US20130043158A1

US20130043158A1 - Modular golf club case

Info

Publication number: US20130043158A1
Application number: US13/489,808
Authority: US
Inventors: II Robert Lee Flood; Seann W. McGinnis; David Morelock
Original assignee: Cobra Golf Inc
Current assignee: Cobra Golf Inc
Priority date: 2011-08-17
Filing date: 2012-06-06
Publication date: 2013-02-21

Abstract

A modular case for storing, transporting, and displaying sports equipment, in particular golf clubs, golf club components, and golf accessories. The case includes two independent halves, one half being configured for holding a plurality of shafts the other half including a plurality of removable, modular compartments. At least one of the halves of the case includes one or more support structures for supporting the half in an upright position.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/524,550, filed Aug. 17, 2011, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is generally directed toward a modular case for storing, transporting, and displaying sports equipment, in particular golf clubs, golf club components, and golf accessories. The case transforms into a workstation for assembly of sports equipment and may also become a point of sale.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf is a sport that is enjoyed by a wide variety of players of different genders, ages and/or skill levels. Golf is unique game in the sporting world in that a diverse group of players can play together, even in direct competition with one another (e.g. using handicapped scoring, different tee boxes, in team formats, etc.), and still enjoy the golf outing or competition. These factors, together with the increased availability of golf programming on television (e.g. golf tournaments, golf news, golf history, and/or other golf programming) and the rise of well known golf stars, have increased golfs popularity in recent years, both in the United States and across the world.
Golfers at all skill levels seek to improve their performance, lower their golf scores, and reach that next performance “level.” Manufacturers of all types of golf equipment have responded to these demands, and in recent years, the industry has witnessed dramatic changes and improvements in golf equipment. For example, a wide range of different golf ball models now are available, with balls designed to complement specific swing speeds and/or other player characteristics or preferences, e.g., with some balls designed to fly farther and/or straighter; some designed to provide higher or flatter trajectories; some designed to provide more spin, control, and/or feel (particularly around the greens); some designed for faster or slower swing speeds; etc. A host of swing and/or teaching aids also are available on the market w promise to help lower one's golf scores.
Golf clubs have been the subject of much technological research and advancement in recent years. For example, the market has seen dramatic changes and improvements in putter designs, golf club head designs, shafts, and grips. Additionally, other technological advancements have been made in an effort to better match the various elements and/or characteristics of the golf club and characteristics of a golf ball to a particular golfer's swing features or characteristics (e.g. club fitting technology, ball launch angle measurement technology, club swing analysis, ball spin rates, etc.).
Given the recent advances, there is a vast array of golf club component parts available to the golfer. For example, club heads are produced by a wide variety of manufacturers in a variety of different models. Moreover, the individual club head models may include multiple variations, such as variations in the loft angle, lie angle, offset features, weighting characteristics (e.g. draw biased club heads, fade biased club heads, neutrally weighted club heads, etc.). Additionally, the club heads may be combined with a variety of different shafts, e.g. from different manufacturers, having different stiffness, flex points, kick points, or other flexion characteristics, etc., made from different materials, etc. Between the available variations in shafts and club heads, there are literally hundreds of different club head/shaft combinations available to the golfer.
Club fitters and golf professionals can assist in fitting golfers with a golf club head/shaft combination that suits their swing characteristics and needs. Conventionally, golf club heads are permanently mounted to shafts using cements or adhesives. Therefore, to enable a golfer to test a variety of head/shaft combinations, the club fitter or professional must carry a wide selection of permanently mounted golf club head/shaft combinations (which takes up a considerable amount of storage space and inventory costs) or the club fitter or professional must build new clubs for the customer as the fitting process continues (which takes a substantial amount of time and inventory costs). The disadvantages associated with these conventional options serve to limit the choices available to the golfer during a fitting session and/or significantly increase the expense and length of a session.
More recently, golf clubs having a releasable connection between the golf club head and the golf club shaft have been designed and are available to golf club fitters and golf professionals. These golf clubs have head/shaft position adjusting features to allow easy interchange of shafts and heads and to allow easy modification of the head/shaft positioning properties. However, given the great number of combinations available, it is still difficult for a golf club fitter or a golfer to organize and carry such equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modular case for storing, transporting and/or displaying equipment, e.g., sports equipment, e.g., golf clubs, and individual components thereof (e.g., golf club shafts and golf club heads), in an organized and efficient manner. The modular case of the invention is lightweight, compact, and durable, and includes a plurality of removable/interchangeable compartments that enables a user to customize the case to accommodate a variety of equipment, e.g., golf club components and golf accessories, such as fitting tools, golf balls, pencils, shoes, etc., depending upon the location of the event and the desired components to be stored, transported and/or displayed. The modular case of the invention includes two independent halves that are configured for use as a point of purchase display, a workstation table, or both.
