HIP BELT SYSTEM

Abstract

A hip belt system (10) for a golf bag (14) is provided for transferring a portion of the weight of the bag (14) during carrying to the hips of the user by way of a hip belt member (12). The system (10) includes the belt member (12) and a longitudinally aligned sleeve (24) secured to the tubular body (16) of the golf bag (14). The belt member (12) includes a central portion (32) for extending through the sleeve (24) and a pair of tapered portions (34) extending respectively to a first belt end (28) and a second belt end (30). The belt ends (28 and 30) are provided with releasable fasteners (36 and 38) for mating with each other to provide for quick fastening and unfastening. Length adjusters (44) are provided on the belt ends in order to adjust the total length of the belt member (12) to fit the waist of the user. The belt member (12) is removable from the sleeve (24) for storage when the hip belt support is not desired.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to accessories for golfers and particularly to methods for carrying golf bags used by golfers.

BACKGROUND ART

Golf is a sport which its practitioners often take very seriously. Golfers are always looking for ways in which they can improve their shot making and scoring and general enjoyment of the game. Often these advances take the form of “improvements” in the equipment used to play the game (clubs and balls). Others relate to accessories which improve the quality of the experience, such as golf bags, carts and head covers.

The golf bag for carrying clubs, balls and accessories is a principal element of any golf experience. When fully loaded, this can weigh as much as forty to sixty pound (although judicious packing can keep the weight well below these amounts). Carrying a bag of high weight over eighteen holes can put a significant strain on a golfer's body. Therefore, it is desirable to find ways to improve the balance and weight distribution.

Many efforts have been made to provide improvements to the carrying systems. The inventor's own X-STRAP® system provides dual shoulder straps which cross and interlace to provide balance. Another significant improvement is found in the patents of Karl Feldman Jr. (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,950,889 and 6,182,874) which deal with methods of distributing some of the weight of the golf bag to the hips rather than the shoulders of the user. Notwithstanding these improvements, room remains for further advances in weight distribution systems and methods of achieving comfort and utility to golf bag users.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hip belt system to facilitate carrying a golf bag with weight distribution to the hips of the user.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hip belt system which is detachable from the golf bag for situations where it is unnecessary and cumbersome.

Yet another object of the invention is to reduce fatigue by transferring a substantial portion of the weight from the shoulders to the hips of the user during normal use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a hip belt system which is padded and comfortable against the body when in use, but which does not interfere with easy carrying and unloading the bag from the user's body.

Briefly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is hip belt system for a golf bag, including a golf bag with a generally tubular body having a longitudinal axis, a collar formed at one end of said tubular body, the collar being open for receiving golf club shafts therethrough to extend into said tubular body, and a pair of shoulder straps for carrying the bag. The golf bag further includes a sleeve member affixed to side of the tubular body, with the preferred sleeve having a transverse passage extending between it and the golf bag body, the passage being generally aligned with the longitudinal axis. An elongated hip belt member is provided for extending and fastening about the hips of the user when said golf bag is being carried. The hip belt is slidably inserted through the transverse passage in the sleeve member such that said golf bag may be at least partially supported by said hip belt when being carried. The hip belt is also padded for comfort, adjustable as to length, and provided with quick release and fastening components.

An advantage of the present invention is that it provides an excellent way to redistribute some of the weight of the golf bag from the shoulders to the hips of the user when carrying.

Another advantage of the invention is that it provides an easy on-off mechanism for the belt system so the user can pick up and lay down the bag easily in order to make shots.

An additional advantage of the invention is that the hip belt is removable so that it does not interfere with carrying the bag on a golf cart or for other situations where the belt system is not desired.

A further advantage of the invention is that the heavily padded sleeve and belt provide comfort and support to the user and promote better posture during use.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that the hip belt is stiffened in its center expanse to cause it to retain some of its shape when unoccupied, making it easier for the user to fit back into the curvature when it is desired to don the belt system.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the sleeve is shaped and situated to fit against the small of the user's back and provide comforts and support thereto.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of the description of the best presently known mode of carrying out the invention and the industrial applicability of the preferred embodiment as described herein and as illustrated in the several figures of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The purposes and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a golf bag provided with the present invention;

FIG. 2. is a side elevational view of an actual embodiment of the invention, shown as incorporated into a golf carry bag;

FIG. 3. is a closer view of the sleeve portion of the invention;

FIG. 4. is a side elevational view showing the detail of the adjustable portion of the belt member of the invention; and

FIG. 5. is a perspective view showing the detail of the attachment portion of the belt member of the invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention is hip belt system adapted to be used with carry bags for golf clubs and accessories. The hip belt system is referred to by the general reference character 10 in the drawings and description. The hip belt system 10 may be incorporated into various golf bags and embodiments.

