WO2015069183A1

WO2015069183A1 - An integrated travel and playing case for golf clubs and accessories

Info

Publication number: WO2015069183A1
Application number: PCT/SG2013/000477
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dustin WILBURN
Original assignee: Wilburn Dustin
Priority date: 2013-11-11
Filing date: 2013-11-11
Publication date: 2015-05-14

Abstract

There is provided an integrated travel and playing case for a plurality of golf clubs. The integrated travel and playing case includes a first portion configured for encasing the plurality of golf clubs; a second portion configured to provide cover for the plurality of golf clubs in a first mode and configured to allow access to the plurality of golf clubs in a second mode; and a golf club containment portion for placement of the plurality of golf clubs within the first portion.

Description

AN INTEGRATED TRAVEL AND PLAYING CASE FOR GOLF CLUBS AND ACCESSORIES

FIELD OF INVENTION The invention relates to an integrated travel and playing case for golf clubs and accessories. BACKGROUND

Playing golf is a popular activity all over the world. One of the appealing aspects of golf relates to how golfers are able to travel to different golf courses all over the world to enjoy picturesque settings while enjoying their sport. In this regard, the transportation of golf clubs and essential accessories is an issue which a golfer constantly needs to consider in the course of enjoying the sport.

There are currently several solutions available for the golfer to address the issue pertaining to the transportation of golf clubs and accessories during trips requiring conveyance by, for example, train, car, plane and the like. A first solution as shown in Figure 1 relates to a soft case which encases a typical filled-up golf bag. Unfortunately, the soft case does not offer substantial protection to the golf bag, does not ensure that the golf bag is easily stored during transportation due to its irregular shape and also takes up space when it is not in use.

A second solution as shown in Figure 2 relates to a hard case which encases a typical filled-up golf bag. Even though the hard case offers substantial impact protection for the golf bag and its contents, it unfortunately takes up a substantial amount of space when it is not in use, is not easily stored during transportation due to its weight/irregular shape and is cumbersome during handling.

A third solution as shown in Figure 3 relates to a slim hard cylindrical tube casing which allows placement of golf clubs within the casing. While the tube casing offers protection for the golf clubs, reduced size and weight compared to the aforementioned solutions, and can be used for play upon arrival at a golf course, there are disadvantages pertaining to use of the third solution. For instance, the need for the complete removal of the top cover (which takes up space upon removal) to allow access to the clubs, the inability to house modern large-headed golf clubs, and the lack of a capability to contain accessories makes the tube casing an undesirable solution.

In this regard, there is a need to improve upon the so-called aforementioned solutions. SUMMARY

In a first aspect, there is provided an integrated travel and playing case for a plurality of golf clubs. The integrated travel and playing case includes a first portion configured for encasing the plurality of golf clubs; a second portion configured to provide cover for the plurality of golf clubs in a first mode and configured to allow access to the plurality of golf clubs in a second mode; and a golf club containment portion for placement of the plurality of golf clubs within the first portion. The second portion is advantageously configured to rotate about a top part of the first portion from the first mode until the second portion is perpendicular to the first portion, subsequently to slide at the top part in a direction perpendicular to the first portion and finally to rotate about the top part of the first portion to allow the first portion to be located within the second portion in the second mode. The top part of the first portion may be a recessed surface.

Preferably, the first portion and the second portion are made from either carbon fiber or a plastic composite material. It is also preferable that a base of the carrying case when in the second mode is able to fit within receptacle areas of either a golf buggy or a pull-cart.

A shape of the carrying case is substantially cuboidal, and the golf club containment portion is either an interior unit or an arrangement of cylinders. The interior unit may include an accessories case. Moreover, the interior unit may be movable within the first portion.

Preferably, the first portion includes either a plurality of inclined slots incorporated, in or a plurality of railings attached to each side wall; and a pin structure at each side wall at the top part of the first portion. In addition, the second portion may include either a "L" shaped slot in or "L" shaped railings attached to each length-wise wall of the second portion. Preferably, each pin structure fits into either the "L" shaped slot or the "I" shaped railings of the second portion.

