A travel case for transporting a golf bag

Abstract

Disclosed is a travel case (1) for transporting a golf bag containing golf clubs. The travel case (1) includes a container (2) defining an inner cavity for receiving a golf bag, and a lid (3) movable between an open and closed position. The lid (3) is securable to the container (2) using a waterproof closing means (4), such as a zipper (6), configured to provide a watertight seal. A lock mechanism (5) is integrally formed with the container (2) and configured to lock the waterproof closing means (4) when the lid (3) is in the closed position. The lock mechanism (5) may be flush with the outer surface of the container (2) to reduce the risk of entanglement during transport. The invention provides improved water resistance and security for golf equipment during travel.

Description

[0001] A TRAVEL CASE FOR TRANSPORTING A GOLF BAG

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to a travel case for transporting a golf bag and more particularly, but not exclusively to a travel case for transporting a golf bag which provides a watertight closure and improved locking system.

[0004] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0005] United States patent application number 2012 / 0286490 entitled “TRAVEL GOLF BAG” in the name of Robert McGuire describes a travel golf bag which is designed for transporting a golf bag with clubs. It features a housing with an upper portion, lower portion, and a bottom wall, creating a bag-receiving chamber. This chamber includes an elongated slot in the side wall and an opening in the top wall for inserting the golf bag. The case comes with a removable cover that includes a hood portion, which attaches to the upper part of the housing, and a chamber cover portion that covers the elongated slot. Both the hood and chamber cover have fasteners to secure them, enclosing the chamber and providing protection for the golf bag and clubs during transport. The abstract disclosing: a travel golf bag that includes a travel case, an accessory bag removably disposed within the travel case, and a cover disposed over a top portion of the travel case to enclose the accessory bag within the travel case. The cover includes a hood portion with a lower edge connected to an upper edge of the travel case and a chamber cover portion disposed over a side or front of the travel case to cover an opening in the travel case that exposes the accessory bag.

[0006] As known in the art, a golf bag travel bag is an essential piece of luggage for golfers who frequently travel, whether for leisure, tournaments, or business. These bags are specifically designed to protect and transport golf clubs and related equipment, combining durability, protection, and ease of mobility. The main function of a golf travel bag is to safeguard the golf clubs, especially the club heads, which are most vulnerable to damage during travel. To ensure this protection, these bags are typically padded, and some models even include hardshell cases or interior straps to keep the clubs securely in place.

[0007] Constructed from robust materials such as nylon, polyester, or hard plastics, golf bag travel bags are built to endure the wear and tear of travel, including rough handling by airline baggage systems. They also feature high-quality zippers, wheels, and handles to enhance their durability and ease of use. Mobility is a key feature, with most bags incorporating either inline or spinner wheels and ergonomic handles, allowing golfers to easily navigate through airports or other travel hubs.

[0008] Available in various sizes and capacities, these bags can accommodate different types of golf bags, from standard to tour bags, often including additional pockets for shoes, balls, and other accessories. Despite their sturdy construction, golf travel bags are designed to be as lightweight as possible to comply with airline weight restrictions, without sacrificing protection.

[0009] There are different types of golf travel bags, including soft-sided bags, which are lighter and more flexible, hard-sided cases that provide maximum protection, and hybrid bags that combine features of both. For any golfer who needs to travel by air, train, or car, a golf travel bag is a valuable investment, ensuring that expensive clubs and equipment arrive at their destination undamaged and ready for play.

[0010] Some golf travel bags are designed with a combination of hard and soft materials, allowing the softer portion to be folded and stowed within the more durable top. This feature maximises protection for the clubs while making the bag more compact and easier to store when not in use. It offers a practical space-saving solution, enhancing portability and ensuring golfers can travel efficiently without compromising the safety of their equipment.

[0011] While golf travel bags are designed to be durable and protective, one potential drawback is that even though the material of the bag may be waterproof or some water resistant, the zippers and seals often are not. This can be a concern for golfers travelling in wet conditions or those worried about their equipment being exposed to moisture during transit. Water can seep through these less -protected areas, potentially leading to dampness inside the bag, which could damage the clubs and other gear. It’s important for travellers to be aware of this limitation and consider additional protective measures, such as using waterproof covers or keeping sensitive items in sealed compartments, to ensure that their equipment remains dry and safe.

[0012] Although the handles of the zippers on golf travel bags are often designed to accommodate a padlock or combination lock for added security, there is a potential risk associated with using these locks during air travel. The locks can sometimes become entangled in airport conveyor systems, leading to damage not only to the lock itself but also to the bag or its contents. This entanglement can cause delays or even force the bag open, exposing the golf clubs and other equipment to potential harm. While securing the bag is important, golfers should be mindful of this risk and may want to consider alternative methods of securing their gear or choosing locks that are less likely to catch on conveyor belts.