In certain aspects, the modular case according to the invention includes a first elongate half and a second elongate half, each half comprising an exterior side and an interior side. The first and second elongate halves are adapted for releasable coupling to form an interior compartment defined by the interior sides of the first and second elongate halves. One of the elongate halves includes at least one rack that is disposed within the interior side of the half and is configured to hold a plurality of shafts.
In some embodiments, a second elongate half comprises a plurality of modular compartments. The plurality of modular compartments included within at least one of the elongate halves can have the same dimensions, or can have different dimensions. In certain embodiments, one or more of the modular compartments are dimensioned to hold equipment or components, e.g., one or more golf club heads. The one or more modular compartments can be dimensioned to hold different sizes, shapes, and types of equipment, e.g., golf club heads. For example, one or more of the modular compartments may be dimensioned to hold one or more wood-type club heads, while other modular compartments may be dimensioned to hold one or more iron-type club heads, still other modular compartments may be dimensioned to hold one or more wedge clubs, while other modular compartments may be dimensioned to hold one or more putters. Each modular compartment of the plurality includes a horizontal base surrounded by four vertical walls. In certain embodiments, the horizontal base includes one or more indentations/impressions in the shape of the equipment, e.g., a golf club head, such that the equipment nestedly rests within the indentation/impression.
In some embodiments, the one or more modular compartments can be dimensioned to hold accessories, e.g., golf accessories, such as golf shoes, hats, sunglasses, gloves, etc. In some embodiments, the one or more modular compartments can be dimensioned to hold electronic equipment, such as range finders, cameras, phones, computers, laptops, network routers, computer tablets, speakers, or lights.
The rack that is configured to hold a plurality of shafts includes a plurality of slots, each configured to receive a shaft. The plurality of slots can each have the same diameter or different diameters, to accommodate a variety of sizes/types of shafts. In certain embodiments, the rack is pivotably coupled to the interior of the elongate half such that the rack falls gravitationally forward when the elongate half is positioned in an upright position, lengthwise. In certain aspects, a plurality of tiered racks is included, each comprising a plurality of slots configured for receiving a shaft. For example, 2, 3 or 4 tiered racks can be included in the modular case of the invention. The plurality of tiered racks can each be pivotably coupled to the interior side of the elongate half such that the racks fall gravitationally forward when the elongate half is positioned in an upright position, lengthwise. In other embodiments, the shafts may be removably coupled to the interior of the elongate half.
The modular case of the invention further includes at least one support structure coupled to the exterior side of at least one of the elongate halves that is movable between a collapsed position where support structure lies substantially flush against the exterior side of the elongate half, and an extended position where the support structure extends outwards from the exterior side for supporting the elongate half in a raised position relative to a surface. In certain aspects, the at least one support structure is configured to support the elongate half in an upright position relative to a surface when the support structure is in the extended position.
In certain embodiments, both elongate halves include at least one support structure movable between a collapsed position where support structure lies substantially flush against the exterior side of the elongate half, and an extended position where the support structure extends outwards from the exterior side for supporting the elongate half in a raised position relative to a surface. In certain embodiments one or both of the elongate halves include a plurality of support structures, each being independently movable between a collapsed position where the support structure lies substantially flush against the exterior side of the elongate half, and an extended position where the support structure extends outwards from the exterior side for supporting the elongate half in a raised position relative to a surface. In certain embodiments, at least two of the support structures are configured to support the elongate half in a raised, horizontal position relative to the surface. In some embodiments, the case provides an exterior coupling to keep the support structures substantially flush against the exterior side of the elongate half during transport.
The modular case according to the invention can further include a handle. The handle can be a retractable handle, or fixedly integrated within the exterior side of one of the elongate halves. The modular case may comprise more than one handle, for example, a handle at the top and a handle on the side.
In certain embodiments, the module case according to the invention includes a set of wheels coupled to the exterior side of the first or second elongate half, to facilitate transportation of the case from one location to another location. The set of wheels can include 2 or more wheels (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 wheels). The wheels may be recessed within the case (e.g., inline skate type) or the wheels may be castor type, having universal directionality.
The modular case according to the invention is preferably sized and dimensioned to fit on the back of a golf cart. In certain embodiments, the case includes a bracket coupled to the exterior side of the first or second half, that is, adapted to engage a horizontal rack on a golf cart. The bracket can be disposed within a groove formed within the exterior side of the first or second half. In certain aspects, the groove is a vertical groove and contains a plurality of stop positions, such that the bracket is slidably adjustable along the vertical groove to accommodate different heights for different makes/models of golf carts. In certain embodiments, the groove is retractable, such that it can be extended outwards from the exterior side of the case when in-use, and retracted, or tucked-away when not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1-15. In the drawings, like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. Note that the illustrations in the figures are representative only, and are not drawn to scale, the emphasis having instead been generally placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention and the disclosed embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments.

