US3550999A - Combined golf bag and cart apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 29,1970

p. B. BOGAN COMBINED GOLF BAG AND CART APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 9, 1968 DAV/D 5. 50 GAA/ I INVENTOR. BY

D. B. BOGAN COMBINED GOLF BAG AND CART APPARATUS Dec. 29, 1970 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 9, 1968 @AV/D 5. BOG/WV INVENTORL BY 70 /G'. 771% United States Patent 3,550,999 COMBINED GOLF BAG AND CART APPARATUS David B. Bogan, Los Angeles County, Calif. (7303 Paso Robles Ave., Van Nuys, Calif. 91406) Filed Aug. 9, 1968, Ser. No. 751,513 Int. Cl. A63b 55/08 US. Cl. 280-4719 13 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A combined golf bag and cart apparatus is disclosed herein comprising a unitary, monolithic construction incorporating a container body for storage for a plurality of playing clubs, a score card shelf, a wheel assembly, a handle means and a tripod support element cooperating with the wheel assembly to balance and support the apparatus. An accessory bag is detachably secured to the construction body to accommodate storage of accessory equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the invention This invention relates to sporting equipment and, more particularly, to a novel golf bag and cart apparatus formed into a monolithic body incorporating in the unitary construction thereof provisions for accommodating a variety of playing equipment and accessories therefor normally employed in the game of golf. The present invention will be described in connection with accessories normally employed in the game of golf but it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation.

(2) Description of prior art In the playing of the game of golf or the like, it has been the customary practice to design, manufacture and sell separate and independently constructed equipment accessories for the purpose of storing golf clubs, hauling the golf clubs from place to place, holders for golf balls, tees, etc. Each accessory such as a golf bag or a golf cart is sold as an independent unit and consequently, it is normally necessary to have a multiplicity and plurality of separate such accessories in order to accommodate the various equipment required in the playing of golf. Each of such accessory is expensive so that the accumulation of several accessories is quite costly and the number of accessories requires substantial storing space when not in use.

However, in accordance with the present invention, all of the above applications and many others, are achieved through the employment of the present invention which is readily and quickly available for use for any one of a variety of accessory uses which are normally attributable to the use of separate and independent accessories and equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The problems and difficulties encountered by the use of conventional golf equipment storage and carrying devices are obviated by the present invention which provides a monolithic body having a central cavity adapted to receive and store a plurality of golf clubs. The entrance to the cavity is integrally formed with an apertured member for slidably receiving the elongated handles of each of the clubs and for separating respective adjacent ones of the clubs. The body is further integrally formed with a shelf portion laterally disposed with respect to the apertured member which includes means for detachably retaining a score card or other record media on the shelf portion. A wheel assembly is rotatably carried on the end of the monolithic body opposite to its end formed with the apertured member so that the device may be pulled over terrain supported by the wheeled assembly. For stabilizing and balancing the monolithic body in a stationary location, a support element is integrally formed in the body at its end carrying the wheel assembly so that a tripod supporting relationship is produced to maintain the device in an upright position at a slightly canted angle to permit ready selection of a golf club as well as to permit easy removal or insertion thereof.

Handle means are provided at the top end of the body adjacent the apertured member which is adapted to be extended when it is desired to wheel the device about the terrain. Means are provided for preventing interference of the handle means with the golf clubs positioned in the cavity so that the handle means will not bind or be blocked when extended and so that the handle means when in its non-extended position will not block insertion or removal of any one of the golf clubs. This latter means is also integrally formed in the body structure and preferably takes the form of inwardly projecting dimples or deformations critically located to guide the handle means. Also, an accessory bag is fixedly secured about the midsection of the body on its external surface thereof which may be employed to store a variety of small accessories such as golf balls and tees.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of tubes are inserted through each of the respective apertures in the apertured member so that each of the installed tubes is adapted to receive the handle of a golf club. This means separates the handles within the cavity.

