GOLF CLUB HEAD COVER SUPPORTS

Abstract

Disclosed are golf club head cover supports each including elongate member for the reception of a golf club head cover removed from a head of a golf club. In one support an elongate member extends upright from a clip clipped onto a rim of a golf bag, in another support an elongate member extends upright from a receptacle having a clip clipped onto a rim of a golf bag, in yet another support an elongate member extends upright from a frame near a strap configured to harness a golf bag to the frame, and in a further embodiment an elongate member extends upright from a clip clipped onto a strap configured to secure a golf bag to a frame. Still another embodiment includes a receptacle carried by a strap configured to harness a golf bag to a frame.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to covers for the heads of golf clubs and, more particularly, to supports each for storing a golf club head cover temporarily while the golf club is being used.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf is a cross-country game played by striking a small ball with various clubs from a series of teeing grounds into an arrangement of holes on a course. How a player hits and directs the ball is the essence of the game. The player who holes the ball in the fewest strokes is the winner. Golf requires an investment in course fees, golf clubs, golf balls, related equipment, and a reasonable skill acquired with patience and dedication.

A golf club is an implement used to hit a golf ball. An ordinary golfer carries with them a set of golf clubs, typically a set of woods, a set of irons, at least one putter, and, often, one or more hybrids, and selects an appropriate club to use for each shot. Each club includes a shaft configured with a grip and a club head. Woods are used for long-distance fairway or tee shots and have a large head and a long shaft for maximum club speed. While most woods are of different metals, the term “woods” identifies their shape and intended use and differentiates them from the other club types. Irons, the most versatile class of clubs, are used for a variety of shots, hybrids combine design elements of woods and irons, and putters are used mainly on the greens to roll the ball into the hole. The rules of golf limit the number of a set of clubs to no more than fourteen. A player may choose any combination of legal clubs.

An ordinary golfer transports golf clubs in a golf bag. Carry bags are configured for being carried by the player, have single or dual shoulder straps, and are lightweight. Stand bags are like carry bags but include rigid internal reinforcement and deployable legs, which convert the bag to a tripod enabling it to be securely placed upright on the turf. Cart bags are constructed for being harnessed to a two-wheeled pull cart or a motorized golf cart. They often have rudimentary carry straps or handles for loading and transporting, no stand legs, and feature supplemental storage and substantial construction. Staff bags are the largest class of golf bags. Caddies or other assistants to professional or high-level players use these bags, which are the same size or larger than cart bags, and normally incorporate a single shoulder strap, a large amount of storage for equipment and spare attire, and prominent branding.

Golf clubs are expensive. Accordingly, most golfers use club head covers configured to protect the club heads from striking each other and from weather and incidental damage when stored in the bag, make clubs more identifiable at a glance, and provide a personal touch to the clubs. While covers for woods are the most common, there are covers for all types of clubs.

When golfer selects a club for making a shot, he removes the cover from the club's head and either drops it to the ground or places it over his golf bag or other chosen location, which often leads to the cover becoming misplaced or lost. Additionally, a cover dropped to the ground requires the player to bend down to pick up, which is frustrating and often uncomfortable. While skilled artisans have developed a variety of systems configured to temporarily store a golf club head cover while a golfer uses the club, existing systems are not entirely satisfactory, expensive, difficult to use, and unnecessary complex, thereby necessitating continued improvement in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a golf bag including a body configured to receive golf clubs through an opening defined by a rim of a wall of the body, improvements therein according to the invention including a clip clipped onto the rim, and an elongate member including a lower end and an upper end, the elongate member extending upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the clip and configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from the upper end to support the golf club head cover depending downwardly from the upper end for temporarily storing the golf club head cover when removed from a head of a golf club. The elongate member is longitudinally straight from the lower end to the upper end. The elongate member is solid, being not hollow, from the lower end to the upper end. The clip includes a base extending over the rim from an outer side of the rim to an inner side of the rim, and the elongate member extends upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the base. The clip and the elongate member are in-line and arranged coaxially.

In a golf bag including a body configured to receive golf clubs through an opening defined by a rim of a wall of the body, improvements therein according to the invention including a receptacle configured with a clip clipped onto the rim, an elongate member including a lower end and an upper end, the elongate member extending upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the receptacle and configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from the upper end to support the golf club head cover depending downwardly from the upper end for temporarily storing the golf club head cover when removed from a head of a golf club, and the receptacle and the elongate member configured to enable the receptacle to receive and hold contents without interference from the elongate member. The elongate member is longitudinally straight from the lower end to the upper end. The elongate member is solid, being not hollow, from the lower end to the upper end.

In a frame and a strap configured to secure a golf bag to the frame, improvements therein comprising an elongate member including a lower end and an upper end, the elongate member extending upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the frame adjacent to the strap and configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from the upper end to support the golf club head cover depending downwardly from the upper end for temporarily storing the golf club head cover when removed from a head of a golf club. The elongate member is longitudinally straight from the lower end to the upper end. The elongate member is solid, being not hollow, from the lower end to the upper end.

In a frame and a strap configured to harness a golf bag to the frame, improvements according to the invention including a clip clipped onto the strap, and an elongate member including a lower end and an upper end, the elongate member extending upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the clip and configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from the upper end to support the golf club head cover depending downwardly from the upper end for temporarily storing the golf club head cover when removed from a head of a golf club. The strap includes an inner golf bag engagement side and an outer side, the elongate member includes a distal section between the upper end and the lower end of the elongate member, and the distal section is outboard of the outer side of the strap. The elongate member is solid, being not hollow, from the lower end to the upper end. The clip includes a base extending over the strap from an outer side of the strap to an inner side of the strap, and the elongate member extends upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the base. The strap includes a first end and a second end, and the clip is clipped onto the strap between the first end and the second end.