[0013] This could be quite problematic as it is imperative to have the travel cases be waterproof. Golf clubs and equipment are prone to rust. If the bags get damaged in the conveyor process, this will mean that the travel bag needs to be replaced as it no longer provides protection for the clubs and the golf bag and clubs which it is supposed to protect.

[0014] Although certain golf bag travel cases provide waterproof materials or TSA- compliant locks, these features are often implemented independently. For instance, waterproofing may be limited to coated fabrics or removable rain covers, while locks are typically padlocks or cable mechanisms attached externally to the zippers or handles. These approaches fail to ensure consistent sealing, especially around the zipper region, and expose the case to damage or accidental opening during automated baggage handling.

[0015] Furthermore, conventional designs do not address the interaction between sealing and locking functions. The waterproof closure and locking systems are rarely designed to operate in a coordinated manner. As a result, existing cases may still allow moisture ingress near the closure interface or may include protruding locks that risk snagging or damage. There is accordingly a need for a golf travel case / bag in which the locking mechanism is integrally formed with the container, interacts directly with the sealing system, and collectively maintains a secure, watertight barrier during transit.

[0016] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0017] It is an object of this invention to provide a travel case for transporting a golf bag which, at least partially, alleviates some of the above-mentioned difficulties.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In accordance with this invention, there is provided a travel case for transporting a golf bag containing golf clubs, the travel case comprising:

[0020] - a container defining an inner cavity and having a lid movable between an open and a closed position; - a waterproof closing means to secure the lid to the container in the closed position;

[0021] - a lock mechanism integrally formed with the container and which locks the waterproof closing means when the lid is in the closed position.

[0022] The travel case further includes the feature that the case may be a bag.

[0023] The travel case further includes the feature that the waterproof closing means may be a zipper.

[0024] The travel case further includes the feature that the lock mechanism may be unlocked with a combination, a key, or any other unlocking means the invention is not limited in this regard.

[0025] The travel case further includes the feature that the lock mechanism may be a TSA-approved lock.

[0026] The travel case further includes the feature that the locking mechanism does not protrude beyond the outer profile of the container.

[0027] The travel case further includes the feature that the locking mechanism may receive at least part of the pull tabs, which form part of the zipper and secures pull tabs together in a position where the container is closed. The travel case further includes the feature that the locking mechanism may receive at least part of the slider, which forms part of the zipper and secures the sliders together in a position where the container is closed.

[0028] The travel case further includes the feature wherein the tape which forms part of the zipper may be waterproof.

[0029] The travel case further includes the feature wherein the waterproofing extends over the tape of the zipper so that the teeth and the chain of the zipper are waterproof.

[0030] The travel case further includes the feature wherein the container may have an operatively upper section which is made from a robust material.

[0031] The travel case further includes the feature wherein the container may have an operatively lower section which may be made from a less robust material than the operatively upper section.

[0032] The travel case further includes the feature wherein the operatively lower section may be storable in the operatively upper section when the travel case is not in use.

[0033] The travel case further includes the feature wherein the travel case may include wheels. The travel case further includes the feature wherein the travel case may include handles.

[0034] The travel case further includes the feature wherein the travel case may include secondary pockets.

[0035] The travel case further includes the feature wherein the secondary pockets may include waterproof zippers.

[0036] The travel case further includes the feature wherein the waterproof closing means and the locking mechanism are cooperatively configured such that locking the mechanism causes the closing means to be sealed in a fluid-tight condition.

[0037] The travel case further includes the feature wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking bolt or tongue that passes through or into an aperture in the slider or pull tab of the zipper.

[0038] The travel case further includes the feature wherein the lid comprises an overhanging flange or lip that overlaps the container when closed to enhance water resistance

[0039] The travel case further includes the feature wherein the waterproof closing means comprises a pressure-sensitive seal or gasket in addition to the zipper. The travel case further includes the feature wherein the container comprises an RFID-readable tag or embedded digital tracking element.

[0040] The travel case further includes the feature wherein the lid is hinged to the container by a flexible waterproof hinge or foldable panel integrally formed with the container.

[0041] The invention further provides for a waterproof travel case for transporting a golf bag containing golf clubs, the travel case comprising:

[0042] - a housing having an operatively upper portion and an operatively lower portion defining a partial side wall

[0043] - a golf club bag receiving chamber formed in the housing, a portion of which forms an elongated slot in a side wall of the housing

[0044] - The slot having a waterproof closing means.

[0045] The waterproof travel case further includes the feature that a tape which forms part of the zipper is waterproof and wherein the waterproofing extends over the tape of the zipper so that teeth and a chain of the zipper is waterproof.

