US20120012624A1

US20120012624A1 - Apparatus for Carrying Golf Equipment

Info

Publication number: US20120012624A1
Application number: US12/835,254
Authority: US
Inventors: Hector M. Marrero
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-07-13
Filing date: 2010-07-13
Publication date: 2012-01-19

Abstract

An apparatus includes a base configured for conforming to a user's waist. A material encases the base. At least one pouch is configured for storage of golf balls. A plurality of straps is configured for storage of ball tees. A magnetic material, disposed between the base and the material, is configured for retaining metal accessories. At least one storage pouch is configured for storing ball markers. A hook material swatch is configured for joining a glove. A loop material swatch is configured for joining the apparatus to a hook material joined to a flat surface. A retaining strap is configured for retaining a divot tool. Means is configured for joining the apparatus to a waist band or a belt of the user, wherein the apparatus enables the user to readily access a golfing accessory, and follows the user's movements without interfering with the user's mobility or club swing.

Description

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to golf equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for carrying golf equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf is now the 16^thmost popular sport in the U.S., with over 28 million active participants, and this number has grown by 1 million every year over the past few years. Not only is the number of players growing; the rate at which players play the game is growing as well. Today, over 7.5 million Americans play golf at least once a week. Only 1 million Americans played golf with this frequency 15 years ago. This amounts to an annual average increase of 4.7 percent in number of players and a 43 percent increase the in frequency of play.
Golf has always been a fun, relaxing and bonding game. However, golf is also an expensive game, not only in the cost of gear but also in the cost of the inconveniences and hazards it can put upon the golfer. For example, many players do not want to carry golf tees in their pockets as they can pierce the material of the pockets and may scratch or poke their legs. Tees can also hurt the hands and fingers of a player when he reaches into his pocket to retrieve them. However, not carrying golf tees in the pockets can substantially delay the game of the player, and the games of everyone playing behind him. This is especially true if the player must walk to his cart to access the tees. This delay may also disrupt the player's concentration, which may negatively affect his game. Similar hazards and inconveniences may be experienced with the use of divot tools, balls and ball markers. It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a device for carrying golf equipment that generally prevents the hazards and inconveniences of carrying such equipment in a pocket and generally prevents delays in the game from retrieving such equipment.
Currently, there are devices available for storing small golf accessories. However, many of these devices cannot be worn directly upon the user, which does not solve the problem of the delay of game caused by retrieving equipment. There are some known devices for carrying golf equipment on a user's body. However, these devices often interfere with the user's stance or balance. For example, one currently known device is an accessory bag that clips to a user's belt by a cord. When carried upon a user, this device moves independently from the user and sways. Furthermore, this independent movement or sway may cause the accessory bag to strike the user or to interfere with the mobility or club swing of the user.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques for providing a device for carrying golf equipment on a user's body that does not move independently of the user and does not interfere with the stance, balance, mobility or club swing of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C illustrate an exemplary golf equipment carrying device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front perspective view. FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view, and FIG. 1C is a front perspective view illustrating an inner surface of a base;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary carrying device with various types of golf equipment contained therein, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary carrying device being worn by a user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate an exemplary carrying device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of the carrying device when empty. FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the carrying device, and FIG. 4C is a front perspective view of the carrying device when full of equipment.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the forgoing and other aspects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, an apparatus for carrying golf equipment is presented.
In one embodiment an apparatus includes means for generally conforming to a user's waist when the apparatus is joined thereabout, means for encasing the conforming means, means for storage of golf balls, means for storage of golf ball tees, and means for removably joining the apparatus to an article of clothing of the user, wherein the apparatus enables the user to readily access a golfing accessory, and follows the user's movements without interfering with the user's mobility or club swing.