In a second alternative, the second portion may be configured to be removable in the first mode, and is able to be re-positioned in a manner such that the first portion is located within the second portion in the second mode.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES In order that the present invention may be fully understood and readily put into practical effect, there shall now be described by way of non-limitative example only preferred embodiments of the present invention, the description being with reference to the accompanying illustrative figures. Figure 1 shows a representation of a first form of the prior art.

Figure 2 shows a representation of a second form of the prior art.

Figure 3 shows a representation of a third form of the prior art.

Figures 4(a) to (i) show sequential perspective views of an integrated travel and playing case from a closed mode to an open mode.

Figures 5(a) to (c) show various configuration options of the storage of the clubs and accessories in the integrated travel and playing case.

Figures 6(a) to (f) show sequential perspective views of removal of an accessory compartment of the integrated travel and playing case.

Figure 7 shows two perspective views of a first portion of the integrated travel and playing case.

Figure 8 shows two perspective views of a second portion of the integrated travel and playing case.

Figures 9(a) to (e) show sequential views of the moving parts of the integrated travel and playing case from a closed mode to an open mode.

Figure 10 shows two perspective views of an interior case of the integrated travel and playing case. Figures 11(a) to (c) show sequential views of the moving parts of the interior case from a standby mode to a ready mode.

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of primary components of the integrated travel and playing case. Figure 13 shows a close up perspective view of a top part of the first portion of the integrated travel and playing case. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention may provide a lightweight, integrated travel and playing case for golf clubs with cuboidal dimensions enabling convenient storage while being transported, constructed from material which provides substantial protection for the golf clubs, allows access to the golf clubs during play and provides access to a storage compartment(s) containing accessories to facilitate the playing of golf.

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an integrated travel and playing case 20 for golf clubs and accessories. The integrated travel and playing case 20 includes a first portion 22 and a second portion 24. The first portion 22 is configured to house an interior unit 26 (different configurations other than that shown in Figure 12 are possible) to house the golf clubs, and an accessories case 25. The second portion 24 is configured to provide cover for golf clubs housed in the interior unit 26 inside the first portion 22. The first portion 22, the second portion 24 and the interior unit 26 are constructed from carbon fiber or other plastic composite materials which provide both lightweight and strength properties to provide protection for the golf clubs stored within the integrated travel and playing case 20. The interior unit 26 can include at least one receptacle for placement of the plurality of golf clubs. The integrated travel and playing case 20 is a single-unit travel/transport/playing case capable of housing a full set of golf clubs and essential accessories. Once opened, the integrated travel and playing case 20 converts to a "golf bag", whereby a base 21 of the integrated travel and playing case 20 when the integrated travel and playing case 20 is opened is able to fit within respective receptacle areas of a golf buggy or a pull-cart. When in a closed mode, the external shape and dimensions (approximately 50.5"(h) x 11.5"(w) x 6.75"(d)) of the integrated travel and playing case 20 provide conveniences during travel and/or shipping and/or storage. The integrated travel and playing case 20 may include a carry handle at either a length-wise side or top of the integrated travel and playing case 20 and may also include at least two wheels to facilitate pulling of the integrated travel and playing case 20.

