CONVERTIBLE GOLF BAGS AND RELATED METHODS
Convertible golf bag and related methods are provided herein. A convertible golf bag can include a chassis configured to receive and hold golf clubs therein and a saddle bag configured to receive and store items therein. The golf bag can also include one or more first chassis fasteners disposed on the chassis and one or more saddle bag fasteners disposed on the saddle bag. The one or more first saddle bag fasteners are arranged for selective engagement with the one or more first chassis fasteners, thereby enabling coupling and decoupling of the saddle bag and the chassis.
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to golf bags with attachable saddle bags that can be selectively engaged and interchanged. In particular, the present subject matter relates to convertible golf bags that include one or more removable, attachable, and interchangeable saddle bags to provide a golfer with fashion and functional options with respect to how the golf bag appears and is used.
BACKGROUNDGolfing has been a popular sport for over a century. Traditionally, golfing requires a golf bag to carry a set of clubs, and are standard equipment in the game. In general terms, a golf bag conventionally includes a tubular construction with a closed bottom, an open top, and a carrying strap attached between the closed bottom and the open top. The open top receives the golf clubs while the closed bottom and an outer shell of the golf bag defines an interior void to contain the golf clubs. The outer shell may be formed from materials and may be reinforced by a frame formed by one or more support members, such as rails or poles, thereby holding the bag in an open and taut state for holding the golf clubs.
Golf bags may include a number of storage compartments and/or receptacles to store a variety of other items used in connection with a golf outing. For example, a golf bag may have various pockets or compartments for holding golf balls, tees, clubs, towels, clothing, rain gear, food and beverages and the like. Typically, such compartments are permanently incorporated into the golf bag design and manufacture and, as such, remain part of the bag regardless of whether the golfer utilizes the compartment. The type of items, such as the shoes, types of cleats, clothing, and the like to be stored in the pockets and compartments of the golf bag may vary depending on the weather, season of the year, location of the course, time of day and the like. Hence, a golfer is often found removing items from the golf bag and replacing them with items more appropriate for a particular outing.
Depending on the number and sizes of these compartments, the size and weight of golf bags can vary depending on how these bags are used. For example, golfers who prefer to exclusively prefer to ride in golf carts during a golf outing may prefer the convenience of cart bags designed to be used on golf carts and provide a variety of compartments for the golfer, while golfers who prefer to walk the golf course and carry their own golf bag may prefer a carry bag, which is a lighter weight golf bag that provides less storage options but can be much easier to carry over the length of a golf course.
For golfers who sometimes ride in golf carts and enjoy the convenience of more pockets and compartments to provide available of access to desired items during a golf outing and sometimes like to walk a golf course carrying their clubs with them for the exercise and sport, multiple golf bags are often required. Such golfers need a carry or a stand bag for times when they want to more easily walk the golf course and a cart bag when they want to ride in the cart and have the convenience of more storage.
Further, many golfers would like the option of customizing the appearance of a golf bag, desiring specific color schemes, branding or styles based on the occasion. Such customization may also be desired with respect to the functionality of the golf bag—whether a cooler is desired, less or more storage (and therefore weight), etc. In some instances, a golfer may desire to remove the saddle bag entirely to reduce the weight and size of the golf bag for ease of transport. A golfer may desire to use and transport the saddle bag independently, even for non-golf purposes.
Accordingly, a need remains for minimizing the inconvenience of needing different golf bags for different occasions of playing a round of golf. Disclosed herein is a convertible golf bag that can address these needs by offering interchangeable saddle bags having differing color schemes, branding and/or functionality that are configured for selective engagement with a core golf bag body, the chassis.
SUMMARYThe presently disclosed subject matter relates to golf bags that can be converted to enable varying appearances and/or functionality. In particular, the present subject matter relates to convertible golf bags that include one or more removable and attachable saddle bags to provide a golfer with options with respect to how the golf bag appears and/or is used.
