Golf bag cover

Abstract

A flexible golf bag cover for shielding the interior and contents of a golf bag of the type having an open top surrounded by a peripheral rim and having a carrying strap or retracting legs extending approximately from the rim. The golf bag cover comprises a cover of fabric with an openable front flap that is in parallel alignment with the opening in a golf bag, and a cuff with elastic and strap assemblies to accommodate golf bags and strap handles of varying configurations.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 60/565,322 filed Apr. 26, 2004 and Provisional Patent Application No. 60/592,569 filed Jul. 30, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the sport of golf, and more particularly to a flexible cover for protecting a golf bag and associated clubs from precipitation, dust and related elements during use, storage and transport.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While in storage, it is important that golf clubs be protected from dust and other contaminants. During use, golf clubs are usually transported in carts or by golfers in open topped golf bags. In the midst of a golf game, inclement weather and most notably, precipitation, may develop, requiring that golf clubs and bags be protected. Precipitation or other moisture settling on golf clubs and in golf bags may corrode metals, ruin finishes and harm valuable equipment. Furthermore, dampened golf club handles are a challenge for players to grip. This, in turn, diminishes player performance and increases the risk of accidental injuries.

Over the years, a number of golf bag covers have been developed in an effort to overcome the foregoing problems. Such golf bag covers are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,327 to Boardman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,740 to Dorman; U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,195 to Doig; U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,442 to Bevier; U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,897 to Curtin; U.S. Pat. No. 4,442,937 to Delauder; U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,259 to Treadway; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,234,025 to Berge. Similarly, some golf bags are sold by the manufacturer with covers. These covers, however, are generally of heavier fabric and are difficult to manipulate in order to remove and replace clubs while golfing or to store clubs after precipitation has ended. Some covers include a number of fasteners that render them cumbersome to use and increase overall manufacturing costs. Moreover, the covers only allow limited access to the golf bag, which reduces their overall effectiveness.

Because storage space in golf bags is limited, it is preferred that covers are made of lightweight flexible fabric (e.g. 1-6 oz. per yard) and are designed to be easily and quickly folded and stored in a golf bag during a golf game, and on the course, allowing easy access to specific clubs.

None of the currently available golf bag covers satisfy all of these criteria. For instance, the covers described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,131,442 and 4,442,937 are fabricated of hard plastic and not practical for most golfers, especially walking golfers. The golf bag rain cover described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,195 to Doig includes a sewn, finished shape that has a “cowl” or curved opening effect, which can inhibit the ease of extracting and replacing golf clubs, and in particular longer shaft clubs. Longer shafted clubs are becoming more prevalent and popular. In addition, the opening of the cover is generally not aligned with the opening of the golf bag. Thus, although this design may provide adequate protection it does not allow for complete freedom in removing and storing clubs. This is particularly critical as modern clubs become longer in length. In addition, longer clubs are ordinarily stored toward the “back” perimeter of a golf bag, and thus, club removal therefrom tends to be impeded by the Doig design. Specifically, the longest currently allowable shaft of 47 1/2″ is difficult to use with the Doig cover, especially under the additional constraints imposed by inclement weather in the field.

Golf bag covers known in the art also offer no convenient way to quickly store the cover after use. In practice, golfers are less likely to use a bag cover if it is difficult to store and use. During the course of a golf game, rain is often periodic and temporary in nature. Placement and removal of a golf bag cover may be desired more than once in a single game. Thus, an expeditious means of preparing a cover for storage in the midst of a golf game is needed.

A further shortcoming of existing golf bag covers is that they fail to offer easy access to specified club wells for a putter, driver or other clubs. Many newer bags have a protected well at either the front or back of the golf bag specifically for a putter, driver or wedge. These dedicated wells can be difficult to access, especially if located at the back of the golf bag, underneath the back of the cowl incorporated therein. Because a putter can be an expensive club, and because it is a club that must be accessed virtually on every golf hole, straightforward access to a putter well is desirable, without exposing all other clubs to the elements.

