BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Exemplary implementations of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary golf bag having a fluid-delivery system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a partial perspective view of the golf bag of FIG. 1 illustrating an exemplary implementation of the fluid delivery system.
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary fluid delivery system of a golf bag in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention
FIG. 3 is a partial elevational view of the golf bag of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are partial elevational views of a golf bag in accordance with the various aspects of the present invention.
FIGS. 5A-5C are cross-sectional views of an exemplary fluid delivery system of a golf bag of FIG. 1 according to the various aspects of the present invention.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of exemplary flow-control valves of the golf bag of FIG. 1 according to various aspects of the present invention.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of an exemplary fluid delivery system of a golf bag according to one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of an exemplary fluid delivery system of a golf bag according to one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of another fluid delivery system according to one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a partial elevational view of a golf bag according to one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the golf bag of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a golf bag according to one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a schematic of an electrical circuit for a golf bag according to one or more aspects of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1, a golf bag 100, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, may comprise a generally tubular body 102, having a bottom end 104, a top end 106, and a carrying element 108 coupled to the tubular body 102. Typically, the tubular body 102 is dimensioned and configured to store a set of golf clubs (not shown). It will be understood that the tubular body 102 need not be limited to a body having any particular cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the generally tubular body 102 may be substantially rectangular, elliptical, hexagonal, or any other suitable shape.
The bottom end 104 of the tubular body 102 may either be permanently sealed or may include a removable closure (not shown). Likewise, the top end 106 may be open or, alternatively, may have a closure (not shown), e.g., a flap or a removable cap. The carrying element 108, shown in FIG. 1 as a branching strap having two loops, may instead comprise a handle, a single loop strap, plural straps, a harness, or any other arrangement which facilitates carrying and/or maneuvering of the golf bag 100. The carrying element 108 may be detachable from the golf bag 100 or permanently fixed thereto. The bag 100 may also include pockets or other receptacles for storing golf accessories and/or personal articles.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the golf bag 190, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, may have a fluid delivery system 110 associated with at least one of the generally tubular body 102 and the carrying element 108. The fluid delivery system may comprise a receptacle 112 that may at least partially enclose a hermetic pouch 114 and a plurality of fluid storage vessels 116a, 116b. The receptacle 112 may be a compartment that projects outwardly from the outer surface of the tubular body 102, is recessed into the tubular body, or both. The receptacle 112 may be integral with or detachable from the tubular body 112.
Each of the hermetic pouch 114 and the storage vessels 116a, 116b may have a variable outer volume that accommodates variations in internal volume as fluids are introduced into and withdrawn from the hermetic pouch 114 and the vessels 116a, 116b. The hermetic pouch 114 and/or the vessels 116a, 116b may be formed from a flexible, possibly elastic, fluid-impermeable material, e.g., polyurethane, polyethylene, or the like. In one example, the hermetic pouch 114 and/or the vessels 116a, 116b may have a pleated or accordion-like structure that collapses or expands as fluid is removed therefrom or added thereto, respectively. The hermetic pouch 114 and vessels 116a, 116b may be manufactured as discrete elements or as a unitary structure.
Referring to FIG. 2B, the receptacle 112 may include a compartment 115 containing one or more refrigeration elements, e.g., an element 118, for cooling the vessels. Examples of such refrigeration elements are reusable packaged media marketed by Rubbermaid, Inc. of Wooster, Ohio under the trade name Blue Ice. These elements may be chilled or frozen in a refrigerator and then placed into the compartment 115.
Referring to FIGS. 2A-4B, each vessel 116a, 116b may be hermetically associated with a corresponding conduit, i.e., conduits 120a and 120b, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, the conduits 120a, 120b may pass through an opening 122 in the receptacle 112 and extend to the carrying element 108. The conduits 120a, 120b may be made of a flexible material, such as polyurethane, polyethylene, or the like. Preferably, the conduits 120a, 120b are coupled in a siamesed fashion, i.e., laterally abutted in a parallel relation. For example, the conduits 120a, 120b may be molded as a monolithic member having two internal passageways separated by an integral web. Alternatively, the conduits 120a, 120b may be held in siamese relation by utilizing mechanical couplings or adhesives, e.g., epoxy. The conduits 120a, 120b may be coupled to the carrying element 108, e.g., with a plurality of fasteners, e.g., the fasteners 130a, 130b, and 130c (FIG. 1), such that the terminus of each conduit is proximate the user's mouth when the golf bag 100 is being carried by the user.
