Golf bag cover for theft prevention of golf equipment

Abstract

A golf bag cover for theft prevention of golf equipment. What is described is a golf bag cover comprising three layers. The first and innermost layer being one which is soft and non-abrasive toward ones golf clubs and equipment. The second and middle layer being Aramid Fiber or Kevlar® presenting as highly cut resistant. The third and outer most layer being a tough abrasion and water resistant fiber similar to most current golf bag construction. The said cover having a zipper along the midline, allowing opening and closing of the cover for ease of access to ones golf equipment while the cover remains affixed to ones golf bag. The cover having a hem, it too comprising all three layers of fabrics as fore mentioned. The hem having along its length a few openings strategically located. The hem and its openings allowing the passage of a cable within the said hem. The said hem and its openings allow the cable to pass under portions of the golf bag for anchorage to the golf bag. A clip, which affixes to the top portion of the golf bag, is utilized if anchorage points are not available. The cable upon wrapping itself fully around the top margin of the golf bag is then lockable unto itself with a first locking mechanism. The zipper when in its closed position allows a second lock to pass through its eye and around the cable preventing its opening once locked. A second cable can then also be incorporated into the second lock and utilized to affix the golf bag and its contents to any immovable object.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that to play the game of golf, golf equipment is needed. The majority of golf courses state that each player must supply their own golf equipment to play golf as listed in the rules of play. Specifically golf clubs are frequently purchased for considerable cost. In many instances ones driver, sets of irons as well as putters are frequently purchased for many hundreds of dollars. In addition golf equipment is frequently passed from one generation to another, in this instance the golf equipment are items, which cannot be replaced for sentimental value alone.

Golf courses do not allow participating golfers to enter the clubhouse with their golf bags and equipment, forcing one to leave their golf bag and associated equipment unattended and out of eye sight, along side the clubhouse. The time ones golf equipment is left unattended can often be lengthy, for example while paying greens fees, purchasing product and/or stopping for food/beverages following play. In addition, ones golf bag and golf equipment is frequently left inside of the trunk of their motor vehicle. This can be an instance where golf equipment theft can and does occur. In addition golfers will practice the game of golf by visiting driving ranges, where ones golf equipment is again left exposed to the possibility of theft.

Due to the necessity for golfers to require considerable equipment as mentioned above to partake in the activity of golfing, as well as the need for golfers to travel to and from the golf course in their motor vehicles, a need is seen to secure and safeguard ones golf equipment for the purpose of theft deterrence, during times at which ones golf equipment is left unattended.

Aramid Fiber or Kevlar® has been utilized in many products over the years, demonstrating itself to be a highly versatile material. For the purpose of this document Aramid Fiber or Kevlar® properties, which are highlighted is the lightweight, flexible and cut resistant aspects of this material.

In prior art golf equipment theft prevention patents to Davis, Sr. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,312), McCue (U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,043), and Voelkner (U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,247), all are addressing the golfer's dilemma of safely and efficiently securing their golf equipment from theft. However, the above, mentioned prior art fails to address several very important aspects. Since the prior art where they are addressing the prevention of theft of golf equipment fails to supply the invention with the use of Aramid Fiber or Kevlar® as its source of material composition. Aramid Fiber or Kevlar® allows the said invention a considerable speed and ease of manufacture. In addition a light weight and flexible material, which does not add undue weight to ones golf equipment at the same time allowing the user to fold the invention and place it within the golf bag if so desired. The above-mentioned prior art in addition fail to mention the use of a tether cable and its specific ability to secure the said invention to attachment points within the trunk of ones motor vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of the invention, illustrating the three different layers of material. The invention is viewed from the side, with a cut away view, demonstrating the layering of the fabrics.

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of the invention, as it would be viewed atop a golf bag. The drawing illustrates the proximity of the locking cable to the golf bag handle as well as the locking collar with its attachment locations to the bottom of the golf bag. In this figure drawing the locking tether is viewed with its attachment to the cover as well as the locking collar. The invention is viewed from the side and slightly rearward.

FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of the invention as it attaches to the bottom of the golf bag. The locking collar is viewed as well as the locking tether. The invention is viewed from a dorsal view, as one would look at the bottom of a golf bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the various drawing figures. Description of the invention is as follows. The golf bag cover 1 is placed on top of golf bag 13, by traditional methods. Once the cover 1 is placed on top of golf bag 13, the golf equipment in this case the golf clubs are within the golf bag cover 1. Locking cable 3 can then be located under golf bag 13 lifting handle 11 and either locked to it self or locked to a fixed object. The invention has a lower retaining collar 12, which is placed and attached to the bottom of the golf bag 13 by using the tether cable 8 in an cinching fashion as seen in FIG. 3. The tether cable 8 then ascends through retaining cable lower portion 10 along the rear margin of the golf bag to attach its top anchor point 9 to the cover rear attachment point 7 FIG. 2. The lower retaining collar 12, attaches to the bottom of the golf bag 14 by tether cable 8 as well as the webbing material along the dorsum of the golf bag 13.

The invention has along its horizontal and lower margin a seam or hem 2, which encases locking cable 3 FIG. 1. The seam is consistent with the cover in that it also has three layers of fabric, including its' middle layer of Aramid fiber or Kevlar®, as this offers a cut, tear and puncture resistant seam or hem. The cover 1, as seen in FIG. 1 has layered fabrics. The innermost layer 6 offers a scratch resistant ripstop fabric, as this will be in contact with the users golf equipment, for this discussion golf clubs. While, the middle layer 5 is Aramid fiber or Kevlar® fibers, offering a cut, puncture and tear resistant quality to the invention. In addition the invention has an outer layer 4, consistent with a weather resistant cordora fabric.