Finally, conventional golf bag covers do not offer a golfer ease of access to a weather protected score card holder. This is a significant drawback, as golf bags currently utilize mesh pouches for score card holders which are not rain proof, and when playing in rain, it can be equally critical and convenient to shield the score card from the elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an easily foldable, lightweight and flexible golf bag cover of fabric for shielding the interior and contents of a golf bag from inclement weather and contaminants, wherein the golf bag has an open top surrounded by a peripheral rim with a carrying strap or retractable legs extending laterally approximately from the rim. The golf bag cover generally comprises two substantially rectangular sections of fabric sewn or otherwise attached to form a cylinder with one of the rectangular sections extending to form a flap to cover the open cylinder. The lower section of the sewn cylinder contains elastic to secure the cover to the open bag. Preferably, the cover section also contains one or more velcroed straps with integrated rain flaps, allowing for customized bag fit, and access to putter wells. It is also desirable for the cover to include at least one lower flap that allows access to specific portions of the golf bag.

Advantageously, the main flap constitutes a large surface area, and is seamless, enabling embroidering or printing of large scale logos and graphics. The ability to bundle the cover for storage, with an exteriorly located elastic strap, is a significant distinction over existing covers which are awkward and time consuming to store while playing golf. The use of substantially rectangular blanks from which to manufacture the covers significantly reduces manufacturing costs by dramatically improving the efficiency of blank cutouts and reducing labor involved in sewing the seams. The unique design of the golf bag cover also allows for incorporation of a protected pouch for retaining a score card and pencil.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a golf bag cover installed around the upper rim of a standard golf bag, with the flap in the closed position according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a pattern view of a sheet fabric blank from which the cover is sewn according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a constructed cover, showing the card and pencil holder, as secured under the flap, and an elastic band to secure the cover when folded;

FIG. 4 is a pattern view of a golf bag cover, allowing for attachment of two Velcro straps, protective and access flaps, and a score card pouch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view of detachable strap means for securing a golf bag cover having a protective flap to the rim of a golf bag with legs or to a strap near the rim of the bag; and

FIG. 6 is a view of a larger side flap as means of access to wedges toward the front of a golf bag, or other clubs at the back of the bag in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, the invention provides a flexible golf bag cover 10 of fabric for protecting the interior and contents of a golf bag 12 from dust, contaminants and precipitation. The golf bag cover 10 includes an openable top (closure) flap 14 that is in parallel alignment with an opening in a golf bag 12, and a cuff with elastic 16 and strap assemblies 18, 20 to accommodate golf bags and strap handles 22 of varying configurations. Velcro 24 strap closure means and associated flap 28, 30 arrangements allow access to specific sections of a golf bag 2 and accommodation of all bag types. A golf bag 2 is shown as a common type with an open top surrounded by a peripheral rim 32 and a carrying strap 22 extending approximately laterally from the rim 32.

As shown in FIG. 2, the main portion of the golf bag cover 10 according to the invention is manufactured from two substantially rectangular sections of fabric 34 and 36, which are affixed to each other along the lengths of each rectangle. This creates an opening that is aligned with the opening in the golf bag. Preferably, the second section 36 of fabric has a greater length than the first section 34 so as to form a flap, such as depicted at 14. For instance, the second section 36 of fabric may be about 1.5 times the length of the first section 34. Manufacture of the cover 10 from substantially rectangular sections results in fabric blanks that are extremely efficient, and reduces material waste from the pattern cutting process.

The first rectangular section 34 of fabric preferably contains a recessed portion or “notch” along its top edge 38 that allows a golfer easier access to clubs when the closure flap 14 is raised in use. These geometries result in an enhanced functionality over conventional covers, in that the opening 40 created by the instant invention is generally parallel in a plane with the golf bag 2 opening. In contrast thereto, the opening in the Doig cover, for example, as a result of its more complex geometry and blank patterning, is directed generally perpendicular to the direction of the bag opening.

Preferably, the standard width of each rectangular section 34, 36 is such that the cuff, once sewn together, will accommodate an ordinary tour bag with an eleven (11) inch golf bag opening. However, other sized covers can be envisioned to accommodate larger sized club bags and smaller sizes can be envisioned to accommodate junior golf bags or “summer” golf bags. The preferred closure means, depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, allows the cover 10 to accommodate virtually all bag sizes.

