GOLF ACCESSORY ACCENTING SYSTEM

A golf accessory accenting system utilizes one or more accent groups to coordinate golf accessories with a user's outfit. Each accent group include a plurality of replaceable accent pieces that may be coordinated for use on or with one or more golf accessory, including a golf hat (such as a golf visor or a baseball cap), a golf glove, a belt, golf shoes, a golf bag, a golf towel, one or more equipment storage bags, and the like, to accent, customize and coordinate a golfer's outfit and full ensemble based on color, pattern, style, texture, or the like. Accent pieces may be swatches, strips or bands of ribbon or fabric cut and sized to be added to a golf accessory as an accent of color, style or texture, and removably fastened thereto by means of fasteners so that they can be easily removed, replaced, and mixed-and-matched as desired.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/435,574, filed Jan. 24, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an accessory accenting system for golfers, and more particularly to a system specifically directed to a female golfer for coordinating her golf accessories with her golf outfit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the concerns of golfers who desire to have their golf accessories complement their golfwear. Golfers commonly have numerous accessories that they wear or use during and after a round of golf. Such accessories include a golf hat (such as a golf visor or a baseball cap), a golf glove, a belt, golf shoes, a golf bag, a golf towel, and one or more equipment storage bags. Often, the same accessories are used for every round of golf, even though the golfer's outfit may change. If one wanted to coordinate her accessories with her outfit, she would need to purchase an additional set of accessories, such as another pair of golf shoes, and an extra hat, golf glove, belt, golf bag, golf towel, and equipment storage bags to particularly match or complement each outfit. For several golf outfits, one would need to buy many sets of accessories, which can be very expensive.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a system whereby a golfer can easily alter her golf accessories and equipment to coordinate with her golf outfit(s) without requiring said golfer to purchase new accessories or equipment for each outfit. Further, there is a general need for a system whereby a golfer can accent her golf accessories in a customized manner to as to provide both her outfit and her golf accessories with some color, style and texture. Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a system whereby replaceable accent pieces are used on one or more golf accessories, including a golf hat (such as a golf visor or a baseball cap), a golf glove, a belt, golf shoes, a golf bag, a golf towel, and one or more equipment storage bags, and whereby such accent pieces can be easily removed and replaced as desired. Moreover, it is a general object of the present invention to have a system wherein removal and replacement of said accent pieces does not affect the structure or functionality of the golf accessories with which they are used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a golf accessory accenting system is provided. As disclosed herein, replaceable accent pieces are provided and coordinated for use on or with one or more golf accessory, including a golf hat (such as a golf visor or a baseball cap), a golf glove, a belt, golf shoes, a golf bag, a golf towel, and one or more equipment storage bags, to coordinate with the golfer's outfit based on color, pattern, style, texture, or the like. In accordance with the present invention, the accent pieces can be easily removed and replaced as desired.

In a first aspect of the present invention, an accessory accenting system comprises an accent group, comprising a plurality of accent pieces each associated with a respective golf accessory, including any of a golf hat (such as a golf visor or a baseball cap), a golf glove, a belt, golf shoes, a golf bag, a golf towel, and one or more equipment storage bags. The accent pieces in a single accent group all preferably utilize a consistent design scheme, comprising a common color, pattern, style, texture, and the like, that can be coordinated with a golfer's golf outfit. In accordance with the present invention, a golfer may have several accent groups, each utilizing its own consistent design scheme, to provide the golfer the ability to accent her golf accessories in a variety of ways, to coordinate her golf accessories with each other in various combinations, and to coordinate her golf accessories with a variety of different golf outfits.

In preferred embodiments, the accent pieces comprise swatches, strips or bands of ribbon or fabric cut and sized to be added to a respective golf accessory to provide an accent of color, style or texture, and which may further be designed to be removably fastened to a golf accessory by means of fasteners, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, clasps, carabiners, buckles, laces, and the like. Accordingly, a golfer can easily change out an accent group before a round of golf to match and accessorize her full golf ensemble for that round. The accent pieces can then be easily removed from the golf accessories after a round, replaced with another accent group, and cleaned as needed.

