Abstract: A golf bag has an extensible stand which incorporates legs having a compound bend. The legs provide increased stability when deployed, without increasing the splay angle of the leg pivots. The compound bend in the legs also permits the legs to fold compactly against the golf bag body.

Abstract: A golf bag has a partially collapsible side and a bag stand mounted to the partially collapsible side of the bag. The action of the partially collapsible side of the bag collapsing causes the bag stand to deploy. A circumferential stay is mounted to the partially collapsible side of the golf bag to prevent the body of the bag from folding inward as the partially collapsible side collapses.

Abstract: A golf stand bag has a rotate bottom base assembly, a supporting rod, a top frame, a body, two legs and an activating member. The rotate bottom base assembly has a rotate bottom base and a pivot bracket. The rotate bottom base has a bottom, a sidewall formed on the bottom and two pivot balls formed on the sidewall. The pivot bracket has two pivot members pivotally mounted respectively on the pivot balls. The supporting rod is mounted securely on the pivot bracket. The top frame is mounted on the supporting rod. The legs are mounted pivotally on the top frame. The activating rod is mounted on the rotate bottom base and connected to the legs. The pivot bracket mounted on the sidewall instead the bottom of the rotate bottom base prevent the legs of the golf stand bag from inadvertently extending out the legs when the golf stand bag leans against a wall.

Abstract: A lightweight carrier for golf clubs adapted for substantially upright positioning on the ground when not being carried, including a hollow tubular support that duals as a golf ball holder, a handle affixed near the top of the tubular support or at some point along the tubular support, a club holder top affixed near the top of the tubular support or at some point along the tubular support, a club holder base affixed at or near the bottom of the tubular support, one or more pins extending substantially axially from the base adapted to penetrate into the ground and support the carrier in an upright position when not being carried, and a pin cover to cover the pins while the carrier is being carried.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a kickstand assembly for a golf bag is disclosed, the kickstand assembly comprising: at least one stand leg for supporting the golf bag at an angle; an actuating mechanism coupled to the stand leg, the actuating mechanism causing to deploy the stand leg when the golf bag is positioned at an angle, wherein the actuating mechanism includes separable modular pieces that are removeably coupled to each other along a length of the actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism of the kickstand assembly may also comprise: an elongated actuating member including a lever actuator, a stand leg actuating rod, and an actuator connector that couples a first end of the lever actuator to a first end of the stand leg actuating rod.

Abstract: A golf bag that includes a main bag and an accessory bag coupled to the main bag. The main bag is formed to include a bag-receiver chamber that is configured to accept the accessory bag. The accessory bag is coupled to the main bag by posts that engage a retention slots formed in the side walls of the bag-receiver chamber. The accessory bag is supported by the main bag and includes a foldable leg assembly that permits the accessory bag to be set up in a tripod configuration when separated from the main bag. The golf bag also includes a slot formed in the side walls of the main bag to allow the main bag to be secured to a golf cart by a retaining strap provided on the golf cart while still allowing the accessory bag to be separated from the main bag.

Abstract: A golf bag for carrying a plurality of golf clubs in an organized fashion, comprising an elongated rigid or soft-sided container having a plurality of compartmentalized golf club receiving holes positioned partially around the perimeter of the top for holding the various golf clubs. A storage area comprised of a series of drawers or storage compartments are arranged vertically along one side of the golf bag wherein the golf club receiving compartments are positioned partially around the perimeter of the storage area. A pair of extendable stand-to legs and optional extensible handle and dolly may be further integrated into the design. A cart (either powered or manually pulled) may be securely attached to the bottom of the golf bag, wherein the drive means and battery are received within a central raised portion of the cart, complementary to a recess on the bottom of the golf bag.

Abstract: A golf bag having a bottom unit diagonally attached to an inclined end of an elongated bag body is disclosed. The golf bag includes a bag body having a lower end diagonally inclined rearwards and upwards. A bottom unit is attached along the diagonally inclined lower end of the bag body such that the bottom unit is diagonally inclined relative to the axis of the bag body, with a hook protrusion provided on the lower part of the outer surface of a rear part of the bottom unit. A front support rib is installed in a front part of the bag body such that the upper end of the front support rib is held in a rib support hole provided in the head of the bag body and the lower end of the front support rib is held in a rib support piece provided in the bag body.

