Patent Application
20100301086
The present invention relates to golf bags including strap systems that are convertible between a single strap configuration and a double strap configuration, as well as to the strapping systems themselves and the methods of converting between the double and single strap configurations. Aspects and features of this invention may be useful for other devices carried by shoulder-borne strapping systems, such as backpacks, luggage, briefcases, purses, etc.
Golf bags come in many different sizes and configurations. There are relatively large and heavy bags, such as those that are typically used by professional players and/or those typically secured to a riding cart, a pull cart, or other type of carrier. These bags typically have numerous pockets and are able to contain many items in addition to the golf clubs themselves. There are also relatively small and lightweight bags that are typically used by players that prefer to carry their clubs as they walk the course and play golf. Golf bags also come in a wide variety of sizes and configurations between these extremes.
A variety of carry strap systems are available for golf bags. Some carry strap systems provide a single strap for carrying the bag over a single shoulder. Such straps can be somewhat difficult and tiresome to use, particularly for heavy bags and/or for carrying bags over long distances. Accordingly, some users prefer golf bag strap systems that have a double strap that allows the bag to be carried over both shoulders. While useful to more evenly divide and orient the load when carrying a bag, such strap systems can be cumbersome to put on, bulky, and somewhat difficult to use. Moreover, golfers tend to have a distinct preference as to the type of strapping system they prefer to use, a single strap or a double strap, but this preference may change, depending on various factors, such as whether the golfer is walking, riding in a cart, using a pull cart, carrying the bag, using a caddy, etc.
When walking and carrying their bags, many golfers prefer to use the dual strap system because this better distributes and orients the weight and prevents fatigue on a single shoulder or side over the course of an 18 hole round. Caddies at many golf courses, however, prefer to use a single strap configuration because in that manner they can simultaneously carry bags for two players. Trying to carry a bag having a double shoulder strap over a single shoulder can be inconvenient and uncomfortable because the double strap arrangement does not necessarily fit well over a single shoulder and because the excess strap remains loose, which can become a nuisance or pose a tripping hazard.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a simple, easy to use, and convenient strapping system that is convertible between a single strap configuration and a double strap configuration.
Various aspects of this invention relate to golf bag structures that have the capability of converting between a single strap configuration and a double strap configuration. As some more specific examples, golf bag structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention include: (a) a body member having an open first end for receiving one or more golf clubs and a closed second end, wherein the body member extends in a longitudinal direction from the first end to the second end, and wherein the body member defines an overall height dimension extending in the longitudinal direction; (b) at least four strap connection structures engaged with the body member (and in some examples, at least five strap connection structures and even at least six strap connection structures), each strap connection structure for releasably engaging a strap connector; and (c) a strap system including a first strap member and a second strap member for releasably engaging the body member at a plurality of the strap connection structures. At least two of the strap connection structures will be provided proximate to the open end of the golf bag and at least two of the strap connection structures will be provided at locations away from the open end, e.g., at or near the bag's center in the longitudinal direction.
In the double strap configuration, the first strap member will connect at three of the strap connection structures, and the second strap member will connect to the first strap member and to one of the strap connection structures on the bag member. To convert to the single strap configuration, the first strap member is disconnected from the bag body member; the second strap member is disconnected from the first strap member and connected to the body member near its top; and, optionally, the other end of the second strap member may be moved to a different strap connection structure on the body member. As another alternative, rather than moving the second strap member to a different strap connection structure, the strap connection structure on which the second strap member is engaged may be moved with respect to the bag's body member, if necessary, to provide a more balanced and comfortable strap connection configuration for the user.
In the single strap configuration, the second strap member will connect at two of the strap connection structures, one at the top and one longitudinally downward from the top, and the first strap member will be disconnected from the body member. To convert to the double strap configuration, one end of the second strap member is disconnected from its strap connection structure and is connected to a base portion of the first strap member; optionally, the second end of the second strap member may be moved to a different strap connection structure (or the strap connection structure to which it is connected may be moved to a different position); and the three strap connectors on the first strap member are engaged with three strap connection structures provided on the body member.
Additional aspects of this invention relate to strap systems that may be used in the golf bags and methods described above. Still additional aspects and features of this invention may be useful for other devices carried by shoulder-borne strapping systems, such as backpacks, luggage, briefcases, purses, etc.
The above-noted and other features and aspects of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, when considered in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein:
In general, as described above, some aspects of this invention relate to golf bag structures (or other shoulder-borne articles) that have the capability of converting between a single strap configuration and a double strap configuration, as well as to strap systems useful in making these conversions and to methods of making these conversions.