While one or more objects of the presently disclosed subject matter having been stated hereinabove, and which is achieved in whole or in part by the presently disclosed subject matter, other objects will become evident as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings as best described hereinbelow proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings as best described hereinbelow.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter including the best mode thereof to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the seam or analogous features or elements of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThese descriptions are presented with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters. Although the term “step” may be expressly used or implied relating to features of processes or methods, no implication is made of any particular order or sequence among such expressed or implied steps unless an order or sequence is explicitly stated.
Although the terms first, second, right, left, front, back, top, bottom, etc. may be used herein to describe various features, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these features, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature, element, component, region, layer, or section from another feature, element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first feature, element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second feature, element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the disclosure herein.
Similarly, when a feature or element is being described in the present disclosure as “on” or “over” another feature or element, it is to be understood that the features or elements can either be directly contacting each other or have another feature or element between them, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Thus, these terms are simply describing the relative position of the features or elements to each other and do not necessarily mean “on top of” since the relative position above or below depends upon the orientation of the device to the viewer.
Embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure are described herein with reference to schematic illustrations of embodiments that may be idealized. The drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. As such, variations from the shapes and/or positions of features, elements, or components within the illustrations as a result of, for example but not limited to, user preferences, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Shapes, sizes and/or positions of features, elements or components illustrated in the figures may also be magnified, minimized, exaggerated, shifted, or simplified to facilitate explanation of the subject matter disclosed herein. Thus, the features, elements or components illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes and/or positions are not intended to illustrate the precise configuration of the subject matter and are not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein unless it specifically stated otherwise herein.
Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. It is to be understood that the ranges and limits mentioned herein include all ranges located within the prescribed limits (i.e., subranges). For instance, a range from about 100 to about 200 also includes ranges from 110 to 150, 170 to 190, 153 to 162, and 145.3 to 149.6. Further, a limit of up to about 7 also includes a limit of up to about 5, up to 3, and up to about 4.5, as well as ranges within the limit, such as from about 1 to about 5, and from about 3.2 to about 6.5.
The present disclosure provides for golf bags that can be modified to display different colors and styles, as well as include different functional compartments. For example, the subject matter relates to golf bag that can include a chassis configured to receive and hold golf clubs therein and a saddle bag configured to receive and store items therein. The golf bag can also include one or more first chassis fasteners disposed on the chassis and one or more saddle bag fasteners disposed on the saddle bag. The one or more first saddle bag fasteners are arranged for selective engagement with the one or more first chassis fasteners, thereby enabling coupling and decoupling of the saddle bag and the chassis.
In particular, in some embodiments, the present subject matter relates to convertible golf bags that include one or more removable and attachable saddle bags to provide a golfer with options with respect to how the golf bag appears and is used. For example, a golf bag can include a chassis having a top portion with one or more apertures therein for receiving and holding golf clubs, a base, and side walls extending between the top portion and the base. The side walls forming a front, a rear, a first side, and a second side of the chassis. The convertible golf bag can also comprise an attachable and removable saddle bag that can be secured to and removed from the front and sides of the chassis. The saddle bag can have a front wall that faces outward from the chassis and a rear wall that faces inward and is secured against the side walls of the chassis when the saddle bag is attached to the chassis. The convertible golf bag can also include a plurality of first chassis attachment members, or fasteners, disposed on at least the front of the chassis and a corresponding plurality of first saddle bag attachment members, or fasteners, disposed on the rear wall of the saddle bag. When the first saddle bag fasteners are aligned and engaged with the first chassis fasteners, the saddle bag is securely held to the chassis. Conversely, when the first saddle bag fasteners are disengaged from the first chassis fasteners, the saddle bag is removable from the chassis.
