US3172681A

US3172681A - Golf club carrier

Info

Publication number: US3172681A
Application number: US264896A
Authority: US
Inventors: Moses Charles
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1963-03-13
Filing date: 1963-03-13
Publication date: 1965-03-09
Anticipated expiration: 1982-03-09

Description

March 9, 1965 c. MOSES 3,172,681

GOLF CLUB CARRIER Filed March 15, 1963 s Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

Charles Moses ATTORNEY March 9, 1965 c. MOSES GOLF CLUB CARRIER 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 13, 1965 FIG.7

INVENTOR.

Charles Moses BY flaw.

7 ATTORNEY FIG.11

March 9, 1965 c. MOSES 3,172,681

GOLF CLUB CARRIER Filed March 15, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet .3

FIGS

1 grzo giss . INVENTOR. f -K Charles Moses ATTORNEY United States Patent This invention relates in general to a golf club carrier, and more specifically to an improved golf club carrier which can be either detachably connected to a known wheeled cart or optionally carried over ones shoulder.

More particularly, this invention is directed to a golf club carrier of the general type disclosed in US. Patents 1,696,062; 1,951,492; 2,482,372; 2,679,876; 2,863,483; and 2,950,798, all of which have in common a series of tubular members connected between upper and lower supports arranged so that each tubular member forms a pocket or slot for receiving the shaft of a given club. However, the known constructions have been mainly concerned with holding the golf clubs only. Accessibility to other accessories required for the game of golf such as balls, tees, pencils and personal articles were not taken into consideration in the known constructions. Some of the patented constructions make provision for an accessory bag for carrying such articles. However, it is not desirable to store articles such as tees, pencils, score cards and balls in such bags when the game is being played because of the diihculty of access thereto each time their use was required.

Therefore an object of this invention is to provide for a novel golf club carrier of the class generally described in which the clubs and the other incidental accessories necessary to enjoy the game of golf are rendered readily accessible for instant use when the use thereof is made necessary.

Another object is to provide a golf club carrier of the class described which can be readily detachably connected to carts of known construction.

Still another object is to provide the golf club carrier with a novel golf ball dispenser in which the balls can be individually dispensed when desired.

Still another object is to construct the carrier of the class described so that it may be optionally carried by a wheeled golf cart or over ones shoulder.

Still another object is to provide a golf club carrier of improved construction with novel means for securing thereto an accessory bag.

Still another object is to provide a novel golf club carrier which is relatively simple and durable in construction, inexpensive to fabricate, and positive in operation.

The golf club carrier of this invention comprises essentially means defining a top and bottom supporting means, each of which has formed therein a series of axially aligned tube seats. The seats of the upper support means are defined as apertures or holes extending therethrough and as cup shaped seats with tapered side walls in the bottom support. Between the respective support means are a plurality of tubular members which are fitted into the corresponding aligned tube seats, the respective tubular members being specifically constructed so as to be frictionally secured in their respective tube seats. In accordance with this invention novel golf ball dispensing means are formed integral with the upper support means for storing and individually dispensing the balls as desired. Also the upper support means is provided with means for retaining tees, pencils, score cards, cigarettes the the like so as to be rendered instantly accessible. Also an accessory bag is provided and it is novelly secured to the carrier. Means are also provided for either detachably connecting the carrier of this invention to a wheeled 3 ,172,681 Patented Mar. 9, 1965 carrier cart, or for optionally carrying the .same over ones shoulder. Means are also provided for carrying thereon an umbrella.

A feature of this invention resides in the specific arrangement of the upper support means which is constructed and arranged so as to render all the necessary acessories of a golf game instantly accessible and readied for use.

Another feature resides in the novel golf ball storing and dispensing compartment formed integral with the upper support means.

Still another feature resides in the specific provision by which the tubular members are secured between the up per and lower support means.

Still another feature resides in the provision in which the accessory bag is secured between the upper and lower support means.

Other features and advantages will be rendered readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specification in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation View of the golf club carrier shown attached to a golf cart of known construction.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the upper support.

FIG. 3 is a detail side view illustrating the detachable.

connecting means for the top support means.

FIG. 4 is a detail front view of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the bottom support means.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the upper carrier support.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the lower support means of FIG. 6, having portions thereof shown in section.

FIG. 8 illustrates the carrier arranged to be carried over ones shoulder.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a modified top support plate having portions broken away.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of FIG. 9, having parts shown in section.

