MULTI-PURPOSE GOLF BAG

Abstract

A golf bag includes an elongated body having a top and bottom, a plurality of openings within the elongated body providing access to elongated slots that extend from the top of the bag substantially to the bottom of the bag, and at least one aperture extending into the elongated body with a drawer slidably disposed within the body. The plurality of openings may be used to hold golf clubs and other accessories and may be formed along at least part of a peripheral portion of the top of the bag. The drawers may be used to store personal items. The golf bag may also include a top that is angled and/or a heel portion on the bottom of the bag.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/799,686, which was filed on May 12, 2006 and is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a golf bag, and, more particularly, to a golf bag having a plurality of slots along its peripheral edge and drawers as storage compartments.

2. Background

Many golf bags on the market are designed to store a number of golf clubs within an opening or space located in the middle part of the golf bags. Other golf items are stored in pockets located on the side, back, or front of the golf bags. These golf items may include golf-related items such as towels, rain gear, gloves, a jacket (e.g., wind breaker), socks, golf balls, or tees, or personal items such as a watch, car keys, wallet, for example. It is often difficult and time consuming to find a specific item once the pockets are filled.

Storing the golf clubs in the middle of the golf bag may lead to some disadvantages. For example, once the clubs are stored, they may freely move within the space and collide with each other, thereby causing dents and other damage to the club heads. In addition, the movement of the clubs may make noise which may be distracting and annoying to a user while transporting the golf bag.

Also, some conventional golf bags are not user-friendly. Since all clubs are stored together in an open space without a sorting device, it can be difficult to notice clubs which may be lost or stolen. Clubs may also become mixed and tangled in the golf bag while transporting on one's shoulder or on a cart, which may make it frustrating and cumbersome to locate a required club during play. Furthermore, because the bottom of the bag is designed to sit flat on a surface such as in a cart, it may become difficult to retrieve or re-insert the clubs in the bag.

Accordingly, an improved golf bag that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention provides a golf bag comprising an elongated body having a top and bottom; a plurality of openings within the elongated body, each opening providing access to an elongated slot that extends from the top of the bag substantially to the bottom of the bag, and at least one aperture extending into a central region of the elongated body, wherein the at least one aperture comprises a drawer slidably disposed within the body.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a golf bag comprising an elongated body having a top and bottom; a plurality of top openings formed along at least part of a peripheral edge of the top of the bag; at least one side aperture extending into the elongated body, and wherein each top opening provides access to an elongated slot that extends from the top of the bag to the bottom of the bag and the at least one side aperture comprises a drawer slidably disposed within the body.

In an embodiment, the golf bag further comprise a protection device constructed and arranged to inhibit the drawer from sliding outwardly from the central region of the elongated body. In one embodiment, the protection device may be a cover with at least one fastening device.

In another embodiment, the golf bag may comprise a top is angled relative to a direction of elongation of the elongated body such that the elongated slots have differing lengths to accommodate objects having respective differing lengths. In yet a further embodiment, the golf bag may comprise a heel portion along a peripheral portion of the elongated body that extends below the bottom of the golf bag, such that when the bottom of the elongated body is placed onto a surface, the elongated body is angled relative to a direction of elongation of the elongated body.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a golf bag in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a golf bag 1 comprising an elongated body 2 having a top 4 and a bottom 6. The elongated body 2 may be of a substantially circular, oval, rectangular, or any substantially polygonal cross section. As shown in the FIGURE, the bag 1 may also comprise a “half moon” shape, comprising a peripheral portion 8 having a back 17 and sides 18 of arcuate shape and a front portion 16. Also, the golf bag 1 may be of any useful size, e.g., with a height of 35 to 37 inches and a width or diameter of 15 inches. However, the shape and size of the bag 1 should not be limited and may incorporate other shapes or sizes that are known in the art.

The bottom 6 of golf bag 1 may also include at least one wheel 24 to assist in transportation of the bag 1, for example, along a golf course. Optionally, the bag 1 may include a pull handle (not shown) near the top 4 or along peripheral portion 8, so that golf bag 1 may be used as a pull cart. In an embodiment, wheel(s) are not provided. Golf bag 1 also includes a shoulder strap 19 and a handle 20. Shoulder strap 19 and handle 20, for example, may be attached to the front side 16 of golf bag 1, and allow a user to easily transport bag along a course or to and from a golf cart, for example. Generally, strap 19 and handle 20 facilitate a user's need to carry the golf bag 1.