Referring to
The design of the convertible bag 10 with the removable saddle bag not only provides a golfer with the ability to easily convert the golf bag 10 between a larger golfer 10A and a smaller golf bag 10B, but also provides a golfer options to have multiple saddle bags that can display different fashion choices and/or be packed with different items useful for different locations or weather conditions to permit easily conversion of the golf bag 10 to provide easy and optimal preparation for any conditions expected on the golf course. The golf bag 10 can be useful for avid golfers who play at more than one golf course or club. A saddle bag can be stored at each course which the golf regularly plays so that that only the chassis 12, i.e., the smaller golf bag 10B, needs to be carried between and stored between uses at the different course taking up less room both at home and in the vehicle(s) in which the clubs are transported. Similarly, at clubs where members are allowed store their clubs, the removable saddle bag 20 provides the option to bring just the saddle bag 20 home. This option allows for easily changing or replenishment of items used on the golf course. Additionally, the option to remove and carry just the saddle bag 20 provides the golfer with the ability to leave the club house without having to riffle through the compartments of the saddle bag to removable items such as a wallet and keys or worry at replenishing items used or discard while playing a round of golf. These action can be taken that the golfer's leisure before their next round of the golf.
As shown in
To allow the saddle bag 20 to be coupled to and decoupled from the chassis 12, the chassis 12 and the saddle bag 20 can both comprise attachment members. These attachment members can comprise a wide and varied range of fasteners, including snap fasteners, button fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, FID lock fasteners, channel lock fasteners, or the like. In some embodiments, some of the fasteners can comprise magnets that have a magnetic field strength, i.e., a magnetic pull, which is strong enough to securely hold the saddle bag 20 to the chassis 12 of the golf bag 10. In some embodiments, for example, the magnets that are used for the first fasteners can be N35, N42, N50, or N52 neodymium magnets. In some embodiments, the magnets can be an N50 neodymium magnets.
For example, as shown in
As shown in
As an additional level of security for the attachment of the saddle bag 20 to the chassis 12 of the golf bag 10, one or more additional attachment members, or fasteners, such a zippers, can be used to further secure the saddle bag 20 to the chassis 12. The additionally attachment members can comprise various other fasteners, though, such as, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, channel lock fasteners, or the like.
For example, in some embodiments, second chassis attachment members, or fasteners, 36 can be disposed on the first and second sides 18C, 18D of the chassis 12 and second saddle bag attachment members, or fasteners, 38 can be disposed on the saddle bag such as at or adjacent to the first and second ends 25, 27 of the saddle bag 20. The easy coupling of the first chassis and first saddle bag fasteners 30, 32 can facilitate the alignment of the second chassis and second saddle bag fasteners 36, 38. A second chassis fastener 36 on the first side 18C of the chassis 12 can be aligned with and engaged with a corresponding second saddle bag fastener 38 adjacent the first end 25 of the saddle bag 20. Similarly, a second chassis fastener 36 on the second side 18D of the chassis 12 can be aligned with and engaged with a corresponding second saddle bag fastener 38 adjacent a second end 27 of the second saddle bag 20 to further secure the saddle bag 20 to the chassis 12. As shown in
As seen in
As stated above, the golf bag 10 can be a stand bag that can sit in a position that presents the clubs within the bag for use and can keep the bag in a standing position once the bag is properly placed on the ground. The chassis 12 of the golf bag 10 can comprise extendable and retractable legs 56 that are secured to the rear 18B of the chassis 12. The legs 56 can extend outward from the rear 18B of the chassis 12 to form a tripoint stance with the base 16 of the chassis 12 using a retraction and extension mechanism 58 that cause the legs to move outward when pressure is placed on a triggering mechanism (not shown) located at or near the base 16 that operates under gravity and the weight of the golf bag 10. Additionally, a compartment passage 59 can be included on the chassis 12 to allow access to the interior of the golf bag 10B where the club shafts reside. Enabling access to the interior of the golf bag 10B permits a golfer to retrieve any items, such as balls or tees, that may have been accidentally dropped through the one or more apertures 14A. The compartment passage 59 can include fasteners, such as a zipper, to permit opening and closing. The compartment passage 59 can be on a side such as the second side 18D in an area of the side walls 18 that is covered by the saddle bag 20 when it is secured to the chassis 12.
