| US6148999A | 2000-11-21 | |||
| US6247588B1 | 2001-06-19 | |||
| US5676247A | 1997-10-14 | |||
| US1795880A | 1931-03-10 | |||
| US3521689A | 1970-07-28 | |||
| US4498579A | 1985-02-12 |
| CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
An optionally removable golf bag cover-cooler combination for a golf bag comprising;
a semi-rigid cover-cooler member that is positionable in an attached condition about a neck of said golf bag so that access to golf clubs and any compartments and accessories defined as part of said golf bag are not hindered and wherein said semi-rigid cover member is removably attached about an area of said neck of said golf bag and is extendable above said neck of said golf bag to an extended position to define a sufficient space to enclose and protect said golf clubs contained in said golf bag;
an opening of said golf bag cover-cooler combination for accessing said golf clubs in said golf bag when in said extended position, whereby an attachment area is provided for said attached condition about said neck of said golf bag and said attached condition allows for attaching and detaching said golf bag cover- cooler combination to said neck;
and wherein said semi-rigid cover-cooler member itself comprises a compartment that has an opening and is defined by edge boundaries of said semi-rigid cover wherein said opening may be optionally fully, partially, or not closed at any point in time, and wherein said semi-rigid cover member also optionally comprises a shell wall structure attached to an optionally insulated layer portion and an optional inner liquid resistant layer portion, wherein said insulated layer and inner liquid resistant portions of said shell wall structure cooperate to also define said compartment, and wherein said compartment is thereby optionally insulated and liquid resistant and is suitable as said cover- cooler combination for said golf bag.
2. The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim 1, wherein said cover- cooler combination is a device that acts simply as a cooler in that said cooler provides thermal insulation for perishable items such as food and beverage. 3. The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim 1, wherein said semirigid cover-cooler member comprises at least two surfaces.
4. The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim 3, wherein a first surface of said two surfaces includes two extending inner edge portions that may extend in an L-shape-like configuration up and over said golf bag, said opening being attached to said inner edge portions for opening of said semi-rigid cover-cooler member, and said second surface may be U-shaped-like and extends above said golf bag to join with said first surface thereby defining a sufficient space above said golf bag to enclose and protect said golf clubs contained in said golf bag and provide said compartment which is insulated and is suitable as said cover-cooler combination for said golf bag.
5. The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim 4, wherein said cover- cooler combination is positionable in an attached, non-collapsed or collapsed condition about a neck of a golf bag in a convenient, out-of-the-way disposition so that access to golf clubs in and pockets on said golf bag are not hindered, comprising an opening of said cover-cooler member for accessing said golf clubs in said golf bag when in said extended position above said golf bag, wherein said cover-cooler member includes at least one predetermined fold-line for predetermined and controlled folding of said cover-cooler member from its extended position to a collapsed position about said attachment area of said neck of said golf bag when said opening is open, and
an attachment arrangement attached to said cover-cooler member for securing said cover-cooler member in said non-collapsed or collapsed position about said neck of said golf bag so that said cover-cooler member does not obstruct access to golf clubs in or pockets on said golf bag, providing a securing member extending across or around said opening of said cover-cooler member defined by said opening when said opening is open, wherein said opening may be closed by use of tie-strings, elastic bands, or a flap-like assembly to provide enclosure for said compartment which is insulated and is suitable as said cover-cooler combination for said golf bag. 6. The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim 5, wherein said cover- cooler combination comprises said at least two surfaces and said at least one predetermined fold-line optionally comprises multiple fold-lines.
7. The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim 5, wherein said attachment arrangement extends across or around said opening when said opening is open or closed and wherein said attachment arrangement may include either a strap or handle or any convenient combination thereof.
8. The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim 5, wherein said attachment arrangement comprises fastening components composed of Velcro® or Velcro®-like material.
9. The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim 5, wherein said attachment arrangement includes one or more slits that comprise said handle.
