Snap-fit ​​golf bag assembly

Abstract

Described herein is a golf bag comprising a subassembly and a stand assembly that together form a carry bag. The subassembly can include a divider top, a base, a flat extending between the divider top and the base, and an outer ring. The outer ring defines a recess configured to receive a top surface of a mounting bracket. The recess has a geometry complementary to the top surface of the mounting bracket. The top surface of the mounting bracket is received by the recess of complementary geometry, such that the flat is positioned between the outer ring and the mounting bracket.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 109,779, filed on November 4, 2020, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a golf bag. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a golf bag formed of multiple components interconnected by snap-fit ​​or other means, with the aim of simplifying the assembly of the bag by eliminating rivets, thereby reducing packaging volume to enable more efficient and cost-effective delivery. This disclosure further relates to a kit for a golf bag that enables the recipient to assemble the golf bag themselves. [Background technology]

[0003] A golf bag is a specially designed bag used to transport golf clubs. There are two main classes of golf bags: carry bags and cart bags. Golf bags have several limitations in terms of manufacturing and shipping. For example, a known golf bag is usually fully assembled before delivery to the end user or point of sale. To take into account the size of the assembled bag, the shipping package generally has a volume exceeding 81,835 cubic cm (2.89 cubic feet). As shipping package charges are shifting from package weight-based to package size-based, golf bags will incur additional charges due to their excessive package dimensions, thereby substantially increasing shipping costs. In addition, the threat of tariffs on assembled goods from foreign countries such as China, Vietnam, or South Korea increases pressure for solutions in golf bag manufacturing. Therefore, in this field, there is a demand for golf bag systems that reduce the package volume for shipping golf bags and allow the end user or recipient at the point of sale to easily assemble the golf bag after receiving it.

[0004] In addition, in the assembly of both types of golf bags, it is common practice to manufacture specific parts of the bag (internal and external) in various factories and assemble them at different manufacturing locations. This inevitably increases the package size and volume for shipping each component of the golf bag and the assembled complete golf bag itself. As shipping package charges are shifting from package weight to package size, golf bag components, accessories, and the entire finished product incur additional charges due to excessive package dimensions, thereby substantially increasing shipping costs. Therefore, there is a need in the art for reducing the package volume for shipping the entire golf bag or its parts, and for methods to facilitate the assembly of golf bags in a reduced-volume shipping supply chain.

[0005] Known cart bags and carry bags have several common components. Both bags have a base, a top with one or more dividers, at least one stay, and a roughly cylindrical flat (also known as an "outer shell" or "outer housing") with one or more storage pockets. At least one stay interconnects the base and the top, thereby defining a subassembly. The subassembly is then connected to the cylindrical flat, thereby defining a known golf bag. During the assembly of the golf bag, the cylindrical flat and the top are positioned to overlap circumferentially. Multiple rivets are then installed around the top to secure the flat and the top. Similarly, the flat and the base are positioned to further overlap circumferentially, and multiple rivets are then installed around the base to secure the cylindrical flat and the base. This process ensures that the golf bag components are attached in a durable manner. Conventional assembly processes are complex, time-consuming, and require considerable labor. The golf bag components must be properly aligned, which often necessitates adjustment and repositioning. Once aligned, each rivet must be individually placed around both the top and bottom of the bag.

[0006] The subassemblies and flats of a known golf bag are typically manufactured at a first location and then delivered to a second location for assembly. The subassemblies are manufactured to define a golf bag frame, which includes at least one stay connecting to and separating the base and top. Similarly, the flats are manufactured to have a roughly cylindrical or roughly tubular shape. After delivery to the second location, the flats are attached to the subassemblies. After assembly at the second location, the golf bag is delivered to the consumer in its fully assembled state. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In this field, there is a need for golf bags that can be easily assembled via non-manufacturing means (riveting). There is a need for golf bags that reduce shipping size and are easy to assemble. Furthermore, with the aim of reducing shipping costs, there is a need in this field for golf bags that can be delivered to the recipient in smaller packaging than would be required for a finished golf bag. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] This is a perspective view showing the first side of a golf bag with a stand assembly in a deployed tripod configuration.

[0009] [Figure 1B] This is a left side view showing the golf bag in Figure 1A with a storage configuration that does not have straps.

[0010] [Figure 1C] Figure 1B is a front view showing a golf bag.

[0011] [Figure 1D] Figure 1B is a right side view showing a golf bag.

[0012] [Figure 1E] Figure 1B is a rear view showing the golf bag.

[0013] [Figure 2] Figure 1A is a perspective view showing the second side of the golf bag opposite the first side with the flat removed to show the subassembly.

[0014] [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a golf bag with a subassembly representing the stand in a storage configuration to assist in transporting the bag.

[0015] [Figure 4] A side view showing a portion of the golf bag of FIG. 2 along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, representing a plurality of connecting members that connect the divider sleeve to the base when the base stand assembly is in the storage configuration, and a portion of the sub-assembly having a gap between the divider sleeve and the base.

[0016] [Figure 5] A perspective view showing a portion of the golf bag of FIG. 4, representing a connecting member that is not fixed to represent a self-fixing engagement mode.

[0017] [Figure 6A] A perspective view showing a portion of the base of the golf bag of FIG. 2, representing an alternative connection between the divider sleeve and the base when the golf bag is in the carrying configuration with the legs stored.

[0018] [Figure 6B] An X-ray side view showing a golf bag similar to the golf bag of FIG. 1A having a divider sleeve snap-connected or clipped onto the base.

[0019] [Figure 6C] An enlarged side view showing the sub-assembly of the golf bag of FIG. 6B.

[0020] [Figure 7] A perspective view showing a portion of the golf bag of FIG. 2 along line 7-7 of FIG. 2, representing the divider top with the divider sleeve attached.

[0021] [Figure 8] A perspective view showing a portion of the golf bag of FIG. 7, representing the divider top with the divider sleeve removed.

[0022] [Figure 9]Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a portion of a golf bag, representing a part of a divider sleeve connected to a portion of the top of the divider by a self-locking engagement.

[0023] [Figure 10] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a portion of a golf bag, representing a part of a divider sleeve connected to a portion of the outer ring at the top of the divider by a self-locking engagement.

[0024] [Figure 11] Figure 3 is a side view showing the golf bag subassembly.

[0025] [Figure 12] This is a partial perspective view showing the golf bag subassembly in Figure 2 along line 12-12 in Figure 2.

[0026] [Figure 13] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the first side view of the leg mounting bracket separated from the top of the divider of the golf bag.

[0027] [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a side perspective view showing the bracket for mounting the legs, separated from the top of the divider.

[0028] [Figure 15] Figure 13 is a rear perspective view showing the bracket for mounting the legs, which is separated from the top of the divider.

[0029] [Figure 16] This is a perspective view showing the top of an alternative divider.

[0030] [Figure 17] This is a rear perspective view showing an alternative leg mounting bracket for use with the top of the divider in Figure 16.

[0031] [Figure 18]This is a bottom perspective view showing the top of the alternative divider.

[0032] [Figure 19] This is a perspective view showing the end cap according to the embodiment.

[0033] [Figure 20] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a portion of the top of a golf bag divider, with the leg mounting brackets snap-fitted to the top of the divider and the end caps attached to the legs and supported by the leg anchors of the leg mounting brackets.

[0034] [Figure 21] This is a perspective view showing the top stay hinge in the first configuration with the stay removed.

[0035] [Figure 22] Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the top stay hinge in a second configuration, where the top stay hinge is connected to the first end of the stay.

[0036] [Figure 23] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the top stay hinge at the first hinge position for use inside a golf bag.

[0037] [Figure 24] This is a perspective view showing the top stay hinge in the second non-hinge position in Figure 23.

[0038] [Figure 25] This is a perspective view showing the base stay hinge connected to the second end of the stay.

[0039] [Figure 26A] This is a front view showing a side view of the base stay hinge for use inside the golf bag in the embodiment shown in Figure 1A.

[0040] [Figure 26B]This is a front view showing a side view of the base stay hinge for use inside the golf bag in the embodiment shown in Figure 1A.

[0041] [Figure 27A] Figure 26A is a front view showing the base stay hinge.

[0042] [Figure 27B] Figure 26B is a front view showing the top of the base stay hinge.

[0043] [Figure 28A] This is a front view showing the side view of the base stay hinge in Figure 26A, which illustrates the curvature of the hinge arm.

[0044] [Figure 28B] This is a front view showing the side view of the base stay hinge in Figure 26B, which illustrates the curvature of the hinge arm.

[0045] [Figure 29] Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the top stay hinge with the top stay hinge connected to the first end of the stay.

[0046] [Figure 30] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the flat outer portion of the golf bag.

[0047] [Figure 31] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the inside of the flat section of a golf bag.

[0048] [Figure 32] This is a perspective view showing an alternative snap-fit ​​mounting means between a flat and a base, consisting of multiple snap trees molded to be mounted on a strip of flexible material.

[0049] [Figure 33]Figure 32 is a perspective view showing an alternative snap-fit ​​mounting means between the flat and the base, representing a strip of flexible material connecting the flat and the base.

[0050] [Figure 34] This is a side view showing a portion of an alternative snap-fit ​​mounting means between the flat and base in Figure 32, along lines 34-34 in Figure 33, representing a single snap tree received by corresponding holes in the flat and base.

[0051] [Figure 35] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a pocket assembly that can be installed in a golf bag, which is represented by a configuration in which a pocket assembly for storing shoes is provided.

[0052] [Figure 36] This is a top view showing the deployable pocket assembly of Figure 35, arranged along lines 36-36 of Figure 35, which represents the shoe pocket with the shoes removed.

[0053] [Figure 37] Figure 35 is a top view showing the deployable pocket assemblies, with solid lines indicating the shoe pockets in the storage configuration and dashed lines indicating the deployment configuration.

[0054] [Figure 38] Figure 35 is a perspective view showing a golf bag with two shoe pockets in its configuration.

[0055] [Figure 39] This is a side view showing the shoe pocket assembly in the embodiment.

[0056] [Figure 40] This is a side view showing a first side view of another embodiment of the golf bag.

[0057] [Figure 41]Figure 40 is a side view showing the second side (rear side) of the golf bag.

[0058] [Figure 42] This is a side view showing the third side of the golf bag in Figure 40, opposite to the first side.

[0059] [Figure 43] This is a side view showing the fourth side (front side) of the golf bag in Figure 40, opposite the second side.

[0060] [Figure 44] Figure 40 is a side view showing a golf bag having a pocket that pivots along the seam.

[0061] [Figure 45] Figure 40 is a side view showing a golf bag having a pocket that pivots along the seam.

[0062] [Figure 46] Figure 40 is a perspective view showing a golf bag with a water-resistant treated pocket and a seam between the pocket and the flat.

[0063] [Figure 47] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a subassembly for a foldable golf bag.

[0064] [Figure 48] This is a perspective view showing the subassembly of the extended configuration in Figure 47.

[0065] [Figure 49] Figure 47 is a perspective view showing the subassembly representing the flat end connected to the top of the divider with a snap-fit.

[0066] [Figure 50] Figure 47 is a perspective view showing the subassembly representing the flat end connected to the base with a snap-fit.

[0067] [Figure 51] Figure 47 is a perspective view showing the subassembly representing the flat end and additional snap-fit ​​connections that are snap-fitted to the base.

[0068] [Figure 52] Figure 47 is a perspective view showing the subassembly representing the flat and sealed flat seams that are snap-fit ​​connected to both the top and base of the divider.

[0069] [Figure 53] This is a perspective view showing an assembled snap-fit ​​golf bag.

[0070] [Figure 54] This is a front view showing the top of a box located next to a larger, known box, which is used to ship assembled golf bags, and which is used to ship disassembled golf bags and their accompanying sub-assembly systems.

[0071] [Figure 55] A box located next to a larger, known box, which is used to ship assembled golf bags, and which is shown in a side view, is shown in a front view of the box in Figure 54.

[0072] [Figure 56] This is a front view showing a mark representing an assembly instruction, printed on a portion of the box in Figure 54.

[0073] [Figure 57] This is a perspective view showing a golf bag in transit, folded and partially assembled.

[0074] [Figure 58]Figure 57 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a self-assembly system for assembling a golf bag.

[0075] [Figure 59] This is a perspective view showing the connector for the stand assembly spring and a portion of the base that engages with the connector to assist in self-assembly.

[0076] [Figure 60] This is a perspective view showing the connector in Figure 59, which is shown engaged with the base after self-assembly.

[0077] [Figure 61] Figure 57 is a perspective view showing a portion of a self-assembly leg system, specifically end caps connected to each leg, each having a removable pin for connecting the leg to the mounting bracket for the golf bag.

[0078] [Figure 62] This is a front view showing the pins shown in Figure 61.

[0079] [Figure 63] This is a front view showing a detachable alignment aid connected to the leg, along with two detachable pins.

[0080] [Figure 64] This is a perspective view showing a first side of an alternative embodiment of an alignment aid, representing one leg and one pin attached for illustrative purposes.

[0081] [Figure 65] Figure 64 is a perspective view showing a second side view of the alignment aid.

[0082] [Figure 66]Figure 58 is a perspective view showing a portion of the self-assembly leg system in a state where the self-assembly leg system is aligned with the golf bag mounting bracket and supported by the golf bag mounting bracket during assembly.

[0083] [Figure 67] Figure 57 is a perspective view showing a portion of a golf bag, representing a strap that surrounds a part of a spring in a non-connecting configuration.

[0084] [Figure 68] Figure 58 is a perspective view showing a multi-component end cap for use with the self-assembly leg system.

[0085] [Figure 69] Figure 68 is a perspective view showing the first side view of the multi-component end cap, which represents the first component separated from the second component.

[0086] [Figure 70] Figure 69 is a perspective view showing a second side view of the multi-component end cap.

[0087] [Figure 71] Figure 69 is a perspective view showing the first part of a multi-component end cap, with an interior that has a stopper for holding the second part in place.

[0088] [Figure 72] Figure 68 is a perspective view showing the multi-component end cap, representing the completed self-assembly of the leg attached to the leg mounting bracket.

[0089] [Figure 73] Figure 57 is a perspective view showing a portion of a golf bag, representing the brackets that connect the springs to each leg.

[0090] [Figure 74] This is the first perspective view showing the bracket in Figure 73.

[0091] [Figure 75] This is a second perspective view showing the bracket in Figure 73.

[0092] [Figure 76] Figure 57 is a schematic diagram showing how to assemble the folded, partially assembled golf bag.

[0093] [Figure 77] This is a perspective view showing a base assembly system consisting of two parts.

[0094] [Figure 78] This is a front view showing the ring portion of the base assembly system, which consists of two parts, as shown in Figure 77.

[0095] [Figure 79] Figure 78 is a perspective view showing the snap tab on the ring portion.

[0096] [Figure 80] Figure 77 is a perspective view showing the base of a two-part base assembly system.

[0097] [Figure 81] Figure 77 is a perspective view showing the assembled two-part base assembly system.

[0098] [Figure 82] This is a perspective view showing the cover attached to the top of the divider.

[0099] [Figure 83] This is a perspective view showing the tops of the cover and divider in Figure 82, separated from each other.

[0100] [Figure 84] Figure 82 is a bottom view showing the cover.

[0101] [Figure 85] A perspective view showing a pocket on top of a golf bag for an inflatable hip pad.

