Methods and Apparatus for Aiding Golfer Gameplay

This application is a PCT patent application claiming priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/137,439, filed Jan. 14, 2021, such patent application and any priority case hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Generally, this invention is related to improving the performance of golf balls and golf equipment in colder conditions. In colder temperatures, golf equipment and materials may become less elastic and more brittle, which may cause a decrease in performance of golf equipment. By adding an insulated, heated hood/cover, with separate heating compartments for golf balls, plus a seal at the bottom of the hood, creating a warm pocket of air inside a golf bag, an increased performance of golf equipment and golf balls may be achieved. The invention may have particular applicability to coordinating the heating of golf equipment to affect or even achieve specific, desirable performance characteristics for such golf equipment.

In today's growing market for golf and sporting equipment, consumers are becoming more and more competitive. Consumers may be looking for ways to improve the performance of their game and equipment. In the golf industry, customers, club manufacturers, and golf ball manufacturers may be aware that golf club and ball performance can be degraded by cold conditions, possibly beginning at temperatures lower than approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Golf ball and golf club performance may be significantly degraded at temperatures in the range of 40 to 80 degrees F. Golf balls may lose elasticity as temperatures drop, thus possibly resulting in less compression of the golf ball, which may mean that less energy is transferred from the club swing to the ball. This may result in the ball physically not being able to travel further. Therefore, any golfer playing at temperatures below said threshold may experience a loss of distance when the ball is struck. Furthermore, the ball may incur reduced spin characteristics at lower temperatures, thus possibly decreasing accuracy. In addition, golf club performance may be adversely impacted at reduced temperatures. As but a few non-limiting examples, a grip of a golf club may become harder to grasp, the shaft may become less flexible, the clubface may lose the “spring” effect, and some clubfaces can actually break when striking golf balls at colder temperatures. A vital part of improved golf ball and club performance may be to minimize contact with cooler air and moisture when the club and ball are not in play. Keeping cold air out may not be sufficient by itself to generate an adequate temperature change for a golfer to experience improved golf ball and golf equipment performance. A weatherproof, sealable bag cover may include a primary or main heating source applied to the inside of the cover, creating a pocket of warm air inside the top of the golf bag and especially close to the golf club heads. The warm air inside the bag may improve the “reflex” effect of the clubface of the golf club, may improve the flex performance of both steel and graphite golf shafts, and may allow the golf club to be gripped easier, possibly with a warmed grip surface. However, as there may be two components that enable a golfer to play, the club and the ball, it may be essential to keep the ball at the desired temperature as well. The present invention may include separate, heated golf ball pockets to ensure optimal ball temperature.

In general, the present invention may involve both devices and methods in a variety of embodiments to achieve improved golf ball and golf club performance, especially when used in conjunction with conventional golf club carrying bags. Embodiments of the present invention may include several aspects that may be beneficial to the golfer.

The present invention may include a variety of aspects to help golfers improve golf ball and golf club performance in cold conditions. By combining various technologies and materials in, for example, a lightweight, portable, reusable cover, the present invention may provide golfers or other users the opportunity to improve performance and lower scoring by, for example, changing the environment, from cold to warm, in which a golfer's golf clubs and golf balls are kept while playing or otherwise. In some embodiments, the heating element may be turned on immediately when the golfer arrives at the golf course to cause an immediate beneficial impact. In other embodiments, the heating element may be powered on prior to the golfer arriving at the golf course to achieve a pre-warmed benefit upon arrival to the course. The broad objective may include obtaining improved performance from the golfer's existing equipment at minimal cost and to be available on an “as-needed” basis because the invention may be highly portable and applied quickly if weather conditions change suddenly.

For golfers to achieve improved scores and performance, it may be a priority to achieve maximum distance with each shot and for the golf ball to maintain its spin characteristics on short shots. In addition, golfers may typically strive to achieve an accurate “feel” to provide feedback after each shot. It may also be important for golfers to be able to choose the right club for the shot. The present invention may aid in helping golfers achieve improved performance with no change in equipment. It may be an objective of the invention to coordinate the heating of golf equipment to affect or even achieve a desired quality of both the foregoing factors and other factors capable of being influenced by the heating techniques discussed herein.

Naturally, other goals and objects of the present invention are disclosed throughout the text, clauses, and claims.

