Golf bag with expandable collar apertures

Abstract

An expandable top collar system (10) for a golf bag (12) is provided for providing one or more expandable apertures (36) facilitating a smaller lateral aspect collapsed mode (14) and a larger aspect expanded mode (16). The system (10) includes expansion means (37) and securing means (49) associated with each expandable aperture (36) so as to define the degree of aspect expansion.

Description

[0001]This is a non-provisional application claiming priority from a provisional application (U.S. Ser. No. 61 / 354,507) filed on 14 Jun. 2010 by the same inventors.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates generally to golf equipment and particularly to golf bags.BACKGROUND ART[0003]The heads of golf clubs, particularly “woods” (most of which are actually now metal or composites) and hybrid (irons) have increased dramatically from those known a decade or more ago. With the advent of lighter materials and improved hollow head construction techniques, it has become feasible and desirable to make clubs with larger striking surfaces and much greater head volumes. In addition, shaft materials have also become more delicate in terms of abrasive contact and it is more desirable than ever to minimize rubbing together of shafts within the golf bag. Further, bulkier head covers for clubs are more fashionable. All of these factors increase the volume required at the top of a golf bag ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]An advantage of the present invention is that it is collapsible in order to store in a compact form in a compressed mode while expanding to provide wide club openings facilitating access and preventing interference between clubs and head covers in the golf bag in its expanded mode.

[0013]Another advantage of the invention is that it provides a “normal” aspect or footprint for shipping in standard shipping boxes, while facilitating an expanded aspect when in use.

[0014]An additional advantage of the invention is that it is particularly adapted for use for golf bags carried on riding carts where the clubs are stored vertically and have maximal likelihood of interference with adjacent clubs in the bag.

[0015]Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the expanded apertures work with modern oversized club head and bulky headcovers by providing greater lateral room at the volume near the insertion points of the golf bag.

[0016]Still another advantage of the present invention is that it facilitates aperture expansion in multiple directions, to accommodate the space available.

[0017]A further advantage of the invention is that club insertion into and removal from the golf bag is made easier for the user.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, shaft materials have also become more delicate in terms of abrasive contact and it is more desirable than ever to minimize rubbing together of shafts within the golf bag.

This solution comes with its own disadvantages, such as fitting into golf carts and storage locations, such as lockers and automotive trunks.

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