A feature of the accenting system in accordance with the present invention is that a golfer does not need to buy extra golf accessories (for example, additional pairs of golf shoes) in order to have a fully coordinated golf outfit for each round of golf. For example, the golfer only needs a single belt buckle portion in accordance with the present invention, and change the accenting strap portion as desired with an accent piece that coordinates with or complements her outfit. Likewise, the golfer only needs a single golf hat, and can change the accent color and design displayed on the crown or bill of the hat without needing to break-in or resize a new hat. Similarly, the golfer can continue to use a golf glove that fits to and has been broken in to her hand without having to worry about whether the glove contrasts or clashes with her golf outfit or other accessories. In this manner, the golfer can be consistently accented and coordinated from head to toe and further coordinated with her golf equipment for each round of golf.

Another feature of the accenting system in accordance with the present invention is that a golfer has control over which accent pieces are changed out, and thus can be selective as to how her golf accessories are coordinated. In this manner, the golfer can cross-coordinate accent pieces from multiple accent groups based on color, pattern, style, texture and the like so that complementary accent pieces from two or more accent groups can be used in various combinations to accent a golfer's equipment and outfit.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golf accessory that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using a replaceable accent piece comprises a golf hat, such as a golf visor or a baseball cap, wherein the replaceable accent piece comprises a swatch, strip or band of fabric attached to at least one of the bill, crown or closure means of the hat by fastener means, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles and the like.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golf accessory that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using a replaceable accent piece comprises a golf glove, wherein the replaceable accent piece comprises a decorative and/or ruffled trim attached to the golf glove by fastener means, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, and the like.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golf accessory that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using a replaceable accent piece comprises a golf belt in the form of a belt buckle portion, wherein the replaceable accent piece comprises a belt strap attached to the belt buckle portion by fastener means, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles and the like.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golf accessory that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using a replaceable accent piece comprises golf shoes, wherein the replaceable accent piece comprises at least one of shoe laces or kilties (i.e., an add-on feature designed to cover the shoe laces).

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golf accessory that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using a replaceable accent piece comprises a golf bag, or other equipment storage bags, such as a tote bag, a duffel bag, or golf shoe storage bags, wherein the replaceable accent piece comprises a decorative and/or ruffled swatch, strip or band of fabric attached around an opening of the bag by fastener means, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, and the like, or a carrying strap (or a portion thereof) for the bag attached to the bag by fastener means such as snaps, buttons, clasps, carabiners, buckles, and the like.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golf accessory that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using a replaceable accent piece comprises a golf towel, wherein the replaceable accent piece comprises a strap connected between the towel and a golf bag wherein the strap may be attached to the golf towel and/or the golf bag by fastener means, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, clasps, carabiners, buckles, and the like, and may additionally or alternatively be design to be looped around a ring provided on the golf towel and/or the golf bag and connect to itself by fastener means, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, and the like.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in light of the detailed description of embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying images and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a group of golf accessories coordinated with an accent group in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first accent group in accordance with the present invention for coordinating and accenting the group of accessories shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second accent group in accordance with the present invention for coordinating and accenting the group of accessories shown in FIG. 1 as a change from the first accent group of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a golf visor having an accent band in accordance with the accessory accenting system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the golf visor of FIG. 4 with the accent band removed.

FIG. 6 illustrates the golf visor of FIG. 4 with the accent band partially removed.

FIG. 7 illustrates a golf glove having an accent ruffle in accordance with the accessory accenting system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates the golf glove of FIG. 7 with the accent ruffle removed.

FIG. 9 illustrates the golf glove of FIG. 7 with the accent ruffle partially removed.

FIG. 10 illustrates a belt having an accent strap portion in accordance with the accessory accenting system of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates the belt of FIG. 10 with the accent strap portion removed from a belt buckle portion of the belt.

FIG. 12 illustrates the belt buckle portion of the belt of FIG. 10 with the accent strap portion removed.

FIG. 13 partially illustrates the belt of FIG. 10 with one end of the accent strap portion partially attached to the belt buckle portion.

FIG. 14 partially illustrates the belt of FIG. 10 with one end of the accent strap portion partially attached to the belt buckle portion.

FIG. 15 illustrates a golf shoe having an accent kiltie in accordance with the accessory accenting system of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a golf bag having a first accent carrying strap attached to the golf bag in accordance with the accessory accenting system of the present invention and a second loose accent carrying strap, where the first accent carrying strap can be replaced by the second accent carrying strap in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a tote bag having a first set of accent straps attached to the tote bag in accordance with the accessory accenting system of the present invention and a second set of loose accent straps, where the first set of accent straps can be replaced by the second set of accent straps in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a golf shoe bag having an accent trim piece attached to an opening of the bag in accordance with the accessory accenting system of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates the golf shoe bag of FIG. 18 with the accent trim piece partially removed from the bag.