It should be understood that embodiments include a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of the application. These elements are listed with initial embodiments; however, it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the embodiments of the application to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. The specific embodiment or embodiments shown are examples only. The specification should be understood and is intended as supporting broad claims as well as each embodiment, and even claims where other embodiments may be excluded. Importantly, disclosure of merely exemplary embodiments is not meant to limit the breadth of other more encompassing claims that may be made where such may be only one of several methods or embodiments which could be employed in a broader claim or the like. Further, this description should be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application.

is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, including a heating system () for a golf bag cover for improved golf ball and club performance. In certain embodiments, to begin the warming process, it may be important to apply the outside cover (), which may be made of a material that may be insulated and waterproof. In some embodiments, an outside cover () may allow heated air to remain inside the bag and prevent cold air and moisture from penetrating the exterior of the bag. The outside cover () may have an easy access rapid closure system (). The easy access rapid closure system () may include, but may not be limited to, a zipper, hook and loop type closure, magnetic closure, snap closure, or similar entry mechanism, to quickly and efficiently access all golf clubs, balls, or other equipment, while wearing or not wearing gloves, and easily close the bag after a club or other desired equipment has been removed and then possibly replaced after each shot, which may reduce outside exposure minimizing contact with outside elements while handling the equipment. In another embodiment, the easy access rapid closure system () may include an assisted closure mechanism that may aid a user in closing the bag to ensure maximum heat retention to ensure optimal heating. This assisted closure mechanism may be, but is not limited to, a springed component, a mechanical (linkage or geared) component, or a counterweighted closure component.

may show a heated cover () for a golf bag () in exemplary embodiments. The cover () may be configured to enclose the top end of a golf bag () and may involve the step of enclosing the top end of a golf bag () with a cover. The cover () naturally may be of any size, shape, material, configuration, or the like sufficient to enclose the top end of the golf bag () that otherwise is consistent with the inventive principles discussed herein. In various embodiments, a cover () may be any or any combination of an insulated cover (), a waterproof cover (), a one removeable piece cover (), a lightweight cover (), a portable cover (), a reusable cover (), a breathable cover (), and a quick change cover (). As may be further described herein, some embodiments may utilize a heated golfer assist cover () for a golf bag and accordingly may involve a method for heating the cover of a golf bag and a method for assisting a golfer.

In some embodiments, the outside cover () may include a heated ball pouch (). A golf ball may be exposed to cold air during play longer than other items of equipment. Therefore, having an optimally warmed ball available for each hole may be a beneficial performance enhancement. In another embodiment, it may be beneficial to provide at least two heated ball pouches. A first heated ball pouch () may be used as a primary heating source and then to ensure the golfer is using an optimally warmed ball, a secondary “used cold ball,” a ball that was previously warmed, played with and returned to ambient temperature, heated ball pouch may be utilized. This cold ball heated pouch (as shown in) may allow golfers to rotate golf balls after each hole to possibly keep a warm ball in play at all times. Utilizing at least two heated ball pouches may keep cold golf balls separated from warm ones for accelerated warming processes, and accordingly may be considered to be one or more cold contamination prevention golf ball pouches () () and/or one or more accelerated warming golf ball pouches () (), and may involve the step of preventing cold contamination of at least one golf ball pouch () () and/or the step of accelerating the warming of at least one golf ball (). Multiple heated ball pouches would add an additional heat source to the hood providing heating support to the primary or main internal warming function. Embodiments accordingly may involve the inner warmth area () of one or more golf ball pouches () () as an additional heat source () for an inner warmth area () of a cover (), and may involve the step of additionally applying heat to an inner warmth area () of a cover (). These heated ball pouches may include a rapid closure system similar to the outside cover to possibly allow easy access and to be opened or closed while wearing gloves. The heated ball pouch closures may include a few non-limiting examples: a zipper, hook and loop type closure, magnetic closure, snap closure, or similar entry mechanism to quickly and efficiently access all golf balls. The heated ball pouch () and cold ball heated pouch () may be accessible from inside the outside cover (), and other elements may be accessible from outside the outside cover. In some embodiments, the heated ball pouches may be accessible both internally and externally. Embodiments accordingly may involve at least two golf ball pouches () and/or () of a cover () disposed inside of the cover ().

Golf may typically be a mobile sport, and therefore it may be desirable to have a heating element (as well as all additional components that require power) that is able to be powered remotely, in the sense that it can be powered away from a conventional home wall power outlet. Embodiments therefore may have any suitable power source otherwise consistent with the inventive principles disclosed herein for all components requiring power. As shown in, embodiments of the present invention may include two battery-powered energy supplies. This embodiment may include a primary power source () and a secondary power source () for backup power. These power sources may include batteries, such as but not limited to, Nickle-Cadmium, Lithium-Ion, Lithium-Ion Polymer, alkaline, or lead-acid type batteries. In some embodiments, the power source may be inserted into a pocket in the outside cover (), which may include a connection to the heating element and charging cord that could plug into adaptable outlets, including those located on golf carts or other external sources. In some embodiments, the external source may be that of a wall outlet to charge the power source. In another embodiment, the external source may be photovoltaic cells woven into or attached to the outside cover to charge the power sources while in play. The primary power source () may provide the power source for all heating elements (including but not limited to the primary hood and heated ball pouches). In some embodiments, having a secondary power source () for backup power placed at least 180 degrees from the primary power source and charging port may be beneficial because a round of golf may typically last between three to six hours. By providing additional storage for a spare secondary power source (), the golfer may be assured not to be without power, even possibly during extended rounds. In some embodiments, a golfer or other user may have to manually switch between a primary and secondary power source when the primary power source () is depleted. In another embodiment, the secondary power source () may be connected to the primary power source () and either automatically start charging the primary power source () when the primary is depleted or automatically start powering the system directly from the secondary power source () when the primary power source's energy store is depleted.

