BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a golf bag and travel system for providing a multi-component, modular golf bag that includes a rigid inner body core and a modular, interchangeable, soft outer body member that is selectively attachable to the rigid inner body core;
FIG. 2 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the golf bag and travel system of FIG. 1 with an attached soft outer body member that has a large size parameter and corresponding larger storage areas partially contained within the non-protruding zone;
FIG. 3 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the golf bag and travel system of FIG. 1 with an attached soft outer body member that has a small size parameter and corresponding smaller storage areas completely contained within the non-protruding zone;
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of only the rigid inner body core of a golf bag and travel system;
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of only the modular, interchangeable, soft outer body member of a golf bag and travel system, which is shaped and sized to connect to the rigid inner body core shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6A illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the rigid inner body core of the golf bag and travel system of FIG. 4 with the modular, interchangeable, soft outer body member of FIG. 5 preparing to attach thereto, as well as a tightening mechanism in a loose position;
FIG. 6B illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the rigid inner body core of the golf bag and travel system of FIG. 4 with the modular, interchangeable, soft outer body member of FIG. 5 beginning to attach thereto, as well as a tightening mechanism in a loose position;
FIG. 6C illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the rigid inner body core of the golf bag and travel system of FIG. 4 with the modular, interchangeable, soft outer body member of FIG. 5 partially attached thereto, as well as a tightening mechanism in a loose position;
FIG. 6D illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the rigid inner body core of the golf bag and travel system of FIG. 4 with the modular, interchangeable, soft outer body member of FIG. 5 fully attached thereto, as well as a tightening mechanism in a tightened position;
FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a golf bag and travel system with an attached cap and base that connects via a flexible sheath which protects the rigid inner body core and the modular, interchangeable, soft outer body member; and
FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a golf bag and travel system with an attached cap and base that are directly connected for storage purposes without enclosing the rigid inner body core and the modular, interchangeable, soft outer body member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A preferred embodiment of the invention is a dual-function, golf bag and travel system adapted as a relatively lightweight carrier for golf clubs to be used by a player on a golf course, and as a lockable travel case that can be safely transported in the luggage hold of a commercial aircraft or otherwise shipped without damage to its contents. The golf bag and travel system provides a multi-component, modular golf bag that enables golf clubs to be carried therein. Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown a golf bag and travel system according to the invention.
Briefly stated, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides a multi-component, modular, golf bag and travel system 10 that includes a rigid inner body core 20 and one or more interchangeable, soft outer body members 50. In one preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, and in particular with respect to FIG. 4, the rigid inner body core 20 includes a rigid top loop region 22, a rigid central loop region 24, a rigid bottom end 26, and a rigid belly region 28 that connects the top loop region 22, the central loop region 24, and the bottom end 26. Preferably, the rigid inner body core 20 of the golf bag and travel system 10 is composed of polymer, composite, or metallic material (or combinations thereof). Alternatively, other sufficiently rigid and structurally sound materials may also be utilized.
Referring again to FIG. 4, preferably the rigid inner body core 20 additionally includes two or more longitudinal support beams 30 that connect the top loop region 22, the central loop region 24, and the bottom end 26. In another preferred embodiment, the top loop region 22, the central loop region 24, the bottom end 26, and the rigid belly region 28 are all connected as a single unitary part. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other variations in the level connectivity between the top loop region 22, the central loop region 24, and the bottom end 26 are possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, provided that a sufficient level of structural stability is maintained between the top loop region 22, the central loop region 24, and the bottom end 26 of the rigid inner body core 20.
In another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the central loop region 24 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the top loop region 22. Additionally, the cross-sectional area of the central loop region 24 is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the bottom end 26. As a result, the shape of the rigid inner body core 20 is substantially “hour-glass” or column-shaped. This “hour-glass” shape creates the potential for pockets 52 (or other types of storage areas) in the soft outer body members 50 to be positioned near the central loop region 24 without protruding beyond the diameter of top loop region 22 or the diameter of bottom end 26. This “non-protruding zone 53” is bounded by the outer perimeter of the top loop region 22 and extends longitudinally to the outer perimeter of the bottom end 26 of the inner body core 20. Notably, the positioning and/or configuration of the pockets 52 on a soft outer body member 50 will vary according to function, design, and/or consumer preference between different preferred embodiments of the golf bag and travel system 10.
