GOLF BAG SAVER

Abstract

A protective sleeve covering for a golf bag includes a panel member shaped to conform to, cover, and be retained on at least a portion of one or more top edges of an interior partition of a golf bag, the panel member of a sufficiently rigid material with a non-damaging surface with respect to materials of construction of golf-clubs.

Description

BACKGROUND

Golf is a very popular outdoor sporting game that is played on a golf course. The game involves different golf clubs, for example, woods, irons, and putters, each selected to impart an optimal drive to a golf ball towards a target or hole during a specific phase of the game.

For easy storage and convenient transportation to and from golf courses and between holes, the golf clubs are usually kept together in a golf bag. To that end, a conventional golf bag is partitioned to provide individual compartments for storing the different types of golf clubs. Partitions may include a plastic molded top collar or straps that extend across the opening of the bag. Other types of partitions include inserts that extend at least partially, or a full length from a top collar of the bag to a bottom member of the bag.

Soft, non-abrasive fabrics and other materials are sewn or attached to cover the partitions or straps to further protect the clubs from constant rubbing of shafts and grips that result in damage to the clubs. Over time, the partitions and coverings become damaged due to abrasion from insertion and removal of golf clubs. The fabrics, plastic, and other materials start to wear and break down.

Consequently, improvements and enhancements to golf club bags are needed to further their life.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure involves protective sleeves used to protect partitioning or collars in a golf bag and thus extend the life of a golf bag.

A protective sleeve covering for a golf bag comprises a panel member shaped to conform to at least a portion of one or more top edges of interior partitions of a golf bag.

Also, an exemplary protective sleeve covering is intended for a golf bag that has interior partitions that extend across the opening of the bag. The covering comprises a panel member with an inverted U-shape cross-section configured to be removably disposed over and extending along a top of a partition with protective members extending down sides of the partition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional golf bag.

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of an exemplary protective sleeve covering.

FIG. 2b is a back view of an exemplary protective sleeve covering.

FIG. 2c is a front view of an exemplary protective sleeve covering.

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of an exemplary protective sleeve covering.

FIG. 3b is a back view of an exemplary protective sleeve covering.

FIG. 3c is a front view of an exemplary protective sleeve covering.

FIG. 4a is an extruded view of two exemplary protective sleeve coverings and a golf bag.

FIG. 4b is an extruded view of two exemplary protective sleeve coverings and a golf bag.

FIG. 4c is a perspective view of two exemplary protective sleeve coverings attached to a golf bag.

FIG. 4d is a perspective view of three exemplary protective sleeve coverings attached to a golf bag.

FIG. 5a is a bottom view of a sleeve covering that includes layers.

FIG. 5b is a perspective view of a sleeve covering that includes a layer.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sleeve covering that includes an outer shell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following relates to protective sleeve coverings for golf bags.

An exemplary protective sleeve covering for a golf bag comprises a panel member shaped to conform to at least a portion of one or more top edges of interior partitions of a golf bag.

Also, an exemplary protective sleeve covering is intended for a golf bag that has interior partitions that extend across the opening of the bag. The covering comprises a panel member with an inverted U-shape cross-section configured to be removably disposed over and extending along a top of a partition with protective members extending down sides of the partition.

A conventional golf bag is designed to keep golf clubs organized and promote quick and easy retrieval of the various clubs during a game. It is also designed to prevent the handles from rocking about in the bottom of a golf bag during transportation or from becoming entangled with each other which may cause damage, breakage or undesirable scratches. For example, good golf bags are typically formed with a number of small compartments which are small enough to limit excessive and undesirable movement of the clubs.

A typical golf bag is an elongate bag with a rigid molded top collar and a closed molded bottom member at its longitudinal ends together with a circumferential enclosure extending between the top collar and the bottom member. The bag generally includes a hollow and substantially cylindrical body. The bottom end of the bag is closed while the top end remains open. The longitudinal length of the cylindrical body is approximately equal to the length of the golf clubs.

Small compartments are generally formed by rigid or flexible partitioning members or dividing straps which are taut and which extend between the molded top collar member and the molded bottom member of the golf bag. To provide for a framework of compartments, a rigid partitioning member forming a grid of rigid ridges which defines the peripheral walls of the compartments is usually formed across the aperture defined by the top collar member. Partitioning members may extend between the molded top collar member and the molded bottom member of a golf bag. They may extend partially, such as 2″-3″, 3″-4″, 4″-5″, 6″-7″, 7″-8″, 9″-10″, 10″-11″, 11″-12″, or more. They may also extend the entire distance. For straps, flexible straps are usually made, for example, of fabric, such as nylon or polyester, which are lightweight and gentle to the shafts of golf clubs.

