BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate various non-limiting embodiments that the invention may take in physical form and in certain parts and arrangements of parts wherein:
FIGS. 1A and 1B are elevation views of one non-limiting golf bag in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of non-limiting features of the retractable handle of the golf bag in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a side view of a base portion of the golf base in accordance with FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the golf bag in accordance with FIG. 1 wherein the golf bag is in the roll position;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the base portion of the golf bag of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 6-12 illustrates various non-limiting variations of configurations of the roller cylinders or cylinder-like rollers for the golf bag in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 13-15 illustrate various aspects of the handle arrangement for the golf bag of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 16-18 illustrate various views of a cylinder-like roller on the base of the golf bag; and, FIGS. 19-22 illustrated various views of the bottom portion of the golf bag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showing is for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIG. 1 discloses a golf bag 100 that includes a roller mechanism 200 in accordance with the present invention.
The golf bag includes an internal structural system 110 at least partially formed of latitudinal structures 112, more or less evenly placed at multiple horizontal levels in relation to the golf bag 100. The internal structure system also includes one or more longitudinal structures 114. These two structures at least partially provide a skeletal structure and also provide rigidity to golf bag 100. These two structures are shown to connect at their upper end to a top ring or collar 120 of the golf bag. The other ends of these structures are typically connected at their bottom end to the base of the golf bag; however, this is not required. Structures 112, 114 in combination with the collar and base of the golf bag 1) provide structural support and rigidity to the golf bag to maintain the integrity and geometry of the golf bag, and/or 2) resist forces or loads imposed on the golf bag arising from the handling and transport of the golf bag, and/or from the removal and replacement of clubs, golf accessories and personal items in the golf bag. The structures 112, 114, collar 120 and base 130 of the golf bag can be constructed from strong and rigid lightweight materials such as, but not limited to, metal, urethane foam, fiber reinforced materials, and/or plastic. The outer surface 140 of the golf bag can be formed of any durable and/or lightweight material such as, but not limited to, metal, plastic, nylon, polypropylene, canvas, fabric, Kevlar, or other similar material that can withstand natural elements and the terrain and substances normally encountered on a golf course. The outer surface of the golf bag typically includes one or more compartments 150 so as to hold various golf accessories (e.g., golf balls, umbrella, shoes, golf gloves, towels, score cards, pens and pencils, cell phones, keys, wallet, clothing, glasses, etc.). One or more of these compartments can be opened and closed with zippers, Velcro, snaps, buttons, and/or other devices. The golf bag also can include attachments for carrying straps (not shown) or hand grips 162 on the outer surface of the golf bag so as to enable golfer or caddy to carry the golf bag and/or to enable the golf bag to be mounted on a platform attached to the rear of a motorized cart, and/or mounted to a manual golf cart.
The golf bag 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B typically has a traditionally shaped circular, oval or elliptical geometry; however, the golf bag can have non-traditional shapes (e.g., rectangular, square, etc.). In one non-limiting arrangement, the golf bag 100 encompasses traditional dimensions for golf bags so that the golf bag can be conveniently used and stored at traditional golf facilities.
Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 3 and 16-18, the base 130 of the golf bag is connected to the roller mechanism 200. The roller mechanism includes at least one roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller 200 and a connection arrangement (not shown) to rotatably secure the roller cylinder to the base of the golf bag. The connection arrangement can be designed to enable a golfer to easily remove the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller from the base of the golf bag; however, this is not required. In one non-limiting particular design, the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller is not designed to be removed or replaced by a user. The roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller is shaped and sized to enable a golfer to roll the golf bag 100 over a variety of surfaces on a golf course without damaging the base of the golf bag and the surface of the golf course. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller has an average body diameter of about 6 inches and a longitudinal length of about 7.5 inches. As can be appreciated, other diameters and/or longitudinal lengths of the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller can be used. The roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller has a generally hyperboloid shape. This shape has been found to enable the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller to roll over a variety of surfaces with limit or no rutting by the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller. The ratio of the radius of curvature to the longitudinal length of the generally hyperboloid shaped roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller is about 1.2-2.5:1. In one non-limiting design, the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller has a maximum diameter of about 5-7 inches, a longitudinal length of about 6-9 inches, an average radius of curvature of about 9-15 inches, and a ratio of the radius of curvature to the longitudinal length of the generally hyperboloid shaped roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller of about 1.25-1.5:1. The generally hyperboloid shape of the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller has been found to impart several advantages to the golf bag. For example, due to the larger contact surface of the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller as compared to in-line type wheels, the weight of the golf bag is distributed over a larger surface thereby 1) limiting or prevent the formation of ruts or channels in a golf course as the golf bag is walked along a course, 2) increasing the ease of moving the golf bag over uneven and rough surfaces on the golf course, and 3) providing added stability to the golf bag as it is pulled over a variety of surfaces. The roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller can be formed of a variety of materials such as, but not limited to, molded or blow molded plastic, rubber, metal, etc.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 4, 5 and 17, the longitudinal length of the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller is typically selected so that the ends of the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller do not extend beyond the sides of base 130. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 4, 5 and 17, the edges of the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller 200 are positioned inwardly of the bottom side edge of the base. FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3, 4, 5, 17 and 18 also illustrate the golf bag having a side panel 160 that extends downwardly from base 130 and provides some protection to the sides of at least a portion of roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller 200. The side panel is particularly useful in providing protection to the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller when the golf bag is laid in a truck or seat of a vehicle, placed in a locker, etc. The side panel can also be used to rotatably mount the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller; however, this is not required. As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the side panel includes a mount cavity 161 designed to receive an axial end 218 of roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller 200. As can be appreciated, the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller can be mounted to the body of the roller bag ion other or additional ways. As can also be appreciated, the side panel can form part of the housing of the roller mechanism; however, this is not required. The side panel can be formed of a variety of materials (e.g., plastic, rubber, metal, etc.).