In another embodiment an apparatus includes a flexible base configured for generally conforming to a user's waist when the apparatus is joined thereabout. A sleeve material encases the flexible base. At least one elasticized pouch, joined to a front side of the encased flexible base, is configured for storage of golf balls. A plurality of elasticized straps, joined to the front side, is configured for storage of golf ball tees. Means, joined to a back side of the encased flexible base, is configured for removably joining the apparatus to an article of clothing of the user, wherein the apparatus enables the user to readily access a golfing accessory, and follows the user's movements without interfering with the user's mobility or club swing.
In another embodiment an apparatus includes a flexible base configured for generally conforming to a user's waist when the apparatus is joined thereabout. A sleeve material encases the flexible base. At least one elasticized pouch, joined to a front side of the encased flexible base, is configured for storage of golf balls. A plurality of elasticized straps, joined to the front side, is configured for storage of golf ball tees. A magnetic material, disposed between the flexible base and the sleeve material, is configured for retaining metal golfing accessories. At least one elastic storage pouch, joined to the front side, is configured for storing golf ball markers. A first hook material swatch, joined to the front side, is configured for removably joining a golfing glove. A loop material swatch, joined to a back side of the encased flexible base, is configured for removably joining the apparatus to a hook material joined to a generally flat surface. An elastic retaining strap, joined to the front side, is configured for retaining a divot tool. Means, joined to the back side, is configured for removably joining the apparatus to a waist band or a belt of the user, wherein the apparatus enables the user to readily access a golfing accessory, and follows the user's movements without interfering with the user's mobility or club swing.
Other features, advantages, and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.
Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide needed conveniences to the game of golf and enable its players to avoid common and delaying tasks in order to better enjoy the game. Preferred embodiments enable users to store golf equipment in a device that can be worn directly upon the user in a strategic position, allowing this equipment to be immediately accessed with no delay and without interfering with the golfer's game.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention store equipment such as, but not limited to, golf balls, tees, ball markers and divot tools directly upon a user. Preferred embodiments are made of a durable, long-lasting and damage-resistant material such as, but not limited to, synthetic leather, canvas, plastic or nylon. Preferred embodiments can be worn upon the user at any location on the user's belt or waistband; for example, without limitation, preferred embodiments can be worn upon the front, side or back of the user's belt or waistband. Preferred embodiments generally ensure that the user can access specific golf equipment when needed. For example, without limitation, preferred embodiments store golf balls in an enclosing pouch, golf tees in securing straps, and divot tools and ball markers upon a magnetic plate. Golf gloves may also be attached to preferred embodiments when not being worn. Preferred embodiments generally eliminate the need for the user to return to his cart and/or golf bag to access these items. This generally eliminates the delays that can occur to a user and to following players due to accessing such equipment.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention enable users to enjoy their games in faster, smoother, more evenly paced and more organized formats and generally eliminate the game-interrupting and concentration-interrupting distractions that can occur by having to access game equipment from a golf cart or golf bag. This enables users to better focus on their games for improved performance. Furthermore, preferred embodiments may reduce the physical wear upon the user caused by multiple trips to and from a golf cart or golf bag. By reducing this physical wear on the user, preferred embodiments may enable the user to better retain the physical strength and concentration needed for the completion of a long game.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention generally eliminate the need for golfers to store accessories in their pockets. Whereas carrying golf balls, tees and other accessories in a pocket can interfere with a player's stance and mobility, preferred embodiments generally eliminate such interference by keeping these accessories in a convenient and non-interruptive position. Preferred embodiments generally eliminate the damage to clothing that many golf accessories can cause when stored in a player's pocket and generally eliminate the costs of replacement that arise from such damages. Preferred embodiments also generally eliminate the pain and injuries that can occur to the hand when attempting to access golf accessories from a pocket and the negative effects that such pain and injuries can have upon a golfer's performance. Preferred embodiments may be worn directly upon the user, unlike other small golf apparatus storage containers. Also, preferred embodiments do not interfere with a user's stance or balance, unlike other wearable storage accessories.