Alternatively, instead of fasteners, a flexible protective sleeve 166 (FIG. 4B) may be utilized to secure the conduits 120a, 120b to the carrying element 108. The sleeve 166 may conceal at least a portion of the conduits 120a, 120b to enhance the appearance of the golf bag 100.
Referring again to FIG. 2A, the receptacle 112 may fully enclose the hermetic pouch 114 and the vessels 116a, 116b. Preferably, the hermetic pouch 114 and the vessels 116a, 116b are adjacently positioned within the receptacle 112. The hermetic pouch 114 may be disposed to bias the vessels 116a and 116b in a qualified fashion. The pouch 114 may be coupled to a pressure source 134, which may be pneumatically powered, electrically powered, chemically powered, mechanically powered, or powered by a photovoltaic element. For example, the pressure source 134 may include an electrically powered diaphragm pump. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure source 134 may be a manually powered pump. Examples of such a pump may include, without limitation, squeeze bulbs and piston or plunger type pumps.
Referring to FIG. 2A, each vessel, i.e., the vessels 116a and 116b, may be filled with a desired amount of liquid via a corresponding fill port, i.e., the fill ports 136a and 136b, respectively. Each fill port may comprise, e.g., a cap that sealingly engages a filler neck with a friction fit or a threaded fit. The cap may be tethered to the filler neck or may be separable therefrom. As shown in FIG. 5A, the vessels 116a and 116b may expand to substantially occupy the internal volume of the receptacle 112 as fluid is introduced via the fill ports 136a, 136b. The hermetic pouch 114 includes a bleed port (not shown) associated, e.g., with the pressure source 134, which may be opened to promote complete filling of the vessels. To operate the fluid delivery system 110, the pressure source 134 is activated. The application of positive pressure from the pressure source 134 results in the gradual expansion of the hermetic pouch 114.
Referring to FIG. 5B, the expansion of the hermetic pouch 114 exerts pressure on the vessels 116a, 116b. As the hermetic pouch 114 expands, the fluid is expelled from the vessel 116a and/or the vessel 116b via the conduit 120a and/or the conduit 120b, respectively. Whether the fluid is expelled from one or more of the vessels, e.g., vessels 116a and 116b, depends on whether one or more of the corresponding flow-control valves, e.g., valves 132a and 132b (shown, for example in FIG. 2A), are open. The flow-control valves will be described in further detail below. As described above, the conduits 120a and 120b may emerge from the interior of the receptacle 112 via a common opening 122 or separate openings (not shown). To fully expel the liquids from the vessels 116a and 116b, the hermetic pouch 114 may expand to substantially fill the internal volume of the receptacle 112. As shown in FIG. 5C, the expansion of the hermetic pouch 114 to its maximum capacity compresses the vessels 116a and 116b so that substantially all of the liquid is expelled from each vessel. Since the user does not have to apply suction to the terminus of the conduit(s) with his or her mouth to remove the fluid from the vessel(s), the fluid does not become contaminated with any foreign matter, e.g., food or bacteria. Preferably, the vessels may be discarded following a single use and replaced with new vessels.
Referring to, e.g., FIG. 2A, the conduits 120a, 120b may be provided with corresponding flow-control valves, i.e., the valves 132a and 132b, to prevent inadvertent loss of fluid from the vessels 116a and 116b. In one example, the flow-control valves 132a and 132b may be positioned at the terminus of the conduits; however, other locations of the flow-control valves along the conduits 120a and 120b are possible (FIG. 4A). The flow-control valves 132a and 132b may be automated or manually operated. Although exemplary valves will be described in connection with the conduit 120a, it will be appreciated that such valves may also be incorporated into the conduit 120b, for example.
Referring to FIG. 6A, the flow-control valve 132a, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, may include a housing 118 having a bore 136 that intersects with the flow path of the conduit 120a. An actuator 134, having a stem 138, may be disposed in the bore 136 and biased by a spring 140 in the direction of the surface 142 of the housing 118. The stem 138 may include a flow port 144. The bore 136 may have a ledge 124 for supporting the spring 140. In the position shown in FIG. 6A, the stem 138 of the spring-biased actuator 134 obstructs the flow path of the conduit 120a, thus closing the valve 132a. When the valve is in the closed position, preferably at least a portion of the actuator 134 may extend past the surface 142.
The flow control valve 132a may be opened by manually depressing the exposed portion of the actuator 134, whereby the spring 140 is compressed and the flow port 144 in the stem 138 is aligned with the flow path of the conduit 120a. Releasing the exposed portion of the actuator 134 causes the spring 140 to bias the actuator 144 so that the stem 138 once again obstructs the flow path of the conduit, thus restoring the valve 132a to the closed position.