Therefore, it is among the primary objects of the present invention to provide a monolithic and unitary body structure wherein portions thereof are selectively adapted to receive and accommodate a plurality of sporting equip ment accessories for storage and/ or carrying purposes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel body construction serving as a combined golf bag and golf cart incorporating integrally formed portions adapted to receive a variety of golf equipment for storage and for hauling purposes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel integrally formed body construction comprising a combined golf bag and cart selectively adaptable to provide a variety of functions and purposes associated with the normal requirements and usage of persons engaging in the game of golf such that the [body construction may be converted for several uses without the removal of parts or the adding of additional parts to make up an independent usage.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a novel monolithic golf bag and cart apparatus having integrally formed parts and elements adapted to combine a plurality of normal uses into a single article normally requiring a plurality of articles for separate usage,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Other objects and feature of the invention and various advantages and characteristics of the present combined golf bag and cart apparatus will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which 3 like numbers of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the novel com bined golf bag cart apparatus of the present invention illustrating a plurality of golf clubs shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the apparatus and taken in the direction of arrows 4--4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 as taken in the direction of arrows 5-5 thereof; and

FIG. 6 is a top-planed view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 as taken in the direction of arrows 66 thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, the novel combined golf bag and cart apparatus of the persent invention is indicated in the general direction of arrow 10 which includes a monolithic constructed body 11 having an internal cavity defined by the sidewalls of the body construction adapted to receive and store a plurality of golf clubs as indicated in phantom lines by numerals 12 and 13. The lower end of the body construction 11 includes a flared base portion integrally formed with the body construction comprising lateral fairings 14 and 15 integrally joined by a base 16. The base 16 carries a fixed axle 17 having wheels 18 and 20 rotatably secured to the opposite ends thereof so as to form a wheel assembly for the body construction. The opposite end of the elongated body construction from its end carrying Wheel assembly is provided with an aperture member 21 is substantially projecing from an apertured top portion 22. The apertured top member and potrion 21 and 22 are each provided with a plurality of apertures, such as aperture 23, constituting separate and individual entrances to the internal cavity of the body construction through which the handles of golf clubs 12 and 13 may be removably inserted. The upper portion of the body construction further includes a forwardly projecting section 24 having a top sloping surface 25 merging with the apertured portion 22 adapted to support and carry a handle means 26. The handle means may take any suitable form either stationary or extendable. Preferably, the handle means is extendable and is illustrated in its non-extended position in solid lines and takes the form of a U-shaped member wherein the arms thereof extend into the internal cavity of the body construction through formed holes in the surface 25. A pair of rotatable retainer rings 27 and 28 are employed for securing the handle means in its extended position when it is desired to pull the device over the terrain of a golf course.

Referring now in detail to FIG. 2, it is more readily apparent that the apertured member 21 is raised above the apertured portion 22 as well as a second apertured portion 30 lying in the same horizontal plane as the apertured portion 22. The plurality of apertures formed in apertured member 21 are intended to receive selected golf clubs such as those commonly referred to as woods. The apertures in the apertured portions 22 and 30 are intended to receive selected clubs of a set commonly known as irons. Not only are each of the club handles separated from adjacent ones of the clubs in the set by the portions of the body construction between adjacent apertures, but an elongated polyurethane sleeve or tube, such as indidicated by numeral 31, is inserted through each of the apertures so that the sleeves substantially extend the full length of the internal cavity. By employing the plurality of sleeves, the clubs which are inserted into the interior of each sleeve are maintained in a substantially parallel relationship with respect to each other so that the overall appearance of the set of clubs is orderly and the clubs will not engage each other which might otherwise cause damage.

FIG. 2 further illustrates a rearward projecting section 32 similar to the front section 24 which includes a sloping top surface 33 adapted to receive and hold a record medium such as a score card for example. The rear section 32 also includes an integrally formed hand grip recess 34 adapted to be grasped by the hand by the player for moving or carrying the device from one place to another.

Disposed immediately below the rear projecting section 32, there is provided a storage bag 35 having a suitable opening which may be closed by a closure device 35 such as a zipper for example. The bag 35 may take the form of a rigid wall container, a flexible fabric or other suitable material and is secured to the rear wall of the body construction 11 by means of a fastener 37. The bag 35 may be employed for storing golf balls, tees, pencils, score cards, etc.