[0102] [Figure 86] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an inflatable hip pad.

[0103] [Figure 87] This is a perspective view showing the shoulder strap.

[0104] [Figure 88] This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the end cap.

[0105] [Figure 89] This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the mounting bracket.

[0106] [Figure 90] Figure 88 shows the end cap, and Figure 89 shows the mounting bracket in the assembly position.

[0107] [Figure 91] This is an exploded view showing another embodiment of the base assembly system.

[0108] [Figure 92] Figure 91 is a top perspective view showing the base assembly system.

[0109] [Figure 93A] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a collar system that is snap-fastened as a single unit.

[0110] [Figure 93B] Figure 93A is a perspective view showing the snap-fastened collar system as a single piece with the zipper open.

[0111] [Figure 93C]Figure 93A is a perspective view showing a snap-fastened collar system with the zipper open and the elastic portion stretched.

[0112] [Figure 94A] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the assembled modular divider top section.

[0113] [Figure 94B] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the assembled modular divider top section.

[0114] [Figure 95] This is a perspective view showing the top ring of the modular divider.

[0115] [Figure 96] This is a perspective view showing the top ring of the modular divider in the embodiment.

[0116] [Figure 97A] Figure 94A is a perspective view showing the cross member portion at the top of the modular divider.

[0117] [Figure 97B] Figure 94B is a perspective view showing the cross member portion at the top of the modular divider.

[0118] [Figure 98] Figure 97A is a top perspective view showing the cross member portion.

[0119] [Figure 99] This is a side perspective view showing the cross member portion inserted onto the top ring of the top of the modular divider in the embodiment.

[0120] [Figure 100] This is a perspective view showing the cross member portion at the top of a modular divider attached to a divider sleeve in the embodiment.

[0121] [Figure 101A] This is a perspective view showing the front side of the leg mounting bracket separated from the top of the divider in the embodiment.

[0122] [Figure 101B] This is an enlarged perspective view showing the leg mounting bracket for Figure 101A, which is connected to the top of the divider in Figure 101A.

[0123] [Figure 102] This is a perspective view showing the integrally molded top and leg mounting brackets of the divider.

[0124] [Figure 103] This is a perspective view showing the top of a divider, in which a leg mounting bracket is inserted into a flat having a window for receiving the leg mounting bracket, according to the embodiment.

[0125] [Figure 104] Figure 103 is a perspective view showing the leg mounting bracket and the top of the divider in a fully installed state.

[0126] [Figure 105A] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an easy-access / zippered pocket in an open-type golf bag.

[0127] [Figure 105B] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an easy-access / zippered pocket in a closed golf bag.

[0128] [Figure 106] Figure 110 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a golf bag with designated locations for easy-access / zippered pockets.

[0129] [Figure 107]This is a side view showing another embodiment of a golf bag with a removable pocket.

[0130] [Figure 108] Figure 112 is a side view showing a golf bag with a removable pocket, which is shown in a partially connected configuration.

[0131] [Figure 109] Figure 113 is a side view showing a golf bag with a removable pocket, as indicated by the disconnection configuration.

[0132] [Figure 110] This is a side view showing another embodiment of a golf bag, featuring a removable pocket hidden beneath the lip of the golf bag's flat surface.

[0133] [Figure 111] This is a perspective view showing a cart bag with a pocket configured to receive a removable cooler bag, along with the removable cooler bag, according to an embodiment.

[0134] [Figure 112] This is a perspective view showing a removable cooler bag in an embodiment.

[0135] [Figure 113] This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a cart bag, illustrating the position of the stay at the rear of the flat.

[0136] [Figure 114] This is a perspective view of the golf bag in Figure 113, viewed along line 114-114.

[0137] [Figure 115] Figure 113 is a perspective view showing a golf bag with the flat removed to illustrate an embodiment of the subassembly.

[0138] [Figure 116] Figure 114 is a perspective view showing the golf bag with the flat removed to illustrate the subassembly.

[0139] [Figure 117] This is an enlarged view showing the top of the divider along line 117-117 in Figure 115.

[0140] [Figure 118] This is an enlarged view showing the top of the divider along line 118-118 in Figure 116.

[0141] [Figure 119] This is an enlarged view showing the top of the divider along line 119-119 in Figure 115.

[0142] [Figure 120] This is an enlarged view showing the top of the divider along line 120-120 in Figure 116.

[0143] [Figure 121] This is an enlarged view showing a portion of the top of the divider along line 121-121 in Figure 116.

[0144] [Figure 122] Figure 115 is a top view showing the subassembly.

[0145] [Figure 123] This is a top view showing an embodiment of a portion of the liner of a golf cart configured to receive a golf bag.

[0146] [Figure 124] This is a top view showing the liner of Figure 123, which includes the base of the golf bag of Figure 113 positioned inside.

[0147] [Figure 125] Figure 113 is a perspective view showing the top stay hub of a golf bag with a stay positioned inside.

[0148] [Figure 126] Figure 125 is a perspective view showing the top stay hub with the stay removed.

[0149] [Figure 127] Figure 113 is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of the top stay hub for use with the golf bag.

[0150] [Figure 128] Figure 113 is a perspective view showing the base stay hub of the golf bag.

[0151] [Figure 129] This is an enlarged view showing one of the base stay hubs in Figure 128.

[0152] [Figure 130] Figure 115 is a perspective view showing a divider sleeve connected to the subassembly.

[0153] [Figure 131] Figure 115 is a perspective view showing a portion of the flat attached to the top of the divider of the subassembly.

[0154] [Figure 132] This is a cross-sectional view showing the top and a portion of the flat section of the divider.

[0155] [Figure 133] Figure 115 is a perspective view showing a portion of the flat attached to the base of the subassembly.

[0156] [Figure 134] This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the base and flat.

[0157] [Figure 135]Figure 113 is a perspective view showing the golf bag in its folded configuration.

[0158] [Figure 136] This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a golf bag, which is shown in a foldable configuration.

[0159] [Figure 137] Figure 136 is a perspective view showing the golf bag as an assembly.

[0160] [Figure 138] This is a perspective view of the golf bag shown in Figure 136, which is part of the deployment configuration.

[0161] [Figure 139] This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a golf bag, which is shown in a foldable configuration.

[0162] [Figure 140] Figure 103 is a perspective view showing the golf bag as an assembly.

[0163] [Figure 141] This is a perspective view of the golf bag shown in Figure 139, which is part of the deployment configuration.

[0164] [Figure 142] This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a golf bag, which is shown in a foldable configuration.

[0165] [Figure 143] This is a perspective view of the golf bag shown in Figure 142, which is part of the deployment configuration.

[0166] [Figure 144] This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a golf bag with a portion of the flat section removed.

[0167] [Figure 145A]This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a golf bag with a removable strap connection mechanism in a detachable configuration.

[0168] [Figure 145B] Figure 145A is a perspective view showing a golf bag with a removable strap connection mechanism in its mounting configuration.

[0169] [Figure 146] Figure 145A is an enlarged perspective view showing a golf bag with a removable strap connection mechanism in a detachable configuration.

[0170] [Figure 147] Figure 145B is a cross-sectional view showing a detachable strap connection mechanism where the bag attachment tab is positioned at a 90-degree angle from the strap attachment tab.

[0171] [Figure 148] Figure 145B is a cross-sectional view showing a removable strap connection mechanism where the bag attachment tab is positioned at a 180-degree angle from the strap attachment tab.

[0172] [Figure 149] This is a perspective view showing an integrated protector mounted on the leg in the first embodiment.

[0173] [Figure 150] This is a side view showing an integrated protector mounted on the leg in the second embodiment.

[0174] [Figure 151A] This is a side view showing the integrated protector in Figure 150.

[0175] [Figure 151B] This is a side view showing an integrated protector mounted on the leg in the third embodiment.

[0176] [Figure 152] It is a perspective view showing an integral protector mounted on the leg in the fourth embodiment.

[0177] [Figure 153] It is a front view showing the integral protector of FIG. 149.

[0178] [Figure 154] It is a cross-sectional view showing the integral protector of FIG. 149 along the line CLIV-CLIV of FIG. 153.

[0179] [Figure 155] It is a perspective view showing the integral protector of FIG. 154 along the line CLV-CLV of FIG. 153.

[0180] [Figure 156] It is a top view showing the three-part divider top in the embodiment.

[0181] [Figure 157] It is a top view showing the three-part divider top of FIG. 156.

[0182] [Figure 157] It is a top view showing the three-part divider top of FIG. 156.

[0183] [Figure 158] It is a cross-sectional view showing the top ring of the three-part divider top of FIG. 156 along the line CLVIII-CLVIII of FIG. 157.

[0184] [Figure 159] It is a cross-sectional view showing the top ring and cross-member components of the three-part divider top of FIG. 156 along the line CLVIII-CLVIII of FIG. 157.

[0185] [Figure 160]It is a top perspective view showing the lightweight divider top in an embodiment.

[0186] [Figure 161] It is a top perspective view showing the stress map of the control divider top.

[0187] [Figure 162] It is a top perspective view showing the stress map of the lightweight divider top of FIG. 160.

[0188] [Figure 163] It is a top view showing the stress map of FIG. 161.

[0189] [Figure 164] It is a top view showing the stress map of FIG. 162.

[0190] [Figure 165] It is a rear view showing a golf bag with a flip-down pocket in an embodiment.

[0191] [Figure 166] It is a side view showing the golf bag of FIG. 165.

[0192] [Figure 167] It is a top view and a side view showing two halves of a fixture in an embodiment of the fixture.

[0193] [Figure 168] It is a perspective view showing a customizable pocket with a waterproof function in an embodiment.

[0194] [Figure 169] It is a side view showing the customizable pocket of FIG. 168.

[0195] [Figure 170] It is a side perspective view showing the customizable pocket of FIG. 168 in a partially deployed configuration.

[0196] [Figure 171] This is a perspective view showing a spacer in an embodiment.

[0197] [Figure 172] Figure 171 is a top view showing the spacer.

[0198] [Figure 173] This is a side view showing the spacer in Figure 171.

[0199] [Figure 174] This is a side view showing a golf bag equipped with a spacer in an embodiment.

[0200] [Figure 175] This is a side view showing a golf bag with curved legs and inwardly facing leg spring brackets in an embodiment.

[0201] [Figure 176] This is a side view showing a golf bag in an embodiment that includes straight legs and outward-facing leg spring brackets.

[0202] [Figure 177] This is an enlarged side view showing the inward-facing leg spring bracket.

[0203] [Figure 178] This is an enlarged side view showing the outward-facing leg spring bracket.

[0204] [Figure 179] This is a front view showing a golf bag equipped with a Y-shaped spring according to an embodiment.

[0205] [Figure 180] Figure 179 is a front perspective view showing the golf bag with the leg extension configuration.

[0206] [Figure 181] This is a side view showing a golf bag stand assembly in an embodiment.

[0207] [Figure 182] Figure 181 is an enlarged side view showing the hinged connector of the stand assembly.

[0208] [Figure 183] This is a side view showing a cart bag equipped with channel straps in the first embodiment.

[0209] [Figure 184] This is a side view showing a cart bag equipped with channel straps in a second embodiment.

[0210] [Figure 185] This is a perspective view showing a conventional golf cart bag having a non-foldable pocket assembly in the first embodiment.

[0211] [Figure 186] This is a perspective view showing a golf cart bag having a foldable pocket assembly according to the first embodiment.

[0212] [Figure 187] Figure 186 is a perspective view showing the golf bag in its folded configuration according to the first embodiment.

[0213] [Figure 188] This is an enlarged view of the golf bag of Figure 186, which has an open third pocket in the unfolded configuration of the first embodiment.

[0214] [Figure 189] This is an enlarged view of the golf bag in Figure 188, which has a foldable, open third pocket.

[0215] [Figure 190]This is a side view showing a delivery container equipped with four golf bags in a foldable configuration according to the first embodiment.

[0216] [Figure 191] This is a side view showing a delivery container equipped with four golf bags in a foldable configuration according to a second embodiment.

[0217] [Figure 192] Figure 190 is a top view showing a golf bag in a foldable configuration for shipping and a shipping container.

[0218] [Figure 193] Figure 190 is an enlarged perspective view showing four golf bags in a foldable configuration for shipping and the shipping container.

[0219] [Figure 194] This is a perspective view showing the cover and framework for the top of a felt-covered divider.

[0220] [Figure 195] This is a cross-sectional view showing an assembled cover and framework for the top of a felt-covered divider in one embodiment.

[0221] [Figure 196] This is a side view showing the top of the divider, which is equipped with leg brackets for securing the bag flat.

[0222] [Figure 197] This is a side view showing a section of a golf bag representing a mounted leg bracket assembly in one embodiment.

[0223] [Figure 198] This is a perspective view showing the upper surface of the leg bracket and divider top before connection.

[0224] [Figure 199]This is a skeletal perspective view showing the front end of the outer ring at the top of the divider, which represents the mating surface and the bracket connection point for leg installation.

[0225] [Figure 200A] This is a skeletal top view showing a divider top equipped with a leg bracket, representing an embodiment of the divider top where the top of the divider completely covers the leg mounting bracket.

[0226] [Figure 200B] This is a top view of the skeletal structure of a divider top equipped with a leg mounting bracket, representing an embodiment of the divider top where the top of the divider covers two-thirds of the leg mounting bracket.

[0227] [Figure 200C] This is a top view of the skeletal structure of a divider top equipped with a leg mounting bracket, representing an embodiment of the divider top where the top of the divider covers one-third of the leg mounting bracket.

[0228] [Figure 200D] This is a top view of the skeletal structure of a divider top, showing an embodiment in which the top of the divider covers the bracket for mounting the legs to its outer edge.

[0229] [Figure 200E] This is a top view of the skeletal structure showing the top of a divider equipped with a leg mounting bracket, representing an embodiment of the top of the divider where the top of the divider covers half of the leg mounting bracket.

[0230] [Figure 201] This is a side view showing a first pocket equipped with a magnetic structure and a zipper structure.

[0231] [Figure 202]This is a front view showing the first pocket in Figure 201.

[0232] [Figure 203] This is a top view showing a golf bag equipped with a tension panel.

[0233] [Figure 204] This is a perspective view showing a golf bag with a tension panel, but without the flat flap and leg brackets attached.

[0234] [Figure 205] This is a cross-sectional view showing a tension panel installed inside a golf bag.

[0235] [Figure 206] This is a rear view showing a golf bag equipped with a boss.

[0236] [Figure 207] This is a bottom view showing the pins with friction locking structures located within the end caps and leg brackets.

[0237] [Figure 208A] This is a side view showing a pin equipped with a friction locking structure according to the first embodiment.

[0238] [Figure 208B] This is a side view showing a pin equipped with a friction locking structure according to the second embodiment.

[0239] [Figure 208C] This is a side view showing a pin equipped with a friction locking structure according to the third embodiment.

[0240] [Figure 209] A perspective view showing the top of a divider equipped with ribs in one embodiment.

[0241] [Figure 210]Figure 209 is a rear cross-sectional view showing the top of the divider. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0242] Other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the drawings represent general structures, and well-known features and technical descriptions and details may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring this disclosure. In addition, the elements in the drawings are not necessarily to exact scale. For example, to help improve the understanding of embodiments of this disclosure, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be enlarged relative to others. The same reference numeral in different drawings indicates the same element.