More generally, embodiments may involve at least one power source () of a cover () to which any or any combination of a heat source or heat sources (), a circulation component or components (), a data input or inputs (), a data storage or storages (), a data processor or processors (), an automated closure system actuator or actuators (), a thermostat or thermostats (), a golfer advice output or outputs (), a golf gameplay aid or aids (), and an input module or modules (), or the like are responsive.

As shown in, the cover () in various embodiments may utilize a data input (). The data input () may include any software or hardware capable of receiving golf round data (), and in various embodiments may include cameras, microphones, keyboards, keypads, touch pads, mouses, joysticks, track pads, track balls, motion capture devices, biometric capture devices, video cards, sound cards, network cards, modems, screens, touch screens, displays, speakers, headphones, headsets, GPS devices, smartphones, handheld devices, sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and the like. The data input () may be implemented in any manner otherwise consistent with the inventive principles discussed herein, and in embodiments may be part of a cover (), part of an input module (), may be self-contained with the cover (), or may utilize components separate from the cover, such as a golfer's smartphone or other similar handheld device, or such as hardware or software that may be accessed via connection to a networked environment. Embodiments may involve the step of inputting golf round data () into a data input () of a cover ().

A data input () in various embodiments may be either or both of a manual data input (), which generally may involve the manual input of data such as by a golfer, or an automated data input (), which generally may involve the input of data without such manual entry. Embodiments accordingly may involve manually inputting golf round data () and automatically inputting golf round data ().

In various embodiments, a data input () may be responsive to at least one temperature sensor (such as may be described elsewhere herein). The input information may be a temperature or other temperature information detected by such sensors. For example, embodiments may include one or more internal temperature sensors (), which may measure a temperature in one or more areas inside a cover () and/or a golf bag (), one or more external temperature sensors (), which may measure a temperature outside of a cover () or a golf bag (), and/or one or more section-specific temperature sensors (), which may measure a temperature in one or more sections of sectioned inner warmth areas () of a cover (). Accordingly, various embodiments may involve inputting temperature data, inputting internal temperature data, inputting external temperature data, and inputting multiple section-specific temperature data.

In various embodiments, a data input () may be responsive to at least one humidity sensor (such as may be described elsewhere herein). The input information may be a humidity or other humidity information detected by such sensors. For example, embodiments may include one or more internal humidity sensors (), which may measure a humidity in one or more areas inside a cover () and/or golf bag (), one or more external humidity sensors (), which may measure a humidity outside of a cover () or a golf bag (), and/or one or more section-specific humidity sensors (), which may measure a humidity in one or more sections of sectioned inner warmth areas () of a cover (). Accordingly, various embodiments may involve inputting humidity data, inputting internal humidity data, inputting external humidity data, and inputting multiple section-specific humidity data.

Accordingly, embodiments may include a data input () of a cover () configured for the input of golf round data (). Data may be generally known and understood for the technical field described herein, and may be understood to involve any and all kinds of data generally known in the art suitable for use with the inventive principles discussed herein. Golf round data () may be any information relevant for or pertaining to a round of golf or other golfing activity in which the cover () may be used. Examples of golf round data () may include:

Embodiments accordingly may involve inputting golfer handicap data, golfer biometrics data, golf club head data, golf club shaft data, golf club grip data, golf club type data, golf club make data, golf ball data, golf ball spin data, golf ball distance data, golf course gameplay data, and golfer preference data.

In some embodiments, golf round data () may be real-time data, which may be data reflecting a current or near-current value of a parameter or condition that otherwise may vary over time. Examples of real-time data may include:

Moreover, real-time data may be delivered in any manner suitable for and otherwise consistent with the inventive principles discussed herein, and examples of real-time data accordingly may include real-time GPS data, real-time cellular data, real-time RFID data, real-time Bluetooth data, real-time WiFi data, and the like. Embodiments accordingly may involve inputting real-time data, inputting real-time GPS data, inputting real-time cellular data, inputting real-time RFID data, inputting real-time Bluetooth data, inputting real-time WiFi data, inputting real-time golf course conditions data, inputting real-time ambient temperature data, inputting real-time ambient humidity data, inputting real-time weather data, and inputting real-time golf course position data.