In one deluxe preferred embodiment of the invention, the hip belt system 10 is installed upon a typical golf bag, in this case, a lightweight carry bag with an integral stand from Sun Mountain Sports, Inc. of Missoula, Mont., one such model being designated by the manufacturer as the ZERO-G™ carry bag. An actual model of such is illustrated in the drawings provided as FIGS. 2-5.

The illustration of FIG. 1 shows the components of the hip belt system 10, principally including a belt member 12 installed upon a golf bag 14. The golf bag 14 is illustrated as having a generally tubular body 16 being generally symmetrical about a longitudinal axis 18, The golf bag 14 includes an open collar 20 formed at one end of the generally tubular body 16, the collar 20 being open for receiving golf club shafts (not shown) therethrough to extend into the generally tubular body 16, and one or more carrying straps 22 for carrying the bag on the shoulder(s) of the user.

In a preferred embodiment, the straps 22 are adjustably affixed at points along the longitudinal axis of the golf bag at a distance roughly the distance between a person's shoulders. The straps may be seen as being attached just below the collar 20 and about one-half way down the bag body 16 in FIG. 2.

In the illustration of FIG. 1, the belt member 12 is illustrated as extending through a sleeve 24 which has a transverse passage 26 formed between the sleeve 24 and the tubular bag body 16, the transverse passage 26 being generally aligned with the longitudinal axis 18. The belt member 12 slidably fits through the passage 26 and is relatively snugly contained therein during usage, with little slippage, except when it is desired to insert or remove the belt member 12 from the passage 26 (such as when the bag 14 is to be used on a cart). As is also illustrated in FIG. 1, the belt member 12 is open to the front in order to allow placement about a user's waist (so the belt member 12 supports weight upon the hips). The belt 12 accordingly has a first end 28 and a second end 30 which may be releasably fastened together by the user to hold the system 10 in place during carrying.

An actual embodiment of the invention is shown in the illustrations of FIGS. 2-5. The upright view of FIG. 2 particularly shows the structure of the belt member 12 and the sleeve 24, and the typical placement on the tubular body 16 of the golf bag 14. As the other features of the illustrated golf bag (handles, pockets, stand mechanism and the like) are not germane to the present invention, these are not described herein.

The presently preferred belt member 12 may be seen in this illustration to include a somewhat wider central portion 32 which is adapted to snugly fit within the passage 26 provided by the sleeve 24. The central portion 32 of the belt 12 is stiffened in order to hold a curved shape and generally resist either bending or straightening except when force is applied to it. The stiffening of the central portion 32 keeps the shape open so it is easy for the user to fit into the belt 12 when it is time to don the assembly 10.

On either side of the central portion 32 are tapered intermediate portions 34 which are semi-rigid and padded to extend about the hips of the user. The interior side of the first end 28 is provided with a first area 36 of Velcro® or similar releasable adhesive material adapted to mate with a mating second area 38 on the outside surface of the second end 30 (see FIG. 5). Other closure mechanisms, such as a quick-release buckle, may also be utilized.

The sleeve 24 is shown (particularly in FIG. 3.) to be padded in order to serve as a back cushion to provide some support for the small of the user's back during carrying. A sleeve extension 40 extends the padding beyond the portion of the sleeve 24 which covers the passage 26. FIG. 3 illustrates the sleeve 24 area with the belt member 22 removed (as in where the bag is to be used in a cart, rather than carried).