As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the top loop region 22 and the central loop region 24 of the inner body core 20 are hollow, each containing a hollow opening. In this manner, the golf bag and travel system 10 enables golf clubs 12 to be placed through the hollow openings in the top loop region 22 and central loop region 24 of the inner body core 20. In contrast, the rigid bottom end 26 of the inner body core 20 is not hollow, but rather is a solid piece of material that contains the golf clubs 12 at the bottom of inner body core 20.
Referring again to FIG. 4, in one preferred embodiment of the golf bag and travel system 10, the rigid inner body core 20 further includes a flexible mesh 32 in the non-belly region of the rigid inner body core 20. The flexible mesh 32 connects the top loop region 22 to the central loop region 24. Additionally, the flexible mesh 32 connects the central loop region 24 to the bottom end 26 of the system 10. This flexible mesh 32 is composed of a sturdy, substantially tear-resistant material in order to be able to withstand potential damage from golf clubs 12 that may sometimes be inserted into the rigid inner body core 20 with unnecessary vigor due to the emotions elicited during the play of golf. As described above, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other variations in the level connectivity between the top loop region 22, the central loop region 24, and the bottom end 26 are possible, without departing from the scope of the invention. As such, in some embodiments of the golf bag and travel system 10, the rigid inner body core 20 will be completely solid and not include a flexible mesh 32.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a soft outer body member 50 is shown. In one preferred embodiment of the golf bag and travel system 10, one soft outer body member 50 is selected (at a time) from amongst a plurality of modular, interchangeable, soft outer body members 50 for attachment to the rigid inner body core 20. Preferably, each soft outer body member 50 is selectively attachable to the inner body core 20. In one specific, non-limiting embodiment, each soft outer body member 50 is selectively attachable to the top loop region 22, the bottom end 26, and the belly region 28 of the inner body core 20. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each soft outer body member 50 is shaped and sized to be selectively attachable, one soft outer body member 50 at a time, to the correspondingly shaped and sized rigid inner body core 20. Otherwise stated, one soft outer body member 50 correspondingly mates with one rigid inner body core 20 to produce a complete golf bag.
Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6D, in a preferred embodiment of the golf bag and travel system 10, the selective attachment and corresponding mating of a soft outer body member 50 with a rigid inner body core 20 is shown in a four step process from a top cross-sectional view. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6D (and partially in FIG. 4), the rigid inner body core 20 of the golf bag and travel system 10 includes a longitudinally extending channel 34 and a longitudinally extending rod 36 for facilitating the connection of the soft outer body member 50 to the rigid inner body core 20. Preferably, the longitudinally extending channel 34 and the longitudinally extending rod 36 are located in or adjacent to the rigid belly region 28 of the inner body core 20. Correspondingly, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6D (and partially in FIG. 5), the soft outer body member 50 of the golf bag and travel system 10 includes a longitudinally extending shaft 54 and mating longitudinally extending hook and loop surfaces 56 for facilitating the connection of the soft outer body member 50 to the rigid inner body core 20.
In one preferred embodiment, the longitudinally extending shaft 54 of the soft outer body member 50 is inserted into the longitudinally extending channel 34 of the rigid inner body core 20. This secures the first longitudinal end 58 of the soft outer body member 50 to the rigid inner body core 20. In one embodiment, the longitudinally extending shaft 54 of the soft outer body member 50 is slid downward (with reference to FIG. 4) into, and along the length of, the longitudinally extending channel 34 of the rigid inner body core 20. In one such preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the bottom edge 60 of the soft outer body member 50 slides into an upward facing channel 38 at the bottom end 26 of the rigid inner body core 20. In another preferred embodiment, the bottom edge 60 of the soft outer body member 50 attaches to the bottom end 26 of the rigid inner body core 20 using other fastening techniques, which are known in the art.
