Golf Bag with Pivoting Hinge for Carry Strap

This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/649,224, filed May 17, 2024, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

This disclosure relates generally to golf club bags and, more particularly, relates to carry straps provided on golf club bags.

Golf bags are traditionally categorized into two main categories: carry bags and cart bags. Carry bags have kick stand legs which enable the bag to stand on its own, and generally comprise a carry strap system that allows the user to easily and comfortably carry the weight of the bag on their shoulders. “Sunday bags” are a sub-category of carry bags that are compact, lightweight, and typically omit the kickstand legs. While Sunday bags are light weight and easily storable compared to bulkier, traditional carry golf bags, the lack of legs requires them to be laid flat on the ground in between use. Consequently, a golfer must frequently bend over to reach for the strap, as the strap is positioned near ground level each time the bag is laid down. Some bags are known to have reinforcement in the strap to raise the strap higher above the ground, which may alleviate some of the bending. The straps of those bags, however, always remain in the raised position, and therefore may become harder to manage as these protruding straps become tangled or otherwise occupy a greater amount of space when stowed, such as in a car trunk or closet.

The carry strap system described herein has many applications, as it can be applied to a variety of bags. Some applications of the carry strap system can include, but are not limited to, lightweight Sunday golf bags, single strap carry golf bags, stand golf bags, sports bags, backpacks, and travel bags.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

The terms “first,” “second,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically and/or otherwise.

“Golf bag” as used herein may mean a special type of storage bag for holding or storing golf clubs. A golf bag can be used to store golf clubs long term or move and hold golf clubs during play. Some golf bags also provide a means of storing other paraphernalia, such as tees, golf balls, a range finder, ball marker, divet repair tools, golf gloves, rain gear for club and golf bag, and miscellaneous articles that a golf player may want access to on the golf course. A golf bag comprises at least a flat, one or more stays, a base, and a divider, as defined below.

“Flat” as used herein may mean a tubular portion, outer shell, outer housing, or cover that attaches to and extends between the divider and the base of a golf bag. The flat can be formed from leather, synthetic leather, fabric or other suitable material. The flat may include, among other features, one or more pockets and at least one carrying handle. Some embodiments of the flat further comprise one or more shoulder carry straps.

“Base” as used herein may mean a component that is a foundation for the golf bag. The base can support the golf clubs to prevent them from falling out of a flat bottom end. The base can be in contact with the ground, providing a sturdy structure that provides shape to the flat.

“Divider” as used herein may mean a component that gives the top of the golf baga rigid shape and comprises apertures for receiving and dividing out (or sorting) the golf clubs that are inserted into the flat.

“Stay(s)” as used herein may mean one or more stiff members that provide rigidity to the flat. The one or more stays connect the base and the divider.

The term “golf bag top,” as used herein, refers to the portion of the golf bag that comprises a divider and a handle.

The term “handle,” as used herein, refers to a component that is sized to receive a hand and can be grasped and used to lift the golf bag.

The term “carry strap,” as used herein, refers to a component that is larger than a handle and is sized to receive a portion of a body of a user, such as a shoulder.

The terms “stow” or “stowed,” as used herein, refers to the act of folding, compacting, bending, compressing or otherwise converting a golf bag or a component of the golf bag to a stowed or collapsed state, ideal for shipping.

The terms “deploy” or “deployed” as used herein, refer to the act of placing the handle and/or carry strap in a configuration suitable for use.

Described herein is a golf bag having a pivoting hinge assembly that holds a carry strap in two distinct positions: (1) a deployed state in which the carry strap protrudes away from the bag to make it easier to grab from the ground; and (2) a stowed state in which the carry strap nests with the contour of the bag flat to facilitate storage. The hinge assembly can be coupled to the divider, allowing the carry strap to counterbalance the combined weight of the bag and golf club and allowing users to easily pick the bag off the ground with a single hand. The hinge assembly further facilitates converting the strap between deployed and stowed states. Further, the carry strap can be completely detachable from the bag allowing the bag and carry strap to be assembled separately, making it easier, faster, and cheaper to manufacture.