FIG. 4 particularly illustrates the outside surface of the belt member 12 and shows how the effective length thereof can be adjusted to fit the waist of the user. The tapered portion 34 includes an interior receiving channel 42 to slidably receive the semi-detached first end 28 (the second end 30 is also received in the same way at the other end of the belt 12, not shown). The degree of overlap between the end 28 and the receiving channel 42 is manually adjusted on each end so that a comfortable fit around the waist of the particular user is achieved and the desired length is maintained by a length adjuster 44. The length adjuster 44 may be a sliding buckle type (as shown) or some other mechanism which can be secured at a desired length. In the preferred ZERO-G™ golf bag embodiment of the invention, the belt 12 is adjustable to accommodate users having waist measurements of 28 to 48 inches (“one size fits most”). It is desirable to adjust the lengthwise interface between the receiving channels 42 of the tapered portions 34 equally with respect to both the first belt end 28 and the second belt end 30 in order to maintain balance of the belt 12 and to keep it centered on the user's body. If the golf bag 14 is ordinarily carried by a single user, the length adjusters 44 may be secured (locked) for that user.

FIG. 5 illustrates the exterior sides of the end portions of the hip belt member 12. The first end 28 has a pad of male Velcro (not shown in this view. As discussed above, the second end 30 is shown to have the second adhesive area 38 (in this embodiment, female Velcro®). Other examples of a readily releasable closure subassembly include a hook-and-loop closure, a snap-and-rivet closure, a button assembly, a zipper closure, a strap-and-ring closure, or any other known closure. In addition to the releasable closure materials on the inside surface, the outside of the first end 28 is provided with a grasping loop 46 to facilitate grasping the end and detaching the ends from each other when the user desires to take the belt 12 and the bag 14 off, such as when it is desired to make a shot.

Many other modifications to the above embodiment may be made without altering the nature of the invention. The dimensions and shapes of the materials may be modified for particular bags or categories of user. The sleeve 24 may be widened and the passage 26 set at an angle to the axis 18 to facilitate carrying with the collar 20 higher than the opposing end of the tubular body 16 rather than at the parallel to the ground and shoulders orientation of the preferred embodiment. Alternate methods of extending and adjusting the length may be employed, or an elastic member may be incorporated into the belt member 12. The amount of padding and the shaping of the sleeve 24 may be adjusted for maximum user comfort.

It is also possible to retrofit the hip belt system 10 onto an existing golf bag by affixing the sleeve 24 on the tubular portion of the golf bag 14 in the approved orientation.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not as limitations.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The hip belt system 10 of the present invention is intended for use primarily by golfers who desire maximum comfort and optimal weight distribution while carrying a golf bag. It is intended to be used whenever the bag is to be carried on the user's shoulders and hips, particularly during a round of golf or when traversing long distances, such as between a parking area and the course facilities. When carried by a caddy, the bag may be retained in the carrying position for the majority of the round.

In typical use the user will obtain a new golf bag from the manufacturer with the hip belt system 10 already in place. The belt member 12 will be installed on the golf bag 14 by sliding the belt member through the passage 26 until the central portion 32 is evenly located within the passage 26. The user will then adjust the shoulder carrying straps 22 and the length of the belt member 12 to fit the user's waist, in the case of the preferred belt member 12 by adjusting the length adjusters 44 on each end of the belt 12 so that snug but comfortable fit results, with weight being supported on the hips as well as the shoulders. The belt 12 is then fastened in place about the user's waist, so that the belt rests upon the hips by mating the adhesive areas 36 and 38. Once in place, the padded sleeve 24 and sleeve extension 40 provide a comfortable cushion to the small of the user's back. The bag 14 may then be carried to the desired location, such as the next tee or the location of the player's ball, for the next shot, where the grasping ring 46 provides the leverage to break the adhesion and allow the belt member 12 to be opened and the bag set down from the carrying position. The donning and divesting steps are repeated as often as needed during the course of the round.

In some circumstances, such as golf courses which require the use of motorized cart, the hip belt member 12 may be superfluous and awkward for placement of the bag 14 into the cart. In such circumstances, the belt member 12 may simply be slidably removed from the sleeve 24 and stored until it is again needed. In this manner the golfer need not transfer clubs and other paraphernalia between bags when playing different courses, thus increasing the versatility of the hip belt system 10.

