GOLF CLUB CARRIER

Abstract

The present invention relates to a carrier for golf clubs that can be transformed into a substantially flat arrangement when not in use. The golf club carrier comprises at least one modular unit, wherein the modular unit comprises: (i) a support structure configured to be movable between a substantially flat position and a rolled position; (ii) a plurality of carrier members attached to the support structure in a spaced apart configuration, each carrier member comprising a closed bottom portion and an open top portion, wherein said open top portion can receive a golf club shaft; and (iii) a first fastening means attached to the support structure for releasably fastening to a support structure of a further modular unit or for releasably fastening to a cover structure which is configured to wrap around the support structure of the modular unit when the support structure is in a rolled position.

Claims

1. A golf club carrier comprising at least one modular unit, wherein the modular unit comprises: (i) a support structure configured to be movable between a substantially flat position and a rolled position; (ii) a plurality of carrier members attached to the support structure in a spaced apart configuration, each carrier member comprising a closed bottom portion and an open top portion, wherein said open top portion can receive a golf club shaft; and (iii) a first fastening means attached to the support structure for releasably fastening to a support structure of a further modular unit or for releasably fastening to a cover structure which is configured to wrap about the support structure of the modular unit when the support structure is in a rolled position.

2. The golf club carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier further comprises a cover structure releasably attachable to the support structure of one of the modular units via a first fastening means of that modular unit, and wherein the cover structure is configured to wrap about the support structure of the modular unit when the support structure is in a rolled position.

3. The golf club carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier comprises two modular units, and wherein the support structure of the first modular unit is arranged to be attached to the support structure of the second modular unit via a first fastening means of each modular unit.

4. The golf club carrier of claim 3, wherein the second modular unit comprises a second fastening means attached to the support structure of the second modular unit for releasably fastening to a cover structure which is configured to wrap about the support structure of both modular units when the support structures are in a rolled position.

5. The golf club carrier of claim 3, wherein the first modular unit comprises a second fastening means attached to the support structure of the first modular unit for releasably fastening to a cover structure which is configured to wrap about the support structure of both modular units when the support structures are in a rolled position.

6. The golf club carrier of claim 4, wherein the carrier further comprises a cover structure releasably attached to the support structure of the second modular unit via a second fastening means of the second modular unit, and wherein the cover structure is configured to wrap about the support structure of both modular units when the support structures are in a rolled position.

7. The golf club carrier of claim 5, wherein the carrier further comprises a cover structure releasably attached to the support structure of the first modular unit via a second fastening means of the first modular unit, and wherein the cover structure is configured to wrap about the support structure of both modular units when the support structures are in a rolled position.

8. The golf club carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier comprises one modular unit.

9. The golf club carrier of claim 8, wherein the carrier further comprises a cover structure releasably attached to the support structure of the modular unit via a first fastening means of the modular unit, and wherein the cover structure is configured to wrap about the support structure of the modular unit when the support structure is in a rolled position.

10. A golf club carrier comprising at least one modular unit, wherein the modular unit comprises: (i) a support structure configured to be movable between a substantially flat position and a rolled position; (ii) a plurality of carrier members attached to the support structure in a spaced apart configuration, each carrier member comprising a closed bottom portion and an open top portion, wherein said open top portion can receive a golf club shaft; (iii) a first fastening means attached to the support structure for releasably fastening to a first fastening means of a support structure of a further modular unit; and (iv) a second fastening means attached to the support structure for releasably fastening to a cover structure which is configured to wrap about the support structure of the modular unit when the support structure is in a rolled position.

11. The golf club carrier of claim 10, wherein the carrier further comprises a cover structure releasably attachable to the support structure of one of the modular units via a second fastening means of that modular unit, and wherein the cover structure is configured to wrap about the support structure of the modular unit when the support structure is in a rolled position.

12. The golf club carrier of claim 11, wherein the carrier comprises two modular units.

13. The golf club carrier of claim 12, wherein the carrier further comprises a cover structure releasably attachable to the support structure of the first modular unit via a second fastening means of the first modular unit, or releasably attachable to the support structure of the second modular unit via a second fastening means of the second modular unit, and wherein the cover structure is configured to wrap about the support structure of both modular units when the support structures are in a rolled position.

14. The golf club carrier of claim 9, wherein the carrier comprises one modular unit.

15. The golf club carrier of claim 14, wherein the carrier further comprises a cover structure releasably attachable to the support structure of the modular unit via a second fastening means of the modular unit, and wherein the cover structure is configured to wrap about the support structure of the modular unit when the support structure is in a rolled position.