The carry strap may include a slidable second end, opposite a first end that is coupled to the hinge assembly, that further flattens the carry strap when placed in the stowed state. Similarly, a handle, separate from the carry strap to provide another grip for carrying the bag, may include a slidable bottom end, opposite a top end, that nests with the contour of the golf bag, when in the stowed state. The carry strap can be manufactured and shipped separately from the hinge assembly and then affixed. This gives the bag the capability of being compacted for shipping and storage while also being capable of holding the carry strap in a deployed state to facilitate a more ergonomic means for setting down and picking up the golf bag in between golf shots.

The pivoting hinge assemblyis associated with the carry strapof a golf bag. The golf bagcomprises a base, a dividerhaving one or more compartments, at least one stay, and a generally cylindrical flat(also known as the “outer shell” or “outer housing”). The flatis a fabric element that defines the exterior circumference of the golf bag, and comprises a flat top endthat is connected to the dividerand a flat bottom endthat is connected to the base. The flatfurther defines a compartment for storing golf clubs. The golf bagcomprises a front sideand a rear side. In the case of a cart bag, the front sidecomprises the carry strap and may face outwards when strapped to a golf cart, while the rear sidefaces the cart. In the case of single strap carry bags, the rear sideof a carry bag typically comprises the deployable leg assembly, while the front sideof the golf bag comprises the carry strap. In the case of lightweight “Sunday bags” the front sideof the Sunday bag comprises the carry strap and the rear sideis the side placed on the ground, typically opposite the front side.

As previously mentioned, the carry strapcan be coupled to the dividervia the pivoting hinge assembly. The position of the carry strapat the top most part of the golf bag(i.e., coupled to the divider) allows the carry strapto counterbalance the combined weight of the golf bagand golf clubs. This, along with the rigidity of the carry strapprovided by the pivoting hinge assemblyand a support board(discussed in depth below) in a deployed state, ensures users can easily and ergonomically pick the bag off the ground with a single hand. The dividercan define separate compartments configured to receive one or more golf clubs. The divideris located near the flat top end, and comprises an outer ringand a mesh layer. The outer ringcan be formed from a plastic or plastic blend, such as polyoxymethylene (POM), nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or other plastic or plastic-based blend. In some embodiments, the dividercan be made of glass-reinforced polypropylene or glass-filled nylon. In other embodiments, the dividercan be made of a metallic material. A top portion of the mesh layer wraps over the top of the outer ringand is permanently affixed to the flaton the exterior side of the golf bag. A bottom portion of the mesh layer is removably affixed to a flat inner surface via a hook and loop connection. The outer ringis encapsulated between the flatand the mesh layer. The flatand the dividerare structural components of the golf bag, which are secured together with mating rivets.

The dividercan comprise a sidewallhaving a divider topopposite a divider bottom, and a divider first sideopposite a divider second side. In some embodiments, the divider topand the divider bottomare at least partially arcuate. In some embodiments, the divider first sideand the divider second sideare roughly linear. The sidewallcan comprise a cross sectional shape such as a rectangular shape, an oval shape, a square shape, an ovoid, a capsule or stadium shape, or any other suitable shape. The dividercan further comprise at least one divider support. The at least one divider supportcan extend from the divider first sideand the divider second side. The at least one divider supportcan be linearly shaped or curved.

The outer ringdefines a plurality of divider apertures, where each divider aperture may align with a corresponding flat aperture. The flatis secured to the dividervia fasteners, such as mating rivets, where each mating rivet is received through a flat-divider aperture pair (hereafter referred to as “the aperture”).

