US20150114860A1

US20150114860A1 - Golf club bag having a golf club collar, method of use thereof, and method of manufacture thereof, and a system for supporting a golf club bag

Info

Publication number: US20150114860A1
Application number: US14/381,252
Authority: US
Inventors: Yotam Shlomay; Amiram Kohen
Original assignee: OLI-TEX Ltd; Oil-Tex Ltd
Current assignee: OLI-TEX Ltd; Oil-Tex Ltd
Priority date: 2012-02-29
Filing date: 2013-02-28
Publication date: 2015-04-30
Also published as: WO2013128411A1

Abstract

A golf bag having a golf club collar, said collar comprising: at least a first layer defining a plurality of golf club holders, wherein at least some of the said holders include a supporting surface configured to be at least partially moved by a force exerted thereon by insertion into the bag of a golf club shaft having a diameter larger than a preselected diameter, said supporting surface configured to provide an opening sufficient for insertion of the shaft into the bag, said opening having a diameter which is at least equal to a diameter of the portion of the shaft passing through said first layer.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a golf club storage device and method and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a golf club bag having a golf club collar for providing storage of a plurality of golf clubs and a cover for the top of the golf club bag, a method of use thereof, a method of manufacture thereof, and a system for supporting a golf club bag.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,490 to Suk discloses a golf bag collar having openings for receiving a plurality of golf clubs. The openings are arranged in an array of rows and columns, the openings having curved sliding surfaces and having specific configurations such that, when the bag is carried at an angle, the golf clubs will be “vertically misaligned to correspondingly obviate contact therebetween.”
U.S. Pat. No. 1,717,959 to Cauffman discloses a golf club bag having a mechanism for preventing the unauthorized removal of golf clubs therefrom. The mechanism includes a pair of disks, one of which rotates relative to the other, the disks having openings which are in corresponding positions, so as to allow the insertion/removal of golf clubs from the bag. The upper disk is rotatable to a locking position such that, once the golf clubs have been inserted into the openings and the upper disk has been rotated, the golf clubs may not be removed from the bag, due to the tapering of the golf club shafts, and the smaller sized openings provided in the locked position.
Additional background art includes references discussing golf club bags having collars designed to separate golf clubs, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Applicant Publication No. 2004/0089569 to Chang; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0314270 to Shiao; U.S. Pat. No. 3,980,115 to Longo; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,566 to Shenoha. In each of these publications, there is provided a collar for a golf club bag, the collar including partitions defining openings into which golf clubs are placed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments, is concerned with a golf bag having a golf club collar, the collar providing the golf bag with a means of storing golf clubs while supporting the golf club shaft therein; a method of use therefor, a method of manufacture thereof, and a system for supporting a golf club bag.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a golf bag having a golf club collar, the collar comprising: at least a first layer defining a plurality of golf club holders, wherein at least some of the holders include a supporting surface configured to be at least partially moved by a force exerted thereon by insertion into the bag of a golf club shaft having a diameter larger than a preselected diameter, the supporting surface configured to provide an opening sufficient for insertion of the shaft into the bag, the opening having a diameter which is at least equal to a diameter of the portion of the shaft passing through the first layer.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the golf bag includes a bag portion and the collar is fastenable onto the bag portion.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the collar is permanently fastened to the bag portion.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the collar is removably fastenable to the bag portion.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the bag portion and the collar includes at least one fastener configured for fastening the at least a portion of the collar to the bag portion.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one fastener includes at least one of a zipper, snap fasteners, welded joints, and rivets.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the bag portion has a first edge portion having a generally cylindrical configuration; and the collar has a second edge portion perpendicular to the first layer, the second edge portion fastenable to the first edge portion.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the second edge portion is configured to be fastened to the inside of the first edge portion.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the bag portion has a first edge portion having a generally cylindrical configuration; wherein the collar has a second edge portion perpendicular to the first layer, the second edge portion permanently fastened to the first edge portion; and wherein the first layer is removably fastened to the second edge portion.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the supporting surfaces have a plurality of slits radially spaced therearound, the slits configured to widen so as to provide the opening sufficient for insertion of the shaft into the bag.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of slits define in the supporting surface a plurality of flexible wings radially spaced around the supporting surface, the wings biased toward each other, the wings configured to flex toward the interior of the bag so as to form an opening in the supporting surface when the force is exerted thereon.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the holder is configured such that the opening has a first diameter corresponding to a diameter of a grip portion of the shaft when the grip portion is inserted through the supporting surface and the opening has a second diameter corresponding to a diameter of a non-grip shaft portion when the non-grip shaft portion is inserted through the supporting surface, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter.
According to some embodiments of the invention the first diameter is 3 cm.
According to some embodiments of the invention the second diameter is 0.8 cm.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the supporting surfaces have a circular configuration.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the supporting surfaces define a hole having a diameter smaller than the preselected diameter, the hole configured to be enlarged by the force exerted on the supporting surface by insertion into the bag of a golf club shaft having a diameter larger than the preselected diameter.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the holes are provided with a securing layer therebeneath, the securing layer having an aperture overlapping at least a portion of a corresponding hole in the supporting surface, the aperture having a preselected aperture diameter smaller than the diameter of the corresponding hole, the aperture configured to be enlarged by insertion into the bag of a golf club shaft having a diameter larger than the preselected aperture diameter.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the securing layer is fabricated from an elastic material.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the elastic material is selected from EVA, TPR, and silicone.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the securing layer includes at least one sleeve configured such that the aperture passes therethrough.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the sleeve has a length in the range of from 6-10 mm.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the aperture has a diameter in the range of from 6-8 mm.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the sleeve has a width in the range of from 3-4 cm.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the supporting surfaces include an inner supporting edge defining the hole.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the supporting surfaces have a funnel-like configuration.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the golf club bag further comprises an additional layer spaced apart from the first layer, the first layer and the additional layer defining a plurality of pairs of cooperating support members, at least some of the pairs of cooperating support members configured to provide support for a golf club shaft inserted into the golf club bag.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the supporting surfaces include a plurality of slits radially spaced around the hole.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the supporting surfaces further include a plurality of strut portions extending radially outwardly from a corresponding the hole, at least some of the of the plurality of slits being located on one of the strut portions.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the golf club holders are each provided with a selectively detachable label, the label denoting a type of golf club to be inserted into the holder, the label including a fastener for fastening the label to the collar.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the label is configured to be removably fastened to the collar.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the fastener is a snap fastener, a portion of the snap fastener fixed to the label and a portion of the snap fastener fixed to the holder.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the label is configured to at least partially overlap a portion of the holder.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the label is configured to be supported by a supporting surface.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the label is annular in configuration, an outer arc of the label configured to be supported by the supporting surface.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the holes have a circular configuration.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the holders having a center point and at least some of the holes having a center point, wherein at least some of the hole center points are offset from at least some of the corresponding holder center points.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the holders have an elliptical configuration having a major axis and wherein a center of the opening is located along the major axis.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the opening is located at a focus point of the ellipse.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the plurality of holders is arranged in the first layer such that the openings are spaced a preselected distance away from each other.
According to some embodiments of the invention, adjacent ones of the plurality of holders are attached to each other.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the collar includes an inner edge perpendicular to a plane of the first layer, wherein at least one of the holders of the array is attached to the inner edge.
According to some embodiments of the invention, at least some of the supporting surfaces are fabricated from a substantially rigid material.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the substantially rigid material is selected from PU (polyurethane), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), rubber, and combinations thereof.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the collar includes an inner edge perpendicular to a plane of the first layer, wherein at least one of the holders of the array is attached to the inner edge.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of storing a plurality of golf clubs in a golf club bag, the method comprising: exerting a first force by a grip portion of a golf club shaft on a supporting surface of a golf club holder; at least partially moving at least a portion of the supporting surface in a first direction so as to provide an opening having a first size in the supporting surface, the opening sufficient for insertion of the grip portion therethrough, the opening having a diameter which is at least equal to a diameter of the grip portion; inserting the grip portion through the holder and supporting the grip portion by the at least partially moved portion of the supporting surface, as the grip portion is inserted therethrough; exerting a second force by a second shaft portion adjacent the grip portion on the supporting surface, the second force being smaller than the first force, the second shaft portion having a diameter smaller than that of the grip portion; at least partially allowing the at least a portion of the supporting surface to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction so as to provide an opening having a second size in the supporting surface, the opening sufficient for insertion of the second shaft portion therethrough, the opening having a diameter which is at least equal to a diameter of the second shaft portion; inserting the second shaft portion through the holder and supporting the second shaft portion by the at least partially moved portion of the supporting surface, as the second shaft portion is inserted therethrough; repeating the exerting, the at least partially allowing, and the inserting for successive shaft portions, wherein: a. at least one of the forces exerted by a shaft portion is smaller than that exerted by the preceding shaft portion; b. at least one the shaft portion has a diameter smaller than that of the preceding shaft portion; and c. at least one successive opening in the supporting surface has a diameter which is smaller than that of the preceding opening; and repeating all of the above actions for at least one additional golf club.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a golf club bag, the method including: forming a golf club collar comprising at least a first layer defining a plurality of golf club holders, wherein at least some of the holders include a supporting surface configured to be at least partially moved by a force exerted thereon by insertion therethrough of a golf club shaft having a diameter larger than a preselected diameter, the supporting surface configured to provide an opening sufficient for insertion of the shaft thereinto, the opening having a diameter which is at least equal to a diameter of the portion of the shaft passing through the at least first layer; forming a cylindrical bag having a bottom surface and a substantially cylindrical outer surface defining an open end; and one of snap-fitting, stitching, and riveting the golf club collar onto the open end of the cylindrical bag.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a system for supporting a golf club bag, the bag having a major axis, the system comprising: a pair of supporting legs, the legs hingedly attached to the bag, the legs selectively movable from a first position, whereby the legs are disposed substantially parallel to the bag major axis, to a second position, whereby they are disposed at an angle relative to the bag major axis, and at least one tension element configured to limit at least one degree of movement of the legs.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a golf bag having a golf club collar, the collar comprising: a securing layer being formed at least partly of an elastic material and including a plurality of openings, each of the openings having a corresponding preselected diameter, each of the openings configured to be enlarged by a force exerted thereon by insertion thereinto of a golf club shaft having a diameter larger than the corresponding preselected diameter; wherein the securing layer is configured to prevent at least one of rotation and longitudinal movement of the golf club shaft after its insertion into the opening.
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a golf bag having a golf club collar, the collar comprising: at least a first layer defining a plurality of golf club holders, wherein at least some of the holders include a supporting surface configured to be at least partially moved by a force exerted thereon by insertion into the bag of a golf club shaft having a diameter larger than a preselected diameter, the supporting surface configured to provide an opening sufficient for insertion of the shaft into the bag, the opening having a diameter which is at least equal to a diameter of the portion of the shaft passing through the first layer; wherein at least some of the golf club holders are each provided with a selectively detachable label, the label denoting a type of golf club to be inserted into the holder, the label including a fastener for removably fastening the label to the collar.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A-1B are respective side and top views of a prior art golf club bag;

