Golf bag security system and methods

Abstract

A golf bag comprises a golf bag having a closed bottom end and an open top end for receiving golf clubs. The golf bag also includes at least one pocket and a fastening mechanism that is operable to open and close the pocket. Also included is a locking mechanism and a cable that is coupled to the bag body. The cable is extendable from the bag body such that a free end of the cable may be inserted through a portion of the fastening mechanism and then locked to the bag body with the locking mechanism. In this way, operation of the fastening mechanism is prevented by the cable to deter access into the pocket.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of golf bags, and in particular to ways to secure items within golf bags. More specifically, the invention relates to systems and techniques for securing items within pockets of golf bags.

[0002] The game of golf has been a popular sport for over a century. Most golfers typically utilize a golf bag to carry their golf clubs along with various related golfing equipment. For example, a golf bag may have various pockets for storing golf balls, tees, golf clubs, clothing, food and beverages, and the like. In many cases, the items stored in the golf bag, including the clubs themselves, can have significant monetary value. Unfortunately, the theft of golf equipment has become a serious problem. For example, it is estimated that about $100 million a year in golf equipment is stolen each year in the United States.

[0003] A variety of security measures have been proposed to protect golf equipment. For example, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,196,385 and 5,524,753, the complete disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference, a golf bag system has been proposed with a cable used to lock a golf bag to a stationary item. Further, the locking system locks the golf clubs within the golf bag. However, golf equipment may be stored in other locations in the golf bag. For example, golf bags typically include one or more pockets into which various items may be placed. When a person's wallet, money, or the like are stored in such pockets, they are vulnerable to theft, especially when the golfer leaves the golf bag, such as when entering into the clubhouse.

[0004] Hence, this invention is related to ways to secure various items within a golf bag, and in particular within the pockets of the golf bag. In this way, a golfer's valuable items are protected with some degree of security during the golf outing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one embodiment, the invention provides a golf bag that comprises a bag body having a closed bottom and an open top end for receiving golf clubs. The bag body may be conventional in nature and may include one or more pockets, handles, shoulder straps, and the like as is known in the art. The golf bag also includes a fastening mechanism that is operable to open and close one of the pockets. The bag body further includes a locking mechanism and a cable that is coupled to the bag body. The cable is extendable from and retractable into the bag body. In this way, a free end of the cable may be grasped to pull the cable from the bag body. The free end may then be inserted through a portion of the fastening mechanism and then locked to the bag body with the locking mechanism. In so doing, operation of the fastening mechanism is prevented by the cable to deter access into the pocket. Conveniently, the cable may also be wrapped around a stationary item to lock the golf bag to the item. Hence, with such a configuration, the entire golf bag may be configured to be theft resistant by locking it to a stationary item. Further, items within the pocket may be secured using the cable which prevents operation of the fastening mechanism.

[0006] In some cases, the golf bag may not have such an extendable cable. In such cases, a separate cable may be used and wrapped around the golf bag as well as through the fastening mechanism. A separate lock may then be used to lock ends of the cable together. Hence, an after market lock and cable system could be provided for such golf bags. In some cases, a simple pad lock alone could be used by passing the lock through the fastening mechanism.

[0007] In one specific aspect, a locking member may also be coupled to the bag body. Such a locking member is particularly useful when the fastening mechanism comprises a zipper having a handle that defines an opening. With this configuration, the handle may be placed through the locking member and then the cable may be inserted through the opening in the handle. In this way, the handle may not be pulled through the opening of the fastening mechanism because the cable passes through the opening. In this way, operation of the zipper is prevented, thereby locking the items within the pocket. A variety of locking members may be used to interact with the handle on the zipper. For example, the locking member may comprise a ring that is coupled to the bag body, such as with a nylon strap. As another example, the locking member may comprise a fabric flap that is extended over the zipper. The fabric flap may have a reinforced aperture through which the handle may be inserted prior to the placement of the cable through the handle.

[0008] In another aspect, the pocket may be constructed of a cut or tear-resistant material. For example, the material may include stainless steel threads or other metal threads. If the locking member is constructed of a fabric flap, this fabric flap may also be constructed of a similar cut-resistant material. In this way, an additional level of security is provided to prevent theft by simply cutting through the material forming the pocket.

[0009] The locking mechanism may conveniently be operated with a key so that, once the golf bag is locked in place, the owner may simply lock the locking mechanism with a key, thereby preventing removal of the golf bag without the key. Conveniently, the cable may be coupled to the golf bag by a spring so that the cable automatically retracts into the golf bag following the release of the cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a golf bag according to the invention and includes a longitudinal track for coupling storage devices to the golf bag as well as a theft resistant pocket.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates the golf bag of FIG. 1 with a storage device being loaded on to the track according to the invention.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates the storage device of FIG. 2 when fully secured to the golf bag.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of the storage device of FIG. 3 showing a track that engages with the track of the golf bag.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a partial view of the storage device track and the golf bag track of the storage device and golf bag of FIG. 2.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates the tracks of FIG. 5 when coupled together.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative golf bag track and storage device track that may be used with a golf bag and storage device according to the invention.

