Patent Application
20140360901
The present invention relates to an apparatus for securing a golf bag to a golf cart. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus in the form of a clamp device or strap arrangement that can be added to any conventional golf bag as an accessory or as part of the bag's manufacture to securely affix the golf bag to a golf cart. The present invention may include an adjustable strap mechanism so that the clamp is universally applicable to secure any golf bag to any golf cart.
There are many existing ways to transport a golf bag in a golf cart. Most golf carts in use today have a strap assembly positioned at the back of the cart that wraps around a golf bag to secure it to a shallow-well storage shelf or other receptacle located at the rear of the cart. These, however, are not very secure, and it is often the case that bags and/or their contents experience significant movement and potential damage when one uses such a strap assembly integrated with a golf cart. U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0082184 discloses one method of securing a golf bag to a golf cart, in which a strap assembly is sewn or otherwise affixed directly to a golf bag, permitting a user to removably couple the golf bag to a portion of the golf cart. Despite this, however, there is no device in existence which permits a user to removably couple golf bags of any size to any golf cart configuration and which is still a removable accessory or part of a removable accessory, and specifically designed to provide adequate protection to prevent damage to golf bags and the contents thereof. It is therefore one objective of the present invention to provide a product which is an after-market or add-on accessory that does not require extra components permanently affixed during manufacturing directly onto a golf bag.
Similarly, there are many types of clips and clamps in the marketplace. Clips and clamps that are machined to secure items together in a high-torque environment and/or items of substantial size or weight have been available for many years. However, none of these are suitable for securing a golf bag to a golf cart because they are not designed with the specific attributes of golf bags and golf clubs in mind, nor or they are they adjustable to accommodate different types of golf carts. Devices such as industrial-use, quick jaw spring clamps provide too much pressure, raising the possibility of damage to golf bags, and do not permit adjustment when coupling the golf bag to a golf cart. One reason no one has previously considered to apply or modify such existing clamps or clips to a golfing environment is because golf bags and golf carts were largely of uniform design, so golf cart baskets provided limited yet adequate support for the short term uses of many casual golfers. However, with advances in golf bag and golf club technology, the golf industry has seen a dramatic increase in the average golfer's investment in their equipment, and the need to maximize protection for their investments in such items. Also, specialization in golf bag design has come to the point where a clamp design that is easily compatible with any golf bag has become advantageous, as there are many different existing types and sizes of golf bags available today. It is therefore one objective of the present invention to provide a means for securing a golf bag to a golf cart with an apparatus that has been machined with appropriate application of tension and force to adequately protect golfer equipment.
Similarly, users of golf bags that have a telescoping mechanism such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0082184 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,337,898 have no way of operating such a mechanism when a golf bag is secured by a cart-provided strap mechanism. Golfers must remove such a golf bag to gain access to the contents that the telescoping mechanism permits. It is therefore another objective of the present invention to provide a means for securely coupling a golf bag to a golf cart in such a way that still permits users to have full access to the contents of the bag while it is secured to the cart, regardless of the type golf bag used.
The present invention is clamp mechanism that includes an apparatus that affixes to an upper portion of golf bag at the outer rim of its open end and extending, at least in part, along an inner surface of the golf bag, and/or through a vertical pocket, loop, or ring, and opposite an storage appendage commonly found on an outer surface of most golf bags. The clamp mechanism incorporates contours in the form of curves machined into front and back members, and may include a strap for adjusting tension in relation to fittings of a golf cart so that clamp is universally applicable to any golf bag and any golf cart. The clamp mechanism may take many different forms, such; as for example, a clothespin-style clip.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a clip assembly for a golf bag comprises a member molded to form a back side and an opposing front side that is slightly elongated relative to the back side, with a closed end formed at upper portions of the front and back sides, and an open end formed at lower portions of the front and back sides. The member has angular sections on each of the front and back sides that include a top angled portion and a bottom angled portion along the front side, and a back angled portion along at least a section of the back side, the front and back sides each being tapered at the open end and having a tension formed between them to accommodate insertion, secure placement, and removal of the member relative to a golf bag. The clip assembly also includes recessed cavities positioned within weighted portions in the top and bottom angled portions on the front side, so that a first recessed cavity is formed within a top angled portion of the front side, and a second recessed cavity is formed within a bottom angled portion of the front side, each of the top and bottom angled portions also having 1) an outer portion partially enclosing each recessed cavity, 2) a plurality of teeth extending out angularly near an end of each outer portion and towards each weighted portion, 3) an inner aperture within each weighted portion, and 4) an open side within which a securing portion of a strap assembly is insertable and lockable therein.
Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a golf bag clamping assembly that comprises a first member molded to form a back side and an opposing front side, with a closed end formed at upper portions of the front and back sides, and an open end formed at lower portions of the front and back sides, the front and back sides each being tapered at the open end and having a tension formed between the front and back sides at multiple points along each of the front and back sides to accommodate insertion, secure placement, and removal of the first member relative to a golf bag. The back side is positioned on an inside of a golf bag and the front side is positioned on an outside of a golf bag with the closed end positioned over an outer rim of the golf bag when the first member is inserted into the golf bag. The clamping assembly also comprises a second clip member molded to form a cart side and an opposing mating side, with a closed end formed at upper portions of the cart and mating sides, and an open end formed at lower portions of the cart and mating sides, the mating side configured to slide in and out of a recessed portion forming a track on the front side of the first clip member to accept the mating side, so that the mating side of the second clip member is removably and adjustably positionable relative to the front side of the first clip member. The back side of the first member also includes one or more curved portions that create one or more points of pressure between the back side and an inside surface of the golf bag, the points of pressure and the tension enabling the first member to securely fit over the outer rim of the golf bag.
In another embodiment, the present invention is an apparatus comprising a clipping assembly having a member molded to form a back side and an opposing front side that is slightly elongated relative to the back side, with a closed end formed at upper portions of the front and back sides, and an open end formed at lower portions of the front and back sides, the front and back sides each being tapered at the open end and having a tension formed between them to accommodate insertion, secure placement, and removal of the member relative to a golf bag. The apparatus includes a plurality of curved portions formed in the member that include a front curved portion along a section of the front side and a back curved portion along a section of the back side to accommodate one or more contours of a golf bag and create one or more points of pressure at inside and outside surfaces of the golf bag. The apparatus also includes a strap assembly coupled to the clamp apparatus in at least one position along an outer surface of the front side, the strap assembly having a coupling portion and an adjustment mechanism allowing the strap assembly to be opened, closed and adjusted relative to one or more fixed members of a device to which the golf bag is coupled.
Other embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments, taken together with the accompanying figures, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
In the following description of the present invention reference is made to the accompanying figures which form a part thereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments illustrating the principles of the present invention and how it is practiced. Other embodiments will be utilized to practice the present invention and structural and functional changes will be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The present invention discloses a clamping mechanism configured to enable a golf bag to be securely affixed to a golf cart.
The apparatus 100 affixes to a golf bag 170 at an open portion 172 thereof at an outer rim 174, as shown in the plan view of
An adjustment mechanism 160 may be affixed to an outer surface 144 of the front side 140 as shown in
The front side 140 and back side 150 of the apparatus 100 are manufactured such that they are molded to create tension and maintain a specific distance between them, in particular between the bottom portions 146 and 156, respectively, of the front side 140 and back side 150. The tension induced in those bottom portions 146 and 156 provides additional support when the golf bag 170 is affixed to a golf cart, in addition to the benefits of force distribution from shapes formed from the curvatures in the front side 140 and back side 150. Additionally, the front and back sides may each include a plurality of angled and/or curved portions to accommodate one or more contours of a golf bag and create one or more points of pressure at inside and outside surfaces of the golf bag.
The one or more straps 164 of the adjustable strap assembly 162 are comprised of, in one embodiment, a male portion 165 and a female portion 166. In
As shown in
Each slide-in fastening mechanism 167 is inserted through open ends 412 and 422 of the recessed cavities 410 and 420, respectively, and locked as indicated herein. The adjustable strap assembly 162 is then threaded through the one or more attachment members 180 on a golf cart (such as for example a basket or bar), and the male portion 165 and the female portion 166 are then coupled together to secure the golf bag 170 to the one or more attachment members 180 using the apparatus 100.