As some more specific examples, aspects of this invention relate to golf bags that include: (a) a body member constructed from one or more parts and including an open first end for receiving one or more golf clubs and a closed second end, wherein the body member extends in a longitudinal direction from the first end to the second end, and wherein the body member defines an overall height dimension extending in the longitudinal direction; (b) a plurality of strap connection structures engaged with the body member, each strap connection structure for releasably engaging a strap connector; and (c) a strap system including a first strap member and a second strap member for releasably engaging the body member at a plurality of the strap connection structures, wherein the strap system is convertible between a double strap configuration and a single strap configuration. Various example connection arrangements are possible in accordance with various examples of this invention, and several of these arrangements will be described in more detail below.
In some example bag structures in accordance with this invention, at least six strap connection structures will be provided, three located proximate to the open first end and three located downward from the open first end (e.g., at least 40% of the overall longitudinal height downward from the open first end, and in some examples, between 40-75% of the overall longitudinal height downward, or even between 40-60% of the height). The various strap connection structures are circumferentially spaced around the bag's body member. In one example structure, when in the double strap configuration, the strap system will be engaged with the body member as follows: (a) a first strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a top, outside strap connection structure, (b) a second strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with the other top, outside strap connection structure, (c) a third strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a lower, outside strap connection structure, (d) a first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the other lower, outside strap connection structure, and (e) a second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with a base portion of the first strap member. When in the single strap configuration, the strap system of this example structure is engaged with the body member as follows: (a) the first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the lower, center strap connection structure, (b) the second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the upper, center strap connection structure, and (c) the first strap member is not engaged with any of the first through sixth strap connection structures.
In another example arrangement having at least six strap connection structures as described above, in the double strap configuration, the strap system may be engaged with the body member as follows: (a) a first strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a top, outside strap connection structure, (b) a second strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a lower, outside strap connection structure, (c) a third strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with the other lower, outside strap connection structure, (d) a first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the other top, outside strap connection structure, and (e) a second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with a base portion of the first strap member. When in the single strap configuration, the strap system of this example structure is engaged with the body member as follows: (a) the first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the lower, center strap connection structure, (b) the second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the upper, center strap connection structure, and (c) the first strap member is not engaged with any of the first through sixth strap connection structures.
In some example bag structures in accordance with this invention, at least five strap connection structures will be provided, three located proximate to the open first end and two located downward from the open first end (e.g., at least 40% of the overall longitudinal height downward from the open first end, and in some examples, between 40-75% of the overall longitudinal height downward, or even between 40-60% of the height). The various strap connection structures are circumferentially spaced around the bag's body member from one another. In one example structure, when in the double strap configuration, the strap system will be engaged with the body member as follows: (a) a first strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a top, outside strap connection structure, (b) a second strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with the other top, outside strap connection structure, (c) a third strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a lower strap connection structure, (d) a first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the other lower strap connection structure, and (e) a second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with a base portion of the first strap member. When in the single strap configuration, the strap system of this example structure is engaged with the body member as follows: (a) the first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with one of the lower strap connection structures, (b) the second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the top, center strap connection structure, and (c) the first strap member is not engaged with any of the first through fifth strap connection structures.
In another example arrangement having at least five strap connection structures as described in the preceding paragraph, in the double strap configuration, the strap system may be engaged with the body member as follows: (a) a first strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a top, outside strap connection structure, (b) a second strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a lower strap connection structure, (c) a third strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with the other lower strap connection structure, (d) a first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the other top, outside strap connection structure, and (e) a second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with a base portion of the first strap member. When in the single strap configuration, the strap system of this example structure is engaged with the body member as follows: (a) the first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with a lower strap connection structure, (b) the second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the top, center strap connection structure, and (c) the first strap member is not engaged with any of the first through fifth strap connection structures.
Other example bag structures in accordance with this invention may include at least five strap connection structures, but with two located proximate to the open first end and three located downward from the open first end (e.g., at least 40% of the overall longitudinal height downward from the open first end, and in some examples, between 40-75% of the overall longitudinal height downward, or even between 40-60% of the height). The various strap connection structures are circumferentially spaced around the bag's body member from one another. In one example structure, when in the double strap configuration, the strap system will be engaged with the body member as follows: (a) a first strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a top strap connection structure, (b) a second strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with the other top strap connection structure, (c) a third strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a lower, outside strap connection structure, (d) a first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the other lower, outside strap connection structure, and (e) a second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with a base portion of the first strap member. When in the single strap configuration, the strap system of this example structure is engaged with the body member as follows: (a) the first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the lower, center strap connection structure, (b) the second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with one of the top strap connection structures, and (c) the first strap member is not engaged with any of the first through fifth strap connection structures.
