GB2326102A

GB2326102A - Inflatable golf bag hood

Info

Publication number: GB2326102A
Application number: GB9711435A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jr William Jack
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-06-04
Filing date: 1997-06-04
Publication date: 1998-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2017-06-04
Also published as: GB2326102B; GB9711435D0

Abstract

A hood 10 for protecting golf clubs in a golf bag has an inflatable sleeve 14 which is inflated around the golf clubs to hold them in position and protect them from damage. The hood can be attached directly to the golf bag, to an existing hood/travel cover or be oversized to fully enclose the golf bag. The hood may have inner and outer walls joined to define an inflatable air chamber 16 divided into subchambers 16a-c by joins 24. Inflating the subchambers 16 a-c, which can be done by the mouth, a pump or an aerosol can, immobilises the enclosed golf clubs and forms a pocket which can absorb forces exerted on the golf bag during transport. The hood may have a longitudinal slit to enable access to the golf clubs held in the hood whilst still mounted on the golf bag.

Description

Golf Club Protector The present invention relates to a protective cover for golf clubs located in a golf bag during transportation.

When golf clubs are transported in conventional golf bags, the clubs are susceptible to jostling and often come into contact with foreign objects and/or one another. This causes damage to the clubs, and particularly to the club heads, which may become scratched or marked. The problem is compounded when the golf clubs are transported on commercial airlines where the golf bag may be subjected to numerous handling operations between the air terminal and aircraft. Similar damage may be endured when the golf clubs are transported by other means, for example by rail, boat, bus or car.

Damage may also be caused to the clubs by careless handling of the golf bag, for example, when the golf bag is thrown into the boot of a car.

Various types of protective covers have been proposed for protecting golf clubs in a golf bag. A golf bag hood, for example, may be secured to the bag and fitted over the protruding ends of the golf clubs.

Alternatively or additionally, the golf bag with the golf clubs contained therein, may be enclosed in a protective oversized casing or travel cover. These protective covers, however, do not protect the clubs from damage caused by jostling of the golf clubs during travel. They also fail to provide protection against longitudinal and lateral forces exerted on the golf clubs during transportation and travel.

It is among the objects of embodiments of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the above disadvantages.

According to the present invention, there is provided a device suitable for protecting golf clubs located in a golf bag during transportation, the device comprising: a sleeve having one end which is adapted to receive the head and upper shaft portions of all of the golf clubs in the bag, the sleeve having its other end closed and being inflatable to secure the head and upper shaft portions of the golf clubs against movement.

Preferably, the sleeve has inner and outer walls which are joiningly sealed at a plurality of locations over their respective areas thereby dividing the inflatable sleeve into a plurality of fluid chambers. The chambers may be in fluid communication with each other and may be inflatable via a common source.

Preferably also, the device comprises means for releasably attaching the device to the golf bag.

Conveniently, the device is attached to the golf bag using a draw string. The device may also be attached to the golf bag by an elastic cord fixed around the golf bag and anchored to the golf bag handle. Conveniently also, the device is attached to the golf bag with Velcro type fasteners. Most conveniently, the device is provided with snaps which snap fit with corresponding snaps provided on the golf bag.

Alternatively, the device may be adapted to fully enclose the golf bag. The device, for example, may be integral with an oversized golf bag casing or a golf bag travel cover. Alternatively it may be used in combination with such a casing or travel cover.

In an embodiment of the present invention the device takes the form of a lining which may be inserted within an existing golf bag hood.

In use, the sleeve is positioned over the protruding ends of all of the golf clubs, so that all of the club heads and upper shaft portions are fully enclosed in common within the inflatable portion of the device. In order to resiliently secure the head and upper shaft portions of the golf clubs against movement, the sleeve is inflated. Air pressure in the sleeve provides the device with structure and helps to hold the device in position. The golf clubs are, thus, held in contact with one another during transport and are protected against damage caused by lateral and longitudinal forces exerted on the bag. The sleeve also protects the golf clubs and golf bag from the rain. In particular, water is prevented from accumulating in the bag.

The device may be made form a water impermeable material. Suitable materials include rubber, nylon fabric, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyvinyl, polycarbonate or polyamide. Laminated materials may also be used, for example, metal foil to plastic film laminates, metal foil to plastic laminates, metallised plastic films and paper laminates. The device may also be constructed using a combination of materials.