FIG. 20 illustrates a golf towel having a first accent strap attached to the towel in accordance with the accessory accenting system of the present invention and a second accent strap, where the first accent strap can be replaced by the second accent strap in accordance with the present invention.

 DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a golf accessory accenting system, whereby a group of golf accessories 10 can be accented and coordinated by means of various accent groups 20 in order to customize, match and complement a golfer's ensemble as desired. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a group of golf accessories 10 accented and coordinated by means of multiple accent groups 20 in accordance with the present invention is shown. In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, a golfer can accent a number of commonly used golf accessories 10, such as a golf hat 10A (including a golf visor or a baseball cap), a golf glove 10B, a belt 10C, golf shoes 10D, a golf bag 10E, a golf towel 10F, and one or more equipment storage bags 10G (including, for example, a tote bag, a duffel bag, or golf shoe storage bags), to coordinate with her golf outfit. As disclosed herein, each accent group 20 comprises a plurality of replaceable accent pieces 30, each of which may be used with a respective golf accessory 10 to accent that accessory and coordinate it with the golfer's outfit and other accessories 10 based on color, pattern, style, texture, or the like. When more than one replaceable accent piece 30 is used, each with a respective golf accessory 10, the golfer can customize her accessories and equipment with her outfit to create a fully coordinated golf ensemble. In further accordance with the present invention, the accent pieces 30 can be easily removed and replaced as desired, so that the golfer can change accent pieces 30 to keep her accessories and equipment coordinated with her golf outfit from round to round.

Referring to FIG. 1, a golf visor 10A, a golf glove 10B, a belt 10C, and golf shoes 10D (one shown) are illustrated as exemplary golf accessories 10 that a golfer may wish to accent and coordinate with each other and a golf outfit for a round of golf. As noted above, these accessories 10 are just some of the accessories a golfer commonly uses during a round of golf. Additional accessories 10, such as a golf bag 10E, golf towel 10F, and one or more additional equipment storage bags 10G (including a tote bag, a duffel bag, or golf shoe storage bags), are also commonly used during and after a round of golf, and the golf accessory accenting system of the present invention may be used on all or any combination of such accessories 10 without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention.

In general, a golfer can accent and coordinate multiple accessories 10 from the examples provided above using accent groups 20 of replaceable accent pieces 30 correlating to respective accessories 10, such as illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, wherein each accent group 20 utilizes a consistent design scheme, comprising a common color, pattern, style, texture, and the like. A first accent group 201, as shown in FIG. 2, comprises swatches, strips, or bands of fabric, such as ribbon and/or leather, cut and sized to be removably fastened to respective golf accessories 10 by means of fasteners 40, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, clasps, carabiners, buckles, laces, and the like. Specifically, the accent pieces 301 for the first accent group 201, as shown, comprise a detachable band 30A1 for the golf visor 10A, as further shown in FIGS. 4-6 and discussed in more detail below, a decorative ribbon ruffle or trim piece 30B1 for the golf glove 10B, as further shown in FIGS. 7-9 and discussed in more detail below, a removable strap portion 30C1 for the belt 10C, as further shown in FIGS. 10-14 and discussed in more detail below, and kilties 30D1 (i.e., an add-on feature designed to cover the shoe laces) for the golf shoes 10D, as further shown in FIG. 15 and discussed in more detail below. Again, any accent group 20 in accordance with the present invention may include additional accent pieces designed to accent additional golf accessories 10, such as a golf bag 10E, a golf towel 10F, and one or more equipment storage bags 10G, as further illustrated in FIGS. 16-20 and discussed in more detail below.

A second accent group 202, as shown in FIG. 3, can be used by a golfer to replace all or part of the first accent group 201 in order for the golfer to more particularly coordinate her accessories 10 with a different golf outfit. As illustrated, the second accent group 202 comprises a second detachable band 30A2 for the golf visor 10A, a second decorative ribbon ruffle 30B2 for the golf glove 10B, and a second removable strap portion 30C2 for the belt 10C. Though not shown for the second accent group 202, a second set of kilties may also be included for the golf shoes 10D, as well as a second set of accent pieces associated with additional golf accessories, such as a golf bag 10E, a golf towel 10F, and one or more equipment storage bags 10G.