In another example arrangement having at least five strap connection structures as described in the preceding paragraph, in the double strap configuration, the strap system may be engaged with the body member as follows: (a) a first strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a top strap connection structure, (b) a second strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a lower, outside strap connection structure, (c) a third strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with the other lower, outside strap connection structure, (d) a first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the other top strap connection structure, and (e) a second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with a base portion of the first strap member. When in the single strap configuration, the strap system of this example structure is engaged with the body member as follows: (a) the first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the lower, center strap connection structure, (b) the second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with one of the top strap connection structures, and (c) the first strap member is not engaged with any of the first through fifth strap connection structures.
In some example bag structures in accordance with this invention, at least four strap connection structures will be provided, two located proximate to the open first end and two located downward from the open first end (e.g., at least 40% of the overall longitudinal height downward from the open first end, and in some examples, between 40-75% of the overall longitudinal height downward, or even between 40-60% of the height). The various strap connection structures are circumferentially spaced around the bag's body member from one another. In one example structure, when in the double strap configuration, the strap system will be engaged with the body member as follows: (a) a first strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a top strap connection structure, (b) a second strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with the other top strap connection structure, (c) a third strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a lower strap connection structure, (d) a first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the other lower strap connection structure, and (e) a second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with a base portion of the first strap member. When in the single strap configuration, the strap system of this example structure is engaged with the body member as follows: (a) the first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with one of the lower strap connection structures, (b) the second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with one of the top strap connection structures, and (c) the first strap member is not engaged with any of the first through fourth strap connection structures.
In another example arrangement having at least four strap connection structures as described in the preceding paragraph, in the double strap configuration, the strap system may be engaged with the body member as follows: (a) a first strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a top strap connection structure, (b) a second strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with a lower strap connection structure, (c) a third strap connector of the first strap member is releasably engaged with the other lower strap connection structure, (d) a first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with the other top strap connection structure, and (e) a second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with a base portion of the first strap member. When in the single strap configuration, the strap system of this example structure is engaged with the body member as follows: (a) the first strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with a lower strap connection structure, (b) the second strap connector of the second strap member is releasably engaged with a top strap connection structure, and (c) the first strap member is not engaged with any of the first through fourth strap connection structures.
In any of the bag structures described above, one or more of the strap connection structures may be movably mounted with respect to the bag, e.g., so that the connection location may be moved in the circumferential direction around the bag, in the longitudinal direction, or in any other desired direction or combination of directions. The strap connection structures and/or the strap connectors may be coded in some manner so as to enable users to easily determine proper strap locations and orientations when switching from one configuration to the other.
Given this general description of various features and aspects of the invention, a more detailed description of specific examples of this invention will be provided below. This more detailed description should be considered as describing examples of the invention and not as limiting the invention.
In this illustrated example golf bag structure 100, six strap connection structures 114a through 114f are provided. Three of the strap connection structures 114a through 114c are provided proximate the open top end 102, circumferentially disposed from one another on one circumferential half of the bag's body member 108. In this illustrated example, the strap connection structures 114a through 114c are centered on the front half of the bag's circumference, and optionally may be centered on the front one-third or even on the front one-fourth or one-fifth of the bag's circumference (e.g., centered with respect to a longitudinal line L extending from the bag's top end 102 to the bottom end 104 through the central, front located handle 110 in this illustrated example structure 100). The term “proximate,” as used herein in this context, means that at least some portion of the attachment between the strap connection structure 114 and the body member 108 is located within 15% of the overall longitudinal length L from the top end 102 of the bag 100. In some examples structures 100, at least some portion of the attachment between the upper strap connection structures 114a through 114c and the body member 108 will be located within the upper 10% of the overall longitudinal length L of the bag structure 100. For movable strap connection structures, as described in more detail below, the strap connection structure is considered to be located “proximate” to the top of the bag 100 if at least a portion of the securing structure is capable of being positioned and secured at least partially within the positions described above.