16. The golf club carrier of claim 1, wherein the support structure is held in a folded position by a support structure fastening means attached to the support structure.

17. The golf club carrier of claim 10, wherein the support structure is held in a rolled position by a support structure fastening means attached to the support structure.

18. The golf club carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier further comprises carrying means attached to the support structure, or attached to a cover structure when fastened to the support structure.

19. The golf club carrier of claim 10, wherein the carrier further comprises carrying means attached to the support structure, or attached to a cover structure when fastened to the support structure.

20. The golf club carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier further comprises one or more storage bags attached to the support structure, or attached to a cover structure when fastened to the support structure.

21. The golf club carrier of claim 10, wherein the carrier further comprises one or more storage bags attached to the support structure, or attached to a cover structure when fastened to the support structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0055] For a further understanding of the aspects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a 2-dimensional planar view showing the golf club carrier according to one embodiment of the present invention in a substantially flat configuration. In this embodiment, the golf club carrier comprises one modular unit having 8 elongated carrier members.

[0057] FIGS. 2A to 2D are 2-dimensional planar views of support structures according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a support structure in the form of a sheet; FIG. 2B is a support structure in the form of an H-structure; FIG. 2C is a support structure in the form of an I-structure; FIG. 2D is a support structure in the form of a frame structure or O-structure.

[0058] FIGS. 3A to 3C provide different views of the golf club carrier shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3A is a top view capturing all 8 elongated carrier members; FIG. 3B is a 2-dimensional expanded planar view of a single elongated carrier member and its associated support structure; FIG. 3C is an expanded side view of a single elongated carrier member and accompany support structure.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a 2-dimensional planar view showing the golf club carrier according to one embodiment of the present in a substantially flat configuration. In this embodiment, the golf club carrier comprises two modular units each having 8 elongated carrier members. In this embodiment, the carrier comprises a cover structure releasably attachable to the support structure of one of the modular units.

[0060] FIGS. 5A to 5D are views of the golf club carrier depicted in FIG. 1 (FIG. 5A) and FIG. 4 (FIG. 5C) when in a rolled configuration. FIG. 5B is a top view of the golf club carrier of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5D is a top view of the golf club carrier of FIG. 5C.

[0061] FIGS. 6A and 6B are views of a hood structure for enclosing the top of the golf club carrier according to one embodiment of the present invention when in a rolled configuration. FIG. 6A is an expanded view; FIG. 6B is a closed view.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a side view of the golf club carrier according to one embodiment of the present invention when in a rolled configuration, and comprising an attached hood structure.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a side view of the golf club carrier according to one embodiment of the present invention when in a rolled configuration, and comprising an attached hood structure and attached storage bags.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT ILLUSTRATED IN THE DRAWINGS

[0064] A golf club carrier 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 1. The carrier 101 is shown in a substantially flat position and in this embodiment comprises a single modular unit. The modular unit comprises a support structure 102 which is also in a substantially flat position to allow the carrier 101 to be stored flat in a hanging manner by means of one or more eyelets 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d which can be built into the support structure 102 or via D rings 106e and/or 106f which may be attached to the support structure 102. The D rings may also be used to attach a carrying sling when the support structure 102 is in a rolled position (see FIG. 7 for further details).

[0065] In this embodiment, the support structure 102 of the modular unit is a continuous sheet comprising a top portion 102a, an elongated middle portion 102b and a bottom portion 102c. A total of eight carrier members 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d, 103e, 103f, 103g, 103h are attached to the support structure 102. Each carrier member 103a to 103h is in an elongated configuration, i.e. each carrier member 103a to 103h extends from the top portion 102a of the support structure 102 to the bottom portion 102c of the support structure 102, and in this embodiment the carrier members 103a to 103h form an integral part of the support structure 102, as detailed below. Each elongated carrier member 103a to 103h is spaced apart from its nearest neighbouring carrier member. The spaced apart portions 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d, 103e, 103f, 103g allow the support structure 102 to be easily rolled into a bundle thereby taking the shape of a traditional golf bag when in use. The direction of roll of the support structure 102 is shown by the arrows. In this manner, the support structure 102 with its enclosed carrier members 103a to 103h forms a core which provides strength and protection for the golf clubs carried within.

[0066] The support structure 102 of the modular unit also includes a first fastening means 104, which in this embodiment is a zipper that extends continuously from the top portion 102a to the bottom portion 102c of one side of the support structure 102. The first fastening means 104 can releasably fasten to a support structure of a second modular unit as depicted in FIG. 4, or can releasably fasten to a cover structure as explained in further detail below.