In a stowed state, the carry strapcan nest against the contour of the flat. The carry strap first endcan be coupled to the dividerand the carry strap second endcan be coupled to the flat. As discussed above, the flatis the outermost layer of the golf bagand defines an interior space for the receiving club. The divideris positioned within the flat. The golf bagcomprises a thickness measured between the flat exterior side to the inner surface of the mesh. The thickness can be between 3.0 mm to 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness is between 3.00 mm to 4.50 mm, 3.50 mm to 5.00 mm, 4.00 mm to 6.50 mm, 4.50 mm to 5.00 mm, or 5.00 mm to 6.50 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness is approximately 3.00 mm, 3.25 mm, 3.50 mm, 3.75 mm, 4.00 mm, 4.25 mm, 4.50 mm, 4.75 mm, 5.00 mm, 5.25 mm, 5.50 mm, 5.75 mm, 6.0 mm, 6.25, or 6.50 mm

The flatcan further define a flat length. The flat length can be measured from the baseto the bottom portion of the divider. In some embodiments, the flat length can range between 25 inches and 36 inches. In some embodiments, the flat length can range between 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 or 36 inches. In some embodiments, the flat length can be more than 25 inches. In some embodiments, the flat length can be more than 30 inches.

Opposite ends of the carry strapare coupled to the dividervia the pivoting hinge assemblyand the flat. The carry strapis sized to receive a portion of the user's body, such as a shoulder, to facilitate carrying the golf bag. As shown in, the carry strapincludes a carry strap first endand a carry strap second end.

As previously mentioned, the carry strapworks in tandem with the pivoting hinge assemblyto hold the carry strap first endapproximately perpendicular to the golf bag. Specifically, the carry strapcan further comprise a support board, as shown in, that holds an additional portion of the carry strapupright when in the deployed state, thereby mitigating bending by a user. The support boardprovides rigidity to a portion of the carry strap, so that in the deployed state the carry straphas an accurate shape, as best shown in. The support boardprovides an increased rigidity to the carry strapthat causes the carry strap first endto stand straight up, relative to the golf bag, in a deployed state. An intermediate region of the carry strapprotrudes away from the flatto provide a section of the carry strapthat can be easily grasped. The remainder of the carry strapcan cascade down towards a first attachment point, such that the carry strapforms an arching curve. The support boardensures the carry strapprotrudes away from the flatwhen the golf bagis placed on the ground, facilitating a more ergonomic means for picking up the golf bag. Further, in a stowed state the support board, along with the pivoting hinge assembly, keeps a portion of the carry strapnested close to the contour of the flat. This ensures easy storing of the golf bagas the carry strapwill not get tangled or caught on exterior elements.

The support boardcan comprise a board length measurement in a direction along the length for carry strapwhen in the stowed state. The board length can be between 4.00 inches and 24.00 inches. The board length can be between 4.00 inches and 6.00 inches, 6.00 inches and 8.00 inches, 8.00 inches and 10.00 inches, 10.00 inches and 12.00 inches, 12.00 inches and 14.00 inches, 14.00 inches and 16.00 inches, 16.00 inches and 18.00 inches, 18.00 inches and 20.00 inches, 20.00 inches and 22.00 inches, or 22.00 inches and 24.00 inches.

The support boardcan comprise a board width measurement in a direction perpendicular to the length for carry strapwhen in the stowed state. The board width can be between 1.50 inches and 3.50 inches. The board width can be between 1.50 inches and 1.75 inches, between 1.75 inches and 2.00 inches, 2.00 inches and 2.25 inches, 2.25 inches and 2.50 inches, 2.50 inches and 2.75 inches, 2.75 inches and 3.00 inches, 3.00 inches and 3.25 inches, or 3.25 inches and 3.50 inches.

The support boardcan comprise a thickness between 0.05 inches and 0.25 inches. The thickness can be between 0.05 inches and 0.10 inches, 0.10 inches and 0.15 inches, 0.15 inches and 0.20 inches, or 0.10 inches and 0.15 inches. The thickness is large enough to ensure the rigidity of the carry strap, specifically, proximate the carry strap first end, this ensures the carry strapmaintains that arcuate shape when in the deployed state. The dimensions of the support board (i.e., the length, the width, and the thickness) can be small enough that when the user carries the golf bagon their shoulder via the carry strap, the support boardis not noticeable and causes little to no discomfort. Further, the dimensions of the support boardcan be large enough to maintain durability and ensure the carry strapmaintains an arcuate shape when in the deployed state and remains nested to the contour of the flatin the stowed state.

