Strap mounted bag cover

Abstract

A strap associated with and adapted for connection to a case, bag or type of carrying bag such as, for example, a golf bag or any similar carrying bag. The strap includes a compartment in which is stored a protective covering which is selectively expandable to cover and protect the carrying bag to which the strap is connected. The protective covering is, typically, fabricated of a strong, lightweight, water proof material which can be folded into a compact size and shape to be retained within the compartment on the strap and yet be easily and readily removed from the compartment to surround the carrying bag.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to a protective covering for a container, in general, and more particularly, to a protective covering mounted within a compartment of a strap associated with the container.

[0003] 2. Prior Art

[0004] There are many known examples of carrying cases or containers with straps attached (or attachable) thereto. The most familiar of such cases include golf bags, computer tote bags and the like. Many of these cases or bags are made of expensive materials which it is desirable to protect, especially from natural elements such as rain or snow. In addition, it is also desirable to protect the contents of these cases such as golf clubs, laptop computers and the like, from the elements, scuffing, spills and the like.

[0005] There are available on the market protective cases for golf clubs and bags. Typically, these protective covers comprise heavy materials such as vinyl or the like. Other travel bags for golf clubs and bags are rigid box-like structures which encase the golf bag and its contents. These travel bags are, typically, formed of a hard plastic material or the like.

[0006] In the instance of computer cases, the carry-bags are, typically, the only protection available unless the entire computer and case are enclosed in a suitcase or the like.

[0007] In either of the examples given above, a protective case is generally not available or is sufficiently cumbersome as to be rendered unacceptable for use as a protective device. These known protective devices are, therefore, often ignored or left at a home site whereupon they are not available in emergency situations where the weather conditions change and become inclement.

[0008] Consequently, an inexpensive, lightweight, flexible protective covering which is not cumbersome to carry is highly desirable

SUMMARY OF THE INSTANT INVENTION

[0009] This invention is directed to a strap associated with and adapted for connection to a case, bag or type of carrying bag such as, for example, a golf bag or any similar carrying bag. The strap includes a compartment or pouch in which is stored a protective covering. The protective covering is selectively extended from the pouch (although attached thereto) and is expandable to cover and protect the carrying bag to which the strap is connected. The protective covering is, typically, fabricated of a strong, lightweight, water proof material which can be folded into a compact size and shape to be retained within the compartment on the strap and yet be easily and readily partially removable from the compartment to surround the carrying bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a representation of a typical container case with one embodiment of the strap of the instant invention attached thereto.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a representation of a typical container case with one embodiment of the strap of the instant invention attached thereto with the protective case covering deployed.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a representation of a typical container case with one embodiment of the strap of the instant invention attached thereto with the protective covering deployed and surrounding the container case.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0013] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a typical carry bag 100. In this embodiment, the carry bag 100 is shown as a golf bag. However other types of carry bags, such as but not limited to computer carry bags are contemplated.

[0014] Attached to the carry bag 100 is carry strap 101. Typically, the carry strap 101 is detachably attached by means of snap hooks 102 and 103, or the like, which are conventional in design. In the preferred embodiment, the carry strap 101 can be detached from the carry bag, but this is not a requirement for this invention.

[0015] The carry strap 101 includes a pouch 104 which can be fixed to or movably attached to the strap 101. The pouch 104 may include a pad 105 of soft material or the like for use in protecting the shoulder of the user when carrying the bag. Such a pad is conventionally made of wool, sheepskin or the like.

[0016] The pouch 104 also includes an opening 106 therein which is normally provided on the side opposite the padded surface 105. The opening is adapted to be selectively closed by a zipper, a hook-and-loop fastener or the like which provides easy and ready access to the interior of the pouch as described infra.

[0017] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown the carry bag 100 described relative to FIG. 1 along with the shoulder (or carrying) strap 101. In FIG. 2, the pouch 104 is opened and a large cover sheet 106 of material extends outwardly therefrom through opening 106. The cover sheet 107 is made of a pliant or waterproof (or water resistant) material such as, but not limited to, a sheet of plastic or the like. Many types of suitable plastic material for manufacturing the cover sheet 107 are known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the cover sheet 107 remains attached to the interior of the pouch 104 by the attachment section 109.

[0018] When fully extracted from the pouch 104. The cover sheet 107 may be contoured to substantially surround the specific carrying case 100 including the strap 101. The sheet 107 may also include a fastener 108 such as a zipper or a Velcrotype fastener to secure the cover sheet in position around the carrying case 100 (see infra). If so desired, the cover sheet may include a pre-formed portion thereof through which the carrying case can be grasped and handled.

[0019] In addition, optional zippers and/or fasteners 110 and 111 permit the user to gain selective access to portions of the carrying case 100 when it is surrounded by the protective cover 107.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a representation of the carrying bag 100 completely (or substantially) covered by the protective covering 107. Thus, the carrying case 100, in this embodiment a golf bag, is protected from the elements. Thus, rain, show or the like cannot negatively impact upon the carrying bag. Likewise, the carrying bag 100 is protected from scuffing, dirt and the like. Consequently, expensive materials, for example leather, are protected from the elements. In addition, the carrying case 100 can be protected from unwanted nicks and dings as desired. The carrying case can be accessed via sealable openings 110 and 111 discussed supra.

Claims

1. A protective unit for a carrying case comprising,

a strap which is adapted to be attached to a carrying case,

a pouch mounted on said strap, and

a pliant protective cover which is stored in said pouch until use thereof is required.

2. The unit recited in claim 1 including,

a carrying case which is adapted to be attached to said strap.

3. The unit recited in claim 2 wherein,

said pliant protective cover is adapted to substantially encase said carrying case.

4. The unit recited in claim 2 wherein,

said strap is detachably attached to said carrying case.

5. The unit recited in claim 1 including,

a pad mounted on said pouch.

6. The unit recited in claim 1 wherein,

said pliant protective cover includes at least one sealable opening thereon.

7. The unit recited in claim 2 wherein,

said carrying case comprises a golf bag.

8. The unit recited in claim 1 wherein,

said plaint protective cover is attached to said pouch.

9. The unit recited in claim 1 wherein,

said pouch includes a sealable opening therein through which said pliant protective cover can be extracted.