The view of the integrated travel and playing case 20 shown in Figure 12 depicts the main components of the integrated travel and playing case 20, whereby the various modes of the integrated travel and playing case 20 will be described in greater detail in a subsequent portion of the description. In addition, further descriptions for respective components of the integrated travel and playing case 20 will also be provided in a subsequent portion of the description. Figure 4 shows a sequential series of images showing the integrated travel and playing case 20 being configured from a closed mode (Figure 4(a)) to a fully open mode (Figure 4(i)). In the closed mode as shown in Figure 4(a), the second portion 24 is shown to substantially cover the first portion 22. In Figure 4(b), the second portion 24 is rotated about a top part 28 of the first portion 22 until the second portion 24 is substantially perpendicular to the first portion 22 as shown in Figure 4(c). The second portion 24 is then moved along a perpendicular direction to the first portion 22 as shown in Figure 4(d), until a bottom part 30 of the second portion 24 is in close proximity to the top part 28 of the first portion 22 as shown in Figure 4(e). The second portion 24 is then rotated about the top part 28 of the first portion 22 as shown in Figure 4(f) until the first portion 22 is able to be located partially within the second portion 24 as shown in Figure 4(g). Subsequently, the first portion 22 is then fully located within the second portion 24 as shown in Figure 4(h), and the interior unit 26 is lifted from a base 21 of the first portion 22 as shown in Figure 4(i) to enable better access to the golf clubs housed in the interior unit 26. Figure 4(h) depicts an open mode while Figure 4(i) depicts a fully open mode. It should be appreciated that when the integrated travel and playing case 20 is in a configuration as shown in Figure 4(h), a half-set of golf clubs housed in the interior unit 26 would be accessible without using the integrated travel and playing case 20 in the fully open mode. The fully open mode is preferable when a full set of golf clubs are housed in the interior unit 26. Although it is not shown in Figure 4, the second portion 24 can include a first handle of any form positioned at a location to assist a user in moving the second portion 24 from the closed mode to the open mode. Similarly, the interior unit 26 can also include a second handle of any form positioned at a location to assist the user in lifting the interior unit 26 from the base 21 of the first portion 22.

It should be appreciated that the integrated travel and playing case 20 has a removable second portion 24. In such an instance, the removed second portion 24 need not be coupled to the first portion 22. It can be removed from the closed mode (shown in Figure 4(a)) and re-positioned in a manner as shown in Figure 4(h).

Figure 6 shows a sequential series of images showing the integrated travel and playing case 20 being configured to access the accessories case 25 from the interior unit 26. The accessories case 25 resides in the interior unit 26. Figure 6(a) shows a similar view of the integrated travel and playing case 20 as Figure 4(h). The interior unit 26 is lifted from the base 21 of the first portion 22 as shown in Figure 6(b) (similar to Figure 4(i)) until the accessories case 25 can be accessed as shown in Figure 6(c). The accessories case 25 can be slotted into the interior unit 26 manually or using a biased mechanism which aids in ejecting the accessories case 25 from the interior unit 26. Figure 6(d) shows removal of the accessories case 25 from the interior unit 26, although it can be possible for the accessories case 25 to be non-detachable from the interior unit 26 such that it appears like a drawer. Figure 6(e) shows the accessories case 25 being positioned along the integrated travel and playing case 20 while Figure 6(f) shows the accessories case 25 being opened to reveal its storage compartments. It should be appreciated that the number of compartments and size of each compartment of the accessories case 25 need not be restricted to what is shown in Figure 6(f).

Figures 7 to 11 show a series of images which show the mechanisms which allow the integrated travel and playing case 20 to be manipulated as shown in Figure 4. Figures 7, 8 and 10 also provide perspective views of the various parts of the integrated travel and playing case 20. Figure 7 shows two perspective views of the first portion 22, whereby a plurality of inclined slots 40 are shown incorporated in each side wall 42 of the first portion 22. It is possible for the plurality of inclined slots 40 to be in a form of railings attached to each side wall 42. It should be noted that each end of each inclined slot 40 includes a rest slot 41 for purposes which will be described at a later section. Only two inclined slots 40 are depicted in each side wall 42 of the first portion 22, but there can be more than two inclined slots 40 in each side wall 42. The first portion 22 also includes a pin structure 44 at the top part 28 of the first portion 22, specifically at the side walls 42. Figure 8 shows two perspective views of the second portion 24, whereby a "L" shaped slot 46 is shown incorporated in each length-wise wall 48 of the second portion 24. It is also possible for the "I" shaped slot 46 to be in a form of railings attached to each length-wise wall 48. Figure 10 shows two perspective views of the interior unit 26, whereby two side pins 50 are shown incorporated in each side face 52. Only two side pins 50 are depicted in each side face 52 of the interior unit 26, but there can be more than two side pins 50 in each side face 52. In order to put together the integrated travel and playing case 20, the two side pins 50 in each side face 52 of the interior unit 26 are fitted to a corresponding two inclined slots 40 in each side wall 42 of the first portion 22 (as shown in Figure 11). In addition, each pin structure 44 of the first portion 22 is fitted to a corresponding "L" shaped slot 46 of the second portion 24 (as shown in Figure 9). It should be appreciated that the putting together of the various parts of the integrated travel and playing case 20 can be in any order.

