OFF-AXIS STRAPS FOR A GOLF BAG

COURROIES HORS-AXE POUR SAC DE GOLF

English Abstract

Golf bags including a single, off-axis strap arrangement or a dual, off-axis strap arrangement are disclosed. In single, off-axis arrangements, the strap is arranged such that each end of the strap is connected to the golf bag on opposite sides of a spinal axis, wherein one end of the strap is connected proximate an open top end and the other strap is connected intermediate the open top end and a closed bottom end. In dual, off-axis strap arrangements, each end of each strap is connected on opposite sides of the spinal axis, wherein each strap has one end connected proximate an open top end and one end connected intermediate the open top end and a closed bottom end. In addition, the end of each strap that is connected proximate the open top end is connected asymmetrical to each other with respect to a spinal axis of the golf bag.

French Abstract

L'invention concerne des sacs de golf qui comportent un agencement de courroie hors-axe simple ou double. Dans les agencements hors-axe simples, la courroie est disposée de telle sorte que chacune de ses extrémités est rattachée au sac de golf, de part et d'autre d'un axe longitudinal, de façon à ce qu'un bout de la courroie soit rattaché près de l'extrémité supérieure ouverte et l'autre, entre l'extrémité supérieure ouverte et l'extrémité inférieure fermée. Dans les agencements de courroie hors-axe double, chaque bout de chaque courroie est rattachée aux côtés opposés de l'axe longitudinal, de façon à ce qu'un de ses bouts soit rattaché près de l'extrémité supérieure ouverte et l'autre, entre l'extrémité supérieure ouverte et l'extrémité inférieure fermée. De plus, le bout de chaque courroie près de l'extrémité supérieure ouverte est rattaché de façon asymétrique l'un par rapport à l'autre, de part et d'autre de l'axe longitudinal du sac de golf.

Claims

CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A golf bag, comprising:
a body defining a generally tubular compartment, the compartment including an
open
top end and a closed bottom end;
a spine defining an axis of the body, the axis being a longitudinal spinal
axis
extending intermediate the open top end and the closed bottom end;
a throat structure defining the open top end of the compartment; and
a single strap coupled to the body, wherein the strap comprises:
a first end coupled to the body at a first position proximate the open top end
and at a first distance from the axis, and
a second end coupled to the body at a second position intermediate the throat
structure and the closed bottom end and at a second distance away from the
axis, wherein:
the first end and the second end are coupled to the body on opposite
sides of the axis.
2. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein the first distance and the second distance
are
different distances.
3. The golf bag of claim 1, further comprising:
a stand coupled to the body, wherein the stand is coupled to the body
substantially
opposite the spine.
4. The golf bag of claim 3, wherein the golf bag rotates such that the stand
is oriented
facing rearwardly to a user when worn by the user.
5. The golf bag of claim 4, further comprising a hip pad, wherein the hip pad
is oriented
on the body such that the hip pad comes into contact with the user when the
golf bag rotates.
19

6. A golf bag, comprising:
a body defining a generally tubular compartment, the compartment including an
open
top end and a closed bottom end;
a spine defining a first axis of the body, wherein the first axis is a
longitudinal spinal
axis extending intermediate the open top end and the closed bottom end,
inclusive;
a throat structure defining the open top end of the compartment, the throat
structure
comprising a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis;
a first strap coupled to the body, the first strap comprising:
a first end coupled to the body at a first position proximate the throat
structure, and
a second end coupled to the body at a second position intermediate the throat
structure and the closed bottom end; and
a second strap coupled to the body, the second strap comprising:
a third end coupled to the body at a third position proximate the throat
structure, and
a fourth end coupled to the body at a fourth position intermediate the throat
structure and the closed bottom end, wherein:
the first end and the third end are coupled on opposite sides of the first
axis, and
the third position is a greater distance from the first axis than the first
position.
7. The golf bag of claim 6, further comprising:
a stand coupled to the body, wherein the stand is coupled to the body
substantially
opposite the spine.

8. The golf bag of claim 7, wherein the golf bag rotates such that the stand
is oriented
facing rearwardly to a user when worn by the user.
9. The golf bag of claim 8, further comprising a hip pad, wherein the hip pad
is oriented
on the body such that the hip pad comes into contact with the user when the
golf bag rotates.
10. The golf bag of claim 6, wherein:
the open top end comprises a center point along the second axis;
the first end and the second end are coupled on opposite sides of the second
axis;
the first end is coupled proximate the throat structure such that an angle in
the range
of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees with respect to the second axis and
the center point
is created; and
the third end is coupled proximate the throat structure such that an angle in
the range
of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees with respect to the second axis and
the center point
is created.
11. The golf bag of claim 6, wherein the second position and the fourth
position are an
equal distance from the first axis.
12. The golf bag of claim 6, wherein the second position is a different
distance from the
first axis than the fourth position.
13. The golf bag of claim 6, wherein the second position and the fourth
position are an
equal distance from the open top end.
14. The golf bag of claim 6, wherein the second position is a different
distance from the
open top end than the fourth position.
15. The golf bag of claim 6, wherein the second position and the fourth
position are at
the same position.
16. The golf bag of claim 15, wherein the second position and the fourth
position are
located on the spine.
21