[0243] The following describes a golf bag, which is a carry bag or cart bag, manufactured to allow assembly of the golf bag via mechanical means such as snap-fit ​​connectors that do not require complex tools. This snap-fit ​​assembly enables end-user assembly of the golf bag, achieving economic savings in shipping costs and manufacturing time, unlike conventional golf bags that require complete assembly in a molding plant or special manufacturing plant. The golf bag comprises a divider top, divider sleeve, base, and flat. Some embodiments of the golf bag may further include a stand assembly comprising legs and springs. The stand assembly may be positioned to support the golf bag or to accommodate the golf bag for the purpose of allowing it to be suitably transported or stored. As mentioned above, components of the golf bag can use snap-fit ​​connectors to engage with other components of the golf bag. Snap-fit ​​connectors eliminate the need for riveting, which requires skilled workers and expensive equipment. The golf bag may comprise subassemblies, from which the golf bag is assembled. Snap-fit ​​connectors further enable the production of the golf bag as a self-assembly kit that is completed by the end-user of the golf bag. In some embodiments, certain components, such as pockets, are removable from the golf bag. The removable nature of these components allows for quick and easy customization of the golf bag.

[0244] Golf bags incorporating subassemblies offer advantages over previously designed golf bags. These advantages include (1) improving the golfer's experience with the golf bag by reducing the accumulation or crowding of divider sleeves near the base, and (2) facilitating the insertion and removal of golf clubs when the golf bag is positioned in a tripod configuration with the stand assembly deployed. In addition, the connecting members provide manufacturers with the possibility to adjust the tension of the divider sleeves (and subassemblies) during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the golf bags described herein achieve increased efficiency and cost savings during manufacturing and assembly, including a reduction in fastening materials such as rivets and a reduction in the amount of time spent connecting the subassemblies to the top and base of the dividers through the use of snap-fit ​​connectors and self-fastening devices. This results in a reduction in the overall assembly time and cost of the golf bag. Thanks to the pre-assembled nature of the golf bag and the reduced shipping capacity, it is also possible to avoid shipping costs and tariffs.

[0245] (definition) Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art. In case of any conflict, the definitions in this document shall prevail. Preferred methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice and testing of this disclosure. All prior art, patent applications, patents, and other references referenced herein are incorporated in their entirety by reference. The materials, methods, and examples disclosed herein are illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0246] As used herein, the terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” and “contain(s),” and their conjugations, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that do not preclude the possibility of additional acts and structures. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” also include plural references unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. This disclosure also intends that other embodiments, whether expressly stated or not, “include,” “consist of,” and “substantially consist of” the embodiments or elements presented herein.

[0247] The modifiers “about,” “approximately,” or “roughly,” used in relation to quantities, include the stated value and have meanings indicated by the context (e.g., at least include the error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity). The modifiers “about,” “approximately,” or “roughly” should also be seen as disclosing a range defined by the absolute values ​​of two endpoints. For example, the expression “about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “2 to 4.” The terms “about,” “approximately,” or “roughly” can mean plus or minus 10% of the number indicated. For example, “about 10%” can indicate a range from 9% to 11%, and “about 1” can mean from 0.9 to 1.1. Other meanings of "about," "approximately," or "roughly" may also become clear from the context.

[0248] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth,” etc., used in this description and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements, where present, and do not necessarily describe a specific sequential or chronological order. It will be understood that these terms, used in this manner, are substitutable under appropriate circumstances, and therefore the embodiments described herein may operate, for example, in an order other than that shown or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include” and “have” and their conjugations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, and therefore a process, method, system, object, device, or apparatus containing a list of elements is not necessarily limited to these elements alone, and may also include other elements that are not explicitly listed or are specific to these processes, methods, systems, objects, devices, or apparatus.

[0249] The terms “front,” “rear,” “first side,” and “second side” used in this description and claims are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily intended to describe permanent relative positions. It will be understood that these terms, used in this manner, are substitutable under appropriate circumstances, and therefore embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and / or products described herein may operate in orientations other than those shown or otherwise described herein.

[0250] As used herein, “golf bag” may mean a special type of storage bag for holding or storing golf clubs. Golf bags may be used for storing golf clubs over long periods of time, or for moving and holding golf clubs during play. Some golf bags further provide means for storing other equipment such as tees, golf balls, optical parallax rangefinders, ball markers, divot repair tools, golf gloves, rain gear for clubs and golf bags, and miscellaneous items that a golfer may wish to access on the golf course. A golf bag comprises at least a flat, one or more stays, a base, and a divider top, as will be defined later.

[0251] As used herein, “flat” may mean a tubular portion, an outer shell, an outer housing, or a cover attached to and extending between the top and base of the divider of a golf bag. The flat may be formed from leather, synthetic leather, fabric, or other suitable material. The flat may have, among other things, one or more pockets and at least one carrying handle. Some embodiments of the flat further include one or more shoulder straps.

[0252] As used herein, “base” may mean a component that is the foundation for a golf bag. The base can support golf clubs to prevent them from falling out from the flat bottom edge. The base can make contact with the ground, thereby providing a sturdy structure that gives a flat shape.

[0253] As used herein, “divider top” may mean a component that gives a rigid shape to the top of a golf bag, which has an opening for receiving and separating (organizing) golf clubs inserted into the flat.

[0254] As used herein, “short game component” may mean a section of the top of the divider. The short game component may be located at the front end of the top of the divider. The short game component may comprise one or more putter wells and / or one or more wedge wells.

[0255] As used herein, “stay” may mean one or more rigid members that provide flat rigidity. One or more stays connect the base and the top of the divider.

[0256] As mentioned above, there are two classes of golf bags: “carry bags” and “cart bags.” As used herein, “carry bag” may mean, as implied by its name, a golf bag that is typically carried by a golfer between holes during a round of golf. Carry bags are generally lighter than cart bags. To reduce weight, carry bags are typically made of lighter materials than cart bags and may have a smaller diameter, such as less than 9 inches. There are several types of carry bags, including stand bags with retractable legs that are deployed to form a tripod and to support a free-standing position, as well as Sunday bags, which are ultra-lightweight, flexible “sleeves” that accept golf clubs but have only minimal storage capacity for golf accessories to further reduce weight.

[0257] As used herein, “cart bag” may mean a golf bag typically about 9 to 14 inches in diameter, having multiple pockets for storing golf accessories (e.g., golf balls, rain gear, optical parallax rangefinders, etc.), and usually made of relatively stiff and heavy materials including leather, synthetic leather, or fabric. Due to its substantial size, weight, and capacity for storing golf accessories, cart bags are not typically carried by golfers during play. Instead, cart bags are transported by caddies, electric carts, push carts, or pull carts. Non-limiting examples of cart bags include stuff bags or tour bags.

[0258] As used herein, “snap-fit ​​connection” may mean any connection that engages via compressive force and cannot be released by an equal and opposite tensile force. A snap-fit ​​connection may be a snap fastener, a snap-fit ​​mounting means, a quilt fit, a snap button, or any other similar fastening assembly that forms a connection or is otherwise connected by an assembler. Snap-fit ​​connections may be fastened without the use of tools.

[0259] Most snap-fit ​​connectors comprise at least one flexible component. Typically, one component of the snap-fit ​​connector has a projection or inclination, and a second receiving component has a recess, opening, or housing that receives the projection or inclination of the first component. However, snap-fit ​​connectors are not limited to this general embodiment. Many elements of a golf bag are described with the adjective “snap-fit,” meaning that the element can engage with itself or with another element of the golf bag via a snap-fit ​​connector. For example, a snap-fit ​​bracket could be a bracket that engages with the top of a divider via a snap-fit ​​connector.

[0260] As used herein, “collapse” may mean folding, compacting, bending, compressing, or otherwise transforming a unit into a state with a smaller volume than its original or deployed state. The folded state of a golf bag may also be referred to as the “delivery” configuration.

[0261] As used herein, “deployment” may mean an action of unfolding, spreading out, widening, or otherwise transforming a unit into a state with a capacity greater than that of its folded state. The deployed state of a golf bag may also be referred to as an “operable configuration.”

[0262] As used herein, “recipient” may mean the user of the golf bag, the person who receives the golf bag in the form it is delivered by the supplier (as defined later) (e.g., a customer), one or more persons associated with a point of sale (e.g., a golf shop), a retailer, or any other person who receives the golf bag.

[0263] As defined herein, “assembler” may mean the recipient required to assemble the golf bag themselves, or a worker at a manufacturing location who assists in the golf bag assembly process.

[0264] As used herein, “Place of manufacture” may mean any factory, assembly plant, supplier, manufacturing location, warehouse, workshop, or any other location where the golf bag is assembled before sale, before delivery, or before being given to the recipient in any other form.

[0265] As used herein, “supplier” may mean any company that sells, ships, or otherwise distributes golf bags. It should be understood that the manufacturing locations defined above are owned by, contracted by, monitored by, leased by, or otherwise associated with the supplier.

[0266] As used herein, “subassembly” may mean a grouping, assembly, unit, or structure of multiple components of a golf bag (e.g., base or divider top). A subassembly is a partially assembled unit that can be used to complete the assembly of a golf bag. Different embodiments of a subassembly may comprise different components. In many embodiments, the subassembly is foldable. A subassembly may be included in a golf bag kit, as will be defined later.

[0267] As used herein, “golf bag kit” may mean a collection of components or parts that, when assembled, form a golf bag. The kit includes all components necessary to complete the golf bag, except for the tools required for assembly. The kit may include a partially assembled golf bag. In most embodiments, the kit includes components, parts, subassemblies, and / or partially assembled parts of a golf bag that is folded and placed in a box for shipping. In other words, the kit may include a golf bag in a folded configuration, along with the components necessary to unfold, deploy, and / or complete the golf bag. The box volume required to hold the kit is generally less than the box volume required to hold a fully assembled golf bag. In some embodiments, the kit is shipped in individual boxes, but the overall shipping volume of the components is still less than the shipping volume of a fully assembled golf bag. Before describing any embodiment of this disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the application of this disclosure is not limited to the details or structures and configurations of components described or shown in the following description or drawings. This disclosure may support other embodiments and may be implemented or carried out in various ways. It should be understood that the description of a particular embodiment is not intended to limit this disclosure without including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that the expressions and terminology used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0268] I. Golf Bag This specification describes the ease with which golf bags can be manufactured that further reduce shipping costs without sacrificing ergonomics, durability, or the number of options for storing and transporting golf clubs and other golf-related items required by golfers during a round of golf. Golf bags may have snap-fit ​​components. Golf bags may be carry bags or cart bags. A carry bag comprises a stand assembly having at least one or more straps, one stay, a base, a divider top, and legs. A cart bag comprises at least one flat, two or more stays, a base, and a divider top. The following detailed description will refer to golf bags as carry bags or cart bags for the sake of ease of consideration and understanding, and for illustrative purposes only. It should be recognized that the figures referenced are provided for illustrative purposes only, and that embodiments of carry bags 10 or cart bags 1010 disclosed herein may be incorporated into any suitable class, type, or size of golf bag. Generally, golf bags 10 and 1010 are sized to carry several standard-length golf clubs, such as a set of golf clubs including one or more of the following: a driver, woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and / or a putter. Standard-length golf clubs are not foldable and vary in length from approximately 32 inches to 49 inches depending on the club. Clubs designed for junior golfers may be shorter, around 27 inches.

[0269] Figures 1 to 90, 94A to 104, and 107 to 110 show embodiments of golf bag 10 having features and embodiments similar to a carry-type golf bag. Figures 91 to 93C, 105A to 106, and 111 to 144 show embodiments of golf bag 1010 having features typically associated with a cart bag. Features disclosed for golf bag 10 and golf bag 1010 can be selectively implemented in a carry bag or a cart bag as appropriate. In the following description, golf bags 10 and 1010 are both referred to as general golf bags, and more specifically as carry bag 10 and cart bag 1010.

[0270] Figures 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E show the right side view, rear view, left side view, and front view of an embodiment of the golf bag 10, respectively. Referring to Figures 1 and 113, the general components of the golf bags 10, 1010 include bases 34, 1034, divider tops 30, 1030, divider sleeves 46, 1046, one or more stays 39, 1039, and flats 14, 1014. The golf bags 10, 1010 may be formed from subassemblies 42, 1042 comprising one or more of the bases 34, 1034, divider tops 30, 1030, divider sleeves 46, 1046, one or more stays 39, 1039, and flats 14, 1014. The divider tops 30, 1030 are attached to one or more stays 39, 1039, flats 14, 1014, and divider sleeves 46, 1046. The bases 34, 1034 are attached to one or more stays 39, 1039, flats 14, 1014, and divider sleeves 46, 1046. One or more stays 39, 1039 provide rigidity to the golf bag 10, 1010, thereby holding the bases 34, 1034 and the divider tops 30, 1030 in a fixed position relative to each other. The roughly cylindrical flats 14, 1014 define compartments for storing golf clubs and extend between the divider tops 30, 1030 and the bases 34, 1034. The divider sleeves 46, 1046 are attached to the divider tops 30, 1030 and extend toward the bases 34, 1034. The divider sleeves 46, 1046 are attached to the bases 34, 1034 or to the bottom ends of the flats 14, 1014 via connecting members 50. The divider tops 30, 1030 and the divider sleeves 46, 1046 provide a means for separating golf clubs within the golf bags 10, 1010, thereby preventing the golf clubs from clumping together or getting tangled with each other. The components of the golf bags 10, 1010 will be described in more detail in a later section.

[0271] A. Divider top and divider sleeve The golf bags 10, 1010 include divider tops 30, 1030 and divider sleeves 46, 1046. Figures 7, 8, 117, and 118 show the divider tops 30, 1030. Figure 7 shows the divider top 30 with the attached divider sleeve 46. As shown in Figure 7, the divider opening 82 defines an entrance to multiple divider sections 86 of the divider sleeve 46 that extends from the divider top 30 toward the base 34. Each divider section 86, 1086 accepts one or more golf clubs, thereby allowing a golfer to organize or isolate certain golf clubs while the clubs are accepted within the golf bags 10, 1010. For example, a golfer can isolate woods and / or hybrids from irons. In another embodiment, a golfer can organize their irons between multiple divider sections 86, 1086 such that irons with smaller loft angles (e.g., 4-iron to 7-iron) are separated from irons with larger loft angles (e.g., 8-iron to wedges).

[0272] The divider tops 30, 1030 have outer rings 74, 1074 that define the periphery of the divider tops 30, 1030. The divider tops 30, 1030 are provided with one or more handles 1033a, 1033b, one or more handles 1033a, 1033b that are formed together with the divider tops 30, 1030 or otherwise connected to the divider tops 30, 1030 and extend beyond the periphery defined by the outer rings 74, 1074. Next, referring to Figures 8, 117, and 118, the divider sleeves 46, 1046 have been removed to further illustrate the divider tops 30, 1030. In one embodiment, at least one cross member 78, 1078 extends across the portion defined by the outer rings 74, 1074 to define a plurality of divider openings 82, 1082. As shown in Figure 8, multiple cross members 78a, 78b extend across the portion defined by the ring 74, and at least one intermediate member 80 extends between the cross members 78a, 78b to define a divider opening 82. The cross members 78, 1078 and / or intermediate members 80, 1080 can define any suitable number of divider openings 82, 1082, which include, but are not limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 20 openings.