[0017] FIG. 8 is an opposite side view of the golf bag of FIG. 1 which has been modified to include multiple optional tracks to permit multiple storage devices to be coupled to various locations of the golf bag according to the invention.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the storage device of FIG. 2 when opened to show its interior.

[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates the golf bag of FIG. 8 with a cable being extended from the golf bag according to the invention.

[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates the golf bag of FIG. 10 when the cable has been wrapped about a post and inserted through a fastening mechanism to prevent operation of the fastening mechanism, thereby preventing access into the pocket according to the invention.

[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative pocket arrangement according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The invention provides systems and techniques for securing items within golf bags. In one specific aspect, items are secured within one or more pockets of the golf bag. The items may be secured within the pocket by preventing operation of an access device that provides access into the pocket. For example, if the pocket includes a zipper, the zipper is prevented from being operated to prevent access into the pocket. One convenient way to prevent operation of a zipper is by using a cable that is coupled to the back which is passed through the zipper and then locked back to the bag. Examples of golf bags with such cables are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,196,385 and 5,524,753, the complete disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. Such a cable may optionally be placed around a secured object to prevent theft of the entire golf bag. Further, the cable may be interfaced with the fastener and then locked to the bag so that the fastener may not be operated.

[0023] The pocket may also be constructed of a cut- or tear-resistant material, such as a stainless steel fabric, other metal fabric, and the like. In this way, another level of security is provided to the pocket by preventing access to the pocket.

[0024] Hence, by preventing operation of the fastening mechanism and by preventing access through the pocket material, a degree of security is provided to any items stored within the pocket. By permitting the cable to also extend around the secured object, such as a golf bag rack, post, or the like, the entire bag may also be prevented from being taken.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a golf bag 10 having such features will be described. Golf bag 10 comprises a bag body 12 having a top end 14 and a bottom end 16. The construction of such golf bags are well known within the art and as such, the details of construction of bag body will not be described further. Further, it will be appreciated that while one specific embodiment of a golf bag 10 will be described, it will be appreciated that the various features of the invention may be used in a wide variety of golf bags as previously described. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to a specific size or shape of golf bag.

[0026] Optionally, golf bag 10 may include a club locking system 18 having various openings 20 for receiving golf clubs which are subsequently locked within golf bag 10. Locking system 18 includes a tab 22 that is moved to engage the golf clubs within golf bag 10 in a manner similar to that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,196,385 and 5,524,753, previously incorporated by reference. Once the golf clubs are locked in place, a lock 24 may be depressed to hold the golf clubs within golf bag 10. A key may be inserted into lock 24 and turned to unlock the lock. As described hereinafter, locking system 18 also incorporates a retractable cable that may be used to secure golf bag 10 to a stationary object as well as to lock items within a secure pocket.

[0027] Golf bag 10 may optionally include one or more handles 26 and/or shoulder straps 28 to facilitate carrying of golf bag 10 as is known in the art. As shown, golf bag 10 is a cart bag; however, as previously described, other types of golf bags may be used as well, such as carry bags which often include an integral stand.

[0028] As shown, golf bag 10 further includes a bottom pocket 30 that is integrally sewn to bag body 12. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that a variety of other such integral pockets could be provided anywhere on bag body 12. Further, as described hereinafter, such pockets may be removed altogether to provide space for removable storage devices to be coupled to bag body 12. Or, such pockets themselves may be configured as removable storage devices.

[0029] Extending longitudinally along bag body 12 is track 32 that includes a groove 34 to facilitate coupling of a corresponding track on a storage device to permit coupling of the storage device with bag body 12. Although shown as a certain length, it will appreciated that track 32 may be provided with essentially any length. Furthermore, track 32 may be located essentially anywhere on the bag body 12 where it is desired to include one or more storage devices. Indeed, more than one track 32 may be located on bag body 12. Furthermore, although shown as being longitudinally disposed on bag body 12, it will appreciated that track 32 may be positioned at a variety of orientations on bag body 12, including laterally oriented.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, use of track 32 to couple a storage device 36 to bag body 12 will be described. Storage device 36 includes a track 38 that mates with track 32 on bag body 12. In this way, tracks 32 and 36 may be mated and then storage device 36 slid down the length of bag body 12 as shown by the arrow until reaching the desired location on bag body 12. To assist in securing storage device 36 at the desired location on bag body 12, one or more stops may be provided on track 32. As another option, one or more connectors may be provided to couple storage device 36 to bag body 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, storage device 36 includes a pair of connectors 40 that are coupled to storage device 36 by nylon straps 42. A corresponding pair of connectors 44 are coupled to bag body 12 by nylon straps 46. In this way, connectors 44 may simply be inserted into connectors 40 until a snap fit is achieved as is known in the art. Then length of straps 42 or 46 may be adjusted to the appropriate tension. In this way, storage device 36 is held close to bag body 12 to provide a more secure connection. Optionally, a handle 48 may be provided on storage device 36 to facilitate carrying of storage device 36 after its removal from golf bag 10. As shown, storage device 36 has a length that approximately matches the length of track 32. However, it will be appreciated that smaller storage devices may be coupled to track 32 so that more than one storage device may be held on the same track. Alternatively, as previously described, track 32 may be longer to hold more storage devices.