FIG. 2A is a side view of a golf club bag in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a portion of a golf club bag having a golf club collar, according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2C is a top view of the golf club collar shown in FIG. 2B, taken in the direction of arrows 2C-2C therein, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged, top view of a golf club holder shown in FIG. 2C, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a further enlarged, top view of a golf club holder shown in FIG. 2C, with a golf club shaft inserted thereinto, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a golf club bag provided with a golf club collar, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the golf club collar shown in FIG. 4A, taken in the direction of arrows B-B therein;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of a plurality of golf club holders on a fabric layer, wherein a golf club grip portion has been inserted into a holder and wherein a golf club non-grip portion is being retained in the holder, respectively in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a top view of a golf club holder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the golf club holder shown in FIG. 6A, taken in the direction of arrows B-B therein;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method of storing golf clubs, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a golf club bag having a golf club collar, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a side view of the golf club bag shown in FIG. 2A, taken in the direction of arrows 9A-9A therein, showing supporting legs in a folded configuration, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 9B is an enlarged side view of a portion of the golf club bag shown in FIG. 8A, taken in the direction of arrows 9B-9B therein;

FIG. 9C is a view of the golf club bag shown in FIG. 9A, wherein the supporting legs are in an extended position, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9D is an enlarged side view of a portion of the golf club bag shown in FIG. 8C, taken in the direction of arrows 9D-9D therein;

FIG. 10A is a top view of a golf club collar having labels, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10B-C are respective front and back views of a label for use with a golf bag, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10D is a view of a golf club holder having a fastener portion for a label, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10E is an enlarged view of a portion of the golf club collar of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a golf club bag and collar, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a golf club bag having a collar fastened thereto, in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13A is a side view of a golf club holder including a friction layer, in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and

FIGS. 13B and 13C are respective top and side views of a golf club holder including a friction layer, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to relates to a golf club storage device and method and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a golf club bag having a golf club collar for providing storage of a plurality of golf clubs and a collar which acts as a cover for the top of the golf club bag, a method of use thereof, a method of manufacture thereof, and a system for supporting a golf club bag.
The golf bag, in some embodiments thereof, includes a one-piece golf club collar which may be fastened onto a golf club bag during manufacture thereof or which may be retrofit onto a previously manufactured golf bag, so as to become an integral portion thereof. The collar may be fastened onto the golf bag by any method desired such as, for example, snap-fitting, stitching, riveting, or gluing. As discussed below, the collar is optionally removable (and reattachable) after fastening, thereby potentially allowing for cleaning and/or replacing, as desired.
In some embodiments, a golf club bag may be provided with a two-piece collar having a collar ring and detachable collar top including golf club holders, as discussed below.
The collar allows a plurality of golf clubs to be retained in place inside the golf club bag, while at the same time optionally providing a cover for the bag, optionally protecting the interior of the golf club bag, and hence the golf clubs, from dirt, dust, and the elements such as, for example, rain.
The golf club bag, in some embodiments thereof, includes a golf club bag cover including a layer of material defining a plurality of supporting surfaces for storing a plurality of golf clubs. Each supporting surface is provided with a plurality of radially-arranged slits defining wings that may be moved to form an opening in the supporting surface. The diameter of the opening will correspond to the diameter of the shaft portion being inserted through the opening. Additional layers may be provided to the supporting surfaces, for example, so as to provide a shape for the cover or so as to provide a cover that is substantially closed. The supporting surfaces are configured as holders which may prevent contact between shafts.
In some embodiments thereof, at least some of the supporting surfaces each have a circular hole therein, the plurality of slits radially arranged around the hole. Movement of the wings enlarges the hole in the supporting surface when a portion of a golf club shaft having a diameter larger than the hole is inserted therethrough. The wings may provide radially positioned supports for a golf club shaft when a golf club is inserted through the supporting surface. The wings may form a closed holder for a golf club which is inserted through the supporting surface. Optionally, there may be provided an additional securing layer which prevents inadvertent rotation or axial movement of the golf clubs in the holders, as discussed in detail below.
In some embodiments, the golf club bag includes a plurality of golf club holders having separate elliptical holders, at least some with an off-center hole and slits radially arranged therearound. A plurality of holders may be attached to each other and are optionally attached to a separate layer. The holders may reduce movement of club heads of golf clubs that are inserted therethrough and may provide the golf clubs with better rain protection.
The collar may have any shape such as, for example, planar or concave, which may facilitate organization of golf clubs of varying lengths and types and/or may facilitate access to the golf clubs when stored in the bag. Optionally, the shape may be chosen so as to prevent golf clubs from contacting each other when the bag is transported.
In some embodiments, the golf club bag may be provided with lining Alternatively, lining may be omitted, so as to reduce the number of manufacturing steps and so as to reduce the cost of manufacturing.
In some embodiments, the golf club bag may be provided with collapsible legs for supporting the bag and a tension mechanism for limiting at least one degree of movement of the legs and/or preventing splaying of the legs and/or overextending of the legs.
In some embodiments, the collar includes markings and/or detachable labels for indicating the types of golf clubs to be inserted into the collar. The labels may be attached by means of fasteners such as, for example, snaps or Velcro® fasteners. In some embodiments, the collar may be provided with a securing layer being formed at least partly of an elastic material. In the securing layer there are formed a plurality of openings, each opening having a corresponding preselected diameter, each opening configured to be enlarged by a force exerted thereon by insertion thereinto of a golf club shaft having a diameter larger than the corresponding preselected diameter. The securing layer is configured to prevent rotation and/or longitudinal movement of the golf club shaft after its insertion into the opening in the securing layer. For purposes of better understanding some embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-9D of the drawings, reference is first made to the construction and operation of a standard golf bag as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C.