F 1G. 11 is a side view of a dispensing means.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the improved golf club carrier 29 of this invention illustrated in combination with a wheeled golf cart 21 of known construction. Essentially the cart 21 comprises a vertical or upright support column 22 to which there is connected a wheel brace 23 and associated wheels 24. A handle 25 is pivotally connected to the column 22. Connected to the bottom of the support column 22 is a bottom platform 26 by which the cart 21 can be supported upright when it is not being rolled or pushed. Connected to the upper and lower ends of the column 22 are a bracket means 27, 28 which is adapted to detachably receive the mounting brackets connected to the upper and lower support means of the carrier, as will be hereinafter described. Essentially the bracket means 27, 28 includes a bent plate or channellike member 29 having laterally offset vertical extending flanged wing portions 29A. The respective bent plate 29 of the

respective brackets

27, 28 are secured to the support upright 22 of the cart 21 by a U strap 30 and nut and bolt means 31. The upper and lower bracket means 27, 2a are similar, except that the upper channel member 29 has connected thereto a bottom web or flange 29B.

In accordance with this invention the golf club carrier 20 comprises an upper or top supporting plate 35 and a lower supporting plate 36. As shown in FIG. 2, the top support plate 35 comprises a substantially rectangularly shaped member 35A having cut-elf corner portions 353 along the leading portion thereof. A depending flange circumscrihes the plate 35C. The top plate 35 has a central cut-out portion 37 extending inwardly from f stantially two golf ball diameters.

the leading edge thereof. A series of holes 38 are formed in the plate 35 to define tube seats. As shown holes 38 extend in a row along the rear edge thereof, and three like holes are located along each side edge of the top plate 35. Disposed on one side of the central cut-out 37 are a series of holes 39 in which the stems of tees are frictionally retained. Consequently it will be noted that the tees are stored so that they can be easily reached. One of the holes 49 may be oversized for receiving a score pencil. If desired, hole 40 may be provided with tapering depending wall 40A for retaining the pencil. The other side of the plate 35 is provided with a wall or recess 41 for storing cigarettes and the like.

On opposite sides of the cut-out portion 37 there is provided a card holding tab 42 blanked out of the top plate 35 for securing a score card 43 to the top plate. Thus, the score card 43 is secured in a manner in which the score can be readily recorded, and rendered visible at all times.

A feature resides in a novel golf ball storing and dispensing compartment 45 formed integral with the top plate. This is attained by providing the top plate 35 with a depending wall or

flange

46, 47 which circumscribes the cut-out portion of the plate and which defines the side walls of the compartment. Preferably the spacing between the opposed flanges 4d and 47 equals sub- See FIGS. 2 and 6. Connected to the fiange portion 43 which defines the rear Wall of the golf ball compartment 45 is a resilient elongated member or finger 49 arranged to define the bottom wall of the compartment. The free end 49A of the finger of tongue 49 is curved upwardly, and defines a stop at the front of the compartment 45 for the balls disposed in the compartment. A central web 4913 is connected to the finger or tongue 49 and it defines a partition between the two rows of golf balls. Thus, it will be noted that each row of balls is confined between the top plate 35, the rear flange 48,

side flanges

46 and 47, the web 45B disposed therebetween, and on the bottorn by the portion of the tongue 49 extending laterally of the web 49B. The upward curled end or stop 49A at the front of the finger 49 prohibits the balls from falling out of the compartment. Thus, to dispense the balls as desired the tongue or finger 4.9 is simply flexed downwardly sufficiently to permit a ball to be passed by the curled end 49B of the tongue.

The bottom support 36 as shown in FIG. comprises a fiat member 50 having a central cut-out portion 51, and a series of recessed, cup-shaped tube seats 52. formed therein. The cup tube seats 52 are disposed in alignment with corresponding tube seats 38 in the top plate 35. 'Each of the cup seats 52 is formed with tapering side walls 52A. As shown the bottom plate 51 is provided with a circumscribing depending flange 53.

Arranged to be seated in the corresponding tube seats 38 and 52 are a series of elongated tubular members 54. As shown in FIG. 6, the upper ends of tubes 54 are each provided with a beaded edge 54A and the bottom end of each tube 54 is provided with spaced elongated slots or slits 55. Preferably the diameter of the tube is substantially equal to the diameter of the tube seats 38. To assemble the tubes 54 to the

plate members

35, 52, each tube 54 is inserted in the tube seat 38 of the upper plate and it is forced down until the bottom end of the tube 54 is swedged into the cup tube seal 52 of the lower member 36. The splits 55 facilitate the swedging of the tubes 54 in the cup seats 52'. Thus, a firm positive friction fit is provided between the tubes 54 and the

respective Support plates

35, 36. For a more positive connection the internal walls of the cup seat 52 may be scored or serrated.

Alsofin accordance with this invention, an accessory bag 56 is disposed between the upper and

lower support plates

36, 37. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 7, the bag 56 is formed preferably of plastic and includes a bag 4 having front 56A, rear 56B, connecting side 56C panels, a top 5613 and a bottom wall 56E. The front 56A of the bag 56 may be provided with a zippered fastener opening 57.