Figure 9(a) shows a similar view of the integrated travel and playing case 20 as Figure 4(b). However, the interior unit 26 is not shown in Figure 9(a). The pin structure 44 of the first portion 22 is shown as fitted to the "L" shaped slot 46 of the second portion 24 to enable rotation of the second portion 24 about the top part 28 of the first portion 22. Figure 9(b) shows a similar view of the integrated travel and playing case 20 as Figure 4(d). The pin structure 44 of the first portion 22 is shown as fitted to the "I" shaped slot 46 of the second portion 24 to enable moving of the second portion 24 along a perpendicular direction to the first portion 22. Figure 9(c) shows a similar view of the integrated travel and playing case 20 as Figure 4(e). The pin structure 44 of the first portion 22 is shown as fitted to the "I" shaped slot 46 of the second portion 24 to enable moving of the second portion 24 along a perpendicular direction to the first portion 22 until the pin structure 44 reaches a junction of the "L" shaped slot 46. Figure 9(d) shows a similar view of the integrated travel and playing case 20 as Figure 4(g). The pin structure 44 of the first portion 22 is shown as fitted to the "L" shaped slot 46 of the second portion 24 to enable rotation of the second portion 24 about the junction of the "L" shaped slot 46 until the first portion 22 is able to be located partially within the second portion 24. Figure 9(e) shows a similar view of the integrated travel and playing case 20 as Figure 4(h)/6(a). The pin structure 44 of the first portion 22 is shown as fitted to the "L" shaped slot 46 of the second portion 24 to enable the first portion 22 is able to be fully located within the second portion 24. It should be appreciated that ball bearings may be employed in an appropriate manner to ensure that the pin structures 44 are able to slide smoothly within the "L" shaped slots 46.

Figure 11(a) shows a similar view of the integrated travel and playing case 20 as Figures 4(h), 6(a) and 9(e). It should be noted that the side pin 50 of the interior unit 26 is located within the rest slot 41 at a lower end of the inclined slot 40. When the side pin 50 is located within the rest slot 41, the interior unit 26 is secured in a position as shown in Figures ll(a)/4(h)/6(a)/9(e). Figure 11(b) shows a similar view of the integrated travel and playing case 20 as Figure 6(b). The side pin 50 of the interior unit 26 is shown as fitted to the inclined slot 40 of the first portion 24 to enable lifting of the interior unit 26 from the base 21 of the first portion 22 as the side pin 50 slides from the lower end of the inclined slot 40 to a higher end. Figure 11(c) shows a similar view of the integrated travel and playing case 20 as Figure 6(c), except that the accessories case 25 is still located within the interior unit 26. It should be noted that the side pin 50 of the interior unit 26 is located within the rest slot 41 at the higher end of the inclined slot 40. When the side pin 50 is located within the rest slot 41, the interior unit 26 is secured in a position as shown in Figures 11(c)/ 6(c). It should be appreciated that ball bearings may be employed in an appropriate manner to ensure that the two side pins 50 are able to slide smoothly within the inclined slots 40.

