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: Adjustable balance weighting systems (10 and 110) are provided for adjusting the weighting and balance of golf clubs of either the "iron" or the "wood" types. An eccentric weighting means is mounted on or in the club head (14 or 74) so as to be rotatable and provide a mechanism by which the center of mass, and therefore the sweet spot, of the club head (14 or 74) may be varied. In the case of an iron-type club head (14), an eccentrically weighted disk (32) is mounted in a substantially vertical orientation on the rear face (24) of the club head (14). In the case of a wood-type club head (74), a similar disk (82) is mounted in a horizontal orientation in a recess (80 or 89) in a top or bottom surface (78 or 87) of the club head (74).

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 stand system (10) for golf bags provides an automatic leg deployment and retraction capability and offers an exceedingly smooth and efficient operation and design. The stand system (10) includes a golf bag (12) having a base member (16) whose bottom surface (92) includes an arcuate bottom area (100), and a stand assembly (14) which includes a pair of leg members (33), a top pivot subassembly (38), an actuator rod subassembly (40), and a foot pivot subassembly (42). The actuator rod subassembly (40) includes a pair of resilient wire arm members (80 and 82) connected via a "Y" connector (84) to a stiff rod member (78) whose length extends to the foot pivot subassembly (42). The "Y" design simultaneously provides for an instantaneous deployment of the leg members (33) upon tilting of the golf bag (12) forward while also eliminating the need for a supplemental spring or band for good retraction of the leg members (33) against the golf bag body (18).

Abstract: A powered golf bag cart (10) is shown which includes 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) further includes a base portion (32), central portion (34), and handle portion (36) which collapse into one another. The power delivery assembly (26) includes a drive motor (144), located in the drive wheel assembly (24). The cart (10) is steered by the steering assembly (28) changing orientation of the drive wheel assembly (24), under control of a user operating the control assembly (30). In this manner all control and motive force is applied via a single ground contacting surface in the drive wheel assembly (24).

Abstract: An adjustable balance weighting system (10) is provided for adjusting the weighting and balance of a golf club of either the "iron" or the "wood" type in order to encourage the golf club to be in tune with the golfer's swing and/or to correct any deficiencies that may exist therein. An eccentrically weighted balancing disk (32 or 82) is mounted on or in the club head (14 or 74) so as to be rotatable about a first Allen screw (60 or 84) and provides a mechanism by which the center of mass, and therefore the sweet spot, of the club head (14 or 74) may be varied. In the case of an iron-type club head (14), the balancing disk (32) is mounted in a substantially vertical orientation in a cavity (30) on a cavity back wall surface (40) at the rear face (24) of the club head (14). In the case of a wood-type club head (74), the balancing disk (82) is mounted in a horizontal orientation in a recess (80) in the top surface (78) of the club head (74).

Abstract: An adjustable balance golf bag 10 with a golf bag spine 18, is provided, having an extended post 22 attached parallel to, and offset from, the golf bag spine 18. A carrying strap assembly 24 is attached to the extended post 22 by a first connector assembly 26 and a second connector assembly 28. The first connector assembly 26 slides along a lower portion of the extended post 22 and includes a locking mechanism 96 for locking the first connector assembly 26 in place on the extended post 22. The second connector assembly 28 is situated towards an extended post upper end 52 and is prevented from sliding along the extended post 22 by a second stop ring 134 and a post end stop 136. Both the first and second connector assemblies (26 and 28) freely rotate about the extended post 22.

Abstract: A soft sided golf bag with a quick action integral stand (10) is provided to operate intermediate a stand mode and a storage mode. The stand assembly (14) is secured to the bag assembly at a top pivot assembly (40) and a bottom pivot assembly (44) and includes a leg member assembly (38) and a connecting rod assembly (42). The single linear connecting rod (98) transfers force from a rocker plate (114) on the bottom pivot (44) to an associated pair of pivot connectors (54) which rotate within a "V" block (60) of the top pivot to rotate the leg members (45) intermediate the modes. The golf bag (10) is characterized by single point connection for each leg member (45), rapid activation and "hands free activation.

Abstract: A golf bag (10) with a supporting structure (14) which includes a collar (18), base (32), and dowels (20 and 26). The collar 18 and base 32 are unitary structures in the shape of three intersecting rings (34, 36 and 38). The supporting structure (14) is surrounded by an enclosing fabric (16). A first ring (34) is smaller in diameter than a second ring (36) which is smaller in diameter than a third ring (38). As the bag is transported the force of gravity directs the weight of carried clubs in a single direction.

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 electromagnetic signal "beam" (16). A preferred embodiment includes an emitter (68) on the remote component (14) and a reflector (50) on the putter component (12) to created and delimit the beam (16). The position of the beam (16) is detected by photosensors (69) while signal output is provided by signal lights (75) corresponding to the relative alignment. An alternate preferred embodiment uses a focused beam source (6110) on the putter (20) to direct the beam along the putter axis (49). Alternate signal outputs allow analysis of a putting stroke as well as of static prealignment.

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.