In general, each accent group 20 may comprise all of some of the accent pieces 30 for each of the golf accessories 10. Moreover, the golfer need not change all of the accent pieces together for each round; for example, a single set of kilties 30D may be used on the golfer's shoes 10D with different accent groups. Ideally, a golfer will have multiple accent groups 20 so as to have the capacity to coordinate with a variety of golf outfits, regardless of color, design, style or texture. Indeed, a golfer could customize her outfits by accenting her accessories 10 in a mix-and-match fashion using accent pieces 30 from two or more complementary accent groups 20.

The accent pieces 30 in a single accent group 20 all preferably utilize a consistent design scheme, comprising a color, pattern, style, texture, and the like, that can be coordinated with a golfer's golf outfit. Accordingly, a golfer may have several accent groups 20 to cover a variety of golf outfits. In accordance with the present invention, where a golfer has several accent groups 20, each accent group 20 utilizes its own consistent design scheme, to provide the golfer the ability to accent her golf accessories 10 in a variety of ways, to coordinate her golf accessories 10 with each other in various combinations, and to coordinate her golf accessories 10 with a variety of golf outfits. Accordingly, a golfer can easily change out an accent group 20 before a round of golf to match and accessorize with a particular golf outfit. Each accent group 20 can be easily removed from the golf accessories 10 after a round, replaced with another accent group, and cleaned as needed. Thus, the golfer can customize her look, from head to toe, for each round of golf without needing to buy extra golf accessories (for example, additional hats, belts, golf gloves, and pairs of golf shoes) in order to have a fully coordinated golf outfit for each round of golf.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golf accessory 10 that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using a replaceable accent piece 30 comprises a golf hat 10A, such as a golf visor or a baseball cap, wherein the replaceable accent piece 30 comprises a swatch, strip or band of fabric 30A attached to at least one of the bill 50, crown 52 or closure means 54 of the hat 10A by fastener means 40, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles and the like. Referring to FIGS. 4-6, a golf visor 10A having a removable accent band 30A is shown. The illustrated accent band 30A comprises a strip of fabric and a plurality of fasteners 40 provided on the backside of the strip. In the embodiment shown, the fabric strip 30A comprises a decorative ribbon portion 56 mixed with a decorative leather portion 58, though other styles and textures can be used. As shown, the fasteners comprise snaps 40, with a portion of the snaps (e.g., a female snap portion 40a) being provided on the back of the accent band 30A and a complementary portion of the snaps (e.g., a male snap portion 40b) being provided on the crown 52 of the visor 10A, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Thus, the golfer can attach the accent band 30A to the visor 10A before a round of golf. The next time a golfer wants to wear the visor 10A for a round of golf, the golfer can easily unsnap and remove the accent band 30A, and replace it with another accent band that more closely matches and coordinates with the golfer's new outfit.

Though FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a replaceable accent piece 30A being removably attached to a golf visor 10A, such an accent piece 30A may also be used on a baseball cap, or other types of hats commonly used for a round of golf. Further, though the accent piece 30 is illustrated as being attached to the crown 52 of the visor 10A, an accent piece 30 may alternatively, or additionally, be removably attached to other portions of the hat 10A for accenting effect, such as the bill or brim 50 of the hat, or the closure means 54 of the hat—i.e., the back portion of an adjustable hat that allows adjustment of the size of the hat via known adjustment means, such as plastic snaps, hook and loop fasteners, slide buckles, and locking buckles. Additionally, though snaps 40 are illustrated for attaching the accent piece 30A to the hat 10A, any type of fastener known in the art may be used to attach the accent band to the golf visor, including buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles, and the like, without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golf accessory 10 that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using a replaceable accent piece 30 comprises a golf glove 10B, wherein the replaceable accent piece 30 comprises a decorative and/or ruffled trim piece 30B attached to the golf glove 10B by fastener means 40, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, and the like. Referring to FIGS. 7-9, a golf glove 10B having a removable accent ruffle 30B is shown. The illustrated accent ruffle 30B comprises a strip of fabric, preferably a decorative ribbon that matches the other accent pieces in the common accent group 20.

