Special receptacle or package – For a sport implement – exercise device – or game – For a golf club
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-04
2001-11-13
Pascua, Jes F. (Department: 3727)
Special receptacle or package
For a sport implement, exercise device, or game
For a golf club
C206S527000, C150S159000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06315115
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to golf accessories. More particularly, though not exclusively, the present invention relates to a golf club carrying case for use in the transport of a golf bag with golf clubs.
2. Problems in the Art
Golf club carrying cases are well-known in the art. The purpose of the carrying case is to protect the golfer's bag and clubs during transport to and from the golf course. These golf club carrying cases are today a common sight at airports, as travelers try to protect their clubs and their golf accessories from damage caused by baggage handling.
Although prior art golf club carrying cases have many desirable features, they also suffer from several problems. The clubhead of the golf club is very susceptible to damage during transport. The shaft of the golf club extends into the golf bag, while the clubhead remains exposed outside of the golf bag.
During transport, the clubheads will often slide or knock against each other, scratching and marring the clubheads. Although some prior art golf bag carrying cases have provided additional padding where the clubheads normally reside, gaps between the clubheads still allow them to impact against each other. Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved system or device to protect the clubhead of a golf club during transport.
Another problem with prior art golf club carrying cases is that they do not allow easy access to the golf bag. For example, a golfer will often arrive at the golf course with the golf bag carrying case in the trunk of his vehicle. Because the golf bag can only be removed at a certain angle or from one end of the golf club carrying case, it is difficult to remove the golf bag and golf clubs from the golfer's trunk without also removing the carrying case. As such, there is also a need in the art for an improved golf club carrying case that allows for easier access to the golf bag.
Golf club carrying cases are also inherently bulky and heavy to lift. It is common today for a piece of luggage to include a pair of wheels attached to the base of the luggage so that it can be rolled during transport. However, these wheels do not roll smoothly under large loads and tend to malfunction. For this reason typical luggage wheels are not particularly well-suited for golf bag carrying cases. Thus, there is also a need in the art for an improved golf carrying case that can be easily wheeled from one place to another.
Golfers typically prefer a golf club carrying case made from a durable, light-weight material. One disadvantage to this material is that it does not maintain a rigid form, allowing the golfer to easily push or pull the carrying case on a pair of wheels. Accordingly, there is also a need in the art for an improved golf club carrying case that provides a rigid form such that the carrying case can be easily transported on a pair of wheels.
In addition to a golf bag and clubs, golfers also use a carrying case to store other golf accessories, such as golf shoes. A pouch is typically provided on the outside of the carrying case with a zipper opening. One disadvantage of this design is that the pouch is easily accessible to others during transport, increasing the risk of loss due to theft. As such there is also a need in the art for an improved golf bag carrying case that provides a secure place to store golf accessories.
FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
A general feature of the present invention is the provision of an improved golf bag carrying case which overcomes the problems found in the prior art.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a improved golf bag carrying case that protects the clubhead of the golf clubs.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of an improved golf bag carrying case that allows for easy access and removal of the golf bag from the carrying case.
A still further feature of the present invention is the provision of an improved golf bag carrying case that may be easily transported on wheels.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of an improved golf bag carrying case that allows access to golf shoes and other accessories from both the inside and outside of the carrying case.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a method for protecting the clubhead of the golf club stored in a golf bag during transport.
These as well as other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following specifications and claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The golf club carrying case of the present invention includes an elongated outer cover, having a top end and a bottom end and forming a cavity therein for storing the golf bag and golf clubs. A first protective member is disposed within the cavity near the top end to cushion and protect the clubheads in the golf bag.
In its preferred form, the protective member has a first end attached to the outer cover and a second end which is free and easily adapted to wrap around the clubheads and the golf bag. The golf bag carrying case may optionally include additional protective members that similarly wrap around the clubheads and shafts of the golf clubs.
The golf club carrying case of the present invention also includes a zipper opening that allows for easy access to the golf bag. The zipper opening has a first portion that extends transversely near the top end of the outer cover, a second portion that extends longitudinally between the top end and the bottom end of the outer cover, and a third portion that extends transversely across the outer cover near its bottom end. This C-shaped zipper opening allows the golf bag and clubs to be easily removed from the golf bag carrying case.
The present invention may also include at least one in-line skate wheel attached to the base member of the carrying case. Such in-line skate wheels roll easily and are capable of supporting large loads.
The present invention may also include a reinforcement wall and an elongated stiffener that extend from the base member towards the top end of the outer cover of the carrying case. This reinforcement wall and stiffener provide the carrying case with the necessary rigid form to enable the wheels to function properly during transport.
The present invention may also optionally include a storage pocket, recessed in the outer cover and accessible from either outside or inside of the carrying case.
Finally, the present invention also includes a method of protecting the clubhead of a golf club stored in a golf bag during transport. The method generally comprises the steps of providing a golf club carrying case as described above and wrapping the protective member around the clubheads of the golf clubs. The protective member takes up the space between the clubheads and also cushions their impact against one another.
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Bradshaw Bruce
Walker Brian
Pascua Jes F.
Team Effort, Inc.
Zarley McKee Thomte, Voorhees & Sease PLC
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