An exemplary collar for defining partitions may be a rigid molded top collar and the bottom a closed molded bottom at its longitudinal ends together with a circumferential enclosure extending between the top and bottom member. The top collar is usually supported from the bottom member by a plurality of rigid stays which are distributed around the edge of the bottom member and which are typically rigid plastic posts extending between the top collar and the bottom member. Golf clubs are usually stored in a golf bag with the club heads protruding above a cushioned partitioning member formed on the top collar and with the handles resting on the upper surface of the bottom member. As the bottom member has to bear almost all the weight of golf clubs, it must be reasonably strong and is usually a molded piece made of hard plastics.

The flexible partitioning members may crisscross each other, for example, with a first set of one or more partitioning members or straps running parallel to each other, and a second set of one or more partitioning members also running parallel to each other, the two sets being angled or perpendicular with respect to each other.

The partitioning members may be flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid. The material of the members may be nylon or polyester or other material. Other variations are also anticipated. The partitioning members may be coupled or otherwise attached to the golf bag. For example, the partitioning members may include fastening structure for engagement with the top collar.

Golf clubs easily wear out the upper portions of the partitions. Turning to FIG. 1, a conventional golf bag 100 is shown, including interior partitions 106a and 106b. A fabric 108 covers the partitions 106a and 106b so as to protect the partitions against wear and tear, particularly, wear and tear from abrasion due to golf clubs. It is difficult to replace a used partition with a new one. As seen, a damaged region 110 includes a tear to the fabric 108 which leaves a surface of the partition 106a exposed. This can make the golf clubs susceptible to abrasive forces which can damage the golf shaft and ultimately affect a golf swing if it breaks. It can also cause further damage to the golf bag 100.

Turning to FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, and 3c, various views of exemplary protective sleeve coverings 102 and 104 are shown. The sleeve coverings 102 and 104 are used to repair the golf bag and protect against the onset of further damage. FIGS. 2a and 3a depict perspective views of respective sleeve coverings 102 and 104. FIGS. 2b and 3b depict back side views and FIGS. 2c and 3c depict top views. Sleeve coverings come in different sizes to accommodate different dimensions of interior partitions. For example, sleeve covering 102 is shown with a narrower width than sleeve covering 104.

Each sleeve covering is made of a flat panel that is folded over to form an inverted U-shape cross-section such that two protective members extend from sides of the fold, the members having surfaces on a same side of the panel member that face each other, the members extending from the fold in a parallel manner. The panel may be a rectangular shape with uniform width, and when the panel is formed into a U-shape, the width of the front protective member and back protective member are thus equal. Variations include non-uniform width too.

Sleeve covering 102 includes front protective member 114a and back protective member 114b. Sleeve covering 104 includes front protective member 115a and back protective member 115b. Corners of the sleeve covering are shown as being curved or rounded so as to avoid damaging the golf bag and the fabric 108 in the golf bag. Also, the rounded corners prevent scraping or cutting of golf clubs.

The front protective member 114a and 115a may have a length that is shorter than the length of the back protective member 114b and 115b. The length shown is approximately ¾ of the length of the back protective member 114b and 115b. The length may alternatively be ⅝, ⅔, or other length. Also, the length may be described as providing a 0.25″, 0.30″, 0.35″, 0.40″, 0.50″, 0.55″, 0.60″, 0.65″, 0.70″, 0.75″, 1.00″, 1.25″, 1.50″, and 1.75″ difference between lengths. The exemplary lengths are not to be limiting, with the lengths varying by increments of 0.01″ and shorter or longer lengths anticipated. For example, a 2″, 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″, and 7″ difference is also anticipated, as well as other lengths. The back protective member may also have a length that extends the length of the bag or a substantial portion of the length of the bag.

The front protective members 114a and 115a are shown angled from the fold toward respective back protective members 114b and 115b. The back protective members 114b and 115b are shown flat in relation to the angled front members. After the fold, the front protective member 114a angles such that it gradually increases in proximity to the second protective member 114b. The highpoint of proximity may occur at distal ends, however, the front protective member 114a may be shorter in length such that it extends only a portion of the length of the second protective member 114b. Also, the front protective member 114a may have a sharp angle, such as a 60-80 degree angle that makes the front protective member extend less than the second protective member. Any range of angles is anticipated.

Instead of only the angled front protective member 114a having an angle, both protective members 114a and 114b may be mutually angled toward each other. One member may have a sharper angle than the other member.

Protective members may be contacting each other and then separated away from each other in a clip-like manner to allow space for them to be slidably engaged to the interior partition. Having resilient properties or memory spring-like action allows the protective members to move toward each other upon release and result in a clamp hold around the interior partitions. This makes the sleeve covering stay in place.