As shown in FIGS. 8-9, the accent ruffle 30B includes a hook-and-loop strip 40a with a complementary strip 40b being included on the inside of the golf glove 10B. Thus, the golfer can attach and remove the accent ruffle 30B to the golf glove 10B as desired. Moreover, the golfer can replace the accent ruffle 30B with another accent ruffle or other trim piece where it is desirable to do so in order to match the golf glove 10B with the golfer's outfit. Though hook-and-loop fastener means 40a and 40b are illustrated, any type of fastener known in the art may be used to attach the accent ruffle 30B to the golf glove 10B, including snaps, buttons, a zipper, and the like, without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golf accessory 10 that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using a replaceable accent piece 30 comprises a golf belt 10C, wherein the replaceable accent piece 30 comprises a belt strap 30C attached to a belt buckle portion 60 by fastener means 40, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, buckles and the like. Referring to FIGS. 10-14, a removable accent strap portion 30C attached to a belt buckle portion 60 is shown. The illustrated accent strap portion 30C comprises a strip of fabric, preferably a decorative ribbon that matches the other accent pieces in the common accent group 20.

As shown in FIG. 12, the belt buckle portion 60 comprises two separate parts 60a and 60b that are joined when the belt 10C is buckled in accordance with known operation of a belt. The first part 60a of the belt buckle portion 60 comprises a two-layer strap having a plurality of fasteners 40, preferably snaps, and a buckle 62. The two layers are secured together at the end proximate the buckle 62. The second part 60b of the belt buckle portion 60 comprises a two-layer strap having a plurality of fasteners 40, preferably snaps, and a plurality of adjustment holes 64 for engaging the buckle 62 during intended use of the belt 10C. The two layers are secured together at the end comprising the plurality of adjustment holes 64.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, the snaps 40 used on each part 60a and 60b of the belt buckle portion 60 comprise, in accordance with well known snap designs, a female portion 40a attached to one layer of each buckle portion part 60a and 60b and a male portion 40b attached to the other layer of each buckle portion part 60a and 60b. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13-14, the ends of the accent strap portion 30C for the belt 10C include a plurality of holes 66 for engaging the male portions 40b of the snaps 40 on the buckle portion 60 of the belt 10C. Once the accent strap portion 30C is positioned, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the snaps 40 can be fastened to form the belt 10C. By using a plurality of snaps 40 on each side, twisting movement of the accent strap portion 30C upward and downward relative to the belt buckle portion 60 is prevented. As so designed, the golfer can attach and remove the accent strap portion 30C to and from the buckle portion 60 of the belt 10C as desired. Moreover, the golfer can replace the accent strap portion 30C with another accent strap portion where it is desirable to do so in order to match the belt 10C with the golfer's outfit and other accented accessories. Though snaps 40 are illustrated, any type of fastener known in the art may be used to attach the accent strap portion to the buckle portion of the belt, including buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like, without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention.

In accordance with alternate embodiments of the present invention, the accent strap portion 30C may also be adjustable, allowing the golfer to adjust the size of the belt 10C without affecting the aesthetic appearance of the belt buckle portion 60. For example, one or more leg ratchets can be provided on the accent strap portion 30C to allow the user to adjust and set the length of the strap portion 30C, as needed. Alternatively, the accent strap portion 30C can be provided with extra holes 66, as illustrated in FIG. 14, so that the size of the belt 10C can be adjusted by means in addition to the traditional buckle 62 and strap approach normally associated with the function of a belt 10C. As so designed, the size of the accent strap portion 30C can be adjusted based on which holes 66 engage the snaps 40 of the buckle portion 60 of the belt 10C.

In a preferred embodiment, the belt buckle portion 60 is made of a neutral fabric material, such as leather, since the belt buckle portion 60 is not intended to change from use to use, outfit to outfit, whereas the accent strap portion 30C is designed to change so that the golfer can match and coordinate the belt 10C with each golf outfit as desired. The golfer may own multiple belt buckle portions 60 in different base colors and textures to permit more flexibility in coordinating the belt 10C with a variety of golf outfits and accent groups 20. For example, separate belt buckle portions 60 may be black, brown and white.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golf accessory 10 that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using a replaceable accent piece 30 comprises golf shoes 10D, wherein the replaceable accent piece 30 comprises at least one of shoe laces or kilties. As shown in FIG. 15, a golf shoe 10D having a removable accent kiltie 30D is shown. The illustrated accent kiltie 30D comprises a swatch of fabric, preferably decorative leather or ribbon that matches the other accent pieces in the common accent group 20. Alternatively, the kiltie 30D can be a neutral color that coordinates with multiple accent groups, similar to the belt buckle portion 60 of the belt 10C described above. Each kiltie 30D includes two holes 70 for receiving the laces 72 of a golf shoe 10D. When the laces 72 are tied, the kiltie 30D lies across the instep of the shoe 10D to accent and decorate the front of the shoe 10D.