10. The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim 5, wherein said attachment arrangement comprises two or more Velcro® strips with one or more functions known as a tandem function, wherein one function is to ensure proper attachment of said attachment arrangement to said golfbag or to a golfcart, and another function is to provide for proper closure of said cover-cooler combination opening.
11. The golfbag cover-cooler combination according to claim 10, wherein said Velcro® strips may be used as a tandem function in that said strips include hook and loop features on opposing surfaces wherein said strips have adhesive backing and wherein said adhesive backing may be peelable such that said adhesive backing may be placed in coordination with an exterior surface rim of said golfbag and an interior surface of said cover-cooler combination such that mating of said hook and loop features of said strips may occur either to attach said golfbag or golfcart to said cover- cooler combination or to provide for proper closure of said cover-cooler combination or provide both functions. 12.The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim 7, wherein said attachment arrangement comprises straps having complementary detachable fastening components.
13. The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim 7, wherein said attachment arrangement includes at least two straps.
14. The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 1, wherein said cover-cooler combination includes a see-through pocket mounted externally for any compartments or accessories defined as part of said golf bag cover-cooler combination.
15. The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 14, wherein said cover-cooler combination comprises a transparent pocket mounted to one of said side portions of said cover-cooler combination.
16. A golf bag cover-cooler combination wherein said cover-cooler comprises:
a flexible, semi-rigid shell wall structure having a flexible insulated layer, a bottom portion, a top portion, and a sidewall structure, wherein said sidewall structure has a leading portion, a trailing portion and left and right side portions, said leading, trailing and left and right side portions of said sidewall structure extending between said top and bottom portions, wherein said portions of said semi-rigid shell wall structure co-operate to define therewithin an insulated compartment, said sidewall structure leading, trailing and left and right side portions having upper edge boundaries, said upper edge boundaries cooperating to define an opening of said insulated compartment, wherein said top portion is a lid or flap, said lid or flap being moveable to an open position to expose said opening of said insulated compartment, said sidewall structure also having a rim extending about said opening;
an optional liner mounted to said rim, said liner being positionable within said compartment and moveable to an inverted position to facilitate washing thereof and which is also thermally insulated and liquid resistant; an optional lifting member attached to said leading portion of said flexible soft shell wall structure, wherein said lifting member is optionally a strap or handle or at least one slit or any convenient combination thereof;
said sidewall structure having a height, a depth, and a breadth, said height being greater than either of said depth and said breadth;
an optional secondary wall structure mounted to said trailing portion of said semi-rigid shell wall structure to define an auxiliary compartment, said secondary wall structure having an auxiliary compartment closure member operable to give access to said auxiliary compartment.
17. The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 16, wherein said lid or flap is moveable to a closed position relative to said insulated compartment, said lid or flap has an inside surface optionally having a peripheral bead formed thereabout, wherein said inside surface faces toward said insulated compartment when said lid or flap is in said closed position and said rim has an upwardly extending bead standing in opposition to said bead of said Hd or flap when said lid or flap is in said closed position.
18. The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 17, wherein said auxiliary compartment has a holder mounted therein, wherein said holder may provides for keys, wireless devices, or other personal devices that have utility for an individual or group of golfers.
19. The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 18, wherein said holder includes a lanyard secured within said auxiliary compartment.
20. The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 19, wherein one of said side portions has see-through side pocket(s), said pocket(s) having a leading edge, a trailing edge and an opening between said leading and trailing edges;
said leading edge being longer than said trailing edge; and wherein said auxiliary compartment has see-through vented ρocket(s) mounted externally thereto; and said lid or flap has a carrying member attached thereto.
21. The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 20, wherein said pocket(s) are formed of a flexible, liquid resistant material.
22. The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 21, wherein said lifting member includes a strap with a quick release hanging mechanism for attachment to said cover- cooler combination.
23. The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 22, wherein a girth reinforcement extending about said sidewall structure adjacent to said bottom portion and said top portion of said cover-cooler combination is optional.
24. The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 23, wherein said optional liner is impermeable and is attached continuously around said rim.
