Special receptacle or package – For a sport implement – exercise device – or game – For a golf club
Reexamination Certificate
1997-10-08
2001-12-18
Garbe, Stephen P. (Department: 3727)
Special receptacle or package
For a sport implement, exercise device, or game
For a golf club
C206S315400, C206S315500, C206S315600, C206S315700, C206S008000, C206S278000, C206S278100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06330944
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to golf bags, and more particularly, to a multi-function golf bag which includes a rigid outer bag and a two-part soft inner bag that is removably disposed and supported in the outer bag. One preferred embodiment includes provision for garment storage within the golf bag.
Conventional golf bags, which are designed for carrying golf clubs and associated equipment, are usually fabricated from a relatively soft material and are open at the upper end to allow access to the clubs contained within the golf bag. Consequently, such golf bags are not suitable for travel, particularly on airplanes or other public transportation. Transportable golf bags having a rigid casing have been proposed. However, such golf bags are relatively heavy and cumbersome for use on a golf course. An alternative arrangement is the provision of a cover of a rigid material for the golf bag that can be used in transporting the golf bag. Such a rigid cover adds weight to the golf bag during transporting of the golf bag. Moreover, such cover does not prevent interference and rattling of the clubs within the golf bag as it is being transported.
A further consideration is that a golfer often wants to carry clothing along with the golf clubs. This can include a golf shirt, a hat, in addition to shoes and other accessories. Such articles of clothing tend to become wrinkled because they are crammed into pockets, or stuffed into the bag along with the golf clubs.
There have been various proposals for making golf bags more mobile. Typically, this involves the addition of wheels to the golf bag, generally located at the bottom of the golf bag, and the wheels can be fixed or retractable. Often, a retractable handle is provided near the top of the golf bag, allowing the bag to be pulled in a generally upright position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a multi-function golf bag. In one embodiment, the multi-function golf bag includes an outer bag of a rigid material functioning as a protective and decorative enclosure and being usable as a functional golf bag, a middle bag of a soft material functioning as a containment system for golf clubs and accessories, and an inner bag of a soft material for containing a plurality of golf clubs. The middle bag is adapted to nest within the outer bag and the inner bag is adapted to nest within said middle bag. The middle bag and the inner bag are removable as a unit from the outer bag and the inner bag is removable from the middle bag.
In accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention, the golf bag includes a storage structure which is adapted to fit within the outer bag and which is removably secured to an inner surface of the outer bag. In one embodiment, the removable storage structure comprises a duffle bag that mounts to a sidewall of the golf bag. In another embodiment, the removable storage structure comprises a garment bag for storing wearing apparel, and which is adapted to be positioned within the golf bag. The garment bag is supported within the golf bag spaced from a closed base of the outer bag forming a storage compartment therewithin. The storage compartment is accessible through an opening in a wall of the outer bag which is normally closed by an access door. In accordance with a feature of the invention, a hanging organizer is mounted to an inner surface of the access door and includes a plurality of removable pouches or compartments for storing articles for sporting, personal or travel use.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the golf bag includes a set of fixed wheels located near a lower end of the golf bag and a set of retractable wheels mounted on the golf bag near the upper end thereof and which, when deployed, allow the golf bag to be transported oriented generally horizontally.
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Garbe Stephen P.
Mai Tri M.
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