Golf Club Bag Basics

FIGS. 1A-1B are respective side and top views of a golf club bag 102, having a generally cylindrical configuration with a central axis 4. Bag 102 includes an open upper end having a collar 106, perpendicular to the axis 104, with which to organize a plurality of golf clubs, and a closed lower end having a base 13, also perpendicular to the axis 104, on which the bag 102 rests when in the upright position. The bag 102 may be provided with a handle 14 which may be hingedly attached to the bag by any known means such as, for example, rivets 16.
The collar 106 typically includes a number of partitions 108 for dividing the opening of the bag 102 into separate compartments, in order to organize different types of golf clubs (not shown) typically held in bag 102. The partitions 108 are typically made of a rigid material such as PP (polypropylene) and have a mesh fabric 103 stitched or glued thereto, in order to provide cushioning for the golf clubs and in order to provide an aesthetic look to the bag 102. A lining 105 is typically stitched to the mesh fabric 103 at each partition 108, and extends into the bag 102, along its entire length, so as to divide the entire bag 102 into separate longitudinal compartments 107 for storing the golf clubs. The purpose of the lining is mainly for aesthetic reasons.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.
Golf Club Bag with Collar
FIG. 2A is a side view of a golf club bag 10, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Golf club bag 10 optionally has a generally cylindrical configuration, similar to any standard golf club bag, having a central axis 12 perpendicular to a base 13. Bag 10 also has a collar 20 including a first layer, as discussed herein. The collar is optionally also perpendicular to the golf club bag central axis 12. Collar 20 may be flat or may have any shape desired such as, for example, concave. Optionally, the shape of the collar may be chosen so as to facilitate the organization of golf clubs of varying lengths and types and/or to facilitate access to the golf clubs when stored in the bag. Optionally, the shape may be chosen so as to prevent golf clubs from contacting each other when the bag is transported.
The bag 10 may be provided with a handle 14 which may be integral to the collar 20 or which may be hingedly attached to the bag by any known means such as, for example, rivets 16. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the upper, open end of bag 10 is provided with a golf club collar 20, the collar 20 defining a plurality of golf club holders, as will be discussed herein. Collar 20 may be formed of a single piece of material or may contain a plurality of layers, as discussed herein. Collar 20 may be fastened onto bag 10, for example, by snap-fitting, stitching, gluing, or riveting, so as to become an integral portion thereof. Optionally, collar 20 may be attached to bag 10 by any other means desired. Optionally, the bag 10 may be provided with a component (not shown) at its top end, the component fabricated from, for example, a plastic material stitched onto the bag, and collar 20 may be snap-fit onto or into the component. Optionally, the component may have an at least partly circular or polygonal configuration, which may correspond to that of the collar 20.
As will be discussed herein in detail, the collar 20 allows a plurality of golf clubs such as, for example, twelve golf clubs, to be retained in place inside the golf club bag, while at the same time providing a cover for the bag, optionally protecting the interior of the golf club bag, and hence the golf clubs, from dirt, dust, and the elements such as, for example, rain.
Inside bag 10 there are optionally provided an array of compartments for containing the grip-ends of golf clubs that are inserted into the bag, and the bag may be lined if desired, in a manner similar to that of the prior art bag 2 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. Alternatively, as will become apparent herein, bag 10 may not include separate compartments or lining, if desired.
In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, collar 20 includes at least a first layer defining a plurality of golf club holders, for example, as will be described in detail herein, at least some holders including a supporting surface which is configured to be at least partially moved by a force exerted thereon when a golf club shaft is inserted into the bag 10. The structure of the holders is such that they temporarily provide an opening sufficient for insertion of a golf club shaft therethrough and into the bag 10.

Golf Club Collar—First Embodiment

With reference to FIGS. 2B and 2C, there is shown a portion of a golf club bag having a golf club collar 30 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Collar 30 includes a layer 32 which may be fabricated, for example by injection molding or micro-injection molding at least in part from any rigid material such as, for example, PU (polyurethane), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), rubber, or a combination thereof. An exemplary rubber material may be, for example, latex or polychloroprene.
Layer 32 defines a plurality of golf club holders 34, at least some of the holders 34 including a supporting surface 36 for supporting a shaft and optionally also a head of a golf club (not shown). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the supporting surface 36 has a circular configuration. It will, however, be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that, optionally, any other configuration of supporting surface 36 may be provided such as, for example, elliptical, as discussed further herein.
Additionally, while in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C holders 34 are configured as a continuous layer 32 of material having slits formed therein, optionally, holders 34 may be separate from each other and may be fastened to another layer by any means such as, for example, by stitching, gluing, and or welding. Alternatively, at least some of holders 34 may be attached to each other at a portion thereof and may be fastened, for example by micro-injection, onto an additional layer, as discussed in detail herein.
Collar 30 is configured such that adjacent holders 34 are spaced a specific distance away from each other. More specifically, layer 32 is configured such that the centers of adjacent holders 34 are spaced a specific distance away from each other. The distance may be chosen so as to prevent the heads of golf clubs that are retained in the holders 34 from contacting each other. For example, the distance between centers of adjacent holders 34 may be 10 cm.
In the example shown, supporting surface 36 is provided with a plurality of slits 38 which may be generally radially positioned around supporting surface 36, as seen more clearly in FIG. 3A. While, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, at least some of the supporting surfaces 36 are provided with 6 slits, any other number of slits may be provided, for example 4 or 8 slits, depending on the desired flexibility of the holder 34, as discussed herein. For example, if a more rigid material were used, a holder having more slits may be desirable, so as to allow a golf club shaft to be inserted into through the holder without having to apply as much pressure to the supporting surface 36 as would be required if fewer slits were provided.
With further reference to FIG. 3B, slits 38 define in supporting surface 36 a plurality of flexible wings 40 radially spaced around the supporting surface 36. Wings 40 are biased toward each other such that, when there is no golf club in the holder, the wings are disposed adjacent each other, optionally in a single plane, so as to form a substantially closed holder 34 (FIG. 3A). As to flexibility of the holder 34, discussed above, this may additionally depend on the width and thickness of the base of the wing. Optionally, a golf club holder may include at least one flap, at least one overlapping wing, or at least one overlapping fabric cover which form a substantially closed holder when no golf club is disposed therein.
As shown in FIG. 3B, holder 34 is configured such that, when a force is applied thereto, such as, for example, when a golf club grip portion 41 (indicated by dotted lines) is inserted into the bag 10 (FIG. 2A), wings 40 flex toward the interior of the bag, so as to form a hole 42 in the supporting surface 36. It may be noted that, when a golf club is inserted through the holder 34, openings 43 are formed or are enlarged between adjacent wings 40. The biasing of the wings 40, discussed above, results in the wings 40 pressing up against grip portion 41, so as to cover most of the area of the supporting surface 36 and so as to optionally form radially positioned supports for the grip portion 41.
It may be noted that a standard golf club shaft does not have a constant diameter, but typically has its widest diameter at the grip end and tapers toward a thinner diameter at the club head end. For example, a grip end of a golf club may have a diameter of, for example, 3 cm, while a club head end of a golf club may have a diameter of, for example, 0.8 cm.
Due to the biasing and flexing of the wings 40, discussed herein, the diameter of a hole 42 provided by a holder 34 can vary as the golf club shaft is inserted further into the holder 34. For example, when grip portion 41 of golf club is inserted through the supporting surface 36, as discussed above, the holder 34 will provide a hole 42 corresponding in diameter to that of the grip portion 41. Thereafter, as the golf club is inserted further through the holder 34, when a non-grip, i.e., narrower, portion of the shaft passes through the supporting surface 36, the diameter of the hole 42 will correspond to that of the narrower shaft portion.