25. The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 24, wherein said insulated compartment has a thermal transfer medium holder mounted therein, and said holder is optionally vented.
26. The golf bag cover-cooler of claim 25, wherein a reusable ice or heating substitute exists in said top portion of said cover-cooler, such that when said cover-cooler is inverted and closed or sealed, said ice or heating substitute is activated by placing said cover-cooler in a freezer or oven for a period of time.
27. The golf bag cover-cooler of claim 26, wherein said cover-cooler is sized for storage in an average freezer or oven.
28. A method for using an openable and optionally collapsible golf bag cover-cooler combination comprising the steps of:
attaching a semi-rigid cover-cooler member to an area of a neck of a golf bag; opening said cover-cooler member when in an extended position above said golf bag enclosing and protecting golf clubs contained in said golf bag;
optionally folding said cover-cooler member down about an attachment area of said neck of said golf bag about at least one predetermined fold-line in said cover-cooler member;
optionally detaching an optionally collapsed said cover-cooler member from said neck of said golf bag with an optional holding device such as straps or Velcro® or Velcro-like strips attached to said cover-cooler member so that said cover-cooler member does not obstruct access to golf clubs in or pockets on said golf bag;
opening or closing an opened section of said cover-cooler member to insert or remove objects that require thermal insulation over a period of time;
and inserting or removing said objects when desired.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of optionally detaching said collapsed cover-cooler member includes extending said optional holding device across or around an opening formed when said cooler-cover member is opened and fastening in detachable engagement complimentary fastening components that are attached to ends of said holding device wherein said holding device comprise straps or handles or at least one slit or any convenient combination thereof.
30. A system for using a removable golf bag cover-cooler combination for a golf bag wherein said cover-cooler combination comprises;
a semi-rigid cover-cooler member that is positionable in an attached condition about a neck of said golf bag so that access to golf clubs and any compartments and accessories defined as part of said golf bag are not hindered and wherein said semi-rigid cover member is removably attached about an area of said neck of said golf bag and is extendable above said neck of said golf bag to an extended position to define a sufficient space to enclose and protect said golf clubs contained in said golf bag;
an opening of said golf bag cover-cooler combination for accessing said golf clubs in said golf bag when in said extended position, whereby an attachment area is provided for said attached condition about said neck of said golf bag and said attached condition allows for attaching and detaching said golf bag cover- cooler combination to said neck;
and wherein said semi-rigid cover-cooler member itself comprises an opening to a compartment within and defined by an edge boundaries of said semi-rigid cover wherein said opening may be optionally fully, partially, or not, closed at any point in time, and wherein said semi-rigid cover member also optionally comprises a shell wall structure attached to an insulated layer portion and an optional inner liquid resistant layer portion, wherein said insulated layer and inner liquid resistant portions of said shell wall structure co-operate to also define said compartment, and wherein said compartment is thereby optionally insulated and liquid resistant and is suitable as said cover-cooler combination for said golf bag,
and using an openable and optionally collapsible golf bag cover-cooler combination comprising the steps of: attaching a semi-rigid cover-cooler member to an area of a neck of a golf bag; opening said cover-cooler member when in an extended position above said golf bag enclosing and protecting golf clubs contained in said golf bag;
optionally folding said cover-cooler member down about an attachment area of said neck of said golf bag about at least one predetermined fold-line in said cover-cooler member;
optionally detaching an optionally collapsed said cover-cooler member from said neck of said golf bag with an optional holding member such as straps or or Velcro® or Velcro®-like strips for attachment of said cover-cooler member so that said cover-cooler member does not obstruct access to golf clubs in or pockets on said golf bag; opening or closing an opened section of said cover-cooler member to insert or remove objects that require thermal insulation over a period of time; and inserting or removing said objects when desired.
31. The golf bag cover-cooler combination system according to claim 30, wherein said cover-cooler combination is a device that acts simply as a cooler in that said cooler provides thermal insulation for perishable items such as food and beverage.