Referring again to FIGS. 1A, 4, 5, 10, 16 and 17, a roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller 200 is shown to include two side rims 212. These side rims can be used to provide added stability to the golf bag when the golf bag is rolled over a hard, flat surface. The use of the rims on the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller is optional. When the rims are used, the height or thickness “h” of the rims is selected so as to cause little, if any, noticeable rutting or channeling in a golf course. Typically the height or thickness of the rims 212 is no more than about 1-1.5 inches; however, this is not required. The width “w” of the rims 212 is typically small so as to only represent a small amount (e.g., less than a majority length) of the longitudinal length of the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller. Typically the width of the rims is no more than about 1-2 inches. When the rims are used, many shapes can be used for the rims. When the rims are used, the rims can include one or more ribs, slots, grooves, etc. 214 to improve the traction of the rims on certain surfaces; however, this is not required. In addition, the body 210 of the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller can also include one or more ribs, slots, grooves, etc. 216 to improve the traction of the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller on certain surfaces; however, this is not required.
The roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller illustrated in FIG. 16 is a single part roller that is designed to enable the golf bag to be pulled over various surfaces and terrains. The roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller can be designed to be hollow and lightweight; however, this is not required. The roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller has a generally hyperboloid shape so that the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller has two primary end points of contact when being rolled over a flat surface. The contour of the generally hyperboloid shape allows for some clearance of the mid portion or body 210 of the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller when rolled over uneven or varied surfaces so as to facilitate in the movement of the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller over such surfaces. The contour of the generally hyperboloid shape is also selected to enable the mid-portion or body 210 of the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller to engage uneven surfaces as the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller is moved over such uneven surfaces so as to provide stability to the golf bag and/or to also enable the golf bag to more easily traverse such uneven surfaces. The roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller can include a tread 216 as illustrated in FIG. 16 so as to provide improved surface contact and/or gripping roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller, thereby reducing slippage.
Referring now to FIGS. 6-12, several other non-limiting configurations of the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller are illustrated that can be used in the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller 200 has a generally cylinder or cylindrical shape. FIG. 7 illustrates the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller divided into two sections. The spacing “s” between the two roller cylinders or cylinder-like rollers is selected to be sufficiently small so to not overly reduce the surface area of the roller cylinders or cylinder-like roller s that contact the ground surface. Space “s” should also not be too small so as to enable objects to become dislodged between the roller cylinders or cylinder-like rollers and thereby interfere with the proper operation of the roller cylinders or cylinder-like rollers. Typically, spacing “s” is about 1-4 inches. FIG. 8 illustrates the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller divided into three sections. As can be appreciated, the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller can be divided into more than three sections. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, each section of the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller is substantially the same longitudinal length; however, it can be appreciated the longitudinal length of one or more of the sections can be different from one or more other sections. FIG. 9 illustrates the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller as including three rims 212. As can be appreciated, the roller cylinder or each section of the roller cylinder can include any number of rims. As can also be appreciated, the rims can be positioned in a variety of locations on the roller cylinder (e.g., on the edge, spaced from the edge, in the middle, spaced from the middle, etc.). FIG. 11 illustrates a roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller in the shape of a hyperboloid shape. FIG. 12 illustrates a two-piece roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller in the shape of a hyperboloid shape.