In accordance with this invention, the rear panel 56B of the bag has integrally formed therewith a pair of sleeve loops 57. Accordingly the bag 56 is secured between

plates

36 and 37 by threading the middle two

tubes

54D, 54E (see FIG. 5), of the rear row through the respective sleeve loops 57. Thus it will be noted that the bag 56 is firmly secured, and can be readily re moved if desired.

If desired an umbrella support means may be provided. As shown the upper plate 36 has connected thereto a detachable clamping means 64 for securing an umbrella thereto, and the lower plate 37 has connected thereto a bracket 61 with a hole 62 for receiving the tip end of the umbrella. V

For detachably connecting the carrier 2% to the golf cart 21, the upper and

lower support plates

35, 36 have connected to the rear flange thereof a C-shaped bracket 63 which is adapted to be slipped onto the respective channel mount 29 connected to the cart support 22. A base or' web 293 connected to the upper cart mount 29 limits the downward movement of the C-shaped bracket 63 when the carrier 21) is connected thereto.

In order to sling the carrier 20 over ones shoulder, a shoulder strap 65 may be detachably connected by fastening means 66, 67 to the upper and

lower supports

36, 37 as shown in FIG. 8. As shown the fastening means connected to the ends of the shoulder strap comprise a slip type member similar in construction to the top mounting bracket 29 connected to the cart. Thus it will be noted that the G-shaped member 63 connected to the respective top and bottom support means 35,36 receive the

fasteners

66, 67, respectively.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a slightly modified top support means 135. The top support means is similar in all respects to the support means 35 hereinbefore described, but for a differently constructed golf ball storing and dispensing compartment 136. Generally the top support 135 comprises a plate 137 having a depending circumscribing flange 138 and the tube seats 139. Connected to the underside of plate 137 is a depending flange or wall portion disposed to define the sides 140, front 141A, and rear 141 of the golf ball dispensing compartment 136. A central partition 142 divides the compartment 136 in half so that two rows ofballs may be-stored within the compartment 136. The bottom of the compartment is defined by a

strip

143 and 144 which extends between the front 141A and rear 141 of the compartment. Each

strip

143 and 144, it will be noted, is less than the width or distance between a side wall and the partition 142. Thus the bottom of the compartment is partially open, the open portions being insufiicient to permit a ball from passing therethrough. The

strips

143, 144 are connected at one end to the rear wall 141 and at their other end to a cross arm 145 which extends between the side walls 140 adjacent the front wall 141A. As shown the cross arm is provided with a

finger hole

143A and 144A disposed in line with the

respective strips

143 and 144. The size of the finger is smaller than the diameter of the ball, and thus the balls cannot be dispensed therethrough.

The opening for dispensing the ball from the compartment is formed in the surface of the top plate 137. As shown the dispensing openings 146, 147 are disposed in alignment with the

finger holes

143A, 144A, respectively. Thus it will be apparent that to dispense the golf balls from either row within the compartment, one need only to insert his finger through one of the

holes

143A, 144A and push the ball seated therein up through the dispensing opening 146 or 147 located in the top plate'137. It will be noted that the score card 42 (not shown in FIG. 9) when retained in position as described in FIG-2 will serve to prevent unintentional removal of the ball from compartment 145.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that a relatively simple golf club carrier is attained. The respective component parts can be readily formed of plastic. The construction is such that the top support provides means for individually dispensing golf balls, while at the same time rendering all the accessory equipment required to play the game instantly accessible. Thereby little if any time is lost in hunting for a pencil, tee, score card, or the like. Consequently, the aggravation for hunting for such articles and the loss of time resulting therefrom is completely eliminated with the instant construction. Therefore, a player need concentrate only on his game.

While the instant invention has been disclosed with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not to be taken as limited to all of the details thereof as modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A carrier for golf clubs comprising means defining a top support having a plane top surface, means defining a bottom support, each ofsaid support means having a plurality of aligned tube seats formed therein, a tubular member for receiving a golf club fitted into each of said aligned tube seats, means connected to each of said support means for detachably connecting said carrier to a wheeled golf cart, wherein said top support has integrally formed therewith a golf ball dispensing means including depending wall portions connected substantially normal to the undersurface of said top support means to define a front opening compartment sized for receiving a plurality of golf balls disposed in line therein, and a resilient tongue member defining a bottom for said compartment to form the bottom support for each of said balls disposed within said compartment, the leading end of said tongue being bent upwardly toward said top support means to define a stop to prohibit the balls from rolling out through the front opening of said compartment, and said balls being individually dispensed by flexing the leading end of said tongue downwardly to dispense a ball out through the front opening from said compartment.