32. The golf bag cover-cooler combination system according to claim 30, wherein said semi-rigid cover-cooler member comprises at least two surfaces.
33. The golf bag cover-cooler combination system according to claim 30, wherein a first surface of said two surfaces includes two extending inner edge portions that may extend in an L-shape-like configuration up and over said golf bag, said opening being attached to said inner edge portions for opening of said semi-rigid cover-cooler member, and said second surface may be U-shaped-like and extends above said golf bag to join with said first surface thereby defining a sufficient space above said golf bag to enclose and protect said golf clubs contained in said golf bag and provide said compartment which is insulated and is suitable as said cover-cooler combination for said golf bag.
34. The golf bag cover-cooler combination system according to claim 33, wherein said cover-cooler combination is positionable in an attached, non-collapsed or collapsed condition about a neck of a golf bag in a convenient, out-of-the-way disposition so that access to golf clubs in and pockets on said golf bag are not hindered, comprising:
an opening of said cover-cooler member for accessing said golf clubs in said golf bag when in said extended position above said golf bag, wherein said cover-cooler member includes at least one predetermined fold-line for predetermined and controlled folding of said cover-cooler member from its extended position to a collapsed position about said attachment area of said neck of said golf bag when said opening is open, and a securing member attached to said cover-cooler member for securing said cover member in said collapsed or non-collapsed position about said neck of said golf bag so that said cover-cooler member does not obstruct access to golf clubs in or pockets on said golf bag, said securing member extending across or around said opening in said cover-cooler member defined by said opening member when said opening is open, wherein said opening may be closed by use of tie-strings or a flap-like assembly to provide enclosure for said compartment which is insulated and is suitable as said cover-cooler combination for said golf bag.
35. The golf bag cover-cooler combination system according to claim 34, wherein said cover-cooler combination comprises two surfaces and said at least one predetermined fold-line optionally comprises multiple fold-lines.
36. The golf bag cover-cooler combination system according to claim 35, wherein said securing member extends across or around said opening member when said opening member is open or closed and wherein said securing member may include either a strap or handle or at least one slit or any convenient combination thereof.
37. The golf bag cover-cooler combination system according to claim 36, wherein said securing member comprises straps having complementary detachable fastening components.
38. The golf bag cover-cooler combination system according to claim 37, wherein said securing member includes at least two straps.
39. The golf bag cover-cooler combination system according to claim 38, wherein said securing member comprises fastening components composed of Velcro® or Velcro-like material.
40. The golf bag cover-cooler combination system of claim 30, wherein said cover- cooler combination includes a see-through pocket mounted externally for any compartments or accessories defined as part of said golf bag cover-cooler combination. 41. The golf bag cover-cooler combination system of claim 40, wherein said cover- cooler combination comprises a transparent pocket mounted to one of said side portions of said cover-cooler combination.
42. The system of claim 30, wherein the step of optionally detaching said collapsed cover-cooler member includes extending said optional holding member across an opening formed when said cooler-cover member is opened and fastening detachable engagement complimentary fastening components that are secured to ends of said holding member wherein said holding member comprises straps or handles or at least one slit or any convenient combination thereof.
43. The system of claim 30, wherein said attachment arrangement includes on or more slits that comprise said handle.
44. The system of claim 30, wherein said attachment arrangement comprises two or more Velcro® strips with one or more functions known as a tandem function, wherein one function is to ensure proper attachment of said attachment arrangement to said golfbag or to a golfcart, and another function is to provide for proper closure of said cover-cooler combination opening.
45. The system according to claim 44, wherein said Velcro® strips may be used as a tandem function in that said strips include hook and loop features on opposing surfaces wherein said strips have adhesive backing and wherein said adhesive backing may be peelable such that said adhesive backing may be placed in coordination with an exterior surface rim of said golfbag and an interior surface of said cover-cooler combination such that mating of said hook and loop features of said strips may occur either to attach said golfbag or golfcart to said cover-cooler combination or to provide for proper closure of said cover-cooler combination or provide both functions.
