Golf bag accessory

Abstract

A golf bag accessory (1) securable to a golf bag (2) including a central panel (5) having a base end (6), a top end (7) and a pair of side edges (8). A pair of side panels (10) extend from the central panel (5) and each have a base end (11), a top end (12), a side edge (13) fixed to said side edge (8) of said central panel (5) and a free edge (14) remote said central panel (5). A top panel / flap (20) also extends from the central panel (5) and has a bottom end (21) connected to the top end (7) of said central panel (5), a free top end (22) remote said central panel (5) and a pair of free side edges (23). The top panel can remain unzipped during use so that golf clubs can be quickly changed over during rain without the enclosure becoming exposed.

Description

Golf Bag AccessoryFIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the transport of sporting goods. In particular, the invention relates to the transport and use of golf clubs with a golf bag.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily for use with the game of golf and will be described hereinafter with reference to these applications. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use and may also be employed in other applications involving stick / bat like sporting equipment, for example, hockey, baseball, cricket, lacrosse, polo and the like.BACKGROUND

[0003] Golf is a game played throughout the world on golf courses that have been designed specifically to challenge the golfer. As such, golfers want to challenge themselves by playing at different golf courses with differently designed layouts. This has led to golf tourism where players often take holidays to other countries or other states to play a series of differently designed courses.

[0004] The game of golf is played with a set of golf clubs. These clubs have a handle at one end, an elongated shaft and a club head of varying sizes and shapes at the other end. The differently shaped golf heads make golf club transport difficult. Golf clubs are typically moved from a storage location, such as a house, to a golf course or golf range and in a golf bag. Over the years, these golf bags have become relatively uniform in shape and size. An example of a typical bag is shown in Figures 11 and 12. One issue with such bags is that they have an open end to allow the clubs to be quickly chosen or discarded during game play. This open end, however, creates an opening for debris, sprinklers and rain to enter and possibly damage the clubs located therein.

[0005] To close off the open end, end covers and rain covers / hoods are used. These covers though tend to be flimsy, not well securable to the bag and not aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Also, typical rain covers often require excessive zipping and unzipping in use or need to be completely removed from the bag to access the clubs, which is not ideal as it lets in the rain. These covers are also not suitable for traveling as they are flexible.

[0006] Often players have a favored set of golf clubs that are set up with the right lengths, grips and weights for their own game style. The traveling golfer does not want to rent golf clubs at their end destination, they want to take their own.

[0007] This has led to many different types of transport options for golf clubs so that they do not get damaged while being transported. In most cases, a hard shell encases the golf bag and clubs, however the clubs are free to move around inside the shell, to some extent, while in transport. This can damage the clubs. Alternatively, travel bags having foam inserts have been developed but these are bulky and waste space.

[0008] Other issues with existing systems and products are that hard cases are bulky and weigh a lot, are often made of plastic or metal, offer protection but can be bulky and heavy, making them cumbersome to carry and potentially exceeding airline baggage weight limits and transport (difficult to fit in a car boot). They are difficult to maneuver as large hard cases can be awkward to navigate through airports, public transportation, and tight spaces. Hard cases take up significant storage space and as mentioned, the clubs still need to be padded internally to stop rattling and chipping of clubs.

[0009] In respect of soft cases, they provide less protection. While some soft cases offer some padding, they provide less protection than hard cases, leaving shafts and heads exposed to damage during handling and transportation. Soft cases take up significant storage space. Stiff Arm / Sacrificial Stick add no protection for clubs rattling and chipping. They do not dampen or lessen the impact on clubs but offer a sturdier point for impact than golf shafts.

[0010] Additional drawbacks can include excess weight fees, exceeding baggage weight limits can result in costly airline fees. Require storage when not in use. Are expensive to purchase. All the above methods do not allow for easy storage within an existing golf bag. None of the above are multipurpose.

[0011] Existing systems trying to overcome these problems include a collar that wraps around the protruding club and is not fastened to the bag itself, allowing clubs to fall out if used on its own and could increase damage by pushing shafts in opposite directions. They also do not act like a rain hood. Other systems do not retard airflow causing the cover to collapse upon impact.