For example, the outer wall of the device may be formed of a water impermeable material, and the inner wall may be formed of a material which is not impermeable to water. The scope of the invention, however, is not intended to be limited by the materials listed here: any material which allows the construction and operation of the device may be used.

When not in use, the device may be deflated and rolled or folded away for storage in a pocket of the golf bag.

Preferably the sleeve is formed with a longitudinally extending opening or slit which is closable at least when the sleeve is not inflated. The opening or slit may be closed by any convenient means such as a zip fastener, a loop and hook fastener (Velcro RTM) or by mating stud fasteners. When the slit is open the sleeve is most easily fitted around the golf clubs and if appropriate, to the golf bag.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for protecting golf clubs against damage during transportation, the method comprises the steps of: a) locating the golf clubs in a golf bag; b) providing a device comprising an inflatable sleeve having an end which is adapted to receive the head and upper shaft portions of all of the golf clubs in the bag; c) enclosing the head and upper shaft portions of all of the golf clubs in the sleeve of the device, and d) inflating the sleeve to secure the head and upper shaft portions of the golf clubs against movement.

The method may further comprise the step of securing the device to the golf bag.

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side elevation of the device of Figure 1 shown prior to full assembly; Figure 4 is an end elevation of the device of Figure 1 shown fully assembled and inflated; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is an elevation of the device of Figure 5 shown in an open configuration; Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 5; Figure 8 is a side elevation of the device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 8.

Reference is first made to Figure 1 of the drawings which depicts a first embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 is shown positioned over the golf clubs (not shown) in engagement with the open end of a golf bag 12.

As shown in Figure 2, the device 10 comprises an inflatable sleeve 14. The sleeve 14 has an inner and outer wall which are sealingly joined to define an air chamber 16. The air chamber 16 may be pressurised by pump, mouth or aerosol can via a valve 18. The sleeve 14 further comprises a hem portion 20 at its open end which is adapted to receive a belt (not shown). The sleeve 14 is also provided with a longitudinally extending opening which is closable by a zip 22 which allows the golfer to access his club once the device 10 is fitted over the golf bag 12.

Reference is now made to Figure 3 which shows the device 10 prior to full assembly. The device 10 is formed by overlying the inner and outer walls which have been cut into a twin-dome configuration, as shown in Figure 3.

The walls are joined together along their respective outer edges and along interrupted lines 24 over their common area, as indicated by the dotted lines. The walls may be joined, by any known fabrication technique, to form an air tight seal. For example, the walls may be welded, pressure stamped, stitched or joined together using a suitable adhesive. Combinations of such fabrication techniques may also be employed, for example, the walls may be sealed and additionally stitch seamed to reinforce the strength of the unit.

Thus joined, the walls define the air chamber 16 which is divided into a plurality of sub-chambers 16 a, 16 b, and 16 c by the interrupted lines 24.

The device 10 is then folded over and joined along the outer edge by the zip 22. Figure 4 shows the device 10 inflated.

In use, the device 10 is placed over the open end of a golf bag 12. A belt (not shown) is inserted through the hem portion 20 and tightened around the open end of the golf bag 12. The zip 22 is fastened and the air chamber 16 is inflated through the valve is. Sub chambers 16 a, b and c are interconnected to one another to allow inflation from a common source. Thus inflated, the structure of the sleeve 14 is maintained by air pressure.

The sub-chambers 16 a, 16 b, and 16 c allow the inner wall of the inflated device 10 conform to the compressed shape and contour the golf club heads. This immobilises the clubs, and absorbs forces exerted on the golf bag 12 during transportation.

When deflated, the zip 22 may be unfastened to allow the golfer to gain access to his golf clubs.

The protective device 10 is designed to engage with the open end of the golf bag 12 and is of sufficient length to at least cover the heads and upper shaft portions of the golf clubs. The device 10 is adaptable to accommodate any combination of golf bag and golf clubs without modification.

Reference is now made to Figure 5 which depicts a device 110 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The device 110 is adapted to fully enclose a golf bag and comprises an impermeable oversized casing 112 which serves to protect the golf bag in wet weather.