[0031] Although connectors 40 and 44 are shown as snap fit connectors, it will appreciated that a wide variety of other connectors may be used. For example, connectors such as snaps, VELCRO, buttons and the like may be used. Similarly, it will be appreciated that a variety of similar connectors could also be used in place of a track system.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 4, track 38 on storage device 36 will be described in greater detail. Track 38 includes a tongue 50 that is configured to fit within groove 34 of track 32 as best illustrated in FIG. 5. In this way, tracks 32 and 38 are secured together but are also able to slide relative to each other. Further, it is a relatively easy task to insert tongue 50 into groove 34 and then slide storage device 36 along track 32. As best shown in FIG. 4, track 38 may easily be coupled to storage device 36 by sewing a strip of fabric 52 to the outer fabric shell 54 of storage device 36 using stitches 56. However, it will be appreciated that other techniques may be used as well, such as by gluing, riveting and the like. Once tracks 32 and 38 have been mated, they have the appearance illustrated in FIG. 6. As shown, the tongue and groove arrangement prevents storage device 36 from simply being laterally pulled from bag body 12. Further, the storage device may be easily removed simply by sliding storage device 36 relative to bag body 12.

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative track system having a bag body track 58 and a storage device track 60. Further, it will be appreciated that other configurations of tracks may be used as well. Moreover, the tracks may be swapped so that the tongued track is on the bag body while the grooved track is on the storage device.

[0034] As previously described, a wide variety of tracks may be placed at different locations along the bag body to permit the golf bag to be customized with various storage devices. Shown in FIG. 8 is golf bag 10 which has been modified to include various tracks to permit other storage devices to be coupled to bag body 12. In particular, bag body 12 includes a track 62 to permit bottom pocket 30 to be removably attachable to bag body 12. Another side track 64 may be provided to permit another storage device 66 to be coupled to the opposite side of bag body 12. Further, tracks 68 may be provided to permit a cup or beverage holder 70 to be coupled to bag body 12. Further, it will be appreciated that other numbers and/or arrangements of tracks may be provided to permit various other types of pockets or storage devices to be stored on bag body 12.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 9, storage device 36 will be described in greater detail. Storage device 36 is constructed of two sections of material that may conveniently be described in terms of a first half 72 and a second half 74. Halves 72 and 74 are joined by a central strip of fabric along a central axis 76. Halves 72 and 74 may be secured together by a zipper 78 to form an enclosure within storage device 36. When zipper 78 is opened, halves 72 and 74 may be separated to provide access into the interior of storage device 36.

[0036] The interior of storage device 36 may optionally include one or more pockets 80 to facilitate the holding of items. As shown, pockets 80 are constructed of a mesh or other material and may conveniently be used to hold beverage containers, such as soda pop cans or bottles, or the like. The outer shell of storage device 36 may conveniently be constructed of a rip stop nylon, and the interior may be lined with an insulating material to maintain the beverages at a desired temperature.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 10, another feature of golf bag 10 will be described. Disposed within golf bag 10 is a cable 82 having a free end that is provided with a ball 84. Cable 82 may be extended from bag body 12 as shown in FIG. 10 to permit cable 82 to be wrapped around a secure object to prevent the undesired removal of golf bag 10. Once wrapped around the secure object, ball 84 is inserted into an opening 86 within locking system 18. Tab 22 may then be operated to lock ball 84 in place, thereby securing cable 82 around the object. Such a feature is also described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,196,385 and 5,524,753, previously incorporated by reference. As also previously described, lock 24 may then be operated to lock cable 82 in place. Cable 82 is spring loaded to golf bag 10 so that when unlocked and released, cable 82 is drawn back within bag body 12.