Referring to
In some embodiments, the side walls 18 of the chassis 12 of the golf bag can have one or more layers at different portions of the chassis 12. Referring to
As shown in
Referring to
The front, rear, and linking walls 22, 24, 26 of the saddle bag 20A can have one or more layers at different portions of the saddle bag 20A. In some embodiments, the front, rear, and linking walls 22, 24, 26 of the saddle bag 20A can be insulative walls when the saddle bag 20A is a cooler. For example, the front, rear, and linking walls 22, 24, 26 of the saddle bag 20A can each comprise multiple layers with one or more water impermeable layers. In some embodiments, some space may be created between two or more layers to provide an increased insulative effect. In some embodiments, the different layers of front, rear, and linking walls 22, 24, 26 of the saddle bag 20A can comprise pliable material that can drape. The different layers of front, rear, and linking walls 22, 24, 26 of the saddle bag 20A can comprise a variety of materials, including leather, fabrics, such as woven, knit, or nonwoven fabrics, vinyl coated or other coated fabrics, films, foam material, or the like.
In some embodiments, the rear wall 24 of the saddle bag 20A can comprise an outer substrate 75 and an inner substrate 76. The inner and outer substrates 75, 76 can comprise a variety of materials, including leather, fabrics, such as woven, knit, or nonwoven fabrics, coated fabrics, films, foam material, or the like. Thus, the inner substrate 75 and the outer substrate 76 can be pliable substrates that are not rigid in form. In some embodiments, one or more layers can be strategically placed between the inner substrate 75 and the outer substrate 76.
As shown in
As shown in
Thus, as explained above, a convertible golf bag is provided herein. The convertible golf bag can comprise a chassis having a top portion with one or more apertures therein for receiving and holding golf clubs, a base, and side walls extending between the top portion and the base. The side walls can form a front, a rear, a first side, and a second side of the chassis. The golf bag can also comprise a saddle bag that can be coupled to and decoupled from the front and sides of the chassis. The saddle bag can have a first end and a second end. Additionally, the saddle bag can have a front wall that faces outward from the chassis and a rear wall that faces inward and is secured against the side walls of the chassis when the saddle bag is attached to the chassis. The golf bag can further comprise one or more first chassis attachment members, or fasteners, disposed on at least the front of the chassis and a corresponding one or more of first saddle bag attachment members, or fasteners, disposed on the rear wall of the saddle bag. When the first saddle bag fasteners are aligned and engaged with the first chassis fasteners, the saddle bag can be securely held to the chassis. When the first saddle bag fasteners are disengaged from the first chassis fasteners, the saddle bag can be removed from the chassis. Additionally, the golf bag can comprise second chassis attachment members, or fasteners, disposed on the first and second sides of the chassis and second saddle bag attachment members, or fasteners, disposed adjacent the first end and the second end of the saddle bag. The second chassis fastener on the first side of the chassis can be aligned with and engage the corresponding second saddle bag fastener adjacent the first end. Further, the second chassis fastener on the second side of the chassis can be aligned with and engage the corresponding second saddle bag fastener adjacent the second end of the saddle bag to further secure the saddle bag to the chassis.
Further, methods of using a convertible golf bag are also provided as described above. Some embodiments of such method can include providing a chassis comprising a plurality of first chassis attachment members, or fasteners, disposed on at least a front of the chassis and an attachable and removable saddle bag comprising plurality of first saddle bag attachment members, or fasteners, disposed on a rear wall of the saddle bag as described above. The method can include aligning the plurality of first saddle bag fasteners with the plurality of first chassis fasteners of the chassis and engaging the plurality of first saddle bag fasteners with the plurality of first chassis fasteners of the chassis so that the saddle bag is securely held to the chassis. Additionally, the method can include disengaging the plurality of first saddle bag fasteners from the plurality of first chassis fasteners of the chassis so that the saddle bag can be removed from the chassis.