It should also be appreciated that the interior unit 26 can be replaced by alternative configurations as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5(a) shows an accordion-like arrangement of cylinders for the placement of golf .clubs, Figure 5(b) shows a multi-layer folding arrangement of cylinders for the placement of golf clubs, while Figure 5(c) shows a series of cylinders joined together along a length of each cylinder. The alternative configuration shown in Figure 5(c) does not provide space for the provision of an accessories case, but those in Figures 5(a) and 5(b) provide platforms for the placement of accessories or an accessories case 25.

It should be appreciated that the first portion 22 and the second portion 24 can be locked to one another using any known means such that the contents of the integrated travel and playing case 20 are not prone to theft when the integrated travel and playing case 20 is used as luggage. The first portion 22 and the second portion 24 are preferably locked at or around the base 21. Figure 13 shows a close up perspective view of the top part 28 of the first portion 22 when in the open mode. The top part 28 is a recessed surface which is critical in minimizing overall dimensions of the integrated travel and playing case 20 as it enables full access to the clubs. Without the recessed surface, the interior unit 26 would need to be extended further out from the first portion 22 so as to access the golf clubs, and this can make the integrated travel and playing case 20 unstable and prone to toppling.

The integrated travel and playing case 20 offers substantial protection to the contents and can be used as a regular "golf bag" and also as luggage during travels. The integrated travel and playing case 20 is also able to house modern, large-headed golf clubs. The integrated travel and playing case 20 will not be redundant as it need not be stored away. Furthermore, the integrated travel and playing case 20 is also able to store the requisite accessories required by the user. Moreover, the substantially cuboidal shape of the integrated travel and playing case 20 allows for ease of packing of the integrated travel and playing case 20 compared to if the integrated travel and playing case 20 was cylindrical or irregular-shaped.

Whilst there have been described in the foregoing description preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the technology concerned that many variations or modifications in details of design or construction may be made without departing from the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated travel and playing case for a plurality of golf clubs, the integrated travel and playing case including:

a first portion configured for encasing the plurality of golf clubs;

a second portion configured to provide cover for the plurality of golf clubs in a first mode and configured to allow access to the plurality of golf clubs in a second mode; and

a golf club containment portion for placement of the plurality of golf clubs within the first portion,

wherein the second portion is configured to rotate about a top part of the first portion from the first mode until the second portion is perpendicular to the first portion, subsequently to slide at the top part in a direction perpendicular to the first portion and finally to rotate about the top part of the first portion to allow the first portion to be located within the second portion in the second mode.

2. The integrated travel and playing case of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are made from either carbon fiber or a plastic composite material.

3. The integrated travel and playing case of either claim 1 or 2, wherein a base of the carrying case when in the second mode is able to fit within receptacle areas of either a golf buggy or a pull-cart.

4. The integrated travel and playing case of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a shape of the carrying case is substantially cuboidal.

5. The integrated travel and playing case of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the golf club containment portion is either an interior unit or an arrangement of cylinders.

6. The integrated travel and playing case of claim 5, wherein the interior unit includes an accessories case.

7. The integrated travel and playing case of claim 5, wherein the interior unit is movable within the first portion.

8. The integrated travel and playing case of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first portion includes: either a plurality of inclined slots incorporated in or a plurality of railings attached to each side wall; and

a pin structure at each side wall at the top part of the first portion.

9. The integrated travel and playing case of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second portion includes either a "L" shaped slot in or "L" shaped railings attached to each length-wise wall of the second portion.

10. The integrated travel and playing case of claim 9, wherein each pin structure fits into either the "L" shaped slot or the "L" shaped railings of the second portion.

11. The integrated travel and playing case of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the top part of the first portion is a recessed surface.

12. An integrated travel and playing case for a plurality of golf clubs, the integrated travel and playing case including:

a first portion configured for encasing the plurality of golf clubs;

wherein the second portion is configured to be removable in the first mode, and is able to be re-positioned in a manner such that the first portion is located within the second portion in the second mode.