17. The golf bag of claim 15, wherein the second position and the fourth
position are
located off of the spine.
18. The golf bag of claim 17, wherein the second position and the fourth
position are
located on the spine, and the second position and the fourth position are
different distances
from the top end.
19. The golf bag of claim 6, wherein the first position is located on the
throat structure
and the third position is located off of the throat structure.
20. A golf bag, comprising:
a body defining a generally tubular compartment, the compartment including an
open
top end and a closed bottom end;
a spine defining a first axis of the body, wherein the first axis is a
longitudinal spinal
axis extending intermediate the open top end and the closed bottom end,
inclusive;
a throat structure defining the open top end of the compartment, the throat
structure
comprising a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis;
a first strap coupled to the body, the first strap comprising:
a first end coupled to the body at a first position proximate the throat
structure, and
a second end coupled to the body at a second position intermediate the throat
structure and the closed bottom end; and
a second strap coupled to the body, the second strap comprising:
a third end coupled to the body at a third position proximate the throat
structure, and
a fourth end coupled to the body at a fourth position intermediate the throat
structure and the closed bottom end, wherein:
22

the first position and the third position are asymmetrical to each other
with respect to the first axis and the second axis.
21. The golf bag of claim 20, further comprising:
a stand coupled to the body, wherein the stand is coupled to the body
substantially
opposite the spine.
22. The golf bag of claim 21, wherein the golf bag rotates such that the stand
is oriented
facing rearwardly to a user when worn by the user.
23. The golf bag of claim 22, further comprising a hip pad, wherein the hip
pad is
oriented on the body such that the hip pad comes into contact with the user
when the golf
bag rotates.
24. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein:
the open top end comprises a center point along the second axis;
the first end and the second end are coupled on opposite sides of the second
axis;
the first end is coupled proximate the throat structure such that an angle in
the range
of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees with respect to the second axis and
the center point
is created; and
the third end is coupled proximate the throat structure such that an angle in
the range
of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees with respect to the second axis and
the center point
is created.
25. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein the second position and the fourth
position are an
equal distance from the first axis.
26. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein the second position is a different
distance from the
first axis than the fourth position.
27. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein the second position and the fourth
position are an
equal distance from the open top end.
23

28. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein the second position is a different
distance from the
open top end than the fourth position.
29. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein the second position and the fourth
position are at
the same position.
30. The golf bag of claim 29, wherein the second position and the fourth
position are
located on the spine.
31. The golf bag of claim 29, wherein the second position and the fourth
position are
located off of the spine.
32. The golf bag of claim 29, wherein the second position and the fourth
position are
located on the spine, and the second position and the fourth position are
different distances
from the top end.
33. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein the first position is located on the
throat structure
and the third position is located off of the throat structure.
34. The golf bag of claim 20, wherein the first position is located on the
spine and the
third position is located off of the spine.
35. A golf bag, comprising:
a body defining a generally tubular compartment, the compartment including an
open
top end and a closed bottom end;
a spine defining a first axis of the body, wherein the first axis is a
longitudinal spinal
axis extending intermediate the open top end and the closed bottom end,
inclusive;
a throat structure defining the open top end of the compartment, wherein the
throat
structure comprises a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis;
and
a dual strap arrangement, the dual strap arrangement comprising:
a first shoulder strap including an upper end coupled proximate to the throat
structure at a first location which is on one side of the spinal axis and a
lower end coupled to
24

the body at a second location which is on the opposite side of the spinal axis
so that a first
straight line extending intermediate the first and second locations traverses
the spinal axis,
the first location being proximate the top end of the body and
circumferentially spaced apart
from the spinal axis by a first distance, the second location being generally
intermediate the
top and bottom ends of the body,
a second shoulder strap including upper and lower ends coupled proximate to
the throat structure and the body at third and fourth locations, respectively,
the third location
being on the same side of the spinal axis as the second location and proximate
the top end of
the body and circumferentially spaced apart from the spinal axis by a second
distance, the
fourth location being on the same side of the spinal axis as the first
location and generally
intermediate the top and bottom ends of the body and circumferentially spaced
apart from
the second location by a second distance so that a second straight line
extending
intermediate the third and fourth locations traverses the spinal axis, and
wherein the first distance and the second distance are different distances.
36. The golf bag of claim 35, wherein the first and second shoulder straps are
arranged to
cross each other to form an X-shaped pattern on a user's back with the golf
bag disposed
substantially horizontally across the user's back when the golf bag is carried
by the user with
the first shoulder strap looped over a first shoulder of the user and the
second shoulder strap
looped over a second shoulder of the user.
37. The golf bag of claim 35, wherein the first shoulder strap and the second
shoulder
strap are arranged so that they cross each other at an intersection point that
is substantially
midway intermediate the user's shoulders.
38. The golf bag of claim 37, wherein the first shoulder strap has an overall
length
measured intermediate the first location and the second location, and further
comprising a
first adjustment means for adjusting the overall length of the first shoulder
strap.

39. The golf bag of claim 38, wherein the first adjustment means is disposed
on the
lower end of the first shoulder strap.
40. The golf bag of claim 38, wherein the second shoulder strap has an overall
length
measured intermediate the third and fourth locations, and further comprising a
second
adjustment means for adjusting the overall length of the second shoulder
strap.
41. The golf bag of claim 40, wherein the second adjustment means is disposed
on the
lower end of the second shoulder strap.
42. The golf bag of claim 35, wherein the second distance is greater than the
first
distance.
43. A golf bag for carrying golf clubs, comprising:
a generally tubular body, the generally tubular body including:
an open top end,
a closed bottom end,
a spinal axis extending intermediate the open top end and the closed bottom
end, and
a throat structure defining the body top end;
a first shoulder strap including:
an upper end coupled to the throat structure at a first location which is on
one
side of the spinal axis, and
a lower end coupled to the body at a second location which is on the opposite
side of the spinal axis of the upper end so that a first straight line
extending intermediate the
first location and the second location traverses the spinal axis, the first
location being
proximate the top end of the body and circumferentially spaced apart from the
spinal axis by
a first distance, the second location being generally intermediate the top end
and the bottom
end of the body; and
26