In alternate embodiment of the present invention, the laces 72 can act as an accent piece 30 for an accent group 20, where the laces 72 are provided in a decorative color or pattern that matches or complements the other accent pieces in the common accent group 20. The golfer can change out the laces 72 of the golf shoes 10D prior to a round of golf so as to coordinate the laces 72 with the golfer's outfit. Decorative laces 72 can also be used in combination with a decorative kiltie 30D for accenting golf shoes.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golf accessory 10 that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using a replaceable accent piece 30 comprises a golf bag 10E, or other equipment storage bags 10G, such as a tote bag, a duffel bag, or golf shoe bags, wherein the replaceable accent piece 30 comprises a decorative and/or ruffled swatch, strip or band of fabric attached around an opening of the bag by fastener means 40, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, and the like, or a carrying strap (or a portion thereof) for the bag attached to the bag by fastener means 40, such as snaps, buttons, clasps, carabiners, buckles, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 16, a golf bag 10E having a first removable accent carrying strap 30E1 attached to the bag 10E is shown. A second removable accent carrying strap 30E2 is also shown, separate from the bag 10E. Each illustrated accent carrying strap 30E1 and 30E2 comprises a strip of fabric, preferably a decorative ribbon that matches the other accent pieces in a common accent group 20. In accordance with the present invention, the first accent carrying strap 30E1 can be removed from the bag 10E and replaced by the second accent carrying strap 30E2 as desired, such as when the second accent carrying strap 30E2 matches or complements a golfer's outfit for a round of golf better than the first accent carrying strap 30E1.

The accent carrying strap 30E can form the entire carrying strap for the golf bag 10E or a portion of the preexisting carrying strap for the golf bag 10E. In the former situation, the accent carrying strap 30E can be attached to the golf bag 10E by common fastening means, such as clasps 40 adapted to engage loops or rings provided on the golf bag 10E. In the latter situation, the accent piece 30 comprises a strip of fabric attached to the preexisting carrying strap by fasteners 40, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, and the like.

Similar accent straps can be used with other types of equipment storage bags, such as tote bags, duffel bags, and golf shoe bags. Referring to FIG. 17, a tote bag 10G having a set of removable accent straps 30G is shown. As illustrated, a first set of accent straps 30G1 from a first accent group 201 is shown attached to the tote bag 10G, and a second set of accent straps 30G2 from a second accent group 202 is shown loose. In accordance with the present invention, the first set of accent straps 30G1 can be removed from the tote bag 10G and replaced by the second set of accent straps 30G2 as desired, such as when the second set of accent straps 30G2 matches or complements a golfer's outfit for a round of golf better than the first set of accent straps 30G1.

The illustrated accent straps 30G1 and 30G2 comprise strips of fabric that match other accent pieces in a common accent group 20. The accent straps 30G1 and 30G2 include clasps 40 on each end that engage grommet openings 80 provided in the tote bag 10G. When the golfer is coordinating her accessories to her golf outfit, she can change out the accent straps 30G for her tote bag 10G when carrying equipment to and from the golf course.

Though the accent pieces 30 in FIGS. 16 and 17 are shown as being used with or as the carrying strap of a bag, an accent piece 30 may also be used to provide a decorative feature around the opening of a bag, be it a golf bag 10E, or another form of equipment storage bag 10G. Referring to FIGS. 18-19, a golf shoe storage bag 10G is shown with a decorative accent trim piece 30G around an opening 82 of the bag 10G. The decorative accent trim piece 30G includes a hook-and-loop strip 40a with a complementary strip 40b being included around the opening 82 of the bag 10G. Thus, the golfer can attach and remove the accent trim piece 30G to and from the bag 10G as desired. Moreover, the golfer can replace the accent trim piece 30G with another accent trim piece where it is desirable to do so in order to match the bag 10G with the golfer's outfit. Though hook-and-loop fastener means 40a and 40b are illustrated, any type of fastener known in the art may be used to attach the accent trim piece 30G to the opening 82 of the bag 10G, including snaps, buttons, a zipper, and the like, without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the golf accessory 10 that may be coordinated with a golfer's outfit using a replaceable accent piece 30 comprises a golf towel 10F, wherein the replaceable accent piece 30 comprises a strap 30F connected between the towel 10F and a golf bag 10E, wherein the strap 30F may be attached to the golf towel 10F and or the golf bag 10E by fastener means 40, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, clasps, carabiners, buckles, and the like, and may additionally or alternatively be design to be looped around a ring provided on the golf towel 10F and/or the golf bag 10E and connect to itself by fastener means, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, and the like. Referring to FIG. 20, a golf towel 10F is provided with a grommet opening 90 in a corner thereof. An accent strap 30F for use with the towel 10F comprises a strip of fabric looped around a clasp 40 on one end, and adapted for the other end to be looped around a ring provided on a golf bag 10E for attaching the towel 10F to the golf bag 10E.