Continuing, the soft outer body member 50 is pulled taut around the perimeter of the rigid inner body core 20 and then cinched around longitudinally extending rod 36 of the inner body core 20, enabling the longitudinally extending surfaces 56 to secure against each other and firmly connect this second longitudinal end 62 the soft outer body member 50 to the belly region 28 of the rigid inner body core 20. In one preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the top edge 64 of the soft outer body member 50 contains an inward-facing protrusion 66 that is press-fit into an outward facing channel 40 along the top loop region 22 of the rigid inner body core 20. Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment, the soft outer body member 50 attaches to the rigid inner body core 20 via two channels instead of one channel. In another preferred embodiment, the top edge of the soft outer body member 50 attaches to the top loop region 22 of the rigid inner body core 20 using other fastening techniques, which are known in the art.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, 5, and 6A-6D, in one preferred embodiment of the golf bag and travel system 10, each soft outer body member 50 includes one or more pockets 52 or other types of storage areas. As described above, the “hour-glass” shape of the rigid inner body core 20 creates the potential for these pockets 52 (or other types of storage areas) to be positioned near the central loop region 24 without protruding beyond the diameter of top loop region 22 or the diameter of the bottom end 26 (i.e., the “non-protruding zone 53,” which is bounded by the outer perimeter of the top loop region 22 and extends longitudinally to the outer perimeter of the bottom end 26 of the inner body core 20). In one preferred embodiment, the smaller cross-sectional area of the central loop region 24 enables at least part of the one or more storage areas of a soft outer body member 50 to be contained within the non-protruding zone 53. In another preferred embodiment, the smaller cross-sectional area of the central loop region 24 enables all of the one or more storage areas 52 of a soft outer body member 50 to be contained within the non-protruding zone 53. This ergonomic design, which reduces or eliminates the protrusion of pockets or other storage areas beyond the non-protruding zone 53, facilitates eases use and transportation of the golf bag and travel system 10 while simultaneously reducing the risk of damage due to the lack of any bulky and/or unwieldy protrusions.
Although only one soft outer body member 50 can be attached to the rigid inner body core 20 at a time, that one soft outer body member 50 is preferably selected from amongst a plurality of modular, interchangeable, soft outer body members 50. In such a preferred embodiment, the plurality of modular, interchangeable, soft outer body members 50 differ from each other in at least one of size, function, or design parameters. In one aspect of a preferred embodiment, the plurality of interchangeable, soft outer body members 50 vary in size parameters that include, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation: small, medium, and large. In this manner, a golfer is able to select a small soft outer body member 50 for a quick local round of golf, and select a large soft outer body member 50 for a destination golf trip, thereby enabling the golfer to easily carry extensive golf paraphernalia on the trip.
In another aspect of a preferred embodiment, the plurality of interchangeable, soft outer body members 50 vary in functional parameters that include, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation: light weight, inclement weather, travel, and combinations thereof. In this manner, a golfer is able to select a lightweight, soft outer body member 50 when the weight of the bag is a primary concern over storage capacity, and select an inclement weather soft outer body member 50 when foul weather is a primary concern. In still another aspect of a preferred embodiment, the plurality of interchangeable, soft outer body members 50 vary in design parameters that include, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation: company, theme, course, team, type, and combinations thereof. In this manner, a golfer is able to select one company or theme in one situation, and then “re-skin” their golf bag for a second company or theme in another situation (without having to switch to a different bag).
With respect to bag type, the golf bag and travel system 10 is capable of being configured as any of several different bag types by interchanging different version of the soft outer body members 50. These bag types include, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation: stand/carry, staff, cart, and lightweight. Stand (or carry) bags are typically carried either over the shoulder or with the “dual strap” style system (e.g., the IZZO dual strap system). This configuration makes significant use of the bipod mechanism described below. The staff bag is a very large bag that is typically used by professionals. Usually a caddy carries this bag, which is often made of leather. The staff bag bag is sometimes used in conjunction with a cart and often does not utilize a bipod mechanism. A cart bag is much like the staff bag, described above, but is usually a little smaller and is typically not made of leather. Lastly, the lightweight bag is usually a type of stand bag that is little smaller and with less pockets or pocket room.