In a frame and a strap configured to harness a golf bag to the frame, the strap including an inner golf bag engagement side and an outer side, improvements therein according to the invention including a receptacle configured with a retainer secured to the strap, the receptacle positioned outboard of the outer side of the strap. The retainer is a loop retained slidably over the strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific objects and advantages of the invention will become clear to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of golf club head cover support constructed and arranged according to the invention, the golf club head cover support including an elongate member having a lower end and an upper end, the elongate member extending upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to a clip and configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from the upper end to support the golf club head cover depending downwardly from the upper end for temporarily storing the golf club head cover when removed from a head of a golf club;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a golf bag configured with the embodiment of FIG. 1, the golf bag including a body supporting golf clubs receive by the body through an opening defined by a rim of a wall of the body, the clip clipped onto the rim, the elongate member extending upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the clip, and a golf club head cover removed from a head of one of the golf clubs and positioned above the elongate member;

FIG. 6 is a section view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 and additionally illustrating a golf head cover in phantom line positioned over the elongate member;

FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 illustrating the golf club head cover removed from the head of one of the golf clubs and applied over the elongate member to temporarily store the golf club head cover, the golf club head cover depending downwardly over the elongate member;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of support assembly constructed and arranged according to the invention, the support assembly including a receptacle configured with a clip, and a golf club head cover support including an elongate member having a lower end and an upper end, the elongate member extending upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the receptacle and configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from the upper end to support the golf club head cover depending downwardly from the upper end for temporarily storing the golf club head cover when removed from a head of a golf club;

FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 8 with portions of the receptacle broken away for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 8

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 8, the opposite side elevation view being the same thereof;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 8;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a golf bag configured with the embodiment first illustrated in FIG. 8, the golf bag including a body supporting golf clubs received by the body through an opening defined by a rim of the body, the clipped onto the rim supporting the receptacle outboard of the rim, the elongate member extending upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the receptacle, and a golf club head cover removed from a head of one of the golf clubs and positioned above the elongate member;

FIG. 15 is a section view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a view corresponding to FIG. 14 illustrating the golf club head cover removed from the head of one of the golf clubs and applied over the elongate member to temporarily store the golf club head cover;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a golf club head cover support constructed and arranged according to the invention, the golf club head cover support including an elongate member having a lower end and an upper end, the elongate member extending upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to a base and configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from the upper end to support the golf club head cover depending downwardly from the upper end for temporarily storing the golf club head cover when removed from a head of a golf club;

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 17

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view golf clubs carried by a golf bag, a motorized golf cart configured with a frame, a strap securing a golf bag to the frame, and the elongate member of the embodiment first illustrated in FIG. 17 extending upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the base secured to the frame, and a golf club head cover removed from a head of one of the golf clubs and positioned above the elongate member;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a circled area of FIG. 21 illustrating the golf club head cover positioned above the elongate member;

FIG. 23 is a view corresponding to FIG. 22 illustrating the golf club head cover applied over the elongate member to temporarily store the golf club head cover, the golf club head cover depending downwardly over the elongate member;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a golf club head cover support constructed and arranged according to the invention, the golf club head cover support including an elongate member having a lower end and an upper end, the elongate member extending upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to a clip and configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from the upper end to support the golf club head cover depending downwardly from the upper end for temporarily storing the golf club head cover when removed from a head of a golf club;

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an end elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 24 and additionally illustrating a golf head cover in phantom line positioned over a distal section of the elongate member;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a receptacle constructed and arranged according to the invention;

FIG. 28 is a view corresponding to FIG. 27 with portions of the receptacle broken away for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 29 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 27;

FIG. 31 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 27, the opposite side elevation view being the same thereof;

FIG. 32 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 27;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view a motorized golf cart configured with a frame, first and second straps each configured to independently secure a golf bag to the frame, the first strap configured with the embodiment first illustrated in FIG. 24, and the second strap configured with the embodiment first illustrated in FIG. 27;

FIG. 34 is a section view taken along line 34-34 of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the second strap configured with the embodiment first illustrated in FIG. 27;

FIG. 36 is a section view taken along line 36-36 of FIG. 33;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged view corresponding to FIG. 33 illustrating a first set of golf clubs carried by a first golf bag secured to the frame by the first strap, a golf club head cover removed from a head of one of the golf clubs of the first set of golf clubs and positioned above a distal section of the embodiment first illustrated in FIG. 24, and a second set of golf clubs carried by a second golf bag secured to the frame by the second strap; and

FIG. 38 is an enlarged view of a circled area of FIG. 37 illustrating the golf club head cover removed from the head of one of the golf clubs of the first set of golf clubs and positioned over the distal section of the embodiment first illustrated in FIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I

In FIGS. 1-4, a golf club head cover support 50 includes an elongate member 60 and a clip 70. Support 50 is preferably made of plastic, carbon fiber, metal, or other material or material combinations having inherently strong, resilient, rigid, impact-resistant, and weather-resistant material characteristics. Support 50 is configured to be mounted to a rim of an open upper end of a golf bag without having to modify the rim or requiring a special purpose rim and is useful for temporarily storing a golf club head cover removed from a golf club head.

Elongate member 60 is long, slender, and cylindrical in cross-section, and it can have other cross-sectional shapes in alternate embodiments, such as square, triangular, oval, etc. In FIGS. 1-3, elongate member 60 has lower end 62 and an opposed upper end 64 and is longitudinally straight along its length from lower end 62 to upper end 64. The cross-sectional shape and size of elongate member 60 is the same between lower end 62 and upper end 64 for simplicity of construction. Elongate member 60 is unitary and entirely solid, not hollow, from lower end 62 to upper end 64, for strength purposes and disabling it from being easily bent. Elongate member 60 is exemplary of a pole or rod.

Clip 70 is a unitary device configured to grip and hold tightly, and includes opposed, resilient, coactive legs 72 and 74 that depend downwardly from a base or head 76 having an upper surface 78 and an opposed lower surface 80. Legs 72 and 74 depend downwardly from lower surface 80, terminate distally at free ends 72A and 74A, respectively, are bent inwardly toward each other and are configured to frictionally, resiliently, and tightly grip an object inserted therebetween, such as the rim of a golf bag as described below. There is vertical distance between free ends 72A and 74A of legs 72 and 74 and lower surface 80 of base 76 extending between legs 72 and 74.