Preferred embodiments are comfortable to wear and can be conveniently worn without any interference upon the user's game, motions or mobility. Unlike accessory bags, which merely clip on a user's belt by a cord, preferred embodiments do not independently move or sway and cannot strike or impact back upon the user. Preferred embodiments also do not interfere with the mobility or club swing of a user. Preferred embodiments are lightweight even when stocked with golfing equipment. Preferred embodiments are not of size or weight to interfere with a user's swing or center of gravity no matter where upon the waistline it is worn.
Preferred embodiments are ideal for older golfers or golfer's with grip limitations, manual dexterity limitations or other physical ailments as the accessories stored in preferred embodiments are easy to install and easy to remove without any need of physical force or acute dexterity. Golf is a lifetime sport, meaning a user may learn to play while he is younger yet play his whole life, even when he is very old.
The use of preferred embodiments of the present invention can increase the profit of golf courses. By increasing the speed of play of golfers, preferred embodiments can allow more golfers to play a course in a single day. If preferred embodiments only increase the course of play by a few minutes per golfer, this can free up a lot of time over the course of a day, enabling a golf course to sell more tee times. By selling more tee times, the course makes more money. Furthermore, golf courses can sell preferred embodiments in their pro shops to increase revenue as well.
FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C illustrate an exemplary golf equipment carrying device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front perspective view. FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view, and FIG. 1C is a front perspective view illustrating an inner surface 101 of a base 103. In the present embodiment, carrying device 100 comprises flexible base 103 wrapped in an encasing sleeve 104, a magnet 105 placed between base 103 and encasing sleeve 104, and a surface-safe attachment clip 107 placed upon the rear wall of base 103.
Base 103 is preferably made of a flexible, multi-ply paperboard material, specifically a solid unbleached board (SUB) format of paperboard in a thickness of approximately one-quarter of one inch (¼″), or 250 points-caliber. However, various different materials may be used for the base in alternate embodiments such as, but not limited to, paperboard that varies in thickness, paperboard in single ply formats, thin sheets of plastic, etc. In the present embodiment, the flexibility of base 103 enables carrying device 100 to be comfortably and ergonomically worn on the user's body with adequate durability for continued use. Base 103 measures approximately five inches in length by three and one-half inches in height (5″×3½″). However, the base in alternate embodiments may vary in size. For example, without limitation, smaller bases may be used for devices made for women or children. In the present embodiment, sleeve 104, in which base 103 is encased, is preferably made of a synthetic leather material. However, in alternate embodiments, the encasing sleeve can be made of various different materials, such as, but not limited to, koskin, poromeric imitation leather, nylon, polyester, canvas, or any combination or blend of these and other materials. Encasing sleeve 104 may or may not be treated with a water-resistant coating, depending on the needs of its material.
Referring to FIG. 1A, in the present embodiment, the front wall of sleeve-encased base 103 features various elasticized straps 109 for storage of tees and an elasticized pouch 111 for storage of balls. Straps 109 are secured by stitching. Pouch 111 is made of a stretch nylon/polyester blend material in netting format and is secured by stitching. Directly below the position of magnet 105 is a hook material swatch 113 from hook-and-loop material. Hook material swatch 113 measures approximately one square inch (1″×1″); however, the swatch of hook material in alternate embodiments may be larger or smaller. Furthermore, some alternate embodiments may be implemented without a swatch of hook material. In the present embodiment, hook material swatch 113 can hold the material featured on the cuffs of golf gloves when not being worn, or corresponding loop material may be attached to the gloves so that they may be held by hook material swatch 113. In the present embodiment, straps 109, pouch 111 and hook material swatch 113 are attached via stitching; however, in alternate embodiments adhesives or a combination of stitching and adhesive may be used. In the present embodiment, a grommet 115 is positioned in the bottom left corner of base 103.