[0273] The divider openings 82, 1082 can have various shapes, including, but are not limited to, squares, rectangles, triangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, circles, and ellipses. Multiple divider openings 82, 1082 of different shapes can be mounted on the same divider tops 30, 1030 to create a pattern. In some embodiments, one or more divider openings 82, 1082 are formed to accommodate a particular type of club. For example, in the embodiment of Figure 117, the putter well opening 1716 is designed to accommodate a putter-type club. In some embodiments, one or more openings 82, 1082 may open at different heights above the bottom edges of the divider tops 30, 1030. By varying the heights of the openings, it is possible to accommodate shorter clubs in openings that open at a lower position and longer clubs in openings that open at a higher position.

[0274] The divider tops 30, 1030 further include top stay receiving channels 166, 174a configured to receive top stay hinges 162, 1704 that connect stays 39, 1039 to the divider tops 30, 1030. Typically, the top stay receiving channels 166, 174a are located on the inner surface of the outer rings 74, 1074 and are positioned adjacent to the rear side of the golf bags 10, 1010. In some embodiments of the divider tops 30, 1030, one or more stay hubs may be further provided for directly receiving secondary stays. These stay hubs may be located on the outer surface of the outer rings 74, 1074.

[0275] In some embodiments of the divider tops 30, 1030, a flat mounting mechanism is further provided for engaging with the flats 14, 1014. The flat mounting mechanism for engaging with the flats 14, 1014 may comprise a mounting opening, a snap button, a surface for engaging with a self-fixing connecting member of the flat, or other suitable connecting means. In most embodiments, the flat mounting mechanism is integrated or located on the outer rings 74, 1074. In some embodiments, the flat is sewn or glued directly to the divider tops 30, 1030 rather than being connected via a mounting mechanism.

[0276] In some embodiments, the divider tops 30, 1030 further include a divider mounting mechanism. The divider mounting mechanism may include a mounting opening, a snap button, other snap-fit ​​connectors, a surface for engaging with the self-fixing connector members of the divider sleeves 46, 1046, or other suitable connecting means. The connection of the divider sleeves 46, 1046 to the divider tops 30, 1030 will be described in more detail later.

[0277] The divider tops 30, 1030 may be formed as a single integrated piece or as a plurality of integrally joined pieces. In some embodiments, the divider tops 30, 1030 comprises multiple pieces to allow for easy customization of the divider tops 30, 1030. The divider tops 30, 1030 may also be a modular divider top assembly, such as the modular divider top assembly 830 described later. The divider tops 30, 1030 may be provided with a cover, such as the cover 870 described later. Embodiments of the plurality of pieces of the divider tops 30, 1030 may allow for color customization and / or customization of the divider openings. For example, the number and / or shape of the openings 82, 1082 may be customized based on the recipient's desired opening pattern. Some golfers prefer multiple openings to allow them to organize each golf club by placing it in an individual opening. Other golfers prefer fewer openings to allow them to easily insert multiple clubs into their respective larger openings.

[0278] 1. Modular divider top Referring to Figures 94 to 97, a modular divider top assembly 830 comprising a top ring 840 and a cross member portion 850 is shown. The embodiment showing the modular divider assembly 830 is similar to the divider top 30 of a carry bag, but the concept of the modular divider assembly 830 can be applied to any class, type, or design of golf bag. The divider top portion is molded so that the cross member portion 850 fits into the top ring portion 840. In some embodiments, the cross member portion 850 is attached to a divider sleeve 46. The modular connector of the top ring 840 and the cross member portion 850 allows various embodiments of the cross member portion 850 to be interchangeably attached to the top ring 840. This enables cost-effective customization of the divider layout within the golf bags 10, 1010.

[0279] As shown in Figure 96, the top ring 840 of the modular divider top 830 comprises a wall 841, a ledge 842, an internal shelf 843, an internal support 844, and a handle 845. In some embodiments, it comprises two or more handles. The wall 841 forms the bottom portion of the top ring 840 and extends vertically downward from the ledge 842. The wall 841 can have a height between 0.5 inches and 2.5 inches. The height of the wall 841 is measured from the bottom edge of the wall 841 to the point where the wall intersects with the ledge 842. For example, the wall height may be 0.5, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, or 2.5 inches. The ledge 842 of the top ring 840 extends outward from the wall 841 and corresponds to the ledge on the body of the golf bag 10. The ledge 842 assists in holding the top ring 840 at the top of the golf bag 10, thereby preventing the top ring 840 from falling into the body of the golf bag 10. The handle 845 is located at the rear end of the top ring 840, so that the handle 845 is positioned on the rear side of the golf bag 10 when the top ring 840 is mounted on the golf bag 10. The internal shelf 843h of the top ring 840 corresponds to the ledge of the cross member portion 850. The internal shelf 843 can be in contact with the entire interior of the top ring 840, or the internal shelf 843 can be in contact with only a portion of the interior of the top ring 840.

[0280] In some embodiments, the internal support 844 extends inward from multiple sides of the top ring 840. The internal support 844 may comprise juxtaposed supports and / or front-to-back supports (not shown). The top ring 840 may or may not comprise supports, or may comprise one, two, three, four, five, or six supports. In some embodiments, the internal support 844 is a rib extending inward and upward at an angle between 15 and 45 degrees. The internal support 844 may be 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 degrees. These ribs may have a length between 0 and 2 inches. The length of the ribs may be 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, or 2.0 inches. These ribs may be connected to the top ring at one end of each rib, as depicted in Figure 2. In other embodiments, the internal support is a beam (not shown) that extends entirely from one side of the top ring 840 to the opposite side of the top ring 840 (a juxtaposed support) or entirely from the front portion to the rear portion of the top ring 840 (a front-to-rear positioned support). In some embodiments, the front-to-rear positioned support can intersect with two or more of the juxtaposed support. Similarly, the juxtaposed support can intersect with two or more of the front-to-rear positioned support. The beam can be linear or arched. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 95, there is no internal support. In some embodiments, the top ring 840 further has an internal projection 846 located near the rear end of the top ring 840. The internal projection 846 may include a hub for connecting the stay 39 to the modular divider assembly 830. The hub has a cavity that extends upward into the internal projection 846 for receiving the stay 39.

[0281] As shown in Figure 96, the cross member portion 850 of the modular divider top 830 comprises a main body wall 851, an external ledge 852, a plurality of juxtaposed cross members 853, and a plurality of front-to-back juxtaposed cross members 854. The main body wall 851 is sized to fit into the top ring 840. The external ledge 852 is external to the main body wall 851 and corresponds to the internal shelf 843 of the top ring 840. The internal shelf 843 of the top ring 840 and the external ledge 852 of the cross member portion 850 prevent the cross member portion 850 from sliding below the top ring 840 and help to fix the cross member portion 850 in place. The plurality of juxtaposed cross members 853 may comprise one, two, three, four, or more cross members extending from one side of the main body wall 851 to the opposite side of the main body wall 851. In some embodiments, one or more of the juxtaposed cross members 853 intersect with two or more of the front-to-back arranged cross members 854. In some embodiments, one or more of the juxtaposed cross members 853 do not contact the main body wall 851. The multiple front-to-back arranged cross members 854 may comprise one, two, three, four, five, or more cross members. In some embodiments, one or more of the front-to-back arranged cross members 854 intersect with two or more of the juxtaposed cross members 853. In some embodiments, one or more of the front-to-back arranged cross members 854 do not contact the main body wall 851 of the cross member portion 850.

[0282] The structural combination of the juxtaposed cross members 853 and the front-to-back cross members 854 creates three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, or more openings for receiving golf clubs. In some embodiments, a replaceable cross member portion 850 is equipped with four, five, seven, or fourteen openings for receiving golf clubs. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cross members include a hollow groove or channel 855 that engages with an internal support 844 of the top ring 840. In some embodiments, the cross member portion 850 further has a notch 856 corresponding to an internal projection 846 in the top ring 840. The internal projection 846 and the notch 856 align the cross member portion 850 with the top ring 540 during the assembly of the modular divider top 830.

[0283] The divider sleeve 46 comprises one or more compartments extending from the top toward the base 34 of the golf bag 10. Figure 100 shows the divider sleeve 46 attached to the cross member portion 850 of the modular divider top 830. As described with reference to Figures 4 to 6C, the divider sleeve 46 may further comprise a plurality of connecting members (or fasteners) at the bottom end 47 of the divider sleeve 46. The plurality of connecting members may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, or more. The connecting members may comprise elastic pieces and clips, snaps, or any other suitable mechanical fastening mechanism. The connecting members at the base of the divider sleeve may be fixed to the base of the golf bag 10, 1010 or the bottom end of the flat 14.

[0284] The advantages of the modular divider top assembly 830 include efficient customization of the divider top, a clean appearance, a lighter overall weight of the divider top than a single divider top, and better protection of the club shaft. As described later, the divider tops 30, 1030 can have a smaller overall weight because the cross member portion 850 can be formed from a lighter material than the top ring 840. The modular nature of the divider top assembly 830 allows manufacturers to offer recipients a wider range of color, texture, divider pattern, and graphic options in a simple, cost-effective manner by supplying customized cross member portions 850. Because golf bags 10 and 1010 can be assembled almost completely without using the cross member portion 850 of the divider top 830, the supplier can pre-assemble the bags using the top ring 840, as will be described in a later method section, and then fasten the customized cross member portion 850 into the top ring 840.

[0285] 2. A three-part divider with a putter well and a wedge well. Referring to Figures 156 to 159, in some embodiments, the golf bag comprises a three-part divider top 1100 having special wells for wedges and putters. This three-part divider top 1100 comprises a top ring 1104, a cross member component 1122, and a multi-opening short game component 1130. The top ring 1104 forms a framework supporting the cross member component 1122 and the short game component 1130. The cross member component 1122 and the short game component 1130 have wells (openings, openings, or pockets) that receive and separate the golf clubs stored in the golf bag. The short game component 1130 is located within the front portion 1106 of the top ring 1104, while the cross member component 1122 occupies the remainder of the top ring 1104. One or both of the short game component 1130 and the cross member component 1122 may be modular, configured to snap into place within the top ring 1104. The modular nature of the divider top assembly allows for easy customization and efficient manufacturing of golf bags.

[0286] Referring to Figures 156 and 157, the three-part divider top assembly 1100 comprises a top ring 1104, a cross member component 1122, and a multi-opening shortgame component 1130 having a pattern well 1142 and one or more wedge wells 1140. The cross member component 1122 and the shortgame component 1130 are located within the top ring 1104. In some embodiments, both the shortgame component 1130 and the cross member 1122 are modular and configured to snap-fit ​​into the top ring 1104. In other embodiments, the shortgame component 1130 is formed integrally with the top ring 1104. Referring to Figures 156 to 158, in some embodiments, the top ring 1104 may include a support channel 1120 and a support beam (not shown). The support beam divides the top ring 1104 into two parts, one part receiving the cross member component 1122 and the other part receiving the short game component 1130. The cross member component 1122 and the short game component 1130 are snap-fitted onto the support channel 1120 and the support beam.

[0287] As shown in Figures 158 and 159, the top ring 114 may comprise a main wall 1105, an inner lip wall 1118 forming a support channel 1120, and an outer overhang wall 1114. In some embodiments not shown but described further later, the inner lip wall 1118 is oriented to project downward rather than upward to form a rocking lip instead of a support channel 1120. In other embodiments, instead of an externally circumscribing inner rocking lip wall, the top ring 1104 comprises several separate overhang sections, also known elsewhere as clips, spaced apart around the interior of the top ring 1104.

[0288] Referring to Figure 156, the main wall 1105 comprises a back portion 1112, a first lateral portion 1108, a second lateral portion 1110, and a front portion 1106, which together form a ring. In some embodiments, the first lateral portion 1108 and the second lateral portion 1110 are curved and intersect with the front portion 1106. The front portion 1106 may be shorter than the back portion 1112. The main wall 1105 may have a height 1113 measured from the bottom edge of the main wall 1105 to the top edge of the main wall 1105. The main wall height 1113 may range between 0.5 inches and 2.5 inches. For example, the wall height 1113 may be 0.5, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, or 2.5 inches. The main wall 1113 may have one or more slots or openings that function as handles 1102. For example, the back portion 1112, the first side portion 1108, and the second side portion 1110 may each have separate slots that allow the user to pick up the bag. The main wall 1105 of the top ring 1104 defines the top and bottom openings of the ring.

[0289] As shown in Figures 158 and 159, the top ring 1104 may further comprise an inner lip wall 1118 forming a support channel 1120 and an outer overhang wall 1114 forming an undercut 1116. The inner lip wall 1118 may be connected to the main wall 1105 and may extend upward from the bottom end of the top ring 1104. The support channel 1120 may be configured to receive and connect the cross member component 1122 and / or the short game component 1130. The inner lip wall 1118 and the main wall 1105 may comprise snap-fit ​​structures 1119 configured to connect to the cross member component 1122 and / or the short game component 1130. In some embodiments, these snap-fit ​​structures 1119 are slots or openings located within the main wall 1105.

[0290] The outer overhang wall 1114 may extend downward on the outside of the main wall 1105 to form an undercut 1116. The undercut 1116 may be configured to receive the flat (or tubular fabric) of the golf bag. The outer overhang wall 1114 may be positioned higher than the inner lip wall 1118. In some embodiments, the outer overhang wall 1114 may be positioned above a slot or opening 1119 in the main wall 1105. This allows the snap-fit ​​structure (slot or opening) 1119 to be drilled, molded, or formed without interfering with the overhang wall 1114.

[0291] As shown in Figures 156 and 159, the cross member component 1122 of the three-part divider top 1100 comprises a perimeter wall 1128, a plurality of juxtaposed cross members 1126, a plurality of front-to-back cross members 1124, and one or more snap-fit ​​members 1129. The perimeter wall 1128 is sized to fit into the top ring 1104. The perimeter wall 1128 can be mounted on the top ring support channel 1120 to prevent the cross member component 1122 from sliding through the bottom opening of the ring 1104. The plurality of juxtaposed cross members 1126 may comprise one, two, three, four, or more cross members extending from one side of the perimeter wall 1128 to the opposite side of the perimeter wall 1128. In some embodiments, one or more of the juxtaposed cross members 1126 intersect with two or more of the front-to-back cross members 1124. In some embodiments, one or more of the juxtaposed cross members 1126 do not contact the peripheral wall 1128. The multiple front-to-back juxtaposed cross members 1124 may comprise one, two, three, four, five, or more cross members. In some embodiments, one or more of the front-to-back juxtaposed cross members 1124 intersect with two or more of the juxtaposed cross members 1126. In some embodiments, one or more of the front-to-back juxtaposed cross members 1124 do not contact the peripheral wall 1128 of the cross member component 1122.

[0292] The structural combination of the juxtaposed cross members 1126 and the front-to-back cross members 1124 creates three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, or more openings for receiving golf clubs. In some embodiments, interchangeable cross member components are equipped with four, five, seven, or fourteen openings for receiving golf clubs.