Ends of front protective members 114a and 115a may come into contact with respective surfaces of back protective members 114b and 115b. Alternatively, a small gap may remain, such as a 0.01″−0.05″, 0.05″-1.0″, 1.05″-1.10″, 1.15″-1.20″. The small gap may be the less than, the same, or approximately the same, as a thickness of an interior partition of the golf bag. The material of the sleeve coverings may have properties that include being resilient, flexible, elastic, or snap-like. Properties may allow the protective members to be pulled away from each other and then returned to their original position. This allows the protective members to be slidably engaged around the interior partitions for a tight friction fit as the protective members are inclined to return to their original position. Also, the material may be sufficiently rigid with a non-damaging surface with respect to materials of construction of golf clubs. The surface may be, for example, slick, smooth, or have a glossy finish. The inner facing surface of the protective members may have a different type of surface than the outer facing surface.

The sleeve coverings may further include a notch, like the notch 112 shown in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3c on front protective member 115a. The notch 112 is an opening on the front protective member that allows the sleeve covering to fit around intersecting walls of interior partitions or other barriers. The notch may be located at any position from side to side of the front protective member. The notch as shown is located in the center of the front protective member. The notch 112 is dimensioned with appropriate length, height, and width to accommodate the intersecting walls, or barriers.

At the top of the notch, near the fold of the sleeve covering, the notch may be square, or rectangular, with curved or rounded corners, to prevent sharp edges causing damage to the interior partitions and golf clubs. Beveling, chamfering, and other configurations for the edges of the notch are anticipated. Notch 112 is shown as being rectangular with rounded edges at top corners. The notch may extend to the fold or be located just below the fold. Notch 112 is shown being located below the fold. Exemplary heights of the notch may be located below the fold by 0.10″-0.50″, 0.50″−0.75″, 0.75″-1.0″, 1.0″-1.25″, 1.50″-1.75″, 1.75″-2.00″, 2.00″-2.25″, and 2.25″-2.50″. Also, note that more than one notch may be incorporated. Each notch may have different dimensions to accommodate the interior partitions and other barriers.

Turning to FIGS. 4a and 4b, respective sleeve coverings 202 and 204 are shown being inserted into a golf bag. Sleeve covering 204 is shown being used to protect a damaged area while sleeve covering 202 is shown being used as a preventative measure to protect an undamaged area. Sleeve coverings 202, 204, 302, and 304 are lowered into the bag around respective interior partitions 206a, 206b, 306a, and 306b. The fit may be a tight, friction fit, or alternatively, a loose fit.

Sleeve covering 202 is shown with an angled front protective member 214a in FIG. 4a. Sleeve covering 302 is shown with a straight front protective member in FIG. 4b. The straight configuration allows for a slidable engagement which can still be a friction fit or clip-like fit.

FIG. 4c shows the sleeve coverings 302 and 304 after being inserted into golf bag 301. Sleeve covering 302 is shown slidably engaged to interior partition 306a. Sleeve covering 304 is shown slidably engaged to interior partition 306b.

FIG. 4d shows a variation of use with a series of narrow sleeve coverings 302a, 302b, and 302c being used to cover partitions 306a and 306b. Other variations are also anticipated.

Properties of the sleeve covering may further be enhanced by adding one or more layers on to one or more of the front and back protective members and fold. Each layer may be of a hook and loop nature, Velcro™, a material (e.g., felt, cotton, nylon, foam, polyester, blend, canvas, rubber, etc.), or any combination thereof. The layer may cover a substantial portion or an entire surface of the front sleeve covering. For example, the layer may cover an interior or exterior of the front protective member, back protective member, or notch area. As shown in FIG. 5a, exemplary hook and loop layers 416a, 416b, and 416c are attached to sleeve covering 404. Layer 416a is attached to exterior facing surface of back protective member 415b. Layer 416c is attached to interior facing surface of front protective member 415a. Layer 416b is attached to interior facing surface of back protective member 415b as shown in FIG. 5b. Although not shown, a layer may cover an exterior facing surface of front protective member, interior facing surface of notch area, and exterior facing surface of notch area.

As shown in FIG. 6, a sleeve covering 402 includes an outer shell 419, which includes a covering with an opening that fits over the sleeve covering, enclosing the covering. The covering is shown with one opening to engage the covering, but more than one opening may be had. For example, an opening may be present at both ends. Alternatively, the opening may be a side opening.

The outer shell 419 may be made of a material, such as fabric (e.g., cotton, modal, silk, rayon, wool, linen, etc.), plastic (e.g., nylon, polyester, acrylic, polymeric, vinyl, canvas, combination thereof or other material. The outer shell may further include a coating, such as a plastic coating, absorbent fabric coating, or other type of coating. Also, the outer shell may have a smooth surface or a texture, such as a rough texture, bumpy texture, or other texture.

