Golf bag with interchangeable pockets and methods

Abstract

A golf bag system comprises a bag body having a closed bottom end and an open top end that is adapted to receive golf clubs. At least one coupling mechanism is disposed on the bag body. A plurality of storage devices are removably attachable to the bag body by the coupling mechanism. In this way, the storage devices are interchangeable to permit one of the storage devices to be removed from the bag body and replaced with another one of the storage devices using the coupling mechanism.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of golf equipment, and in particular to golf bags. More particularly, the invention relates to the storage of items within golf bags as well as to ways to add or remove items into and from golf bags.

[0002] Golfing has been a popular sport for over a century. Traditionally, golfing requires a golf bag to carry a set of clubs. Golf bags are also used to store a variety of other items used in connection with a golf outing. For example, a golf bag may have various pockets for holding golf balls, tees, clubs, clothing, rain gear, food and beverages and the like. Some golf outings may require different equipment. For example, the type of clothing, food, beverages and the like 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. Some golfers also have a variety of golf bags, such as a cart bag and a carry bag. Often, the golfer transfers equipment between the various golf bags. As such, most golfers are often faced with the inconvenience of removing and replacing items to and from golf bags.

[0003] Hence, this invention is related to ways to conveniently add or remove items into or from a golf bag. In this way, the golfing experience may be more efficient and enjoyable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In one embodiment, the invention provides a golf bag system that comprises a golf bag that is constructed of a bag body having a closed bottom end and an open top end for receiving golf clubs. As such, the golf bag may be any type of golf bag known to those of skill in the art. At least one coupling mechanism is disposed on the bag body. The coupling mechanism is configured to permit one or more storage devices to be removably attached to the bag body. The storage devices are interchangeable with each other to permit one storage device to be removed from the bag body and replaced with another storage device. In this way, different items may be stored in the golf bag simply by exchanging storage devices having different items. Moreover, a golf bag may be customized simply by attaching a desired set of storage devices to the bag body. As such, coupling mechanisms may be provided at various locations on the bag body to permit various storage devices to be strategically located on the bag body when customizing the golf bag.

[0005] In one specific aspect, the coupling mechanism may comprise a track that is longitudinally disposed on the bag body. With this configuration, each storage device may include a mating track that is engagable with and slideable relative to the track on the bag body. In this way, each storage device may be coupled to the bag body simply by engaging the storage device track with the bag body track and sliding the storage device along the track until reaching the desired location on the golf bag. By varying the size of the track, the number of tracks and/or the location of the tracks, a wide variety of golf bag designs may be produced by the user. In one particular aspect, the bag body track may include a groove and the storage device tracks may each include a tongue that is slideable within the groove. In this way, the storage devices may easily be coupled to the golf bag.

[0006] In another aspect, at least one connector may be coupled to the bag body to connect to a corresponding connector on the storage device. In this way, the storage device may be further secured to the bag body after the storage device has been coupled to the bag body with the coupling mechanism. As one example, the bag body connector and the storage device connector may be snap fit connectors that are coupled to the bag body and the storage devices by nylon straps.

[0007] A wide variety of storage devices may be included with the system. For example, the storage devices may comprise beverage holders, apparel holders, golf equipment holders and the like. In one particular embodiment, the storage device is constructed of a first half of a second half that are joined at a central axis. The two halves are foldable at the central axis to form an enclosure. A zipper or other fastening mechanism may be employed to secure the two halves together. Conveniently, one or more pockets may be included within the interior to facilitate organization of any items within the storage device.

[0008] Hence, the golf bag system allows a wide variety of storage devices to be coupled to a golf bag to customize the golf bag or to simply facilitate the addition and removal of items into and from a golf bag. To exchange storage devices, one is simply removed and replaced with another. Further, multiple golf bags may be provided with the same system so that one set of storage devices may be used with multiple golf bags.

[0009] In some embodiments, the bag body may include an access way to the interior or club storage compartment through the bag body. Preferably, such an access way is covered by a pocket that is disposed near the bottom end. Conveniently, a fastening mechanism, such as a zipper, may be used to open and close the access way. Similarly, the pocket may have an opening with a zipper. With such a configuration, the pocket and may be opened and the user may reach through the access way to gain access into the club storage compartment. This allows the user to easily access the club storage compartment to retrieve any items that were dropped into the interior of the bag without needing to remove the clubs and turn the bag upside down. Also, such access facilitates the making of adjustments or repairs to the golf bag.

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.

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates the golf bag of FIG. 3 showing an access way into the bag interior through the bag body according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0023] In one embodiment, the invention provides a storage device exchange system for use with golf bags. However, it will be appreciated that the exchange system described herein may be used with a wide variety of other bags such as athletic gear bags, sporting gear bags, packs and the like. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited only for use with golf bags.