Referring to FIG. 1B, a loop material swatch 117 from hook-and-loop material is positioned on the rear face of base 103 near one edge. A separate corresponding hook material tab 119 with an adhesive backing with a thin wax paper or plastic cover is included. Loop material swatch 117 and hook material tab 119 are preferably 1.5″×1″ in size; however, swatches and tabs of varying sizes may be included in alternate embodiments. Other alternate embodiments may not include a swatch and tab of hook-and-loop material. In the present embodiment, loop material swatch 117 is secured by stitching; however, in alternate embodiments the swatch may be secured by different means such as, but not limited to, adhesive or a combination of adhesive and stitching. In the present embodiment, attachment clip 107 is positioned in the center of base 103. Attachment clip 107 can be made of various materials including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and is preferably encased in the same material making up encasing sleeve 104; however different types of encasement materials may be used. Attachment clip 107 can be of various sizes and shapes and can be in various formats, such as but not limited to brackets, retention clips, snaps, etc.
In the present embodiment, carrying device 100 can be worn or placed in numerous convenient locations using various different methods to secure it in place. For example, without limitation, attachment clip 107 can be used to wear carrying device 100 on the waistline by clipping to the belt or actual waist of the pants. Attachment clip 107 provides tension so it can grasp many other surfaces such as, but not limited to, the rim of a golf bag, the visor of a golf cart, the collar of a shirt, etc. Attachment clip 107 is designed to provide a tight fit; however it comprises an outward bowed curve at the open end so that it does not require a precise alignment with the item to which it is being clipped, for instance, without limitation, a waistline. Attachment clip 107 is covered in synthetic leather or another type of soft material and does not have any grit or grasping nodes on its surface. Therefore, attachment clip 107 is surface safe and can easily slide onto many items such as, but not limited to, a belt, and it can be easily removed from the items. Since attachment clip 107 is surface safe, it will not scratch the surface of the item or damage the item's appearance in any way. Attachment clip 107 is safe to use on golf bags, carts, etc. In alternate embodiments the carrying device can feature a sleeve or loop through which a user's belt may be inserted instead of any type of attachment clip.
In the present embodiment, grommet 115 can be used to clip carrying device 100 to numerous areas such as, but not limited to, a golf bag, a wheeled golf bag caddy, a belt loop, etc. Any hook can be used to accomplish the connection such as, but not limited to, a spring-loaded clasp. Loop material swatch 117 on the back of carrying device 100 and hook material tab 119 enable a user to secure carrying device 100 anywhere he wants by attaching hook material tab 119 to any surface desired such as, but not limited to, a golf bag, a golf cart, or a golf bag wheeled caddy, etc. Hook material tab 199 is applied by removing the wax paper cover from the adhesive side and adhering it in place. The user may then secure carrying device 100 to hook material tab 119 by using loop material swatch 117. Every attachment method is easy to use, and the user chooses which method is ideal for him. Regardless of the method used, the golf equipment stored in carrying device 100 is readily available.
Wearing carrying device 100 places virtually no strain or discomfort on the user. Referring to the layout of the hook-and-loop material, the loop portion, loop material swatch 117, is located on the backside of carrying device 100. The loop portion is the soft part of hook-and-loop material, and should loop material swatch 117 make skin contact with the user, it will not irritate the skin. Furthermore, no hard plastics are used in carrying device 100 with the exception of attachment clip 107, which is covered, so the user is not at risk of being scrapped, cut or poked by hard plastic pieces or at risk of breaking such pieces.
Referring to FIG. 1C, in the present embodiment, on the leftmost side of inner surface 101 between base 103 and encasing sleeve 104, is magnet 105. Magnet 105 is made of a ferric oxide with a plastic binder and preferably measures approximately two inches in length by two inches in height (2″×2″). However, the magnets in alternate embodiments can be made of various different materials including, but not limited to, cobalt and various alloys, which may or may not include any plastic binder and may be various different sizes. In the present embodiment, magnet 105 is held in place by adhesive and the pressure of being between base 103 and encasing sleeve 104.
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary carrying device 100 with various types of golf equipment contained therein, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment near the center of a base 103 are two (2) straps 109 made of elastic material, each featuring two (2) loops for the insertion of golf tees 221. On the right side of base 103 is a pouch 111 for storage of golf balls 223. Straps 109 and pouch 111 are of a high elasticity that enables them to securely accommodate their intended objects without sequential deformation or loss of elasticity even after repeated use. Straps 109 and pouch 111 generally ensure that the objects can be easily accessed whenever needed by a user and do not unintentionally fall out of carrying device 100.