In some embodiments, first and second sides of the chassis can each comprise a second chassis fastener. Additionally, a first end and a second end of saddle bag can each comprise a second saddle bag fastener. In such embodiments, the method can include engaging the second chassis fastener on the first side of the chassis with the corresponding second saddle bag fastener adjacent the first end of the saddle bag. The method can also include engaging the second chassis fastener on the second side of the chassis with the corresponding second saddle bag fastener adjacent the second end of the saddle bag to further secure the saddle bag to the chassis.
Particular embodiments and features have been described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and features may arise, or modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the spirit of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A golf bag comprising:
- a chassis configured to receive and hold golf clubs therein, the chassis defined by a front, two sides, and a back;
- a saddle bag configured to receive and store items therein, the saddle bag defined by a C-shaped rear wall positioned directly in contact with the chassis front and two sides when attached to the chassis;
- one or more saddle bag fasteners positioned along a top edge of the C-shaped rear wall and along side edges of the rear wall, arranged for selective engagement with one or more chassis fasteners for aligning and enabling coupling and decoupling of the saddle bag and chassis fasteners;
- wherein the saddle bag is configured in a horseshoe shape that wraps around the chassis front and chassis sides only.
2. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein both the chassis and the saddle bag fasteners are zippers that zip in the same direction for selective engagement of the opposing saddle bag fasteners with each other.
3. The golf bag of claim 2, wherein:
- the saddle bag comprises an outer substrate, an inner substrate and a saddle bag reinforcement board positioned between the outer substrate and the inner substrate for conforming the saddle bag to the chassis when coupled; and
- the chassis comprises an exterior substrate, an interior substrate and a chassis reinforcement board positioned between the exterior substrate and the interior substrate for conforming the chassis to the saddle bag when coupled.
4. The golf bag of claim 3, wherein:
- the saddle bag reinforcement board comprises one or more fastener holding apertures for securing and positioning the one or more first saddle bag fasteners,
- the chassis reinforcement board includes one or more fastener holding apertures for securing and positioning the one or more first chassis fasteners.
5. The golf bag of claim 2, further comprising a handle secured to the saddle bag between the chassis fasteners and proximal the chassis magnets for carrying the saddle bag when the saddle bag is decoupled from the chassis.
6. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein:
- the saddle bag comprises a front wall facing outward from the chassis, a rear wall facing the chassis and on which the saddle bag magnets are positioned, and a linking wall extending between the front wall and rear wall; and
- the linking wall defines a trough for flow of liquid from the saddle bag, the trough extending from a top portion of the linking wall to a side portion of the linking wall.
7-9. (canceled)
10. A convertible golf bag comprising:
- a chassis having a top portion with one or more apertures therein for receiving and holding golf clubs, a base, and side walls extending between the top portion and the base, the side walls forming a front, a rear, a first side, and a second side of the chassis;
- a saddle bag securable to and removable from the front and sides of the chassis, wherein the saddle bag is configured in a horseshoe shape that wraps around the chassis front and chassis sides only, the saddle bag having a C-shaped front wall that faces outward from the chassis and a rear wall that faces inward toward the side walls of the chassis and directly contacting the chassis front and two sides when the saddle bag is attached to the chassis;
- chassis magnets disposed on at least the front of the chassis; and
- corresponding saddle bag magnets disposed on the top edge of the rear wall of the saddle bag such that when the saddle bag magnets are aligned and engaged with the chassis magnets, chassis fasteners positioned on the first and second sides of the chassis are aligned with opposing saddle bag fasteners positioned outside of the saddle bag magnets for engaging the saddle bag and the chassis.
11. (canceled)
12. The convertible golf bag according to claim 10, wherein the saddle bag fasteners comprise corresponding zipper portions that zip in the same direction for selective engagement with each other, and for selective engagement of the chassis and fasteners.
13. The convertible golf bag according to claim 12, further comprising a handle secured to the saddle bag between the chassis fasteners and proximal the chassis magnets for carrying the saddle bag when the saddle bag is decoupled from the chassis.
