US3779297A

US3779297A - Hinged golf club bag

Info

Publication number: US3779297A
Application number: US00147068A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Stammer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Dresser Industries Inc
Priority date: 1971-05-26
Filing date: 1971-05-26
Publication date: 1973-12-18
Anticipated expiration: 1990-12-18

Abstract

A lightweight golf club bag having a pair of side arm members secured to a common cross member whereby at least one of the arms may be alternately pivoted in directions away from and toward the other arm to provide extended and contracted positions for the bag. In the extended position of the bag the golf clubs may be efficiently stored or supported in a substantially upright position and in the contracted or closed position of the bag the clubs may be easily transported.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 [1 1 3,779,297 Stammer Dec. 18, 1973 HINGED GOLF CLUB BAG Primary Examiner-George E. Lowrance [76] Inventor: John S. Stammer, Rt. 3, Box NP51,

- ASSISHZHI Examiner-Stephen P. Garbe Longv|ew,.Tex. 75601 Att0rney-W1ll|am S. Dorman [22] Filed: May 26, 1971 [2]] App]. No.: 147,068 [57] ABSTRACT A lightweight golf club bag having a pair of side arm [52] US. Cl ISO/1.5 R b r ecur d to a common cross member [51] Int. Cl A63b 55/00 h b at l st o e of the arms may be alternately [58] Field of Search 150/15 R, 1.5 B, ivot d in dir tions away from and toward the other 1.5 C arm to provide extended and contracted positions for the bag. In the extended position of the bag the golf References Cited clubs may be efficiently stored or supported in a sub- UNITED STATES PATENTS stantially upright position and in the contracted or 2,502 627 4 1950 Martin ISO/1.5 R closed Position of the bag the Clubs may be easily 2,837,346 6/1958 Chambless ISO/1.5 B x transported- 2 989,3l9 6/l96l Northrop ISO/L5 R X 2,422,315 6/1947 Robinson 150/15 B 3 Clam, 5 Drawmg F'gures 34 &

o 24 Q8 52 Z2 24 I n a f I-IINGED GOLF CLUB BAG This invention relates to improvements in golf club bags and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a hinged golf club bag which may be alternately extended and collapsed for facilitating supporting of the clubs and transporting of'the clubs.

Golf players usually carry a plurality of golf clubs while playing the game, as is well known, and the clubs are normally carried and. stored in a common carrier device or bag. The combined weights of'the clubs and bag may be somewhat great and as a result many golfers hire caddies or rent golf carts of various types to facilitate carrying the bag of clubs throughout the golf course during the playing of the game. Golf is extremely popular and not only is the hiringof acaddy or renting of golf club bag carrying devices expensive, but also many times there may be no caddies or carts-available. Consequently, it is desirable to have a lightweight golf bag for facilitating carrying of clubs by the person or golfer himself. These lightweight bags, however, have certain disadvantages in that it is usually difficult to stand or support the bag and clugs in an'upriglitposition when the clubs are being stored or when the golfer is removing or replacing the clubs in the bag. Asa consequence, the golfer frequently must lay the bag and clubs on the ground, and must stoop: to: either remove or replace a club therefrom, or to removera. golf ball or the like therefrom, andmust stoop in order to retrieve the bag when it is desired to move to a new location on the golf course.

The present invention contemplates a novel light weight golf club bag which is particularly designed-and constructed for efficiently supporting. the clubs in a substantially upright position when desired for facilitating removal and replacementof theclubin the bag, and for facilitating carrying of the clubs and. bag during transporting thereof. The novel bag comprises a'pair of side arm members securedtoa-commzoncross member with at least one of the arms being pivotally or hingedly secured to the cross member whereby the arms may be easily pivoted-in directions away from andtoward'each other to provide alternate extended and collapsed positions for the bag. In the extended position of the arms, the bag is of a substantially A-shaped' cross-sectional configuration and may be disposed one surface, such as on the ground, in a manner providing a'sturdy substantially upright support of the clubs contained therein.-

whereby the clubs may be easily removedand replaced. without stooping. In the collapsed position of thearms the cross-sectional dimension of the bag is maintained at a minimum for greatly'facilitating carrying of the bag and clubs contained therein.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a novel lightweight bag for carrying and storing golf clubs in a manner substantially eliminating. undesirable stooping during handling thereof.