The handleis operatively associated with the pivoting hinge assemblyand the carry strapto improve the overall portability and weight distribution of the golf bag. The handlecan have a handle top endand a handle bottom end, wherein both the handle top endand the handle bottom endcan be received by the flat. The handle top endcan be directly secured to the flatand the handle bottom endcan be indirectly coupled to the flatvia a second receiving loop, as shown in.

The handlealso moves in between the stowed or deployed state independently from the carry strapand the pivoting hinge assembly. In a deployed state, the handle bottom endcan engage a second receiving loop, and comprises an arcuate shape. As shown in, the handleallows users to easily pick up and maneuver the golf bagin the deployed state. To transition to a stowed state, the handle bottom endcan slide out of engagement with the second receiving loop, by pulling the handle bottom endin a direction away from the pivoting hinge assembly, which allows the handleto lay flat along the body of the golf bag. As shown in, the handlelays flat against the golf bag, making it an ideal configuration for shipping and storage. In such embodiments, the handle top endcan be a constrained end, and the handle bottom endcan be slidable or a free end. Additionally, the handlemay be aligned with the carry strapsuch that the carry strap, when in the stowed position, closely overlies the handle/

In the deployed state, as shown in, the carry strapand the handlein conjunction with the pivoting hinge assemblyprovide a means of easily picking up and carrying the golf bag. In the stowed state, as shown in, the golf bagcan be easily and compactly stowed, as the carry strapand handlein conjunction with the pivoting hinge assemblylay flat against the golf bag.

The pivoting hinge assemblycan couple the dividerto the first endof the carry strapproviding a connection point to the golf bag. The pivoting hinge assemblyfacilitates converting the carry strapbetween a stowed state and a deployed state. The pivoting hinge assemblycan further hold the carry strapin the deployed state, by means of a friction fit, providing users with a more ergonomic means for setting down and picking up the golf bag. The pivoting hinge assemblycan comprise a bossformed integrally or independent of the divider. The bossextends outwards from the outer surface of the divider top, and includes a top surfaceopposite a bottom surface, a boss first end, and a boss second end. The top surfaceand bottom surfacecan be connected via an arcuate surface. The boss first endcan be opposite the boss second end. The boss first endcan extend outward from the divider top, adjacent to the divider first side, and the boss second endcan extend outward from the divider topadjacent to the divider second side.

The bossallows for the active deployment of the pivoting hinge assembly. The bosscan have a boss length defined as the distance from the boss first endto the boss second endat a point farthest from the divider. The boss length can be between 1.0 inch and 3.5 inches. In some embodiments, the boss length can range between 1.0 and 1.5 inches, 1.5 to 2.0 inches, 2.0 to 2.5 inches, 2.5 to 3.0 inches, or between 3.0 to 3.5 inches. In preferred embodiments, the boss length is 2.0 inches. The boss length ensures a large enough buildup of material top to provide the desired durability without appearing bulky and displeasing to the user.

The bosscan further comprise first and second stops configured to hold the first endof the carry strapin the deployed and stowed states, respectively. More specifically, as best shown in, the bossincludes a first indentand a second indent, recessed within an outer surface of the boss. More specifically, the bottom surfaceof the bosscan comprise the second indentand the arcuate surface of the bosscan comprise the first indent. The first indentand the second indentcan extend partially or fully along the length of the boss. In such embodiments, the first indentand the second indentcan extend from the boss first endto the boss second endby 25%, 35%, 45%, 55%, 65%, 75%, 85% or 95% of the entire boss length. In alternative embodiments, the first indentand the second indentcan be discontinuous along the length of the boss. In some of these embodiments, the first indentand the second indentcan extend from both the boss first endand the boss second endby 5%, 15%, 25%, 35%, or 45% of the entire boss length. The first indentand the second indentcan be mirror images of each other and side to revied the arm.