Golf Club Collar—Second Embodiment

With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, there is shown a perspective view of a golf club bag 10 having a golf club collar 50 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Collar 50 may be fastened to golf club bag, as discussed above, to organize a plurality of golf clubs and to facilitate access to the golf clubs when stored in the bag. Optionally, collar 50 may be constructed so as to prevent golf clubs from contacting each other when the bag is transported, as discussed above. Optionally, collar 50 may provide protection for the interior of the golf club bag 10 and for golf club placed within the bag, as discussed above. The interior of bag 10 may be provided with an array of separate compartments, as discussed above, for containing the grip-ends of golf clubs that are inserted into the bag. Optionally, if desired, golf club bag 10 may not contain separate compartments.
As discussed above, at least some of the holders include a supporting surface which is configured to be at least partially moved by a force exerted thereon when a golf club shaft is inserted into the bag 10. The structure of the holders is such that they temporarily provide an opening sufficient for insertion of a golf club shaft therethrough and into the bag 10. This is discussed below in detail.
Collar 50 includes a layer 52 of material such as, for example, PU (polyurethane), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene), rubber, or a combination thereof. Layer 52 includes a plurality of golf club holders 54, at least some of the holders 54 having a circular configuration defined by an outer ring 55 and including a supporting surface 56 having a hole 60, the supporting surface 56 configured for supporting the shaft and head of a golf club (not shown), as will be discussed herein. Optionally, instead of providing golf club bag 10 with a collar 50 having a layer 52 of circular golf club holders 54, a collar may be provided with golf club holders of any other configuration such as, for example, square, elliptical, or hexagonal, without departing from the scope of the invention.
Collar 50 may optionally include at least one additional layer such as, for example, a fabric layer 63 underlying layer 52 and a polypropylene layer 65 underlying the layer 63, wherein at least some of the additional layers are provided with openings corresponding in location to holes 60 in layer 52. The fabric layer 63 provides the holder with a closed supporting surface 56, as discussed herein. Optionally, as discussed herein, the layer 65 may provide rigidness to the collar 50 so as to provide a particular shape thereto, for example concave.
The exact position of the layers relative to each other may be as desired such that, for example, layer 52 may be located between an upper layer 65 and a lower layer 63.
With additional reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, there are shown details of a plurality of golf club holders, on a fabric layer 63, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
It can be seen that, for at least some of the holders 54, supporting surface 56 may include a circular inner supporting edge 58 defining a circular hole 60 which is located off-center of the holder 54. Optionally, the hole 60 may be located at the center of the holder 54. Optionally, the diameter of the hole is approximately 3 cm although, optionally, other sized holes are possible.
A potential advantage of having the hole 60 located off-center is that, when the bag 10 is carried or rests on base 13 (FIG. 1A) it is typically at an angle such as, for example 45 degrees, to the ground. At such an angle, golf clubs located in the bag 10 will fall to a side, inside the bag 10, and each golf club head may be entirely supported on a supporting surface 56.
The supporting surface 56 includes a pair of short struts 62 and a pair of long struts 64, extending radially outwardly from the off-center hole 60 to the outer ring 55.
The struts 62 and 64 are provided with slits 66 and 68, respectively, so as to optionally define in the supporting surface 56 a pair of smaller wings 70 a and a larger wing 70 b radially spaced around hole 60.
Smaller wings 70 a and larger wing 70 b are biased toward each other such that, when there is no golf club in the holder, the wings are disposed adjacent each other, substantially in a single plane, around hole 60, as shown at holder 61.
Optionally, if desired, the collar may be provided with a larger number of struts and corresponding slits, so as to provide the holder with a correspondingly larger number of wings. It will also be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that, while the supporting surface 56 is defined by outer ring 55, strut portions 62 and 64, and inner supporting edge 58, optionally, a support surface having a closed, continuous surface between outer ring 55 and inner supporting edge 58 may be provided.
Holder 54 is optionally configured such that, when a force is applied thereto, such as when a golf club grip portion 41 is inserted thereinto, smaller wings 70 a and larger wing 70 b flex toward the interior of the bag 10 (FIG. 5A), so as to form an opening 72 in the supporting surface 56, opening 72 being larger than hole 60 (FIG. 5 a). It may be noted that, when grip portion 41 is inserted through the holder 54, the slits 66 and 68 (FIG. 5 a) widen to form openings 74 between adjacent wings. The biasing of the wings 70 a and 70 b, as discussed above, results in the wings 70 a and 70 b pressing up against grip portion 41 so as to form radially positioned supports therefor.
Due to the tapering structure of the golf club shaft, noted above, as the shaft is inserted further into the bag 10, the portion of the shaft passing through holder 54 has a smaller diameter than that of grip portion 41 and so less pressure is applied to wings 70 a and 70 b. As a result of this reduced pressure and the biasing of wings 70 a and 70 b, the wings will flex less, continuing to form radially positioned supports for the golf club shaft portion passing through the holder 54, and opening 72 will be smaller than the opening for grip portion 41. This lessening of wing flexing and reduction in size of the opening 72 will continue until the thinnest portion 45 of the golf club shaft, that near the club head, is positioned in the holder 54, as shown in FIG. 5B. It should be noted that holders 54, and in particular, holes 60, have been specifically configured such that, when the thinnest portion 45 of the shaft is located in the holder 54, the wings are disposed adjacent each other, so as to form a closed holder 54.
Optionally, instead of providing supporting surface 56 with a plurality of struts 62 and 64 having slits 66 and 68, any other combination of elements having slits or other openings therein may be provided. Optionally, the supporting surface may be provided with any other configuration of components that define therein at least one flexible element that flexes, toward the interior of golf club bag 10, when a golf club shaft is inserted thereinto.
It should be noted that a golf club holder such as, for example, shown in FIG. 5B, may be provided on a golf club bag, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, to provide protection for an entire length of a golf club shaft which is disposed inside the bag.
It should be noted that when a golf club is fully inserted into a holder 54 in bag 10 such as, for example, shown in FIG. 5B, the portion 45 of the golf club shaft may be supported around its entire circumference by the holder 54.
While, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the holders 54 have identically sized holes 60, it should be noted that, optionally, layer 52 of golf club holders may be configured so as to have holes of differing diameters in order to accommodate, for example, a variety of golf clubs having shafts of differing diameters.
Optionally, instead of or in addition to providing a supporting surface with wings adjacent a hole as discussed herein, the supporting surface may be fabricated from a very flexible yet sturdy synthetic rubber such as, for example, latex or polychloroprene adjacent a hole. Such an embodiment would allow a golf club shaft to be inserted thereinto, causing the flexible material to be stretched or moved aside, so as to allow the shaft to enter therethrough, while obviating the need for wings.
While, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-5B, holders 54 and fabric layer 63 define a generally planar surface, optionally, the holders may be provided with additional upwardly-extending supporting portions for at least one holder such that, when a golf club is stored into the holder, an additional portion of the shaft, adjacent the club head, is retained and/or protected by the additional supporting portion.
With additional reference to FIG. 13A, there is shown a layer 652 having elements similar to those of layer 52 (FIG. 4A), in accordance with embodiments of the invention. For example, layer 652 includes a holder 654 which is substantially similar in structure and function to holder 54 (FIG. 4A), but layer 652 includes an additional securing layer 600 below holder 654, the layer 600 designed to further secure a golf club in its location within holder 654, as will be discussed below.
Layer 600 is optionally fabricated from an elastic material having a high enough coefficient of friction so as to prevent rotation and/or longitudinal movement of a golf club around the axis of its shaft, once the golf club has been inserted into holder 654. For example, layer 600 may be fabricated from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), TPR (thermoplastic rubber), or silicone.
In the embodiment shown, layer 600 includes an elastic sleeve 602 disposed below at least a portion of holder 654. Sleeve 602 is provided with a circular hole 604 that overlaps at least a portion of hole 60. Optionally, hole 604 is concentric with hole 60, hole 604 passing through the entire length of sleeve 602. Optionally, sleeve 602 has a width W in the range of from 3-4 cm and has a length L in the range of from 6-10 mm. Optionally, hole has a diameter D of less than 9 mm such as, for example, 6-8 mm.
In use, a golf club may be inserted into hole 60, causing flexing of wings 70 a and 70 b (FIG. 5A), as discussed above. After the golf club shaft passes through hole 60 and optional fabric layer 63, it enters securing layer 600. Typically, a golf club shaft has a diameter of about 9 mm such that, as it enters the securing layer 600 which has a hole having a diameter of optionally less than 9 mm, for example 7 mm, the shaft encounters a slight resistance. It may, therefore, be slightly urged through sleeve 602, whereby the hole 604 expands to a diameter of 9 mm due to the diameter of the shaft and the elastic nature of the material in the layer, thereby securing the golf club in position. Once in position, due to the high friction nature of securing layer 600, rotation and/or longitudinal movement of the golf club will be prevented. This will reduce the rattling noise that may otherwise be created by the golf clubs when the golf bag is moved and may also prevent damage to the golf clubs when the bag is in use.
Optionally, instead of each holder 654 being provided with a separate sleeve 602 having a hole 604, there may be provided a securing layer configured as a continuous layer of elastic, high-friction material, underneath layer 52, wherein a hole is provided underlying each hole 60 in each holder 654 of layer 52.
While, in the embodiment of FIG. 13A, layer 600 is shown beneath layer 52, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that, optionally, a layer 600 may be provided beneath a layer of holders in accordance with other embodiments of the invention such as, for example, layer 32 (FIG. 2B), layer 63 (FIG. 5A), and a layer including holders 84 (FIG. 6A).
With reference to FIGS. 13B-C, there is shown a layer 752 having a golf club holder 754 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. Holder 754 may be fabricated of any material such as, for example, PU, PVC, PP, rubber, or a combination thereof. Holder 754 includes an outer ring 755 which is elliptical in configuration. Optionally, if desired, holder 754 may have a circular configuration, without departing from the scope of the invention. A plurality of slits 766 divides holder 754 into a plurality of wings 770 which are designed to flex downward when a golf club is inserted into holder 654, in a manner similar to that discussed herein. Slits 766 all pass through a point 708 at an edge of outer ring 755.
Adjacent holder 754 there is a gripping mechanism 706 designed to further secure a golf club in the holder, as will be discussed below. Gripping mechanism 706 includes a ring 756 adjacent outer ring 755. Ring 756 is connected to outer ring 755 by a bridge 758. Bridge 758 is provided with a slit 762 along a central portion thereof, the slit beginning at point 708 and ending at a hole 760 in ring 756. Outer ring 755, bridge 758, and ring 756 are optionally fabricated of a single material. Optionally, outer ring 755, bridge 758, and ring 756 may be fabricated of different materials. Optionally, ring 756 may be provided with at least one additional slit 764, optionally radially spaced therearound.
Below layer 752 there is provided a securing layer 700 which is designed to further secure a golf club in its location within holder 754, as will be discussed below. Layer 700 is optionally fabricated from an elastic material having a high enough coefficient of friction so as to prevent longitudinal movement and/or rotation of a golf club around the axis of its shaft, once the golf club has been inserted into gripping mechanism 706. For example, layer 700 may be fabricated from any material such as, for example, PU, PVC, PP, rubber, or a combination thereof.
In the embodiment shown, layer 700 includes an elastic sleeve 702 disposed below at least a portion of holder 754. Sleeve 702 is provided with a circular hole 704 that overlaps at least a portion of hole 60. Optionally, hole 704 is concentric with hole 760, hole 704 passing through the entire length of sleeve 702. Sleeve 702 is configured such that an elongated opening 710 is formed therein, the opening 710 connecting with hole 704 so as to form a keyhole-shaped opening 712 in securing layer 700. Keyhole-shaped opening 712 is disposed substantially below ring 756 and bridge 758 in layer 752. It should be noted that hole 704 is optionally smaller in diameter than hole 760 and that opening 710 is optionally narrower than the diameter of hole 760. For example, hole 704 may have a diameter of 7 mm and opening 710 may have a width of 7 mm.
In use, a golf club may be inserted into holder 754 and through optional fabric layer 63, causing wings 770 to flex downward as the shaft of the golf club is inserted into the bag. At the same time, shaft passes through opening 710 in elastic sleeve 702, causing the material of elastic sleeve 702 around opening 710 to be stretched as the golf club is inserted therethrough.
Once the golf club has been fully inserted into the bag, it may be urged to the side, in the direction of arrow S, toward ring 756, whereby it passes through slit 762 in bridge 758 and is retained by ring 756. When the golf club is so urged, the portion of the shaft within opening 710 in securing layer 700 is urged into hole 704, causing the portion of elastic sleeve 702 containing hole 704 to be stretched as the golf club is urged thereinto.
Typically, a golf club shaft has a diameter of about 9 mm such that, as it enters the opening 710 of securing layer 700, the opening 710 having a diameter of optionally less than 9 mm, the shaft encounters a slight resistance. It may, therefore, be slightly urged downward through sleeve 702, whereby at least a portion of the opening 710 expands to a width of 9 mm due to the diameter of the shaft and the elastic nature of the material in the layer. When the shaft is urged in the direction of arrow S in the gripping mechanism 706, it encounters further resistance from the material around hole 704, which expands to a diameter of 9 mm, whereat the golf club is secured in position. Once in position, due to the high friction nature of securing layer 700, the golf club will be prevented from rotating and/or moving longitudinally. This will reduce the rattling noise that may otherwise be created by the golf clubs when the golf bag is moved and may also prevent damage to the golf clubs when the bag is in use.
Optionally, instead of each holder 754 being provided with a separate sleeve 702, there may be provided a securing layer configured as a continuous layer of elastic, high-friction layer, underneath layer 752, wherein a hole is provided underlying each hole 760 in each holder 754 of layer 752.