[0067] The carrier structure 101 shown in FIG. 1 also includes support structure fastening means 105a, 105b, 105c which enable securing of the support structure 102 when in a rolled position. The support structure fastening means depicted in FIG. 1 are of a Velcro-type (female) which engage with Velcro (male) attached to equivalent positions on the other side of the support structure 102 (see FIGS. 3B and 5A for further details). As indicated above, a person skilled in the art would understand that any suitable alternative support structure fastening means to Velcro may be employed provided the support structure fastening means ensures that the support structure 102 stays in a rolled position during play.

[0068] The support structure fastening means 105a, 105b, 105c depicted in FIG. 1 are located at three positions of the support structure 102, although any number of locations is envisaged. The support structure fastening means 105a, 105b, 105c also extend across the width of the support structure 102. As shown in FIG. 1, support structure fastening means 105a is located at the top portion 102a of the support structure 102, support structure fastening means 105b is located centrally in the elongated middle portion 102b of the support structure 102, and support structure fastening means 105c is located at the bottom portion 102c of the support structure 102. In combination, the support structure fastening means 105a, 105b, 105c ensures that the support structure 102 stays in a rolled position during play.

[0069] FIGS. 2A to 2D provide examples of the types of support structures 102 which may be employed in the present invention. FIG. 2A shows a support structure 102 in the form of a continuous sheet as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In this instance, the support structure 102 comprises a top portion 102a, a bottom portion 102c and an elongated middle portion 102b. FIG. 2B shows a support structure 102 in the form of an H-structure comprising two elongated vertical side portions 201, 202 connected via a horizontal portion 203. FIG. 2C shows a support structure 102 in the form of an I-structure comprising a horizontal top portion 204 and a horizontal bottom portion 205 connected via a vertical portion 206. FIG. 2D shows a support structure 102 in the form of a frame or O-structure comprising a top portion 207, a bottom portion 208, and two side portions 209, 210 connected continuously.

[0070] FIG. 3A is a top view of the golf club carrier 101 depicted in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. All eight elongated carrier members 103a to 103h are shown. Details of the composition of the support structure 102 and associated carrier member 103a (circled) and their relationship to each other are shown in FIG. 3B. In this embodiment, the support structure 102 comprises an external skin 301 upon which the carrier member 103a lies. Moving from right to left in FIG. 3B, an internal skin 302 of the support structure 102 lies on top of the external skin 301, extends over the carrier member 103a, and then reconnects with the external skin 301 on the other side of the carrier member 103a.

[0071] Each carrier member 103a to 103h is secured in place between the external skin 301 and internal skin 302 of the support structure 102 by a vertical line of stitching 303a, 303b located either side of each carrier member 103a to 103h. The stitching extends from the top portion 102a to the bottom portion 102c of the support structure 102. In this manner, each carrier member 103a to 103h forms an integral part of the support structure 102. Although the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3B relies on stitching each carrier member 103a to 103h to the support structure 102, any suitable alternative means of attachment are envisaged, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0072] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3B, support structure fastening means 105a is a Velcro strip (female) that lies over the internal skin 302, and is connected thereto (in this case stitched) at either side of each carrier member 103a to 103h. The location of the connection (stitching) 303a, 303b is shown in FIG. 3B with respect to carrier member 103a. Support structure fastening means 105a in the form of Velcro (male) is attached to the outer portion of the external skin 301 of the support structure 102 so that when the carrier 101 is in a rolled position, the support structure fastening means 105a and 105a engage to secure the support structure in a rolled state. This is shown more clearly in FIG. 5A.

[0073] FIG. 3C shows an expanded side view of a single elongated carrier member 103a and accompanying support structure 102. The support structure 102 comprises an external skin 301 and an internal skin 302 encompassing the carrier member 103a. The positions of the support structure fastening means 105a, 105b, 105c (female) attached to the internal skin 302 of the support structure 102 and the positions of the support structure fastening means 105a, 105b, 105c (male) attached to the external skin 301 of the support structure 102 are shown. FIG. 3C also shows the position of carrying means in the form of a handle 304 attached to the external skin 301 of the support structure 102. The external skin 301 of the support structure 102 is also protected at the extreme top and bottom of the support structure 102 by edge finishing tape 305, 305a.

[0074] A golf club carrier 101 according to another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 4. This embodiment clearly illustrates the modular nature of the golf club carrier 101 and its ability to be adaptable to any playing circumstance. The carrier 101 is shown in a substantially flat position and in this embodiment comprises two modular units 401, 402. The support structure 102 of one of the modular units 401 comprises a first fastening means 104 in the form of a zipper that can releasably fasten to a first fastening means 104a of the other modular unit 402. In this way, the carrier 101 has been expanded from eight carrier members 103a to 103h to sixteen carrier members 103a to 103p.