[0038] One useful application of cable 82 is to use it to facilitate the locking of items within a side pocket 88 on golf bag 10 (a full view of side pocket 88 is illustrated in FIG. 1). Side pocket 88 is constructed of a cut or tear resistant material, such as by using stainless steel threads, to prevent a thief from attempting to cut into pocket 88. Such a material may be an Armortex® material, commercially available from Nam Liong Group. Access to the interior of pocket 88 is made available by a zipper 90 that includes a handle 92 in the shape of a ring. In this way, handle 92 may be grasped and pulled to operate zipper 90 and provide access into the interior of pocket 88. Also coupled to bag body 12 is a ring 94 through which handle 92 of zipper 90 may be inserted as best illustrated in FIG. 11. In this way, cable 82 may be used to both secure golf bag 10 to a stationary item 96 as well as to pass through handle 92 (which in turn is passed through ring 94) to prevent zipper 90 from being operated. In this way, cable 82 prevents handle 92 from being pulled through ring 94, thereby preventing access into side pocket 88.

[0039] Hence, with such a configuration side pocket 88 may be provided with some degree of security. By constructing pocket 88 of a cut or tear resistant material, it will be difficult for a potential thief to gain access into pocket 88. Further, by preventing operation of zipper 90, a potential thief will be unable to easily open zipper 90 to gain access to the contents of pocket 88.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 11, ring 94 is sewn to bag body 12 using a nylon strap. However, it will be appreciated that other schemes may be used to prevent operation of zipper 90 when using cable 82. One such configuration is illustrated in FIG. 12 were a fabric flap 98 extends over the zipper on pocket 88. Flap 98 may also be constructed of a cut or tear resistant material similar to pocket 88. Flap 98 includes an opening 100 that may conveniently be reinforced with a plastic or metal liner 102. With this configuration, once zipper 90 is closed, handle 92 is inserted through opening 100 and cable 82 is routed through the opening in handle 92. Once cable 82 is locked in place, zipper 90 may not be operated since handle 92 may not be pulled through opening 100.

[0041] In some cases, golf bags may not include an integrated cable, such as cable 82. For example, many golf bags do not include integrated club locking systems having a locking cable in order to reduce the cost of the golf bag. In such cases, an unattached cable may be used to perform the function of cable 82 as previously described. The unattached cable may have loops at each end to permit a lock to be passed through each end. Alternatively, a cable with an integrated lock may be used. As another alternative, a simple pad lock or similar lock may be placed through handle 92 and then locked. In this way, the contents of the pocket may be secured, even if the entire golf bag is not secured to a stationary item with a cable. Such cables and/or locks may conveniently be sold as after market items.

[0042] The invention has now been described in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf bag comprising:

a bag body having a closed bottom end, an open top end that is adapted to receive golf clubs, and a pocket;

a fastening mechanism that is operable to open and close the pocket;

a locking mechanism; and

a cable coupled to the bag body, wherein the cable is extendible from the bag body such that a free end of the cable may be inserted through a portion of the fastening mechanism and then locked to the bag body with the locking mechanism, whereby operation of the fastening mechanism is prevented by the cable to deter access into the pocket.

2. A golf bag as in claim 1, wherein the pocket is constructed of a cut resistant material.

3. A golf bag as in claim 2, wherein the cut resistant material includes stainless steel threads.

4. A golf bag as in claim 1, further comprising a locking member coupled to the bag body, and wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a zipper with a handle having an opening, wherein the handle is positionable through the locking member prior to insertion of the cable through the opening.

5. A golf bag as in claim 4, wherein the locking member comprises a ring that is coupled to the bag body.

6. A golf bag as in claim 4, wherein the locking member comprises a fabric flap having an aperture through which the handle is positionable.

7. A golf bag as in claim 6, wherein the fabric flap is constructed of a cut resistive material.

8. A golf bag as in claim 1, wherein the cable is coupled to the golf bag by a spring, whereby the cable is retractable into the golf bag by the spring.

9. A method for securing an item in a golf bag, the method comprising:

providing a golf bag having a closed bottom end, an open top end, a pocket, a fastening mechanism to open and close the pocket, an extendible cable, and a locking mechanism;

placing an item into the pocket;

operating the fastening mechanism to close the pocket;

extending the cable and positioning a free end of the cable through a portion of the fastening mechanism and then into the locking mechanism to prevent operation of the fastening mechanism.

10. A method as in claim 9, wherein the golf bag further includes a locking member, and further comprising placing the portion of the fastening mechanism through an aperture in the locking member prior to inserting the free end of the cable through the portion of the fastening mechanism.

11. A method as in claim 10, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a zipper having a handle with an opening, and wherein the handle is placed through the aperture prior to insertion of the cable through the opening in the handle.

12. A method as in claim 9, further comprising providing the pocket with a cut resistive material.

11. A method as in claim 9, further comprising also passing the cable around a secure object to lock the golf bag to the secure object.

12. A method as in claim 9, further comprising operating the locking mechanism with a key to lock the free end of the cable to the golf bag.

13. A method as in claim 14, further comprising unlocking the free end of the cable to release the cable to permit the cable to retract back into the golf bag.