The upper and lower recessed cavities 410 and 420 may each also include an inner aperture 414 and 424, so that when a slide-in mechanism 167 is inserted into one of the recessed cavities 410 and 420, a user maneuvers the slide-in fastening mechanism 167 upwards and then downwards, so that a portion of the folded, rolled, or bunched material is positioned into the inner aperture 412 and 422. Each weighted portion 430 and 440 includes an outer portion 432 and 442 with one or more serrated teeth 450 positioned at or proximate to ends 433 and 443 thereof. The one or more serrated teeth 450 are angled relative to the directional plane of the outer portions 432 and 442 and towards a body 434 and 444 of each weighted portion 430 and 440, so that the one or more serrated teeth 450 form a small opening between the ends 433 and 444 of the outer portions 432 and 442 and the rest of the body 434 and 444 of each weighted body 430 and 440. Any angles suitable for securing the straps 164 between the outer portions 432 and 442 and the body 434 and 444 of the weighted portions 430 and 440 may be used. For example, the one or more serrated 450 teeth may be angled at 45 degree angles, 90 degree angles, or any other angles relative to the directional plane of the outer portions 432 and 442. Additionally, one or more small gaps may separate the one or more serrated teeth 450 from each other to provide pressure at different points to further secure the folded, rolled or bunched material of the slide-in fastening mechanisms 167 of the straps 164 within each of the upper and lower recessed cavities 410 and 420. Such a gap may, for example, form a centimeter slot between teeth 450.
It is to be noted that many other configurations are possible to secure the slide-in fastening mechanisms 167 within the weighted portions 430 and 440 of the upper and lower recessed cavities 410 and 420. For example, the one or more serrated teeth 450 may each be positioned at a different angle, and may also be positioned substantially facing each other and various angles, rather than all being positioned in the direction of the body 434 and 444 of each weighted portion 430 and 440. Also, the slide-in fastening mechanisms 167 may have any size sufficient for them to be secured by the one or more serrated teeth 450.
Additional design features of the present invention may be included in one or more embodiments. For example, the bottom portions 146 and 156 of the front and back sides 140 and 150 (at the lower end 130 thereof opposite to the curved upper end 120 of the elongated body 110 of the apparatus 100) may be tapered to allow for easy sliding as the apparatus 100 is inserted into and removed from a golf bag 170. Additionally, and regardless of whether the apparatus 100 is configured as in
The one or more straps 164 are intended to utilize materials that are capable of withstanding heavy use and excessive force from movement. For example, the adjustable strap assembly 162 may include woven, nylon strap portions riveted to a plastic clip structure to ensure effective adherence under stress from being pulled in multiple directions, depending on the mounting configuration. Plastic materials utilized in the present invention are contemplated to be durable and weather resistant, easy to mold, and inexpensive to manufacture. The rolled or bunched portions 167 may be formed of slightly thicker material or amounts of material than the rest of the straps 164.
The length of the front side 140 of the apparatus 100 is slightly longer than the back side 150 to provide greater stability to a golf bag 170 when coupled to a golf cart. This longer length of the front side 140, contemplated in one embodiment to be approximately 9″ but not limited to any one length specified herein, permits accommodation of a wide range of thicknesses and materials used in manufacture of golf bags 170. The longer length of the front side 140 of the apparatus 100 and the bridged, curved section at the upper end 120 are also contemplated to distribute downward torque and inward pressure to the golf bag 170 over a wider area thereof to avoid damaging thin nylon exteriors common with lightweight stand bags. Distribution of these forces avoids specific stress points and increases strength coupling between the golf bag 170 and the golf cart. Similarly, the upper and lower weighted portions 430 and 440 also contributes to distribution of forces as well as to providing support for the slide-in fastening mechanisms formed by the rolled or bunched portions 168.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the elongated body 110 of the apparatus 100 is formed from a material capable of withstanding application of a large lateral torque, such as for example aluminum, and a semi-flexible plastic adjustment mechanism 160 in the form of the adjustable strap assembly 162. The elongated body 110 includes the upper end 120 with a space between the front side 140 and the back side 150 that is substantially larger at the upper end 120 than at the lower end to accommodate rims 174 of golf bags 170 as noted above. Between its top and bottom portions 152 and 156, the back side 150 of the elongated body 110 is a substantially straight member, while the front side 140 includes the bridged, curved section resulting from a plurality of curvatures molded for the purpose of creating contour to accommodate features of golf bags 170 to which they will be applied, and in a further aspect, to create tension at different points along the length of the front and back sides 140 and 150.