a second shoulder strap including:
an upper end coupled to the throat structure and the body at a third location,
the third location being on the same side of the spinal axis as the second
location and
proximate the top end of the body and circumferentially spaced apart from the
spinal axis by
a second distance, and
a lower end coupled to the body at a fourth location, the fourth location
being
on the same side of the spinal axis as the first location and generally
intermediate the top end
and the bottom end of the body and circumferentially spaced apart from the
second location
by a third distance so that a second straight line extending intermediate the
third and fourth
locations traverses the spinal axis, wherein:
the first distance and the second distance are different distances.
44. The golf bag of claim 43, wherein the throat structure comprises a pair of
slots
formed therein at the first and third locations, and wherein the upper ends of
the first and
second shoulder straps are secured in the slots.
45. The golf bag of claim 43, wherein the first and second shoulder straps are
arranged to
cross each other to form an X-shaped pattern on a user's back with the golf
bag disposed
substantially horizontally across the user's back when the golf bag is carried
by the user with
the first shoulder strap looped over a first shoulder of the user and the
second shoulder strap
looped over a second shoulder of the user.
46. The golf bag of claim 43, wherein the third distance is the same distance
as the sum
of the first distance and the second distance.
47. The golf bag of claim 43, wherein the third distance is less than the sum
of the first
distance and the second distance.
27

48. The golf bag of claim 43, wherein the third distance is greater than the
sum of the
first distance and the second distance.
28

Description

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
Docket No.: KMC-677
Inventors: Douglas W. Anderson and Brian J. McGuire
OFF-AXIS STRAPS FOR A GOLF BAG
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to golf equipment and, in
particular, to
off-axis shoulder straps for a golf bag.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional golf bags generally include one or two straps to assist
the user in
carrying the golf bag. Generally, golf bags include a tubular main body with
an open top
end and a closed bottom end. Furthermore, golf bags usually have a spine
defining an axis
extending longitudinally intennediate the open top end and the closed bottom
end, and may
include a bag stand opposite the spine axis. When a golf bag includes a bag
stand, the bag
stand generally includes two legs that protrude from each of the lateral sides
of the golf bag.
[0003] In single strap designs, one end of the strap is attached to the golf
bag at the open top
end along the spine axis. The other end of the strap is attached to the body
somewhere along
the spine axis intermediate the open top end and the closed bottom end.
[0004] In dual-strap designs, each strap has one end attached to the bag at
the open top end,
and the other end attached to the golf bag intermediate the open top end and
the closed
bottom end. Furthermore, each end of the respective straps is connected to the
bag
symmetrical to the other strap with respect to the spine axis. In other words,
the end of the
straps that are connected to the open top end are on opposite sides of the
spine axis and are
circumferentially spaced an equal distance from the spine axis.
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CA 02578555 2007-02-14
[0005] Typically, when a user carries either the single strap design or the
dual strap design,
the golf bag is disposed substantially horizontally across the user's back
with at least one of
the bag stand legs oriented toward the user. At times, this leg comes into
contact with the
user while the user is carrying the bag, causing an annoyance to the user
and/or interfering
with the user's walk. Thus, there is a need for golf bags that orient the bag
stand away from
the user when the golf bag is being carried.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Embodiments of the present invention include golf bags having a single,
off-axis
strap or dual, off-axis straps. In single, off-axis strap embodiments, the
golf bags include a
body defining a generally tubular compartment with an open top end and a
closed bottom
end. The golf bag further includes a throat structure defining the open top
end of the
compartment and a spine defining an axis of the body, wherein the axis is a
longitudinal
spinal axis extending intermediate the open top end and the closed bottom end.
The single,
off-axis strap also includes a first end connected to the body at a first
position proximate the
open top end and at a first distance from the spinal axis, and a second end
connected to the
body at a second position intermediate the throat structure and the closed
bottom end and at
a second distance away from the spinal axis, wherein the first end and the
second end are
connected to the golf bag on opposite sides of the spinal axis. In accordance
with one
exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first distance and the second
distance are
different distances.
[0007] In dual, off-axis strap embodiments, the golf bags include a body
defining a generally
tubular compartment, the compartment including an open top end, a closed
bottom end, a
spine defining a first axis of the body, wherein the first axis is a
longitudinal spinal axis
extending intermediate the open top end and the closed bottom end.
Furthermore, the golf
2