Many bags are now equipped with retractable legs that are mechanically activated to extend from the base of the bag when it is placed on the ground. Many of these devices are patented, some examples of which include: U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,077 to Izzo. There are numerous designs and mechanical devices to activate these “walker bags.” One preferred embodiment of the instant invention is to include one or more small, detachable auxiliary flaps, shown at 28 and 30 in FIGS. 4 and 5, positioned opposite from the closure flap 14 of the bag cover 10 and/or on the same side as the top flap. The auxiliary flaps 28, 30 are of sufficient size to accommodate most leg assemblies and carrying handles. Unlike golf bag covers of the prior art, which have a slit extending through the bottom of the cuff, the instant auxiliary flaps 28, 30 for accommodating retractable legs and carrying handles 22 are wide enough to accommodate some of the recently developed mechanisms to engage the walking bag legs, such as those set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,345 to Wang.

As a preferred embodiment, the closure flap 14 that protects the golf bag opening 40 may be designed of a sufficient size and breadth as depicted in FIG. 6, to allow for unfettered access to a dedicated well (such as a putter well), permitting easy removal of a putter at the green, without opening the entire cover 10 in the elements. The closure flap 14 may be larger than depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, to allow access to a larger portion of a golf bag 2 and/or to more than one club. In addition, the auxiliary flaps 28, 30 may also be sized to allow access to a well dedicated to sand, lob, gap and pitching wedges, etc. The auxiliary flaps 28, 30 provide increased protection for the majority of clubs.

For instance, as depicted in FIG. 6, front and rear auxiliary flaps 28, 30 are shown as sufficiently large to provide access to several clubs located at the perimeter of the golf bag 2, such as wedges, high irons, woods, rescue clubs, or a putter from a putter well. In total, the golf bag cover 10 according to the present invention allows access to a golf bag 2 at a minimum of three different locations 14, 28 and 30, facilitating easy access to clubs and maximizing rain, dust and contaminant protection for clubs not in use.

Also shown in FIG. 6 is an elastic strap 16 to roll and bundle the golf bag cover 10 when it is removed from the golf bag 2. A scorecard pouch 44 and a seam 48 formed for retaining a scoring pencil are also depicted. Preferably, Velcro attachments 24, 26 are used to secure the closure flap 14 to the main bag assembly. FIG. 6 also demonstrates the capability of the golf bag cover 10 to allow unfettered vertical access to the longer shaft clubs, such as depicted at 58. In general, the closure flap 14 is large enough to allow access to over 100% of the top surface of a golf bag 2. Similarly, the front and rear auxiliary flaps 28 and 30 of the bag cover 10 may be constructed large enough to allow access to up to about 40% of the top surface of a golf bag 2.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a bag cover pattern allows for the efficient construction of a cover 10 that provides complete flexibility in accommodating various bag shapes, sizes and carrying means. In a preferred design, the cover 10 generally comprises seven patterned sections. The elongated, rectangular section of fabric 36 with associated top flap 14 is sewn to the shorter rectangular section 34. The score card pouch 44 is sewn to the shorter section 34 of fabric, below the notch abutting the fabric's top edge 38. There are two strap assemblies, 18 and 20, that are sewn to the bottom of sections 34 and 36, such that Velcro fastened 54 to the ends of the straps 18, 20 will meet at the front and back of the golf bag 2, to accommodate carrying straps and retractable legs. Each strap assembly 18, 20 is protected by an auxiliary flap, 28 and 30. The patterned sections when sewn, are generally as depicted in FIG. 5. Elastic 52 is sewn into the middle section of each strap 18, 20 to provide a secure fit onto the top of the golf bag 12.

As depicted in FIG. 3, yet another benefit to the golf bag cover 10 of the present invention is the ability to affix a band of elastic 16 along the outer seam strategically toward the “top” third of the cover 10 and closure flap 14 that may be used to bundle and store the rolled cover. A cord with a common tightening device may also be stitched to the seam at the same location for this purpose. This elastic 16 storage feature is made practical, and derives its function from the construction of the cover 10 from substantially rectangular sections 34, 36. In contrast, use of such storage means with conventional covers would be difficult and much less practical given the curved and irregular geometries of existing covers.