The device 10 is illustrated in its standing position whereby the body construction 11 is supported on the wheel assembly in cooperation with a pedestal support or stand member 38. The support is integrally formed with the body construction at the base portion thereof and extends downwardly below the bottom of the body construction into engagement with a supporting surface such as the ground. By this construction, the wheel assembly and the support 38 provide a tripod support for maintain ing the body construction 11 in a substantially upright position. It is to be noted that the support 38 extends below the bottom of the body construction for a slight distance more than the radius of the wheel so that a tilt angle is provided in a forward direction. This has the effect of placing the set of clubs in a more advantageous position for player selection and removal than if the body construction were maintained in a substantially vertical relationship with respect to the supporting surface. Also, by canting or tilting the body construction in a forward direction, the record surface 33 is maintained in a substantially horizontal orientation which permits the player to write or mark upon the record media carried thereon.

Referring now to FIG. 3, it is to be noted that the sleeves 31 are inserted through their respective apertures such as aperture 23 and that the uppermost end of each sleeve is provided with an enlarged or thickened end 40 which is adapted to be press fitted against the entrance defining edges of each aperture. In this fashion, the plurality of tubes or sleeves are fastened to the body construction and are not normally removed after insertion and press fitting has taken place. Also, it is to be understood that axle 17 is molded in place when the body construction 11 is formed so that after fabrication, wheels 18 and 20 need only by rotatably secured on the opposite ends of the axle. The axle is not intended to rotate and is secured to the annular wall of a transversely extending bore passing through the base 16 of the body construction 11.

In FIG. 4, it can be seen that the respective tubes or sleeves 31 extend into the cavity, indicted by numeral 41, so as to occupy the cavity in substantially spaced apart parallel relationship. The handle means 26 is illustrated as passing through the maze of tubes or sleeves 31 disposed within the cavity 41. The elongated portions of the handle means 26 are guided by means of sliding engagement with the inside surface of a pair of dimples or sidewall deformations 42 and 43 which are integrally formed from the sidewall of the body construction 11. This relationship is more clearly shown in FIG. 5 wherein a pair of parallel arms 44 and 45 of the handle means 26 passes between adjacent rows and columns of tubes 31. However, it is to be understood that parallel arms are not a necessity and that a single rod, dowel or the like may be employed for the handle means.

In FIG. 6, it can be seen that the record surface 33 includes retainer means 46 and 47 which are adapted to removably retain a suitable record media such as a score card in place on the surface 33. The retaining means may take the form of clips or the like and assists the player when it is desired to write or otherwise mark on the record media. Furthermore, the arrangement of the apertures on portions 22, 30 and on the apertured member 21 are arranged in substantially equally spaced apart rows and columns wherein the total number of apertures are equal to the number of golf clubs in a set of clubs. Preferably, the clubs referred to as woods number four and are inserted through the apertures into respective tubes 31 associated with aperture member 21, while the clubs known as irons number ten and are inserted through the apertures provided on the portions 31 and 22 respectively.

In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that the novel apparatus of the present invention provides a combined golf bag and golf cart and further incorporates provision for handling accessory items such as golf balls, tees, and score cards. Furthermore, the body construction which includes the flared base portion having fairings 14 and 15 and the forward and rear sections 24 and 32 are all integrally formed by means, of a single mold or die. Preferably, integral fabrication is performed by means of a single mold employing a rotary casting machine in which a suitable preparation of resin and catalyst are combined so that the unitary body construction is composed of a desirable plastic composition. Additionally, the pedestal support 38 is part of the same mold and the axle 17 is molded in place simultaneously with the setting and molding of the body construction. Preferably, the axle is composed of a metal such as aluminum and a suitable bond is produced which secures the axle to the base portion of the body construction during the molding process. The single mold also includes provision for the apertures on portions 22 and 30 as well as member 21. Thereby, the resultant device represents a monolithic construction and only the handle means 26, wheels 18 and 20, and bag 35 require assembly to complete the apparatus.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all Such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A combined golf bag and cart apparatus comprising:

a monolithic body construction with an internal cavity and having a plurality of apertures formed in one end thereof communicating with said cavity and being adapted to receive the handle of a golf club in each of said apertures;

said body construction including a base portion having an axle secured thereto with wheels rotatably carried on its opposite ends;

handle means carried on said body construction adapted to be grasped by the hands of a person in order to effectively pull the apparatus on said wheels;

said handle means comprising an elongated member extendably mounted on said body adjacent said separator means; and

at least one deformation in the sidewall of said body projecting into said cavity adapted to be slidably engaged by said handle member so as to direct said handle member between adjacent ones of said clubs occupying said cavity.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said:

body construction includes a pedestal support integrally formed with said base portion and downwardly depending therefrom in fixed spaced apart relationship with respect to said wheels so as to cooperate therewith in providing a tripod support for the apparatus.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein:

said body construction further includes an integrally formed shelf portion adjacent said plurality of apertures adapted to support a record media thereon.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 including:

an accessory container secured to said body construction mid-way between its opposite ends and being adapted to store a variety of accessories employed in the game of golf.

5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said body construction end formed with said apertures comprises a pair of apertured portions separated by a substantially raised apertured member there between.

6. The invention as defined in claim 1 including:

an elongated tubular sleeve carried by said body construction in each of said apertures and extending into said internal cavity.

7. A combined golf bag and cart apparatus comprismg:

a monolithic body construction with an internal cavity and having a plurality of apertures formed in one end threof communicating with said cavity and being adapted to receive the handle of a golf club in each of said apertures;

said body construction including a base portion having an axle secured thereto with wheels rotatably carried on its opposite ends;

said base portion including integrally formed lateral fairings terminating adjacent the bottom of said body construction in a molded-in-place axle joint; and further including a support integrally formed with said base portion providing a ripod support in cooperation with said wheels.

8. In a golf bag and cart apparatus adapted to removably hold a set of golf clubs and having wheels and handle means for pulling the apparatus on said wheels, the combination which comprises:

an elongated body forming a unitary structure having said wheels rotatably carried on one end thereof and formed with a central internal cavity;

separator means formed in the other end of said body adapted to receive the handles of each club included in said set of clubs so that the handles substantially occupy said internal cavity;

said handle means comprising an elongated member extendably mounted on said body adjacent said separator means; and

at least one deformation in the sidewall of said body projecting into said cavity adapted to be slidably engaged by said handle member so as to direct said handle member between adjacent ones of said clubs occupying said cavity.

9. The invention as defined in claim 8 wherein:

said separator means includes a plurality of elongated tubes secured to said other end of said body extending downwardly in depending relationship therewith into said internal cavity.

10. The invention as defined in claim 8 wherein:

said body includes a support member integrally formed at said one end thereof and] extending below the bottom thereof so as to establish a tripod stand in cooperation with said wheels.

11. The invention as defined in claim 8 wherein:

said body includes outwardly projecting sections integrally formed with said body and separated by said club separator means;

a selected one of said sections being adapted to slidably mount said handle means; and

the other of said sections being adapted to support a record media.

8 12. The invention as defined in claim 8 including: References Cited an hfii x oiii oii t e efi Z33 t d ih r gt z UNITED STATES PATENTS jg f f g S p 2,783,054 2/1957 Stratton 280--(WGCC) 13. The invention as defined in claim 8 wherein: 3,014,732 12/1961 Schemfinaller 280(WGCC) said separator means includes a plurality of apertures 0 3,025,074 3/1962 w 280 (WGCC) formed in said other end of said body in spaced 33661397 1/1968 Zellstra 280-4726 apart relationship in rows and columns; and further FOREIGN PATENTS Includes 804,722 11/1958 Great Britain 280(WGCC) an elongated sleeve carried in each of said apertures 10 so as to extend into said internal cavity and each BENJAMIN HERSH, Primary Examiner sleeve being adapted to removably receive and support the handle of a club chosen from said set of PEKAR, Asslstant Examlnel' clubs.

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