FIG. 1A shows a side-view of an embodiment of a modular case.

FIG. 1B shows a top-view of an embodiment of a modular case.

FIG. 1C shows an end-view of an embodiment of a modular case.

FIG. 2 depicts the interior of a modular case configured to hold a plurality of shafts.

FIG. 3 depicts the interior of a modular case configured to hold a plurality of shafts.

FIG. 4 depicts the interior of a modular case including a plurality of modular compartments configured to hold equipment.

FIG. 5 depicts modular compartments of various sizes for use in a modular case.

FIG. 6 depicts insertion and removal of modular compartments in a modular case.

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a half of a modular case supported by support legs in a table-like configuration and having a work surface.

FIG. 8 depicts a modular case being transported by a user.

FIG. 9A depicts a half of a modular case with an external attachment point configured for coupling to a laptop table.

FIG. 9B depicts a half of a modular case with an external attachment point configured for coupling to a golf club support rack.

FIG. 9C depicts a half of a modular case with an external attachment point configured for coupling to a camera stand.

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a modular case.

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of a modular case.

FIG. 12 depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of a modular case.

FIG. 13 depicts an exploded view of a half of a modular case having modular compartments configured to hold equipment.

FIG. 14 depicts an exploded view of a half of a modular case configured to hold a plurality of shafts.

FIG. 15 depicts an exterior view of a half of a modular case with extended support legs in a table-like configuration.

FIG. 16 depicts an exterior view of a half of a modular case with an extended support structure to hold the half in an upright position.

