Clip support member for golf bag

RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/767,475 filed on Jan. 28, 2004 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/610,058 filed on Jun. 30, 2003, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0002This invention relates generally to the subject of bags and, more specifically, golf bags adapted to be carried in an over-the-back generally horizontal relationship and, still more particularly, to a clip support member therefore adapted for engagement with the waist of the user and providing for the transfer and redistribution of the weight of the golf bag from the shoulders and back of the user to the waist and/or hips of the user through the clip support member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0003Golf bags and other articles which are suspended and carried in an over-the-back relationship from the shoulders of a user using shoulder straps have been in widespread use for many years. The use of shoulder straps however have disadvantageously placed users at an increased risk of shoulder and back injury due to the considerable weight which is supported through the shoulder straps such as, for example, the weight of golf clubs in a golf bag. This risk is of a particular concern for caddies who must carry golf bags weighing more than fifty pounds for more than 7,000 yards during a typical four or more hour round of eighteen holes of golf play.

0004In the past, adjustable, flexible, loose belts or harnesses adapted to be wrapped and tied around the waist of a user have been used such as, for example, the adjustable flexible belt disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,473 to Lamar (which discloses a golf bag adapted to be carried in an over-the-back vertical orientation) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,732 to Swetish (which discloses a back pack adapted to be carried in an over-the-back vertical orientation) in an attempt to relieve the weight of the article. These and other available belts and harnesses, however, have proven ineffective as a weight transferring device and there thus has remained a need for a rigid clip support member which will effectively transfer the weight of the golf bag and contents thereof from the shoulders and back of the user to the waist, hips and/or lower back of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0005The present invention is directed to a clip adapted for use with an article such as a golf bag adapted to be carried in an over-the-back relationship where the clip comprises an elongate neck and a pair of arms extending away from opposed ends of the neck in a spaced-apart relationship and the arms curve inwardly towards each other as they extend downwardly away from the respective ends of the neck. In accordance with the present invention, this feature allows the arms of the clip to follow the contour of the outer surface of the golf bag and also to follow the contour of the sides and waist of the user when the clip is engaged against the sides of the waist of the user.

0006In accordance with another of the features of the present invention, the arms of the clip are rigid but flexible so as to allow the same to be grasped by a user and flexed laterally outwardly away from each other and then subsequently released by the user into their engaged position against the respective sides of the waist of the user. This feature allows the clip to accommodate differently sized waists and hips and allows the arms to exert a compressive force against the sides of the waist of the user in the engaged position of the clip.

0007In accordance with yet another of the features of the present invention, the clip support member is adapted for use on a golf bag which defines a longitudinal axis and the clip is oriented on the golf bag in a relationship wherein the clip and, more specifically, the neck thereof extends in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the golf bag. This allows the golf bag to be carried in an over-the-back generally horizontal relationship in both the disengaged and engaged positions of the clip support member.

0008In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clip support member is adapted for use with a golf bag including a spine, respective open and closed ends and an open interior therebetween and the clip support member comprises a clip defined by an elongate central neck and a pair of spaced-apart arms extending downwardly away from opposed ends of the neck and curving inwardly towards each other. The clip further defines a tongue depending downwardly away from the neck.

0009The clip support member further comprises at least one buckle secured to the outer surface of the golf bag and a jacket including at least one strap adapted to extend through the buckle for releasably securing the jacket to the outer surface of the golf bag in a relationship wherein the jacket extends in the same general direction as said spine of said golf bag. The jacket defines upper and lower flaps and a slit and the neck of the clip is adapted to be wrapped in the jacket and the tongue is adapted to be slid through the slit in the jacket for releasably securing the clip in the jacket in a relationship wherein the neck of the clip extends in the same general direction as the spine of the golf bag and the arms of the clip extend in a direction generally opposite the direction of the spine of the golf bag.

0010In this embodiment, the clip is rotatable about the outer surface of the golf bag between a first disengaged position where the arms of the clip hang down against, and follow the contour of, the outer surface of the golf bag and a second position where the arms of the clip have been rotated generally counterclockwise into a position generally tangent to the outer surface of the golf bag and the respective arms are engaged against the respective sides of the waist of the user.