Abstract: A golf bag and travel system for providing a multi-component, modular golf bag that enables golf clubs to be carried therein. The system includes a rigid inner body core and a plurality of modular, interchangeable, soft outer body members. The rigid inner body core includes a rigid top loop region, a rigid central loop region, a rigid bottom end, and a rigid belly region that connects the top loop region, the central loop region, and the bottom end. Each soft outer body member is selectively attachable to the top loop region, bottom end, and belly region of the inner body core, since each soft outer body member is shaped and sized to be selectively attachable to the correspondingly shaped and sized rigid inner body core. A cross-sectional area of the central loop region is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the top loop region, and a cross-sectional area of the central loop region is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the bottom end.

Abstract: A dual set of golf bags are provided, suspended and supported on a spring-loaded axled, geared system about a point, which permits movements of two or more individual golf bags about an axis relative to each other. One or more spring-loaded axles are provided between each golf bags and back support entity to permit independent or concerted movements of one or more units. When the bags are positioned on the wearer's back, it maybe carried in a new “X” formation (opened position) or positioned on the ground in a new mono-stand “tripod” orientation, which uses a single stand structured, coupled with at least two bags to form a tripod stand. The bag maybe closed relative to each other to appear similar to a stand golf bag for easy transport or to be worn in a traditional way. Further, the bags maybe opened and closed by the application of a force.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for transporting, using and storing golf clubs and related accessories required to play golf, with: a) a base that provides fifteen individual compartments lined with material to protect club heads; connected to b) a three-tiered top with rubberized slots for individual club shaft containment; with c) individual flexible material bags attached to each top tier providing storage; with d) the ability to be attached to a standard two person motorized golf cart; with e) attachable wheels and an attachable handle that converts the carrier to a pull cart; with f) front and back rings available to attach a shoulder strap for carrying. This new concept of having the golf clubs outside the storage compartments provides increased storage, while providing orderly club storage and protection for each club head and shaft.

Abstract: A golf club bag includes a bag body, a main support rod, a linking rod and a base. The bag body is fixed to the base composed of a front base and a rear base, which have substantially the same width and are pivotally connected to each other. When the bag body is placed slantingly, the front base may serve as a main supporting member at a bottom portion thereof, the larger supporting surface area can be obtained, and the stability of placement can be enhanced. In addition, peripheries of the front base and the rear base are connected to the bag body, a bottom end of the linking rod is inserted into the bag body and pivotally connected to the front base. Thus, it is possible to prevent its pivotal connection portion from being exposed outside the bag body and from being collided and damaged.

Abstract: A golf bag has an extensible stand which incorporates legs having a compound bend. The legs provide increased stability when deployed, without increasing the splay angle of the leg pivots. The compound bend in the legs also permits the legs to fold compactly against the golf bag body.

Abstract: Portable container support systems are disclosed which include at least one re-closable enclosure which is operable to be coupled to the exterior of a portable container, and which has an integral support coupling adapted to receive supports used for supporting the portable container in a preferred orientation, such as a nearly vertical position for use as a rack for assembled articles. Various re-closable enclosures are disclosed which enable convenient deployment of support legs while providing protection for the supports when stowed for transport. The system may be used with a wide variety of portable containers, such as pool cue cases, golf bags, equipment bags, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include an ergonomic golf bag handle. Further embodiments of the present invention provide a golf bag including the ergonomic golf bag handle thereon. In one embodiment, the golf bag handle is integrated into a top divider section of the golf bag. In another embodiment, the golf bag handle is angled with respect to the golf bag. Embodiments of the present invention also include a method comprising integrating the golf bag handle into the top divider section of the golf bag. Yet further embodiments of the present invention provide a method of using a golf bag, including gripping the ergonomically-designed and comfortable golf bag handle.

Abstract: A golf bag has an extensible stand which incorporates legs having a compound bend. The legs provide increased stability when deployed, without increasing the splay angle of the leg pivots. The compound bend in the legs also permits the legs to fold compactly against the golf bag body.