The adjustable strap assembly 162 and the front side 140 of the elongated body 110 of the apparatus 100 may combine to act as a carrying handle. In a closed, or locked configuration, a user may grab the adjustable strap assembly 162 and pick up, carry, or put down a golf bag 170. Because the adjustable strap assembly 162 is coupled to the outer surface 144 of the front side 140 of the elongated body 110 in at least two places (preferably near a top 142 of the front side 140 and near a bottom 146 of the front side 140) force can be distributed at two points to enable support when the golf bag 170 is manipulated in this manner. The adjustable strap assembly 162, combined with the biased tension between the front and back sides 140 and 150, enables use of the present invention as a carrying handle.
The adjustable strap assembly 162 may utilize different mechanisms capable of securing a golf bag 170 to a golf cart. For example, side-release snap buckles may be employed to provide easy adjustment and secure fastening, and in particular allow easy release of the adjustable strap assembly 162 with one hand. Other embodiments of the present invention may incorporate a hook-and-loop structure such as Velcro, one or more buckles or keepers, one or more metal or plastic snaps, or anything else capable of producing of locked or secured mechanism. It is therefore contemplated that the present invention is not to be limited by any one type of mechanism of which the adjustable strap assembly 162 is comprised.
Many other variations of the apparatus 100 of the present invention are contemplated. The present invention, as noted above, may also be considered as a method of safely securing any type of golf bag to any golf cart configuration. In that regard, the present invention may comprise a clothespin-style clip configured to be wide enough to bind the open-end rim 174 of a golf bag 170 to a cart mounting bar. The apparatus 100 may further be embodied as a clip with a counter-wound spring at or near a top thereof that allows a user to open and close the clip by grabbing ends and squeezing to open the first and second sides about the counter-wound spring. The apparatus 100 may comprise an elongated body 110 that is wider at least at the curved upper end 120 relative to the front side 140 and back side 150 to enable the apparatus 100 to act as a clip that couples a golf bag 170 directly to a golf cart without the need for an adjustment mechanism 160. In such an embodiment, the front and back sides 140 and 150 may be configured to extend a longer distance from the curved upper end 120 and from the top, open end of a golf bag 170 than embodiments with an adjustable strap assembly 162 to maintain tensile forces between them when utilized to couple the golf bag 170 to the golf cart. The extended width of the elongated body 110, and the extension of the front side 140 and back side 150 relative to the side of the golf bag 170, together act to provide sufficient strength and stability when coupled directly to one or more fixed members of the golf cart so that no adjustment mechanism 160 is needed. In still another embodiment, the golf bag 170 may have a pocket, ring(s), or loop(s) affixed to its outer surface through which the front side 140 of the apparatus 100 may be positioned when applied to a golf bag 170. The pocket may be a closed pocket with one end or open on two sides, and the rings(s) and loop(s) may be formed of a nylon fabric or made of high-strength plastic or metal. Regardless of whether this embodiment employs pockets, rings, or loops, it is intended that such items act as an extra stabilizing mechanism for the apparatus 100 when applied to the golf bag 170 so as not to damage the golf bag 170 or its contents when the apparatus 100 is applied in the manner described herein. Additionally, by employing pockets, loops, and rings, the apparatus 100 remains secured in place when applied to the golf bag 170, reducing the wear and tear on the apparatus 100 and minimizing the chance of the apparatus 100 being bent out of shape while in use.