[0024] The storage device exchange system comprises various storage devices that may be removably attached to any one of a wide variety of golf bags. In this way, one storage device may easily be removed and replaced with another storage device. In this way, a golf bag may easily be adapted to store different items that are held within the various storage devices. Further, each golf bag may be provided with multiple storage devices at multiple locations to permit the customer to customize the golf bag. Also, the storage devices are interchangeable so that one storage device may be used with a wide variety of golf bags. For example, a user may remove a storage device from a cart bag and then place it onto a carry bag.

[0025] A wide variety of storage device configurations may be used depending on a particular need. As previously mentioned, each of the storage devices may be similar in the way that they are coupled to a golf bag so that the storage devices may be interchangeable. Merely by way of example, various storage devices may be specially designed to hold specific items, such as beverages, toiletries, golf accessories, apparel and the like. Such a system enhances the golfer's golf experience by permitting the golfer to easily have access to necessary items desired during a golf outing. For example, if inclement weather is expected, the golfer may simply grab a storage device with rain gear and couple the storage to the golf bag. If a hot day is expected, the apparel storage device may simply be exchanged for a storage device containing cool beverages. Similar scenarios may be used with different types of equipment, golf accessories, apparel and the like.

[0026] One advantage of the invention is that it may be used with essentially any type of golf bag. Any one of a variety of techniques may be used to modify the golf bag so that one or more storage devices may be removably coupled to the golf bag. For example, the golf bag may be provided with snaps, a hook and loop fastener material such VELCRO, zippers, clips, buttons and the like. One particularly convenient way to couple the storage devices is the use of a track system where two mating tracks are interlocked and slide relative to each other. One of the tracks may be incorporated onto the golf bag while each storage device includes a mating track. In this way, storage devices may be exchanged simply by sliding one storage device off of a golf bag and sliding another one on. Further, various combinations of connecting devices may be used. For example, once a storage device is slid onto the golf bag, a snap, clip or the like may be used to further secure the storage device to the outside of the golf bag. If a track system is used, one or more tracks having the same or different lengths may be provided at various locations on the golf bag. In this way, multiple pockets may be placed at multiple locations on the golf bag to permit the golf bag to be easily customized.

[0027] A wide variety of storage device configurations may be used. For example, the storage device may be a bottle or cup holder, such as a cylindrical piece of foam or insulating material that is provided with a track or other coupling mechanism. Another type of storage device is to create various enclosures out of fabric, such as a nylon shell, with a zippered access way. One or more pockets may be provided with the interior to organize the items stored in the interior of the storage device. As another example, the storage device may include insulation to insulate a hot or cold beverage.

[0028] Hence, the bags of the invention may be provided with a common platform that permit a wide variety of storage devices to be easily coupled and removed from the bags. The common platform also allows various storage devices to be mixed and matched on the same bag or on different bags to increase the versatility of the system. As one example, a user may purchase one golf bag having a full line of storage devices. The user may also purchase another bag with the same platform, but with no storage devices. In this way, two golf bags may share the same pockets. For instance, one bag may be a carry bag and the other bag may be a cart bag. As another example, the two bags may be his and her bags.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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, the complete disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. Once the golf clubs are locked in place, a lock 24 may be depressed to hold the golf clubs within bag 10. To unlock, a key is inserted into lock 24 and turned. 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 material (but may also be constructed of other materials) 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.

[0041] 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. Alternatively, cable 82 may be attached in other ways that permit cable 82 to be retracted following use.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] FIG. 13 illustrates golf bag 10 with pocket 30 being opened. Pocket 30 includes a zipper 110 that permits access into the interior of pocket 30. Optionally, additional pockets 112 and 114 may also be provided on pocket 30 that are accessed using zippers 116 and 118. When pocket 30 is opened, access is also provided to a lining 120 of bag body 12. Disposed on lining 120 are a pair of zippers 122 and 124 that provide access into the interior of bag body 12. Although zippers are shown, it will be appreciated that other fastening mechanism may be used.

[0046] Hence, by using zippers 112 and 124 access into the interior of bag body 12 through lining 120 may easily be achieved. In this way, if an item is inadvertently dropped into the interior, it may be removed through pocket 30 rather than having to tip the golf bag upside down. Such access also facilitates any repair work where access from the interior of the golf back is needed. Although shown through pocket 30, it will be appreciated that other access ways to the interior of the golf bag could also be provided.