The golf bag cover of the present invention clearly states several important advantages. The golf bag cover demonstrates ease of manufacturing from highly durable materials. The golf bag cover in addition provides a high level of theft protection for ones golf equipment. In addition the golf bag cover as described is of lightweight material and adds a minimum of weight to transport.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The following invention relates to golf equipment security and the prevention of theft. More specifically golf bags and golf equipment including golf clubs and associated golf accessories held with in.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a golf bag cover for theft prevention of golf equipment.

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/819,337, filed Jul. 7, 2006 and hereby incorporated by reference herein.

It is an object of the invention to provide a golf bag cover, which is simple in construction and ease of manufacturing. All the while, utilizing modern fiber technology in Aramid Fiber or Kevlar®.

As noted prior with use of Aramid Fiber or Kevlar®, the invention provides the user with a material which will not be destroyed by a thief attempting unauthorized access to ones golf equipment when left unattended.

The invention utilizes layered fabrics to acquire a shape similar to existing well known golf bag covers, supplied by golf bag manufactures. The fabrics are layered in such a way as to supply a soft interface between the covers innermost layer and ones golf equipment within the golf bag. The middle layer of Aramid Fiber or Kevlar® supplying the cover with a highly cut resistant layer preventing the theft of golf equipment. The outermost layer comprised of a golf bag construction standard for weather repellency and durability. With the use of Aramid Fiber or Kevlar® the invention adds a minimum of weight to ones golf bag. The cover having a seam along the bottom, with strategically positioned openings.

The invention, having a zipper along a vertical seam, allowing ease of access to ones golf equipment, while not having to remove the invention during play. The eye of the zipper is then locked in its closed position, inhibiting opening and unauthorized access to ones golf equipment when left unattended.

The invention, having a cable, which passes within the hem of the cover. The cable has the ability to pass through the openings of the hem and underneath portions of the golf bag, impairing the ability to lift the cover off of the golf bag once affixed.

The invention, having a first locking mechanism, which attaches one end of the cable unto the opposing end of the cable, affixing the cover to the golf bag.

The invention, having a clip, which can be utilized if ones golf bag fails to present with a suitable anchorage structure for the cable to affix. The said clip is attached to the top rim of the golf bag with a clamping mechanism.

The invention, having a second locking mechanism for affixing the zipper in its closed position to the cable.

The invention having a second cable, whose function it is to tether the invention, the golf bag and its contents to any immovable object.

Claims

1. A golf bag cover for theft prevention of golf equipment, including:

a cover having a plurality of layers including an inner most layer of ripstop, and an outermost layer of cordora, and in between said inner most layer and said outermost layer a middle layer of Aramid Fiber or Kevlar®; and

a metal braided cable at top of bag; and

a first locking mechanism for retaining opposing ends of said metal braided cable; and

a second locking mechanism for affixing the eye of the zipper in its closed position to said metal braided cable; and

a clip as an attachment point for said metal braided cable, in the event ones golf bag does not offer a suitable attachment point.

2. A golf bag cover for theft prevention of golf equipment of claim 1 wherein; said cover along its inferior border has a hem, where said hem also reflects the plurality of layers, and said hem offers a course of travel for said metal braided cable.

3. A golf bag cover for theft prevention of golf equipment of claim 2 wherein; said hem has a plurality of cutouts to mirror the topography of the outside top rim portion of the said golf bag, while allowing the said hem to retain a position along the top rim portion of said golf bag. Such that when the said metal braided cable is positioned with in said hem it passes under structures of said golf bag, for example the pop out legs associated with a stand golf bag, and or the handle one uses to lift said golf bag, retaining said cover securely to the top of said golf bag.

4. A golf bag cover for theft prevention of golf equipment of claim 1 wherein; said metal braided cable is enclosed within said hem, said braided cable enters and exits said hem cutouts, allowing said braided cable to maintain contact to said top rim portion of golf bag.

5. A golf bag cover for theft prevention of golf equipment of claim 1 wherein; said cover has a zipper, which has a vertical orientation, from said hem to a cranial position of said cover.

6. A golf bag cover for theft prevention of golf equipment of claim 1 wherein; said clip comprises an inner leg and an outer leg affixed to via a hinge, said clip also has a thumbscrew. Said clip acquires a position along the top rim of said golf bag.

7. A golf bag cover for theft prevention of golf equipment of claim 6 wherein; the said inner leg is positioned within the said golf bag and offers a shape congruent with the shape of the inside top rim of said golf bag.

8. A golf bag cover for theft prevention of golf equipment of claim 6 wherein; said outer leg is positioned outside the said golf bag and has a shape being straight.

9. A golf bag cover for theft prevention of golf equipment of claim 6 wherein; said thumb screw when placed under tension, creates a pinching effect in respect to said inner leg and outer leg in effect not allowing said clip to be pulled in a vertical direction from the top rim of said golf bag.

10. A golf bag cover for theft prevention of golf equipment of claim 6 wherein; said clip outer leg at its caudal end a loop to allow the said metal braided cable to pass within, retaining said cover to the said top rim of golf bag.

11. A golf bag cover for theft prevention of golf equipment having a tether cable, which once locked via second locking mechanism secures the said cover and said golf equipment to an immovable object.