The embodiment of
The second elongated body 620 is configured to vertically slide, relative to the front side 612 of the first elongated body 610 so that the clip assembly is adjustable to accommodate different sizes of golf bags and different bar heights or other attachment members of various golf cart manufacturers.
Similar to the first elongated body 610, the second elongated body 620 is formed so that the mating side 622, and the cart side 624, formed a closed end 626 at top portion 623 and 625 of the mating side 622 and cart side 624, respectively. At bottom portions 627 and 629 of the mating side 622 and cart side 624, respectively, the second elongated body 620 has an open end 628. The closed end 626 enables the clip assembly 600 to be utilized so that the second elongated body 620 may be positioned over an attachment member 180 of a golf cart. The track 616 and securing components allow the clip assembly 600 to be adjusted, as noted above, to enable the clip assembly 600 to secure any golf bag 170 to any golf cart.
The embodiment of
In the embodiment of
In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a clamping mechanism embodied in an apparatus 100 is contemplated. The method comprises machining a member having an elongated body into front and back sides, a curved upper portion at a closed first end between the front and back sides, and tapered lower portions at an open second end of the front and back sides. The front side configured to be positioned on an outside surface of a golf bag, and the back side configured to be positioned on an inside surface of the golf bag, when inserted therein.
In this embodiment, a plurality of curvatures are molded on the front and back sides to accommodate one or more contours of the outside surface and the inside surface of the golf bag. This has the effect of creating bias between the front and back sides to enable tension to secure the golf bag when coupled to a golf cart once the member is inserted into the golf bag. The plurality of curvatures are designed with respect to the one or more contours of the golf bag to reduce damage caused by the tension to either of the outer surface or inner surface of the golf bag.
Such a method of manufacturing also includes coupling a strap assembly to an outer surface of the front side of the member to enable coupling of the golf bag to the golf cart. In this embodiment, the strap assembly is machined to the outer surface in at least two positions on the outer surface, and further includes an adjustment mechanism allowing any golf bag to be securely coupled to one or more fixed members of any golf cart.
As noted above, the present invention is applicable as an accessory or factory-included article to a golf bag having a housing that is comprised of a multi-tiered rack system. The multi-tiered rack system enables the golf bag to expand so that compartments within each rack are open and contents are easier to remove and replace. The multi-tiered rack system includes a first rearwardly-disposed rack, integrally formed with the housing, and adapted to receive and cover a golfing equipment, such as for example “wood” clubs. The multi-tiered rack system also includes second and third racks, each pivotally connected to a housing base, and adapted to receive other golf equipment, such as for example “iron” clubs and “wedge” clubs, respectively. The first and second racks may comprise a base tray having a plurality of open-faced grooves, recesses or slots, wherein the open-face of each groove or slot is preferably covered via resilient fabric, or the like, for effectuating an outer retaining wall thereover. Each slot of the first and second rack trays may be dimensioned to retain the upper-most portion of the handle of a golf club, so that forward dislodgement of the club handle from a respective slot is precluded via the outer fabric retaining wall affixed thereover. The third rack may also possess a base tray, which may be functionally and substantially structurally equivalent to the base trays of the first and second rack.
The present invention is designed to be disposed on a rear side of the housing, opposing the side to which the multi-tiered rack system expands, for facilitating engagement of the golf bag to one or more attachment members of a golf cart. Such a configuration permits the golf bag to extend beyond the rear of the golf cart and provide free frontal access to the contents thereof without having to remove the golf bag from the golf cart itself.
The present invention may further include one or more spring mechanisms that are included at or substantially near the closed, upper portion end 120. Such spring mechanisms may be actuated by a handle or other gripping mechanism. Regardless, such a spring mechanism may be used to disengage the tension in the apparatus of the present invention to enable a user to apply it to a golf bag, or remove it therefrom.
The foregoing descriptions of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Accordingly, many alterations, modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations.
The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus, if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself.
The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense, it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention.
This patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional application 61/832,002, filed on Jun. 6, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated in their entirety herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61832002 | Jun 2013 | US |