A plurality of openings 10 or 10′ are provided within the elongated body 2 of the golf bag 1. In an embodiment, the openings 10, 10′ are formed along at least part of a peripheral portion 8 of the top 4 of the bag 1. The openings and slots may be provided along the arcuate portion or the back 17 and sides 18 of peripheral portion of the body 2, for example. Each opening 10, 10′ provides access to an elongated slot 11 or 11′. The slots 11, 11′ extend from the top 4 of the bag 1 substantially to the bottom 6 of the bag 1.

At least some of the openings 10, 10′ and elongated slots 11, 11′ are configured and arranged to accept, for example, a handle and shaft of a golf club, such that the handle and shaft are held within the elongated body 2. For example, the slot is as long or longer than the length of a golf club shaft and the opening is longer than the diameter of the shaft, but smaller than the club head. In this configuration, the head of the golf club is held outside of the slot 11 or 11′. Thus, each slot 11, 11′ may hold an individual golf club in a separate manner from other clubs, so as to aid in preventing the clubs from tangling and colliding with each other when the golf bag 1 is carried or transported. Thus, noise due to contact, dents or other damage to golf club heads or other stored objects may be prevented.

Additionally, the openings 10, 10′ and slots 11, 11′ provide an organized way for storing clubs and other objects. The slots 11, 11′ aid in sorting the set of clubs, for example. Each slot 11, 11′ may be designed to accommodate a specific club (e.g., iron, wood, putter, etc.), allowing a user to locate a required club when needed during play, or notice when a club may be missing.

In an embodiment, openings 10, 10′ and slots 11, 11′ may also be used to hold other objects. For example, in addition to the individual storage of golf clubs, the openings 10, 10′ and slots 11, 11′ may also be used to store objects or other golf-related accessories, such as umbrellas, ball retrievers, additional clubs, or training aids. In an embodiment, the openings 10 and slots 11 may be used to hold or store golf clubs, and the openings 10′ and slots 11′ may be used to store other objects or accessories.

In an embodiment, the number of openings 10, 10′ and slots 11, 11′ is no less than the number of golf clubs in a set (e.g., fourteen). In another embodiment, the number of openings 10, 10′ and slots 11, 11′ may be more than the number of clubs in a set, for example, to carry other objects and accessories. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment comprising a total of sixteen openings 10, 10′ and slots 11, 11′ in golf bag 1. For example, slots 11 may be used to store clubs, while corner slots 11′ may be used for accessories (e.g., an umbrella). However, the number of openings or slots should not be limited.

Additionally, in an embodiment, closure flaps 9 may be provided on top of openings 10, 10′. The closure flap 9 may be used to fix the golf club (or other object) that is placed through the opening 10, 10′ and inside the slot 11, 11′. The use of closure flaps 9 may also aid in preventing the clubs or objects from moving or colliding during transportation. The flaps 9 may be made of any known material, for example, a plastic or cloth. The flaps 9 may also be designed with removable closures (not shown).

In an alternate embodiment, small indentations may be provided in openings 10, 10′ (i.e., rather than flaps 9) to provide a resting space for golf club heads or other objects and aid in preventing collision or damage to the objects.

Also shown in FIG. 1 are a plurality of sliding drawers 12, 13, and 14. Specifically, the elongated body comprises a plurality of apertures (not shown) that extend into the elongated body 2. The apertures may extend into a central region (e.g., beneath central space 7) of the body 2, for example. In a preferred embodiment, at least one aperture comprises a drawer 12, 13, or 14 that is slidably disposed within the body 2. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, each aperture comprises a drawer 12, 13, or 14. However, in an embodiment, not all apertures include a drawer. For example, apertures and other openings may also be provided on the sides 18 of the bag, such as in the form of pockets 22.

The apertures may be provided on a front 16 of the bag 1, for example. Thus, the drawers 12, 13, or 14 may also be accessible from a front 16 of the elongated body 2 of the bag 1. However, as noted above, the location of the apertures and drawers should not be limiting, and thus it is envisioned that the drawers may also be located on the sides 18 or back 17 of the bag 1.