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
bag includes a throat structure defining the open top end of the compartment,
wherein the
throat structure comprises a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first
axis. Moreover,
the golf bag includes a first strap having a first end connected to the body
at a first position
proximate the throat structure and a second end connected to the body at a
second position
intermediate the throat structure and the closed bottom end. A second strap is
also included,
wherein the second straps includes a third end connected to the body at a
third position
proximate the throat structure and a fourth end connected to the body at a
fourth position
intermediate the throat structure and the closed bottom end, wherein the first
position and the
third position are connected on opposite sides of the first axis, and are
connected
asymmetrical to each other with respect to the first axis. In other words, the
end of the straps
that are connected proximate the open top end are on opposite sides of the
first axis, and are
circumferentially spaced different distances from the first axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived
by referring
to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the
drawing
figures, where like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the
figures, and:
[0009] Fig. 1 is a diagram of a golf bag including a single, off-axis strap
according to one
exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0010] Fig. 2 is a top view of the golf bag of Fig. 1;
[0011] Fig. 3 is a top end view of the golf bag of Fig. 1;
[0012] Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the single, off-axis strap arrangement of
Fig. 1;
[0013] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the golf bag of Fig. 1 while being
carried by a user;
[0014] Fig. 6 is a diagram of a golf bag including dual, off-axis straps
according to an
exemplary embodiment of the invention;
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CA 02578555 2007-02-14
[0015] Fig. 7 is a top view of the golf bag of Fig. 6;
[0016] Fig. 8 is a top end view of the golf bag of Fig. 6;
[0017] Fig. 9 is a schematic view of the dual, off-axis strap arrangement of
Fig. 6;
[0018] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating the golf bag of Fig. 6 while being
carried by a user;
[0019] Figs. 11-26 are diagrams illustrating golf bags similar to Fig. 6
including dual, off-
axis strap arrangements with the top ends of each strap in various different
locations; and
[0020] Figs. 27-42 are diagrams illustrating golf bags similar to Fig. 6
including dual, off-
axis strap arrangements with the bottoms ends of each strap in various
different locations.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The description of exemplary embodiments of the invention herein makes
reference
to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of
illustration.
While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable
those skilled
in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other
embodiments may be
realized, and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without
departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the description herein is presented
for purposes of
illustration only and not by way of limitation.
[0022] Turning now to the figures, Figs. 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating a
golf bag 100
including a single, off-axis strap for carrying golf clubs. Golf bag 100
includes a generally
tubular body I 10 with an open top end 120, a closed bottom end 130, and a
spinal axis 140
extending longitudinally between top end 120 and bottom end 130. Top end 110
is defined
by a throat structure 150 similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
4,596,328 issued to John
A. Solheim, which patent is hereby incorporated by reference, in its entirety.
Golf clubs (not
shown) may be inserted into and removed from body 110 through top end 120 in a
conventional manner. A handle 153 is provided on body 110 proximate top end
120, and a
4

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
handle 156 is provided on body 110 proximate bottom end 130, although handle
153 and/or
handle 156 may be excluded. Golf bag 100, optionally, includes an accessory
pocket 160
and/or an accessory pocket 165 mounted on body 110.
[0023] In the embodiment of Figs. I and 2, golf bag 100 includes a single, off-
axis strap
arrangement including a shoulder strap 170, wherein shoulder strap 170
includes an upper
end 172 connected to body 110 at a location 174 proximate top end 120, and a
lower end 176
connected to body 110 at a location 178, wherein location 178 is generally
intermediate top
end 120 and bottom end 130. Shoulder strap 170 also includes an elongated pad
180
between upper end 172 and lower end 176. As illustrated, for example, in Fig.
2, location
174 is on one side of spinal axis 140, while location 178 is on an opposite
side of spinal axis
140. This orientation of locations 174 and 178 forms a substantially straight
line extending
between locations 174 and 178, which line traverses spinal axis 140.
[0024] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, locations 174 and 178 are
connected
to body 110 an equal distance from spinal axis 140. In another exemplary
embodiment,
locations 174 and 178 are connected to body 110 asymmetrically with one
another with
respect to spinal axis 140. In other words, locations 174 and 178 are
connected different
circumferential distances from spinal axis 140. Thus, location 174 may be
connected a
greater distance from spinal axis 140 than location 178, or vice versa.
[0025] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, golf bag 100 also includes
a bag
stand 190 connected to it. Bag stand 190 may be any bag stand known in the art
or
developed in the future. Typical bag stands generally include two retractable
legs positioned
on each of the lateral sides of golf bag 100, and such is contemplated by the
invention. Bag
stand 190 is connected to body 110 substantially opposite spinal axis 140 so
that when a user
puts golf bag 100 down, legs from bag stand 190 extend outwardly from body 110
such that
golf bag 100 is propped up. With shoulder strap 170 crossing spinal axis 140,
when golf bag

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
100 is carried by a user with shoulder strap 170 looped over the user's
shoulder, golf bag
100 rotates so that bag stand 190 faces substantially away (i.e., rearwardly)
from the user
such that bag stand 190 does not come into contact with and/or interfere with
the user when
the user is carrying golf bag 100 (see Fig. 5).
[0026] Additionally, golf bag 100 includes a hip pad 192 on body 110, wherein
hip pad 192
is oriented on body 110 such that when golf bag 100 rotates, hip pad 192
contacts the user
rather than bag stand 190. Notably, hip pad 192 may be formed of any material
and include
any geometry and/or shape to pad against bag stand 190 coming into substantial
contact with
the user.
[0027] Shoulder strap 170, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, also includes an
adjustment device
184 disposed on lower end 176 for adjusting the overall length of strap 170,
which is
measured between locations 174 and 178. By utilizing adjustment device 184,
shoulder
strap 170 is able to have its overall length adjusted, as desired. Further
adjustment devices
(not shown) may be provided on upper end 172 and/or lower end 176 in addition
to, or in
lieu of, adjustment device 184. Upper end 172 is secured in a slot 186 formed
in throat
structure 150 at location 174 such that an angle 0 is formed between strap 170
and spinal
axis 140 (see Fig. 3). Lower end 176 extends through a ring 188 mounted on
body 110 at
location 178. Alternatively, lower end 176 may be connected directly (e.g.,
sewn) to body
110 at location 178, thereby eliminating ring 188.
[0028] Figs. 6 and 7 are diagrams of a golf bag 200 including a dual, off-axis
strap
arrangement. Golf bag 200 includes a shoulder strap 270 and a shoulder strap
370, wherein
shoulder strap 270 includes an upper end 272 connected to body 210 at a
location 274
proximate a top end 220 and a lower end 276 connected to body 210 at a
location 278,
wherein location 278 is generally intermediate top end 220 and a bottom end
230. Shoulder
strap 270 may also include an elongated pad 280 between upper end 272 and
lower end 276.
6