Labels for Golf Club Bag Collar

It is known to place a plurality of golf clubs in a golf club bag such that the clubs are positioned in a manner which makes it easier for a golfer to choose an appropriate golf club, depending on the shot to be made. For example, when choosing an iron from the commonly used 3-9 irons, it would be advantageous to have the clubs organized in order of loft angle. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, a golf bag collar may be provided with labels, the labels being permanently fixed to the collar or removably fastened to the collar. Removable labels may be fastened to a collar by means of, for example, snap fasteners, as shown in FIGS. 10 c-d and discussed below. Any other type of fastener may alternatively be used such as, for example, Velcro®.
With reference to FIG. 10A, there is shown a golf club collar 400 having a plurality of labels 402, each attached to a corresponding holder 454. Labels 402 may be used to indicate to a golfer the type of golf club to be inserted into a holder. Additionally, labels may be used to assist a golfer in choosing a golf club to be used prior to striking a golf ball.
The labels may be fabricated from any material desired such as, for example, rubber, PVC, PU, PP and may include markings denoting for each holder a type of golf club to be inserted thereinto. For example, a label may indicate a golf club type such as, for example, a driver (D), 3-iron (3), sand wedge (SW), putter (PU), etc. Such labels may assist a golfer in organizing a plurality of golf clubs in a golf club bag and in choosing an appropriate golf club from the bag.
A collar together with labels may be provided as a kit. Alternatively, a collar may be provided with means for labeling golf clubs to be inserted into the holders and labels may be sold separately. Optionally, all of the holders are provided with labels. Optionally, only a portion of the holders are provided with labels.
Optionally, there may be provided labels corresponding to a full set of golf clubs, optionally including more labels than the number of holders in a collar, thereby allowing a golfer to choose which of the set of labels to use in a collar for his particular set of golf clubs. For example, a golfer may choose to use labels for a 5-wood, 3-wood, driver, 3-9 irons, pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, and putter (see FIG. 10A) or any other combination of labels desired, depending on the combination of golf clubs in his set.
With additional reference to FIGS. 10B-D, there are shown respective front and back surfaces 410, 420 of a label 402 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the label has an annular configuration including outer and inner arcs 404 and 406, respectively. Front surface 410 of label 402 is provided with a marking 408 indicating a type of golf club to be inserted in a corresponding holder 454, as noted above. Label 402 is selectively detachable from holder 454 by means of a fastener 412 such as, for example, a snap fastener. Fastener 412 has a first fastener portion 414 optionally fixed to back surface 420 of label 402, by any known means such as, for example, by gluing. Optionally, first fastener portion 414 may be integrally formed in label 402 such as, for example, by injection molding. The first portion 414 interlocks with a second fastener portion 416, fixed to holder 454, as known in the art.
With additional reference to FIG. 10E, label 402 is shown positioned such that outer arc 404 at least partially overlaps outer ring 455 of holder 454 and such that side portions 418 at least partially over lap struts 464 of holder 454. Optionally, label 402 may be supported by at least one of outer ring 455 and struts 464. While the exemplary label 402 has been described as having an annular configuration, it will be appreciate by person skilled in the art that, if desired, a label may have a wedge shape, configured to overlap an entire wing 70 b (FIG. 5A). Optionally, a label of any desired size and/or shape may be provided on collar 400, without departing from the scope of the invention. Optionally, labels of different sizes may be provided for a collar. Optionally, a label may be configured such that it overlaps any portion of a holder by any amount. Optionally, label 402 does not interfere with the biasing and flexing, as discussed herein, of wing 470 b (or of any other wing), so as not to impair biasing of the wing when there is no golf club in the holder and so as not to impair support by wing 470 b of a golf club which has been inserted into opening 460.
While label 402 and holder 454 are shown as being provided with a snap-type fastener, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that, if desired, any other type of fastener may be provided such as, for example, a Velcro® fastener or a self-stick adhesive fastener. Snap-type fasteners and Velcro® fasteners may be advantageous, as they are removable and refastenable as desired.
Alternatively, a fastening mechanism may be provided whereby a detachable label includes a clip portion designed to snap into a space provided in between struts 464 of a holder 454. Additionally, if desired, instead of providing collar 400 with a detachable label, a collar may be provided with at least some fixed labels attached by any known method such as, for example, by stitching, welding, or gluing.