[0012] There is a need to provide a golf club cover that keeps the golf clubs secure during transport which can also act as a rain cover in use.SUMMARY

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of existing arrangements, or at least provide a useful alternative to existing arrangements.

[0014] There is disclosed herein a golf bag accessory securable to a golf bag in use, the accessory having: a central panel having a base end, a top end and a pair of side edges; a pair of side panels extend from the central panel and each have a base end, a top end, a side edge fixed to a said side edge of said central panel and a free edge remote said central panel and a top panel extending from said central panel and having a bottom end connected to said top end of said central panel, a free top end remote said central panel and a pair of free side edges said free edges of said side panels and top panel having fasteners that in use are securable together to form an enclosure to house golf clubs; one or more of said panels including an inflatable chamber such that during use said chamber when inflated secures said clubs within said enclosure.

[0015] Preferably, the fastener includes a zip.

[0016] Preferably, the fastener includes hook and loop type fasteners.

[0017] Preferably, the fasteners include press studs.

[0018] Preferably, the fasteners include magnets.

[0019] Preferably, the zip is continuous from the base end of said side panel free edge to the top end of the free edge of said top panel.

[0020] Preferably, each panel includes an inflatable chamber.

[0021] Preferably, the inflatable chambers are connected.

[0022] Preferably, one panel includes a valve to assist with inflating said chambers.

[0023] Preferably, said base ends when formed together provide an opening, said opening securable about the open end of a golf bag.

[0024] Preferably, said accessory is a golf bag cover.

[0025] Preferably, said base ends include one or more straps to secure said cover to said golf bag.

[0026] Preferably, said straps include hook and loop fasteners.

[0027] Preferably, in use, the inflatable chambers once inflated reduce the space within the bag chamber thereby urging said clubs closer together reducing the chance of movement during transport.

[0028] Preferably, said panels are water resistant.

[0029] Preferably, dual zipper design with a return that supports the flap when unzipped and closed.

[0030] Preferably, including a plurality of chambers with a system that retards the air flow between the chambers to maximize a volume of air cushioning the clubs within the enclosure protecting the clubs during an impact.

[0031] Preferably, a volume of air at a point of impact increases cushioning of the clubs during this initial impact.

[0032] Preferably, as the impact progresses, the retarding of the air flow provides a supportive protection by dispersing an impact energy and transferring this energy into the neighboring chambers.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[0034] Figure 1 shows an external side of the accessory in an expanded configuration;

[0035] Figure 2 shows an internal side of the accessory in an expanded configuration;

[0036] Figure 3 shows a front view of the accessory of Figures 1, 2 in a folded use configuration;

[0037] Figure 4 shows a top view of the accessory of Figures 1, 2 in a folded use configuration;

[0038] Figure 5 shows a side view of the accessory of Figures 1, 2 in a folded use configuration;

[0039] Figure 6 shows a rear view of the accessory of Figures 1, 2 in a folded use configuration;

[0040] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the accessory of Figures 1, 2 in a folded use configuration with flaps open;

[0041] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the accessory of Figures 1, 2 in a folded use configuration with flaps partially open;

[0042] Figure 9 shows a further perspective view of the accessory of Figures 1, 2 in a folded use configuration with flaps open;

[0043] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the accessory of Figures 1, 2 in a folded use configuration with flaps closed;

[0044] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the accessory of Figures 1, 2 in a use configuration on a golf bag;

[0045] Figure 12 shows a further perspective view of the accessory of Figures 1, 2 in a use configuration on a golf bag;