It is another object of this invention toprovide anovel lightweight golf club bag which maybe easily. extended for efficiently supporting the clubs in a substantially upright position when desired.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a novel lightweight golf club bag for supporting. the clubs in a manner greatly facilitating removal-from and insertion of the clubs into the bag.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel lightweight golf club bagwhich is collapsible for facilitating transporting. of the clubs.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel lightweight golf club bag which is simple and efficient in operation and economical and durable in con struction.

Otherand further-objects and advantageous features of the present invention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with a detailed description of the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an end elevational view of a golf club bag embodying the invention and depicted in an extended position.

, FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of a golf club bag embodying the invention and depicted in a collapsed position.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational' view of a golf club bag embodying the invention in position for being transported or carried. 7

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a golf club bag embodying the invention with portions thereof omitted for purposes of illustration.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of a golf club bag embodying the invention.

' Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character 10 generally indicates a golf club bag comprising a supportplate or cross member 12 having a pair of oppositely disposed side arms or

side members

14 and 16 secured thereto in; a manner as will be hereinafter set forth. A suitable flexible handle member 18 hasone end' thereof secured to one end of the cross member 12 in any well known manner, such as by a clasp member 20, and extends therefrom for connection at the opposite end thereof with a pair of suitable flexible connecting strap members: 22 and 24. The

strap members

22 and 24 are connected between the handle 18 and the

side members

14 and 16, respectively, in any suitable manner as shown at 26 and 28 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. The handle 18' and straps 22 and 24' are preferably constructed from a suitable fabric, such as a canvas material, or leather, or plastic, or the like, but not limited thereto.

Whereas the

arm members

14 and 16 may both be hingedly secured to the opposite sides of the cross member 12 in any suitable manner, as shown herein the arm 14 is hingedly secured to the cross member and the arm 16 is rigidly secured thereto as will be hereinafter set forth. In addition, the

arm members

14 and 16 may be of any suitable construction and as shown herein the

arms

14 and 16 comprise a pair of substantially rigid back. plate members 30 and 32 connected at one end by a flexible connecting web 34 which is disposed across the upper or exposed-surface of the cross member as clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the rigid members 30 and 32 are suspended from the opposite sides of the cross member 12 to form the supporting member or back up member for the

arms

14 and 16. Of course, the plates 30 and 32 are preferably constructed from a lightweight material, such as reinforced fabric, plastic, or the like, and a suitable frame (not shown) may be provided

foreach arm

14 and 16 for strengthening thereof. The plate 30'is hingedly secured to the lower or under surface of the cross member 12 in any suitable manner such-as by a hinge member 36, or a plurality of hinge members. The hinge 36 may be of any suitable type but as depicted herein is preferably of the type provided with spring means in the hinge pin area 36'- thereof whereby the arm 14 is constantly urged in a'cirection away from the arm 16 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. Of course, the spring may be eliminated, if desired. The plate 32 is preferably rigidly secured to the cross member 12 and may be reinforced or strengthened by suitable gussets 33. The plate 32 is preferably substantially perpendicular to the cross member 12, but is not limited thereto. In addition, a zippered storage bag 38 may be suitably secured between the

arms

14 and 16 and in the proximity of one side thereof as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 for storing sweaters and the like therein.

The outer or exposed surfaces of the plates 30 and 32 are provided with substantially identical pouches or club

receiving bag members

40 and 42, respectively. The

pouches

40 and 42 are preferably constructed from a suitable lightweight flexible material, such as canvas, or other plastic or fabric, or the like, as desired. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the pouches or

club receiving portions

40 and 42 are provided with a plurality of transversely spaced longitudinally extending valleys 44 which are stitched, glued, or otherwise secured against the outer surface of the plates 30 and 32, respectively. This provides a plurality of individual of

separate compartments

46 and 48 on the

pouches

40 and 42, respectively. An individual or separate tube or sleeve 50 is disposed in each of the compartments or

pockets

46 and 48 as clearly shown in the drawings for receiving the shank or shaft of an individual golf club (not shown) therein. The tubes 50 are preferably constructed of a lightweight plastic material, or the like, but not limited thereto. Of course, the shafts of the golf clubs may be inserted directly into the

pockets

46 and 48, if desired, but as a practical matter is has been found that the clubs are easier to insert and withdraw from the pockets if the tubes 50 are provided therein.