The substantially rectangular folded shape of the present golf bag cover 10 allows the cover to be easily folded, rolled and stored in a neat and compact shape with the elastic loop 16 design strategically located on the cover 10 to allow bundling. Some commercially available bag covers include pouches or other means to store the cover after use; however, these storage means are frequently displaced or separated from the cover itself, and are not convenient to use.

Yet a further embodiment of the present golf bag cover 10 is the location and design of the score card pouch 44. It is desirable to locate a score card holder in a location where it is immediately accessible, and is also shielded from the elements, especially precipitation. Similarly, in the case of a carry bag, the score card holder should be accessible to retrieve and restore while a golfer is walking with the bag. No bag cover currently satisfies these useful features. With the instant invention, as depicted in FIG. 1, the score card pouch 44 is located in a protected fashion underneath the closure flap 14 and can be easily accessed. The closure flap 14 is held to the base of the golf bag cover 10 by two Velcro or snap attachments, 24 and 26.

Unlike other golf bag covers, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,442 to Bevier, the score card holder 44 of the invention is not located on the flap 14 itself. The card holder 44 is advantageously located underneath the closure flap 14, where it can be readily accessed by a golfer and is protected from the elements. In this manner, the present invention allows the entire surface of the closure flap 14 to be used for embroidering or printing of logos and graphics (including large scale designs). This is also a function of the seamless pattern design of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, seams are used to affix a third substantially rectangular section of fabric to the golf bag cover 10. The seams are sewn to accommodate storage of a golf scoring card, as well as a scoring pencil, such as depicted at 48.

Although the above description and accompanying drawings relate to specific preferred embodiments as presently contemplated by the inventor, it will be understood that the invention in its broad aspect includes mechanical and functional equivalents of the elements described and illustrated.

Claims

1. A flexible golf bag cover for shielding the interior and contents of a golf bag, the golf bag having an open top surrounded by a peripheral rim, and a carrying strap or retracting legs extending approximately from the rim, wherein the golf bag cover comprises:

(a) a first and a second substantially rectangular section of fabric affixed to each other along the lengths of each rectangle, thereby creating an opening aligned with the opening in the golf bag through which a designated golf club can be accessed;

(b) a segment of elastic sewn into one open end of the affixed rectangular sections; and

(c) a device for securing the cover underneath the carrying strap or retracting legs.

2. The flexible golf bag cover of claim 1, wherein the second rectangular section is at least 1.5 times the length of the first rectangular section so as to form an openable flap.

3. The flexible golf bag cover of claim 1, wherein a third substantially rectangular but smaller section of fabric is affixed to either of the first two rectangular sections, with seams sewn in said third section to accommodate storage of a golf scoring card and a pencil.

4. The flexible golf bag cover of claim 2, wherein a third substantially rectangular but smaller section of fabric is affixed to either of the first two rectangular sections, with seams sewn in said third section to accommodate storage of a golf scoring card and a pencil.

5. The flexible golf bag cover of claim 1 wherein along the seam of the first and second rectangular sections is sewn a strap of elastic of sufficient length to secure the cover in a rolled and compacted shape when not in use.

6. The flexible golf bag cover of claim 2 wherein along the seam of the first and second rectangular sections is sewn a strap of elastic of sufficient length to secure the cover in a rolled and compacted shape when not in use.

7. The flexible golf bag cover of claim 1, wherein the first rectangular section includes a recessed portion along a top edge thereof to provide increased access to golf clubs.

8. The flexible golf bag cover of claim 1, wherein said device for securing the cover underneath the carrying strap or retracting legs of the golf bag includes one or more openable auxiliary flaps through which a golfer can access a designated golf club.

9. The flexible golf bag cover of claim 2, wherein said cover contains first and second openable auxiliary flaps that allow access to dedicated club wells located at front and back sections of a covered golf bag.

10. The flexible golf bag cover of claim 8, wherein said one or more auxiliary flaps each allow access to about 10-40% of the top surface of the golf bag.

11. The flexible golf bag cover of claim 1, wherein the opening of said cover is aligned in parallel relation to the opening of said golf bag.

12. The flexible golf bag cover of claim 4, wherein said flap substantially covers the third rectangular section of fabric, whereby said third section is protected underneath said flap.