Turning now to FIG. 6B, the flow-control valve 132a, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, may alternatively comprise a check valve located at the terminus of the conduit 120a. The valve 132a may have a flow gate 160, an exit port 154, and a chamber 152 disposed therebetween. The chamber 152 contains a check ball 156, which is biased toward the flow gate 160 by a coil spring 158. When the valve is closed, the coil spring 158 forces the ball 156 against the flow gate 160, thereby inhibiting the passage of fluid through the conduit. To open the valve 132a, sufficient pressure must be supplied to the liquid in the conduit 120a to overcome the compressive force of the spring 158. When the valve 132a is in the open position, the liquid may travel through the flow gate 160 and pass through the exit port 154. The valve 132a automatically returns to the closed position when the compressive force of the spring 158 overcomes the pressure of the liquid in the conduit 120a. The valve 132a may further include a fixture 159, e.g., a set screw, capable of engaging the check ball 156 for locking the valve 132a in the closed position. A protective closure 162 may be provided to seal the exit port 154 when the fluid delivery system 110 is not in use. The protective closure 162 closely mates with the terminus of the conduit 120 via, e.g., a snap fit. The protective closure 162 may be separate from the conduit 120 or may alternatively be coupled thereto by, e.g., a hinge 164 or a tether.
It will be appreciated that other types and configuration of flow-control valves may be utilized to regulate fluid flow through conduits 120a and 120b, if desired.
Turning now to FIG. 7A, a golf bag 200, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, may have a fluid delivery system 210 containing at least one vessel 216 disposed in a receptacle 212. As shown in FIG. 7A, the vessel 216 may include a fill port 236 for adding fluid thereto. The receptacle 212 may have an expandable panel 246 characterized by an outer wall 230 and an inner wall 248. A sealed chamber 252 is formed between the outer wall 230 and the inner wall 248. A pressure source 234 may be hermetically coupled to the chamber 252. Preferably, the outer wall 230 is formed from a non-stretchable material, e.g., a fabric, plastic or metal, and the inner wall is formed from a flexible, possibly elastic material, e.g., polyurethane, polyethylene, or the like. The golf bag 200 may have a similar construction as the golf bag 100 of FIG. 1. For example, the golf bag 200 may have a tubular body 202 and a carrying element (not shown).
To operate the fluid delivery system 210, the pressure source 234 may be activated, e.g., manually or via an electric switch. As shown in FIG. 7B, the pressure source applies positive pressure to the chamber 252 and gradually expands the inner wall 248. As the inner wall 248 expands, pressure is applied to the vessel 216, resulting in the fluid flowing out of the vessel 216 through the conduit 220. The conduit 220 may extend from the vessel 216 to a predetermined location on the shoulder strap via an opening 222 in the receptacle 212. Removal of fluid from the conduit 220 is regulated via a flow-control valve 232. The vessel 216, the conduit 220, the pressure source 234, and the flow-control valve 232 may be structurally similar and/or functionally similar to their counterparts in accordance with the examples described above.
In another example, the expandable panel 246 may have a hermetic pouch 214 (FIGS. 8A and 8B) disposed within the chamber 252. The expandable panel may be characterized by an outer wall 230 and an inner wall 248. Preferably, the outer wall is formed from a non-stretchable material and the inner wall comprises an element capable of conforming to an expanding volume, e.g., an elastic material, a pleated material, or a flexible fabric having sufficient surface area to accommodate the expansion of the hermetic pouch. The hermetic pouch 214, made of a flexible, possibly elastic material, may be coupled to the pressure source 234 and may expand upon activation of the pressure source 234. As the hermetic pouch 214 expands, the flexible inner wall 248 compresses the vessel 216 and discharges fluid into the conduit 220. The fluid may dispense from the terminus of the conduit 220 via an exit port (not shown). The flow of fluid may be controlled via the valve 232.
Referring to FIG. 9, a golf bag 300, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, may have a generally tubular body 302, a carrying element 308 (FIG. 10), and a fluid delivery system 310. The fluid delivery system 310 may include a receptacle 312 having at least one fluid-impermeable vessel 316 that may expand and contract due to the flexibility and, possibly, the elasticity of at least a part of its constituent material. The vessel 316 may be coupled to a conduit 320 and have a fill port 336.
A pump 334 (e.g., a vane pump, a centrifugal pump, a piston pump, or a peristaltic pump) may be coupled to the conduit 320 proximate an opening 322 in the receptacle 312. The pump 334 may be provided with a power source 356, e.g., one or more battery cells, a capacitor, a photovoltaic device, or any portable device capable of providing power to the pump 334. Once activated by, e.g., a switch (not shown), the pump 334 draws fluid from the vessel 316 under negative pressure. The vessel 316 progressively collapses as fluid is drawn into the conduit 320 via the pump 334.