Figure 6 depicts the device in an "open" configuration. The device comprises two air chambers 118, 120 each consisting of a plurality of sub-chambers in the form of horizontal tubes 122. The horizontal tubes 122 interconnected via a common air path 124, 126 and are inflatable via the valves 128 and 130.

The device 110 is provided with stud fasteners 132a, b which are regularly spaced along the upper peripheral edge of the device 110. The stud fasteners 132a fasten to their corresponding members 132b to allow the device 110 to be folded over and held together in a "closed" configuration. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the device 110 in a "closed" configuration.

In use, the horizontal tubes 124 are inflated via valves 128 and 130. The distance "D" shortens when the tubes 122 are inflated. The golf bag is enclosed in the device 110 such that the golf club heads are received in the inflatable sleeve 114 defined by the air chambers 118, 120 of the device 110. The stud fasteners 132a are connected to their corresponding members 132b and the zip 116 is fastened. The inflated horizontal tubes 122 conform to the contours of the golf club heads, and upper portions of the golf club shafts. This immobilises the clubs and protects them from damage caused by external forces exerted on the clubs during transportation and handling. The impermeable oversized casing 112 of the device 110 protects the golf bag and golf clubs in wet weather.

Reference is now made to Figure 8 which depicts a third embodiment of the present invention. The device 210 comprises an inflatable sleeve 212 having an inner wall 214 and an outer wall 216. The walls 214, 216 are joiningly sealed around the peripheral areas to define an air chamber 218 which may be inflated via a valve (not shown). The exterior of the sleeve 212 is provided with Velcro type fasteners 220 which are adapted to engage with corresponding Velcro type fasteners located on the inside of the existing hood.

In use, the air chamber of the device is inflated.

The inflated device 210 is then attached to the inside of the existing golf bag hood by Velcro type fasteners. The existing golf bag hood with the device 210 secured thereto is then positioned over a golf bag such that the heads of the golf clubs are received in the sleeve 212.

The inner wall 214 conforms to the contours of the club heads and upper portions of the golf club shafts. This restricts movement of the golf clubs, and protects the clubs from damage caused during handling and/or travel.

Figure 9 depicts a schematic cross-section of the device of Figure 8. The air chamber 218 is comprised of a plurality of horizontal tubes 222 which are in fluid communication with one another.

It is recognised that several modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the inner and outer walls of the device may be joined together at various points, rather than along interrupted lines. The device may also be provided with a soft lining for accommodating the golf clubs.

Claims

1. A device suitable for protecting golf clubs located in a golf bag during transportation, the device comprising: a sleeve having one end which is adapted to receive the head and upper shaft portions of all of the golf clubs in the bag, the sleeve having its other end closed and being inflatable to secure the head and upper shaft portions of the golf clubs against movement.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the sleeve has inner and outer walls which are joiningly sealed at a plurality of locations over their respective areas thereby dividing the inflatable sleeve into a plurality of fluid chambers.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the fluid chambers are in fluid communication with one another and are inflatable via a common source.

4. The device of any preceding claim which further comprises means for removable attachment of the sleeve to the golf bag.

5. The device of any of claims 1 to 3 which is adapted to be removably attached to an existing golf bag travel cover.

6. The device of any of claims 1 to 3 which is adapted to be inserted within an existing golf bag hood.

7. The device of any of claims 1 to 3 which is adapted to fully enclose the golf bag and the clubs therein.

8. The device of any preceding claim wherein at least the exterior of the device is constructed from a water impermeable material.

9. The device of any preceding claim wherein the sleeve is formed with a longitudinally extending opening which is closable at least when the sleeve is not inflated.

10. A method for protecting golf clubs against damage during transportation comprising the steps of: a) locating the golf clubs in a golf bag; b) providing a device comprising an inflatable sleeve having one end which is adapted to receive the head and upper shaft portions of all of the golf clubs in the bag; c) enclosing the head and upper shaft portions of all of the golf clubs in the sleeve, and d) inflating the sleeve to secure the head and upper shaft portions of the golf clubs against movement.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of securing the device to the golf bag.

12. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of securing the device to an existing golf bag travel cover.

13. The method of claim 10 or 12 further comprising the step of enclosing the golf bag containing the golf clubs in the device.

14. The device as described herein with reference to any one of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

15. The method as described herein with reference to any one of the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.