Abstract: A base for golf bag has a bottom frame and a cover. The bottom frame has a bottom cuff, multiple holders, a flange and multiple connecting mechanisms. The flange transversely protrudes out the inner surface of the bottom cuff. Each connecting mechanism is formed on the flange. The cover has a mounting surface and multiple connecting mechanisms. The mounting surface corresponds to and selectively attaches to the flange. Each connecting mechanism is formed on the mounting surface corresponds to and selectively engages one connecting mechanism of the bottom frame. The cover is selectively to be removed from the bottom frame for ease of mounting posts or other purposes.

Abstract: A golf bag comprising a bag body, a support bracket and a tilting device. The bag body includes a top frame, a middle frame, a bottom frame, a plurality of support rod provided between the top frame and the middle frame and a joint block for stably coupling the middle frame and the bottom frame. The tilting device includes a fixed leg and a pair of steel wires extending therefrom. The fixed leg has a moveable shank therein, and a notch is formed in an inner side of the moveable shank. The moveable shank also has a support foot in a bottom thereof which can push the moveable shank to move up and down relative to the fixed leg. The middle frame has a ?-shaped frame which can disengage with the notch by the push of the moveable shank.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a golf club bag comprises; a top member, a bottom member opposite the top member, a body portion coupled to the top member and the bottom member, at least one stay extending from proximate the top member to proximate the bottom member to support the body portion, and at least one external support member to support the body portion at an upright angled position. The bottom member is not coupled to any stays. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An accessory golf bag stand is provided having a central rod with a pair of L-shaped anchors. The rod and the anchors are sharpened for embedding into the ground. A hook portion at an upper end of the rod provides means for carrying the stand and mounting on a mobile cart. A circular ring is attached to the rod. A golf bag can be attached to the central rod and ring. An optional detachable base member is provided to support the lower end of the golf bag.

Abstract: An attachable golf bag has a hollow upper tube with a free upper end and a hollow lower tube with a free lower end. The attached golf bag has a pair of rods. The rods join the upper and lower tubes with a cloth cover. A leg assembly includes an upper support. The upper support is attached to the upper tube. A pair of legs have upper ends. The upper ends are pivotally secured to the upper support. The legs are adapted to move between a retracted orientation and an extended orientation. The attachable golf bag is adapted to releasably couple with a main golf bag.

Abstract: A golf bag structure has a base, a post, a top frame, two leg assemblies and a cord. The base has a pivot bracket attached pivotally to the base and a cord guide. The post is attached to the pivot bracket. The top frame is attached to the post and has a divider and a cord passage defined through the divider. The leg assemblies are attached to the top frame, and each leg assembly has a pivot mount and a leg. The pivot mount is attached pivotally to the top frame. The leg is attached to the pivot mount. The cord extends through the cord guide and the cord passage in the top frame and is connected to the base and the pivot mounts of the leg assemblies. The leg assemblies keep articles such as golf clubs in the golf bag from falling out.

Abstract: A removable golf bag cover having an ornamentally-pleasing shape (e.g., that of a dog or other animal) to surround a conventional golf bag without affecting the normal use of the bag during play or hindering the golfer's access to his golf clubs carried in the bag. The golf bag cover includes legs extending from an elongated body of the cover which surround corresponding outstretched folding legs of the golf bag. A hollow head of the golf bag cover is pivotally coupled to the elongated body of the cover by a piece of flexible material that is adapted to stretch. The hollow head is rotatable from a closed position seated on top of the golf bag, at which to surround an protect the golf clubs carried within the bag, and an open position off the bag, at which to enable a golfer to gain access to his clubs. At least one golf club carried in the bag is received inwardly of and holds the hollow head in a generally erect condition relative to the elongated body of the cover.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club fitting bags and methods of manufacture are generally described herein. An article for transporting and displaying a golf club to fitting kit comprises a body comprising at least one toting mechanism to allow a single individual to transport the article, at least one shaft compartment to contain a plurality of golf club shafts, and a plurality of shelves to contain a plurality of golf club heads separate from the golf club shafts. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system and method for caddying golf clubs to a green that includes an elongated container for holding at least two golf clubs such as a wedge and putter in two compartments where this container module can fit in, and normally be carried in a golf bag or attached to the outside of a golf bag. The container can optionally have one or more spikes located on the bottom for anchoring the module to the ground when in use, or it can have one or more folding legs. In some embodiments, the spike can be retracted when the system is carried in a golf bag. The foldable leg or legs can be held in a folded position against the container with a magnet. In addition, the container can be equipped with a lift-out strap to facilitate taking it out of the golf bag. The optionally spring-loaded spike can be controlled by a lever or activator located on the surface or top of the container.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a golf bag structure. The main body of the structure includes a bag portion, a pulling portion and a receiving portion, wherein the pulling portion is provided on the side of the bag portion and the pulling portion includes a handle, a pulling lever and at least one wheel. The handle is assembled with the pulling lever. The wheel is provided at one end of the pulling lever and can be detached therefrom. Additionally, the receiving portion is provided at one end of the bag portion and can receive the detached wheel, thereby reducing the size of the main body.