The indents can be configured to create a complementary mating feature for the arm, such that the armand the indents form a friction fit. As shown in, the first indentcan be positioned such that when it receives the arm, in the deployed state, the armcreates about a 90-degree angle with the body of the golf bag. The armis approximately perpendicular to the body of the golf bagin the deployed state. As shown in, the second indentcan be positioned such that when it receives the arm, in the stowed state, the arm creates about a 180-degree angle with the body of the golf bag. The armis approximately parallel with the body of the golf bagin the stowed state.

The first indentand the second indenteach define a cross-sectional profile characterized by a sloped contours. These sloped contours include a central region that forms a first concave depression, and these depression creates a recessed area, configured to receive and form a friction fit with a camdisposed on the arm. The gradual incline of the sloped contour on either side of the concave region facilitates guided engagement and disengagement of the armby allowing easy entry and exit of the camwithout abrupt resistance. As a result, the geometry of the first indentand second indentis structured to enable smooth and efficient movement of the armbetween the deployed state and the stowed state, thereby improving the mechanical reliability and ease of operation of the pivoting hinge assembly. In some embodiments, the first indentcomprises a first sloped contour, a first central region, a first concave depression and a first friction fit, while the second indentcomprises a second sloped contour, a second central region, a second concave depression, and a second friction fit.

Furthermore, the bosscomprises a boss apertureconfigured to receive a pinas a means of securing the armto the bossand enabling smooth and efficient movement of the arm between the deployed state and the stowed state. In some embodiments, a boss aperturecan extend from the boss first endto the boss second end. The boss aperturecan have a boss aperture diameter. The boss aperture diameter can be between 0.35 inches and 0.85 inches. In some embodiments, the boss aperture diameter can range between 0.35 and 0.45 inches 0.45 and 0.55 inches, 0.55 and 0.65 inches, 0.65 and 0.75 inches or 0.75 and 0.85 inches. In preferred embodiments, the boss aperture diameter can be 0.60 inches. The boss aperture diameter can be large enough to allow the pinto be positioned within the boss aperturebut small enough to create a friction fit between the boss apertureand the pin.

The pivoting hinge assemblyfurther comprises the armwhich received the carry strapand further secures it to the pivoting hinge assembly. The armcan comprise a tongue, a first bracketpositioned adjacent to the boss first end, and a second bracketpositioned adjacent to the boss second end. The first bracketcomprises a first apertureand the second bracketcomprises a second aperture, both of which are configured to align with the boss apertureand receive the pin. The armcan further comprise a cross supportthat extends from the first bracketto the second bracketalong a bottom endof the tongue.

The armfurther comprises a complementary cylindrical interface that aligns with the mating geometry of the firstand secondindent. The complementary cylindrical interference (referred herein as “a cam”) is a cylindrical protrusion extending along a baseof the cross support. The camcan be integrally formed with the cross supportand projects outward from the baseof the cross support. In some embodiments, the camextends the entire baseof the cross support. In other embodiments, the camextends part of the baseof the cross support. The camis configured to be received by the concave depressions formed in the recessed areas of the first indentand the second indent. As shown in, when the armis in a deployed configuration the camis housed within the first indentand when the armis in a stowed configuration the camis housed within the second indent

The tonguecan comprise a tongue length measured in a vertical direction from the tongue bottom endto the tongue top end. The tongue length can range between 2.0 inches and 10.0 inches. In some embodiments, the tongue length can range between 2.0 to 3.0 inches, 3.0 to 4.0 inches, 4.0 to 5.0 inches, 5.0 to 6.0 inches, 6.0 to 7.0 inches, 7.0 to 8.0 inches, 8.0 to 9.0 inches, or between 9.0 and 10.0 inches. In preferred embodiments, the tongue length is 3.0 inches. The tonguecan provide an attachment point for the carry strap. The length of the tongue may be sufficient to provide an adequate attachment area for securing the carry strap. In some embodiments, the carry strap first endis sewn onto the tongue.