[0046] Figure 13 shows a top cross section in an inflated configuration; and

[0047] Figure 14 shows a side cross section in an inflated configuration.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In the accompanying drawings there is disclosed an embodiment of a golf bag accessory 1 securable to a golf bag 2 in use and as best seen in Figures 11 and 12. The accessory 1, which in the preferred form is a golf bag hood cover 1 includes a central panel 5 having a base end 6, a top end 7 and a pair of side edges 8. A pair of side panels 10 extend from the central panel 5 and each have a base end 11, a top end 12, a side edge 13 fixed to said side edge 8 of said central panel 5 and a free edge 14 remote said central panel 5. A top panel / flap 20 also extends from the central panel 5 and has a bottom end 21 connected to the top end 7 of said central panel 5, a free top end 22 remote said central panel 5 and a pair of free side edges 23. The top panel can remain unzipped during use so that golf clubs can be quickly changed over during rain without the enclosure becoming exposed. The free edges 14, 23 and top end 12 having fasteners 30 that in use are securable together to form an enclosure 40 (see Figure 7) to house golf clubs 50.Advantageously, one or more of the panels 5, 10, 20 include an inflatable chamber(s) 60 such that during use the chamber(s) 60 when inflated secure the clubs 50 within the enclosure 40 as best seen in Figures 13, 14.

[0049] In a preferred form, the fastener 30 includes a zip or zips. The zips running continuously from the base end 11 to the free top end 22. In an alternate form, the fastener 30 could include hook and loop type fasteners, press studs, magnets or the like. The panels 5, 10, 20 when zipped together form a cover 1 that can be attached to a golf bag 2. The cover 1 having an opening 61 through which the clubs 50 can be inserted into the enclosure 40.

[0050] The base ends 11 also includes straps 70 and 71 for attachment of the cover 1 to the golf bag 2 and / or each other. In a preferred form, the straps 70 include hook and loop type fasteners which attach to each other to secure about the bag opening 61 and the straps 71 include press studs 73 and length adjustment members 72. The press studs 73 attach to press studs 75 on the bag 2.

[0051] Referring specifically to the embodiment shown in Figures 7, 13 and 14, the panels 5, 10, 20 are made up of several layers with an internal layer 90 including one or more chambers 60 that can be inflated and an outer layer 91 which is exposed to the weather. In the preferred form the chambers 60 are connected together and a valve 80 located on the rear (see Figure 6) can be used to inflate the chambers 60 and squeeze the clubs 50 together to secure them for transport. There could, in alternate embodiments, be more than one valve 80 and more than one chamber 60. The valve 80 includes a mouthpiece for inflation by a human and / or can include an ability to be inflated by an inflation device such as a pump.

[0052] Though it is mentioned above that in a preferred form there is one enclosure and one chamber, it should be appreciated that there may be multiple enclosures and multiple chambers. For example, the designed ‘Inflatable Chamber Protection System’ (ICPS) could be included which has a network of air cells / chambers with a system that retards the air flow between these cells / chambers to maximize the volume of air cushioning protection during an impact. The ICPS maximizes the volume of air at the point of impact to increase the cushioning during this initial impact. As the impact progresses, the retarding of the air flow is designed to provide supportive protection by dispersing the impact energy and transferring this energy into the neighboring air cells / chambers as the air flows between cells / chambers. The ICPS maximizes cushioning to protect against more aggressive impacts which would normally provide catastrophic damage to its contents in the enclosure. The air cell layout and inflation path greatly enhance the proper protection of critical items at specific locations of the enclosed where they are most vulnerable to damage. The inflation is specific to air only, rather than all liquid.

[0053] Advantageously, as the outer layer 91 of the cover 1 is water resistant it also provides a rain cover hood for the golf clubs 50. Having a top panel / flap 20, as seen in Figure 7, the cover 1 can be easily and quickly unzipped allowing a golfer to retrieve or return a club 50 with minimal rain getting into the enclosure 40. This is achieved by a dual zipper design with a return that supports the flap (top panel 20) when unzipped and closed. The cover 1 can also include a back flap 100 (as best seen in Figure 12) to allow the golf bag 2 carrying strap to retain in position. The outer layer 91 is preferably 40D coated TPU. The inner layer 90 is preferably 0.3mm think TPU welded to the outer layer 91 along seam lines 16 to create the inflatable chambers 60. The seam lines 16 where required are heat welded. A 30mm flap 32 is provided over the zipper 30 to help protect the zip. The Zip would be sewn along the zipper path and ensure the inner flap sits horizontally under the cover flap.