Also as shown in, the cover () in various embodiments also may utilize data storage (). Storage may be generally known and understood in the technical field described herein, and may involve any storage, memory or the like suitable for storing data that may be utilized consistent with the inventive principles discussed herein, and in various embodiments may include random access memory, EDO RAM, SRAM, DRAM, DDR RAM, read only memory, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, NAND flash memory, hard disk drives, solid state drives, tape drives, optical drives, CD drives, DVD drives, floppy disks, memory chips, digital memory, analog memory, memory hardware, memory software, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, local storage, cloud storage, and the like. Data storage () may be implemented in any manner otherwise consistent with the inventive principles discussed herein, and in some embodiments may be part of a cover (), part of an input module (), may be self-contained with the cover (), or may utilize components separate from the cover, such as a golfer's smartphone or other similar handheld device, or such as hardware or software that may be accessed via connection to a networked environment.

Accordingly, embodiments may involve a data storage () of a cover () responsive to a data input () of a cover () and configured to store golf round data (), and may involve the step of storing input golf round data () in a data storage () of a cover ().

With further reference to, the cover () in various embodiments also may utilize a data processor (). Processors may be generally known and understood for the technical field described herein, and may be understood to include hardware and/or software that receives golf round data () that is input and provides processed golf round data () that is changed in condition, nature, or character, for example by modifying it, adding to it, subtracting from it, and the like. In some embodiments, a data processor () may be a CPU, an algorithm, a series of logic functions, or the like, and embodiments may involve processing with a data processor (), processing with a CPU, processing with an algorithm, and processing with a series of logic functions. Examples of processed golf round data () may include:

Embodiments accordingly may involve providing inner warmth area () temperature advice, providing sectioned inner warmth area () temperature advice, providing ambient temperature advice, providing inner warmth area () humidity advice, providing sectioned inner warmth area () humidity advice, providing ambient humidity advice, providing frequently used golf club advice, providing golf club selection advice, providing inner warmth area () temperature advice, providing golf ball elasticity advice, providing golf club grip feel advice, providing golf club shaft stiffness advice, providing golf club face elasticity advice, providing golf ball distance advice, providing golf ball spin advice, and providing real-time data advice.

Advice may be understood to include generally any information or notice provided to a golfer. It may be appreciated that given the wide variety of golf round data () disclosed as falling within the scope of the present invention in various embodiments, a data processor () may be programmed, configured, or otherwise made to provide a great variety of processed golf round data () advice. Such advice may span the range from the very simple (such as a simple readout of ambient and inner warmth area () temperatures, and which may require a very simple data processing architecture) to the very sophisticated (such as a recommendation of a specific golf club to use for a given shot that takes into account hole information, weather conditions, the temperatures of the golf club and the golf ball, the biometrics of the golfer, and the golfer's handicap, and which may require a more complex data processing architecture). Of course, all foregoing examples are illustrative only, and should not be construed to limit the broad scope of the inventive principles disclosed related to the processing of data described herein. Accordingly, embodiments may involve a data processor () of a cover () responsive to a data storage () of a cover () and configured to process golf round data (), and may involve the step of processing stored golf round data () with a data processor () for a cover ().

Again with reference to, the cover () in various embodiments may utilize a golf gameplay aid (). A golf gameplay aid () may be anything that utilizes processed golf round data () in a manner to aid the gameplay of a golfer, and embodiments may involve aiding the gameplay of a golfer with processed golf round data (). For example, in some embodiments a golf gameplay aid () may be a golfer advice output (), and aiding the gameplay of a golfer may involve providing advice to a golfer, such as based on processed golf round data (). A golfer advice output () may be anything that communicates advice (such as described elsewhere herein) to a golfer, and embodiments may involve the step of providing advice to a golfer based, for example, on processed golf round data (). In some embodiments, a golfer advice output () may be golfer interface hardware, such as screens, touch screens, displays, speakers, headphones, headsets, GPS devices, smartphones, handheld devices, and the like. Embodiments accordingly may involve providing advice via golfer interface hardware. The golf gameplay aid () and the golfer advice output () may be implemented in any manner otherwise consistent with the inventive principles discussed herein, and in embodiments may be part of a cover (), part of an input module (), may be self-contained with the cover (), or may utilize components separate from the cover, such as a golfer's smartphone or other similar handheld device, or such as hardware or software that may be accessed via connection to a networked environment.