0011Other advantages and features of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0012In the FIGURES:

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a golf bag incorporating the clip support member of the present invention;

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective view of the clip of the clip support member shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a perspective view of the clip of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> without its protective cushion sleeve;

0016FIG.<b>4</b> is a front elevational view of the clip shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>;

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a rear elevational view of the clip shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a top plan view of the clip shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is right side elevational view of the clip shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a simplified perspective view of the golf bag of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> with the clip of the clip support member shown in an exploded detached position away from the golf bag and the receiving jacket thereof in its open, detached position on the golf bag;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a simplified perspective view of the golf bag of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> with the clip of the clip support member shown in its releasably fitted relationship within the jacket of the clip support member of the present invention;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a side elevational view depicting the golf bag of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> suspended in an over-the-back generally horizontal relationship from the shoulders of a user with the clip support member shown in its hanging disengaged position against and following the contour of the outer surface of the golf bag;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref> is a simplified side elevational view depicting the relationship and cooperation between the tongue of the clip and the spine of the golf bag in the hanging disengaged orientation of the clip support member of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a front elevational view depicting the manner in which the arms of the clip are flexed apart from each other and rotated between the disengaged position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> and the engaged position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12-14</figref>;

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a front elevational view of the golf bag of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> suspended from the shoulders of a user with the arms of the clip of the clip support member in their engaged position against the respective sides of the torso/waist of the user;

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a side elevational view of the golf bag of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> suspended from the shoulders of a user with the clip in its engaged, tangent position relative to the outer surface of the golf bag;

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref> is a simplified front elevational view depicting the relationship and cooperation between the tongue of the clip and the spine of the golf bag in the engaged position of the clip support member of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>; and

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a rear elevational view of the golf bag of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> suspended from the shoulders of a user with the clip of the clip support member of the present invention in its engaged position and the tongue thereof wedged behind the spine of the golf bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

0029The invention disclosed herein is, of course, susceptible of embodiment in many different forms. Shown in the drawings and described herein below in detail is a preferred embodiment of the clip support member of the present invention. It is to be understood, however, that the present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and does not limit the invention to the illustrated embodiment and encompasses, for example, other embodiments and applications including the use and incorporation of the subject clip in association with an article such as a back pack.

0030It is also understood that the Figures herein do not necessarily show or describe details of the golf bag or the clip support member of the present invention that are known in the art and that will be recognized by those skilled in the art as such. The detailed descriptions of such elements are not necessary to an understanding of the invention. Accordingly, such elements are herein represented, shown, and described herein only to the degree necessary to aid in an understanding of the features of the clip support member of the present invention.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> depicts a golf bag, generally designated <b>20</b>, incorporating a clip support member <b>30</b> in accordance with the present invention.

0032Golf bag <b>20</b> is constructed and structured as is known in the art and as such includes a closed lower end or base <b>32</b>, an upper open end <b>34</b>, and an open elongate generally tubular interior or body <b>35</b> therebetween defined by an outer generally cylindrically shaped surface <b>36</b> which is made of a suitable waterproof, durable material.

0033As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref> and, as known in the art, the golf bag <b>20</b> includes and incorporates an elongate interior spine or rod <b>38</b> which extends the length of the bag <b>20</b> between the rim defining the open upper end <b>34</b> and the lower closed base <b>32</b>. Spine <b>38</b> preferably extends along the length of the top edge of the golf bag body <b>35</b>. As is known in the art, spine <b>38</b> provides support and rigidity to the central bag body <b>35</b> which, as also known in the art, is adapted to receive and house golf clubs (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>). Golf bag <b>20</b> additionally defines a central longitudinal axis <b>44</b> which extends centrally through the ends <b>32</b> and <b>34</b> and body <b>35</b> of bag <b>20</b> in a relationship spaced from and generally parallel to the spine <b>38</b>.

0034In accordance with the present invention as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-7</figref>, the clip support member <b>30</b> initially comprises a clip <b>31</b> which, in the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, is defined by an elongate, interior generally rectangularly shaped rod or strip <b>37</b> made of any suitable rigid but yet flexible material such as aluminum, steel, plastic, composite or the like which has been shaped and bent into the generally “C” shape configuration shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-7</figref>. It is understood of course that the rod <b>37</b> may also take the form of a round elongate shaft or any other form, shape, or configuration suitable for providing the functions and intended uses of the clip as described in more detail below.