14. The convertible golf bag according to claim 13, wherein:
- the saddle bag comprises a front wall facing outward from the chassis, a rear wall facing the chassis and on which the saddle bag magnets are positioned, and a linking wall extending between the front wall and rear wall; and
- the linking wall defines a trough for removing liquid from the saddle bag extending from a top portion of the linking wall to a side portion of the linking wall.
15. The convertible golf bag according to claim 10, wherein the chassis magnets are positioned within the side walls of the chassis and the saddle bag magnets are positioned within the rear wall of the saddle bag.
16. (canceled)
17. The convertible golf bag according to claim 10, wherein:
- the rear wall of the saddle bag comprises a pliable outer substrate and a pliable inner substrate, and a saddle bag reinforcement board positioned between the outer substrate and the inner substrate to stiffen the rear wall to facilitate attachment of the saddle bag to the chassis of the golf bag; and
- the saddle bag reinforcement board comprises fastener holding apertures for secure placement of the saddle bag magnets therein to facilitate proper placement within the saddle bag and alignment with the chassis magnets of the chassis when attaching the saddle bag to the chassis;
- the side walls of the chassis comprise a pliable exterior substrate and a pliable interior substrate with a chassis reinforcement board positioned between the outer substrate and the inner substrate to stiffen a portion of the side walls to facilitate attachment of the saddle bag to the chassis of the golf bag; and
- the chassis reinforcement board comprises fastener holding apertures for secure placement of the chassis magnets therein to facilitate proper placement within the chassis and alignment with the saddle bag magnets of the saddle bag when attaching the saddle bag to the chassis.
18. A method of using a convertible golf bag, the method comprising:
- providing a chassis having a top portion with one or more apertures therein for receiving and holding golf clubs, a base, and side walls extending between the top portion and the base, the side walls forming a front, a rear, a first side, and a second side of the chassis and the chassis comprising chassis magnets disposed on at least the front of the chassis;
- providing a saddle bag configured in a horseshoe shape that wraps around the chassis front and chassis sides only, the saddle bag having a first end and a second end and having a front wall that faces outward and a C-shaped rear wall that faces inward when the saddle bag is attached to the chassis, such that the rear wall is positioned directly in contact with the chassis front and two sides when attached to the chassis, the saddle bag comprising saddle bag magnets disposed on a top edge of the rear wall of the saddle bag;
- positioning the rear wall of the saddle bag proximal the font of the chassis for engaging the saddle bag magnets with the chassis magnets of the chassis, thereby aligning saddle bag fasteners with chassis fasteners positioned on the chassis, wherein the saddle bag fasteners are positioned on opposing perimeters of the rear wall of the saddle bag; and
- engaging the saddle bag fasteners with the chassis fasteners for engaging the saddle bag securely to the chassis.
19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of disengaging the saddle bag fasteners from the chassis fasteners and disengaging the saddle bag magnets from the chassis magnets so that the saddle bag is decoupled from the chassis.
20. The method according to claim 19, engaging one of the saddle bag fasteners to another one of the saddle bag fasteners for compacting the saddle bag.
21. (canceled)
22. The golf bag of claim 1, further comprising:
- one or more chassis magnets positioned between chassis fasteners, each disposed on the chassis; and
- one or more saddle bag magnets positioned between saddle bag fasteners, each disposed on opposing perimeters of a chassis-facing surface of the saddle bag,
- the one or more saddle bag magnets arranged for selective engagement with the one or more chassis magnets for aligning and enabling coupling and decoupling of the saddle bag and chassis fasteners.
23. the golf bag of claim 1, wherein the saddle bag maintains the horseshoe shape and C-shaped interior when unattached from the chassis.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 6, 2022
Publication Date: Dec 7, 2023
Inventors: Bradley King (Cary, NC), Tanner Foster (Raleigh, NC), Grant Zechman (Raleigh, NC), Charles Burgwyn (Cary, NC)
Application Number: 17/833,309