FIG. 17 depicts a modular case being carried by a golf cart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-17, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology used herein, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.
In general, as described below, the present invention provides a modular case 10 for storing, transporting, and displaying equipment, e.g., golf clubs, golf club components and/or golf accessories. While the embodiments disclosed herein exemplify golf equipment, one of skill in the art would appreciate that modular cases of the invention would be useful for storing, transporting, and displaying a variety of equipment, especially sporting equipment, such as fishing rods and tackle, baseball equipment, billiards equipment, archery equipment, polo equipment, ski equipment, and tennis equipment.
Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1C, the modular case includes two independent halves 1 and 2 that are detachably coupled together via a plurality of latches 3 or other closure or locking mechanism. Each of the independent halves 1 and 2 have an exterior side 1 a and 2 a, and an interior side 1 b and 2 b. The exterior side of each half (1 a and 2 a) is composed of a durable, lightweight, weather-proof material, such as aluminum, titanium, carbon composite, non-porous plastic (e.g., PVC, ABS), water-sealed or finished wood, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, each of the independent halves are composed of an alloy skeletal exterior for durability then fused with a carbon composite panel inlay to achieve a favorable strength to weigh ratio. The resulting case is lightweight and extremely durable. The interior side is of each half (1 b and 2 b) is composed of a fabric, felt, and/or cloth-like material, a foam type material (e.g., EVA), a viscoelastic material, or any other suitable soft, plush or padded material.
The two independent halves 1 and 2 are detachably coupled via the plurality of latches 3 with the interior side of each half (1 b and 2 b) facing each other to form an interior compartment when coupled. The independent halves 1 and 2 have substantially equal dimensions (length, width and depth) and are preferably rectangular in shape to accommodate one or more elongate shafts within the interior of the case 10. In certain embodiments, each half is approximately 60 inches in length and approximately 24 inches in width. In certain embodiments, each half is approximately 72 inches in length or less.
Of the two independent halves 1 and 2, one half is configured to house a plurality of shafts, e.g., golf club shafts within the interior side (referred to herein as the shaft case), while the other half is configured to house a plurality of equipment, e.g., golf club heads and golf accessories (referred to herein as the head case). Shafts suitable for use with the invention include, but are not limited to, baseball bats, fishing rods, ski poles, billiard cues, arrows, mallet shafts, or racket handles. Equipment suitable for use with the invention includes, but is not limited to, any equipment which compliments the shafts, such as fishing reels, balls, racket heads, bows, or any accessories commonly found in the sport, e.g., gloves, shoes, hats, glasses, etc.
The interior side of the shaft case includes at least one rack 4 having a plurality of round slots for receiving one end of a shaft 13 (FIG. 2). In an embodiment, the plurality of round slots preferably varies in diameter to accommodate a variety of sizes and brands of golf club shafts 13. In an alternative embodiment, the rack may be coupled to an interior side 1 b or 2 b of the half, and the shaft will be removably coupled to the rack, e.g., by being press fit or held by a coupling (not shown).
The rack 4 can be divided into two or more compartments 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d, etc. (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, each compartment includes a plurality of round slots having the same diameter, and the diameter of the slots varies from compartment to compartment. Preferably, the rack 4 is pivotably mounted within the interior of one end of the shaft case to enable pivoted gravitational falling forward at a limited angle relative to the case interior when the shaft case is supported in an upright, lengthwise position at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the ground (FIG. 3), thereby providing a convenient, frontal presentation and accessibility to a variety of shafts. In some embodiments, the shafts define an angle with respect to the half when the half is in an upright position. In some embodiments, this angle is greater than 10°, i.e., greater than 15°, i.e., greater than 20°, i.e., greater than 25°, i.e., greater than 30°. In certain embodiments, a plurality of tiered racks are mounted at one end within the interior of the shaft case, each pivotably mounted for pivoted gravitational falling forward at a limited angle relative to the case interior when the shaft case is supported in an upright, lengthwise position at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the ground.
The interior side of the head case includes a plurality of easy to remove, modular compartments 5 for storing and/or displaying equipment, for example, a plurality of golf club heads 6 (FIG. 4). In certain embodiments, the modular compartments 5 are configured for storing and/or displaying golf shoes and other accessories such as hats, gloves, sunglasses, etc. The plurality of compartments 5 can each include the same dimensions, or they can vary in dimension (see e.g., FIG. 5). The modular compartments 5 preferably vary in size and dimension to accommodate a variety of different types, sizes and brands of golf club heads 6, including wood clubs, iron clubs, wedge clubs, putters, etc. Modular compartments 5 may also be configured to hold other equipment that would be useful when displaying or using the equipment. For example, modular compartments 5 may hold electronic equipment, such as range finders, cameras, phones, computers, laptops, network routers, computer tablets, speakers, projectors, or lights. In some embodiments a modular compartment may be replaced with a specialty compartment (not shown) which substantially comprises a computer, network equipment, a power supply, or a printer.