It is to be noted that substantially any desired number of the

pockets

46 and 48 may be provided on the

pouches

40 and 42, but it is preferable to provide seven of the pockets on each

arm

14 and 16, thus providing for the carrying of a maximum of 14 clubs, which is the maximum a golfer or player is legally allowed to carry in a golf bag.

Referring now to FIG. 5, another type of pouch construction is depicted which may be preferred. In this embodiment the pouches indicated at 40a and 42a are of a relatively loose type construction and comprises a separate relatively large compartment for each

arm

14 and 16. A plurality of sleeves or tubes 50a are inserted longitudinally in the pouches 40a and 42a and are retained therein by frictional engagement between the adjacent tubes and the pouch material itself. As shown in FIG. 5, four of the tubes 50a may be provided for each pouch 40a and 42a, or the pouches 40a and 42a may be of a larger or smaller size for receiving a greater or lesser number of tubes of sleeves 500, as desired. Of course, the shank of the golf clubs (not shown) may be inserted within the tubes 50a in the manner as hereinbefore set forth for being supported by the bag 10.

Each

arm

14 and 16 is provided with a protective end member 52 oppositely disposed from the cross member 12. The end members 52 may be constructed from any suitable weatherproof material, such as leather, or the like, to protect the bag from damp ground or other adverse environmental conditions. The

arms

14 and 16 may be provided with a plurality of removable spike members (not shown), if desired, spaced along the lower edge of the

arms

14 and 16 in a manner precluding interference with each other. The spike members facilitate supporting of the bag 10 on an earthen surface, or the like, by penetrating the earth 54 when the bag 10 is in the substantially upright supporting position for the clubs. I

A convenient bag or zippered pocket 58 of any suitable or well known type is preferably provided on the upper or exposed portion of the flexible member 34 which extends across the cross member 12, and may be secured thereon in any well known manner (not shown). The bag 58 may be utilized for the storage of golf balls and other golfing accessories as desired and as well known. In addition a suitable apertured flange 56 may be provided on the device 10 for storing tees and the like. Of course, means may also be provided on the device for storing score cards, pencils, and the like, if desired.

When the bag 10 is to be used as agolf club carrier, the golf clubs (not shown) may be inserted in the pockets or tubes or 50a as hereinbefore set forth. In order to transport the clubs and the bag 10, the handle 18 may be manually grasped, whereby the weight of the clubs and bag cause the handle 18 to assume a position relative to the

sides

14 and 16 similar to that shown in FIG. 3. This pulls the

straps

22 and 24 in and outwardly, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The

straps

22 and 24 pull the

side arms

14 and 16 in a direction toward each other and provide a collapsed position for the bag 10 as shown in FIG. 2. This provides a minimum overall dimension for the bag 10 and the handle 18 may be readily placed or slung over the shoulder of the golfer for being carried around the golf course in the well known manner.

When the golfer is desirous of depositing the bag and clubs on the ground in order to select a club and remove the club therefrom, the

arms

14 and 16 may be readily moved in directions away from each other to the extended position shown in FIG. 1. It will be readily apparent that the

straps

22 and 24 limit the outward movement of the arm 14 with respect to the arm 16 to prevent a complete separation thereof and to provide a substantially A-shaped cross-sectional configuration for the bag 10. It will be readily apparent that the clubs (not shown) inserted within the