The other three of the strap connection structures 114d through 114f are provided longitudinally downward from the top strap connection structures 114a through 114c and toward the bottom end 104 of the bag 100. While the lower strap connection structures 114d through 114e may be located at any desired longitudinal position on the bag structure, in accordance with at least some examples of this invention, at least some portion of the attachment between these lower strap connection structures and the body member 108 will be located at least 35% of the longitudinal length L downward from the top end 102 (range 116 in
The first strap member 202 of this example strap system 200 includes a strap connection structure 216. While the strap connection structure 216 may be located at any desired location on the first strap member 202, in accordance with some examples of this invention, the strap connection structure 216 will be located at a central hub area 218 of the base portion 206 that forms the origin of the strap structures and/or corresponds to a location of the user's back when the strap system 200 is engaged with the bag 100 and used in a double strap configuration (see also
The other free end of the second strap member 204 includes a strap connector 226, optionally mounted on a strap that may or may not include a strap length adjusting mechanism. This strap connector 226 releasably joins to the strap connection structure 216 provided on the first strap member 202 in a rotational or pivotal manner when the strap system 200 is in the double strap configuration (see also
While any desired type of connection between the various strap members and the strap members and the bag may be used without departing from this invention,
A second component of the connection joint 300 (e.g., the pivot snap buckle) according to this example of the invention is snap-in piece 304 that may be fixedly or removably attached to second strap member 204. As shown by comparing
In some connection joint structures 300, snap-in piece 304 may be removably engaged within the receptor component 302 such that the second strap member 204 may be disengaged from the first strap member 202 by the user. In one example, snap-in piece 304 may include a raised and movable button 306 that compresses inward as it is slid through the opening or slot 320 defined in the receptor component 302. Once through the slot 320 and located within the opening 308 defined in the receptor component 302, the movable button 306 snaps back outward into place inside the opening 308 of the receptor component 302 by elevating outward toward its original position. In this manner, the outer edges of button 306 engage with and are trapped within opening 308, thereby holding the button 306 within the opening 308. The snap-in piece 304 may be removed from receptor component 302 by depressing button 306 until its edges are below opening 308 and then sliding the snap-in piece 304 out of receptor component 302.
To convert this double strap configuration to a single strap configuration, the straps are reconfigured as shown in
The results of these changes are shown in
If desired, the strap system 200 arrangement shown in
To convert this double strap configuration to a single strap configuration, the straps are reconfigured to the arrangement shown in
If necessary, the shape of the first strap member 202 and/or the seconds strap member 204 may be changed somewhat for this arrangement, e.g., to allow strap connector 212a to better align with and connect to lower strap connector 114d.
In a similar manner, the strap system 200 could be flipped horizontally from the two arrangements described above. In other words, the strap system 200 may be constructed and arranged so that strap connectors 208a and 210a engage with strap connection structures 114a and 114d, respectively, and so that the strap connectors 212a and 222a engage with strap connection structures 114c and 114f, respectively. In another arrangement, the strap system 200 may be constructed and arranged so that strap connectors 208a and 210a engage with strap connection structures 114d and 114a, respectively, and so that the strap connectors 212a and 222a engage with strap connection structures 114f and 114d, respectively. In either of these arrangements, the second strap member 204 may be engaged with the bag structure 100 in the manner shown in
As another alternative, rather than using codes on the strap connectors and/or strap connection structures, the strap connectors and strap connection structures could be structured so that the strap connectors will only engage with the proper strap connection structures and will not engage with incorrect strap connection structures. As some more specific examples, the sizes of the receptor components 302 and/or snap-in pieces 304 may be selected so that a strap connector will only fit within the openings of strap connection structures with which it is intended to engage.
The bag structure 600 of
To convert this double strap configuration to a single strap configuration, the straps are reconfigured as described below:
If desired, as illustrated in
If desired, the strap system 200 arrangement described above could be flipped vertically. In this arrangement, the strap system 200 will be engaged with the bag 600 as follows:
To convert this double strap configuration to a single strap configuration, the straps are reconfigured as described below:
If necessary, the shapes of the first strap member 202 and/or the second strap member 204 may be changed somewhat for this arrangement, e.g., to allow strap connector 212a to better align with and connect to strap connector 614d.
In a similar manner, the strap system 200 could be flipped horizontally on bag 600 from the two arrangements described above. In other words, the strap system 200 may be constructed and arranged so that strap connectors 208a and 210a engage with strap connection structures 614a and 614d, respectively, and so that the strap connectors 212a and 222a engage with strap connection structures 614c and 614e, respectively. In another arrangement, the strap system 200 may be constructed and arranged so that strap connectors 208a and 210a engage with strap connection structures 614d and 614a, respectively, and so that the strap connectors 212a and 222a engage with strap connection structures 614e and 614c, respectively. In either of these arrangements, the second strap member 204 may be engaged with the bag structure 600 in the manner described above for the corresponding single strap configuration.
The bag structure 700 of
To convert this double strap arrangement to a single strap configuration, the straps are reconfigured as described below:
If desired, as illustrated in
If desired, the strap system 200 arrangement described above could be flipped vertically. In this arrangement, the strap system 200 will be engaged with the bag 700 as follows:
To convert this double strap arrangement to a single strap configuration, the straps are reconfigured as described below:
If necessary, the shapes of the first strap member 202 and/or the second strap member 204 may be changed somewhat for this arrangement, e.g., to allow strap connector 212a to better align with and connect to strap connector 714c.