Each compartment 5 includes a base surrounded by four walls. In certain embodiments, the modular compartments 5 include a plurality of indentations within the base in the shape of a golf club head for nestedly receiving a golf club head in order to reduce the risk of damage to the heads placed within the compartment due to jostling/movement during transport. For example, the indentations can vary in shape and size to accommodate a variety of different golf club heads. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the modular/interchangeable nature of the modular compartments 5 within head case enables the modular case 10 to accommodate a new line of heads 6 or to be customized to any fitter's needs, thus eliminating the need to transport many different combinations of club heads and shafts. In some embodiments, the modular compartments are molded from shock absorbing material, such as foam, egg-crate, viscoelastic materials, putty, or specialty hardening materials such as two-part foam.
In certain embodiments, one end of the modular compartment 5 include one or more tabs 7 which are configured to engage an indentation or recess within an interior wall of the head case, while the other end of the modular compartment 5 includes a magnet for fixedly securing the compartment 5 in place within the interior of the head case (FIG. 6).
In addition to the modular compartments 5, the head case can further be configured to include flex storage space 8 for housing fitting tools, golf balls, pencils, cables, power adapters, electronic devices, tape measures, etc. The flex storage space is preferably a covered compartment for containing loose items, and can be fixedly integrated within the interior of the head case, or removable disposed within the interior (FIG. 4). In other embodiments, not shown, modular compartments 5 may be adapted to hold devices for performing shot analyses, for example, a high-speed camera, or a retractable screen. In other embodiments, a modular compartment may be configured to hold components of a portable golf shot simulator. In other embodiments, not shown, modular compartments 5 may be adapted for hot or cold storage, including insulated walls, reflective surfaces, replaceable cooling packs, replaceable heating packs, or resistive heating. The hot or cold storage flexible storage compartment may additionally comprise a water-tight seal.
The shaft case and/or head case can include a protective, removable cover 14 over the interior compartment to protect the components housed within the interior of each from damage due to jostling/movement when the head case and shaft case are coupled together during transport, and to cover the components housed/stored within each half when on display, if necessary (e.g., weather protection when used as a fitting case in an outdoor setting) (FIG. 7). Removable cover 14 may have a locking mechanism to allow the components to be displayed without concern for theft. In some embodiments, the removable cover 14 may comprise more than one piece thereby allowing a portion of the removable cover 14 to be used as a work surface when the half is in a table configuration.
In an embodiment, each of the independent halves 1 and 2 include one or more support legs 9 mounted to exterior sides 1 a and 2 a, respectively. The one or more support legs 9 are configured to be foldable between a collapsed position where they lie flush against the exterior sides 1 a and 2 a, respectively, when not in use, as shown, for example in FIG. 1A, and an extended position where they fold outwards relative to the exterior side to support the independent half on all types of surfaces (e.g., grass, gravel, concrete, pavement, sand, etc) such that the contents within the interior of each half are openly displayed and/or easily accessible, as shown, for example in FIGS. 3, 6, 15, and 16. Exterior sides 1 a and 2 a may include grooved recesses within the exterior housing that receive the one or more legs 9 when in the collapsed position (i.e., when not in use).
In embodiments where the independent half 1 and/or 2 includes more than one support leg 9, each of the legs are independently movable between the collapsed and extended positions such that one leg can be extended to support the independent half 1 or 2 in an upright position lengthwise (see e.g., FIG. 3) for use as a point of purchase (POP) display, or both legs can be extended to support the independent half in a table-like manner (see e.g., FIG. 6 and FIG. 7) for use as a fitting workstation. Each of the independent halves 1 and 2 can include a pair of independently extendable/collapsible support legs 9 mounted at opposite ends of the exterior side for supporting the independent half in a table-like manner, at least one support leg 9 mounted towards the middle of the exterior side 1 a or 2 a for supporting the independent half 1 or 2 as an upright POP display, or both. In some embodiments, lights may be affixed to the interior 1 a or 2 a of the half to facilitate inspection of the products held in the modular case and to attract the attention of potential users. While not shown, speakers may be affixed to a half used as a point of purchase to play music, or other sounds, to attract potential users.