The drawers 12-14 may be of different sizes, and may be used to store personal or golf-related items and objects that a golfer may want to carry or bring to a golf course. For example, as shown, drawers 12 may be used to store personal items, such as a watch, wallet, jewelry, glasses or sunglasses, gloves, score cards, a rule book, golf balls, tees, ball markers, writing instruments such as pens or pencils, for example. The drawers 13 may be used to store clothing, food, or a box of golf balls, and drawers 14 may be used to store golf shoes, for example. The drawers 12-14 aid the user such that they provide a convenient way of organizing and storing items, thus reducing the time and difficulty that may be associated with looking for a specific item.

To ensure that drawers 12-14 do not inadvertently open, each drawer 12-14 comprises a securing member or protection device 15 constructed and arranged to inhibit the drawer from sliding outwardly from the central region of the elongated body 2. In a preferred embodiment, the protection device 15 is a cover. The cover 15 preferably comprises at least one edge 21 that may comprise at least one fastener, such that the cover 15 may be removably fastened to allow or deny access to the opening or drawers 12, 13, or 14. In an embodiment, the fastener is provided along at least part of the periphery of the edge 21 of the cover 15. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a zipper 31 may be used. However, other fasteners such as snaps, hook and loop material, buttons, magnets, laces, buckles, and hooks may also be used.

In an alternate embodiment, drawers 12-14 may be protected by securement or locking device such as a belt, strap, or rod. For example, a removable belt or strap may be designed to extend from the top 4 of golf bag 1 to the bottom 6 of golf bag 1, thus extending the length of the elongated body 2 and across the drawers 12-14.

In a further embodiment, the protection device(s) or cover(s) 15 may be omitted. In one embodiment, the drawers 12-14 themselves may incorporate fastening devices, such that each drawer 12-14 includes its own individual locking device to fix the drawers 12-14 within the apertures in central region of the body 2 of bag 1. For example, the drawers may include a locking release mechanism, wherein, upon application of manual pressure, a drawer is released from the aperture to provide a user access. Thus, it should be noted that any securement or locking device that provides a fastening function for preventing the drawers 12-14 from sliding outwardly may be applied on, around, or in front of the drawers 12-14 or apertures without departing from the scope of the invention.

Also provided in golf bag 1 is central space 7 located on the top 4 of the bag 1 which may be used as an additional storage compartment, for example. The central space 7 may also include a cover 15, as described above with reference to the drawers.

FIG. 1 also shows the top 4 having an angle that is relative to a direction of elongation of the elongated body 2, such that the elongated slots 11, 11′ have differing lengths to accommodate objects having respective differing lengths. For example, golf clubs such as woods are typically longer than clubs such as irons, a putter, or a sand wedge, for example. Thus, longer clubs may be placed in the openings 10, 10′ (or elongated slots 11, 11′) along the arcuate edge or back 17 of the peripheral portion 8, while shorter clubs may be placed in the openings 10, 10′ along the sides 18 of the bag 1. Other objects such as the above-mentioned personal items (e.g., umbrella) may also be stored in the openings 10, 10′ or slots 11, 11′ according to their respective lengths or heights.

The back 17 of the golf bag 1 may also be designed such that it comprises a heel portion (not shown). An example of a heel portion is shown in related U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/799,686, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In an embodiment, the heel portion (not shown) is provided along a peripheral portion 8 of the elongated body 2, and is designed such that it extends below the bottom 6 of the golf bag 1. When the bottom 6 of the elongated body 2 is placed onto a surface, for example in a golf cart or on the ground of a golf course, the elongated body 2 is angled relative to the surface. The angling or tilting of the golf bag 1 provides a user with easier access to golf clubs when the bag 1 is sitting on a surface, such as in a golf cart.

In an alternate embodiment, the bottom 6 of the bag 1 may be angled relative to a direction of elongation of the elongated body 2.