Elongate member 60 extends upright to upper end 64 from lower end 62 affixed rigidly to upper surface 78 of base 76. Lower end 62 is formed integrally with base 76 in this embodiment, and it can be welded to base 76 or joined to base 76 releasably, such as threadably or by a detent structure, for enabling elongate member 60 to be removed from base 76 for cleaning or replacement.

Support 50 is arranged about longitudinal axis X that extends centrally through support 50 from upper end 64 to lower end 62 and centrally through clip 70. Elongate member 60 is configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from its upper end 64 to support the cover depending downwardly from upper end 64 for temporarily storing the golf club head cover removed from a head of a golf club.

Support 50 is configured for use with a golf bag for temporarily storing a golf club head cover removed from a golf club head. In FIG. 5, a standard golf bag 90 includes a body 92 configured to receive golf clubs 94 through an opening 96 defined by rim 98 of a wall 100 at an upper end or top of body 92 opposing its closed bottom or lower end. In FIGS. 5 and 6, clip 70 clips directly onto rim 98 releasably connecting support 50 to the upper end of golf bag 90 out of the way of opening 96. A user installs clip 70 by orienting support 50 free ends 72A and 74A down aligned over either side of rim 98. He then lowers clip 70 onto rim 98 in the direction of arrow A, forcing rim 98 between free ends 72A and 74A of legs 72 and 74, which slide over either side of rim 98. The inherent resilience of legs 72 and 74 enable them to concurrently grip either side of rim 98 positioned therebetween, which secures clip 70 to rim 98. Legs 72 and 74 extend upright along either side of rim 98 to base 76 from free ends 72A and 74A, respectively, and base 76 extends transversely over rim 100 from leg 72 on one side of rim 98 to leg 74 on the opposite side of rim 98. The vertical distance between free ends 72A and 74A of legs 72 and 74 and lower surface 80 of base 76 extending between legs 72 and 74 determines the depth of rim 98 received between legs 72 and 74. Rim 98 projects upwardly between legs 72 and 74 to lower surface 80 of base 76. Elongate member 60 extends upright to upper end 64 from lower end 62 affixed centrally to upper surface 78 of base 76 directly over rim 98. Clip 70 serves as the support for elongate member 60, and the retention member configured to releasably secure rim 98 without having to modify rim 98 or configuring it as a special purpose rim. The user need only reverse the above installation process to detach support 50 from rim 98.

In use, a user places lower open end 110A of golf club head cover 110 removed from head 95 of golf club 94A over upper end 64 in FIG. 5. He then pulls or otherwise coaxes cover 110 downwardly over elongate member 60 from upper end 64 in the direction of arrow B until upper closed end 110B of cover 110 encounters upper end 64 in FIG. 6 disabling cover 110 from being lowered further. The length of elongate member 60 from lower end to upper end 64 is sufficiently long so cover 110 depends downwardly over elongate member 60 from closed end 110A supported against upper end 64 to open end 110A proximate to and slightly above lower end 62 in FIG. 7. The uncovered club 94A can then be removed from golf bag 90 and put into use. After returning club 94A to golf bag 90, cover 110 conveniently retained upright over elongate member 60 from its open end 110A to its closed end 110B is taken up by hand and withdrawn from elongate member 60 and replaced on head 95 of club 94A. This is done without the user having to bend over when golf bag 90 is customarily supported upright during play. Placing cover 110 over and removing it from elongate member 60 is generally the same as placing cover 110 over and removing it from head 95 of club 94A.

A selected club with its cover can be removed from golf bag 90 independently of any other covered club and support 50. Support 50 does not interfere with the loading and unloading of golf clubs 94 through opening 96 or other clubs stored in golf bag 90. At the end of play, a user can remove support 50 from golf bag 90 by withdrawing clip 70 from over rim 98, and store it within a storage area of golf bag 90 or elsewhere.

II

FIGS. 8-13 illustrate a support assembly 120 constructed and arranged according to another embodiment of the invention. Support assembly 120 is preferably made of plastic, carbon fiber, metal, or other material or material combinations having inherently strong, resilient, rigid, impact-resistant, and weather-resistant material characteristics. Support assembly 120 includes a receptacle 122, an elongate member 124, and a clip 160 affixed to receptacle. Support assembly 120 is useful for temporarily storing personal items and a golf club head cover removed from a golf club head.

Receptacle 122 is a body useful as a container for receiving and holding personal contents placed therein. Receptacle 122 includes continuous sidewall 130 having outer surface 132, inner surface 134 upper edge or rim 136, lower edge 138, and a closed bottom defined by horizontal bottom 140 affixed to lower edge 138. Continuous sidewall 130 extends between lower edge 138 affixed to bottom 140 and rim 136 at the opposed open end of receptacle 122. Bottom 140 cooperates with inner surface 134 to form volume 142. Rim 136 is continuous and encircles opening 144 to volume 142 configured to receive contents placed therein and onto bottom 140 through opening 144 directly over bottom 140 for temporary storage. Continuous sidewall 130 includes opposite front and back walls 150 and 152 that extend between opposite end walls 154 and 156. On back wall 152 is an exposed, standard, rigidly attached clip 160.

Elongate member 124 is long, slender, and cylindrical in cross-section, and it can have other cross-sectional shapes in alternate embodiments, such as square, triangular, oval, etc. In FIG. 9, elongate member 124 has lower end 126 and an opposed upper end 128 is longitudinally straight along its length from lower end 126 to upper end 128, and is arranged about longitudinal axis X1 that extends centrally through elongate member 124 from upper end 128 to lower end 126. The cross-sectional shape and size of elongate member 124 is the same between lower end 126 and upper end 128 for simplicity of construction. Elongate member 124 is unitary and entirely solid, not hollow, from lower end 126 to upper end 128 for strength purposes and disabling it from being easily bent. Elongate member 124 is exemplary of a pole or rod.

