Golf bag security system and methods

Abstract

A golf bag comprises a golf bag having a closed bottom end and an open top end for receiving golf clubs. The golf bag also includes at least one pocket and a fastening mechanism that is operable to open and close the pocket. Also included is a locking mechanism and a cable that is coupled to the bag body. The cable is extendable from the bag body such that a free end of the cable may be inserted through a portion of the fastening mechanism and then locked to the bag body with the locking mechanism. In this way, operation of the fastening mechanism is prevented by the cable to deter access into the pocket.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A golf bag comprising: 
 a bag body having a closed bottom end, an open top end that is adapted to receive golf clubs, and a pocket;    a fastening mechanism that is operable to open and close the pocket;    a locking mechanism; and    a cable coupled to the bag body, wherein the cable is extendible from the bag body such that a free end of the cable may be inserted through a portion of the fastening mechanism and then locked to the bag body with the locking mechanism, whereby operation of the fastening mechanism is prevented by the cable to deter access into the pocket.    
     
     
         2 . A golf bag as in  claim 1 , wherein the pocket is constructed of a cut resistant material.  
     
     
         3 . A golf bag as in  claim 2 , wherein the cut resistant material includes stainless steel threads.  
     
     
         4 . A golf bag as in  claim 1 , further comprising a locking member coupled to the bag body, and wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a zipper with a handle having an opening, wherein the handle is positionable through the locking member prior to insertion of the cable through the opening.  
     
     
         5 . A golf bag as in  claim 4 , wherein the locking member comprises a ring that is coupled to the bag body.  
     
     
         6 . A golf bag as in  claim 4 , wherein the locking member comprises a fabric flap having an aperture through which the handle is positionable.  
     
     
         7 . A golf bag as in  claim 6 , wherein the fabric flap is constructed of a cut resistive material.  
     
     
         8 . A golf bag as in  claim 1 , wherein the cable is coupled to the golf bag by a spring, whereby the cable is retractable into the golf bag by the spring.  
     
     
         9 . A method for securing an item in a golf bag, the method comprising: 
 providing a golf bag having a closed bottom end, an open top end, a pocket, a fastening mechanism to open and close the pocket, an extendible cable, and a locking mechanism;    placing an item into the pocket;    operating the fastening mechanism to close the pocket;    extending the cable and positioning a free end of the cable through a portion of the fastening mechanism and then into the locking mechanism to prevent operation of the fastening mechanism.    
     
     
         10 . A method as in  claim 9 , wherein the golf bag further includes a locking member, and further comprising placing the portion of the fastening mechanism through an aperture in the locking member prior to inserting the free end of the cable through the portion of the fastening mechanism.  
     
     
         11 . A method as in  claim 10 , wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a zipper having a handle with an opening, and wherein the handle is placed through the aperture prior to insertion of the cable through the opening in the handle.  
     
     
         12 . A method as in  claim 9 , further comprising providing the pocket with a cut resistive material.  
     
     
         11 . A method as in  claim 9 , further comprising also passing the cable around a secure object to lock the golf bag to the secure object.  
     
     
         12 . A method as in  claim 9 , further comprising operating the locking mechanism with a key to lock the free end of the cable to the golf bag.  
     
     
         13 . A method as in claim  14 , further comprising unlocking the free end of the cable to release the cable to permit the cable to retract back into the golf bag.