FIG. 20 shows a first accent strap 30F1 attached to the towel 10F by the clasp 40 and a second loose accent strap 30F2 that can replace the first accent strap 30F1 if the user so desires. The end looped around the ring on the golf bag 10E can be secured by one of a number of known fasteners means 40′, such as snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, and the like. As shown in FIG. 20, snaps 40′ are used to secure this end of the accent strap 30F in place. Thus, the golfer can attach the accent strap 30F to the golf towel before a round of golf. The next time a golfer wants to use the towel 10F for a round of golf, the golfer can easily remove the first accent strap 30F1, and replace it with another accent strap that more closely matches and coordinates with the golfer's new outfit (e.g., the second accent strap 30F2).

Since the accent strap 30F is removably attached to the towel 10F, it can easily be removed so that the towel 10F can be cleaned after a round of golf. Additionally, though a clasp 40 is illustrated for attaching the accent piece 30F to the towel 10F, any type of fastener known in the art may be used to attach the accent strap to the towel, including snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, carabiners, buckles, and the like, without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention.

Each accent group 20 can be supplied in a bag with a coordinated design. The bag can also function as a storage bag for the golfer's golf shoes, such as the golf shoe storage bag 10G illustrated in FIGS. 18-19.

Thought the present invention is illustrated and described with respect to certain golf accessories 10, such as a golf visor or cap 10A, a golf glove 10B, a belt 10C, golf shoes 10D, a golf towel 10F and equipment storage bags 10E and 10G, it may further be used to accent and coordinate additional golf accessories, including jackets, golf club covers, umbrellas, and the like.

In accordance with the present invention, a golfer has control over which accent pieces 30 are changed out, and thus can be selective as to how her golf accessories 10 are coordinated. In this manner, the golfer can cross-coordinate accent pieces 30 from multiple accent groups 20 based on color, pattern, style, texture and the like so that complementary accent pieces 30 from two or more accent groups 20 can be used in various combinations to accent a golfer's equipment and outfit. For example, the golfer's belt 10C and golf shoes 10D can use accent pieces 30 from a first accent group (e.g., the accent group 201 illustrated in FIG. 2), while her visor 10A and golf glove 10B use accent pieces 30 from a second accent group (e.g., the accent group 202 illustrated in FIG. 3), where the two accent groups may, for example, use complementary patterns sharing a common base color. Additionally, the golfer's towel 10F and golf bag 10E can use accent pieces 30 from a third accent group, perhaps in a solid color that matches or complements the coloring of the first and second accent groups.

Even though the present invention is generally described herein with respect to a female golfer, it is equally applicable to male golfers and children who wish to accent and coordinate their golf ensembles. Additionally, the present invention also has applicability beyond golf accessories, and may be used to accent and coordinate accessories of non-golfers, such as hats, belts, bags, shoes, and the like, without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention.

The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form discussed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure. The embodiments described were chosen to best illustrate the principles of the invention and practical application thereof to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modification as suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. An accessory accenting system comprising:

an accent group comprising two or more replaceable accent pieces having a common design scheme, wherein each accent piece is adapted for use with a respective accessory.

2. The accessory accenting system of claim 1, wherein each of said accent pieces is removably attachable to its respective accessory by fastening means.

3. The accessory accenting system of claim 2, wherein each accent piece is adapted for use with one of a hat, a glove, a belt, a pair of shoes, a towel, or an equipment storage bag.

4. The accessory accenting system of claim 3, wherein the accessory is a hat and the associated accent piece comprises a strip of fabric attachable to at least one of the hat's bill, crown or closure system.