As previously mentioned, the boss aperturecan be configured to receive the pin. The pinacts as a connection means to further secure the armto the boss. Specifically, the pincan be inserted through the first aperturethe first bracket, the second apertureof the second bracket, and the boss aperturesimultaneously, securing the armto the bosswhile still allowing the armto pivot about the boss. The pincan comprise a tip endand a butt endconfigured to receive a plug. The butt endcan comprise a first snap-fit geometry configured to mate with a second snap-fit geometry on the plug, removably affixing the plugto the butt end. The tip endcan comprise a lip, configured to prevent the pinfrom sliding through the boss apertureand through the first apertureof the first bracketand the second apertureof the second bracketcompletely.

The pinholds the pivoting hinge assemblytogether and binds the dividerwith the carry strap. Specifically, the pincan facilitate a pivotal connection between the dividerand the carry strapvia the bossand the arm. The armcan pivot and lock into multiple configurations when housing the camin either the first indentor the second indent. The geometry of the camis configured to be received by the concave depressions formed in the recessed areas of the first indentand the second indent, and retains its position by friction fit.

To maintain the deployed state of the carry strap, the camsecurely retains a friction fit within the first indent, thereby ensuring that the armremains fixed in position. Simultaneously, this friction fit can be calibrated to provide sufficient resistance to hold the camin place under normal conditions, while also allowing the user to deliberately overcome the frictional force with minimal effort. This controlled disengagement enables smooth transition of the camfrom the first indentto the second indent, facilitating the pivotable movement of the carry strapbetween the deployed and stowed positions. When the pivoting hinge assemblyis coupled to a dividerhaving a rigid construction, the dividerwill resist movement in response to forces applied to the arm, thereby facilitating transitions between the stowed and deployed states.

The first bracket, the second bracket, and the cross supportprovide support to the tongue, ensuring the armis strong enough to withstand the force needed to break the friction fit and transition the armfrom the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration. The first bracketand second bracketcan be positioned adjacent to the boss first endand the boss second end, respectively. The first apertureand the second aperturecorrespond with the size and shape of the boss aperture. The cross supportcan extend between the first bracketand the second bracketand along the tongue bottom end

As previously mentioned, the carry strapcomprises a carry strap first endand a carry strap second end. The carry strap first endcan be coupled with an armof the pivoting hinge assembly, as shown in. The carry strap first endcan be coupled via mechanical means such as a snap system, Velcro, magnet, or other suitable means. In an alternative embodiment, the carry strap first endcan be coupled to the tonguevia sewing. In some embodiments, the carry strap second endcan be coupled to the flatindirectly by means of a first receiving loop. In such embodiments, in a deployed state the carry strap second endcan engage a first receiving loop. In alternative embodiments, as seen in, the carry strap second endcan be coupled to the flatindirectly by means of a fastenerand a receiver. In such embodiments, the carry strap first endcan be a constrained end, and the carry strap second endcan be slidable, or a free end.

In the deployed state, golfers can carry the carry strapon their shoulder or easily pick up the bag from the ground. As illustrated in, the carry strapcan be placed in a stowed configuration. The carry strap second endcan slide out of engagement with the first receiving loop, in a direction away from the pivoting hinge assembly, which allows the carry strapto lay flat along the body of the golf bag. This configuration can be ideal for shipping and storage.

The carry strapcan be formed from a material such as polyester, nylon, cotton, or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the carry strapcan comprise more than one material. In some embodiments, the carry strapcan comprise entirely the same material. The support boardcan be formed from a material such as EVA foam, compression molded foam, PE board, celluloid structured material, or standard foam.