US20040238387A1

US20040238387A1 - Angled presentation golf bag

Info

Publication number: US20040238387A1
Application number: US10/452,351
Authority: US
Inventors: David Heidenreich
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-06-02
Filing date: 2003-06-02
Publication date: 2004-12-02

Abstract

The invention is an angle presentation golf bag that is used with a motorized golf cart in which the bag rests on the rear of the golf cart. The invention generally consists of a golf bag base, and a golf bag body. The golf bag base is coupled to the golf bag body at an angle. The contents of the golf bag are presented to a golfer in an angled presentation from the rear of a motorized golf cart.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to golfing, and, more particularly, the invention relates to golf bags.

STATEMENT OF A PROBLEM ADDRESSED BY THIS INVENTION

Interpretation Considerations

This section describes the technical field in more detail, and discusses problems encountered in the technical field. This section does not describe prior art as defined for purposes of anticipation or obviousness under 35 U.S.C. section 102 or 35 U.S.C. section 103. Thus, nothing stated in the Statement of a Problem Addressed by This Invention is to be construed as prior art

Discussion

Some golfers walk while other golfers ride motorized golf carts. Indeed many golfers are unable to walk for a complete round and so must always ride. Some golf courses actually require that golfers ride, at least in part because of the revenue generated by motorized golf cart rental.

Traditionally, golf bags have been suited for either a golfer who carries clubs himself; or for the golfer who uses a motorized golf cart. For example golf bags for “walking golfers” have progressed from small cloth carry bags to rectangular bags that while larger are still relatively easy to carry. In recent years, smaller carry bags with integral stands have become popular with the walking golfer. Contrarily, larger bags for golf carts have wide bases, protruding pockets, and storage compartments. While these larger bags could be carried, they tended to be quite heavy, especially considering the number of items they carry.

Unfortunately, using either type of golf bag still presents problems. For example, when storing clubs in a bag on the back of a golf cart the clubs are difficult to reach and pull out for a person of average height. In addition, it is difficult to reach and pull out a golf ball or golf tee from a storage compartment.

SELECTED OVER VIEW OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

This invention is for an angle presentation golf bag (the invention) for use with a motorized golf cart. More particularly the invention finds advantages when the bag rests on the rear of the golf cart in a golf cart rack. Accordingly, by presenting golf clubs to a golfer at an angle, the invention realizes advantages when it is used on a motorized golf cart on which at least one bag can be mounted.

As shown in the accompanying drawings, one preferred embodiment of the angled presentation golf bag rests on the rear of a golf cart. The golf bag has a rectangular base that extends upward vertically, and is coupled with the body of the bag. The base and body comprise hollow columns, and have an exterior and an interior wall. In one embodiment, the interior depth of the hollow column golf bag (base and body) is greater than any golf club. Preferably, the exterior wall of the golf bag provides pockets and/or pouches to hold golf accessories and supplemental items such as golf balls and tees, for example. The preferred placement of accessory pockets or pouches is on the portion of the golf bag that faces towards the rear of the golf cart, or, alternatively, towards the front of a golf cart (as shown in the figures) so that angled presentation golf bags can be placed side by side on a motorized golf cart.

The base and body intersect at an angle. This angle is an adjustable angle, and less than 180 degrees (the angle θ). The body of the golf bag extends upwards and presents a mouth to a golfer.

In an alternative embodiment, the golf bag has a handle that pivots on an adjustable distal axis. Preferably, the handle is located on the posterior side of the golf bag. In addition, the handle is preferably fastened to the back of the golf cart via a clamp to secure the golf bag to the golf cart when it is mobile. Thus the handle may also be used to lift or carry the golf bag.

Accordingly, the invention provides a golf bag that allows golf clubs to more easily be inserted into and removed from the bag that allows club head to be oriented toward the rear of a golf cart when the invention is secured to a golf cart, and prevents golf club entanglement.

Of course, other features and embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. After reading the specification, and the detailed description of the exemplary embodiment, these persons will recognize that similar results can be achieved in not dissimilar ways. Accordingly, the detailed description is provided as an example of the best mode of the invention, and it should be understood that the invention is not limited by the detailed description. Accordingly, the invention should be read as being limited only by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the invention, as well as at least one embodiment, are better understood by reference to the following EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE. To better understand the invention, the EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE should be read in conjunction with the drawings in which: [0014]
FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an angled presentation golf bag resting on the rear of a motorized golf cart; [0015]
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an angled presentation golf bag; and [0016]
FIG. 3 illustrates the details of an angle θ; and [0017]
FIG. 4 is a top-down view of the angled presentation golf bag. [0018]

AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE

Interpretation Considerations [0019]
When reading this section (An Exemplary Embodiment of a Best Mode, which describes an exemplary embodiment of the best mode of the invention, hereinafter “exemplary embodiment”), one should keep in mind several points. First, the following exemplary embodiment is what the inventor believes to be the best mode for practicing the invention at the time this patent was filed. Thus, since one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize from the following exemplary embodiment that substantially equivalent structures or substantially equivalent acts may be used to achieve the same results in exactly the same way, or to achieve the same results in a not dissimilar way, the following exemplary embodiment should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to one embodiment. [0020]
Likewise, individual aspects (sometimes called species) of the invention are provided as examples, and, accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize from a following exemplary structure (or a following exemplary act) that a substantially equivalent structure or substantially equivalent act may be used to either achieve the same results in substantially the same way, or to achieve the same results in a not dissimilar way. [0021]
Accordingly, the discussion of a species (or a specific item) invokes the genus (the class of items) to which that species belongs as well as related species in that genus. Likewise, the recitation of a genus invokes the species known in the art. Furthermore, it is recognized that as technology develops, a number of additional alternatives to achieve an aspect of the invention may arise. Such advances are hereby incorporated within their respective genus, and should be recognized as being functionally equivalent or structurally equivalent to the aspect shown or described. [0022]
Second, the only essential aspects of the invention are identified by the claims. Thus, aspects of the invention, including elements, acts, functions, and relationships (shown or described) should not be interpreted as being essential unless they are explicitly described and identified as being essential. Third, a function or an act should be interpreted as incorporating all modes of doing that function or act, unless otherwise explicitly stated (for example, one recognizes that “tacking” may be done by nailing, stapling, gluing, hot gunning, riveting, etc., and so a use of the word tacking invokes stapling, gluing, etc., and all other modes of that word and similar words, such as “attaching”). Fourth, unless explicitly stated otherwise, conjunctive words (such as “or”, “and”, “including”, or “comprising” for example) should be interpreted in the inclusive, not the exclusive, sense. Fifth, the words “means” and “step” are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the invention and do not mean “means” or “step” as defined in §112, paragraph [0023] 6 of 35 U.S.C., unless used as “means for—functioning—” or “step for—functioning—” in the claims section.
Discussion of the Figures [0024]
Features and advantages of the invention can be better understood by reviewing FIG. 1, which illustrates a side view of an angled [0025] presentation golf bag 100 resting on a motorized golf cart 120 which provides a supporting member 110. The supporting member 110 is any golf cart surface that is adapted to support a golf bag, and could be a metal plate or molded plastic support, for example. In one embodiment, the angled presentation golf bag 100 is bent at an angle θ (defined below) to present a golf club 150 to a golfer.
In one embodiment, a securing means [0026] 140 provides a fastening member (shown in FIG. 1 as a notch 170) that allows the golf bag 100 to secure to the golf cart 120 via a supporting member 130. The notch 170 may be rectangular, arched, or irregular in shape, for example. In alternative embodiments, the securing means 140 of the angled presentation golf bag 100 could be secured to the securing member 130 of a motorized golf cart 120 via a fastening member such as a clip, clamp, golf club holder, or belt, for example. Additionally, a belt (not shown) may be used to directly secure the angled presentation golf bag 100 to the securing member 130 of a motorized golf cart 120. In another embodiment, a belt could be used to directly secure the angled presentation golf bag 100 to the supporting member 110 of a motorized golf cart 120.
FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a side view of an angled [0027] presentation golf bag 200. The angled presentation golf bag 200 comprises a base 210, a body 220, a top (generally) 230. The golf bag base 210 is comprised of a substantially vertical hollow column 211 that is coupled to the golf bag body 220 a body base coupling point 250. Of course, the body base coupling point 250 may be defined by any form of coupling, and in the event that the base and the body are integrally formed, the body base coupling 250 is merely the location of coupling. In one embodiment, a flexible coupling may be adapted between the base 210 and the body 220 to allow the angle θ to be adjustable by a user, such as a golfer, or caddy, for example.
The angle θ makes golf clubs more easily accessible to a golfer from the rear of a motorized golf cart. The angle θ is formed by the intersection of the external [0028] vertical base wall 310 and a generally vertical body wall 320 at the body base coupling point 250. Note that in one embodiment, the angle θ may vary along the width of the bag 200.
The [0029] body 230 contains a cavity 270 for accepting a least one golf club shaft 280. In a preferred embodiment, the cavity 270 extends from the body 220, through the body base coupling 250, and to the golf bag top 230. The golf bag top 230 is preferably adapted for at least one golf club holder (not shown). A golf club holder is any device that secures golf clubs within the cavity 270.
In one embodiment, a least one [0030] golf club 290, such as an iron, for example, could hang outside the golf bag 200, inverted by its golf club head 295, with its shaft 280 hanging within the continuous cavity 270 and into the substantially vertical hollow column 211. In an alternative embodiment at least one golf club 297, such as a wood, for example could be tightly secured by its golf club shaft 280, to a golf club holder 240, with the golf club shaft 280 suspended within the continuous cavity 270. In one embodiment, a golf club shaft 280 may be parallel with a golf bag external body wall. In an alternative embodiment, a golf club shaft 280 may be non-parallel with a golf bag's external body wall.
In one embodiment, a [0031] golf accessory pocket 225 may be coupled to the posterior side of an angled presentation golf bag 200. In an alternative embodiment, accessory pockets (not shown) could be placed on the anterior side of an angled presentation golf bag 200. Other alternative embodiments may have accessory pockets on the side of an angled presentation golf bag 200. However, this configuration could complicate placing two angled presentation golf bags 200 on the same golf cart side by side, especially when the accessory pockets are full.
FIG. 3 illustrates details of an angle θ that is formed by the intersection of the external [0032] vertical base wall 310 and the generally vertical body wall 320 at the body base coupling point 330. The external base wall 310 descends from the body base coupling point 330 to the lower most portion of a golf bag. The external body wall ascends 320 from the body base coupling point 330 to the upper most portion or top of the golf bag. The body base coupling point 330 is that the origin of the angle θ. The angle θ is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle θ is greater than 90 degrees and less than 170 degrees. In an alternative embodiment, the angle θ may be greater than 150 degrees and less than 170 degrees, or, the angle θ may be greater than 155 degrees and less than 165 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle θ may be adjustable to a desired presentation.
FIG. 4 is a top-down view of the angled presentation [0033] golf bag top 230. From this view, one sees that a cavity may be segmented into a plurality of sections 410, 420, 430. In the preferred embodiment, the cavity is segmented generally into three sections, a first section 410 for holding wood-clubs, a second section 420 that is adapted to accept a golf club holder, and third section that is adapted to carry woods in a non-destructive configuration by using dividers to keep wood golf clubs separated from each-other. In the preferred embodiment, three dividers 432 are used to separate the third section 430 into four sections.
Thus, though the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present application. It is therefore the intention that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications. [0034]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An angle presentation golf bag adapted to sit on a golf bag supporting member of a golf cart comprising:

a base having a substantially vertical hollow column portion;

a body having a top and a base coupling,

the body being coupled to the base at the base coupling,

the body extending above the base at an angle θ formed by the body base coupling such that a continuous cavity is presented by the top of the body,

the cavity is adapted to receive at least one golf club;

2. The angle presentation golf bag of claim 1 wherein the body base coupling is integrally formed.

3. The angle presentation golf bag of claim 1 wherein the origin of the angle θ is the body base coupling.

4. The angle presentation golf bag of claim 1 wherein the angle θ is adjustable via a flexible coupling.

5. The angle presentation golf bag of claim 1 wherein the top of the body is adapted to accept a golf club holder to present at least one golf club.

6. The angle presentation golf bag of claim 1 wherein a golf club holder is adapted to tightly secure a least one golf club within the cavity of the golf bag.

7. The angle presentation golf bag of claim 1 wherein a golf club holder is adapted to suspend at least one golf club shaft within the cavity by a head of a golf club head.

8. The angle presentation golf bag of claim 1 wherein at least one golf club shaft within the body cavity is not parallel with the external body wall.

9. The angle presentation golf bag of claim 1 wherein at least one golf club shaft within the body cavity is parallel to the external body wall.

10. An angle presentation golf bag comprising:

a substantially hollow base;

a substantially hollow body having a top and a base coupling, the body coupled to the base at the base coupling,

the body extending above the base at an angle, the base and the body presenting a cavity at the top of the body, the cavity being adapted to receive at least one golf club; and

a securing means coupled to the body and adapted to attach to a golf cart securing member.

11. The angle presentation golf bag of claim 10 wherein the golf bag is adapted to received a belt to secure the angle presentation golf bag to the golf cart securing member.

12. The angle presentation golf bag of claim 10 herein the securing means is a clamp.

13. An angle presentation golf bag comprising:

a base having a top, a bottom, and an external base wall;

a body having a top, a bottom, and an external body wall;

a body coupling to the base, such that an angel θ is formed between the external base and external body wall is greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

14. The angled presentation golf bag of claim 13 wherein the mouth is adapted to receive at least one golf club.

15. The angled presentation golf bag of claim 13 wherein the origin of the angle θ is at the body base coupling.

16. The angled presentation golf bag of claim 13 wherein the angle θ is greater than 45 degrees and less than 80 degrees.

17. The angled presentation golf bag of claim 13 wherein the angle θ is adjustable.

18. The angled presentation golf bag of claim 13 wherein the angle θ is greater than 60 degrees and less than 70 degrees.

19. The angled presentation golf bag of claim 13 wherein the angle θ is greater than 65 degrees and less than 75 degrees.