2. A carrier for golf clubs comprising means defining a top support having a plane top surface, means defining a bottom support, each of said support means having a plurality of aligned tube seats formed therein, a tubular member for receiving a golf club fitted into each of said aligned tube seats, means connected to each of said support means for detachably connecting said carrier to a wheeled golf cart, said top support having integrally formed therewith a golf ball storing and dispensing means, said dispensing means including integrally formed rectangularly disposed depending walls defining a compartment formed on the underside of said top support, a central partition dividing said compartment into two parts, strip means connected between opposed wall portions of said compartment defining a partially opened bottom for each of said parts, means defining a finger hole in each said strips, and means defining a ball dispensing opening over each of said finger holes formed in said top support, each of said ball dispensing openings having a diameter greater than that of the balls stored in said compartment, said dispensing openings being disposed in alignment with the respective finger holes so that a ball can be dispensed by pushing the ball upwardly through the dispensing openings by insertion of ones finger in the said respectively associated finger hole.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said top support is provided with means for retaining a score card thereon so that said score card defines a closure for said ball dispensing openings when said score card is re tained in position on said top support and thereby pro hibits unintentional removal of the balls from said compartment.

4. In combination with a wheeled golf cart having a central support column and a pair of wheels mounted thereon, the improvement of an improved golf club carrier adapted to be detachably connected to said cart comprising:

(a) a top support plate having a series of apertures formed therein to define spaced tube seats,

(b) a bottom support plate having a series of recessed tube seats formed therein, each of said recessed tube seats being disposed in co-axial alignment with a corresponding apertured tube seat of said top support plate,

(c) said recessed tube seats having tapered wall portions extending downwardly and inwardly,

(d) a series of elongated tubular members extended between said support plates, each of said tubular member having a slotted lower end portion,

(e) said tubular members each having its upper end fitted in the aperture tube seat of the upper support plate, and having their respective slotted lower end frictionally wedged into a recessed tube seat of said bottom support plate,

(f) means defining a golf ball dispensing compartment integrally connected to said top plate,

(g) said latter means including depending enclosing walls connected to the undersurface of said top support plate to define an opened front compartment, and a resilient member spaced from said top support plate and connected at one end to an enclosing wall to define a bottom wall for said open front compartment, and

(it) said resilient member having its free end defining a stop for the balls at said open front whereby the balls are individually dispensed by a player flexing the free end of said resilient member downwardly to release a ball stored in said compartment out through the opened front thereof,

(i) means connected to said top and bottom support plates for detachably connecting said carrier to said cart,

(j) an accessory bag interposed between said top and bottom support plates,

(k) said accessory bag having a sleeve formed integral therewith, said bag being connected to said carrier by a tube being threaded in said sleeve,

(l) and means formed in said top plate for holding in place thereon a pencil, tees and scoring card in ever ready position.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4 and including a shoulder strap adapted to be detachably connected to said top and bottom supports.

6. A device for golf accessories comprising a support having integrally formed therewith a golf ball dispensing means, said golf ball dispensing means includes depending wall portions connected substantially normal to the un dersurface of said support to define a front opening compartment sized for receiving a plurality of golf balls disposed in line therein, and a resilient tongue member defining a bottom for said compartment to form the bottom support for each of said balls disposed within said compartment, the leading end of said tongue being bent upwardly toward said support to define a stop to prohibit the balls from rolling out through the front opening of said compartment, and said balls being individually dispensed by flexing the leading end of said tongue downwardly to dispense a ball out through the front opening from said compartment.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,695,411 12/28 Busch 287-126 X 1,973,819 9/34 Link. 2,024,484 12/35 Smith l50l.5

(Other references on following page)

Claims

1. A CARRIER FOR GLOF CLUBS COMPRISING MEANS DEFINING A TOP SUPPORT HAVING A PLANE TOP SURFACE, MEANS DEFINING A BOTTOM SUPPORT, EACH OF SAID SUPPORT MEANS HAVING A PLURALITY OF ALIGNED TUBE SEATS FORMED THEREIN, A TUBULAR MEMBER FOR RECEIVING A GOLF CLUB FITTED INTO EACH OF SAID ALIGNED TUBE SEATS, MEANS CONNECTED TO EACH OF SAID SUPPORT MEANS FOR DETACHABLY CONNECTING SAID CARRIER TO A WHEELED GOLF CART, WHEREIN SAID TOP SUPPORT HAS INTEGRALLY FORMED THEREWITH A GOLF BALL DISPENSING MEANS INCLUDING DEPENDING WALL PORTIONS CONNECTED SUBSTANTIALLY NORMAL TO THE UNDERSURFACE OF SAID TOP SUPPORT MEANS TO DEFINE A FRONT OPENING COMPARTMENT SIZED FOR RECEIVING A PLURALITY