Golf Club Collar—Third Embodiment

With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, there is shown a golf club holder 84 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Holder 84 has an elliptical configuration defined by an outer edge 85 and including a supporting surface 86 for supporting the shaft and head of a golf club, as will be discussed herein. Supporting surface 86 includes a circular inner supporting edge 88 defining a circular hole 90 which is located off-center of the holder 84.
A potential advantage of the configuration of holder 84 is that, when the bag 10 is carried or rests on base 13 (FIG. 1A) it is typically at an angle such as, for example 45 degrees, to the ground. At such an angle, golf clubs located in the bag 10 will fall to a side, inside the bag 10, and each club head may be entirely supported on a supporting surface 86.
Optionally, hole 90 is at a focus point of an ellipse defined by support surface 86. Optionally, support surface 86 is not elliptical, but may have any other configuration desired such as, for example ovoid, hexagonal, or triangular.
Supporting surface 86 optionally includes an upper portion 96, adjacent outer edge 85, and optionally includes a lower portion 98, adjacent the hole 90. Supporting surface 86 is optionally curved from its outer edge 85 toward the hole 90, so as to provide supporting surface 86 with a funnel-like configuration. Optionally, holder 84 may be pre-depressed at hole 90. A potential advantage of the funnel-like configuration of supporting surface 86 is that it may result in less movement of the golf club heads of golf clubs being held in holders 84.
Additionally or alternatively, there may be provided holders which are similar in configuration to holders 84, but which have inverted supporting surfaces. This configuration of holders may offer better rain protection for a plurality of golf clubs, due to the ability of the inverted funnel-like surfaces to direct rain away from the golf clubs.
As shown in FIG. 6A, the supporting surface 86 optionally includes a plurality of slits 92, which define in the supporting surface 86 a plurality of wings 94 radially spaced around hole 90. It may be noted that, due to the off-center location of hole 90, slits 92 and wings 94 are optionally of different configurations and lengths. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the wings 94 are optionally biased toward each other such that, when there is no golf club in the holder, the wings 94 are disposed adjacent each other, in the funnel-like supporting surface 86, around hole 60.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, holder 84 is optionally configured such that, when a force is applied thereto, such as when a golf club shaft (not shown) is inserted thereinto, the wings 94 flex toward the interior of the bag 10, so as to form an opening (not shown) which is larger than hole 90, in a similar manner to that discussed above with reference to holders 54 (FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B). Also in a manner similar to that of holders 54, when a golf club is inserted through the holder 84, the slits 92 widen to form openings between the wings, and the biasing of the wings 94 results in their being pressed up against and so as to form radially positioned supports for the shaft and head of a golf club inserted into holder 84.
It may be noted that, if hole 90 is located at a focus point of the elliptically-shaped support surface 86, as discussed herein, this may minimize distortion at the base of wings 94, as the wings flex toward the interior of bag 10.
In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a plurality of holders 84 may optionally be arranged in a first layer, optionally forming an array of, for example, 4×3 holders or, for example, 5×3 holders. Optionally, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, there may be formed an array of fourteen holders configured, for example, as holders 54 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). Optionally, an array of any desired number and arrangement of holders may be provided.
The layer of holders may be optionally fastened to a second layer of material such as, for example, fabric, having a plurality of holes corresponding in location and size to the holes 90 of the holders 84. The array of holders 84 and the second layer together may then optionally define a collar that may be fastened to golf club bag 10 (FIG. 2A), as discussed herein. The second layer may optionally underlie or overlie the array of holders. Optionally, the second layer may be of fabric which is glued or laminated to an underlying layer of EVA or PU foam.
Optionally, a golf bag collar may include a third layer fabricated from, for example, PP (polypropylene). This optional third layer may include a plurality of holes, each corresponding to a hole in a supporting surface, provided in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Optionally, the third layer provides rigidness to the collar so as to provide a particular shape thereto, for example concave.
The third layer may either overlie or underlie the second layer, discussed above. Optionally, any two or more layers may be fastened together by, for example, welding, stitching, or gluing. Optionally, if desired, the layers may not be fastened together, but may be maintained in position, either adjacent each other or spaced from each other, by fastening of the layers to the golf club bag 10, for example, as discussed above. Optionally, the layers may be fastened together adjacent to or, optionally, around the holes.
In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, a plurality of golf club holders of any type discussed herein may be arranged in a layer such that openings of the holders are spaced a preselected distance away from each other. This configuration would allow the storage of a plurality of golf clubs and prevent or lessen the occurrence of the golf clubs bumping into each other, so as to prevent possible damage thereto such as, for example, scratching of the surfaces of club heads. As discussed herein, in a layer of holders, adjacent holders may be attached to each other, if desired, such as holders 54 shown in FIG. 4A. Optionally, the wings may be at least partially formed of a high-friction material such as, for example, PVC, PU, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), rubber, and latex, at the portions of the wings that may contact the golf club shaft, so as to prevent rotation and/or longitudinal movement of the shafts in the holders.
Optionally, the collar includes an inner edge perpendicular to a plane of the layer, wherein at least one of the outer holders of the array is attached to the inner edge.
Optionally, the collar is configured as a planar layer and has no inner edge perpendicular thereto. Optionally, the thickness of the PVC/PU/TPU layer is in the range of 3-5 mm. Optionally, the holders define an array arranged in columns and rows. Optionally, the golf club collar may be provided with a particular number of holders such as, for example, 12-14. Optionally, the golf club collar is provided with markings configured to designate specific golf club types.
In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, there is optionally provided an additional layer spaced apart from the first layer of holders, such that the first layer and the additional layer cooperate to define a plurality of pairs of cooperating support members, at least some of the pairs of cooperating support members configured to provide support for a golf club shaft inserted into the golf club bag. Optionally, the additional layer may be disposed at the bottom of the golf club bag. Optionally, the additional layer may include a layer of holders configured substantially as discussed above with regard to any of the holders shown in FIGS. 2B-6B. The cooperating support members optionally provide enhanced support and may optionally provide more stability to the shaft, optionally preventing movement thereof, for example, during transport of the bag.