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
As illustrated, for example, in Fig. 6, location 274 is on one side of a
spinal axis 240 (similar
to spinal axis 140, discussed above) while location 278 is on the opposite
side of spinal axis
240. This orientation of locations 274 and 278 forms a substantially straight
line extending
between locations 274 and 278 to traverse spinal axis 240. In addition, the
invention
contemplates that locations 274 and 278 may be on the same side of spinal axis
240.
Furthermore, the invention contemplates that locations 274 and 278 may both be
on spinal
axis 240. Further still, location 274 may be on spinal axis 240 while location
278 may be on
either side of spinal axis 240, or vice versa.
[0029] Similarly, shoulder strap 370 has an upper end 372 and a lower end 376
connected to
body 210 at a location 374 and a location 378, respectively. Shoulder strap
370 includes an
elongated pad 380 between upper end 372 and lower end 376. Referencing Fig. 7
again,
location 374 is on one side of a spinal axis 240 while location 378 is on the
opposite side of
spinal axis 240. The orientation of locations 374 and 378 forms a
substantially straight line
extending between locations 374 and 378 to traverse spinal axis 240 similar to
locations 274
and 278, discussed above. Also similar to above, the invention contemplates
that locations
374 and 378 may be on the same side of spinal axis 240. Furthermore, locations
374 and
378 may both be on spinal axis 240. Further still, location 374 may be on
spinal axis 240
while location 378 may be on either side of spinal axis 240, or vice versa.
[0030] Fig. 6 also illustrates that locations 274 and 378 may be on the same
side of spinal
axis 240. In addition, locations 274 and 378 may be on opposite side of spinal
axis 240.
Furthermore, locations 274 and 378 may both be on spinal axis 240. Further
still, location
274 may be on spinal axis 240 while location 378 may be on either side of
spinal axis 240,
or location 378 may be on spinal axis 240 while location 274 may be on either
side of spinal
axis 240.
7

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
[0031] Similarly, locations 374 and 278 may be on the same side of spinal axis
240, or on
opposite sides of spinal axis 240. Furthermore, locations 374 and 278 may both
be on spinal
axis 240. Further still, location 374 may be on spinal axis 240 while location
278 may be on
either side of spinal axis 240, or location 278 may be on spinal axis 240
while location 374
may be on either side of spinal axis 240.
[0032] When locations 274 and 278 are connected on opposite sides of spinal
axis 240, a
substantially straight line that traverses spinal axis 240 is created.
Likewise, when locations
374 and 378 are connected on opposite sides of spinal axis 240, a
substantially straight line
that traverses spinal axis 240 is also created.
[0033] As shown in Fig. 8, location 274 is on one side of spinal axis 240,
while location 374
is on the opposite side of spinal axis 240. Moreover, locations 278 and 378
are connected
proximate to throat structure 250 asymmetrical with one another with respect
to spinal axis
240. In other words, location 274 is circumferentially spaced a different
distance from
spinal axis 240 than location 374. In one exemplary embodiment, location 274
is a greater
distance from spinal axis 240 than location 374. In another embodiment,
location 274 is a
smaller distance from spinal axis 374 than location 274. In other embodiments,
location 274
may be located on spinal axis 240, while location 374 is located off of spinal
axis 240, or
vice versa.
[0034] In addition, throat structure 250 includes an axis 252 extending though
it, wherein
axis 252 is substantially orthogonal to spinal axis 240. Moreover, throat
structure 250
includes a center point 254 along axis 252. Notably, locations 278 and 378 are
also coupled
proximate to throat structure 250 on opposite sides of axis 252.
[0035] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, location 274 forms an
angle, 01,
along throat structure 250 with respect to axis 252, wherein 01 is in the
range of about 0
degrees to about 180 degrees. In another exemplary embodiment, location 374
forms an
8

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
angle, 02, along throat structure 250 with respect to axis 252, wherein 02 is
in the range of
about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees. Furthermore, the difference between
location 274 and
374 is in the range of about I degree to about 180 degrees. For example, 01
may equal
approximately 15 degrees and 02 may equal approximately 30 degrees to create a
difference
of approximately 45 degrees. In another example, 01 may equal approximately 25
degrees
and 02 may equal approximately 10 degrees to create a difference of
approximately 35
degrees. In any case, 01 does not equal 02.
[0036] Furthermore, locations 278 and 378 are connected to body 210 such that
the distance
between these two locations is the same circumferential distance as the
circumferential
distance between locations 274 and 374. In addition, the invention
contemplates that the
circumferential distance between locations 278 and 378 may be greater than or
equal to the
circumferential distance between locations 274 and 374. Moreover, locations
278 and 378
may also be asymmetrical with one another with respect to spinal axis 240. In
other words,
location 278 may be a greater or smaller circumferential distance from spinal
axis 240 than
location 378. As such, locations 278 and 378 may be the same circumferential
distance from
spinal axis 240 as locations 274 and 374, respectively. However, locations 278
and 378 may
not be the same circumferential distance from spinal axis 240 as locations 274
and 374,
respectively. Hence, locations 278 and 378 may be any circumferential distance
away from
each other, away from spinal axis 240, and/or away from spinal axis 240 with
respect to each
other. Further still, either location 278 and/or location 378 may be connected
on spinal axis
240.
[0037] As seen in Fig. 10, golf bag 200 may also include a bag stand 290,
similar to bag
stand 190, connected to it. With shoulder strap 270 looped over a user's right
shoulder and
shoulder strap 370 looped over the user's left shoulder, golf bag 200 rotates
such that bag
stand 290 faces away (i.e., rearwardly) from the user such that bag stand 290
does not come
9