46. An optionally removable universal golfbag cover-cooler combination for a golf bag comprising; a semi-rigid cover-cooler member that is positionable in an attached condition about a neck of said golf bag so that access to golf clubs and any compartments and accessories defined as part of said golf bag are not hindered and wherein said semi-rigid cover member is removably attached about an area of said neck of said golf bag and is extendable above said neck of said golf bag to an extended position to define a sufficient space to enclose and protect said golf clubs contained in said golf bag;
an opening of said golf bag cover-cooler combination for accessing said golf clubs in said golf bag when in said extended position, whereby an attachment area is provided for said attached condition about said neck of said golf bag and said attached condition allows for attaching and detaching said golf bag cover- cooler combination to said neck;
and wherein said semi-rigid cover-cooler member itself comprises a compartment that has an opening and is defined by edge boundaries of said semi-rigid cover wherein said opening may be optionally fully, partially, or not closed at any point in time, and wherein said semi-rigid cover member also optionally comprises a shell wall structure attached to an optionally insulated layer portion and an optional inner liquid resistant layer portion, wherein said insulated layer and inner liquid resistant portions of said shell wall structure cooperate to also define said compartment, and wherein said compartment is thereby optionally insulated and liquid resistant and is suitable as said cover- cooler combination for any golf bag or golf cart.
47. The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 46, wherein said cover-cooler combination is specifically suitable for customized golf bags or golf carts and has been designed specifically for said customized golf bags or golf carts. |
Invention Disclosure
TITLE OF INVENTION Golf Bag Cover-Cooler Combination
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to golf bag covers for golf bags that protect both golf clubs and the interior of golf bags from water during inclement weather conditions, the golf club heads during transportation, and more particularly, to a golf bag cover that can be conveniently converted or allowed to act as a cooler for beverage or food. It is also conceivable that the user may think of the device primarily as a cooler that converts into or becomes useful as a golf bag cover. The conventional cover is provided with snaps for attachment and detachment from the neck of a golf bag and has a zipper for accessing clubs in the golf bag when the cover is used. In a majority of cases, golf is played in weather that is not inclement and the clubs are secured in an upright position on the cart, minimizing the possibility of damage while playing. The golf bag cover is removed from the bag and stored in one of the golf bag compartments providing no additional utility to the golf bag user or worse yet, placed in the golf cart and possibly forgotten at the end of play. Additionally, no matter what their level of skill, most golfers enjoy refreshments on the course during a round of golf. These refreshments include water and soft drinks such as Coke, Pepsi, root beer and the like, as well as alcoholic beverages such as beer. These drinks conventionally are available in twelve (12) or sixteen (16) ounce cans and/or bottles either through dispensing machines placed about the golf course, or at the club facilities including the pro shop, bar or restaurant.
For golfers that take coolers to the golf courses, presently, they must bring a^ separate cooler with them. At many golf facilities there exist bans regarding bringing conventional hard surfaced coolers into the golf areas. Some coolers are disguised as accessory bags and as such are limited in size and utility.
Thus, a need exists for a golf bag cover that not only protects golf clubs during
transport and the interior of the bag from rain or other undesirable weather elements whenever encountered, but also permits for the additional utility as a cooler for beverages and food.
Field of Invention
The invention relates to a new and useful product, method and system for golf accessories. Specifically, the invention provides for a product that combines the need for a golf bag cover which protects expensive golf clubs from physical or mechanical damage and has the additional utility that allows for the same product to be used as a cooler. The cover-cooler combination includes several unique features that assist the golfer in maintaining beverage or food or both at temperatures above or below room temperature for a sufficient period of time to ensure enjoyment of the item to enhance a golfer's golfing experience by adding convenience.
Description of Prior Art
Over the years golfers have developed a number of accessory products for use with golf bags as well as coolers with golfing themes, but none refer to combining the items into a single device with multiple uses;
U.S. Patent No. 2,723,535 to Jones, describes a cooler with a canvas outer layer and an insulative layer that may be strapped to a pull golf cart, golf cart or a golf bag. Its sole purpose is that of a cooler for beverages, food and the like.