[0293] Referring to Figure 159, in some embodiments, one or more snap-fit ​​members 1129 may be located on the bottom portion of the cross member component 1122. In some embodiments, one or more snap-fit ​​members 1129 may be outward projections from the peripheral wall 1128. In other embodiments, one or more snap-fit ​​members 1129 may be openings or slots. One or more snap-fit ​​members 1129 may be configured to engage with the snap-fit ​​structure 1119 of the top ring. One or more snap-fit ​​members 1129 may have a connection mechanism that is clipped, snapped, or otherwise secured to the snap-fit ​​structure 1119 of the top ring 1104.

[0294] The cross member component 1122 can be inserted downward into the top ring 1104. Because the cross member component 1122 fits into the rear section of the top ring 1104, the cross member component 1122 can engage with the top ring back portion 1112, the first lateral portion 1108, the second lateral portion 1110, and the support beam. The cross member component 1122 can remain adjacent to the bottom opening of the top ring 1104. In some embodiments, the cross member component 1122 is spaced apart from the top opening of the ring.

[0295] As described above, in some embodiments, the top ring 1104 comprises a main wall 1105, an outer overhang wall similar to the outer overhang wall 1114, and a plurality of individual overhang sections (or a plurality of clips / latches). Each individual overhang section extends downward outward from the main wall 1105 to form an undercut. In these embodiments, the cross member component 1122 comprises a plurality of latches (or a plurality of clip / channel sections). The plurality of latches are configured to lock or snap into the plurality of individual overhang sections of the top ring. Each individual overhang section of the top ring 1104 is snapped onto the respective latch of the cross member component 1122. Once snapped, the individual overhang section is positioned, at least partially, within the channel or receiving groove of the respective latch. The plurality of latches of the cross member component cover under and around the plurality of overhang sections, so that the cross member component is prevented from being removed from the top ring 1104 by an upward pulling motion. This design feature ensures that when a user grips the golf bag using the cross-part components, the golf bag can be lifted without falling apart.

[0296] The multi-opening short game component 1130 may have a generally trapezoidal shape with two or more wells for receiving clubs. The short game component 1130 may comprise a putter well 1142 and one or more wedge wells 1140. The putter well 1142 and the one or more wedge wells 1140 may be of any shape. For example, the short game component 1130 shown in Figures 156 and 157 comprises a central putter well 1142 and two wedge wells 1140, one on each side of the putter well 1142. The short game component 1130 may further comprise a front wall 1136, a rear wall 1138, a first side wall 1132, a second side wall 1134, and one or more intersecting walls separating and defining two or more wells 1140, 1142. The front wall 1136 may be shorter than the rear wall 1138. The rear wall 1138 is configured to engage with the top ring support beam. As the short game component 1130 fits into the front section of the top ring 1104, the front wall 1136, the first side wall 1132, and the second side wall 1134 of the short game component are configured to engage with or snugly fit with the front portion 1106, the first lateral portion 1108, and the second lateral portion 1110 of the top ring. In some embodiments, a snap-fit ​​structure 1119 is present between the short game component wall and the top ring portion, thereby further securing the short game component 1130 within the top ring 1104. In some embodiments, the multi-opening short game component 1130 may be molded integrally with or co-molded with the top ring 1104.

[0297] The two or more wells 1140, 1142 of the short game component 1130 serve as openings for receiving and separating golf clubs stored in the front section of the golf bag. The two or more wells 1140, 1142 may comprise two, three, or four wells. The wells may generally be rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, circular, or any suitable shape. Having multiple wells or openings within the short game component 1130 allows the golfer to conveniently access multiple wedges and putters useful for shots near and on the green.

[0298] The top ring 1104, the cross member component 1122, and the multi-opening short game component 1130 may be formed from a polymer material or composite material such as a thermoplastic. In some embodiments, the cross member component 1122 and / or the short game component 1130 are formed from a material that is less dense than the material of the top ring 1104. In some embodiments, a three-part divider top 1100 may be attached to one or more divider sleeves, each divider sleeve comprising one or more compartments. One or more sleeve compartments extend from the top to the base of the golf bag. The divider sleeve may be attached to one or both of the cross member component 1122 or the short game component 1130.

[0299] A second embodiment of the modular divider top assembly, not shown, includes a top ring 1104 with an internal support bracket instead of a support channel 1120. This second embodiment of the modular divider top assembly may include a top ring, modular cross member components, and short game components, similar to the corresponding components of the first embodiment.

[0300] The support brackets of the top ring extend inward from the wall. The support brackets function to hold the cross member components and short game components within the top ring. The support brackets may be ribs, pegs, shelves, beams, blocks, or any other suitable geometry to prevent the cross member components and short game components from falling through the bottom opening of the ring. The support brackets may have juxtaposed supports and / or supports positioned front to back. There may be two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or any suitable number of support brackets.

[0301] In some embodiments, the support bracket is a rib extending inward and upward at an angle between 15 and 45 degrees. The support bracket can extend upward at an angle of 15, 20, 30, 35, 40, or 45 degrees. These ribs can have a length between 0 and 2 inches. The length of the ribs may be 0.2 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.8 inches, 1.0 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.4 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.8 inches, or 2.0 inches. These ribs can be connected to a top ring at one end of each rib.

[0302] The support bracket may be configured to receive a cross member component or a short game component. The support bracket may receive the cross member component or short game component by snapping, clipping, or other means. In some embodiments, the support bracket may be able to releasably receive the cross member component and / or short game component.

[0303] As described above with respect to the first embodiment, the short game component may be configured to have two or more wells. In some embodiments, the short game component may be snap-fitted into the top ring. In other embodiments, the short game component may be molded integrally with or co-molded with the top ring.

[0304] In some embodiments, the divider top 1100 can have a smaller overall weight because the cross member components 1122 and / or short game components 1130 can be formed from a material that is lighter than the top ring 1104. The modular nature of the divider top assembly 1100 allows manufacturers to offer recipients a wider range of color, texture, divider pattern, and graphic options in a simple, cost-effective manner by supplying customized cross member components 1122. Since the golf bag can be assembled almost entirely without the cross member components 1122 and / or short game components 1130 of the divider top 1100, suppliers can pre-assemble the bag using the top ring 1104 and then fasten the customized cross member components 1122 and short game components 1130 into the top ring 1104. The shown embodiments of the modular divider assembly 1100 (Figures 156-159) are similar to the top divider of a cart bag, but the modular divider assembly can be applied to any class, type, or design of golf bag, for example, in a carry bag.

[0305] 3. Cover on the cross member at the top of the divider Figures 82 to 84 show another embodiment of the divider tops 30, 1030, in which a cover 870 may be attached to the cross member 78 and the intermediate member 80. The cover 870 provides protection for the cross member 78 and for any golf clubs that may collide with the divider tops 30, 1030 when inserted into the golf bags 10, 1010. The cover 870 allows for further customization of the color of the divider tops 30, 1030. Embodiments of the divider tops 30, 1030 having one or more intermediate members may further include the cover 870, but only embodiments with one intermediate member 80 are shown in this description.

[0306] The cover 870 may be a single-piece system that allows for easy one-step assembly using the divider top 30. This differs from the need to cover each cross member 878 and intermediate member 880 of the divider top 30 with flaps 90. In some golf clubs, the divider sleeves 46, 1046 are provided with one or more flaps 90 that serve a dual purpose: to secure the divider sleeves 46, 1046 to the divider top 30, 1030 and to protect the cross members 78, 878, 1078 of the divider top 30, 1030. The cover 870 simply requires the assembler to place the cover 870 on the cross members 878 and intermediate members 880. Furthermore, the cover 870 can offer more opportunities for customization of color, texture, or graphics and has the potential to provide more robust protection for the golf club compared to a system of flaps 90.

[0307] The cover 870 may be fixed or bonded to the divider top 30 and may have an outer cover ring 874 that can follow the same contour as the outer ring 74 of the divider top 30. Furthermore, the outer cover ring 874 may have a smaller circumferential wall than the outer ring 74, so that when the outer surface of the outer cover ring 874 is assembled, it is adjacent to the inner surface of the outer ring 74. The cover 870 further has at least one cross member cover 878 extending across a portion of the outer cover ring 874, thereby defining a plurality of cover openings 882 corresponding to at least one cross member 78 of the divider top 30. In some embodiments, referring to Figure 83, a plurality of cross member covers 878a, 878b extend across the portion defined by the outer cover ring 874, and at least one intermediate member cover 880 extends between the cross member covers 878a, 878b to define a cover opening 882 corresponding to the divider opening 82. Referring to Figure 84, viewed from below, the cross member cover 878 and the intermediate member cover 880 have channels 890, and as a result, during assembly, the cross member 78 and the intermediate member 80 are fitted into the channels 890.

[0308] In other embodiments, the cover 870 may have a cross member cover 878 and at least one intermediate member cover 880, and may not have an outer cover ring 874. In these or other embodiments, when viewed from below, the cross member cover 878 and the intermediate member cover 880 may have a channel 890, so that the cross member 78 and the intermediate member 80 can be fitted into the channel 890. During assembly, the cross member cover 878 and the intermediate member cover 880 can cover the cross member 78 and the intermediate member 80 while leaving the outer ring 74 of the divider top 30 exposed.

[0309] In other embodiments, the cover 870 may have an outer cover ring 874 and may not have a cross member cover 878 and an intermediate member cover 880. In these embodiments and other embodiments, when viewed from below, the outer cover ring 874 may have a channel 890, and as a result, the outer ring 74 may be fitted into the channel 890. During assembly, the outer cover ring 874 can cover the outer ring 74 while leaving the member cover 878 and intermediate member 880 of the divider top 30 exposed.

[0310] In some embodiments, the channel 890 may be filled with an adhesive or epoxy to secure the cover 870 to the divider top 30 during assembly. In other embodiments, the cover 870 may be secured to the divider top 30 by any suitable mechanism. For example, the cover 870 may be secured to the divider top 30 by a screw mechanism, a snap-fit ​​mechanism, a hook-and-loop mechanism (VELCRO®), a rivet, a latch mechanism, a buckle mechanism, a clipping mechanism, a strap mechanism, a pin mechanism, or any other suitable mechanism.

[0311] In some embodiments, the cover 870 may be the same color as the divider top 30. In other embodiments, the cover 870 may be a different color from the divider top 30. In other embodiments, the cover 870 may be blue, green, yellow, orange, red, purple, white, black, gray, gold, or any other suitable color.

[0312] 4. Felt-covered top of divider In some embodiments, the golf bag may include a top divider 2010 comprising a compression-molded felt material. The top divider 2010 may be configured to be attached to the golf bag. The golf bag may include an optional stand assembly having a base, a flat, one or more stays, support legs, and an optional divider sleeve for further separating club shafts within the bag. The top divider 2010 may be connected to one or more stays, a flat, and / or a divider sleeve. The top divider 2010 may include a framework 2012 and a cover 2014 formed from felt.

[0313] The golf bag divider top framework 2012 comprises an outer ring 2016 and a plurality of cross members 2018. The outer ring 2016 defines the mouth 2020 of the divider top 2010 for receiving golf clubs. The cross members 2018 extend across the mouth 2020 of the divider top 2010 to create a plurality of openings for receiving and separating golf clubs. In some embodiments, the cross members 2018 can intersect to form openings. The golf bag divider top framework 2012 may be formed from a polymer material, a polymer composite material, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the framework 2012 may be formed from solid felt.

[0314] The cover 2014 of the golf bag divider top 2010 may be shaped to overlap or formed to fit the framework 2012 of the divider top 2010. The cover 2014 has a top surface 2022, a bottom surface 2024, and a periphery 2026. The top surface 2022 of the cover 2014 is exposed to the outside of the golf bag 2028. The bottom surface 2024 of the cover is configured to connect to, abut, attach, and / or fit to the top of the framework 2012. In some embodiments, the framework outer ring 2016 further comprises a channel, a trough encircling, or a periphery slot 2030 configured to receive and / or secure the periphery of the cover 2026. The periphery of the cover 2026 may slide into and fill the channel 2030. In some embodiments, the channel 2030 does not have a bottom surface. In these embodiments, the periphery of the cover 2026 extends entirely through the channel 2030, thereby allowing the cover 2014 to be secured below the channel 2030 by rivets 2032 or other fastening means. The cover periphery 2026 may be bonded to the framework of the divider top 2012 using epoxy resin, riveted, or otherwise fixed. In other embodiments, the cover 2014 covers the framework outer ring 2016. In some embodiments, the cover 2014 covers only a plurality of cross members 2018.

[0315] The cover 2014 may include a felt material. The cover 2014 may include a felt material in amounts of 100 wt%, over 90 wt%, over 80 wt%, over 70 wt%, over 60 wt%, over 50 wt%, over 40 wt%, over 30 wt%, or over 20 wt%. The felt material may include randomly oriented fibers. The fibers may be discontinuous. In some embodiments, the felt material includes polyester. In some embodiments, the felt material is molded to be bonded to or attached to an EVA foam material to form the cover 2014. The felt material may have a composition that allows it to be compression molded in a mold having a long draw distance and a small draft angle.

[0316] The cover 2014 may have a depth measured from its upper edge to its lower edge. The depth may correspond to the drawing distance required when molding the cover 2014. The depth of the cover 2014 may be greater than the depth of the multiple cross members 2018, so that the cover 2014 completely overlaps and protects the multiple cross members 2018.

[0317] By using felt material within the divider top cover 2014, the shape consistency of the cover 2014 can be improved, and manufacturing time can be reduced by eliminating the need for a self-fastening mechanism in the cover 2014. Furthermore, by using felt material within the cover 2014, defects of compression molding manufacturing, such as those present in molded fabric materials, can be overcome. Felt material can be molded with a larger condensation distance compared to molded fabric materials. The larger condensation distance that can be achieved with felt material makes it possible to mold the cover 2014 as a single, cohesive geometry without flaps or ends. A cohesive cover 2014 can be attached to the divider top 2010 more easily than a conventional fabric cover with flaps. In addition, the felt cover 2014 described herein can have higher resistance to cracking defects during molding or in use thanks to the randomly oriented felt fibers.

[0318] 5. Lightweight top of the divider Referring to Figures 160 to 164, in some embodiments, the golf bag may have a lightweight divider top 1150 with a weight-reducing region. The lightweight divider top 1150 may comprise a side wall 1156 or main wall defining the edge of the lightweight divider top 1150, a plurality of cross members 1178 for separating golf clubs, and a handle 1152 attached to the rear portion 1164 of the side wall 1156. Similar to the divider top described above, the lightweight divider top 1150 may be configured to form a top opening of the golf bag for receiving golf clubs. The material-reducing region (also known as a thinning region, the opening 1172 and / or recessed portion 1174) may be located within a region that experiences less stress than other parts of the top divider 1150. In some embodiments, the handle 1152 and / or sidewall 1156 may have thinned-out regions 1174 or openings 1172 that reduce the material of the sidewall 1156 and thus reduce weight. These strategically placed thinned-out regions 1174 or openings 1172 can distribute the stress generated by the forces acting on the top divider 1150, thereby maintaining the peak stress within a safe and highly durable range while simultaneously reducing the mass of the divider top 1150.

[0319] As shown in Figure 160, the lightweight divider top 1150 may comprise a handle 1152, a side wall 1156, and a plurality of cross members 1178. The side wall 1156 may comprise a front portion 1158, a rear portion 1164 opposite the front portion 1158, a first lateral portion 1160, and a second lateral portion 1162 opposite the first lateral portion 1160. The side wall 1156 may be attached to one or more stays and optionally to a leg support bracket. The handle 1152 of the divider top 1150 extends upward from the rear portion 1164 of the side wall 1156, and in some embodiments outward. The plurality of cross members 1178 may extend between portions of the side wall 1156 or between each other. The plurality of cross members 1178 define holes, openings, or wells for receiving golf clubs.