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
into contact with and/or substantially interfere with the user when the user
is carrying golf
bag 200. Moreover, when golf bag 200 is carried in this manner, shoulder
straps 270 and
370 are arranged to cross each other at an intersection point 295, which is
substantially
midway between the user's shoulders. This enables golf bag 200 to also be
supported evenly
by shoulder straps 270 and 370.
[0038] Additionally, golf bag 200 includes a hip pad 292 on body 210, wherein
hip pad 292
is oriented on body 210 such that when golf bag 200 rotates, hip pad 292
contacts the user
rather than bag stand 290. Similar to hip pad 192 discussed above, hip pad 292
may be
formed of any material and include any geometry and/or shape to pad against
bag stand 290
substantially coming into contact with the user.
[0039] In addition, golf bag 200 is carried by a user with shoulder strap 270
looped over the
user's right shoulder and shoulder strap 370 looped over the user's left
shoulder, or vice
versa. This results in upper end 372 being considerably longer than upper end
272 to
properly position pad 380 on the user's left shoulder. With this, shoulder
straps 270 and 370
form an "X-shaped" pattern 299 on the user's back.
[0040] Since shoulder straps 270 and 370 may be independent of each other
(i.e., are not
connected to one another), it will be understood that golf bag 200 may be
carried by utilizing
only one of shoulder straps 270 and 370 in a manner similar to golf bag 100,
discussed
above. This is an important advantage when carrying golf bag 200 short
distances, such as
from a putting green to the next tee area on a golf course. Furthermore,
either one of
shoulder straps 270 and 370 may be removed from golf bag 200 if it is desired
to employ a
single, off-axis strap arrangement similar to golf bag 100.
[0041] Shoulder strap 270 has an adjustment device 284 disposed on lower end
276 for
adjusting the overall length of strap 270, which length is measured between
location 274 and
location 278. Similarly, shoulder strap 370 has an adjustment device 384
disposed on lower

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
end 376 for adjusting the overall length of strap 370, which length is
measured between
locations 374 and 378. By utilizing adjustment devices 284 and 384, shoulder
straps 270
and 370 may have their overall lengths adjusted independently, as desired.
Further
adjustment devices (not shown) may be provided on upper ends 272 and 372,
and/or on
lower ends 276 and 376 of shoulder straps 270 and 370 in addition to, or in
lieu of,
adjustment devices 284 and 384. Upper ends 272 and 372 are secured in a slot
286 and a
slot 386, respectively, formed in throat structure 250 at locations 274 and
374. Lower ends
276 and 376 extend through a ring 288 and a ring 388, respectively, mounted on
body 210 at
locations 278 and 378. Alternatively, lower ends 276 and/or 376 may be
connected (e.g.,
sewn) directly to body 210 at locations 278 and 378, thereby eliminating rings
288 and/or
388.
[0042] Referring now to Figs. 11-26, these figures illustrate various
alternative arrangements
for connecting shoulder straps 270 and 370 proximate to top end 220 via
locations 278 and
378 are illustrated. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 11 and 12, shoulder
straps 270 and
370 have their respective upper ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end
220 at
locations 274 and 374, wherein locations 278 and 378 are on opposite sides of
spinal axis
240 and located asymmetrically with one another with respect to spinal axis
240. In other
words, location 274 is spaced a different distance from spinal axis 240 than
location 374
similar to the various embodiments discussed above. In Fig. 11, location 374
is farther from
spinal axis 240 than location 274, whereas in Fig. 12 location 274 is farther
from spinal axis
240 than location 374.
[0043] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 13 and 14, shoulder straps 270 and
370 have their
respective upper ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end 220 at locations
274 and
374, wherein locations 278 and 378 are on opposite sides of spinal axis 240,
are
asymmetrically with one another with respect to spinal axis 240, and are
intermediate top
11

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
end 220 and bottom end 230. In other words, location 274 is spaced a different
distance
from spinal axis 240 than location 374 similar to the various embodiments
discussed above.
In Fig. 13, location 374 is farther from spinal axis 240 than location 274,
whereas in Fig. 14
location 274 is farther from spinal axis 240 than location 374.
[0044] Figs. 15 and 16 include shoulder straps 270 and 370 having their
respective upper
ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end 220 at locations 274 and 374,
wherein
locations 278 and 378 are on opposite sides of spinal axis 240, are
asymmetrically with one
another with respect to spinal axis 240, are intermediate top end 220 and
bottom end 230,
and are asymmetrical with one another with respect to top end 220. In other
words, location
274 is spaced a different distance from spinal axis 240 and top end 220 than
location 374. In
Fig. 15, location 374 is farther from spinal axis 240 than location 274,
whereas in Fig. 16
location 274 is farther from spinal axis 240 than location 374. Moreover, in
Fig. 15, location
274 is farther from top end 220 than location 374, whereas in Fig. 16 location
274 is farther
from top end 220 than location 374. Notably, the invention contemplates all
combinations
of location 274 being farther from or closer to spinal axis 240, and farther
from or closer to
top end 220 than location 374, for a total of four combinations.
[0045] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 17 and 18, shoulder straps 270 and
370 have their
respective upper ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end 220 at locations
274 and
374, wherein one of locations 278 and 378 is located on spinal axis 240 and
the other
location is located on either side of spinal axis 240. In Fig. 17, location
274 is located on
spinal axis 240 and location 374 is located off of spinal axis 240, whereas in
Fig. 18 location
374 is located on spinal axis 240 and location 274 is located off of spinal
axis 240.
[0046] Notably, the invention contemplates that the location that is located
off of spinal axis
may be on either side of spinal axis 240. As such, in Fig. 17 location 374 may
be located on
12