Elongate member 124 extends upright to upper end 128 from lower end 126 affixed to receptacle 122 to one side and out of the way of opening 144 for disabling elongate member 124 from interfering with placing items into and withdrawing items from volume 142 through opening 144. In FIG. 9, lower end 126 is positioned against and is affixed rigidly, such as by welding or with a suitable adhesive, to bottom 140 adjacent to the corner of receptacle 122 between back wall 152 and end wall 154. Elongate member 124 extends upright through volume 142 along inner surface 134 of the intersection of back wall 152 and end wall 154 to and beyond opening 144 and rim 136 to upper end 164. Elongate member 124 is preferably affixed rigidly affixed, such as by welding or with a suitable adhesive, to inner surface 134 of back wall 152 and end wall 154. Elongate member 124 is configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from its upper end 128 to support the cover depending downwardly from upper end 128 for temporarily storing the golf club head cover removed from a head of a golf club.

Support 120 is configured for use with a golf bag for temporarily storing by elongate member 124 a golf club head cover removed from a golf club head and personal items by receptacle 122. In FIG. 14, the previously described golf bag 90 includes body 92 configured to receive golf clubs 94 through opening 96 defined by rim 98 of wall 100. In FIGS. 14 and 15, clip 160 clips directly onto rim 98 releasably connecting support 120 to the upper end of golf bag 90 out of the way of opening 96. User installs clip 160 by orienting receptacle 122 upright from bottom 140 to opening 144 outboard of wall 100, aligning clip 160 over rim 98, and lowering clip 160 over rim 98 by lowering support 120 in the direction of arrow C. Clip 160 supports receptacle 122 and it elongate member 120 outboard of wall 100 away from opening 96. Receptacle 122 extends outwardly from wall 100 to front wall 150 from back wall 152 opposing wall 100 of golf bag 90 and upright from bottom 140 to opening 144 enabling contents to be transferred therethrough to and from volume 142. Elongate member 124 supported by receptacle 122 outboard of wall 100 away from opening 96 extends upright from lower end 126 at bottom 140 to opening 144 and beyond rim 136 and opening 144 to upper end 128. Receptacle 122 serves as the support for elongate member 60, and clip 160 serves as the retention member configured to releasably secure rim 98 without having to modify rim 98 or configuring it as a special purpose rim. The user need only reverse the above installation process to detach support 120 from rim 98.

In use, a user places open end 110A of golf club head cover 110 removed from head 95 of golf club 94A over upper end 128 in FIG. 14. He then pulls or otherwise coaxes cover 110 downwardly over elongate member 124 from upper end 128 in the direction of arrow D until closed end 110B of cover 110 encounters upper end 128 disabling cover 110 from being lowered further in the way of the previously described embodiment shown in FIG. 6. The length of elongate member 124 from upper end 128 to rim 136 where elongate member 124 enters volume 142 through opening 142 is sufficiently long so cover 110 depends downwardly over elongate member 124 from closed end 110A supported against upper end 128 to open end 110A proximate to and slightly above upper edge 136 of receptacle 122 and opening 144. The uncovered club 94A can then be removed from golf bag 90 and put into use. After returning club 94A to golf bag 90, cover 110 is taken up by hand and withdrawn from elongate member 124 and replaced on head 95 of club 94A. This is done without the user having to bend over when golf bag 90 is customarily supported upright during play. Placing cover 110 over and removing it from elongate member 124 is generally the same as placing cover 110 over and removing it from head 95 of club 94A. Tees, golf balls, golf markers, a golf glove, and personal items can be conveniently placed into and withdrawn from volume 142 of receptacle 122 through upwardly-facing opening 144. The positioning of elongate member 124 out of the way of opening 144 to volume 142, at one side of receptacle 122 in this example, enables items to be placed into and withdrawn from volume 142 through opening 144 without interference from elongate member 124.

In the present embodiment, elongate member 124 affixed to receptacle 122 extends upright from within volume 142 at one side of receptacle 122. Since elongate member 124 extends upright from within volume 142, sidewall 130 inherently shields the length of elongate member 124 extending upright through volume 142 from contact with external objects. Elongate member 124 can be affixed exteriorly to outer surface 132 in alternate embodiments.

A selected club with its cover can be removed from golf bag 90 independently of any other covered club and support 120. Support 120 does not interfere with the loading and unloading of golf clubs 94 through opening 96 or other clubs stored in golf bag 90. At the end of play, a user can remove support 120 from golf bag 90 by withdrawing clip 160 from over rim 98, and store it within a storage area of golf bag 90 or elsewhere.

III

FIGS. 17-20 illustrate an alternate embodiment of a golf club head cover support 170 including elongate member 180 and base 190. Support 170 is preferably made of plastic, carbon fiber, metal, or other material or material combinations having inherently strong, resilient, rigid, impact-resistant, and weather-resistant material characteristics. Support 170 is useful for temporarily storing a golf club head cover removed from a golf club head.

Referring to FIGS. 17-18 in relevant part, elongate member 180 is long, slender, and cylindrical in cross-section, and it can have other cross-sectional shapes in alternate embodiments, such as square, triangular, oval, etc. Elongate member 180 has lower end 182 and an opposed upper end 184 and is longitudinally straight along its length from lower end 182 to upper end 184. The cross-sectional shape and size of elongate member 180 is the same between lower end 182 and upper end 184 for simplicity of construction. Elongate member 180 is unitary and entirely solid, not hollow, from lower end 182 to upper end 184 for strength purposes and disabling it from being inadvertently bent. Elongate member 180 is exemplary of a pole or rod.

Base 190 is unitary and entirely solid for strength purposes configured to be secured to a support surface, and includes platform 192 and lug 200. Platform 192 has upper surface 194, lower surface 196, and fastener opening 198 extending through platform 192 from upper surface 194 to lower surface 196 for the reception of a fastener. Lug 200 projects upright from upper surface 194 to upper end 202.