In some embodiments a golfer advice output () may be an automated closure system actuator () of a cover () configured to open and close an automated closure system () of the cover () to present an advised golf club (). An advised golf club () may be the golf club within the complement of clubs enclosed by the cover () that may be determined to be most suitable for a given golf shot. In various embodiments, the determination of an advised golf club () may be advice based on processed golf round data () as may be described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, an inner warmth area () of a cover () may be a sectioned inner warmth area () of the cover (), and the automated closure system actuator () may be an actuator configured to open and close the automated closure system () for the section having the advised golf club (). In this manner, it may be seen that temperature, humidity, or other conditions inside the cover () may not be disrupted for the sections having clubs not advised. Embodiments accordingly may involve actuating an automated closure system () of a cover () to present and advised golf club (), and actuating an automated closure system () of a cover () to present an advised golf club () within a section of a sectioned inner warmth area () of a cover ().

Embodiments may involve a golf gameplay aid () of a cover () responsive to a data processor () of the cover () and configured to utilize said processed golf round data (), and in some embodiments, a golf gameplay aid () may be a golfer advice output () of a cover () responsive to a data processor () and configured to output processed golf round data ().

In some embodiments, a golf gameplay aid () may be one or more thermostats () of a cover () responsive to a data processor () of the cover () and to which one or more heat sources () are responsive, and embodiments may involve aiding the gameplay of a golfer, such as by adjusting a temperature of at least one inner warmth area () based on golf round data (). The thermostat or thermostats () may raise, lower, or otherwise regulate the temperature in one or more inner warmth areas () or sectioned inner warmth areas () by controlling the appropriate heat source or heat sources (), and embodiments accordingly may involve the step of adjusting a temperature of at least one inner warmth area (), for example in some embodiments based on processed golf round data (). The utilization of a thermostat or thermostats () in this manner may be seen to be an aid to golfer gameplay in as much as achieving desired temperatures in relevant inner warmth areas () or sectioned inner warmth areas () may warm equipment to have desired gameplay characteristics. In this manner, embodiments may disclose a thermostat () configured to change a temperature within said inner warmth area () of said cover (), a thermostat () configured to change a humidity within said inner warmth area () of said cover (), a thermostat () configured to promote a desired golf ball elasticity, a thermostat () configured to promote a desired golf club grip feel, a thermostat () configured to promote a desired golf club shaft stiffness, a thermostat () configured to promote a desired golf club face elasticity, a thermostat () configured based on said golf round data (), and the like. Embodiments accordingly may involve adjusting a temperature of an inner warmth area () of a cover () with at least one thermostat (), adjusting a humidity of an inner warmth area () of a cover () with at least one thermostat (), promoting a desired golf ball elasticity by adjusting a temperature, promoting a desired golf club grip feel by adjusting a temperature, promoting a desired golf club shaft stiffness by adjusting a temperature, promoting a desired golf club face elasticity by adjusting a temperature, and adjusting a temperature based on golf round data ().

In some embodiments, a thermostat () may function as a golfer advice output (). For example, a golfer advice output () may be one or more thermostats () of a cover () configured to vary a temperature of an inner warmth area () based on processed golf round data (). In further embodiments, an inner warmth area () of a cover () may be a sectioned inner warmth area () of the cover (), and one or more thermostats () may be a thermostat or thermostats () configured to vary a temperature among two or more sections of the sectioned inner warmth area (). Embodiments accordingly may involve varying a temperature of at least one inner warmth area () based on processed golf round data () and/or varying a temperature among sections of a sectioned inner warmth area () of a cover ().

In some embodiments, a golf gameplay aid () may be an automated closure system actuator () of a cover () responsive to a data processor () of the cover () and configured to open or close an automated closure system () of a cover (). Such automated opening and closing of the cover may be effected to aid the gameplay of a golfer in a variety of manners. Embodiments naturally may involve aiding the gameplay of a golfer by actuating an automated closure system () of a cover () based on processed golf round data (). Examples of the manners in which such automated opening and closing may be a gameplay aid may include:

Of course, all foregoing examples are illustrative only, and should not be construed to limit the broad scope of the inventive principles disclosed related to the manners in which such automated opening and closing may aid gameplay.

With reference to, embodiments may utilize an input module (), as such may described elsewhere herein. It should be understood that some or all of a data input (), golf round data (), data storage (), a data processor (), a thermostat (), a golfer advice output (), processed golf round data (), temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and a golf gameplay aid () may be configured to be part of an input module () in some embodiments. However, it also should be understood that some or all of these elements may be capable of implementation separately from an input module (), and that various embodiments may utilize the foregoing elements without an input module (), or may utilize an input module () in the absence of some or all of the foregoing elements. It also may be understood that certain embodiments may omit an input module () and all of the foregoing elements entirely, and accomplish some or all of the functions of the input module () and the foregoing elements using alternative techniques. For example, in the absence of input module () or the foregoing elements, certain of the heating functions described herein may be executable with, for example, a controller circuit for a heating element, and various other of the functions described herein may be analogously accomplished with controller circuits, circuit architectures, and the like.