[0046] A lockable travel case for transporting a golf bag containing golf clubs, the travel case comprising:

[0047] - a housing having an operatively upper portion and an operatively lower portion defining a partial side wall

[0048] - a golf club bag receiving chamber formed in the housing, a portion of which forms an elongated slot in a side wall of the housing - the housing including locking mechanism integrally formed within an outer surface the housing.

[0049] The lockable travel case further includes the feature that the lock mechanism may be unlocked with a combination, a key, or any other unlocking means; the invention is not limited in this regard.

[0050] The lockable travel case further includes the feature that the lock mechanism may be a TSA-approved lock.

[0051] The lockable travel case further includes the feature that the locking mechanism may receive at least part of the pull tabs or slider, which forms part of the zipper and secures the pull tabs or slider together in a position where the container is closed.

[0052] These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below.

[0053] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] One embodiment of the invention is described below, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which:

[0055] Figure 1 shows a travel case / bag for transporting a golf bag; Figure 2 shows a detailed view of a lock used as part of a travel case / bag for transporting a golf bag of figure 1 ; and

[0056] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of a waterproof closing means used to close a lid to the travel case / bag for transporting a golf bag, of Figure 1 .

[0057] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein

[0059] With reference to the drawings, a golf travel case in this embodiment resembling a bag for transporting a golf bag containing golf clubs, reference numeral 1 .

[0060] A golf travel case 1 for transporting a golf bag containing golf clubs. For this embodiment the golf clubs and the golf club bag are not shown. The golf travel case 1 has a container 2 which is in itself a bag with an inner cavity. This container 2 receives and protects a golf club bag.

[0061] The container 2 includes an opening mechanism to access the inner cavity, allowing insertion of the golf club bag and has a lid 3. The lid 3 may be closed and secured to the container 2 to close off the inner cavity to the container 2. The lid 3 is closed with a waterproof closing means 4. In this embodiment, the waterproof closing means is a zipper 6, which is specifically designed to have a watertight closure.

[0062] Once a golf club bag is inserted into the container 2, the closing means 4 can be locked in a closed position with a lock mechanism 5.

[0063] This locking mechanism is integrally formed as part of the container 2 so that it does not unnecessarily protrude above the surface of the container reducing the risk of entanglement. As discussed in the background to the invention the travel case 1 should not have any parts which may become entangled in any conveyor systems.

[0064] The lock 5 is unlocked with a combination; however a key may also be used to unlock the lock. This is to comply with Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) regulations. The lock is as such a TSA-approved lock.

[0065] The travel case 1 further includes the feature that the locking mechanism 5 receives a part of the pull tab 7 or the slider 8. The pull tabs 7 or the sliders 8 are designed with receiving means to accommodate a locking bolt, which forms part of the lock 5. When the pull tabs 7 are locked in the lock 5, the zipper 6 is in a closed position with all the teeth 10 forming a chain 11. In this position, the lid 3 is closed, and there is no access to the inner cavity of the container 2. The tape 9, which forms part of the zipper 6, is waterproof and may also feature a secondary waterproof lining.

[0066] The waterproofing extends over the tape 9 of the zipper 6 so that the teeth 10 and the chain 11 of the zipper 6 is as such also considered to be waterproof. This ensures that even though the travel case is made from waterproof materials, that the zipper 6 is now also waterproof, making the entire container a waterproof container.

[0067] The waterproof zipper 6 is engineered to create a robust, fluid-tight barrier, effectively preventing the ingress of water / moisture into the interior of the container 2. This is achieved through the incorporation of specialised features such as polymer-coated zipper tapes 9 and interlocking teeth 10 that form a hermetic seal.

[0068] The container 2 has an operatively upper section 12 which is made from a robust material. This section 12 needs to protect the club heads of the golf clubs, which are not usually protected by the golf club bag.

[0069] An operatively lower section 13 of the container 2 is made from a less robust material than the operatively upper section 12.

[0070] When not in use, this lower section 13 may collapse or fold into a shape which is small enough to be received and stored within the upper section 12. Alternatively, the golf travel case may have wheels to assist in transporting the case.

[0071] In some designs, additional sealing mechanisms, such as pressure-sensitive closures or overlapping flaps, may enhance the waterproofing capability of the zippers.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the travel case may include a housing having an operatively upper portion and an operatively lower portion which together define a partial side wall. A golf club bag receiving chamber may be formed within the housing, wherein at least part of the side wall includes an elongated slot. The slot may be positioned laterally or vertically along the housing to allow for insertion and removal of the golf bag. The slot is closable using a waterproof closing means, which may be a zipper similar to that described above. The zipper may include a waterproof tape and interlocking teeth, with the waterproofing extending over the tape so that the teeth and chain of the zipper are also waterproof.