Elongate member 180 extends upright to upper end 184 from lower end 182 affixed rigidly to upper end 202 of lug 200. Lower end 182 is formed integrally with upper end 202 in this embodiment, and it can be welded to upper end 202 or joined to upper end 202 releasably, such as threadably or by a detent structure, for enabling elongate member 180 to be removed from base 190 for cleaning or replacement.

Elongate support 180 and lug 200 are arranged about longitudinal axis X2 that extends centrally through elongate member 180 from upper end 184 to lower end 182 and centrally through lug 200. Axis X2 is oblique relative to platform 192. Elongate member 180 is configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from its upper end 184 to support the cover depending downwardly from upper end 184 for temporarily storing the golf club head cover removed from a head of a golf club.

Support 170 is useful for temporarily storing a golf club head cover removed from a golf club head and is specially configured for use with a frame and a strap configured to secure a golf bag to the frame. For example, FIG. 21 illustrates a standard motorized golf cart 210, including a front end 212, a rear end 214, a left side 216, and a right side 218. At rear end 214, there is a standard golf bag receiving frame 220 mounted at an elevated location above an underlying landing platform 240. Frame 220 extends transversely across rear end 214 from a left extremity 222 proximate to the left side 216 of cart 210 to a right extremity 224 proximate to the right side 218 of cart 210. Frame 220 is rigid and of standard construction and configured with a left belt or strap 230 between the middle of frame 220 and left extremity 222 and a right belt or strap 232 between the middle of frame 220 and right extremity 224. Left strap is of standard construction and relates to a left golf bag receiving area 234 over landing platform 240 toward left side 216 of cart 210. Left strap 230 is configured to be secured in a loop by its standard left latch 231. This enables left strap 230 to harness a golf bag to frame 220 between the middle of frame 220 and left extremity 222 when the golf bag extends upright through receiving area 234 to and beyond frame 220 to its open upper from its closed bottom or lower end rested on landing platform 240 and when left strap 230 is looped around and tightened against the golf bag's wall under its open upper end. Right strap 232 is of standard construction and relates to a right golf bag receiving area 236 over landing platform 240 toward right side 218 of cart 210. Right strap 232 is configured to be secured in a loop by its standard right latch 233. This enables right strap 232 to harness a golf bag to frame 220 between the middle of frame 220 and right extremity 224 when the golf bag extends upright through receiving area 236 to and beyond frame 220 to its open upper end from its closed bottom or lower end rested on landing platform 240 and when right strap 230 is looped around and tightened against the golf bag's wall under its open upper end. The left and right straps 230 and 232 are the mirror image of one another, as are the left and right latches 231 and 233.

FIG. 21 additionally illustrates the previously described golf bag 90, including body 92 configured to receive golf clubs 94 through opening 96 at the open upper end of golf bag 90 defined by rim 98 of wall 100 of body 92. Left strap 230 is looped tightly around wall 100 under rim 98 at the open upper end of golf bag 90 and conventionally secured by latch 231 to secure or otherwise harness golf bag 90 to frame 220 adjacent to left extremity 222 of frame 220 at the left side 216 of cart 210, and golf bag 90 extends upright through receiving area 234 to and beyond frame 220 and strap 232 to rim 98 encircling opening 96 at the upper end of golf bag 90 from the lower end of golf bag 90 rested directing upon landing platform 240. With additional reference to FIG. 22, lower surface 196 of platform 192 is set atop left extremity 222 of frame 220 spaced away laterally to the left of golf bag 90 harnessed to frame 220 by left strap 230. Platform 192 is affixed to frame 210 with a suitable threaded fastener 244 received by fastener opening 198 referenced in FIGS. 17 and 20. Platform 192 is positioned so elongate member 180 extends upright along axis X2 extending angularly outward relative left extremity 222 of frame 220 and away golf bag 90 secured in receiving area 234.

In use, a user places open end 110A of golf club head cover 110 removed from head 95 of golf club 94A over upper end 184 in FIGS. 21 and 22. He then pulls cover 110 downwardly over elongate member 180 from upper end 184 in the direction of arrow E until closed end 110B of cover 110 encounters upper end 184 disabling cover 110 from being lowered further in the way of the previously described embodiment shown in FIG. 6. The length of elongate member 180 from lower end 182 to upper end 184 is sufficiently long so cover 110 depends downwardly over elongate member 180 from closed end 110A supported against upper end 184 to open end 110A proximate to and slightly above lower end 182 of elongate member 180 in FIG. 23. The uncovered club 94A can then be removed from golf bag 90 and put into use. After returning club 94A to golf bag 90, cover 110 is taken up by hand and withdrawn from elongate member 180 and replaced on head 95 of club 94A. This is done without the user having to bend over. Placing cover 110 over and removing it from elongate member 180 is generally the same as placing cover 110 over and removing it from head 95 of club 94A.

A selected club with its cover can be removed from golf bag 90 independently of any other covered club and support 170. Support 170 attached to frame 220 to the side and this out of the way of golf bag 90 does not interfere with the loading and unloading of golf clubs 94 through opening 96 or other clubs stored in golf bag 90 and the loading and unloading of golf bag 90 into and from receiving area 234. Support 170 can be employed identically with right extremity 224 of frame 220 for a golf bag harnessed by right strap 232 to frame 220 between the middle of frame 220 and right extremity 224 and extending upright to and beyond frame 220 to its upper end through receiving area 236 from its lower end rested on landing platform 240. Support 170 can also be used with a strap configured to secure a golf bag to frame of a non-motorized cart.

IV

FIGS. 24-26 illustrate yet another embodiment of a golf club head cover support 250 including an elongate member 260 and a clip 270. Support 250 is preferably made of plastic, carbon fiber, metal, or other material or material combinations having inherently strong, resilient, rigid, impact-resistant, and weather-resistant material characteristics. Support 250 is useful for temporarily storing a golf club head cover removed from a golf club head.