With reference to, in certain embodiments, the present invention may also include an easy access input () to allow a golfer or other user to initiate the heating element with the simple press of one button to cycle through heating options. In one embodiment, an easy access input () may enable the user to select from predetermined heating values or input a user-defined heating value that may be in but is not limited to the range of 60 to 100 degrees F. In some embodiments, the heating value range may be increased to the maximum heating value the system can reach if desired. In one embodiment, this may be a switch, dial, or button, and in another may be an input module (, as shown in). An input module () may consist of varying sensors and/or user identified conditions. The input module () may be a collection of sensors or conditions that may be input from an operator. The input module () may consist of internal temperature sensors and external temperature sensors. These temperature sensors may be but are not limited to, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, thermistors, semiconductor-based integrated circuits, or analog thermometers. The input module () may utilize a humidity sensor that may measure the internal and external environmental conditions. The humidity sensor may be but is not limited to, a resistive type sensor, a capacitive type sensor, a thermal conductive type sensor, or operator visual input. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to utilize an input module as an easy access input () in order to adjust heating parameters to optimize the heating characteristics of the elements for player optimized performance. Various users may prefer varying temperatures based on user-provided metrics, such as, but not limited to, ball distance, ball spin, club feel, and/or club shaft stiffness. Inputs from varying sensors may be beneficial to allow for system shutoff if external temperatures increase to the desired level to conserve power source energy. This may be the case in some environments where a golf round begins in cooler temperatures, and then as the round progresses, the day warms. It also may be beneficial for a golfer that plays a late (in the day) round and as the temperature drops, the heating system may automatically power on with a change in temperature. The data input into the input module may then be transferred or input to a central processing unit. The central processing unit may be utilized to analyze the combined metrics from the input module, or it may be a decision-making step performed by the golfer. In certain embodiments, the central processing unit may utilize a series of algorithms or logic functions to make a decision on whether to power the system on, power the system off, or hold the system at an optimally desired temperature.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention may include the capability to be adjustable and adaptable to fit any size golf bag, from small carry bags to large tour staff bags, as but two non-limiting examples. Adjustability and adaptability may be beneficial in some embodiments where the user requires the ability to transfer the system from one bag to another. As an example, the user may have multiple bags and require the ability to transfer the system between a carry bag, a stand bag, and but not limited to a cart bag. To secure the outside cover () to a golf bag, an easy secure clip () may be utilized. This easy secure clip () may be, but is not limited to, an interlocking clip, hooks, a magnetic clip, or a variety of other clip components. This may allow the cover to be used seasonally or potentially transferred to another bag. An easy secure clip () also may be utilized in conjunction with an adjustable heat seal (), and in some embodiments an adjustable heat seal () may be or utilize an easy secure clip () and may involve adjusting an easy secure clip heat seal (). An easy secure clip () may also secure the heating system of golf bag cover for improved golf ball and club performance () from loss when transferring from bag to bag, bag from vehicle to playing destination, or when in use, and may be used to attach and detach the hood from the bag. Some embodiments may include an adjustable closure () to easily allow the outside cover () to conform to any size bag. The adjustable closure may be, but is not limited to, a hook and loop strap, adjustable webbing, an adjustable strap, a drawstring, an elastic cord, a magnetic closure, or a snap closure to make it adaptable to any size bag and possibly to ensure a tight seal to keep warm air trapped in the golf bag for optimal performance. In some embodiments, the outside cover () may be fully sealable to allow no outside air to penetrate the internal. In other embodiments, the outside cover may be substantially sealable to allow for easier installation and removal, allowing a universal fit. In this embodiment, there may be some gaps in the seal; providing the gap does not exceed three square inches. To ensure optimal heating performance, it may be beneficial to keep the sealable gap as small as possible. This heating system of a golf bag cover for improved golf ball and club performance () could be present in another type of heating system of a golf bag cover for improved golf ball and club performance () and is not limited to the embodiment described herein.