[0073] In this alternative embodiment, the housing may further include a locking mechanism integrally formed within an outer surface of the housing. The locking mechanism may be positioned adjacent the slot and configured to receive at least part of the pull tab or slider of the waterproof closing means. When in a closed and locked position, the locking mechanism may secure the pull tab or slider so that the slot remains sealed during transport. As with the earlier described embodiment, the locking mechanism may be TSA-approved and may be operable by a key, combination, or other unlocking means.

[0074] In some examples, the travel case may include a digital tracking element or an RFID-readable tag embedded within the housing or a pocket of the container. The tracking element may enable location monitoring of the travel case during transit, thereby enhancing security and convenience for the user. This feature may be integrated with existing case components without affecting the waterproof integrity of the enclosure.

[0075] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the precise details as described or shown herein and that many other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The pull tabs or the sliders may be locked into position by any appropriate means and are not limited to the description or depictions herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A travel case for transporting a golf bag containing golf clubs, the travel case comprising: a container defining an inner cavity and having a lid movable between an open and a closed position; a waterproof closing means configured to secure the lid in the closed position; and a lock mechanism integrally formed with the container and configured to lock the waterproof closing means when the lid is in the closed position.

2. The travel case according to claim 1 , wherein the waterproof closing means comprises a zipper.

3. The travel case according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to be unlocked using a combination, a key, or any other unlocking means.

4. The travel case according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lock mechanism is a TSA-approved lock.

5. The travel case according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lock mechanism does not protrude beyond an outer profile of the container.

6. The travel case according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to receive and retain at least one pull tab formingpart of the zipper and to secure the pull tab in a position corresponding to the closed position of the lid.

7. The travel case according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to receive and retain at least one slider forming part of the zipper and to secure the slider in a position corresponding to the closed position of the lid.

8. The travel case according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the zipper comprises a tape that is waterproof.

9. The travel case according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the waterproofing extends over the tape such that the teeth and chain of the zipper are waterproof.

10. The travel case according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container comprises an operatively upper section made from a robust material.

11. The travel case according to claim 10, wherein the container further comprises an operatively lower section made from a less robust material than the operatively upper section.

12. The travel case according to claim 11 , wherein the operatively lower section is storable within the operatively upper section when the travel case is not in use.

13. The travel case according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising wheels.

14. The travel case according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more handles.

15. The travel case according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more secondary pockets.

16. The travel case according to claim 15, wherein the secondary pockets include waterproof zippers.

17. The travel case according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the waterproof closing means and the locking mechanism are cooperatively configured such that locking the mechanism causes the closing means to be sealed in a fluid-tight condition.

18. The travel case according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking bolt or tongue that passes through or into an aperture in the slider or pull tab of the zipper.

19. The travel case according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid comprises an overhanging flange or lip that overlaps the container when closed to enhance water resistance20. The travel case according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the waterproof closing means comprises a pressure-sensitive seal or gasket in addition to the zipper.

21. The travel case according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container comprises an RFID-readable tag or embedded digital tracking element.

22. The travel case according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid is hinged to the container by a flexible waterproof hinge or foldable panel integrally formed with the container.

23. The travel case according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is a bag.

24. A waterproof travel case for transporting a golf bag containing golf clubs, the travel case comprising: a housing having an operatively upper portion and an operatively lower portion defining at least part of a side wall; a golf club bag receiving chamber formed in the housing, the chamber including an elongated slot defined in the side wall of the housing; and a waterproof closing means positioned over the slot and configured to seal the chamber in a watertight manner.

25. The travel case according to claim 24, wherein the waterproof closing means comprises a zipper having a waterproof tape, and wherein the waterproofing extends over the tape such that the teeth and chain of the zipper are also waterproof.

26. A lockable travel case for transporting a golf bag containing golf clubs, the travel case comprising: a housing having an operatively upper portion and an operatively lower portion defining at least part of a side wall; a golf club bag receiving chamber formed in the housing, the chamber including an elongated slot defined in the side wall of the housing; and a locking mechanism integrally formed within an outer surface of the housing.

27. The travel case / bag according to claim 26, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to be unlocked using a combination, a key, or any other unlocking means.

28. The travel case according to any one of claims 26 or 27, wherein the locking mechanism is a TSA-approved lock.

29. The travel case according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to receive and retain at least part of a pulltab or a slider forming part of a zipper, and to secure the pull tab or slider in a position corresponding to the closed configuration of the travel case.

30. A travel case for transporting a golf bag containing golf clubs, the travel case comprising: a container defining an inner cavity and having a lid movable between an open and a closed position; a waterproof closing means configured to secure the lid in the closed position;31. A travel case for transporting a golf bag containing golf clubs, the travel case comprising: a container defining an inner cavity and having a lid movable between an open and a closed position; a closing means configured to secure the lid in the closed position; and a lock mechanism integrally formed with the container and configured to lock the closing means when the lid is in the closed position.

32. The travel case according to claim 31 wherein the closing means does not protrude from the container.

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