The conduit 320 may exit its associated vessel 316 at the vessel's lowermost (bottom) region with the golf bag 300 in the upright position. The “bottom” exit of the conduit promotes a hydrostatic pressure gradient that assists the transfer of fluid from the vessel 316. However, convenience of location of the conduit terminus may cause a “top” exit location to be more favorable, depending upon the particular characteristics which may be desired in a golf bag. Therefore, any exit location for a conduit from an associated vessel may be selected.
The conduit 320 may extend from the vessel 316 to the carrying element 308 (FIG. 10) via, e.g., a sleeve 366 (FIG. 11). The conduit 320 may include a flow-control valve 332 to regulate the amount of fluid exiting the vessel 316. A protective closure 362 may be provided at the terminus of the conduit 320 to seal the exit port (not shown) when the fluid delivery system 310 is not in use. Referring to FIG. 9, the vessel 316, the conduit 320, the flow-control valve 332, the tubular body 302, the carrying strap 308, and the protective closure 362 may be structurally similar and/or functionally similar to their counterparts in accordance with the examples described above.
As shown in FIG. 12, a golf bag 400, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, may have a carrying element 408 coupled to a tubular body 402. The tubular body may include a fluid delivery system 410 having a receptacle 412 and a plurality of vessels 416a, 416b at least partially disposed within the receptacle 412. The receptacle 412 as well as the vessels 416a and 416b may be at least partially fabricated of flexible material to enable collapsing or distension of the vessels. Each vessel may have a separate fill port, e.g., the fill port 436a or 436b, for adding fluid thereto. To effect dispensing of the fluid, each vessel may be associated with a corresponding pump, i.e., the pumps 434a or 434b. Preferably, each pump is coupled to a corresponding conduit, e.g., the conduit 420a or 420b, to facilitate fluid delivery to the user. The conduits 420a and 420b may comprise a siamese coupling, as described in the examples above, and may be color-coded or otherwise distinctly marked for differentiation purposes.
The receptacle 412 may have at least one opening, e.g., the openings 422a and 422b, to enable the conduits 420a and 420b to emerge from the receptacle 412. The receptacle may also include an opening 413 to provide access to the vessels 416a and 416b for filling, servicing, or replacement of the vessels. The pumps 434a and 434b may be associated with their respective conduits 420a and 420b. The pumps may operate independently of one another via separate power switches and may function in substantially the same manner as the exemplary pump described above.
The conduits 420a and 420b may have corresponding flow-control valves 432a and 432b, respectively. The flow-control valves 432a and 432b may function automatically and may be similar to, e.g., the exemplary automatic valve described above. In another example, one or both of the valves 432a and 432b may be manually operated.
When two or more vessels, e.g., the vessels 416a and 416b, are provided, different fluids may be stored and dispensed. For example, the golfer may want coffee or tea in the morning and water, juice, or a sports drink in the afternoon. Thus, each vessel may hold a different fluid to accommodate the golfer's needs during a golf round. Additionally, a fluid such as water may serve a different purpose than that of hydration. E.g., water could be dispensed for washing hands as well as cleaning equipment and other accessories.
FIG. 13 shows a schematic representation of an electrical circuit for powering a pressure source, e.g., the pressure source 134 (FIG. 1), or a pump, e.g., the pump 434a (FIG. 12). A power storage device such as a battery B may be connected to the motor M of the pump or pressure source with a switch S interposed therebetween. As shown in broken lines, a photovoltaic element P may be provided to recharge the battery B. In another example, the batter B may be eliminated and the motor M may be powered directly from the photovoltaic element P.
Where a plurality of pumps are provided, each pump may be energized by separate power sources. For example, the pumps 434a and 434b (FIG. 12) may be electrically powered and provided with either one switch S or alternatively with separate switches for independent control. Alternatively, the pumps 434a and 434b may be pneumatic and provided with either one pneumatic pressure source, e.g., a squeeze bulb (not shown), or alternatively with separate pressure sources.
The circuit shown in FIG. 13 may be further modified to include a power connection point (not shown) such as a power receptacle for powering an external device such as a personal digital assistant, a cellular phone, or an electronic golf-score keeping device (not shown).
It will be understood that singular elements may be replaced by plural elements in various embodiments where feasible. Similarly, different features may be present in any combination in various exemplary implementations of the invention.
In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary implementations thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will also be appreciated that not every detail which has been described is necessary to practice the invention.
Patent Application
20080047857