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
the other side of spinal axis 240, and likewise, in Fig. 18 location 274 may
be located on the
other side of spinal axis 240.
[0047] Figs. 19 and 20 include shoulder straps 270 and 370 having their
respective upper
ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end 220 at locations 274 and 374,
wherein one of
locations 278 and 378 is located on spinal axis 240 and the other location is
located on either
side of spinal axis 240, and one of locations 278 and 378 is located
intermediate top end 220
and bottom end 230. In Fig. 19, location 274 is located on spinal axis 240 and
location 374
is located off of spinal axis 240, whereas in Fig. 201ocation 374 is located
on spinal axis 240
and location 274 is located off of spinal axis 240. Furthermore, in Fig. 19
location 374 is
located on top end 220, whereas location 274 is located intermediate top end
220 and bottom
end 230. Moreover, in Fig. 20 location 274 is located on top end 220, whereas
location 374
is located intermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230.
[0048] Notably, the invention contemplates that the location that is located
off of spinal axis
may be on either side of spinal axis 240. As such, in Fig. 191ocation 374 may
be located on
the other side of spinal axis 240, and likewise, in Fig. 20 location 274 may
be located on the
other side of spinal axis 240.
[0049] Figs. 21 and 22 include shoulder straps 270 and 370 having their
respective upper
ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end 220 at locations 274 and 374,
wherein one of
locations 278 and 378 is located on top end 220 and the other location is
located
intermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230, and locations 278 and 378 are
located
asymmetrical with each other with respect to spinal axis 240. In Fig. 21,
location 374 is
located on top end 220 and location 274 is located intermediate top end 220
and bottom end
230, whereas in Fig. 22 location 274 is located on top end 220 and location
374 is located
intermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230. Furthermore, in Fig. 21 location
274 is
13

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
located closer to spinal axis 240 than location 374, whereas in Fig. 22
location 374 is located
closer to spinal axis 240 than location 274.
[0050] Notably, the invention contemplates that the location that is located
on top end 220
may be the location that is closer to spinal axis 240. As such, in Fig. 21
location 374 may be
located closer to spinal axis 240 than location 274, and likewise, in Fig. 22
location 274 may
be located closer to spinal axis 240 than location 374.
[0051] Figs. 23 and 24 include shoulder straps 270 and 370 having their
respective upper
ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end 220 at locations 274 and 374,
wherein one of
locations 278 and 378 is located on spinal axis 240 at top end 220, the other
location is
located on either side of spinal axis 240, and one of locations 278 and 378 is
located
intermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230. In Fig. 23, location 274 is
located on spinal
axis 240 at top end 220, and location 374 is located off of spinal axis 240
and intermediate
top end 220 and bottom end 230, whereas in Fig. 24 location 374 is located on
spinal axis
240 at top end 220, and location 274 is located off of spinal axis 240 and
intermediate top
end 220 and bottom end 230.
[0052] Notably, the invention contemplates that the location that is located
off of spinal axis
may be on either side of spinal axis 240. As such, in Fig. 23 location 374 may
be located on
the other side of spinal axis 240, and likewise, in Fig. 24 location 274 may
be located on the
other side of spinal axis 240.
[0053] Figs. 25 and 26 include shoulder straps 270 and 370 having their
respective upper
ends 272 and 372 connected proximate top end 220 at locations 274 and 374,
wherein one of
locations 278 and 378 is located on spinal axis 240 intermediate top end 220
and bottom end
230, the other location is located on either side of spinal axis 240. In Fig.
25, location 274 is
located on spinal axis 240 intermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230, and
location 374 is
located off of spinal axis 240 and intermediate top end 220 and bottom end
230, whereas in
14

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
Fig. 24 location 374 is located on spinal axis 240 intermediate top end 220
and bottom end
230, and location 274 is located off of spinal axis 240 and intermediate top
end 220 and
bottom end 230.
[0054] Notably, the invention contemplates that the location that is located
off of spinal axis
240 may be on either side of spinal axis 240. As such, in Fig. 25 location 374
may be
located on the other side of spinal axis 240, and likewise, in Fig. 26
location 274 may be
located on the other side of spinal axis 240.
[0055] Referring now to Figs. 27-42, these figures illustrate various
alternative arrangements
for connecting shoulder straps 270 and 370 intermediate top end 220 and bottom
end 320 via
locations 278 and 378 are illustrated. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 27
and 28,
shoulder straps 270 and 370 have their respective lower ends 276 and 376
connected
intermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230 at locations 278 and 378, wherein
locations
278 and 378 are on opposite sides of spinal axis 240 and located
asymmetrically with one
another with respect to spinal axis 240. In other words, location 278 is
spaced a different
distance from spinal axis 240 than location 378 similar to the various
embodiments
discussed above. In Fig. 27, location 278 is farther from spinal axis 240 than
location 378,
whereas in Fig. 28 location 378 is farther from spinal axis 240 than location
278.
[0056] Figs. 29 and 30 illustrate embodiments wherein shoulder straps 270 and
370 have
their respective lower ends 276 and 376 connected intermediate top end 220 and
bottom end
230 at locations 278 and 378, wherein locations 278 and 378 are on the same
side of spinal
axis 240 and located asymmetrically with one another with respect to top end
220. In other
words, location 378 is spaced a different distance from top end 220 than
location 278. In
Fig. 29, location 378 is farther from top end 220 than location 278, whereas
in Fig. 30
location 278 is farther from top end 220 than location 378. Notably, the
invention includes
locations 278 and 378 being interchanged in Figs. 29 and 30.