0035Clip <b>31</b> is defined by an elongate central base or neck <b>46</b> which extends unitarily into a pair of opposed distal curved or arcuate shoulders <b>47</b> and <b>49</b> which, in turn, extend unitarily into a pair of opposed, spaced-apart, generally curved or arcuate waist and/or hip engaging arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> respectively. The arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> terminate unitarily into free distal end or wrists <b>54</b> and <b>56</b> respectively which, as described in more detail below, define handles adapted to be grasped by the hands of a user when disengaging or engaging the clip <b>31</b> as also described in more detail below.

0036When viewed from, for example, the perspective of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4, 5</figref>, and <b>7</b>, it is understood that the arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> of the generally “C” shaped clip <b>31</b> curve or arc simultaneously downwardly and inwardly away from the respective ends of the neck <b>46</b> and, more specifically, the ends of the respective shoulders <b>47</b> and <b>49</b>. Stated another way, the arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> curve and arc inwardly towards each other as they curve and arc downwardly away from the ends of the neck <b>46</b> thereof. In the embodiment shown, the arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> are positioned in a spaced-apart and diametrically opposed mirror image relationship and are adapted to follow not only the contour of the golf bag outer surface but also the contour of a user's sides and waist as described in more detail below.

0037As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, clip <b>31</b> additionally defines an elongate tongue/plate/finger <b>58</b> depending and extending generally vertically normally downwardly from the center of the neck <b>46</b> of the clip <b>31</b>. Tongue <b>58</b> is preferably made of the same type of material as the rod <b>37</b>.

0038In the embodiment shown, a pouch or the like cushioning or protective structure <b>60</b> is adapted to be inserted over and surround the tongue <b>58</b>. Pouch <b>60</b> defines an interior pocket <b>62</b> adapted to receive the tongue <b>58</b> when the pouch <b>60</b> is slid over the tongue <b>58</b>. A top flap <b>64</b> on pouch <b>60</b> is adapted to be wrapped around the top of the neck <b>46</b> after the pouch <b>60</b> has been slid over the tongue <b>58</b>. Suitable means for securing the flap <b>64</b> to the pocket <b>62</b> after it has been wrapped around the top of the rod <b>37</b> such as, for example, cooperating strips <b>65</b> and <b>67</b> of Velcro or the like hook and loop type material are secured to the outer surface of the flap <b>64</b> and the pocket <b>62</b> of pouch <b>60</b> for releasably securing and holding the pouch <b>60</b> over the tongue <b>58</b>.

0039A sleeve <b>69</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) comprised of a thickened, foam-like, comfort, protective, cushioning, waterproof material surrounds and covers the rod <b>37</b>.

0040Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref>, it is understood that the clip support member <b>30</b> additionally incorporates suitable means such as, for example, a jacket <b>66</b> adapted to allow the releasable securement of the clip <b>31</b> to the outer surface <b>36</b> of the golf bag <b>30</b> in the manner described in more detail below. In the embodiment shown, jacket <b>66</b> is defined by an elongate, flexible, generally rectangularly shaped pad <b>67</b> which may be made of the same material as pouch <b>60</b> and sleeve <b>69</b> which includes and is defined by an upper or top flap <b>68</b> and a lower or bottom flap <b>70</b>. A strip of Velcro or the like securing material <b>71</b> extends along the top, outer edge of flap <b>68</b> while a cooperating strip of Velcro or the like securing material <b>73</b> extends along the bottom inner edge of flap <b>70</b>.

0041Jacket <b>66</b> is still further defined by a pair of elongate straps <b>76</b> and <b>78</b> secured to and extending outwardly from the outer surface thereof. In the embodiment shown, respective strips <b>80</b> and <b>82</b> of Velcro hook and loop type or other suitable securement material are secured to the respective interior faces of the distal ends of straps <b>76</b> and <b>78</b>. The straps <b>76</b> and <b>78</b> extend away from the outer surface of the jacket <b>66</b> in a spaced-apart and parallel relationship and include respective proximal ends which are suitably secured to the jacket <b>66</b> as by stitching or the like. Jacket <b>66</b> additionally defines a central slit <b>79</b> through which the tongue <b>58</b> of the clip <b>31</b> is adapted to be inserted when the clip <b>31</b> is fitted in the jacket <b>66</b> as described in more detail below.