Elongate member 260 is long, slender, and cylindrical in cross-section, and it can have other cross-sectional shapes in alternate embodiments, such as square, triangular, oval, etc. Elongate member 260 has lower end 262 and an opposed upper end 264. The cross-sectional shape and size of elongate member 260 is the same between lower end 62 and upper end 64 for simplicity of construction. Elongate member 260 is unitary and entirely solid, not hollow, from lower end 262 to upper end 264, for strength purposes and disabling it from being easily bent.

Clip 270 is a unitary device configured to grip and hold tightly, and includes opposed, resilient, coactive legs 272 and 274 that depend downwardly from a base or head 276 having an upper surface 278 and an opposed lower surface 280. Legs 272 and 274 depend downwardly from lower surface 80 and terminate distally at inwardly-hooked free ends 272A and 274A, respectively. Legs 272 and 274 are aligned closely, being configured to frictionally, resiliently, and tightly grip an object inserted therebetween, such as a strap configured to harness a golf bag to a frame as described below. There is vertical distance between free ends 272A and 274A of legs 272 and 274 and lower surface 280 of base 276 extending between legs 272 and 274.

Elongate member 260 extends upright to upper end 264 from lower end 262 affixed rigidly to upper surface 278 of base 276. Lower end 262 is formed integrally with base 276 in this embodiment, and it can be welded to base 276 or joined to base 276 releasably, such as threadably or by a detent structure, for enabling elongate member 60 to be removed from base 276 for cleaning or replacement.

Elongate support 260 has an intermediate section 266 between a proximal section 265 and a distal section 267. Proximal section 265 extends upright from lower end 262 to intermediate section 266, intermediate section 266 extends laterally outward from proximal section 265 to distal section 267, and distal section 267 extends upright from intermediate section 266 to upper end 264.

Proximal section 265 is arranged about longitudinal axis X5 that extends centrally through proximal section 265 from intermediate section 266 to lower end 262 and centrally through clip 270. Distal section 267 is longitudinally straight along its length from intermediate section 266 to upper end 264. Distal section 267 is arranged about longitudinal axis X6 that extends centrally through distal section 265 from upper end 264 to intermediate section 266. Axis X5 is parallel to axis X6, and axis X6 is spaced laterally outboard from axis X5. Distal section 267 is configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from its upper end 264 to support the cover depending downwardly from upper end 264 for temporarily storing the golf club head cover removed from a head of a golf club.

Support 250 is useful for temporarily storing a golf club head cover removed from a golf club head and is specially configured for use with a frame and a strap configured to secure a golf bag to the frame. For example, FIG. 33 illustrates the previously described cart 210 and its appurtenances. It is to be understood that left strap 230 includes a proximal end 230A, a distal end 230B, an inner golf bag engagement side 230C, an outer side 230D, and opposed upper and lower edges 230E and 230F. Proximal end 230A is affixed to frame 220 proximate to its middle. Left strap 230 loops around toward left extremity 222 from proximal end 230A and to and through left latch 231 to distal end 230B to form a loop secured by latch 231 and which can be tightened around a golf bag before securing it with latch 231. Right strap 232 includes a proximal end 232A, a distal end 232B, an inner golf bag engagement side 232C, an outer side 232D, and opposed upper and lower edges 232E and 232F. Proximal end 232A is affixed to frame 220 proximate to its middle. Right strap 232 loops around toward right extremity 224 and to and through its right latch 233 to distal end 232B to form a loop secured by the right latch 233 and which can be tightened around a golf bag before securing it with latch 233. Cart in FIG. 33 is without golf bags.

In FIGS. 33 and 34, clip 270 clips directly onto left strap 230 between proximal end 230A and both distal end 230B and latch 231 releasably connecting support 250 to left strap 230 out of the way of a golf bag when in left receiving area 234 and harnessed to frame 220 by left strap 230 in FIG. 37. In FIG. 34, a user installs clip 270 by orienting support 250 free ends 272A and 274A down aligned over the respective sides 230D and 230C of strap 230. He then lowers clip 270 onto strap 230 over its upper edge 230E in the direction of arrow F, forcing strap 230 upper edge 230E first between free ends 272A and 274A of legs 272 and 274, which slide over the respective sides 230D and 230C of strap 230. The inherent resilience of legs 272 and 274 enables them to concurrently grip the respective sides 230D and 230C of strap 230 inserted into the narrow slit between legs 272 and 274, which secures clip 270 to strap 230. Legs 272 and 274 extend upright along the respective sides 230D and 230C of strap 230 to base 276 from free ends 272A and 274A hooked under the lower edge 230F of strap 230, and base 276 extends transversely over upper edge 230E of strap 230 from leg 272 on the outer side 230D of strap 230 to leg 274 on the inner side 230C of strap 230. The vertical distance between the inwardly-hooked free ends 272A and 274A of legs 272 and 274 and lower surface 280 of base 276 extending between legs 272 and 274 is sufficient to enable the slit between legs 272 and 274 to receive the height of strap 230 from its upper edge 230E to its lower edge 230F, in which strap 230 projects upwardly between legs 272 and 274 from lower edge 230F over inwardly-hooked free ends 272A and 274A to upper edge 230E under lower surface 280 of base 276. Proximal section 265 extends upright along axis X5 to intermediate section 266 from lower end 262 affixed centrally to upper surface 278 of base 276 directly over upper edge 230E of strap 230. Intermediate section 266 extends laterally outward from proximal section 265, clip 270, axis X5, and outer side 230D of strap 230 in the direction of arrow G to distal section 267. Distal section 267 extends upright along axis X6 from intermediate section 266 to upper end 264, and axis X6 along which distal section 267 resides is spaced laterally outboard from proximal section 265, clip 270, axis X5, and outer side 230D of strap 230, and, in this example, parallel to axis X5. Distal section 267 is configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from its upper end 264 to support the cover depending downwardly from upper end 264 for temporarily storing the golf club head cover removed from a head of a golf club. The user need only reverse the above installation process to detach support 250 from strap 230.