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
[0057] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 31-33, shoulder straps 270 and 370
have their
respective lower ends 276 and 376 connected intermediate top end 220 and
bottom end 230
at common location 293. In Fig. 31, common location 293 is on spinal axis 240,
whereas in
Figs. 32 and 33 common location 293 is on one side of spinal axis 240.
[0058] Fig. 34 illustrates an embodiment wherein shoulder straps 270 and 370
have their
respective lower ends 276 and 376 connected intermediate top end 220 and
bottom end 230
at locations 278 and 378, wherein locations 278 and 378 are on opposite sides
of spinal axis
240 and located symmetrically with one another with respect to top end 220 and
spinal axis
240. In other words, location 378 is spaced the same distance from top end 220
and spinal
axis 240 as location 278.
[0059] In addition, the invention contemplates that locations 278 and 378 may
be located in
locations that are symmetrical with each other with respect to spinal axis
240, but
asymmetrical with one another with respect to top end 220 (see Figs. 35 and
36). In Fig. 35
locations 278 and 378 are symmetrical to one another with respect spinal axis
240, but
location 378 is closer to top end 220 than location 278, whereas in Fig. 36
locations 278 and
378 are symmetrical to one another with respect spinal axis 240, but location
278 is closer to
top end 220 than location 378.
[0060] Furthermore, locations 278 and 378 may be located in locations that are
asymmetrical with one another other with respect to spinal axis 240 and top
end 220 (see
Figs. 37 and 38), in any combination. As such, location 378 may be closer to
or farther from
spinal axis 240 than location 278, and closer to or farther from top end 220
than location
278, for a total of four combinations.
[0061] In the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 39 and 40, shoulder straps 270
and 370 have
their respective lower ends 276 and 376 connected intermediate top end 220 and
bottom end
230 at locations 278 and 378, wherein locations 278 and 378 are located on
spinal axis 240,
16

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
and locations 278 and 378 are located asymmetrical with on another with
respect to top end
220. In Fig. 39, location 378 is located closer to top end 220 than location
278, whereas in
Fig. 40 location 278 is located closer to top end 220 than location 378.
[0062] Figs. 41 and 42 include shoulder straps 270 and 370 having their
respective lower
ends 276 and 376 connected intermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230 at
locations 278
and 378, wherein one of locations 278 and 378 is located on spinal axis 240,
the other
location is located on either side of spinal axis 240, and locations 278 and
378 are located
asymmetrical with on another with respect to top end 220. In Fig. 41, location
278 is located
on spinal axis 240 and location 378 is located off of spinal axis 240, and
location 378 is
located closer to top end 220 than location 278, whereas in Fig. 42 location
378 is located on
spinal axis 240 and location 278 is located off of spinal axis 240, and
location 278 is located
closer to top end 220 than location 378.
[0063] Notably, the invention contemplates that the location that is located
off of spinal axis
240 may be on either side of spinal axis 240. As such, in Figs. 41 and 42
location 378 may
be located on the other side of spinal axis 240. Furthermore, in Figs. 41 and
421ocation 378
may be located on spinal axis 240 with location 278 located on either side of
spinal axis 240.
[0064] Figs. 43 and 44 include shoulder straps 270 and 370 having their
respective lower
ends 276 and 376 connected intermediate top end 220 and bottom end 230 at
locations 278
and 378, wherein one of locations 278 and 378 is located on spinal axis 240,
the other
location is located on either side of spinal axis 240, and locations 278 and
378 are located
symmetrical with on another with respect to top end 220. In Fig. 43, location
378 is located
on spinal axis 240 and location 278 is located off of spinal axis 240, whereas
in Fig. 44
location 278 is located on spinal axis 240 and location 378 is located off of
spinal axis 240.
[0065] Notably, the invention contemplates that the location that is located
off of spinal axis
240 may be on either side of spinal axis 240. As such, in Fig. 43 location 278
may be
17

CA 02578555 2007-02-14
located on the other side of spinal axis 240, and in Fig. 44 location 378 may
be located on
the other side of spinal axis 240.
[0066] Various embodiments of the invention include the embodiments
illustrated in Figs.
11-26 mixed and matched with the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 27-42 in any
possible
combination to form multiple combinations for connecting bag straps 270 and
370 to golf
bag 200. Notably, as illustrated in Fig. 10, bag straps 270 and 370 should
cross each other at
intersection point 295, which is substantially midway between the user's
shoulders and form
an X-shaped 299 pattern on the user's back, although this is not required to
orient bag stand
290 substantially away from the user.
[0067] Benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems have been described
herein with
regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions
to problems,
and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur
or become
more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential
features or
elements of any or all the claims or the invention. The scope of the present
invention is
accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which
reference to
an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless
explicitly so
stated, but rather one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to
the elements of
the above-described embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in
the art are
expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed
by the
present claims.
18

Representative Drawing