0042The clip support member <b>30</b> is still further defined by and incorporates a pair of buckles <b>84</b> and <b>86</b> secured to the outer surface <b>36</b> of the golf bag <b>30</b> in a spaced-apart and co-linear relationship along the top edge of the golf bag body <b>35</b> and, more specifically, over the region of the golf bag body <b>35</b> which overlies the spine <b>38</b> adjacent the top open end or rim <b>34</b> of the golf bag <b>20</b>. In accordance with the present invention, jacket <b>66</b> is releasably secured to the body <b>35</b> of golf bag <b>20</b> by extending the distal ends of respective straps <b>76</b> and <b>78</b> through the respective eyes of respective buckles <b>84</b> and <b>86</b>.

0043Clip <b>31</b> is releasably secured to the outer surface <b>36</b> of golf bag <b>20</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref> and described in more detail below. Initially and, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the neck <b>46</b> of clip <b>31</b> is adapted to fitted and positioned within and against the interior face of the jacket <b>66</b> in a relationship wherein the tongue <b>58</b> of clip <b>31</b> extends through the slit <b>79</b> defined in the jacket <b>66</b>. The top flap <b>68</b> of jacket <b>66</b> is then adapted to be wrapped around the neck <b>46</b> of clip <b>31</b> followed by the wrapping of bottom flap <b>70</b> around the neck <b>46</b> and over the edge of the top flap <b>68</b>. The strips <b>71</b> and <b>73</b> of Velcro or the like securing material on respective flaps <b>68</b> and <b>70</b> releasably secure the flap <b>70</b> to the flap <b>68</b> and thus the neck <b>46</b> of the clip <b>31</b> inside the jacket <b>66</b>. The distal ends of respective straps <b>76</b> and <b>78</b> are then adapted to be pulled away from the outer surface <b>36</b> of the bag <b>20</b> until the outside face of the jacket <b>66</b> is positioned and seated against the outer surface <b>36</b> of the golf bag <b>20</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>. Straps <b>76</b> and <b>78</b> are then rotated in a clockwise direction around the outer surface of jacket <b>66</b> into engagement with the flap <b>70</b> of jacket <b>66</b>.

0044Strips <b>80</b> and <b>82</b> of Velcro or the like securement material on the inner edges of the distal ends of straps <b>76</b> and <b>78</b> cooperate with respective strips <b>101</b> and <b>103</b> of Velcro or the like cooperating securement material on the outer edge of flap <b>70</b> for firmly and tightly releasably securing the jacket <b>66</b> to the bag <b>20</b> and thus the clip <b>31</b> to the bag <b>20</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0045As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 9</figref>, the clip <b>31</b> is adapted to be secured to an upper portion of the outer surface <b>36</b> of the body <b>35</b> of the golf bag <b>20</b> adjacent the upper open end or rim <b>34</b> thereof in a relationship wherein the clip <b>31</b> and, more specifically, the neck <b>46</b> of the clip <b>31</b> extends in the same general direction as both the spine <b>38</b> and longitudinal axis <b>44</b> of the bag <b>20</b> so as in part to allow the golf bag <b>20</b> to be carried in a generally horizontal over-the-back relationship in both the disengaged and engaged positions of the clip <b>31</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 13</figref> and described in more detail below. In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 9</figref>, the neck <b>46</b> is positioned adjacent and generally parallel to the spine <b>38</b> of the golf bag <b>20</b> and the arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> of the clip <b>31</b> are positioned in an orientation and direction generally opposite and normal to both the spine <b>38</b> and longitudinal axis <b>44</b> of the golf bag <b>20</b>. In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 9</figref>, the arm <b>48</b> is positioned adjacent and generally parallel to the upper open end or rim <b>34</b> of the golf bag <b>20</b>.

0046The method of using the bag <b>20</b> incorporating the clip support member <b>30</b> and clip <b>31</b> of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10-14</figref>. Initially, it is understood that golf bag <b>20</b> incorporates shoulder straps <b>90</b> and <b>92</b> which, as known in the art, are adapted to allow the golf bag <b>20</b> to be carried in the over-the-back horizontal relationship and orientation shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> where the golf bag <b>20</b> is positioned in a generally horizontal relationship with the body <b>35</b> of the bag <b>20</b> seated against the small of the user's back and above the hips of the user.

