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

Abstract: A golf bag and strap system for supporting a golf bag, having a central hub including a number of arms. Each arm has at least one attachment point to which straps are connected. The arms include upper arms and lower arms, and upper straps are attached to the upper arms, and lower straps are attached to the lower arms. Each attachment point preferably includes a D-ring. The central hub also preferably includes a padded portion having a raised portion which acts as a center of rotation for movement of the central hub.

Abstract: A golf bag cart (10) having a frame (14), a handle (22), first and second rear wheels (18, 20), and first and second wheel struts (52, 54), to which the first and second rear wheels (18, 20) are rotatably mounted, the first and second wheel struts (52, 54) being pivotally mounted to the frame (14) by mid-frame pivots (68). A front wheel (16) and a front wheel mount (44) are included, the front wheel mount (44) being pivotally attached to the frame (14) by a lower frame pivot (40). The golf bag cart (10) is movable from an extended configuration (12) to a collapsed configuration (13), such that the rear wheels (18, 20) pivot about the mid-frame pivots (68) to move towards the front wheel (14). The front wheel (14) and the wheel mount (44) pivot about the lower frame pivot (40) so that the front wheel (16) moves towards the rear wheels (18, 20), as the golf bag cart (10) is being collapsed.

Abstract: Briefly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention (10) is an extension handle (26) for a golf bag (12) having a top opening (19), and carrying straps (22). The extension handle (26) includes one or more brackets (28) attached to the golf bag (12) near the top opening (19), the brackets (28) having attachment points (48) for attachment of the golf bag straps (22), these attachment points (48) extending beyond the top opening (19) of the bag (12). The extension handle (26) includes a handle (36) attached to the bracket or brackets (28). Also a golf bag (10) having an extension handle (26).

Abstract: A golf bag and strap system for supporting a golf bag, having a central hub including a number of arms. Each arm has at least one attachment point to which straps are connected. The arms include upper arms and lower arms, and upper straps are attached to the upper arms, and lower straps are attached to the lower arms. Each attachment point preferably includes a D-ring. The central hub also preferably includes a padded portion having a raised portion which acts as a center of rotation for movement of the central hub.

Abstract: A golf bag cart (10) having a frame (14), a handle (22), first and second rear wheels (18, 20), and first and second wheel struts (52, 54), to which the first and second rear wheels (18, 20) are rotatably mounted, the first and second wheel struts (52, 54) being pivotally mounted to the frame (14) by mid-frame pivots (68). A front wheel (16) and a front wheel mount (44) are included, the front wheel mount (44) being pivotally attached to the frame (14) by a lower frame pivot (40). The golf bag cart (10) is movable from an extended configuration (12) to a collapsed configuration (13), such that the rear wheels (18, 20) pivot about the mid-frame pivots (68) to move towards the front wheel (14). The front wheel (14) and the wheel mount (44) pivot about the lower frame pivot (40) so that the front wheel (16) moves towards the rear wheels (18, 20), as the golf bag cart (10) is being collapsed.

Abstract: A powered golf bag cart (10) including a frame assembly (20), a free wheel assembly (22), a drive wheel assembly (24), a power delivery assembly (26), a steering assembly (28), and a control assembly (30). For compact storage, the frame assembly (20) of the cart (10) has nestably collapsible base portion (32), central portion (34), and handle portion (36). The power delivery assembly (26) includes a drive motor (128) and a power train assembly (138) for rotatably motivating the drive wheel assembly (24). In this manner all control and motive force is applied via a single ground contacting surface in the drive wheel assembly (24).

Abstract: A putter alignment system (10) is provided for use in aiding in practicing golf putting. The system (10) includes a putter component (12) mounted on a golf putter (12) and a remote target component (14) situated along the desired relative alignment axis (18) from the putter (20). Electronic components are utilized to determine relative alignment of the putter (20) to the target by analyzing an reflected slot beam (16). The preferred embodiment includes an emitter (68) on the remote target component (14) and a cylindrical subsection reflector (50) of one of several acceptable configurations on the putter component (12) to created and delimit the beam (16). The reflector (50) is mounted on the putter (20) so as to be perpendicular to the putter axis (49) such that on perfect alignment a the slot beam (16) will coincide with the alignment axis (18).

Abstract: A thermoforming manufacturing process is provided for creating modular three dimensional objects, particularly golf bags (10). The process includes preparatory steps of preparing a corresponding female mold member (42) for each of the golf bag segments (74) to be included, and preparing a laminate sheet material (44) having a fabric surface (46) to give the bag (10) the look and feel of a fabric of bag. Thermoforming steps including edge securing the sheet (44), softening with heat, drawing into the female mold member (42), cooling and removing the formed segment (74) are then performed. Finally, the segments (74) are assembled together to form the golf bag (10). Closed cell foam is the preferred thermoformable and shape retentive material with a woven stretchable fabric providing a preferred surface.