U.S. Patent No. D293,851 to Cannon, et. al., describes an ornamental design of a cooler compartment that is attachable to a golf bag.
U.S. Patent No. 4,459,827 to Rhodes, describes a golf bag cooler kit for carrying cooled beverages comprising a belt and a mounting plate assembly. The belt straps circle the golf bag and, when tightened, allow for beverages to be placed inside the compartments.
U.S. Patent No. 4,869,365 to Purdue, et. al., describes an accessory compartment that is detachably secured to the side of a golf bag with a plurality of closable pockets. U.S. Patent No. 4,924,682 to Penner, describes a golf bag beverage cooler for attachment to a golf bag with a strap means. It also describes insulation, circular
access, a tube and allows for dispensing. A cooling means of freezable fluid provides cooling. i
U.S. Patent No. 4,989,767 to Buschbom, describes a cooler preferably attachable to the front of a golf cart. Canadian Patent No. CA2225033 A to Whenham, describes a cooler specifically designed as a golf accessory that attaches to the side of the golfer's bag. It retains a strap that can be used as a carrying strap to be used independently of the golf bag and a preferred cooling means of ice packs.
U.S, Patent No. 5,099,989 to Miller, describes a combination golf head cover and beverage container insulator used to cover an individual golf club and receiving a single beverage container. It provides no means for cooling beverages.
U.S. Patent No. 5,640,855 to Crescenzo, et. al., describes a portable cooler for use with a golf bag wherein the portable cooler is inserted lengthwise into a peripheral side compartment of the golf bag. U.S. Patent No. 5,676,247 to Shioda, describes an improved, semi-rigid removable golf bag cover that is removeably attached to a golf bag and is foldable around the perimeter of the golf bag as a means to access golf clubs.
U.S. Patent No. 5,722,253 to Todd, describes a three part cooler comprising an upper insulated cooler attached to a golf bag and a lower insulated cooler attached to a lower portion of the golf bag both sized to receive a beverage container and a central portion separated from the upper and lower portions to receive a cooling medium.
U.S. Patent No. 5,915,551 to Vavro, describes a cooler as an integral part of a golf bag located within the bottom portion of a main storage cavity with a means for cooling and an opening in the side for storage and retrieval of beverage cans. U.S. Patent No. 6,067,813 to Smith, describes a beverage cooler wherein the beverage is a bottle and the coolant surrounds the bottle sides and the cooler portion is preferably recessed from the bottle mouth.
PCT Publication No. WO 04012826A1 to Klock, describes a cooler for a single bottle attached to a golf bag that is oriented so that the bottle is substantially vertical. U.S. Patent No. 6,513,661 to Mogil, describes an insulated, lined, soft shell cooler with a hinged top for inserting and removing beverage containers
U.S. Patent No. 6,092,0661, a continuation of U.S. Patent No. 6,513,661 to Mogil, describes an insulated, lined, soft shell cooler with a hinged top for inserting and
removing beverage containers and a lifting member attached to the lead portion of the cooler and an auxiliary compartment with a closure member operable to gain access. U.S. Patent No. 6,237,776, a continuation of U.S. Patent No. 6,092,0661 to Mogil, describes an insulated, lined, soft-shell cooler with a hinged top for inserting and removing beverage containers.
U.S. Patent No. 6,394,325 to Taylor, describes a cooler that is removeably attached to a golf cart that is not an accessory to a golf bag.
U.S. Patent No. 6,439,389, a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent No. 6,092,066 to Mogil, describes a flexible insulated cooler with a "C" shaped cylinder extending between the top and bottom wherein the cylinder is moved to allow for accessibility by the user.
