BACKGROUND
This invention relates to the golf industry and specifically to a golf bag. The invention is intended for use by the occasional, non-professional, or junior golfer who find existing bags bulky and heavy with multiple external storage compartments. A design has been set forth that provides manufacturing flexibility in the number of clubs carried and the number of compartments for golf accessories. It is unique, light and compact. Details such as straps, covers, mounts, and materials for the bag are not specified as they do not add any uniqueness to the invention.
SUMMARY
The golf bag is constructed of thin-walled tubes (e.g. metal, plastics or composites) that double as a container for golf clubs as well as the basic structure of the golf bag. The tubes are arranged along their length in a U or horseshoe shape. From a side perspective, it resembles that of a Gatling gun.
Platforms at various levels divide the length into compartments. Access to the compartments is at the mouth of the U shape. Storage of golf accessories is internal such that no storage compartments need to be external to the bag. Any number of tubes (golf clubs) and storage compartments can be incorporated into this concept. To demonstrate this, two configurations are shown in the figures.
The bag configuration reduces the weight of bags currently on the market by eliminating all external storage compartments and using the club containers (tubes) as structure for the bag. It also frees up space on the top surface and provides an area for tees and/or golf balls.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
As stated in the Summary, two configurations are shown. All of the drawings assume a thin-walled tube of sufficient diameter and length to store a golf club and an umbrella (folding or full length). First, a 3-view drawing and sectional views are shown in FIG. 1. Details of each platform are shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E.
Next in FIG. 2, is a 3-view drawing of a regulation 14-club bag with additional places for a ball retriever and a full size umbrella. All of the conceptual ideas shown in FIG. 1 apply to this larger version. In addition, on the top surface there is room for two balls and an area for tees. This bag also has four compartments. One compartment is used to mount a rigid hand grip and the other three are for accessory storage. The drawing shows mounting struts (hatched area) that provide a structure to mount a cover at the access of the storage compartments. Covers for the storage compartments are not shown as they do not add to the concept idea for the bag.
DETAILED DRAWING DESCRIPTIONS
FIG. 1 is a 3-view drawing showing a 9-club bag with a place for a folding umbrella. This smaller version has room for two golf balls on the top surface. It was designed with four compartments. One is used to accommodate an internal grip and the other three are used to store accessories. Covers would be required to enclose all of the compartments, but this feature of the bag is not shown as it does not contribute to the over-all uniqueness. In this configuration, there are 6 platforms: Top Platform, Platform (1), Platform (2), Platform (3), Platform (4) and a Bottom Platform.
FIG. 1A is a drawing of the Top Platform. It shows a Top View and its associated cross-section. In the Top View, ten holes are seen for placing the tubes which house the golf clubs and the umbrella, and two holes are shown for placement of golf balls. This drawing does not include the tubes as it does not add any additional clarification. The Front View shows a section through line A-A.
FIG. 1B is a detailed drawing of how golf balls are stored on the Top Platform. In this drawing, the tubes which house the golf clubs are shown. A spacer block is inserted between the top platform and platform (1). The spacer block is invisible from the top, and is shown as a dashed line in the Top View. A finger hole, shown in the cross-section, is used to raise the golf ball out of place. Access to the finger holes is from Compartment (1). Only one golf ball is shown. The other golf ball place is shown empty to clarify the design.
FIG. 1C is a drawing of how the hand grip of the golf bag was designed. This grip is placed between Platform (1) and Platform (2). The Top Platform is included in the Side View for completeness and clarity of the drawing. In the Side View, the umbrella tube is shown truncated to a length such that it would accommodate a folding umbrella. This is done to increase the storage areas in Compartments (2), (3) and (4).
FIG. 1D is a drawing of Platforms (3) and (4). Only one is shown as they are identical. It shows the 9 holes for tube placement and the increased storage area achieved by truncating the umbrella tube.
FIG. 1E is a drawing of the Bottom Platform. Circular slots hold the tubes in place, either mechanically or with adhesives. This is not specified. Water drain holes for each tube and a drain slot for the platform are shown in the Top View.
FIG. 2 is a 3-view drawing showing a regulation 14 club bag and accommodation for a ball retriever and a full size umbrella. In the Front View, there are four interior storage compartments designated (1), (2), (3) and (4). Compartment (1) is used to house a rigid hand grip. Access to the compartments is envisioned as fabric or hard covers (not shown). Support struts for access covers to the storage compartments are shown as a hatched area in the drawing. There is no invention claim as to how access covers are to be attached to the bag. In this configuration, compartment (1) is used to house an internal rigid hand grip. Compartments (2), (3) and (4) in this configuration is intended for storage of golf accessories. On the top surface there is room for two balls and an area for tees.
The invention claims a unique way of constructing a golf bag. The design lightens the weight of the bag by using tubes to store the golf clubs as well as to provide the structural strength for the bag. The horseshoe shape provides for the internal storage feature of the bag.
Patent Application
20100000892