The golf bag 1 may be made of rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible materials. For example, durable materials such as a heavy, water-resistant cloth may be used to form elongated body 2. Also, the openings 10, 10′, elongated slots 11, 11′, or apertures may be formed of a strong, polyurethane material. Drawers 12-14 may be made of a molded plastic or other stiff material, and may include devices that assist in movement or sliding from the apertures. Additionally, in an embodiment, the inside of drawers 12-14 may include a felt-type material for protecting items therein, such as personal items including watches, jewelry, a wallet, or glasses. As such, the materials used for golf bag 1 should not be limiting and may include materials known in the art.

Thus, the herein described embodiments of the golf bag 1 provides a multi-purpose, convenient, and organized way of storing golf clubs and other items during play and transportation. Furthermore, the design of the top and bottom of the bag 1 (e.g., heel) provides easier access to clubs and other objects stored in the golf bag 1.

While the principles of the invention have been made clear in the illustrative embodiments set forth above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the structure, arrangement, proportion, elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention. For example, other known golf bag accessories such as a rain cover that is removably attached to the bag 1 may also be provided. Additionally, straps, pockets, netting or other features may be provided on the bag 1 and are not outside the scope of this invention.

It will thus be seen that the objects of this invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that the foregoing preferred specific embodiments have been shown and described for the purpose of illustrating the functional and structural principles of this invention and are subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A golf bag comprising:

an elongated body having a top and bottom;

a plurality of openings within the elongated body, each opening providing access to an elongated slot that extends from the top of the bag substantially to the bottom of the bag, and

at least one aperture extending into a central region of the elongated body,

wherein the at least one aperture comprises a drawer slidably disposed within the body.

2. A golf bag according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the elongated slots and associated openings are configured and arranged to accept a handle and shaft of a golf club while holding a head of the golf club outside of the slot.

3. A golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings are formed along at least part of a peripheral portion of the top of the bag.

4. A golf bag according to claim 1, wherein each drawer comprises a protection device constructed and arranged to inhibit the drawer from sliding outwardly from the central region of the elongated body.

5. A golf bag according to claim 4, wherein the protection device is a cover comprising at least one edge that is removably fastened to allow or deny access to the drawer.

6. A golf bag according to claim 5, wherein the edge includes at least one fastener selected from the group consisting of: zippers, snaps, hook and loop material, buttons, buckles, and magnets.

7. A golf bag according to claim 4, wherein the protection device is a fastening device incorporated within the drawer.

8. A golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the drawer is accessible from a front of the elongated body of the bag.

9. A golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the top is angled relative to a direction of elongation of the elongated body such that the elongated slots have differing lengths to accommodate objects having respective differing lengths.

10. A golf bag according to claim 1, wherein one side has a heel portion along a peripheral portion of the elongated body that extends below the bottom of the golf bag, such that when the bottom of the elongated body is placed onto a surface, the elongated body is angled relative to the surface.

11. A golf bag comprising:

an elongated body having a top and bottom;

a plurality of top openings formed along at least part of a peripheral edge of the top of the bag;

at least one side aperture extending into the elongated body, and

wherein each top aperture provides access to an elongated slot that extends from the top of the bag to the bottom of the bag and the at least one side aperture comprises a drawer slidably disposed within the body.

12. A golf bag according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the elongated slots and associated openings are configured and arranged to accept a handle and shaft of a golf club while holding a head of the golf club outside of the slot.

13. A golf bag according to claim 1, wherein each drawer comprises a protection device constructed and arranged to inhibit the drawer from sliding outwardly from the central region of the elongated body.

14. A golf bag according to claim 4, wherein the protection device is a cover comprising at least one edge that is removably fastened to allow or deny access to the drawer.

15. A golf bag according to claim 5, wherein the edge includes at least one fastener selected from the group consisting of: zippers, snaps, hook and loop material, buttons, buckles, and magnets.

16. A golf bag according to claim 4, wherein the protection device is a fastening device incorporated within the drawer.

17. A golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the drawer is accessible from a front of the elongated body of the bag.

18. A golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the top is angled relative to a direction of elongation of the elongated body such that the elongated slots have differing lengths to accommodate objects having respective differing lengths.

19. A golf bag according to claim 1, wherein one side has a heel portion along a peripheral portion of the elongated body that extends below the bottom of the golf bag, such that when the bottom of the elongated body is placed onto a surface, the elongated body is angled relative to the surface.