Referring now to FIGS. 3, 17,18 and 20-22, one or more base abutments 500 are secured to the base of the golf bag. The one or more base abutments are used to maintain the golf bag in an upright position when the golf bag is on a generally flat surface. The one or more base abutments are shown to be spaced from the roller cylinder and positioned at or near the rearward portion of the golf bag. As best illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, the base abutment is generally designed to enable the golf bag to stand upright.
Referring now to FIGS. 1B, 3, 18, and 22, a lever 402, which will be described in more detail below, is pivotally connected to the body of the golf bag; however, this is not required. The base abutment is typically formed of a durable material (e.g., plastic, rubber, metal, etc.).
Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 2A, 2B, 4 and 13-16, the golf bag includes an extendable handle 300. The extendable handle 300 is used to assist the golfer in moving the golf bag 100 (e.g., from a vehicle to a golf course, walking the golf course, etc.) by pushing or pulling the golf bag 100 via the extendable handle 300. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the golf bag can be tilted on the roller cylinder or cylinder-like roller 200 by use of the extendable handle 300 and the golfer can then pull or push the extendable handle 300 to cause the golf bag to roll on a ground surface. The extendable handle 300 is shown to be at least partially housed inside front support rails 310. The support rails in the golf bag 100 not only enable handle 300 to be extended and retracted, the support rails can also-facilitate in providing stability and rigidity to the golf bag; however, this is not required. The support rails can be positioned on the outside region of the golf bag as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 4, and be positioned in the top rim of the golf bag as illustrated in FIG. 14, or be inserted in the interior region of the golf bag as illustrated in FIG. 14A. The extendable handle 300 is designed to extend from a rested position on top region of the golf bag 100. The support rails can include a sliding arrangement to enable the extension rails 302 to be easily pulled out and pushed into, about and/or along the support rails. The extension rails can be formed of a single component unit or formed of a plurality of components. The extension rails can be designed to be collapsible; however, this is not required. The support rails and/or extension rails can include a mechanism (e.g., spring tab, lock, etc.) that enables the extension rails to releasably engage or lock relative to one or more locations relative to the support rails; however, this is not required. Extension rails 302 are attached to a handle 304. The extendable handle 300 can include a guard (not shown) to inhibit or prevent golf clubs from falling through space created between the extension rails and the extendable handle upon extension; however, this is not required. Handle 304 includes an opening 306 which allows a golfer to grasp the handle. When the extendable handle 300 is not extended, the extendable handle can be designed to rest generally flush with collar 120 of the golf bag 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 13. Alternatively, the extendable handle can be designed to retract into a pocket or compartment (not shown) on the golf bag so as to fully or partially conceal the handle when not in use. The extension rail 302 typically includes an arrangement (not shown) which prevents the extension rails for easily disengaging from the support rails 310.
Referring now to FIGS. 2B and 16, handle 304 is shown to be rotatable. Many arrangements can be used to enable the handle to be partially or fully rotated. The rotatable handle can be used to facilitate in the movement of the golf bag over a variety of surfaces. A spring mechanism can be used in association with the rotatable handle; however, this is not required. The rotating feature of the handle can be designed to allow the golf bag to sway freely when pulled over various surfaces while a user's arm, wrist and hand maintains a comfortable position on the handle and does not directly follow the motion of the bag. The handle can be rotatably secured to a stationary component 307, which in turn is non-rotatably secured to extension rails 302. The handle can be designed to rotate in one or more directions (e.g., clockwise rotation and/or counterclockwise rotation, etc.). The handle can be designed to include a rotation control arrangement (e.g., contour shaped handle base, spring, stop mechanism, etc.) so as to a) limit the rotational movement of the handle (e.g., limit rotation to no more than about 90°, etc.), b) lock handle so to prevent rotation, and/or c) cause the handle to return to a resting position when released (e.g., handle aligns with stationary component 307, etc.). As can be appreciated, the handle can have other or additional functions.
Referring now to FIGS. 1B, 3, 18 and 22, the golf bag can include a traditional kick stand arrangement 400; however, this is not required. The kick stand arrangement typically includes a base lever 402 and rods 406 which is used to cause two legs 408 to extend from and/or to move back to a side wall of the golf bag. The end of the two legs can include a grip arrangement 410 (e.g., rubber cover, etc.) to facilitate in the stability of the stand on various surfaces. The operation and configuration of such kick stands are well known in the art, thus will not be described in further detail.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the detailed discussion of the invention provided herein. This invention is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
Patent Application
20070252353