Abstract: A golf bag includes a body having opposite upper and lower ends and a compartment therebetween configured to contain golf clubs, and a base ring enclosing the body proximate the lower end. A foot is coupled to the base, wherein the base ring is pivotably mounted to the foot adjacent an outer perimeter of the base. The base ring is movable over the foot between a standing position and an inclined position when the foot is located stationary on a supporting surface.

Abstract: A golf bag is provided that includes a bag body and a deployable stand assembly. The bag body defines an upper opening for receiving golf clubs and a bottom end including a base. The base defines the bottom end of the bag body and includes a first section, a second section and an intermediate section. The intermediate section is disposed between and hinged to both the first section and the second section. The bag includes a support assembly coupled to the bag body proximate to the upper opening and in operative communication with the base such that flexion of the base causes the support assembly to deploy to support the bag in an inclined position.

Abstract: A golf bag frame and an outer covering form a golf bag, and the golf bag frame has a base, multiple posts, a top frame and a leg assembly. The base has a bottom frame and foot attached pivotally to the bottom frame. The posts are attached to the bottom frame. The top frame is attached to the posts. The leg assembly is attached to the top frame and has a bracket, a pivot rod, a cord and two legs. The bracket is attached to the top frame. The pivot rod extends rotatably through the bracket, has two ends and comprises an activating lever and two springs. The activating lever is connected to the pivot rod. The springs mount around and bias the pivot rod. The cord is connected to the foot and the activating lever. The legs attach respectively to ends of the pivot rod and extend away from the body when the foot is pivoted to an inclined position.

Abstract: A dual golf bag combination (whole golf bag), consisting of a main golf bag coupled to an accessory golf bag. The female coupler is the top of the main bag and the male coupler is the top of the accessory bag. The coupling and uncoupling of the two bags is easy to accomplish multiple times during a round of golf. When coupled the two bags are well secured to each other and the whole bag can be carried during a round of golf.

Abstract: A golf bag base includes a base body, which has a bottom consisting of a sloping surface and a planar surface; a base case to enclose the base body, which comprising a side frame; a sliding shaft provided at a joint position between the sloping surface and the planar surface of the bottom of the base body; and two sliding grooves provided in two symmetrical positions of the side frame of the base case, and two ends of the sliding shaft are protruded from two sliding grooves, respectively. Thus, a largest possible contact area between the golf bag base and the ground can be achieved so as to ensure a stable placement of the golf bag. In addition, a more aesthetical and pleasing appearance can also be attained.

Abstract: Golf bags may include certain structures and features that allow easy and ready access to various pieces of golf equipment. Such golf bags may include: (a) a base; (b) one or more wall members extending from the base (defining a chamber for plural clubs); (c) a housing member located outside the chamber and defining a first aperture that provides access to a space outside the chamber for receiving a putter shaft; and (d) a ball storage compartment located outside the chamber and outside the housing member. The ball storage compartment, the housing member, and the first aperture may be arranged so that at least a portion of the space for receiving the putter shaft lies between the chamber and the ball storage compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf stand bag, which is constructed such that the bag body is foldable to reduce the volume thereof, thus markedly reducing the logistics costs thereof. The golf stand bag includes the bag body, the lower end of which is inclined downwards from the rear surface of the bag body to the front surface, a top member, to which a bracket which rotatably supports support legs is mounted, and a base member, which is coupled to the lower end of the bag body such that an angle of a lower contact surface of the base member with respect to the lateral direction of the bag body is greater than an angle of the bag body with respect to the vertical line when the golf stand bag is completely placed on the ground at an incline. The golf stand bag further includes a leg actuating rod, which is rotatably coupled to the support legs and is inserted through a leg actuating rod cover, which is provided on the rear surface of the bag body.