In the present embodiment, metal items such as, but not limited to, a ball marker 225 and a divot tool 227 attach to carrying device 100 by the use of a magnet 105. Magnet 105 generally ensures that divot tool 227 and ball marker 225 can be easily accessed whenever needed and do not unintentionally fall from carrying device 100. Magnet 105 makes it easy to rapidly place and remove ball marker 225 and divot tool 227 onto and from carrying device 100. The user does not need to be precise in placing these items onto carrying device 100; for example, without limitation, the user can slap divot tool 227 in place and pull it off when needed. In alternate embodiments elastic, straps or pouches may be used to hold these items; however, the use of magnet 105 in the present embodiment prevents any more textile products from being used and gives carrying device 100 a more streamlined appearance.
A hook material swatch 113 is also included on the front of base 103 below magnet 105 for application of a loop material swatch found on a golf glove. A grommet 115 is located near a lower corner of base 103. Grommet 115 enables carrying device 100 to be attached upon a golf bag or other object as desired by the user. The flexibility of base 103 enables carrying device 100 to bend so that it can actually contour to the waistline of the user, providing a very comfortable and natural feel.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary carrying device 100 being worn by a user 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In typical use of the present embodiment, user 300 may fill the storage pouch of carrying device 100 with golf balls and the straps of carrying device 100 with golf tees. A divot tool and ball marker may be attached upon the magnet, and a glove or gloves may be attached upon the hook material swatch. The entire carrying device 100 may then be attached upon a belt or waistband 301 of user 300 in any location desired. User 300 may then play golf without interference caused by equipment stored upon or within carrying device 100. Whenever a divot tool, ball marker, tee or ball is needed, user 300 may simply withdraw that item from carrying device 100 without delaying the game due to accessing such item from a cart or golf bag. User 300 may also attach and remove his golf glove whenever needed. Carrying device 100 does not hang, sway or jiggle on user 300. Carrying device 100 secures the equipment to waistline 301 in a comfortable yet secure and steady way.
Carrying device 100 does not have to be worn on waistline 301. For example, without limitation, carrying device 100 may be clipped to the collar or sleeve of the shirt of user 300 or to the shoe of user 300. The grommet on carrying device 100 enables it to be hung via numerous means to a golf bag, golf cart, key chain, and other areas. Also, user 300 may choose to use the hook-and-loop material on the back of carrying device 100 to apply carrying device 100 to any surface desired such as, but not limited to, a golf bag, a golf cart, a golf bag wheeled caddy, etc.
Carrying device 100 is very easy to use even if user 300 has grip limitations, manual dexterity issues or problems with precise movements. For example, without limitation, the attachment clip is designed to provide a tight fit; however, the outward bowed curve at the open end of the attachment clip does not require a precise alignment with the item to which carrying device 100 is being clipped, for instance, without limitation, waistline 301. This is important because if user 300 has a shaky hand, poor eyesight, strength issues, or grip issues, a precise alignment may be too difficult. Using the present embodiment, as long as waistband 301 is between the bow of the curve of the attachment clip and the base of carrying device 100, user 300 just has to push down to attach carrying device 100. There are no latches, snaps, lids, hard plastic rings, or actions that require precise finger and hand movements such as, but not limited to, operating a lid or a latch. The ball pouch only requires user 300 to exert a small amount of pressure on the outside of the pouch to extract the ball from the top or bottom of the pouch depending on the angle of the pressure. Furthermore, the magnet design does not require fine motor skills.
FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate an exemplary carrying device 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of carrying device 400 when empty. FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of carrying device 400, and FIG. 4C is a front perspective view of carrying device 400 when full of equipment. In the present embodiment, a base 403 of carrying device 400 is preferably made of a solid unbleached board (SUB) format of paperboard in multi-ply format in a thickness of approximately one-quarter of one inch (¼″), or 250 points-caliber. However, alternate embodiments may use different base materials. In the present embodiment, base 403 measures approximately nine inches (9″) in length. Forming a slight L-shape, base 403 has an approximate width of three and one-half inches (3½″) for approximately five inches (5″) of its length, while the remaining four inches (4″) of length have an approximate width of five inches (5″). In alternate embodiments the base may be implemented in various different sizes and shapes. In the present embodiment, base 403 is encased within a sleeve that is preferably made of a blend of stretch nylon and polyester; however, different types of materials may be used such as, but not limited to synthetic leather. Referring to FIG. 4B, attached upon the rear wall of base 403 at the lateral ends are two (2) attachment clips 407 preferably made of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material which are preferably covered by the same material as the encasing sleeve about base 403; however, a different material may be used to cover attachment clips 407. A grommet 415 is also included in a lower corner of base 403 as well as a hook material swatch 413 on the front wall of base 403.
Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4C, on the front wall of encased base 403 are various pouches and retaining straps. The retaining straps are preferably made of an elastic material of an approximate half-inch (½″) width, and the pouches are preferably made of this same material. In alternate embodiments different types of material may be used to form both the retaining straps and the pouches. In the present embodiment, the retaining straps and pouches are attached to the encasing sleeve about base 403 by stitching; however, adhesives may also be used. At the left end of the front wall of base 403 is an elastic retaining strap 427 for the insertion and storage of a divot tool 227. To the immediate right of divot tool retaining strap 427 are two (2) small, elastic pouches 425 positioned in vertical alignment to each other for the insertion and storage of ball markers 225. To the immediate right of ball marker pouches 425 is an elastic retaining strap 409 with intermittent stitching to form loops for the insertion and storage of golf tees 221. In the present embodiment, six (6) of such loops are formed in this single elastic retaining strap 409. To the immediate right of tee retaining strap 409 on the area of base 403 with the extended width are two (2) side-by-side storage pouches 411. Two (2) golf balls 223 may be inserted into each pouch 411.
In typical use of the present embodiment, a user fills carrying device 400 with equipment as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 4C. The user then attaches carrying device 400 to his belt or waistband in any location desired using attachment clips 407. A golf glove can also be attached to hook material swatch 413. The user may then play golf without interference caused by equipment stored upon or within carrying device 400 or from carrying device 400 itself. The user may also play without delaying the game by accessing such items from a cart or golf bag.
Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that equipment carrying devices may be implemented in a multitude of suitable ways. For example, without limitation, alternate embodiments can be made of various different materials and/or combinations of materials; alternate embodiments can be made in various sizes and shapes; alternate embodiments can be made to store a various number of tees, balls, ball markers and/or divot tools, and the storage means for these items may be featured in various positions upon alternate embodiments. Alternate embodiments can be made in various colors and designs, and may or may not bear various images, icons and/or logos, which may or may not be of registered trademark and/or copyright status.
Alternate embodiments can be made in variations that include only one (1) golfing accessory or in variations that include any number of the accessories specified, as well as other unspecified accessories and tools such as, but not limited to, pencils, pens, scorecards, etc. In alternate embodiments that hold only one (1) golfing accessory, this accessory may be held in place by elastic strap, elastic pouch or by magnet. A carrying device according to these embodiments clips to a user's waistline, conforms to the curve of the body of the user and is comfortable to wear. The accessory being carried can be very easily removed from the carrying device, and no minute dexterity is required to maneuver the accessory. In these embodiments, the carrying device can be very small and preferably comprises a flexible base, an apparatus to secure a golf accessory to this base, and a means to attach the carrying device to the waistline of a golfer.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are fully equipped with training balls, tees, divot tools, and ball markers. This is convenient, more marketable and enables the carrying device to be immediately ready for use. However, alternate embodiments may not be fully equipped to enable the user to fill the device with his own accessories to suit his preferences.
Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a carrying device according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the accessory securing apparatuses may vary depending upon the particular type of accessories being carried. The carrying devices described in the foregoing were directed to golf equipment implementations; however, similar techniques are to provide carrying devices for other types of items. For example, without limitation, one such carrying device may hold office supplies such as, but not limited to, calculators, pens, pencils, paper clips, etc. Another such carrying device may hold personal items such as, but not limited to, money, keys, lipstick, etc. Non-golfing implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claim elements and steps herein have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. As such, the numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