Referring again to FIG. 4, in another aspect of a preferred embodiment, the golf bag and travel system 10 further includes a bi-pod 70 that attaches to the belly region 28 of the inner body core 20. Preferably, the bi-pod 70 attaches internally to the belly region 28 of the inner body core 20 (i.e., the bi-pod 70 does not protrude out from the surface of the belly region 28). The bi-pod 70 includes two selectively ground-engaging legs 72 and has an extended position and a retracted position. The bi-pod 70 assists in supporting the golf bag and travel system 10 in a substantially upright position when the legs 72 are in the extended position. A common problem with bi-pod systems is that the legs have a tendency to become bent or broken (particularly during transportation) due to the manner in which they project out from the main body of a golf bag or other device. However, in a preferred embodiment of the golf bag and travel system 10, the bi-pod 70 and its legs 72 are contained completely within the belly region 28 of the inner body core 20 when the bi-pod 70 is in the retracted position (i.e., the bi-pod 70 does not protrude out from the surface of the belly region 28). This reduces or eliminates the amount of damage to the bi-pod legs 72 when the bi-pod 70 is in the retracted position, particularly during transportation. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that this type of fully-retracted, countersunk bi-pod 70 can be used in conjunction with other devices outside of the field of golf.
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, the bi-pod 70 is operatively associated with an activation system that includes a ground-engaging clip 74 which projects downward beneath the bottom end 26 of the rigid inner body core 20. The activation system actuates the legs 72 of bi-pod 70 from the retracted position to the extended position when activated by depressing the clip 74 upwards into the bottom end 26 of the rigid inner body core 20 through contact with the ground or other surface.
Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 6A-6D, in another aspect of a preferred embodiment, the golf bag and travel system 10 further includes a tightening mechanism 80 that reduces the size of the hollow opening in at least one of the top loop region 22 and the central loop region 24 of the inner body core 20, thereby securing any golf clubs 12 in place that have been placed through the hollow openings. This prevents the golf clubs 12 from rattling against each other during transportation. Additionally, the tightening mechanism 80 assists with the placement of a cap or cover over the end of the club heads. In one preferred embodiment, the tightening mechanism 80 includes a tightening knob 82 and constrictable band 84. The constrictable band 84 is located on the inside of, and associated with, the rigid inner body core 20, preferably at or near the central loop region 24. The tightening mechanism 80 is left in a loose position during normal use of the golf bag and travel system 10, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. However, when a golfer plans to transport the golf bag and travel system 10, the tightening knob 82 is turned and the constrictable band 84 contracts to tighten around the shafts of the golf clubs 12 that have been placed in the golf bag and travel system 10. To loosen the constrictable band 84 when desired, the golfer simply turns the tightening knob 82 in the opposite direction.
In another embodiment of the golf bag and travel system 10, the tightening mechanism 80 includes more than one of the constrictable bands 84. In still another embodiment of the golf bag and travel system 10, the tightening mechanism 80 does not include a tightening knob 82 and constrictable band 84, but instead utilizes one or more draw strings, one or more “hook and loop” straps, or other known cinching mechanisms. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that this type of tightening mechanism 80, which including a tightening knob 82 and constrictable band 84, can be used in conjunction with other devices outside of the field of golf (or can be used in conjunction with any type of golf bag).
Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, in a preferred embodiment, the golf bag and travel system 10 further includes a travel base 90 that is selectively attachable to the bottom end 26 of the system, and a travel cap 96 that is attachable to the top of the system (e.g., the top loop region 22) for protecting the heads of the golf clubs 12 contained within the golf bag and travel system 10. In one preferred embodiment, the travel base 90 includes retractable wheels 92 for facilitating local transportation of the golf bag and travel system 10. In another preferred embodiment, the travel base wheels are not retractable. In another aspect of a preferred embodiment, the travel cap 96 is attachable to the base via a flexible sheath 94 that covers and connects over the outside of the golf bag and travel system 10. In one preferred embodiment, the sheath is connected to the cap 96 and is selectively attachable to the base 90. In an alternative embodiment, this arrangement is reversed. In this manner, the flexible sheath 94 protects the covered portion of the golf bag and travel system 10. In another aspect of a preferred embodiment, the travel cap 96 is attachable directly to the travel base 90 for storage purposes while the rigid inner body core 20 and the soft outer body member 50 are used elsewhere.
In another aspect of a preferred embodiment, the travel cap 96 contains a liner to assist in preventing damage to the club heads during travel. The liner may be shaped and sized in many different configurations, but typically at least a portion of the liner is soft and/or flexible. In other embodiments, a multi-component liner is utilized. In one particular, non-limiting preferred embodiment, the liner of the travel cap 96 is composed of many gel-filled tentacle-like feelers.
Furthermore, the various apparatus and methodologies described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes may be made to the invention without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.
Patent Application
20080023356