FIG. 37 corresponds to FIG. 33 and illustrates the previously described golf bag 90, including body 92 configured to receive golf clubs 94 through opening 96 defined by rim 98 of wall 100 of body 92. Left strap 230 equipped with the installed support 270 is looped tightly around wall 100 under the open end of golf bag 90 and conventionally secured by latch 231 to secure or otherwise harness golf bag 90 to frame 220 adjacent to left extremity 222 of frame 220 at the left side 216 of cart 210. Golf bag 90 extends upright through receiving area 234 to and beyond frame 220 and strap 232 to rim 98 encircling opening 96 at the upper end of golf bag 90 from the lower end of golf bag 90 rested directing upon landing platform 240. Inner golf bag engagement side 230C is tightened against wall 100, and outer side 230D faces outwardly in the opposite direction. The tightened strap 230 around wall 100 under the open end of golf bag 90 inherently tightens and stabilizes clip 270 against wall 100. Distal section 267 extends upright to and beyond rim to upper end 264 along axis X6 spaced laterally outboard from clip 270, axis X5, outer side 230D of strap 230, and golf bag 90 secured to frame 220 by strap 230, and laterally outboard and out of the way of golf bag 90. Clip 270 serves as the retention member configured to releasably secure strap 230 without having to modify strap 230 or configuring it as a special purpose strap.

In use, a user places lower open end 110A of golf club head cover 110 removed from head 95 of golf club 94A over upper end 264 in FIG. 37. He then pulls or otherwise coaxes cover 110 downwardly over distal section 267 of elongate member 260 from upper end 264 in the direction of arrow H until upper closed end 110B of cover 110 encounters upper end 264 in FIG. 26 disabling cover 110 from being lowered further in the way of the previously described embodiment shown in FIG. 6. The length of proximal section 267 from intermediate section 266 to upper end 264 is sufficiently long so cover 110 depends downwardly over elongate member 260 from closed end 110A supported against upper end 264 to open end 110A proximate to and slightly above intermediate section 266 in FIG. 38. The uncovered club 94A can then be removed from golf bag 90 and put into use. After returning club 94A to golf bag 90, cover 110 conveniently retained upright over elongate member 260 from its open end 110A to its closed end 110B is taken up by hand and withdrawn from distal section 267 and replaced on head 95 of club 94A. This is done without the user having to bend over. Placing cover 110 over and removing it from distal section 267 of elongate member 60 is generally the same as placing cover 110 over and removing it from head 95 of club 94A.

A selected club with its cover can be removed from golf bag 90 independently of any other covered club and support 250 mounted to strap 230. Support 250 attached to strap 230 does not interfere with the use of strap 230, the loading and unloading of golf clubs 94 through opening 96 or other clubs stored in golf bag harnessed to frame 220 by strap 230 and the loading and unloading of golf bag 90 into and from receiving area 234. Support 250 can be employed identically with right strap 232. Support 250 can also be used with a strap configured to secure a golf bag to frame of a non-motorized cart.

V

FIGS. 27-32 illustrate a receptacle 300 constructed and arranged according to the invention. Receptacle 300 is preferably made of plastic, carbon fiber, metal, or other material or material combinations having inherently strong, resilient, rigid, impact-resistant, and weather-resistant material characteristics. Receptacle 300 is specially useful for temporarily storing personal items and small golf club head covers, such as head covers for the heads of putters.

Receptacle 300 is a body useful as a container for receiving and holding selected contents placed therein. Receptacle 300 includes continuous sidewall 310 having outer surface 312, inner surface 314 upper edge or rim 316, lower edge 318, and a closed bottom defined by horizontal bottom 320 affixed to lower edge 318. Continuous sidewall 310 extends between lower edge 318 affixed to bottom 320 and rim 316 at the opposed open end of receptacle 300. Bottom 320 cooperates with inner surface 314 to form volume 324. Rim 316 is continuous and encircles opening 324 to volume 324 configured to receive contents placed therein and onto bottom 320 through opening 324 directly over bottom 320 for temporary storage. Continuous sidewall 300 includes opposite front and back walls 330 and 332 that extend between opposite end walls 334 and 336. A generally C-shaped member 340 having ends 342 and 344 projects radially outward outer surface 312 of back wall 332 of continuous sidewall 310. Ends 342 and 344 are rigidly affixed to outer surface 312 of back wall 332. Member 340 cooperates with outer surface 312 of back wall 32 to form a loop denoted generally at 350 useful for being looped slidably around a belt or strap.

Receptacle 300 is useful for temporarily storing personal items and small golf club head covers, such as head covers for the heads of putters and, like support 250, is specially configured for use with a frame and a strap configured to secure a golf bag to the frame illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 33, 35, 36 and 37. Loop 350 loops over right strap 232 between proximal extremity 232A and both distal extremity 232B and the right latch 233 for right strap 232. This releasably connects receptacle 300 to right strap 232 out of the way of a golf bag when in right receiving area 236 and harnessed to frame 220 by right strap 232 in FIG. 37. In FIGS. 33, 35, and 36, a user installs loop 350 over right strap 232 by orienting receptacle 300 upright from bottom 320 to rim 316 encircling opening 144. He then inserts right strap 232 distal end 232B first through loop 350 in the direction of arrow I in FIGS. 33, 35, and 37, being careful to ensure outer side 232D faces outwardly toward outer surface 312 of back wall 332, and slides loop 350 over right strap 232 to an intermediate position between proximal end 232A and distal end 232B. Loop 350 supports receptacle 300 on right strap 323 between its proximal and distal ends 232A and 232B outboard of outer side 232D. Loop 350 is slidably retained over right strap 232, which enables a user to slide loop 350 over right strap 232 to locate receptacle 300 at a chosen location between proximal end 232A and distal end 232B of right strap 232. Receptacle 300 extends outwardly from outer side 232D of strap 232 to front wall 330 from back wall 332 opposing outer side 232D of strap 232 and upright from bottom 320 to opening 324 enabling contents to be transferred therethrough to and from volume 322. The user can then loop right strap 232 around toward right extremity 224 and to and through its right latch 233 to distal end 232B to form a loop. The user can then secure the formed loop with the right latch 233 locating receptacle between the right latch 233 and proximal extremity 232A. Cart in FIG. 33 is without golf bags. Loop serves as the retention member configured to releasably secure strap 232 without having to modify strap 232 or configuring it as a special purpose strap.

FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrates in relevant part golf bag 360, including body 362 configured to receive golf clubs 364 through opening 366 defined by rim 368 of wall 370 of body 362. Right strap 232 equipped with receptacle 300 is looped tightly around wall 370 and conventionally secured by right latch 233 to secure or otherwise harness golf bag 360 to frame 220 adjacent to right extremity 224 of frame 220 at the right side 218 of cart 210. Golf bag 360 extends upright through receiving area 236 to and beyond frame 220 and strap 232 to rim 368 encircling opening 366 at the upper end of golf bag 360 from the lower end of golf bag 360 rested directing upon landing platform 240. Inner golf bag engagement side 232C is tightened against wall 370, and outer side 230D faces outwardly in the opposite direction. The tightening of strap 230 around wall 370 inherently tightens member 340 against wall 370. Receptacle 300 extends outwardly from wall 370 and outer side 232D of strap 232 to front wall 330 from back wall 332 opposing outer side 232D of strap 232 and wall 370 below rim 98 and out of the way of golf bag 360 and upright from bottom 320 to opening 324 enabling contents to be transferred therethrough to and from volume 322. Tees, golf balls, golf markers, a golf glove, and selected items can be conveniently placed into and withdrawn from volume 322 of receptacle 300 through upwardly-facing opening 324 without the user having to bend over.

A selected club with its cover can be removed from golf bag 360 independently of any other covered club and support receptacle 300 mounted to strap 230. Receptacle 300 attached to strap 232 does not interfere with the use of strap 232, the loading and unloading of golf clubs 364 through opening 366 or other clubs stored in golf bag 360 harnessed to frame 220 by strap 232 and the loading and unloading of golf bag 360 into and from receiving area 236. Receptacle 300 can be employed identically with left strap 230. Receptacle can also be used with a strap configured to secure a golf bag to frame of a non-motorized cart.

In place of loop 350, receptacle 300 can incorporate previously described clip 160 for clipping onto right strap 232. Receptacle 300 can also be configured with both a loop and a clip for enabling a user to selectively loop or clip receptacle 300 on to right strap 232. In yet another embodiment, receptacle 300 can be configured with elongate member 180 of support 120 for use in supporting a golf head cover as described in detail in conjunction with support 120.

VI

The present invention is described above with reference to illustrative embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made in the described embodiments without departing from the nature and scope of the present invention. Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof.

Claims

1. In a golf bag comprising a body configured to receive golf clubs through an opening defined by a rim of a wall of the body, improvements therein comprising:

a clip clipped onto the rim; and

an elongate member including a lower end and an upper end, the elongate member extending upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the clip and configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from the upper end to support the golf club head cover depending downwardly from the upper end for temporarily storing the golf club head cover when removed from a head of a golf club.

2. The improvements according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member is longitudinally straight from the lower end to the upper end.

3. The improvements according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member is solid, being not hollow, from the lower end to the upper end.

4. The improvements according to claim 1, wherein the clip includes a base extending over the rim from an outer side of the rim to an inner side of the rim, and the elongate member extends upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the base.

5. The improvements according to claim 4, wherein the clip and the elongate member are in-line and arranged coaxially.

6. In a golf bag comprising a body configured to receive golf clubs through an opening defined by a rim of a wall of the body, improvements therein comprising:

a receptacle configured with a clip clipped onto the rim;

an elongate member including a lower end and an upper end, the elongate member extending upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the receptacle and configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from the upper end to support the golf club head cover depending downwardly from the upper end for temporarily storing the golf club head cover when removed from a head of a golf club; and

the receptacle and the elongate member configured to enable the receptacle to receive and hold contents without interference from the elongate member.

7. The improvements according to claim 6, wherein the elongate member is longitudinally straight from the lower end to the upper end.

8. The improvements according to claim 6, wherein the elongate member is solid, being not hollow, from the lower end to the upper end.

9. In a frame and a strap configured to secure a golf bag to the frame, improvements therein comprising an elongate member including a lower end and an upper end, the elongate member extending upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the frame adjacent to the strap and configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from the upper end to support the golf club head cover depending downwardly from the upper end for temporarily storing the golf club head cover when removed from a head of a golf club.

10. The improvements according to claim 9, wherein the elongate member is longitudinally straight from the lower end to the upper end.

11. The improvements according to claim 9, wherein the elongate member is solid, being not hollow, from the lower end to the upper end.

12. In a frame and a strap configured to harness a golf bag to the frame, improvements therein comprising:

a clip clipped onto the strap; and

an elongate member including a lower end and an upper end, the elongate member extending upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the clip and configured for reception into a golf club head cover applied thereover from the upper end to support the golf club head cover depending downwardly from the upper end for temporarily storing the golf club head cover when removed from a head of a golf club.

13. The improvements according to claim 12, wherein:

the strap includes an inner golf bag engagement side and an outer side; and

the elongate member includes distal section between the upper end and the lower, the distal section outboard of the outer side of the strap.

14. The improvements according to claim 12, wherein the elongate member is solid, being not hollow, from the lower end to the upper end.

15. The improvements according to claim 12, wherein the clip includes a base extending over the strap from an outer side of the strap to an inner side of the strap, and the elongate member extends upright to the upper end from the lower end affixed to the base.

16. The improvements according to claim 15, wherein the strap includes a first end and a second end, and the clip is clipped onto the strap between the first end and the second end.

17. In a frame and a strap configured to harness a golf bag to the frame, the strap including an inner golf bag engagement side and an outer side, improvements therein comprising a receptacle configured with a retainer secured to the strap, the receptacle positioned outboard of the outer side of the strap.

18. The improvements according to claim 17, wherein the retainer comprises a loop retained slidably over the strap.