Method of Using Golf Bag Collar

With reference to FIG. 7, there is shown a method 100 of storing a golf club in a golf club bag, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. According to the method 100, a golf club bag having a collar is provided at 102, the collar having a plurality of support surfaces, at least some of the supporting surfaces including slits radially spaced therearound. The collar may be provided with snap-on labels, as discussed above. At 104, a user may move wings of a supporting surface by applying pressure thereto with a golf club grip portion. As shown at 106, the wings are moved toward the interior of the bag, so as to provide an opening in the supporting surface, the opening sufficient for insertion of the grip portion of the golf club into the bag, the opening having a diameter which is approximately equal to that of the golf club grip portion, such that the wings substantially support the shaft. The user may continue to insert the golf club shaft into the bag, as shown at 108, the diameter of a second portion of the golf club shaft passing through the holder being smaller than that of the grip portion. This results in the wings moving upward, so as to decrease the size of the opening, the opening in the supporting surface remaining sufficiently large for insertion of the second portion of the golf club shaft further into the bag, the wings continuing to support the golf club shaft, as shown at 110. The user may continue to insert the golf club shaft into the bag, until the grip end of the shaft reaches the end of the bag. Optionally, once enough pressure has been applied by the grip portion to the wings, at 104, and the grip portion has been inserted into the bag, at 106, the remainder of the golf club will fall down into the bag, at 108, due to its weight, without applying additional pressure to the wings of the supporting surface.
According to method 100, a user may insert into a golf bag a plurality of golf clubs, such that they may be stored in a substantially closed golf club bag, as discussed herein. The golf club collar, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, optionally provides at least the shaft portions of the golf clubs with a substantially dust free environment that is optionally additionally protected from rain, as discussed herein.
Method of Manufacturing Golf Bag with Collar
With reference to FIG. 8, there is shown a method 200 of manufacturing a golf club bag, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. According to the method 200, at 210 a golf club collar is formed, the collar comprising at least a first layer defining a plurality of golf club holders, for example, as discussed herein. Optionally, a golf club collar may be formed by fastening a plastic layer, as discussed herein, on either side of a fabric layer, and thereafter forming slits through the layers. At least some of the holders optionally include a supporting surface configured to be at least partially moved by a force exerted thereon by insertion therethrough of a golf club shaft having a diameter larger than a preselected diameter. The supporting surface is optionally configured to provide an opening sufficient for insertion of the shaft thereinto, the opening having a diameter which is at least equal to a diameter of the portion of the shaft passing through the at least first layer. At 220, a cylindrical bag such as, for example, discussed herein, is formed or otherwise provided, the bag optionally having a bottom surface and a substantially cylindrical outer surface defining an open end. At 230, the golf club collar is fastened onto the open end of the cylindrical bag by, for example, snap-fitting, stitching, or riveting.
A potential advantage of method 200, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, is that it does not require the provision of a lining to the golf club bag. Additionally, the bag need not be inverted such as, for example, is required when stitching or otherwise fastening a lining to the inside thereof.
A golf club bag, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, provides a means of protection for a plurality of golf club heads and necks, i.e., the portions of the golf club shafts adjacent the golf club heads. Additionally, the collar substantially covers the openings into which the golf club shafts are inserted, so as to further protect the entirety of the shafts which are inside the bag.
As the openings are optionally substantially covered, the inside of the bag is concealed, so as to obviate the need for lining inside the bag. Also, as the openings are optionally substantially covered, the bag offers better rain protection, as the inside of the bag is covered at all times.
Another potential advantage of a golf club bag, according to some embodiments of the invention, is that, when the bag is transported such as, for example, when being carried across a golf course, there may optionally be less movement of the club heads relative to each other, as their shafts are supported within the openings in the holders.
It may be noted that, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, the material from which a golf club holder is fabricated may be chosen so as to provide the holder with a preselected amount of flexibility. Optionally, the rigidity modulus of the holder is approximately equal to that of the sole of a standard running shoe, for example, 50-90 kN/M. The exact amount of flexibility may determine the amount of support given to a golf club shaft that is held in the holder. For example, a golf club bag holder having a great degree of flexibility may react to the weight of a golf club alone, once the grip portion thereof has been inserted into the holder, so as to allow the golf club to fall down inside the bag. Alternatively a holder having a low degree of flexibility may require the application of pressure to the holder's supporting surface in order to insert a golf club therethrough.
A collar in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention may optionally be marked with the names of types or sizes of the clubs. In currently available golf bags, this option is not available, as it would require additional manufacturing time, due to the requirement of additional complicated top fabric for this purpose. In some embodiments of the present invention, this feature may be provided simply on or adjacent the holders. Optionally, such markings may be provided as part of the manufacturing process of the collar, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, such as, for example, by imprinting in plastic portions of the collar or printing on fabric.
A golf club bag, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, may optionally be easy to construct, requiring less fabric and less stitching, so as to reduce time and cost of manufacture. Optionally or alternatively, the bag will weigh less, due to the collar being much simpler and due to the fact that no lining is needed inside the bag.

Support for Golf Club Bag

With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B there is shown a mechanism 330 for supporting a golf club bag 10 and optionally preventing splaying of legs used for such supporting, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Bag 10 may be similar in construction to that shown in FIG. 2A or may be a standard golf bag and will, therefore, not be discussed herein in detail. In accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the invention, bag 10 is provided with a pair of supporting legs 300, shown in a folded configuration in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Legs 300 may be fabricated from any rigid material such as, for example, aluminum. Each leg 300 optionally has a cylindrical, tube-like structure including an upper end 302 and a lower end 304. When in the folded configuration, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, legs 300 are substantially flush against the outer surface 308 of bag 10.
With additional reference to FIGS. 9C and 9D, the upper end 302 of each leg 300 is optionally attached to bag 10 by a hinge 320. Hinge 320 is optionally defined by a rivet 316, which further defines an axis 318 of the hinge 320. By rotating a leg 300 around axis 318 of hinge 320, the lower end 304 of each leg 300 may be extended away from bag 10, such that an angle A (FIG. 9D) is formed between each leg 300 and bag 10, angle A being in the range of, for example, 45 to 90 degrees. When legs 300 are extended away from bag 10 and placed on a flat surface 324 such as, for example, a floor, the bag 10 may be tilted on a lower portion 322 thereof, such that the weight of the bag 10 will be substantially resting on legs 300.
Adjacent and above the upper end 302 of each leg 300, at a location 306 on an outer surface 308 of bag 10, there is optionally provided a stop member 310. Stop members 310 are provided in order to prevent the legs 300 from overextending and/or splaying, as will be discussed herein. Each stop member 310 optionally has a cup-like configuration defining a concave lower surface 326, as discussed below, and may be fabricated from a rigid material such as, for example, plastic or rubber. Each stop member 310 is optionally fastened to bag 10 by any known means such as, for example, by screws or rivets. The concave lower surface 326 of each stop member 326 is configured to receive a corresponding upper end 302 of a leg 300 which may, optionally, be provided with a pad 312 having friction surface. As each leg 300 is extended, the upper end 302 thereof rotates toward stop member 310 and is nested against the concave lower surface 326 thereof. When the legs 300 are fully extended, they form an angle B therebetween (FIG. 9C), and the upper end 302 of each leg 300 is optionally nested inside a stop member 310, and abuts concave lower surface 326, so as to prevent legs 300 from overextending. Due to the structure of the hinge 316 by which leg 300 is attached to bag 10 and the structure of the stop member 310, the stop member 310 may be very close to a rivet 316 on which corresponding leg 300 rotates, for example, at a distance of 1 cm therefrom. The close proximity of the stop member 310 to the rivet 316 results in more force being applied to the stop member 310 by the leg 300 than the amount of force that would be applied if the stop member 310 and rivet 316 were further apart.
It should be noted that the weight of a golf bag may be considerable, due to the weight of the bag and its contents which may be, for example, a set of golf clubs weighing, for example, in the range of 5-20 kg. Such a load exerted on legs 300 may cause them to overextend, whereby they will not be able to support the weight of the bag 10, possibly resulting in the bag 10 falling onto the floor 324. This is due to the fact that the legs act as levers, mechanically supporting the weight of the bag.
As shown most clearly in FIGS. 9A and 9C, mechanism 330 includes at least one tension element 332, which is optionally non-elastic, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In the embodiment shown, tension element 332 is defined by a string 340 including a string portion 334 and a pair of string portions 336, as will be discussed herein. String 340 may be fastened to legs 300 at any position therealong such as, for example, at locations 342, which are optionally at approximately ⅔ to ¾ the height of legs 300. String 340 may be additionally fastened to bag 10 at a location 344, location 344 optionally being at a lower portion of bag outer surface 308, optionally midway between legs 300. Optionally, string 340 is fastened to bag 10 at a location 344 such that, when the string is extended, it will be approximately parallel to the ground.
As shown more clearly in FIGS. 9C and 9D, string portion 334 extends between locations 342 on legs 300, and each string portion 336 extends from a location 342 on a leg 300 to location 344 on bag outer surface 308.
When the legs are in the folded configuration (FIGS. 9A and 9B), string portion 334 and string portions 336 are slack. However, when the legs 300 are in the extended configuration (FIGS. 9C and 9D), string portion 334 is pulled taut between legs 300 and each of string portions 336 is pulled taut between a leg 300 and location 344 on bag 10, such that string 340 prevents flexing of legs 300 relative to bag 10. Optionally, tension element 332 may limit movement of the legs 300 relative to stop members 310. Optionally, tension element 332 may be provided instead of stop members 310.
It should be noted that tension element 332 provides mechanism 330 with added stability, as discussed herein. Specifically, the combination of string portion 334 and string portions 336 limits at least one of the degree of rotation of legs 300 about hinges 320 and the angle B between the legs 300, so as to prevent the legs from overextending. Optionally, tension element 332 prevents the legs 300 from pressing so hard against their respective stops that the legs overextend, as discussed above.
Mechanism 330 therefore provides a means of connecting the legs 300 to each other and to the bag 10, so as to provide a stabilizing effect for the golf bag 10.

