Golf bag with self actuating stand

Abstract

A golf bag includes a self actuating stand having a base assembly, a support mount assembly and an actuating mechanism. The base assembly includes a base ring and a foot is coupled to the base ring and includes a ground engaging surface covering the lower end of the body of the bag. The base ring is mounted to the foot wherein the base ring is selectively positionable relative to the foot to position the body between an upright position and an inclined position when the ground engaging surface is located stationary on a supporting surface. The support mount includes a plurality of interlocking hinge elements extending radially outward from an outer surface of the body, and at least one support leg is rotatably coupled to the support mount via the plurality of interlocking hinge elements. At least one actuator arm is coupled to the support leg and an activation rod coupled to the foot, wherein when the body is positioned in the inclined position, relative movement of the activation rod with respect to the body forces the actuator arm to extend the support leg to the deployed position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to baggage for being carried by a person and, more particularly, to golf bags having integrated stands which are deployable to support the bag in an inclined position on a ground surface. [0002] While the game of golf is ever increasing in popularity, stowing and transporting golf equipment to, from, and around a golf course can be a drawback to an otherwise enjoyable experience. Traditionally, for most golfers, golf clubs are carried around the course in a bag and laid on the ground when it is the golfer's turn to play. Picking up the bag and laying it down repeatedly during a game of golf, not to mention carrying a full bag of clubs, can be tiresome and inconvenient. It can also be difficult to access the bag to insert, remove, or switch golf clubs when the bag is on the ground. While carrying straps are typically provided, most golf bags are uncomfortable to carry for an extended period of time. [0003] In an atte...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While the game of golf is ever increasing in popularity, stowing and transporting golf equipment to, from, and around a golf course can be a drawback to an otherwise enjoyable experience.

Picking up the bag and laying it down repeatedly during a game of golf, not to mention carrying a full bag of clubs, can be tiresome and inconvenient.

It can also be difficult to access the bag to insert, remove, or switch golf clubs when the bag is on the ground.

While carrying straps are typically provided, most golf bags are uncomfortable to carry for an extended period of time.

Known stand mechanisms, however, are disadvantaged in several aspects.

For example, support legs tend to be bulky and increase the weight of the bag and make it more difficult to carry when desired.

Additionally, the support structure and support legs are typically mounted to the exterior of the bag and are subject to bending forces, especially at the connection points to the bag, when the bag is transported from place to place, such as in the trunk of a car.

If the legs or mounting structure thereof are bent the benefits of the support structure are compromised.

Thus, not only are actuating components unprotected but potentially hazardous conditions are created for golfers if fingers or clothing, for example, become caught or pinched in the moving components of the bag during actuation.

Still further, many known stand assemblies are actuated through straps or other triggering members that create reliability issues as well as render the golf bag vulnerable to unexpected and inadvertent actuation of the legs.

Known base assemblies, however, are disadvantaged in several aspects.

Thus, the bag has a reduced stability as only a portion of the base is actually supporting the bag at any one time which renders the bag susceptible to tipping when in use.

Further, the pivoting portions of the base assembly may be vulnerable to damage from impact as the bag is handled and transported from place to place, such as in the trunk of a car.

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