When the independent halves 1 and 2 are coupled together via the plurality of latches 3, the modular case 10 is configured to stand in upright position (lengthwise). At least one of the independent halves 1 or 2 includes an exterior handle 11 at the uppermost end of the case U and an exterior set of wheels 12 at the base end of the case B (see FIG. 1A). The handle 11 can be a retractable handle or a fixed handle connected to or integrally formed within the case exterior. The set of wheels 12 includes at least two wheels. In certain embodiments, the set of wheels 12 includes up to four wheels. The wheels are preferably disposed approximately 1-2 inches from the ground when the modular case is positioned substantially flush with the ground. The set of wheels 12 become operative upon tilting the bag beyond an approximately 75 degree angle relative to the ground, via the handle (see FIG. 8). The set of wheels 12 may be positioned at a greater or lesser height from the ground to accordingly manipulate the tilting of the case 10 required to operate the set of wheels 12. Alternatively, the set of wheels 12 can be disposed so as to sit flush on the ground and/or extend beyond the base end of case 10. In such embodiments, the set of wheels 12 includes a wheel lock to prevent inadvertent movement or rolling of case 10.
At least one of the independent halves 1 or 2 may have at least one attachment point 15 along an exterior side releasably engaging a variety of different attachments such as a golf club rest, a laptop table, a camera mount, a display sign for communicating product information (e.g., product features, product options, or other product marketing information), etc. (see FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C). In an embodiment shown in FIG. 9C, attachment point 15 is used to mount a high speed camera which may be connected to a computer. This setup will allow a golf professional to analyze the swing of a golfer who is testing a product held in the modular case. Other accessories, such as a portable screen, may also be disposed in one or both halves of the modular case.
In certain aspects, the modular case of the invention can further include a solar power panel for powering a laptop or other electronic device that may be used to track on-site sales or as part of a mobile fitting system. The modular case may further include a data storage device coupled to or integrated within the modular case (e.g., a USB flash drive). The case may have RFID capabilities to track inventory of the case and/or send refill orders via the internet to allow a golf professional to always have a full supply of popular equipment. The case may further include one or more power and/or USB ports. In other embodiments, the case may use AC provided to the case, e.g., via a cord. The cord may be retractable.
In certain aspects, the modular case of the invention is adapted for wireless internet access to enable access to purchasing and order systems for onsite sales. In other embodiments, the modular case may contain a wireless router capable of providing a wireless connection to computers and devices in proximity to the case. In certain instances the modular case may have a tracking device to facilitate recovery of the case in the event that it is lost or stolen.
Additional embodiments of a modular case of the invention are shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In this embodiment, half 1 has a single support leg 9, for supporting half 1 in an upright position, while half 2 has two support legs 9 to support half 2 as a table. Notably, this embodiment has multiple handles 11, disposed at an end (not shown) and on a side. Fasteners 15 are used to secure the support legs 9 substantially flat against the exterior 2 a of the second half 2.
An exploded view of an embodiment of a modular case is shown in FIG. 12, showing the alignment of halves 1 and 2 with the removable cover 14, arranged for transport. This configuration has the advantage of being compact, lightweight, and portable, while providing adequate protection to the merchandise contained within. An exploded view of the second half 2, i.e., as shown in FIG. 12, is shown in FIG. 13. The exploded view in FIG. 13 details the position of the support legs 9, the handle 11, the wheels 12, and the modular compartments 5. An exploded view of the first half 1, i.e., as shown in FIG. 12, is shown in FIG. 14. The exploded view in FIG. 14 details the position of the support leg 9 and the rack 4 holding shafts 13, i.e., golf shafts. Also shown in FIG. 14 is the pivotal holder 17, which supports the tray 4, and packing material 18 which protect the shafts 13 from interacting with the interior 1 b during transport of the modular case. The packing material 18 may be constructed from foam, cloth, styrofoam, or other energy absorbing material. Further details of support legs 9 are shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, which detail the exterior of the second 2 and first 1 halves of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, respectively.
Thus, the invention provides a modular case for storing, transporting, and displaying equipment, especially golf equipment. As shown in FIG. 17, the modular case 10 is dimensioned to fit on the back of a conventional golf cart 80. In certain embodiments, modular case 10 includes means for engaging a horizontal accessory rack 82 or other bracket mounted to the rear chassis of a conventional cart. For example, at least one of the independent halves 1 or 2 can include a bracket (not shown) on the exterior side 1 a or 2 a of case 10 for engaging the accessory rack or bracket of a golf cart. The bracket can be slidably disposed within a channel vertically formed within the exterior side 1 a or 2 a of case 10 and vertically adjusted along a series of stop positions within the channel to accommodate all current makes and models of golf carts. In certain embodiments, the bracket is a retractable bracket that is movable between an extended position when in use, and a retracted position when not in use.
The present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