[0047] 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 system comprising:

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

at least one coupling mechanism on the bag body;

a plurality of storage devices that are removably attachable to the bag body by the coupling mechanism, wherein the storage devices are interchangeable to permit one of the storage devices to be removed from the bag body and replaced with another one of the storage devices using the coupling mechanism.

2. A golf bag system as in claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism comprising a track longitudinally disposed on the bag body, and wherein each storage device includes a mating track that is engagable with and slidable relative to the track on the bag body, whereby one of the storage devices may be coupled to the bag body by engaging the storage device track with the bag body track and sliding the storage device along the bag body.

3. A golf bag system as in claim 2, wherein the bag body rack includes a groove and the storage device tracks each comprise a tongue that is slidable within the groove.

4. A golf bag system as in claim 1, further comprising at least one connector that is coupled to the bag body to connect with a corresponding connector of the storage device to connect the storage device to the bag body after the storage device has been coupled to the bag body with the coupling mechanism.

5. A golf bag system as in claim 4, wherein the bag body connector and the storage device connector are capable of snap fitting together.

6. A golf bag system as in claim 1, wherein one of the storage devices comprises a beverage holder.

7. A golf bag system as in claim 1, wherein one of the storage devices comprises a first half and a second half that are joined at a central axis, wherein the two halves are foldable at the central axis to form an enclosure, and further comprising a zipper to secure the two halves together.

8. A golf bag system as in claim 7, wherein the first half includes at least one pocket.

9. A golf bag system as in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of coupling mechanisms disposed on the bag body to permit multiple storage devices to be coupled to the bag body.

10. A golf bag as in claim 1, wherein at least some of the storage devices are constructed of a nylon fabric.

11. A storage device for a golf bag, the storage device comprising:

a holder having an interior and an access way into the interior;

a coupling mechanism on the holder that is adapted to be slidably connected to a golf bag; and

a connector on the holder that is adapted to secure the holder to the golf bag after the holder has been connected to the golf bag by the coupling mechanism.

12. A storage device as in claim 11, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a track that is adapted to mate with a corresponding track on the golf bag.

13. A storage device as in claim 11, wherein the connector comprise a strap and a clip.

14. A storage device in claim 11, wherein the holder comprises a first half and a second half that are joined by a central axis, wherein the two halves are foldable about the central axis to define the interior, and wherein the two halves are joined by a zipper.

15. A storage device as in claim 11, further comprising at least one pocket disposed in the interior.

16. A storage device as in claim 11, wherein the holder includes an insulating material.

17. A method for storing items on a golf bag, the method comprising:

providing a golf bag comprising a bag body having a closed bottom end and an open top end that is adapted to receive golf clubs, and at least one coupling mechanism on the bag body;

attaching a first storage device containing at least a first item to the bag body using the coupling mechanism;

removing the first storage device from the bag body and attaching a second storage device containing at least a second item to the bag body using the coupling mechanism.

18. A method as in claim 17, further comprising attaching the first storage device to a second golf bag.

19. A method as in claim 17, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a track and wherein the attaching step comprises engaging and sliding a track on the first storage device along the track on the bag body.

20. A method as in claim 17, further comprising securing the first storage device to the bag body after being attached by connecting a strap on the first storage device to a strap on the bag body using a connector.

21. A method as in claim 17, further comprising attaching a third storage device to the bag body using the coupling mechanism.

22. A method as in claim 17, further comprising attaching a third storage device to the bag body using a second coupling mechanism on the bag body.

23. A method as in claim 17, wherein the second storage device includes a zipper that opens to form an access way into the second storage device, and further comprising operating the zipper and removing the second item.

24. A golf bag comprising:

a bag body defining a club storage compartment and having a closed bottom end and a generally open top end, wherein the bag body further includes an access way to the club storage compartment through the bag body; and

a pocket disposed near the bottom end, with the pocket covering the access way.

25. A golf bag as in claim 24, further comprising a fastening mechanism that is operable to open and close the access way.

26. A golf bag as in claim 25, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a zipper.

27. A golf bag as in claim 24, wherein the pocket includes an opening and a fastener to close the opening.

28. A golf bag as in claim 27, wherein the fastener comprises a zipper.

29. A method for accessing the interior of a golf bag, the method comprising:

providing a golf bag comprising a bag body defining a club storage compartment and having a closed bottom end and a generally open top end, wherein the bag body further includes an access way to the club storage compartment through the bag body, and a pocket disposed near the bottom end, with the pocket covering the access way;

opening the pocket and reaching through the access way to gain access into the club storage compartment.

30. A method as in claim 29, further comprising operating a fastening mechanism to open the access way prior to reaching through the access way.

31. A method as in claim 29, wherein the pocket includes an opening, and further comprising reaching through the opening to gain access to the fastening mechanism.