For the above, and other, reasons, it is expected that the golf bag hip belt system 10 of the present invention will have widespread industrial applicability. Therefore, it is expected that the commercial utility of the present invention will be extensive and long lasting.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hip belt system for a golf bag, comprising: a golf bag having a generally tubular body having a longitudinal axis, a collar formed at one end of said tubular body, said collar being open for receiving golf club shafts therethrough to extend into said tubular body, and one or more straps for carrying said bag on the shoulders of the user;a sleeve member affixed to said tubular body, said sleeve having a transverse passage extending generally aligned with said longitudinal axis; andan elongated hip belt member for extending and fastening about the hips of the user when said golf bag is being carried; whereinsaid hip belt member is slidably inserted through said transverse passage in said sleeve member such that said golf bag may be at least partially supported by said hip belt when being carried.

2. The hip belt system of claim 1, wherein: said hip belt member is removable from said sleeve for situations where hip support is not desired.

3. The hip belt system of claim 1, wherein: said sleeve is padded so as to provide a comfortable lower back cushion to the user when said bag is being carried.

4. The hip belt system of claim 1, wherein: said hip belt member includes a central portion which extends through said sleeve during use, said central portion being resiliently stiffened to retain its shape except when subjected to force.

5. The hip belt system of claim 1, wherein: said hip belt member includes a first belt end, a second belt end and a central portion, with a pair of tapered portions extending intermediate said central portion and said respective belt ends.

6. The hip belt system of claim 5, wherein: said first belt end includes a first fastening area adapted to releasably mate with a second fastening area on said second belt end to facilitate readily releasable opening and closing the belt.

7. The hip belt system of claim 5, wherein: said first belt end includes a first fastener element adapted to releasably mate with a second fastener element on said second belt end to facilitate readily releasable opening and closing the belt.

8. The hip belt system of claim 5, wherein: said tapered portions include receiving channels to slidably receive said first and second respective belt ends, each said receiving channel being provided with a length adjuster to secure the desired degree of overlap between said respective belt end and said receiving channel.

9. The hip belt system of claim 5, wherein: one of said belt ends is adapted to overlap the other said belt end on the outside and such belt end is provided with a grasping loop for facilitating quick detachment.

10. A golf bag carrying system, comprising: an elongated tubular golf bag adapted to transport golf clubs; andat least one carrying strap attached to said golf bag, said carrying strap extending to the shoulder of a user to facilitate bearing the weight of the golf bag and clubs; anda hip belt accessory for mating with said golf bag to provide a means to transfer a portion of the carrying weight of the golf bag and clubs to the hips of the user during carrying; whereinsaid hip belt is detachably secured to said golf bag over a portion of its length; andsaid hip belt includes a readily releasable closure subassembly for facilitating rapid fastening and unfastening of said hip belt from about the hips of the user.

11. The hip belt system of claim 10, wherein: said elongated tubular bag has a longitudinal axis; andsaid hip belt is secured to be aligned with said longitudinal axis.

12. The hip belt system of claim 10, wherein: said hip belt includes a first belt end portion and a second belt end portion; andsaid releasable closure subassembly includes a first adhesive area on the interior surface of said first belt end portion and a second adhesive area on the exterior surface of said second belt end portion.

13. The hip belt system of claim 10, wherein: said hip belt includes a first belt end portion and a second belt end portion; andlength adjusters are provided in association with said first belt end portion and said second belt end portion, such that the total length of said hip belt may be adjusted to accommodate the waist sizes of various users.

14. The hip belt system of claim 10, wherein: said hip belt is padded to provide comfort to the user.

15. A golf bag adapted for carrying on both the shoulders and waist of the user, comprising: an elongated tubular golf bag adapted to transport golf clubs, said tubular bag having a longitudinal axis;at least one carrying strap attached to said golf bag, said carrying strap extending to the shoulder of a user to facilitate bearing the weight of the golf bag and clubs; andsaid hip belt is secured to said tubular bag and generally aligned with said longitudinal axis, said hip belt being adapted to fit about the waist of a user during carrying in order to transfer a portion of the carrying weight of the golf bag and clubs to the hips of the user.

16. The golf bag of claim 15, wherein: said hip belt is padded where it is secured to said tubular bag in order to provide comfort to the lower back of the user.

17. The golf bag of claim 15, wherein: said hip belt is length adjustable.

18. The golf bag of claim 15, wherein: said hip belt includes a readily releasable closure subassembly for facilitating rapid fastening and unfastening of said hip belt from about the hips of the user.