The fit of the shell 419 may be a tight fit. For example, the shell may include elastic properties for a stretchy pull-on type fit. Also, the shell may have a closure at the base which effectively closes the opening. For example, a Velcro or hook and loop closure may be used. A zipper, snap, button, tie, and any other type of closure or locking structure known in the art may be used.

The properties of the layer may include being non-abrasive, cushioning, absorbent, water-resistant, lightweight, smooth, soft, sponge-like, as well as other properties. Note that the layers may be located around outer edges, and around edges that define a notch. Also, the layer may extend between opposite ends of a sleeve covering.

Alternative constructions include the sleeve coverings incorporating texture. For example, roughening, indentations, and other types of texture may be used to enhance a friction fit or provide a better surface that protects against abrasion. Also, the protective members may include an undulating wave-like surface on interior or exterior surfaces. This may help with acts of engaging partitions and further enhance the tightness of the fit on partitions.

The sleeve covering may be comprised of a hard material such as a hard rubber. The material should not be harder than materials used in golf-club construction, or have hard or abrasive surfaces, so that they will not damage the golf club shafts or other components. For example, the covering may be made of plastic, fiberglass, or other material. The material may be a durable, flexible material. The material may be rigid or semi-rigid sufficient to maintain the shape of the covering, and sufficient for the covering to be retained on the partition top edge. To this end, the material may further include a high friction surface adjacent the partition surface such that the material may resist twisting or deformation.

Alternative construction includes a composition of two pieces or three pieces that are connected or otherwise joined together. For example, the two protective members may be connected with a hinge or joint-like structure. In another example, the two protective members may fit together in a joined or locking manner to act as a single unit.

While this invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention, and that the invention, as described by the claims, is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the invention which do not depart from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A protective sleeve covering for a golf bag comprising:

a panel member shaped to conform to, cover, and be retained on at least a portion of one or more top edges of an interior partition of a golf bag, the panel member of a sufficiently rigid material with a non-damaging surface with respect to materials of construction of golf-clubs.

2. A protective sleeve covering for a golf bag having interior partitions with tops extending across the opening of the bag, the protective covering comprising:

a panel member with inverted U-shape cross-section configured to be removably disposed over and extending along a top of a partition with protective members extending down sides of the partition, the panel material of a sufficiently rigid property with a non-damaging surface with respect to materials of construction of golf-clubs.

3. The protective sleeve covering in claim 1, wherein the panel member is shaped as a folded over to a U-shape cross-section such that two protective members extend from sides of the fold, the members having surfaces on a same side of the panel member that face each other.

4. The protective sleeve covering in claim 3, wherein the facing surfaces of the protective members face each other in parallel manner.

5. The protective sleeve covering in claim 3, wherein a first protective member is angled relative toward a second protective member, with increasing proximity toward distal ends.

6. The protective sleeve covering in claim 3, wherein the two protective members are flat and folded in a curve.

7. The protective sleeve covering in claim 5, wherein the fold is defined by a rounded curvature at a fold line that does not include sharp corners.

8. The protective sleeve covering in claim 1, wherein the panel is folded over to form a U-shape cross-section so as to form an insert opening between protective members of the U-shape in which inner facing surfaces are configured to slidably and removably engage the partition.

9. The protective sleeve covering in claim 1, wherein the panel member includes a resilient material that maintains an original folded shape.

10. The protective sleeve covering in claim 4, wherein the first surface is shorter than the second surface.

11. The protective sleeve covering in claim 4, further including at least one notch located on the first or second surfaces, the notch configured to surround a partition intersection.

12. The protective sleeve covering in claim 10, wherein the notch includes rounded edges that are not sharp.

13. The protective sleeve covering in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of inner facing surfaces of the U-shaped cross-section or outer surfaces of the sleeve covering are textured.

14. The protective sleeve covering in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of inner facing surfaces of the U-shaped cross-section or outer surfaces of the sleeve covering further comprise a cushioning material.

15. The protective sleeve covering in claim 14, wherein the material includes a hook and loop material.

16. The protective sleeve covering in claim 1, wherein the covering is made of durable plastic.

17. The protective sleeve covering in claim 4, wherein the first surface extends less than a half length of the second surface.

18. The protective sleeve covering in claim 1, wherein peripheral edges of the covering include curvature such that no sharp edges are present.

19. The protective sleeve covering in claim 1, wherein the covering includes lightweight, water-resistant properties.

20. A protective sleeve covering for a golf bag with a partition extending across the opening of the bag, the protective covering comprising:

a panel member with inverted U-shape cross-section configured to be removably disposed over and extending along a top of the partition with protective members extending down sides of the partition,

the panel material of a sufficiently rigid property with a non-damaging surface with respect to materials of construction of golf-clubs, and

the panel material having resilient properties that allow the protective members to be pulled away from each other and then returned to their original position and which provides for a tight friction fit as the protective members are slidably engage around the partition.