5. The accessory accenting system of claim 3, wherein the accessory is a glove and the associated accent piece comprises a decorative trim piece attachable around a wrist opening of the glove.

6. The accessory accenting system of claim 3, wherein the accessory is a belt comprising a belt buckle portion and an accent strap portion,

said belt buckle portion comprises a first portion and a second portion adapted to engage one another via a belt buckle, and
wherein the associated accent piece comprises the accent strap portion and has a first end removably attachable to the first portion of the belt buckle portion and a second end removably attachable to the second portion of the belt buckle portion.

7. The accessory accenting system of claim 3, wherein the accessory is a pair of shoes and the associated accent piece comprises a kiltie for each shoe attached to said show via laces.

8. The accessory accenting system of claim 3, wherein the accessory is a pair of shoes and the associated accent piece comprises a lace for each shoe.

9. The accessory accenting system of claim 3, wherein the accessory is a towel and the associated accent piece comprises an accent strap attached to the towel.

10. The accessory accenting system of claim 3, wherein the accessory is a bag comprising at least one of a golf bag, a golf shoe storage bag, a tote bag, and a duffel bag, and the associated accent piece comprises a carrying strap removably attachable to said bag.

11. The accessory accenting system of claim 3, wherein the accessory is a bag comprising at least one of a golf bag, a golf shoe storage bag, a tote bag, and a duffel bag, and the associated accent piece comprises a trim piece removably attachable around an opening of said bag.

12. The accessory accenting system of claim 2, comprising a first accent group including accent pieces sharing a common design scheme for use with at least a golf hat, a golf glove, a belt and a pair of golf shoes.

13. The accessory accenting system of claim 12, comprising a second accent group including accent pieces sharing a common design scheme that differs from the design scheme of the first accent group, wherein the accent pieces of the second accent group are for use with at least the golf hat, the golf glove and the belt with which the accent pieces of the first accent group are designed for use with.

14. The accessory accenting system of claim 2 comprising two or more accent groups, wherein each accent group shares a common design scheme, and wherein further, the design schemes of each accent group differ from one another in at least color, pattern, style or texture.

15. The accessory accenting system of claim 14, wherein accent pieces from separate accent groups may be coordinated for use with respective accessories in a common ensemble.

16. A golf accessory accenting system comprising:

at least one accent group comprising two or more replaceable accent pieces, wherein each accent piece is removably attachable to a respective golf accessory selected from the group consisting of a hat, a golf glove, a belt, a pair of golf shoes, a golf towel, and an equipment storage bag.

17. The golf accessory accenting system of claim 16, wherein each of said accent pieces is removably attachable to its respective accessory by fastening means.

18. The accessory accenting system of claim 16 comprising two or more accent groups, wherein each accent group shares a common design scheme, and wherein further, the design schemes of each accent group differ from one another in at least color, pattern, style or texture.

19. The accessory accenting system of claim 18, wherein accent pieces from separate accent groups may be coordinated for use with respective accessories in a common ensemble.

20. A golf accessory accenting system comprising:

a first accent group comprising two or more replaceable accent pieces having a common design scheme, wherein each accent piece is adapted for use with a respective accessory, including at least one of a golf hat, a golf glove, a belt, a pair of golf shoes, a golf towel, or a golf equipment storage bag; and
a second accent group comprising two or more replaceable accent pieces having a common design scheme that differs from the design scheme of the first accent group, wherein each accent piece is adapted for use with a respective accessory, including at least one of a golf hat, a golf glove, a belt, a pair of golf shoes, a golf towel, or a golf equipment storage bag.
Patent History
Publication number: 20120185996
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 24, 2012
Publication Date: Jul 26, 2012
Inventors: Lizabeth K. Goldberg (Glastonbury, CT), Stephanie Jensen (Middle Haddam, CT)
Application Number: 13/357,282
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Attachments (2/160); Trimmings (2/244); Shoe Ornaments (2/245); Combined With Diverse Article (2/209.13); Torso Or Limb Encircling (2/311); Flaccid Attaching Means Looped Around Neck Or Crossing Shoulder (224/600); With Indicia Or Area Modified For Indicia (206/459.5)
International Classification: A41D 27/08 (20060101); A42B 1/24 (20060101); A41D 1/00 (20060101); A41F 9/00 (20060101); A45F 3/02 (20060101); B65D 85/00 (20060101); A43B 23/24 (20060101); A41D 19/00 (20060101);