means for generally conforming to a user's waist when the apparatus is joined thereabout;

means for encasing the conforming means;

means for storage of golf balls;

means for storage of golf ball tees; and

means for removably joining the apparatus to an article of clothing of the user, wherein the apparatus enables the user to readily access a golfing accessory, and follows the user's movements without interfering with the user's mobility or club swing.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for retaining metal golfing accessories.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for removably joining the apparatus to a clip.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for removably joining a golfing glove.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for removably joining the apparatus to a generally flat surface.

6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for storing golf ball markers.

7. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for retaining a divot tool.

8. An apparatus comprising:

a flexible base configured for generally conforming to a user's waist when the apparatus is joined thereabout;

a sleeve material for encasing the flexible base;

at least one elasticized pouch, joined to a front side of the encased flexible base, configured for storage of golf balls;

a plurality of elasticized straps, joined to the front side, configured for storage of golf ball tees; and

means, joined to a back side of the encased flexible base, configured for removably joining the apparatus to an article of clothing of the user, wherein the apparatus enables the user to readily access a golfing accessory, and follows the user's movements without interfering with the user's mobility or club swing.

9. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, further comprising a magnetic material, disposed between the flexible base and the sleeve material, configured for retaining metal golfing accessories.

10. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, further comprising a grommet configured for removably joining the apparatus to a clip.

11. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, further comprising a first hook material swatch, joined to the front side, configured for removably joining a golfing glove.

12. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, further comprising a loop material swatch, joined to the back side, configured for removably joining the apparatus to a hook material joined to a generally flat surface.

13. The apparatus as recited in claim 12, further comprising a second hook material swatch having an adhesive backing for joining to the generally flat surface and for matting with the loop material swatch.

14. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, further comprising at least one elastic storage pouch, joined to the front side, configured for storing golf ball markers.

15. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, further comprising an elastic retaining strap, joined to the front side, configured for retaining a divot tool.

16. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein the flexible base generally comprises an L-shape.

17. An apparatus comprising:

a sleeve material for encasing the flexible base;

a plurality of elasticized straps, joined to the front side, configured for storage of golf ball tees;

a magnetic material, disposed between the flexible base and the sleeve material, configured for retaining metal golfing accessories;

at least one elastic storage pouch, joined to the front side, configured for storing golf ball markers;

a first hook material swatch, joined to the front side, configured for removably joining a golfing glove;

a loop material swatch, joined to a back side of the encased flexible base, configured for removably joining the apparatus to a hook material joined to a generally flat surface;

an elastic retaining strap, joined to the front side, configured for retaining a divot tool; and

means, joined to the back side, configured for removably joining the apparatus to a waist band or a belt of the user, wherein the apparatus enables the user to readily access a golfing accessory, and follows the user's movements without interfering with the user's mobility or club swing.

18. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, further comprising a grommet configured for removably joining the apparatus to a clip.

19. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, further comprising a second hook material swatch having an adhesive backing for joining to the generally flat surface and for matting with the loop material swatch.

20. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein the flexible base generally comprises an L-shape.