Hip belt system

Abstract

A hip belt system ( 10 ) for a golf bag ( 14 ) is provided for transferring a portion of the weight of the bag ( 14 ) during carrying to the hips of the user by way of a hip belt member ( 12 ). The system ( 10 ) includes the belt member ( 12 ) and a longitudinally aligned sleeve ( 24 ) secured to the tubular body ( 16 ) of the golf bag ( 14 ). The belt member ( 12 ) includes a central portion ( 32 ) for extending through the sleeve ( 24 ) and a pair of tapered portions ( 34 ) extending respectively to a first belt end ( 28 ) and a second belt end ( 30 ). The belt ends ( 28 and 30 ) are provided with releasable fasteners ( 36 and 38 ) for mating with each other to provide for quick fastening and unfastening. Length adjusters ( 44 ) are provided on the belt ends in order to adjust the total length of the belt member ( 12 ) to fit the waist of the user. The belt member ( 12 ) is removable from the sleeve ( 24 ) for storage when the hip belt support is not desired.

1 . A hip belt system for a golf bag, comprising:
 a golf bag having a generally tubular body having a longitudinal axis, a collar formed at one end of said tubular body, said collar being open for receiving golf club shafts therethrough to extend into said tubular body, and one or more straps for carrying said bag on the shoulders of the user;   a sleeve member affixed to said tubular body, said sleeve having a transverse passage extending generally aligned with said longitudinal axis; and   an elongated hip belt member for extending and fastening about the hips of the user when said golf bag is being carried; wherein   said hip belt member is slidably inserted through said transverse passage in said sleeve member such that said golf bag may be at least partially supported by said hip belt when being carried.   
   
   
       2 . The hip belt system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said hip belt member is removable from said sleeve for situations where hip support is not desired.   
   
   
       3 . The hip belt system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said sleeve is padded so as to provide a comfortable lower back cushion to the user when said bag is being carried.   
   
   
       4 . The hip belt system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said hip belt member includes a central portion which extends through said sleeve during use, said central portion being resiliently stiffened to retain its shape except when subjected to force.   
   
   
       5 . The hip belt system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said hip belt member includes a first belt end, a second belt end and a central portion, with a pair of tapered portions extending intermediate said central portion and said respective belt ends.   
   
   
       6 . The hip belt system of  claim 5 , wherein:
 said first belt end includes a first fastening area adapted to releasably mate with a second fastening area on said second belt end to facilitate readily releasable opening and closing the belt.   
   
   
       7 . The hip belt system of  claim 5 , wherein:
 said first belt end includes a first fastener element adapted to releasably mate with a second fastener element on said second belt end to facilitate readily releasable opening and closing the belt.   
   
   
       8 . The hip belt system of  claim 5 , wherein:
 said tapered portions include receiving channels to slidably receive said first and second respective belt ends, each said receiving channel being provided with a length adjuster to secure the desired degree of overlap between said respective belt end and said receiving channel.   
   
   
       9 . The hip belt system of  claim 5 , wherein:
 one of said belt ends is adapted to overlap the other said belt end on the outside and such belt end is provided with a grasping loop for facilitating quick detachment.   
   
   
       10 . A golf bag carrying system, comprising:
 an elongated tubular golf bag adapted to transport golf clubs; and   at least one carrying strap attached to said golf bag, said carrying strap extending to the shoulder of a user to facilitate bearing the weight of the golf bag and clubs; and   a hip belt accessory for mating with said golf bag to provide a means to transfer a portion of the carrying weight of the golf bag and clubs to the hips of the user during carrying; wherein   said hip belt is detachably secured to said golf bag over a portion of its length; and   said hip belt includes a readily releasable closure subassembly for facilitating rapid fastening and unfastening of said hip belt from about the hips of the user.   
   
   
       11 . The hip belt system of  claim 10 , wherein:
 said elongated tubular bag has a longitudinal axis; and   said hip belt is secured to be aligned with said longitudinal axis.   
   
   
       12 . The hip belt system of  claim 10 , wherein:
 said hip belt includes a first belt end portion and a second belt end portion; and   said releasable closure subassembly includes a first adhesive area on the interior surface of said first belt end portion and a second adhesive area on the exterior surface of said second belt end portion.   
   
   
       13 . The hip belt system of  claim 10 , wherein:
 said hip belt includes a first belt end portion and a second belt end portion; and   length adjusters are provided in association with said first belt end portion and said second belt end portion, such that the total length of said hip belt may be adjusted to accommodate the waist sizes of various users.   
   
   
       14 . The hip belt system of  claim 10 , wherein:
 said hip belt is padded to provide comfort to the user.   
   
   
       15 . A golf bag adapted for carrying on both the shoulders and waist of the user, comprising:
 an elongated tubular golf bag adapted to transport golf clubs, said tubular bag having a longitudinal axis;   at least one carrying strap attached to said golf bag, said carrying strap extending to the shoulder of a user to facilitate bearing the weight of the golf bag and clubs; and   said hip belt is secured to said tubular bag and generally aligned with said longitudinal axis, said hip belt being adapted to fit about the waist of a user during carrying in order to transfer a portion of the carrying weight of the golf bag and clubs to the hips of the user.   
   
   
       16 . The golf bag of  claim 15 , wherein:
 said hip belt is padded where it is secured to said tubular bag in order to provide comfort to the lower back of the user.   
   
   
       17 . The golf bag of  claim 15 , wherein:
 said hip belt is length adjustable.   
   
   
       18 . The golf bag of  claim 15 , wherein:
 said hip belt includes a readily releasable closure subassembly for facilitating rapid fastening and unfastening of said hip belt from about the hips of the user.