References and citations to other documents, such as patents, patent applications, patent publications, journals, books, papers, web contents, have been made throughout this disclosure. All such documents are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

EQUIVALENTS

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting on the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A case comprising:

an elongate body comprising a first elongate half and a second elongate half, each half comprising an exterior side and an interior side, the first and second elongate halves adapted for releasable coupling to form an interior compartment defined by the interior sides of the first and second elongate halves;

the first elongate half comprising at least one rack disposed within the interior side of the half and configured to hold a plurality of shafts; and

at least one support structure coupled to the exterior side of at least one of the elongate halves, the at least one support structure being movable between a collapsed position substantially flush against the exterior side, and an extended position extending outwards from the exterior side for supporting the elongate half in a raised position relative to a surface.

2. The case of claim 1, wherein the second elongate half comprises a plurality of modular compartments, each compartment being removably disposed with the interior side of the half.

3. The case of claim 2, wherein the plurality of modular compartments comprise different dimensions.

4. The case of claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of modular compartments are dimensioned to hold a golf club head.

5. The case of claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of modular compartments are dimensioned to hold golf shoes, a camera, a laptop computer, a computer tablet, golf gloves, golf tees, a portable screen, a range finder, or a tape measure.

6. The case of claim 2, wherein the plurality of modular compartments comprise a horizontal base surrounded by four vertical walls, and at least one of the modular compartments includes at least one indentation in the horizontal base configured to receive a golf head.

7. The case of claim 1, wherein the plurality of shafts comprise at least one golf club shaft.

8. The case of claim 1, wherein the at least one rack comprises a plurality of slots, each configured for receiving a shaft.

9. The case of claim 8, wherein the at least one rack is pivotably coupled to the interior side of the elongate half.

10. The case of claim 1, comprising a plurality of tiered racks, each configured to hold a plurality of golf club shafts.

11. The case of claim 10, wherein the plurality of tiered racks are pivotably coupled to the interior side of the elongate half.

12. The case of claim 1, wherein the at least one support structure is configured to support the elongate half in an upright position relative to the surface when the support structure is in the extended position.

13. The case of claim 1, wherein the first and second elongate halves each comprise at least one support structure movable between the collapsed position and extended position for supporting the first and second elongate halves, respectively, in a raised position relative to a surface.

14. The case of claim 1, wherein at least one of the elongate halves comprises a plurality of support structures, each support structure being independently movable between the collapsed position and extended position.

15. The case of claim 14, wherein at least two of the support structures are configured to support the elongate half in a raised, horizontal position relative to the surface.

16. The case of claim 1, further comprising a handle.

17. The case of claim 1, further comprising wheels coupled to the exterior side of the first or second elongate half.

18. The case of claim 1, further comprising at least one bracket coupled to the exterior side of the first or second half, the bracket adapted to engage a horizontal rack on a golf cart.

19. The case of claim 18, wherein the bracket is slidably disposed within a groove in the exterior side of the first or second half.

20. The case of claim 1, further comprising a network connection.