In various embodiments, a cover () may have one or more heat sources (). Heat sources may involve any things capable of applying heat to an area consistent with the inventive principles discussed herein, such as for example resistance wire-based, ceramic-based, semiconductor-based, resistive thick film based, PTC polymer-based, chemical-based, or liquid-based heat sources. In some embodiments, a heat source () may be an internal heating element () as may be described herein. Embodiments may involve applying heat to various areas of a cover () of a golf bag (), such as an inner warmth area () of a cover (), a sectioned inner warmth area () of a cover (), an inner warmth area () of a pouch (), an inner warmth area () of a cold ball heated pouch (), and the like. Naturally, a temperature within the area to which heat is applied may be set or changed by such application of heat, such as for example to raise a temperature to a desired value by the application of heat, to lower a temperature to a desired value by the withdrawal of applied heat, and so forth. Accordingly, embodiments may involve a main heat source () of a cover () configured to apply heat to an inner warmth area () of a cover (), or even more generally a heat source () of a cover () configured to apply heat to an inner warmth area () of the cover (), and may involve the step of applying heat to an inner warmth area () of a cover () having at least one golf club head () received therewithin.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention, such as shown inis an exemplary cross-sectional illustration of one embodiment of an interior structure of a heating system of golf bag cover for improved golf ball and club performance. In one embodiment, an internal heating element () may be arranged in a coil, and in other embodiments may be arranged in a linear fashion, as but two non-limiting examples. The internal heating element may be but is not limited to, a resistance wire-based, a ceramic-based, a semiconductor-based, a resistive thick film based, a PTC polymer-based, a chemical-based, or a liquid-based heating element. An inner warming area or inner warmth area () may trap warm air and allow a place for club heads or other equipment to be positioned inside the outside cover () to ensure optimal heating. Embodiments accordingly may include an inner warmth area () of a cover () configured to receive therewithin at least one golf club head (), as shown for example in, and may involve receiving at least one golf club head () within an inner warmth area () of a cover () as a result of the step of enclosing.

With reference to, an inner warmth area () of a cover () in some embodiments may be a sectioned inner warmth area (). This may involve partitioning the interior of the cover () to create two or more wholly or partially enclosed compartments such that each compartment may be capable of receiving and enclosing therewithin one or more golf clubs separately from a club or clubs received and enclosed within another compartment. In the manner, it may be seen that sectioned inner warmth areas () may be able to, among other things, create separate environments for golf clubs received in each section as opposed to that of golf clubs received in other sections. For example, in some embodiments, a sectioned inner warmth area () of a cover () may be a temperature varied sectioned inner warmth area ().

In some embodiments, a cover () having a sectioned inner warmth area () may have at least one section of the sectioned inner warmth area () that is a frequent use section of the sectioned inner warmth area (). This may be a section where frequently used golf equipment, such as frequently used golf clubs, may be stored. As the frequent use of such equipment may mean the frequent withdrawal and replacement of such equipment from a golf bag (), having a dedicated frequent use section for such equipment may tend to support maintenance of desired temperature, humidity, or other conditions in other sections of the cover () by segregating the most frequently used golf equipment to one section of the cover (). Some embodiments may involve actuating a sectioned automated closure system () for a frequent use section of a sectioned inner warmth area () of a cover ().

As discussed above, with reference to, a heated ball pouch () and cold ball heated pouch () may be accessed internally, externally, or both. Heated pouches () () each naturally may have an inner warmth area () of the pouch, for example such that a heated ball pouch () may have an inner warmth area () and a cold ball heated pouch () may have an inner warmth area (). Embodiments accordingly may involve an inner warmth area () of each golf ball pouch () () configured to receive therewithin at least one golf ball (), and embodiments may involve the step of receiving at least one golf ball () within each of at least two golf ball pouched () () disposed inside a cover (). The heated ball pouch () and cold ball heated pouch () may utilize similar heat sources () and heating elements as the internal heating element () those may include, but are not limited to, a resistance wire-based, a ceramic-based, a semiconductor-based, a resistive thick film based, a PTC polymer-based, a chemical-based, or liquid-based heating elements. Heating pouches () () may be considered in some embodiments to be auxiliary to the main heating function for the inner warmth area () of the cover (), and heat sources () for pouches () () may be considered to be auxiliary heat sources (). Accordingly, embodiments may include an auxiliary heat source () of each golf ball pouch () configured to apply heat to an inner warmth area () of each such golf ball pouch () (), and may involve applying heat to an inner warmth area () of each golf ball pouch () () having at least one golf ball () received therewithin.

In another embodiment, it may be beneficial for the heated ball pouches to be held at a different temperature selected by the user. Embodiments accordingly may involve at least two golf ball pouches () () as temperature varied golf ball pouches () (), and may involve varying the temperature of at least two such golf ball pouches () (). In addition to heating golf balls, the heated ball pouches may be able to provide a secondary heat source for the inner warming or inner warmth area () of a cover (), allowing excess heat to be trapped and utilized to aid in warming the golf clubs. Other items of equipment such as tees, gloves, ball markers, or the like may also be warmed in the pouches. In some embodiments, the pouches may be insulated in order to keep the balls at an optimal temperature; this may be beneficial when playing in hot environments where ball performance may decrease if the temperature outside the pouch is warmer than the pouch temperature. In some embodiments, a heated ball pouch () and a cold ball heated pouch () may include an automatic closure system that closes automatically once a ball is removed from the pouch. This automatic closure system may be but is not limited to a spring component, a counterweighted mechanical linkage, a magnetic closure, a computer-controlled electrical component utilizing motors, sensors, and computer-readable media. In some embodiments, the heating pouches may also include a warming pouch for a user's hands to be inserted into if cold while waiting for other golfers. This may increase performance by allowing the golfer to be more comfortable in colder conditions.