[0320] The side walls 1156 and / or handles 1152 of the divider top 1150 may be provided with one or more openings 1172 and / or recesses 1174. The openings 1172 and / or recesses 1174 remove material from the divider top 1150 to reduce its weight. The openings 1172 and / or recesses 1174 may be located within low-stress areas of the divider top 1150. In some embodiments, the openings 1172 may be located within areas that experience less stress than the area where the recesses 1174 are traditionally located. The openings 1172 and / or recesses 1174 may be positioned in locations that minimize the peak stress reached within the divider top 1150 when a golf bag is placed under load. In some embodiments, the openings 1172 and / or recesses 1174 may also function to transfer and spread stress over a larger volume of material. Peak stress can be regulated by spreading the stress over a larger capacity.

[0321] In some embodiments, the openings 1172 and / or recesses 1174 can be grouped together within the region of the divider top 1150. Within the group of openings 1172 and / or recesses 1174, they can be positioned relative to each other in such a manner that a truss structure of thicker material is left between the openings 1172 and / or recesses 1174. This truss structure provides strength to the divider top 1150 without requiring the same amount of material as a comparable weight of divider top 1150 using uniform mass reduction (not stress-conscious mass removal).

[0322] Structurally, one or more openings 1172 can extend from the inner surface 1168 to the outer surface 1170 of the side wall 1156. In some embodiments, one or more openings 1172 are located on the front portion 1158 of the side wall 1156. In some embodiments, one, two, three, or four groups of openings 1172 are formed within the side wall front portion 1158. In other embodiments, one or more openings 1172 are arranged individually. In some embodiments, one or more groups of recessed portions 1174 are located in the first lateral portion 1160 and / or second lateral portion 1162 of the side wall 1156.

[0323] In some embodiments, the handle 1152 of the divider top 1150 may further comprise one or more openings 1172 and / or recesses 1174. In some embodiments, the handle 1152 may comprise one, two, three, four, five or more openings 1172 extending through the handle 1152 (in the direction from top to bottom). At the intersection of the handle 1152 and the side wall 1156, the thickness of the divider top 1150 may be reduced, thereby creating a pair of recesses 1174, with one recess 1174 present at both ends of the handle 1152.

[0324] Reducing the overall material used to form the divider top 1150 will inherently reduce the strength of the top divider 1150. In some embodiments, removing material can result in a strength reduction of 18% to 20%. However, by strategically choosing to remove material from low-stress areas, the weight of the divider top 1150 can be reduced without sacrificing too much strength. The weight of a conventional divider top can range from 180 grams to 200 grams. The weight of a lightweight divider top 1150 can range from 90 grams to 110 grams. In some embodiments, the lightweight divider top 1150 can have weights between 90 grams and 95 grams, between 95 grams and 100 grams, between 100 grams and 105 grams, and between 105 grams and 110 grams. The lightweight divider top 1150 can have a weight lower than the traditional divider top 1150 by 38% to 40%, 40% to 42%, 42% to 44%, 44% to 46%, 46% to 48%, 50% to 52%, 52% to 54%, or 54% to 56%. In some embodiments, the lightweight divider top can have a weight at least 38%, at least 40%, at least 42%, at least 44%, at least 46%, at least 48%, at least 50%, at least 52%, at least 54%, or at least 56% lower compared to the traditional divider.

[0325] Referring to Figures 161 to 164, a comparison is made between a similar divider top (hereinafter, "control divider 1190") without openings, recesses, and / or other weight-reducing structures, and a lightweight divider top 1150. The control divider 1190 comprises a front section 1158c, a first lateral section 1160c, a second lateral section 1162c, a rear section 1164c, a handle 1152c, and multiple cross members 1178c. The weight of the control divider 1190 was 185 grams. The weight of the lightweight divider 1150 was 106 grams, which is 43% lighter than the control divider 1190. A golf bag containing a typical set of golf clubs can weigh approximately 11.3 kg (25 lbs), and a golf bag with the full load including additional clubs and accessories can weigh approximately 18.1 kg (40 lbs).

[0326] Because the control divider 1190 has a larger amount of material, when an upward force of 111 N (25 lbf) is applied to the handle 1152c, it reaches a peak stress of 18.6 MPa (2700 psi). When a force of 178 N (40 lbf) is applied to the handle 1152c, the control divider 1190 reaches a peak stress of 29.6 MPa (4300 psi). Figures 161 and 163 show the stress map of the control divider handle 1152c under applied force F.

[0327] When an upward force of 111 N (25 lbf) is applied to the handle 1152, the lightweight divider top 1150 reaches a peak stress of 22.8 MPa (3300 psi). When a force of 178 N (40 lbf) is applied to the handle 1152, the lightweight divider top 1150 reaches a peak stress of 37.2 MPa (5400 psi). Figures 162 and 164 show the stress maps of the lightweight divider top handle 1152 under applied force F. The peak stress reached by the lightweight divider top is greater than the peak stress reached by the control divider, but the peak stress level remains within a safe range suitable for the required use.

[0328] Referring to Figures 161 to 164, when an upward force F acts on the handle, the stress on the sidewall front portion 1158 of both the control divider and the lightweight divider top 1150 is low. Similarly, when an upward force F acts on the handle, the stress on the first lateral portion 1160 and the second lateral portion 1162 of the sidewalls of both the control divider 1190 and the lightweight divider top 1150 is low. Therefore, the openings and / or recesses of the front portion 1158, the first lateral portion 1160, and the second lateral portion 1162 of the lightweight divider top 1150 reduce the weight of the divider top 1150 without compromising or reducing the strength and durability of the divider top 1150.

[0329] Referring to Figures 161-164, the handle of the control divider exhibits a stress concentration region 1180 because the handle does not have an opening and / or recess. In contrast, the handle of the lightweight divider top 1150 has an opening and / or recess that evenly distributes the stress over a distributed stress region 1182. By distributing the stress, the handle can withstand the same or greater total stress even when formed from less material. Due to the reduced material capacity, the lightweight divider top 1150 can be subjected to higher peak stress values, as described above. However, the distributed stress region 1182 ensures that the stress in the lightweight divider top 1150 remains below the critical peak stress value under normal load.

[0330] The stress map shows that by placing the openings, both (1) weight reduction without significantly increasing peak stress and (2) weight reduction in the low-stress region are achieved. Low peak stress values ​​are maintained by distributing stress over a larger volume of material. In this embodiment, the openings and recesses of the structure enable a significant weight reduction of 43% while maintaining the necessary strength and durability for the divider top.

[0331] 6. Divider top material The divider tops 30, 1030 are preferably made of polypropylene or other thermoplastic polymers for a lightweight structure with flexibility and high strength. Specifically, the divider tops 30, 1030 may be formed from glass-filled polymers or any other suitable plastics. In some embodiments, the divider tops 30, 1030 may be formed from a plurality of materials, including, but not limited to, glass-filled polymers, polypropylene, or any other thermoplastic polymers.

[0332] In embodiments of the modular divider top 830, the top ring 540 may be formed from a material similar to the material that can form the divider tops 30, 1030. Furthermore, in embodiments of the modular divider top 830, the material cross member portion 850 may be formed from ethylene vinyl acetate (hereinafter, "EVA"), Croslite® (Crocs®, Boulder, Colorado), polyurethane (hereinafter, "PU"), silicone, or any other suitable material. EVA provides a non-toxic, robust, and low-density option that will reduce the weight of the modular divider top assembly 830. Croslite® (Crocs®, Boulder, Colorado) provides shock absorption along with UV resistance and low density. Silicone provides a non-reactive and easy-to-manufacture option that is resistant to extreme environments. In some embodiments, the molded divider top 830 comprises multiple materials. The moldable nature of some materials necessitates providing additional support through a multi-material configuration of the cross member portion 850 of the modular divider top 830, or through additional support from the top ring 540, such as a full beam for internal support instead of ribs. The material of the cross member portion 850 can reduce the overall weight of the golf bag divider.

[0333] In embodiments having a cover 870, the cover 870 may be made of any material having the properties of being soft and lightweight. The cover may include open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, or any other suitable material. For example, the cover may include PU foam, polyurethane foam, EVA foam, Croslite® (Crocs®, Boulder, Colorado), mesh polyurethane foam, polyethylene plastic, polyurethane plastic, polypropylene plastic, polycarbonate plastic, rubber, silicone, or any other suitable material. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the cover 870 may have additional padding or filling material. Embodiments of the divider top 30 having a cover 870 may be lighter in weight than conventional flap systems with fabric, mesh, or fillers.

[0334] B. Base The golf bags 10, 1010 may further comprise bases 34, 1034 that form the foundation of the golf bags 10, 1010. Typically, the bases 34, 1034 engage with one or more stays 39, 1039 and flats 14, 1014 of the golf bags 10, 1010. Figures 4, 119, and 120 show, at least partially, embodiments of the golf bag bases 34, 1034 that are referenced as reference in the following description. The bases of the golf bags 10, 1010 may comprise bottom surfaces 38, 1038 for holding clubs and making contact with the ground, lips 72, 1072 for engaging with flats 14, 1014, and one or more stay receiving channels 174, 1041 to help hold the golf bags 10, 1010 in an upright position. The lips 72, 1072 extend away from the bottom surfaces 38, 1038 and define the periphery (or circumference) of the bases 34, 1034. In some embodiments, the bases 34, 1034 may further comprise means for engaging with a stand assembly system for the carry bag. In some embodiments of the golf bags 10, 1010, the bases 34, 1034 may comprise a base assembly having two parts that engage via snap-fit ​​connectors, as described later.

[0335] The bases 34, 1034 further comprise base stay receiving channels 174, 174b configured to receive base stay hinges 170, 1740 that connect stays 39, 1039 to the bases 34, 1034. Typically, the base stay receiving channels 174, 174b are located on the inner surface of the outer rings 74, 1074 and are positioned adjacent to the rear side of the golf bags 10, 1010. Some embodiments of the bases 34, 1034 may further comprise one or more base stay hubs for directly receiving secondary stays. These stay hubs may be located on the outer surface of the outer rings 74, 1074.

[0336] The bases 34, 1034 are provided with a flat mounting mechanism for securing the flats 14, 1014 to the bases 34, 1034. This flat mounting mechanism may include mounting openings, snap buttons, surfaces or slots for engaging with self-fixing connector members 50 of the flats 14, 1014, or other suitable means of connection. In most embodiments, the flat mounting mechanism is integrated with or located on the base lips 72, 1072. In some embodiments, the flat mounting mechanism for securing the flat 1014 to the base 1034 has a plurality of mounting openings 1728 located on the lip 1072 (shown in Figure 119). The mounting openings 1728 are arranged around the periphery (or circumference) of the lip 1072. Each mounting opening 1728 is configured to receive fasteners for assisting in mounting the flat 1014 to the lip 1072, and more specifically, mounting the flat 1014 to the base 1034. The attachment of flats 14 and 1014 to bases 34 and 1034 will be discussed in more detail later.

[0337] Furthermore, the bases 34 and 1034 may be provided with a divider mounting mechanism for securing the divider sleeves 46 and 1046 to the bases 34 and 1034. The divider mounting mechanism may include a mounting opening, a snap button, a snap clip, another snap-fit ​​connection mechanism, a surface or slot for engaging with the self-fixing connection members of the divider sleeves 46 and 1046, or other suitable connection means.

[0338] For example, in one embodiment of the divider mounting mechanism shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base 34, 1034 has a plurality of slots 62 for the divider sleeve 46. The plurality of slots 62 are provided so as to pass through the lip 72 and around the periphery of the base 34. Each slot of the plurality of slots 62 is configured to receive the respective connecting member 50, as will be described later. For example, in another embodiment of the divider mounting mechanism shown in Figures 119, 120 and 86, the bottom surface 38, 1038 has a plurality of divider mounting openings 1732. The divider mounting openings 1732 extend through the bottom surface 38, 1038. Each divider mounting opening 1732 is configured to receive fasteners to assist in attaching the divider sleeve 1046 to the bottom surface 38, 1038, and more specifically, to attaching the divider sleeve 1046 to the base 1034. In other embodiments of the divider mounting mechanism, the divider sleeves 46, 1046 are sewn directly to the bases 34, 1034. Other embodiments of the divider mounting mechanism will be described in more detail later in relation to the connection of the divider sleeves 46, 1046.

[0339] 1. Base assembly (a base consisting of two pieces snapped together as one unit) In some embodiments, the bases 34, 1034 may comprise a two-piece snap-together base assembly. The following description refers to Figures 77-81, which show a first embodiment of the base assembly 900 in a carry bag, and Figures 91 and 92, which show a second embodiment of the base assembly 1900 in a cart bag.

[0340] Referring to Figures 77 and 91, the base assemblies 900, 1900 may have ring portions 910, 1910 and base portions 920, 1920. The ring portions 910, 1910 have top ends 911, 1911 configured to connect to flats 14, 1014, and bottom ends 912, 1912 having a plurality of snap tabs 930, 1930. Each snap tab 930, 1930 has a protruding surface 932, 1932 positioned above the outer surface, configured to connect to the base portions 920, 1920. The base portions 920, 1920 have a flat bottom surface 938, 1938, and vertical lips 972, 1972 that define the perimeter of the base assemblies 900, 1900 and extend upward from the bottom surface 938, 1938. The vertical lips 972, 1972 have a plurality of slots 973, 1973. Each slot 973, 1973 is configured to receive the corresponding protruding surface 932, 1973 when the base assemblies 900, 1900 are in the assembly position.

[0341] Referring to Figures 78 and 91, the ring portions 910, 1910 of the base assemblies 900, 1900 may comprise top ends 911, 1911 having a first diameter and bottom ends 912, 1912 having a second diameter. In many embodiments, the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The first diameter may be equal to the diameter of the vertical lips 972, 1972, so that when the ring portions 910, 1910 are assembled to the base portions 920, 1920, the bottom ends 912, 1912 are fitted into the vertical lips 972, 1972 and the top ends 911, 1911 rest on the vertical lips 972, 1972. In other embodiments, the second diameter may be greater than or equal to the first diameter. For example, in some embodiments, the second diameter is larger than the first diameter, and as a result, when the ring portions 910, 1910 are assembled to the base portions 920, 1920, the bottom ends 912, 1912 are fitted outside the vertical lips 972, 1972, and the top ends 911, 1911 rest on the vertical lips 972, 1972.

[0342] The ring portions 910, 1910 can have any suitable shape. In the shown embodiment, when viewed from above, the rings 910, 1910 have a square shape with rounded corners. In other embodiments, the rings can have a rectangular, triangular, circular, or any other suitable shape corresponding to the base portions 920, 1920.

[0343] Referring particularly to the embodiments in Figures 77 to 81, the bottom end 912 of the ring portion 910 comprises a plurality of snap tabs 930. Each snap tab 930 is defined by a pair of cutouts 931 extending upward from the bottom end 912 of the ring portion 910. The cutouts 931 allow the snap tab 930 to be bent when assembled to the base portion 920. In some embodiments, each snap tab 930 may be defined by a single cutout 931 extending upward from the bottom end 912 of the ring portion 910. In other embodiments, the cutouts 931 may extend downward from the top end 911 of the ring portion 910. In yet another embodiment, the snap tabs 930 may extend outward from the bottom end 912 of the ring portion 910.