In a similar manner, the strap system 200 could be flipped horizontally on bag 700 from the two arrangements described above. In other words, the strap system 200 may be constructed and arranged so that in the double strap configuration, strap connectors 208a and 210a engage with strap connection structures 714a and 714c, respectively, and so that the strap connectors 212a and 222a engage with strap connection structures 714b and 714e, respectively. In another arrangement, the strap system 200 may be constructed and arranged so that in the double strap configuration, strap connectors 208a and 210a engage with strap connection structures 714c and 714a, respectively, and so that the strap connectors 212a and 222a engage with strap connection structures 714e and 714b, respectively. In either of these arrangements, the second strap member 204 may be engaged with the bag structure 700 in the manner described above for the corresponding single strap configuration.
Any of the strap connection structures 814a through 814e on the bag 800 may be adjustable in this circumferential manner without departing from this invention, including all of the strap connection structures, any one individual strap connection structure, or any combination of the strap connection structures. Also, this adjustability feature can be provided on any of the other bag structures 100, 600, and/or 700 described above (and any of the additional structures described below). The strap connection structures also may be designed to be movable at least partially in the longitudinal direction, e.g., by making the tracks 802 and/or 804 angle upward and/or downward, by providing longitudinally aligned segments in the tracks 802 and/or 804, etc. A more detailed explanation of example structures for providing this movability functionality and securing mechanisms for the movable strap connection structures is provided below.
Any of the strap connection structures 914a through 914f on the bag 900 may be adjustable in this longitudinal manner without departing from this invention, including all of the strap connection structures, any one individual strap connection structure, or any combination of the strap connection structures. Also, this longitudinal adjustability feature also can be provided on any of the other bag structures 600, 700, and/or 800 described above (and any of the additional structures described below). The strap connection structures also may be designed to be movable in at least partially in the circumferential direction, e.g., by making the track 902 angle around the bag circumference, by providing circumferentially oriented segments in the track 902, etc. Optionally, if desired, multiple strap connection structures may be provided within a single track 902.
If desired, aspects of this invention may be practiced with golf bag structures having four strap connection structures, e.g., two proximate the top of the bag and two longitudinally downward from the top (e.g., in the positions of the strap connection structures used in the double strap configurations described above). In such arrangements, the movability, adjustability, and track features described above in conjunction with
The rigid member(s) 1004 and 1006 may include multiple mounting locations 1010 at which the base member 1008 may be mounted. In this example structure 1000, the base member 1008 is fixed in place by a retaining pin structure 1012 that extends through the base member 1008 and through the top portions 1004a and 1006a and into bottom portions 1004b and 1006b of the rigid members 1004 and 1006. While
To move the base member 1008 and its attached strap connection structure 1002, first the pin structure 1012 is disengaged from the top portions 1004a and 1006a and bottom portions 1004b and 1006b of the rigid members 1004 and 1006 (e.g., by unscrewing individual pin members, by pulling the pin structure 1012 against a spring or other biasing force, by loosening a nut or bolt, etc.) and pulled outward, as shown by arrow 1014 and by a comparison of
The rigid member(s) 1104 and 1106 may include multiple mounting locations 1110 at which the base member 1108 may be mounted and secured. In this example structure 1100, the base member 1108 is fixed in place by a pair of threaded members, such as screws or bolts 1112, that extend through the base member 1108 and into the threaded openings 1114 provided in the rigid members 1104 and 1106. While
The rigid member(s) 1204 and 1206 may include multiple mounting locations 1210 at which the base member 1208 may be mounted and secured. In this example structure 1200, the base member 1208 is fixed in place by a pair of spring loaded retaining elements 1212 that extend from the sides of the base member 1208 and into the mounting location holes 1210 provided in the rigid members 1204 and 1206. While
The base member 1208 can be moved to different mounting locations 1210 by drawing the spring loaded retaining pins 1212 out of their mounting hole locations 1210 (as shown by a comparison of
While
While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques may be made without departing from this invention. For example, if desired, different types of strap connectors and strap connection structures may be used without departing from this invention, including conventional releasable connectors and connection structures that are known and used in the art, such as clamps, clevis type connectors, hooks with spring biased closures, etc. Additionally, aspects of this invention may be utilized with other devices carried by shoulder-borne strapping systems, such as backpacks, luggage, briefcases, purses, etc. Other substitutions and/or modifications may be made to any of the various structures and/or arrangements described above without departing from this invention.