[0054] In use, the opening 61 of the cover 1 would be placed over the open end of the golf bag 2. The top panel / flap 20 would at this stage be unzipped. The straps 71 having press studs 73 would be connected to the press studs 75 on the bag 2. The straps 70 would then be brought together to wrap about the end of the bag 2 reducing the cover diameter and securing the cover 1 to the bag 2. The panel / flap 20 would then be zipped up closing the enclosure 40. A user would then use valve 80 to inflate the chambers 60 and squeeze the clubs 50 to ensure safe transportation.

[0055] Various forms of the invention described above may have one or more of the following advantages. Due to the design the product could be modified to include a toweling lining (not shown) so that when folded it could hang from a golf bag during play and act as a golf towel.

[0056] In the preferred form, the product has a number of air cells or chambers that are interconnected to allow for single valve inflation and to retard airflow when in use to strengthen impact resilience.

[0057] Advantageously, in the preferred embodiment, the product hood cover has air flow retardation to increase harder impacts. Toweling lining to transform into a hanging towel for use in play. It is light and easy to fold and store. It has a unique dual zipper design to allow for easy access when used as a rain hood so the flap falls over clubs to keep them dry rather than zipping up and down during play. The hood is made of durable material to withstand heavy wear. The hood has a universal fitting mechanism to fit most industry standard golf bags.

[0058] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and / or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A golf bag accessory securable to a golf bag in use, the accessory having: a central panel having a base end, a top end and a pair of side edges; a pair of side panels extend from the central panel and each have a base end, a top end, a side edge fixed to a said side edge of said central panel and a free edge remote said central panel and a top panel extending from said central panel and having a bottom end connected to said top end of said central panel, a free top end remote said central panel and a pair of free side edges; said free edges of said side panels and top panel having fasteners that in use are securable together to form an enclosure to house golf clubs; one or more of said panels including an inflatable chamber such that during use said chamber when inflated secures said clubs within said enclosure.

2. The golf bag accessory of claim 1, wherein the fastener includes a zip.

3. The golf bag accessory of claim 1, wherein the fastener includes a hook and loop type fastener.

4. The golf bag accessory of claim 1, wherein the fasteners include one or more press studs.

5. The golf bag accessory of claim 1, wherein the fasteners include one or more pairs of magnets.

6. The golf bag accessory of claim 2, wherein the zip is continuous from the base end of said side panel free edge to the top end of the free edge of said top panel.

7. The golf bag accessory of claim 1, wherein each panel includes an inflatable chamber.

8. The golf bag accessory of claim 7, wherein the inflatable chambers are connected.

9. The golf bag accessory of claim 7 or 8, wherein one panel includes a valve to assist with inflating said chambers.

10. The golf bag accessory of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said base ends when formed together provide an opening, said opening securable about the open end of a golf bag.

11. The golf bag accessory of claim 10, wherein said base ends include one or more straps to secure said cover to said golf bag.

12. The golf bag accessory of claim 11, whereby said straps include hook and loop fasteners.

13. The golf bag accessory of claim 1, whereby in use, the inflatable chambers once inflated reduce the space within the bag chamber thereby urging said clubs closer together reducing the chance of movement during transport.

14. The golf bag accessory of claim 1, whereby said panels are water resistant.

15. The golf bag accessory of claim 2, including a dual zipper design having a return that in use supports the panels.

16. The golf bag accessory of claim 1, including a plurality of chambers with a system that retards air flow between the chambers to maximize a volume of air cushioning the clubs within the enclosure protecting the clubs during an impact.

17. The golf bag accessory of claim 16, whereby the volume of air at a point of impact increases cushioning of the clubs during impact.

18. The golf bag accessory of 16 or 17, whereby as the impact progresses, the retarding of air flow provides a supportive protection by dispersing an impact energy and transferring this energy into adjacent chambers.Woolloomooloo GC Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant / Nominated Person GLMR

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