[0344] Referring to Figure 79, each snap tab 930 has a protruding surface 932 positioned on the outer surface of the snap tab 930. In some embodiments, the protruding surface 932 may have a first end 935 that forms a 90-degree step with respect to the outer surface of the snap tab 930, and a second end 936 that tapers toward the outer surface of the snap tab 930. In other embodiments, the protrusion may have a height that remains constant, increases, or decreases from the first end 935 to the second end 936. Furthermore, the protruding surface 932 may have a width or length that increases, decreases, or remains constant from the first end to the second end.

[0345] In the embodiments shown, the protruding surface 932 has a rectangular shape. In other embodiments, the protruding surface 932 can have any shape, such as a triangle, a circle, a trapezoid, or any other suitable shape. Furthermore, the protruding surface 932 can include any portion of the outer surface of the snap tab 930. In many embodiments, the protruding surface 932 includes 3 / 4 of the outer surface of the snap tab 930. In other embodiments, the protruding surface 932 can include 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the outer portion of the snap tab 930. For example, the protruding surface 932 can include 20% to 50%, 40% to 70%, or 50% to 90% of the outer portion of the snap tab 930.

[0346] In the embodiments shown in Figures 91 and 92, the ring portion 910 does not have a cutout, and as a result, the snap tab 1930 is defined as a section of the bottom end 1912 of the ring portion 1910 having a protruding surface 1932. These protruding surfaces 1932 extend adjacently from the bottom periphery of the bottom end 1912 of the ring portion 1910 toward the top end 1911 of the ring portion 1910. The protruding surfaces 1932 are angled outward from the surface of the ring portion 1910. The snap tab 1930 is designed as a snap-fit ​​connector to engage with a slot 1973 of the vertical lip 1972 of the base portion 1920.

[0347] In the embodiments shown in Figures 79 and 91, the snap tab 930 has a rectangular shape when viewed in a side view of the base assembly 900. In other embodiments, the snap tab 930 can have any shape. For example, the snap tab 930 can be triangular, circular, trapezoidal, or any other suitable shape.

[0348] Referring to Figures 80 and 91, the base portions 920, 1920 of the base assemblies 900, 1900 have bottom surfaces 938, 1938 and vertical lips 972, 1972 extending outward from the perimeter of the flat bottom surfaces 938, 1938. The vertical lips 972, 1972 may comprise a plurality of slots 973, 1973 configured to receive protruding surfaces 932, 1932 positioned on the snap tabs 930, 1930. The plurality of slots 973, 1973 may comprise two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more slots. In the embodiments of Figures 77–81, each slot 973 starts from the bottom of the vertical lip 972 and partially extends toward the top of the vertical lip 972. The base portion 920 has a cover 974 positioned inside a vertical lip 972 that covers a portion of the slot 973. The cover 974 partially extends toward the slot, so that when the base assembly 900 is in the assembly position, the bottom surface of each snap tab 930 abuts against the top surface of the corresponding cover 974.

[0349] In the embodiments shown in Figures 91 and 92 (base assembly 1900), the vertical lip 1972 of the base portion 1920 further comprises a channel 1975 for receiving the bottom end 1912 of the ring portion 1910. The inner wall 1976 and outer wall 1977 of the channel 1975 assist in aligning and securing the ring portion 1910 to the base portion 1920. The inner wall 1976 and outer wall 1977 of the channel 1975 further add structural rigidity to the two-piece base assembly 1900. In most embodiments, when the base portion 1920 is assembled to the ring portion 1910, the bottom end 1912 of the ring portion 1910 is fitted into the channel 1975 of the vertical lip 1972 of the base portion 1920. In other embodiments, when the base portion 1920 is assembled to the ring portion 1910, the bottom end 1912 of the ring portion 1910 is fitted to the outside of the vertical lip 1972 of the base portion 1920. In other embodiments, when the base portion is assembled to the ring portion, the bottom end of the ring portion is fitted to contact the inside of the vertical lip of the base portion, similar to the embodiments of Figures 77 to 81. In embodiments where the bottom end of the ring portion is fitted to the outside of the vertical lip or to contact the inside of the vertical lip, the vertical lip does not have a channel 1975. In the embodiments of Figures 91 and 92, the slot 1973 is an opening in the outer wall 1977 of the channel 1975 of the vertical lip 1972. In this embodiment, when the base portion 1910 is engaged with the ring portion 1910 of the base assembly 1900, the snap tab 1930 is visible through the slot 1973.

[0350] In the embodiment shown, the slot has a rectangular shape. In other embodiments, the slot can have any shape when viewed from outside the base portion. For example, the slot may be rectangular, circular, trapezoidal, or any other suitable shape corresponding to the shape of a protruding surface on the snap tab.

[0351] Referring to Figures 81 and 92, the base assemblies 900 and 1900 are shown in their assembly positions. To assemble the base assemblies 900 and 1900, the snap tabs 930 and 1930 of the ring portions 910 and 1910 are aligned with the slots 973 and 1973 of the base portions 920 and 1920, and then the ring portions 910 and 1910 are pushed into the base portions 920 and 1920. In the embodiments of Figures 77 to 81, the bottom of the snap tab 930 will abut against the top surface of the cover 974. In any embodiment of the base assembly, the divider sleeve 46 may further have any of the divider sleeve connecting members 50 and 50c described later, to which the divider sleeve 46 is connected to the ring portion or the base portion.

[0352] The flat bottom surfaces 938, 1938 of the base portions 920, 1920 may have raised sections, such as the raised section 1921 in Figures 91 and 92. The raised section 1921 of the bottom surfaces 938, 1938 may be roughly cross-shaped, leaving four recessed sections, such as the recessed section 1923, where the bottom surfaces 938, 1938 are not raised. The recessed section 1923 extends below the raised section 1921 of the bottom surfaces 938, 1938 on the outer surface of the base portions 34, 1034, thereby forming four protrusions. In some embodiments, the recessed section 1923 may have ridges, bumps, channels, grooves, or other grip structures or uneven features. These structures improve durability and prevent the recessed section 1923 from slipping on the ground. In other embodiments, the raised section 1921 may be circular, oval, triangular, rectangular, rhombic, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the recessed section 1923 is constructed at least partially from a material different from the material of the bottom surface 938, 1938.

[0353] The base assemblies 900, 1900 may further include base stay receiving channels (similar to those described above for bases 34, 1034) that are integrated with the inner sides of the top ends 911, 1911 of the ring portions 910, 1910. In some embodiments, the ring portions 910, 1910 of the base assemblies 900, 1900 may further include a plurality of stay ports (similar to those described above for bases 34, 134) that are integrated with the ring portions 910, 1910 for receiving one or more secondary stays.

[0354] The two-piece base assemblies 900, 1900 allow for more efficient assembly of the golf bags 10, 1010 compared to a system having a single-piece base 34, 1034. The ring sections 910, 1910 can be joined flat via snap-fit ​​connectors, stitches, pins, buttons, clamps, zippers, or any other suitable mechanism. The base assemblies 900, 1900 allow access to the interior of the flats 14 through openings located in the bottom of the ring sections 910, 1910. This allows for an easier joining process compared to joining the flats 14, 1014 to the bases 34, 1034 by inserting them through the top sections of the golf bags 10, 1010. The joining of the divider sleeves 46 to the base sections 920, 1920 can be completed before joining the base sections 920, 1920 and the ring sections 910, 1910. This allows for easy access to the interior of the base sections 910 and 1910, thereby enabling a simpler manufacturing process compared to attaching the divider sleeve 46 to the base sections 920 and 1920 by inserting it through the top of the golf bag 10 and 1010.

[0355] C. Divider sleeve mounting mechanism Golf bags 10, 1010 may be equipped with divider sleeves 46, 1046 to prevent the grips and shafts of different golf clubs from becoming entangled when inserted into the golf bags 10, 1010. Divider sleeves 46, 1046 may be attached to divider tops 30, 1030 at one end and to bases 34, 1034 or flats 14, 1014 at the other end. Divider sleeve 46 may be attached to divider tops 30, 1030, bases 34, 1034 and / or flats 14, 1014 via mounting mechanisms such as mounting openings, snap buttons, other snap-fit ​​connectors, self-locking connectors of divider sleeve 46, or other suitable connecting means.

[0356] 1. Mechanism for attaching the divider sleeve to the top of the divider Referring next to Figures 9 and 10, in one embodiment, the divider sleeve 46 is attached to the divider top 30 by self-locking engagement means. The figures to be referenced are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the embodiments of the base 34 and divider sleeve 46 disclosed herein may be incorporated into base 34, 1034 and divider sleeve 46 of any size or type. The end of the divider sleeve 46 opposite the end of the connecting member 50 has a plurality of flaps 90. The flaps 90 may be integrated with the divider sleeve 46, and each of the flaps 90 has a self-locking device 94, indicated as a hook-loop fastener. As shown in Figure 10, the self-locking device 94 has a first self-locking portion 98 separated from a second self-locking portion 102. The first self-locking portion 98 and the second self-locking portion 102 are located on the same side of the flap 90 and are separated by a distance sufficient to allow the flap 90 to cover around a portion of the divider top 30. The first self-securing portion 98 and the second self-securing portion 102 are shown as the respective hook portion 98 and loop portion 102 of the hook-loop fastener. However, in other embodiments, any suitable self-securing device 94 may be used, including buttons and buttonholes, hook-eye closures, or snap fasteners. In addition, in other embodiments, the first self-securing portion 98 may be the hook portion or loop portion of the fastener, while the second self-securing portion 102 is the other of the loop portion or hook portion of the fastener. As shown in Figure 9, the flap 90 covering the cross member 78 and the intermediate member 80 has additional padding or filling material 104 to protect the golf club from damage caused by contact and rubbing against the cross member 78 or the intermediate member 80. The flap 90 covering a portion of the outer ring 74 is shown without additional padding or filling material, but in other embodiments, the flap 90 may have such additional padding or filling material.

[0357] In some embodiments of the golf bags 10, 1010, the divider sleeve 46 covers a portion of the divider tops 30, 1030 and has flaps similar to those described above, sewn to itself so as to be fixed around the divider tops 30, 1030. In these embodiments, the seams replace hook-and-loop fasteners, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process in some examples.

[0358] 2. Mechanism for attaching the divider sleeve to the base (connecting member) In some embodiments, the mounting mechanism between the divider sleeve 46 and the base 34, 1034 comprises a plurality of connecting members. In this disclosure, a carry bag 10, specifically depicted in Figures 4 and 5, is used to illustrate this feature, but it will be understood that this mounting mechanism can be incorporated into any class, type, or size of golf bag. In the embodiment shown in bag 10, a plurality of connecting members 50, and more specifically four connecting members 50, connect the divider sleeve 46 to the base 34. In other embodiments, two, three, five, or more connecting members 50 may be used to connect the divider sleeve 46 to the base 34. The connecting members 50 are preferably formed of a flexible and elastic stretchable material, such as elastic webbing, to form a flexible and / or elastic connection between the divider sleeve 46 and the base 34. In other embodiments, any suitable material having sufficient flexibility and / or elasticity to allow the connecting members 50 to function in accordance with the operation of the internal subassembly 42 disclosed herein may be used. In addition, the end 56 of the connecting member 50 is attached to the divider sleeve 46 (shown in Figure 5). Although the end 56 is shown to be attached to the divider sleeve 46 by suture, in other embodiments the end 56 may be attached by adhesive, rivet, or any other known or future-developed attachment means suitable for maintaining the connection between the end 56 and the divider sleeve 46, while allowing the connecting member 50 to function in accordance with the operation of the internal subassembly 42 disclosed herein.

[0359] Next, referring to Figures 4 and 5, in the first embodiment, each connecting member 50 is in a self-fixing engagement state, connecting the divider sleeve 46 to the base 34 by a self-fixing device 58. As shown in Figure 5, the first portion 58a of the self-fixing device is separated from the second portion of the self-fixing device 58b. Both portions 58a and 58b of the self-fixing device are provided on the same side of the connecting member 50. This allows each connecting member 50 to be received by the slot 62 (shown in Figures 4 and 5) in the base 34, and then each connecting member 50 can be self-fixed by connecting the portions 58a and 58b of the self-fixing device (shown in Figure 4). In other words, after the connecting member 50 is received by the slot 62, the first portion 66 of the connecting member 50 is fixed to the second portion 70 of the connecting member 50, thereby forming a self-fixing connection. This self-fixing connection allows each connecting member 50 to wrap around a portion of the base 34, thereby connecting the divider sleeve 46 to the base 34. Multiple slots 62 provided around the periphery of the base 34 are each configured to receive their respective connecting members 50. The self-fixing device 58 is shown in the form of a hook-loop fastener (e.g., VELCRO®), but in other embodiments, any suitable self-fixing device 58, including buttons and buttonholes, hook-eye closures, or snap fasteners, may be used. In addition, in other embodiments, the first portion 58a of the self-fixing device may be the hook portion or loop portion of the fastener, while the second portion 58b of the self-fixing device may be the other of the loop portion or hook portion of the fastener. In other embodiments, the first portion 66 of the connecting member 50 is fixed to the second portion 70 in a permanent or semi-permanent configuration (e.g., via the use of adhesive or similar material).

[0360] 3. Alternative Embodiment of the Mechanism for Attaching the Divider Sleeve to the Base (Connecting Member) Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the attachment mechanism for the divider sleeve 46 to the base 34. This alternative embodiment of the self-locking engagement of each connecting member 50 that connects the divider sleeve 46 to the base 34 does not have slots in the lip 72 of the base 34. Instead, the connecting member 50 engages with a portion of the bottom 71 of the base 34 to connect the divider sleeve 46 to the base 34. Specifically, this portion of the bottom 71 has a plurality of connecting portions 73, each connecting portion 73 being defined by two slots or openings (not shown) formed to pass through the bottom 71 of the base 34. Each connecting member 50 covers around its respective connecting portion 73, forming a self-locking portion with a hook-and-loop fastener (VELCRO®). In the illustrated golf bag 10, four connecting members 50 connect the divider sleeve 46 to the base 34.

[0361] Figure 6B shows another alternative embodiment of the attachment mechanism for the divider sleeve 46 to the base 34. The divider sleeve 46 comprises connecting members 50b having snap fasteners or clips 55b at the ends of each connecting member 50b. This embodiment of the snap fasteners is described in relation to a base assembly 900 comprising a ring portion 910 and a base surface portion 920, as shown in Figures 77 to 81 and described above, but is also used with other embodiments of the bases 34, 1034. The base 34 of the golf bags 10, 1010 comprises a ring portion 910, a base surface portion 920 snapped onto the ring portion 901, and a flexible connecting member 50c connected to the ring portion 910. The flexible connecting member 50c of the base ring portion 910 has a snap fastener or clip 55c that engages with the snap fastener or clip 55b of the connecting member 50b of the divider sleeve 46. The base ring portion 910 can be sewn to the bag flat 14 or otherwise permanently attached, as described in detail above. The two-piece, snap-fastened base assembly 900 allows for easy connection of fasteners or clips 55b, 55c before the base surface portion 920 is snapped onto the base ring portion 910. By using snap fasteners or clips 55b, 55c to connect the divider sleeve 46 to the bases 34, 1034, the need for slots within the bases 34, 1034 is eliminated. In other variations of this embodiment, the base connecting member 50c is attached to the base surface portion 920.