0047As is well known, the weight of today's golf bags is supported almost entirely by the golf bag's shoulder straps which, of course, causes all of the weight of the bag and golf clubs therein to be suspended and concentrated in the shoulders and upper back of the user. This, of course, places an undue amount of stress on the shoulders and the upper back of the individual carrying the bag and often results in injuries thereto particularly where the weight of the bag and clubs is disproportionate to the strength of the shoulders and/or upper back of the user.

0048It is also known that the waist and/or hips of a person are better suited than the shoulders and/or upper back of a person from a physical, structural and location standpoint for supporting and/or carrying the weight of a golf bag or other article. The present invention advantageously recognizes the increased strength of the waist and/or hips of a user of a golf bag and causes the weight of the golf bag and clubs to be transferred and redistributed successively through the shoulder straps, the bag, the clip and, more particularly, the arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> thereof, and then to the waist and/or hips of the user.

0049Referring back to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, in its disengaged position, the clip <b>31</b> of the clip support member <b>30</b> and, more particularly, the arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> thereof, are seated and hang down against and follow the contour of the outer surface <b>36</b> of the golf bag <b>20</b>. The downward and inward curve and arc of the arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> relative to the neck <b>46</b> thereof allows the arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> to follow the contour of the outer surface <b>36</b> of the bag <b>20</b> to minimize any interference by the arms and increase comfort of use.

0050In accordance with the present invention, clip <b>31</b> may be made from any suitable shape memory or flexible material which allows the arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> thereof to be flexed laterally outwardly away from each other when the wrists <b>54</b> and <b>56</b> of the arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> are grasped by the user as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> so as to allow the clip <b>31</b> to expand and accommodate differently sized waists and/or hips as the clip <b>31</b> is rotated from the disengaged position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> to the engaged position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>.

0051It is understood, of course, that when the wrists <b>54</b> and <b>56</b> of the arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> of the clip <b>31</b> are released following rotation of the arms of the clip <b>31</b> into their generally tangent position relative to the outer surface of the bag <b>20</b>, the arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> will, as a result of their shape memory or bent configuration, tend to flex, contract, or spring back towards each other and into engagement with the respective sides of the waist/torso of the user (as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>) thus resulting in the application of an engagement or compressive spring action or force against the waist/sides of the user which further enhances the weight transfer and support characteristics of the clip support member <b>30</b> of the present invention.

0052In the position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>, the clip <b>31</b> is supported and engaged in a relationship wherein the neck <b>46</b> extends across the small of the back of the user, the respective shoulders <b>47</b> and <b>49</b> are engaged against and follow the comers of the small of the user's back, the respective arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> are engaged against and follow the contour of the respective opposed sides of the user's waist, and the respective wrists <b>54</b> and <b>56</b> are engaged against and follow the contour of, opposed portions of the front of the user's stomach. Moreover, in the engaged position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>, the respective lower faces of the respective arms <b>48</b> and <b>50</b> are seated against the top of the respective opposed hips of the user.

0053Still further and in accordance with another of the features of the present invention, in the disengaged configuration of the clip <b>31</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 10</figref>A, the distal free end of the tongue <b>58</b> of the clip <b>31</b> is adapted to extend around the top edge of the golf bag body <b>35</b> and into engagement with the spine <b>38</b> so as to provide and define a stop which limits and arrests the rotation of the clip <b>31</b> to the preferred generally tangent position of the clip <b>31</b> relative to the outer surface <b>36</b> of the bag <b>30</b>. Moreover, and as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref>, the rotation of clip <b>31</b> between its disengaged and engaged positions, causes the distal free end of the tongue <b>58</b> to bend and flex against the spine <b>38</b>. This, of course, provides the still further additional advantage of allowing the clip <b>31</b> to naturally spring back into its disengaged position against the outer surface of the golf bag <b>20</b> when the use either removes the clip <b>31</b> from his/her waist and/or removes the bag from his/her back.

0054It will be readily apparent from the foregoing detailed description of the invention and from the illustrations thereof that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of this invention and that the invention encompasses other suitable clip, jacket, buckle and securement structures other than the structures and Velcro hook and loop type material disclosed herein.