Although many of the above referenced patents relate to some form of a golf bag cover, golf club cover, or beverage cooler, none of these inventions teach or even suggest a combination golf bag cover which can be converted into a beverage/foodstuff cooler and container as a unitary device. Presently there are no commercially available combination golf bag cover/beverage coolers that would integrally accompany the golfer on a golf course when they have their bags and clubs. Based on the inventor's experience, it is highly desirable to provide such a combination golf bag cover and cooler.
SUMMARY OF 11 1 WENTION
The present invention comprises a cover-cooler combination for a golf bag which allows for maintaining beverage or food or both at temperatures above or below room temperature for a sufficient period of time to ensure enjoyment of the item that is held in the cover-cooler device, while also continuing to provide traditional protection for the golf clubs in a golf bag. The thermal insulation provided within the cover-cooler combination will also ensure against items (that must maintain a low or high temperature) from perishing or degrading to a point where the items may become unusable (or at the very least undesirable).
Thus, one object of the present invention is to provide a golf bag cover-cooler combination that is primarily a unitary device in that the combination is preferably
one-piece, however, this is not a prerequisite for the device. The cover-cooler combination may also be multi-sectioned. The cover should be comprised of an outer layer of durable, semi-rigid material, such as canvas comprised of traditional woven or even non-woven materials including thermoplastics and the like, with and without cellular or foamed structure and including various material composites as so desired. The cover-cooler combination must also continue to protect the golf bag and the golf bag's contents from rain or transportation damage and also must cover and protect a preferred second layer comprised of insulative material and an optional but highly desirable either separate or combined layer utilizing waterproof or at least water resistant material.
Another object of the present invention is to include in the combination cover-cooler a feature for opening and closing to aid in accessing golf clubs and for removal of the golf bag cover from the golf bag. An additional feature provides the dual utility of closing an opened portion of the cover-cooler combination, once removed from the golf bag, to aid in keeping the contents, such as beverages and foodstuffs thermally insulated as well as providing a convenient carrying means. '
It is therefore an additional object of the present invention to provide a combination golf bag cover and cooler that is insulated and operationally efficient for storing beverage and food, as well as protecting golf clubs from mechanical, physical or meteorological damage. i
The cover-cooler combination may also include added features such as wireless device holders, pocket-like holders for keys, writing utensils, golf accessories including additional golf balls and tees, etc. These additional features and their utility are essentially infinite and therefore it should suffice to state that the present invention may include all known and foreseen features that could be added to the cover-cooler combination to enhance a golfer's golfing experience by adding convenience.
BRIEF PESCRIPTION QF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a typical golf bag for storing golf clubs.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a golf bag cover and how it fits with relation to a typical golf bag.
FIG. 3 A is an illustration of only a golf bag cover inverted in the cooler position. FIG. 3B is an illustration of the basic construction materials of the cover-cooler. FIG. 4A is an illustration of the golf bag cover-cooler showing closure features. FIG. 4B is an illustration showing FIG. 4A feature construction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The description which follows, and the embodiments described therein, is provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular embodiments of the principles of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention. In the description which follows, the same parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals. The figures represent the cover-cooler combination and are not drawn to scale and in some instances proportions have been exaggerated in order to more clearly depict certain features of the invention.
FIG. 1 illustrates a typical golf bag [100], which is comprised of a club storage cavity [HO], which is essentially vertical, with a base [120] typically of a rigid, wear resistant construction. The uppermost portion of the club storage cavity [110] is the neck [125], which may contain horizontal club separators [130] for separating a plurality of golf clubs [128]. Typically attached to the base [120] and the neck [125] is a strap [135] used to carry the golf bag [100]. Other features such as compartments [140] and accessories [145] may be removeably attached to the outer surface of the club cavity [HO]. Compartments [140] and accessories [145] may contain fasteners such as zippers [150], or hook loop(s) [155], manufactured from materials such as Velcro®, or the fasteners may be snaps [160].
