliminating lost golf clubs.
The embodiments of the present invention are directed to a golf club bag having an open frame design and interchangeable outer skins. In one embodiment, a golf club bag frame comprises: an upper portion, lower portion and central portion defined by a pair of side frame members, said side frame members joined by multiple horizontal members, said side frame members include curved sections which collectively form the central portion; a separator having a plurality of walls attached to one or more of the horizontal members, said separator including cross-members which together with said separator walls define a series of individual golf club receptacles; and a handle attached to, and extending from, said side frame members and/or horizontal members.
In one embodiment, the frame receives a skin for covering the frame and clubs therein. The skin may take on different designs creating a customized golf club bag. In one embodiment, the skin is a single piece of material which slides onto and/or wraps around and attaches to the frame.
Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed.
As shown, a separator 160 is attached to one or more of the horizontal members 150-1, 150-3 and 150-4. The separator 160 may be attached to any portion of the frame 100, including side frame members 140-1 and 140-2 and horizontal frame members 150-1 through 150-7, in any suitable manner. The separator 160 includes three vertical walls 165-1 through 165-3 and several horizontal cross-members 170 which collectively define multiple golf club receptacles 175.
A handle 180 is connected to two horizontal members 150-3 and 150-4. The handle 180 provides means for a user to carry the golf bag frame 100, skin 210 (as described below) and clubs therein. The handle 180 as shown extends proximate the central portion 120 and may include a pad 181. To provide sufficient space for the golf club bag 200 to be carried on a user's shoulder, the handle 180 extends away from the curved section 141-1 and 141-2 of the central portion 120 of the frame 100. The handle 180 may be attached to the frame 100 in any suitable manner.
The frame 100 and handle 180 may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, metals, alloys, plastics, composites and combinations thereof. Manufacturing the frame 100 and handle 180 may utilize machining, molding or 3D printing or combinations thereof.
Golf club clips 250 permit golf clubs 255 to be held in place. U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,438 to applicant discloses a system for holding golf clubs in a golf bag and is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/934,042 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,079,076, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/667,791, filed on Jul. 3, 2012, each of which incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20150246272 A1 | Sep 2015 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61667791 | Jul 2012 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 13934042 | Jul 2013 | US |
Child | 14712513 | US |