[0075] In the embodiment depicted if FIG. 4, the support structure of one of the modular units 402 comprises a second fastening means 403 in the form of a zipper that can releasably fasten to a cover structure 404. The cover structure 404 also comprises fastening means 405a, 405b, 405c, 405d in the form of Velcro (female) which engage with Velcro (male) attached to equivalent positions on the outer portion of the external skin 301 of the support structure 102 to ensure that the cover structure 404 is readily secured around the rolled support structure 102.

[0076] FIGS. 5A and 5C show the golf club carrier 101 of the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4, respectively, when in a rolled position. The golf club carrier 101 shown in FIG. 5A includes eight carrier members 103a to 103h surrounded by the support structure 102. Each carrier member 103a to 103h has a substantially circular cross section and so is in the form of a cylinder which comprises an open top portion into which a golf club shaft can be placed. Each carrier member 103a to 103h also has a closed bottom portion that receives the but-end of the shaft and prevents the club from falling out of the carrier 101. Only the bottom portion 501 of carrier member 103h is visible in FIG. 5A. The position of the support structure fastening means 105a, 105b, 105c (male) is shown each of which engages with the equivalent support structure fastening means 105a, 105b, 105c (female) on the internal skin 302 of the support structure 102. The support structure 102 is depicted in FIG. 5A in a cut-off view to allow visualisation of the support structure fastening means 105a, 105b, 105c.

[0077] When viewed from above, the golf club carrier 101 of FIG. 5A is shown in FIG. 5B. FIG. 5B shows the support structure 102 securely wrapped about the eight carrier members 103a to 103h.

[0078] The golf club carrier 101 shown in FIG. 5C includes sixteen carrier members 103a to 103p surrounded by a cover structure 404. As shown, the cover structure 404 completely wraps about the support structure 102.

[0079] When viewed from above, the golf club carrier 101 of FIG. 5C is shown in FIG. 5D. FIG. 5D shows the support structure 102 securely wrapped about the sixteen carrier members 503a to 503p with the cover structure 404 in turn securely wrapped about the support structure 102.

[0080] FIGS. 6A and 6B show one example of a hood structure 601 for enclosing the top of a golf club carrier 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention when in a rolled configuration. The expanded view of the hood structure 601 in FIG. 6A shows the hood structure 601 in two portions 601a, 601b. These portions 601a, 601b come together via fastening means 602a, 602b (depicted here in the form of zippers) that engage with their counterparts 602a, 602b to form the closed configuration shown in FIG. 6B. The hood structure 601 can be secured to the top portion of the support structure of the carrier 101 via press studs 603a, 603b, 603c, 603d as shown in FIG. 7.

[0081] FIG. 7 shows a golf club carrier 101 of an embodiment of the present invention in a rolled position with a hood structure 601 (in a closed configuration) attached thereto by press studs 603b, 603c thereby fully enclosing the top of the golf club carrier 101. The position of carrying means (handle 304 and/or carrying sling 702) is also shown in FIG. 7.

[0082] FIG. 8 shows a golf club carrier 101 of an embodiment of the present invention in a rolled position with a hood structure 601 (in a closed configuration) attached thereto. The golf club carrier 101 depicted in this embodiment comprises two storage bags 801, 802 attached to the exterior of the carrier 101. This embodiment includes a cover structure 404 to which the storage bags 801, 802 are attached.

[0083] With respect to dimensions of the embodiments depicted in the Figures, the width (left to right in FIGS. 1 and 4) of each modular unit is about 600 mm and the height (top to bottom in FIGS. 1 and 4) is about 1000 mm. The distance between each carrier member (as measured from the centre of adjacent carrier members) is about 70 mm. The width of the cover structure is about 600 mm and the height is about 1000 mm. However, a person skilled in the art would understand that any variation of these dimensions falls within the scope of the invention.

[0084] The term about as used in the specification means approximately or nearly and in the context of a numerical value or range set forth herein is meant to encompass variations of +/10% or less, +/5% or less, +/1% or less, or +/0.1% or less of and from the numerical value or range recited or claimed.

[0085] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, or variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers.

[0086] It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that while the invention has been described in some detail for the purposes of clarity and understanding, various modifications and alterations to the embodiments and methods described herein may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concept disclosed in this specification.

[0087] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to, or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of the steps or features.