With reference to, in some embodiments, to aid in the internal warming effect, a heat seal () may be present. This seal may be a natural or polymer seal that may create a better seal than the adjustable closure () alone. This heat seal may conform to the bag and allow a greater variety of bags to be used in combination with the heating system. Embodiments accordingly may include a heat seal () of a cover () configured to conform to the top end of a golf bag (), and may involve the step of heat sealing a cover () to the top end of a golf bag ().

A heat seal () may be an adjustable heat seal (), as wherein the circumference, length, or the like of the heat seal may be adjusted to fit or conform to golf bags () having different sizes or irregular shapes. An adjustable heat seal () may be of any kind or configuration otherwise consistent with the inventive principles described herein, and in various embodiments may be any or any combination of a hook and loop heat seal (), a strap heat seal (), a webbing heat seal (), a drawstring heat seal (), an elastic heat seal (), a magnetic heat seal (), a snap heat seal (), a heat seal () configured to conform to a golf bag (), a heat seal () separate from an adjustable closure () of a golf bag (), a natural heat seal (), and a polymer heat seal (). Accordingly, embodiments may involve adjusting a heat seal (), adjusting a hook and loop heat seal (), adjusting a strap heat seal (), adjusting a webbing heat seal (), adjusting a drawstring heat seal (), adjusting an elastic heat seal (), adjusting a magnetic heat seal (), adjusting a snap heat seal (), adjusting a heat seal () configured to conform to a golf bag (), adjusting a heat seal () separate from an adjustable closure () of a golf bag (), adjusting a natural heat seal (), and adjusting a polymer heat seal ().

An adjustable heat seal () in various embodiments may be a fully sealable adjustable heat seal (), such as wherein the heat seal may be adjustable to fully or totally seal to the surface of a golf bag (), or may be a substantially sealable adjustable heat seal (), such as wherein the heat seal may not fully or totally seal to the surface of a golf bag (). A substantially sealable adjustable heat seal () nevertheless still may minimize heat loss from an inner warmth area (). For example, a substantially sealable adjustable heat seal () may be understood to have one or more gaps () between the seal and the surface of the golf bag (). Such gaps () may be configured to minimize heat loss from an inner warmth area () of a cover (), and in some embodiments a substantially sealable adjustable heat seal () may be configured for no gap () to exceed three square inches. Accordingly, embodiments may involve adjusting a heat seal () to fully conform to a top end of a golf bag (), adjusting a heat seal () to substantially conform to the top end of a golf bag (), adjusting a heat seal () to have gaps that minimize heat loss from an inner warmth area () of a cover (), and adjusting a heat seal () to have no gap exceeding three square inches.

Referring to, in some embodiments, the primary and secondary power sources (,) may be internal to the system and may include a charge port or retractable charge cable visible from the outside of the heating system. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial for the power sources to be internal in some embodiments because by generating power, the excess energy will be dissipated as heat. In other embodiments, the waste heat may be calculated into the total heat dissipated by the heating elements to calculate optimal performance of the heating system and to ensure other parameters such as system weight and packaging are met.

is an exemplary illustration of one embodiment of a rapid closure system for a heating system of golf bag cover for improved golf ball and club performance. The rapid closure system () may be beneficial to aid the golfer in accessing clubs, balls, or other items of equipment during play, possibly with gloves on. The rapid closure system () may be weather resistant or waterproof and sealable to ensure optimal heating of the club heads and shafts. In another embodiment, it may be beneficial for the rapid closure system () to be able to open completely to allow the golfer easy clear access to the clubs or other equipment.

In some embodiments, the rapid closure system () may be programmed to open automatically based on user input through the easy access input () or through a Bluetooth application. In other embodiments, the easy access input () may contain a control for the rapid closure system (). As an example, this may include a button or touch screen that would allow the golfer to open and close the rapid closure system ().

As some users may prefer different types of clubs or other equipment to be heated at various temperatures, a rapid closure system () may also be split or otherwise sectioned into quadrants or other sections, for example, one for irons, wedges, hybrids, woods, and drivers. Utilizing separate compartments, sections, or access points may ensure that each club or other equipment item maintains an optimal temperature when not in use and while another club or item of equipment is accessed.

In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to utilize quadrants or other sections with varying temperatures. Clubs that are used more frequently may need to be held at a higher or different temperature because the outer cover is being opened, releasing internal heat, and the clubs are being exposed to the out-of-bag environment more often, cooling at a higher rate than clubs remaining in the bag. In some embodiments, the quadrants, sections, or separate compartments may be held at varying temperatures based on desired club performance.