Abstract: A mechanism cooperable with the stand mechanism in a stand golf bag secures the clubs in position when the bag is not on the ground and releases the clubs when the bag is set on the ground.

Abstract: A golf bag for carrying a plurality of golf clubs in an organized fashion, comprising an elongated rigid or soft-sided container having a plurality of compartmentalized golf club receiving holes positioned partially around the perimeter of the top for holding the various golf clubs. A storage area comprised of a series of drawers or storage compartments are arranged vertically along one side of the golf bag wherein the golf club receiving compartments are positioned partially around the perimeter of the storage area. A pair of extendable stand-to legs and optional extensible handle and dolly may be further integrated into the design. A cart (either powered or manually pulled) may be securely attached to the bottom of the golf bag, wherein the drive means and battery are received within a central raised portion of the cart, complementary to a recess on the bottom of the golf bag.

Abstract: A golf bag has an extensible stand which incorporates legs having a compound bend. The legs provide increased stability when deployed, without increasing the splay angle of the leg pivots. The compound bend in the legs also permits the legs to fold compactly against the golf bag body.

Abstract: A golf bag has a partially collapsible side and a bag stand mounted to the partially collapsible side of the bag. The action of the partially collapsible side of the bag collapsing causes the bag stand to deploy. A circumferential stay is mounted to the partially collapsible side of the golf bag to prevent the body of the bag from folding inward as the partially collapsible side collapses.

Abstract: A bi-parting golf bag comprises a positioning body and two bi-parting movable brackets, wherein the bi-parting movable brackets are coupled with the positioning body via several hinges so that the bi-parting movable brackets are unfoldable. The positioning body has a bottom support on the bottom for supporting the weights of the bi-parting movable brackets. The positioning body and the bi-parting movable brackets have several insertion trenches longitudinally formed on the lateral insides for holding the golf clubs. The bi-parting movable brackets can be unfolded to expose the golf clubs completely so the golf clubs can be picked and placed easily.

Abstract: Pool cue case systems are disclosed which include at least one re-closable enclosure which is operable to be coupled, preferably releasably coupled, to the exterior of a pool cue case or the like, and which has an integral support coupling adapted to receive supports used for supporting the case in a nearly vertical position for use, for example, as a pool cue rack for assembled pool cues. Various re-closable enclosures are disclosed which enable convenient deployment of support legs while providing protection for the supports when stowed for transport.

Abstract: A golf bag carrier includes a pivot adjusting unit, at least one strut pivotally coupled to the pivot adjusting unit and adjusted in an angle with respect to a ground by the pivot adjusting unit, at least one wheel coupled to a lower end of the strut to move the golf bag, a fixing plate to which the pivot adjusting unit having the strut and the wheel are fixed, a vertical bar that is fixedly installed on a central portion of the fixing plate, and a fixing unit that is installed on the golf bag to detachably fix the vertical bar on the golf bag.

Abstract: A golf club bag assembly is shown for carrying a plurality of golf clubs therein. The bag assembly comprises an elongated spine having upper end and a lower end, an upper frame member attached to the upper end of the spine at a first acute angle with respect thereto, a lower frame member attached to the lower end of the spine at a second acute angle with respect thereto, a resilient enclosure attached to the spine and the upper and lower frame members, and wherein the first angle is equal to the second angle.

Abstract: An improved golf bag that upon frontal opening promotes the pivoted gravitational falling and forward, limited angular displacement of a plurality of tiered racks adapted to receive and maintain stationary placement of a plurality of golf clubs therein, thereby providing convenient and organized frontal presentation and accessibility to a variety of golf clubs, and wherein the golf bag is adapted to be seated and secured to the rear of a golf cart without external harnesses or straps, thus permitting the bag to extend beyond the rear of golf cart and provide free frontal access to the contents thereof.

Abstract: A golf bag having an integrated seating platform is provided. The golf bag comprises a generally tubular body for housing a plurality of golf clubs; a generally solid and flat platform sized and configured to support a seated golfer; a coupler that interconnects the tubular body to the platform; and at least one leg that extends from the platform to a ground support surface.