FIG. 2 is a golf bag cover-cooler combination [200] large enough to peripherally cover a neck [125] of a golf bag [100] with golf clubs [128] in the club storage cavity [110] comprising a semi-rigid material [210] preferably with a waterproof zipper [220] to open and close the cover-cooler combination [200] for access to golf clubs [128]. When closed, the zipper [220] ensures that the cover-cooler combination
becomes a closed barrier to rain and other undesirable weather related elements. An optional elastic band [230] is attached, preferably sewn into place, peripherally around the golf bag cover-cooler combination [200]. Closure/fasteners such as Velcro® [235] are preferably sewn in place to enable closure of the golf bag cover- cooler combination [200] when it is removed and inverted for use as a cooler (FIG.3) [300] for beverages or food. The closure/fasteners made of Velcro® may also be used to secure the golf bag cover-cooler combination [200] to the neck [125] of the golf bag [100]. The cover-cooler [200] combination may be preferably portably transported by the user inserting their fingers and grasping the appropriate section of the cover-cooler combination through an opening [240] or optionally by means of an accessory handle removeably attached to the cover-cooler combination [200]. The accessory handle [245] may also be used to secure the cover-cooler combination [200] optionally to the outside of a golf bag [100] again by use of hook and loop features associated with Velcro® and the like.
Additionally the cover-cooler combination [200] may contain fasteners such as zippers [150], hook loop(s) [155], using Velcro® as the material of choice, or possibly snaps [160] to secure the cover-cooler combination [200] to the golf bag [100]. A method for attaching the cover-cooler combination to a golf cart in the same fashion as would be used to attach to a golf bag is also possible, as is just allowing for carrying the cover-cooler separately. The primary purpose of providing the features described above for fastening the cover-cooler to the golf bag (or golf cart) is to ensure that the cover-cooler combination is universal, in that it would fit essentially any manufactured golf bag or golf cart or accessories thereof. It is possible and also within the scope of the intent of this specification, that the cover-cooler combination be manufactured to specifications required for custom golfbags and/or golf carts. These custom designs will vary in terms of the attachment requirements necessary to ensure proper linkage with the cover-cooler combination.
The cover-cooler combination [200] may also contain a loop feature [250] to allow for hanging the cover-cooler combination [200] to aid in drying, cleaning or providing other user's needs.
FIG. 3 A illustrates the cover-cooler combination [200] in an inverted position, preferable for use as a cooler indicating material for the cover-cooler combination [200] in FIG. 3B which is comprised of a semi-rigid outer surface [210], preferably of waterproof material such as a canvas or webbed material, a preferable but optional inner layer of insulative material [310], preferably of a closed cell foamed polymer and an inner layer [320] of another waterproof material which may or may not be identical to that of the outer surface [210] material. An optional waterproof liner {330] such as a plastic sack, may be inserted into the cover-cooler [200] based upon the user(s)' preference. The zipper [220] is secured through the material layers [210,310,320] by stitching or other means to bind the material layers [210,310,320] together. When the zipper [220] is closed, and the cover-cooler [200] is inverted, the cover-cooler [200] is considered to be an essentially watertight compartment. The cover-cooler [200] inner layer [320] with the zipper [220] fully released may be inverted inwardly outward for ease in cleaning or drying of the inner layer [320]. There is also a possibility of using a strap [245] for use as a handle so that the cooler may be carried appropriately.
Additional features (not shown) may include compartments for electronic devices, personal belongings, and the like, and may provide for openings sidewardly opened or opened from either a topside or a bottom side depending on whether the cover-cooler [200] is vertical as shown in FIG. 2 or the cover-cooler [200] is inverted as in FIG. 3. Compartments for containing chemical 'ice packs' or 'warmers' may be added to the inner layer [320] to aid in cooling or heating as desired. The cover-cooler combination [200] may optionally be adapted to different manufacturers golf bag [100] specifications for size, shape, color, and design, as required.
It will, of course, be appreciated that the embodiments described have been given simply by the way of illustration, and the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments described herein. Various changes and modifications of the embodiments disclosed may be prepared by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention and as defined in the appended claims.