tubes

50 or 50a will be supported in a substantially upright position whereby they may be easily removed from the bag 10 without the necessity of stooping for grasping thereof. In addition, the balls or other accessories (not shown) stored in the bag 58 are readily accessible without the necessity of stooping therefor. Subsequent to the use of the particular club selected, it may be replaced in its particular pocket or tube, the handle 18 may once again be manually grasped for picking up the bag 10 and clubs without the necessity of having to stoop or bend, thus greatly facilitating the overall handling of the bag 10.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present invention provides a novel lightweight hinged golf club bag which may be alternately extended and contracted for facilitating the storing and the transporting of golf clubs. The novel bag is of a lightweight construction for enhancing the use thereof, and is particularly designed and constructed for substantially eliminating any,stooping or bending when selecting or replacing a club therein, or upon retrieving the bag from the stored or extended position thereof.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A hinged golf club bag comprising a supporting cross member, a pair of side arm members secured to the opposite sides of the cross member, at least one of said arm' members being hingedly secured to the cross member and movable in directions away from and toward the other arm to provide alternate extended and collapsed positions for the bag, club receiving means provided on each side arm, handle means provided on the bag for facilitating carrying thereof, and means cooperating with the handle means for limiting the movement of the arm members in said direction away from each other and for facilitating movement of the arms in said direction toward each other, end cover means provided on each side arm member for protection of the bag upon disposition thereof on a surface in the extended position of the bag, and wherein the club receiving means comprises pouch means provided on each side arm member, tube means disposed in the pouch means and extending longitudinally therein for slidably receiving the clubs, and wherein the means cooperating with the handle means comprises strap means connected between the handle means and each side arm member for facilitating movement of the side arm members in said direction toward each other and for limiting the movement of the side arm members in the said direction away from each other, and accessory bag means provided on the supporting cross member.

2. A hinged golf club bag comprising a supporting cross member, a pair of side arm members secured to the opposite sides of the cross member, at least one of said arm members being hingedly secured to the cross member and movable in directions away from and toward the other arm to provide alternate extended and collapsed positions for the bag, club receiving means provided on each side arm, handle means provided on the bag for facilitating carrying thereof, and means cooperating with the handle means for limiting the movement of the arm members in said direction away from each other and for facilitating movement of the arms in said direction toward each other, said last mentioned means comprising flexible strap means secured between the handle means and each side arm member, said strap means cooperating with the handle means in one position therebetween for pulling the side arm members in a direction toward each other, and said strap means limiting the movement of the side arm members in directions away from each other in the extended position of the bag.

3. A hinged golf club bag as set forth in claim 2 and including end cover means provided on each side arm member for protection thereof upon disposition of the bag on a surface in the extended position of the bag.

4. A hinged golf club bag as set forth in claim 2 and including accessory storing bag means provided on the golf club bag.

5. A hinged golf clug as set forth in claim 2 wherein the club receiving means comprises pouch means provided on each side arm member for receiving the clubs therein.

6. A hinged golf club bag as set forth in claim 5 wherein tube means is provided in the pouch means for receiving the clubs therein.

7. A hinged golf club bag as set forth in claim 5 wherein a plurality of tube means extends longitudinally in the pouch means, each of said tube means slidably receiving a club therein.

8. A hinged golf club bag as set forth in claim 2 which is constructed of a lightweight material.

Claims

1. A hinged golf club bag comprising a supporting cross member, a pair of side arm members secured to the opposite sides of the cross member, at least one of said arm members being hingedly secured to the cross member and movable in directions away from and toward the other arm to provide alternate extended and collapsed positions for the bag, club receiving means provided on each side arm, handle means provided on the bag for facilitating carrying thereof, and means cooperating with the handle means for limiting the movement of the arm members in said direction away from each other and for facilitating movement of the arms in said direction toward each other, end cover means provided on each side arm member for protection of the bag upon disposition thereof on a surface in the extended position of the bag, and wherein the club receiving means comprises pouch means provided on each side arm member, tube means disposed in the Pouch means and extending longitudinally therein for slidably receiving the clubs, and wherein the means cooperating with the handle means comprises strap means connected between the handle means and each side arm member for facilitating movement of the side arm members in said direction toward each other and for limiting the movement of the side arm members in the said direction away from each other, and accessory bag means provided on the supporting cross member.