Abstract: A partitioned golf club bag (10) having a partitioned golf club insert (26) that includes an upper partitioned platform (28) having fourteen golf club bores (36). Each golf club bore (36) is marked with a number (86) that corresponds to the number of a particular golf club (170). Into each golf club bore (36) is inserted a golf club sleeve (78) that includes a vertical notch (82) that maintains each golf club (170) in an orderly, angular position. The golf club bag (10) also includes a shoulder harness (142), a plurality of utility pockets (158), and an articulated, combination golf bag stand and wheel assembly (90). The assembly (90) can be positioned to allow the golf club bag (12) to be placed in a stationary position or to be placed in a position that allows the golf club bag (12) to be pushed or pulled by means of a handle (156) that is attached to the golf club bag (12).

Abstract: A golf bag includes a bag body, a stand mounted on a side of the bag body, a plurality of tees mounted on an upper portion of the stand, and a plurality of sleeves each mounted on the mounting seat of the stand to support a respective one of the tees. Thus, each of the tees is clamped by the clamping pieces of each of the sleeves so that each of the tees is supported on the mounting seat of the stand rigidly and stably, thereby preventing the tees from being detached from the bag body.

Abstract: Briefly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention (10) is an extension handle (26) for a golf bag (12) having a top opening (19), and carrying straps (22). The extension handle (26) includes one or more brackets (28) attached to the golf bag (12) near the top opening (19), the brackets (28) having attachment points (48) for attachment of the golf bag straps (22), these attachment points (48) extending beyond the top opening (19) of the bag (12). The extension handle (26) includes a handle (36) attached to the bracket or brackets (28). Also a golf bag (10) having an extension handle (26).

Abstract: A bag for golf clubs, of the type comprising an enclosure (1) for containing the clubs (2), a substantially rigid support structure (4) with, fixed thereto, members (5) for connecting wheels (6) to said enclosure to enable the bag to be moved, and a handle (7) for dragging and guiding the bag, said connection members (5) being movable between a rest position (R) and an operative position (P) in which, respectively, the wheels lie in proximity to said enclosure (1) or are distanced from said enclosure, substantially rigid containing elements (4D) for at least partly housing the wheels (6) when these are in the rest position (R), and at least one substantially rigid base wall (4B) of said enclosure (1), and in which in order not to limit the capacity of said enclosure said protection elements (4D) are provided external to said enclosure (1) and said connection elements (5) and said enclosure (1) are shaped such that, when in the rest position (R), the connection elements (5) are positioned external to said encl

Abstract: A removable golf sleeve that is easily coupled to and uncoupled from a golf bag. The sleeve is configured to hold one or more clubs easily and be easily transportable to and from the golf bag. The golf sleeve is formed as a durable, lightweight flexible bag having a highly visible collar, handle and loop. The bag is large enough to hold multiple golf clubs in such a way as to prevent water and dirt from accumulating on the grips, even if the sleeve is set down on wet or dirty ground. The golf sleeve has one or more attachment features used to releasably couple the removable golf sleeve to the interior or exterior of the golf bag. The removable golf sleeve may also be formed with an incorporated tripod stand that allows the collar to remain off the ground when the sleeve is uncoupled from the golf bag.

Abstract: A tilting support device includes a base rotatably secured to the lower portion of the golf bag, one or more legs rotatably secured to the upper portion of the golf bag and rotatable between an open position and a folding position, and a spring member coupled between the base and the legs for resiliently moving the legs outward to the working position when the golf bag is rotated or tilted relative to the base. A damping device is disposed between the legs and the golf bag for damping a rotational movement between the legs and the golf bag.

Abstract: A golf bag with a base having protrusion forming regions at a first section ranging from 30 to 60 degrees from a reference line, a second section ranging from 120 to 150 degrees from the reference line, a third section ranging from 210 to 240 degrees from the reference line, and a fourth section ranging from 300 to 330 degrees from the reference line. At each of the protrusion forming regions, one or more protrusions are formed to prevent the golf bag from rotating and falling over. A pair of tangents drawn from two of the protrusions in the front-rear direction and a pair of tangents drawn from two of the protrusions in the lateral direction pass outside of a base peripheral edge. Auxiliary protrusions may also be formed on the base at the positions of 90 degrees and 270 degrees from the reference line. All tangents linking the adjacent protrusions and all tangents linking the adjacent protrusion and auxiliary protrusion may pass outside of the base peripheral edge.