Connecting Collar to Golf Club Bag

With reference to FIG. 11, bag 10 includes a bag portion 500 and collar 20 is fastenable onto said bag portion 500, as discussed herein. Collar 20 may be used to organize a set of golf clubs, thereby assisting a golfer in returning golf clubs to their proper position in bag 10 and in choosing which golf club to use before striking a golf ball, as discussed herein.
Optionally, collar 20 may be permanently fastened to the bag portion 500 by, for example, riveting, snap fitting, stitching, or welding. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the collar 20 is made of a collar ring 506 which is to be attached to bag portion 500 and a collar top 512, which is optionally detachably fastenable to the collar ring via at least one fastener such as, for example, a snap or zipper or any other fastening mechanism, as know in the art. Optionally, collar ring 506 may be permanently attached to bag portion 504 by any known means such as, for example, by riveting, stitching, or welding.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the upper end 502 of bag portion 500 is provided with an edge portion 504 having a generally cylindrical configuration and collar 20 has a collar ring 506 perpendicular to collar top 512. Collar ring 506 of collar 20 has a configuration which is similar to that of edge portion 504 of bag 10, thereby allowing collar 20 to be attached to bag portion 500, as discussed herein. Optionally, collar 20 is attached to the inside of bag portion 500. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that, if desired, collar 20 may be attached to the outside of bag portion 500.
With reference to FIG. 12 there is shown an embodiment, wherein bag portion 500 has an edge portion 504 having a generally cylindrical configuration and collar 508 has an edge portion 510 perpendicular to layer 32 (FIGS. 2B-C), and wherein collar edge portion 510 is permanently fastened to the outside of bag edge portion 504. Collar top 512, which includes layer 32 (FIG. 2B), is removably fastened to collar edge portion 510 by at least one fastener 514 which may include, for example, a zipper, a snap system, matching grooves, or any other know fastening system. Optionally, at least one of the collar edge portion and the collar top 512 may be provided with an integrally formed fastener such as, for example, a snap system formed therein by, for example, injection molding.
Either of the embodiments of FIGS. 11 and 12 can be optionally used to provide a collar wherein collar top 512 may be removed from the bag portion 500, for example, for cleaning or replacement, as noted above.
While the above-noted descriptions of a bag portion having a removably fastenable collar and of a bag portion having a permanently fastened collar include a collar having a layer 32 (FIG. 2B), it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that, alternatively, if desired, a collar having a layer 52 (FIG. 4A), layer 63 (FIG. 5A), a layer including holders 84 (FIG. 6A) may be provided instead of layer 32, without departing from the scope of the invention.
It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant golf club bags and golf club collars will be developed and the scope of the terms golf club bag and golf club collar is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.
As used herein the term “about” refers to ±5%.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.
The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.
The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.
As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.
Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.
As used herein the term “method” refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical and medical arts.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Claims

1. A golf bag having a golf club collar, said collar comprising:

at least a first layer defining a plurality of golf club holders, wherein at least some of the said holders include a supporting surface configured to be at least partially moved by a force exerted thereon by insertion into the bag of a golf club shaft having a diameter larger than a preselected diameter, said supporting surface configured to provide an opening sufficient for insertion of the shaft into the bag, said opening having a diameter which is at least equal to a diameter of the portion of the shaft passing through said first layer.

2. A golf club bag according to claim 1, wherein said golf bag includes a bag portion and said collar is one of permanently fastenable onto said bag portion and removably fastenable onto said bag portion.

3-9. (canceled)

10. A golf club bag according to claim 1, at least some of the said supporting surfaces having a plurality of slits radially spaced therearound, said slits configured to widen so as to provide said opening sufficient for insertion of the shaft into the bag, wherein said plurality of slits define in said supporting surface a plurality of flexible wings radially spaced around said supporting surface, said wings biased toward each other, said wings configured to flex toward the interior of the bag so as to form an opening in said supporting surface when said force is excited thereon.

11-14. (canceled)

15. A golf club bag according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the said supporting surfaces have one of a circular configuration and an elliptical configuration.

16. A golf club bag according to claim 1, at least some of the said supporting surfaces defining a hole having a diameter smaller than said preselected diameter, said hole configured to be enlarged by the force exerted on said supporting surface by insertion into the bag of a golf club shaft having a diameter larger than the preselected diameter.

17. A golf club bag according to claim 16, wherein at least some of said holes are provided with a securing layer therebeneath, said securing layer having an aperture overlapping at least a portion of a corresponding hole in said supporting surface, said aperture having a preselected aperture diameter smaller than the diameter of said corresponding hole, said aperture configured to be enlarged by insertion into the bag of a golf club shaft having a diameter larger than the preselected aperture diameter.

18. A golf club bag according to claim 17, wherein said securing layer is fabricated from an elastic material.

19. A golf club bag according to claim 18, wherein said elastic material is selected from EVA, TPR, and silicone.

20. A golf club bag according to claim 17, wherein said securing layer includes at least one sleeve configured such that said aperture passes therethrough.

21-23. (canceled)

24. A golf club bag according to claim 16, wherein at least some of the said supporting surfaces include an inner supporting edge defining said hole.

25. A golf club bag according to claim 16, wherein at least some of the said supporting surfaces have a funnel-like configuration.

26. A golf club bag according to claim 1, further comprising an additional layer spaced apart from said first layer, said first layer and said additional layer defining a plurality of pairs of cooperating support members, at least some of the pairs of cooperating support members configured to provide support for a golf club shaft inserted into said golf club bag.

27. A golf club bag according to claim 16, wherein at least some of the said supporting surfaces include a plurality of slits radially spaced around said hole, and a plurality of strut portions extending radially outwardly from a corresponding said hole, at least some of the of said plurality of slits being located on one of said strut portions.

28. (canceled)

29. A golf club bag according to claim 1, wherein at least some of said golf club holders are each provided with a selectively detachable label, said label denoting a type of golf club to be inserted into said holder, said label including a fastener for fastening said label to said collar.

30-35. (canceled)

36. A golf club bag according to claim 16, at least some of the said holders having a center point and at least some of the said holes having a center point, wherein at least some of the said hole center points are offset from at least some of the said corresponding holder center points.

37. (canceled)

38. A golf club bag according to claim 15, wherein at least some of said supporting surfaces have an elliptical configuration defining an opening, and wherein said opening is located at a focus point of the ellipse.

39-41. (canceled)

42. A golf club bag according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the said supporting surfaces are fabricated from a substantially rigid material.

43-44. (canceled)

45. A method of storing a plurality of golf clubs in a golf club bag, said method comprising:

exerting a first force by a grip portion of a golf club shaft on a supporting surface of a golf club holder;

at least partially moving at least a portion of the supporting surface in a first direction so as to provide an opening having a first size in said supporting surface, the opening sufficient for insertion of the grip portion therethrough, the opening having a diameter which is at least equal to a diameter of the grip portion;

inserting the grip portion through the holder and supporting the grip portion by the at least partially moved portion of the supporting surface, as the grip portion is inserted therethrough;

exerting a second force by a second shaft portion adjacent the grip portion on the supporting surface, the second force being smaller than the first force, the second shaft portion having a diameter smaller than that of the grip portion;

at least partially allowing the at least a portion of the supporting surface to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction so as to provide an opening having a second size in the supporting surface, the opening sufficient for insertion of the second shaft portion therethrough, the opening having a diameter which is at least equal to a diameter of the second shaft portion;

inserting the second shaft portion through the holder and supporting the second shaft portion by the at least partially moved portion of the supporting surface, as the second shaft portion is inserted therethrough;

repeating said exerting, said at least partially allowing, and said inserting for successive shaft portions, wherein:

a. at least one of said forces exerted by a shaft portion is smaller than that exerted by the preceding shaft portion;

b. at least one said shaft portion has a diameter smaller than that of the preceding shaft portion; and

c. at least one successive opening in the supporting surface has a diameter which is smaller than that of the preceding opening; and

repeating all of the above actions for at least one additional golf club.

46. A method of manufacturing a golf club bag, said method including:

forming a golf club collar comprising at least a first layer defining a plurality of golf club holders, wherein at least some of the said holders include a supporting surface configured to be at least partially moved by a force exerted thereon by insertion therethrough of a golf club shaft having a diameter larger than a preselected diameter, said supporting surface configured to provide an opening sufficient for insertion of the shaft thereinto, said opening having a diameter which is at least equal to a diameter of the portion of the shaft passing through said at least first layer;

forming a cylindrical bag having a bottom surface and a substantially cylindrical outer surface defining an open end; and

one of snap-fitting, stitching, and riveting said golf club collar onto the open end of the cylindrical bag.

47-49. (canceled)

50. A golf bag according to claim 1, wherein said supporting surface is located above an upper end of said golf bag.