[0362] In other embodiments not shown, a base consisting of a single piece may include a flexible connecting member (similar to 50c) and a snap fastener or clip (similar to 55c). This base is connected to the flat of the golf bag before the divider sleeve is attached to the base. The divider sleeve, which includes the connecting member (similar to 50b) and the snap fastener or clip (similar to 55b), may be connected to the top of the divider. The snap fastener or clip on the base and the divider sleeve allows the assembler to easily connect the divider sleeve to the base.

[0363] D. Stay The golf bags 10, 1010 may be provided with one or more stays 39, 1039, 1039a, 1039b (hereinafter, 39, 1039) connecting the bases 34, 1034 and the divider tops 30, 1030. One or more stays 39, 1039 provide rigidity to the golf bags 10, 1010 when in the deployed configuration. One or more stays 39, 1039 may be pivotably connected to the bases 34, 1034 and / or the divider tops 30, 1030 via hinges. One or more stays 39, 1039 and / or hinges may engage with the bases 34, 1034 and / or the divider tops 30, 1030 via one or more snap-fit ​​connectors. The top stay hinge 162 and the base stay hinge 170 allow the divider tops 30, 1030 and bases 34, 1034 to be folded or bent toward the stays 39, 1039. In a subassembly comprising the divider tops 30, 1030, bases 34, 1034, and one or more stays 39, 1039, the hinges 162, 170 allow the subassembly to be folded for shipping or storage.

[0364] Figures 21–29 show snap-fit ​​subassemblies for the pivot stay 39 (see Figure 2). Figures 21–22 show a first stay hinge or top stay hinge 162 pivotally connected to the top of the divider 30. Referring to Figures 25–26, the top stay hinge 162 has a first part or first arm 163 pivotally connected to a second part or second arm 164 by a joint 165. The first arm 163 connects to the top of the divider 30 (shown in Figure 21), while the second arm 164 connects to the stay 39 (shown in Figure 22). For example, the first arm 163 may be received in a corresponding channel (not shown) within the top of the divider 30, while the second arm 164 may define a channel portion or sleeve portion 166 that receives the first end or top end of the stay 39.

[0365] The top stay hinge 162 pivots at the joint 165 between a first position (shown in Figure 23) in which the first arm 163 and the second arm 164 are positioned at a constant angle to each other, and a second position (shown in Figure 24) in which the first arm 163 and the second arm 164 form a flat angle (e.g., 180 degrees) to each other, i.e., the first arm 163 and the second arm 164 are generally on the same line. In some embodiments, the first arm 163 and the second arm 164 can be angled to a maximum of between 170 and 190 degrees. The first arm 163 and the second arm 164 can be angled relative to each other at 30 to 40 degrees, 35 to 45 degrees, 40 to 50 degrees, 45 to 55 degrees, 50 to 60 degrees, 60 to 70 degrees, 70 to 80 degrees, 80 to 90 degrees, 90 to 100 degrees, 100 to 110 degrees, 110 to 120 degrees, 120 to 130 degrees, 130 to 140 degrees, 140 to 150 degrees, 150 to 160 degrees, 160 to 170 degrees, 170 to 180 degrees, or 180 to 190 degrees. The top stay hinge 162 pivots approximately 90 degrees (90°) from a position where the second arm 164 is roughly perpendicular to a portion of the outer ring 74 (as shown in Figure 29) to a position where the second arm 164 is roughly parallel to a portion of the outer ring 74 (as shown in Figure 22).

[0366] To limit the top stay hinge 162 from excessive extension during the transition from a first position (as seen when the golf bag 10 is folded) to a second position (as seen when the golf bag 10 is deployed), the top stay hinge 162 has a hinge limiting device 167. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge limiting device 167 has a hinge projection 168 (located on one of the first arm 163 or the second arm 164) that is received by a notch 169 (located on the other side of the second arm 163 or the first arm 164). When the top stay hinge 162 is rotated from the first position (shown in Figure 23) to the second position (shown in Figure 24), the notch 169 receives the projection 168 when the top stay hinge 162 reaches the second position. Subsequently, portions of the first arm 163 and the second arm 164 come into contact with each other, thereby further restricting the rotation or pivot of the top stay hinge 162. The hinge limiting device 167 helps prevent the divider top 30 from extending excessively during self-assembly and in use.

[0367] Figure 25 shows a second stay hinge or bottom or base stay hinge 170 pivotably connected to the base 34. As shown in Figures 26A to 28B, the base stay hinge 170 has a first part or first arm 171 flexibly connected to a second part or second arm 172 by a spring or biasing portion 173. The first arm 171 is connected to the base 34, while the second arm 172 is connected to the stay 39. For example, the first arm 171 may be received using or engaged with a stay receiving channel 174 defined by the base 34 (as shown in Figures 4-5 and 25), while the second arm 172 may define a channel 175 that receives a portion of the stay 39 (as shown in Figures 5 and 25). As shown in Figures 28A and 28B, the hinge 170 curves at the biasing portion 173. As shown in Figure 28A, the biasing portion 173 may have a projection to improve durability and limit the possible bending angle of the hinge 170. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 28B, the biasing portion 173 does not have a projection, thereby allowing it to curve with relatively little obstruction. This allows the first arm 171 and the second arm 172 to curve relative to each other. In some embodiments, the biasing portion 173 may have projections or ridges to reinforce the biasing portion 173, as shown in Figures 26A, 27A, and 28A. In other embodiments, the biasing portion 173 has a smooth surface, as shown in Figures 26B, 27B, 27C, and 28B. Furthermore, components attached to the first arm 171 and the second arm 172 (for example, the base 34 and the stay 39, respectively) are curved or pivotal relative to each other.

[0368] The base stay hinge 170 assists the base 34 in pivoting around the stay 39, thereby converting the golf bag 10 from a folded state to an unfolded state. In some embodiments, the first arm 171 and the second arm 172 can be angled relative to each other by a maximum of 170 to 190 degrees. The first arm 171 and the second arm 172 can be angled relative to each other by 30 to 190 degrees. For example, the first arm 171 and the second arm 172 of the base stay hinge 170 can be angled relative to each other at 30 to 40 degrees, 35 to 45 degrees, 40 to 50 degrees, 45 to 55 degrees, 50 to 60 degrees, 60 to 70 degrees, 70 to 80 degrees, 80 to 90 degrees, 90 to 100 degrees, 100 to 110 degrees, 110 to 120 degrees, 120 to 130 degrees, 130 to 140 degrees, 140 to 150 degrees, 150 to 160 degrees, 160 to 170 degrees, 170 to 180 degrees, or 180 to 190 degrees. In one embodiment, the base stay hinge 170 is configured to pivot by up to approximately 90 degrees (90°) from a position generally perpendicular to a portion of the side wall 178 of the base 34 to a position generally parallel to this portion of the side wall 178 of the base 34. In some embodiments, the stay hinges 162, 170 are not mechanically pivotable but are flexibly pivotable.

[0369] In embodiments of a golf bag having a stand assembly, the base stay hinge 170 can further assist in tilting the stay 39 around the base 34 when the golf bag 10 transitions from a first configuration (see Figure 3, where the legs 40 are retracted) to a second configuration (see Figure 2, where the legs 40 are extended) during use. In some embodiments, the first arm 171 and the second arm 172 of the base stay hinge 170 can be angled relative to each other at 120 to 150 degrees when the golf bag 10 is in the extended configuration. For example, in the extended configuration, the first arm 171 and the second arm 172 of the base stay hinge 170 can be angled relative to each other at 120 to 130 degrees, 130 to 140 degrees, 140 to 150 degrees, 150 to 160 degrees, or 160 to 170 degrees. In some embodiments, the first arm 171 and the second arm 172 of the base stay hinge 170 can be angled relative to each other at an angle of 170 to 190 degrees when the golf bag 10 is in a storage configuration. For example, in a storage configuration, the first arm 171 and the second arm 172 of the base stay hinge 170 can be angled relative to each other at an angle of 170 to 180 degrees, 175 to 185 degrees, or 180 to 190 degrees.

[0370] The snap-fit ​​subassembly allows the stay 39 to interconnect the divider top 30 and base 34 via a snap-fit ​​connector, further enabling the pivoting and flattening of a portion of the subassembly (e.g., the divider top 30, base 34, and stay 39) to reduce packaging volume and improve shipping cost efficiency. Stay hinges 162, 170 allow the divider top 30 and base 34 to pivot around the stay 39 from a position generally perpendicular to the stay 39 (for example, when the legs 40 are stored for a stand bag or, in the case of a cart bag, stored) to a position generally parallel to the stay 39 (as shown in Figure 29). As a result of the configuration shown in Figure 29, the divider top 30 is offset from the stay 39 and lies in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the stay 39. Although not shown, the base 34 is further offset from the stay 39 and lies in a plane that is generally parallel to the plane of the stay 39, where the base 34 and the divider top 30 are generally parallel or generally in the same plane.

[0371] In another embodiment of the snap-fit ​​subassembly for the pivot stay 39, shown in Figures 117-120, the subassembly comprises a first stay hinge or top stay hinge 1740 and a second stay hinge or base stay hinge 1744. The top stay hinge 1740 may be similar to either the top stay hinge 162 or the base stay hinge 170. The base stay hinge 1744 may be similar to either the top stay hinge 162 or the base stay hinge 170. In short, any suitable hinge design can be implemented to allow bending or rotation at either end of the pivot stay 39. In some embodiments, the top stay hinge and the base stay hinge may be formed integrally with the stay 39.

[0372] E. Flat The golf bags 10, 1010 further comprise flats 14, 1014, which may be provided in a tubular or rectangular form having fixed sides to form a tubular shape. The flats 14, 1014 form the sides of the body of the golf bags 10, 1010. The flats 14, 1014 extend between the top 30, 1030 and base 34, 1034 of the divider. The flats 14, 1014 can function as a framework for accommodating golf clubs within the golf bags 10, 1010. In some embodiments, the flats 14, 1014 may be snap-fitted to the subassemblies 42, 1042 of the golf bags 10, 1010. At least a portion of the flats 14, 1014 may be sewn to the subassemblies 42, 1042. At least a portion of the flats 14, 1014 may be riveted to the subassemblies 42, 1042. Various embodiments of the golf bags 10, 1010 include a variety of combinations of methods for connecting the flats 14, 1014, described below, to the subassemblies 42, 1042.

[0373] In some embodiments, the flats 14, 1014 may be provided as tubular units designed to slide on and snap to the divider tops 30, 1030. In other embodiments, the flats 14, 1014 may be provided as open units (not tubular), such as the flat 14 shown in Figures 30 and 31. The open flats 14, 1014 may be incorporated into a tubular configuration via seams or via fasteners such as zippers or snap-fit ​​connectors. In some embodiments, the flats 14, 1014, provided in a tubular or open state, may be secured to the divider tops 30, 1030 and / or bases 34, 1034 using molded snap tree members.

[0374] Flats 14, 1014 are generally formed from a single material or two or more materials, and to which pockets 18, 1018, handles 22, 1022, and shoulder straps 24, 1024 are attached. The pockets 18, 1018 may be separate from the flats 14, 1014 and may be detachable from the flats 14, 1014. For example, each pocket 18, 1018 may be attached to the flats 14, 1014 by detachable attachment means such as snap-fit ​​buttons, hook-loop connectors (e.g., VELCRO®), or one or more zippers, as described below. Detachable pockets 18, 1018 allow for custom configuration or reconfiguration of various pocket sizes, numbers, or locations on the flats 14, 1014.

[0375] 1. Flat mounting mechanism to the top or base of the divider via a snap-fit ​​connector. Figures 30 and 31 show an open flat 14 that forms a snap-fit ​​connection with a subassembly 42 during assembly to form the golf bag 10. Figure 30 shows the outside or first side of the flat 14. Figure 31 shows the inside or second side of the flat 14. The flat 14 has a bottom or base end 182 and a top end 186. Both ends have a plurality of snap-fit ​​connectors 190, shown as male or female snap-fit ​​buttons 190, to engage with the respective snap-fit ​​connectors 194 provided on the divider top 30 and base 34 of the subassembly, shown as female or male snap-fit ​​buttons 194 in Figure 47. The plurality of snap-fit ​​connectors 190 on the flat 14 and the respective snap-fit ​​connectors 194 on the divider top 30 and base 34 allow for a reduction in assembly time for a golf bag that does not use snap-fit ​​connectors. Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​connectors 190, 194 eliminate the need for tools or equipment required to rivet or sew the flats to the top 30 and / or base 34 of the divider.

[0376] 2. Flat mounting mechanism to the top of the divider via a snap-fit ​​collar The tubular flats 14, 1014 can further be connected to a subassembly via snap-fit ​​connectors. Referring to Figures 93A to 93C, in one embodiment of the golf bag 10, the golf bag 10 comprises at least a divider top 230 similar to the divider top 30, and a tubular golf bag flat 214 similar to the flat 14 (having a top end 286 similar to the top end 186 of the flat 14). The flat 214 comprises a flexible collar 210. The flexible collar 210 allows the tubular flat 214 to slide around the divider top 230 of the golf bag 10 and overlap the divider top 230 during assembly. The collar 210 of the bag flat 214 comprises one or more reinforcing walls 216, a snap connector 224, an elastic portion 222, and a zipper 225 to facilitate the assembly process. The divider top 230 comprises a molded body and a fabric cover having an external snap connector 234. The snap connector 224 of the collar 210 of the bag flat 214 engages with the snap connector 234 of the divider top 230, thereby attaching the bag flat 214 to the divider top 230. The reinforcing wall 216 of the collar 210 of the bag flat 214 provides the bag flat 214 with some degree of rigidity. The elastic portion 222 of the bag flat collar 210 connects two of the reinforcing walls 216, thereby giving the bag flat 214 the flexibility required for the assembly of the snap connectors 224, 234. The zipper 225 of the bag flat collar 210 allows for flexibility during assembly but is closed in the final step of assembly so that the bag flat 214 will be held in place against the divider top 230 in the finished bag.

[0377] The collar 210 of the bag flat 214 may comprise one or more reinforcing walls 216. In most embodiments, when the bag flat 214 engages with the divider top 230, the walls of the collar 210 of the bag flat 214 are positioned adjacent to and generally parallel to the sides of the divider top 230. The reinforcing walls 216 provide some degree of rigidity to the bag flat 214. In many embodiments, these walls 216 may be flat sheets having a wall width 218 and a wall height 220. In each wall 216, the wall width 218, measured parallel to the base of the bag along the bottom of the reinforcing wall 216, is generally equal to the width of the side of the divider top 230 corresponding to each collar wall 216. In this way, the collar 210 of the bag flat 214 wraps around the outer surface of the divider top 230. The wall height 220 of the bag flat collar 210 may vary. For example, in some embodiments, the wall on the rear side of the bag flat 214 has a greater height than the wall on the front side of the bag flat 214. In some embodiments, the walls 216 corresponding to the left and right sides of the bag flat collar 210 may have varying heights 220 across the width 218 of each individual section, as shown in Figure 1. The walls 216 of the flexible collar 210 may be formed from materials such as open-cell foam, such as sponge, or closed-cell foam, such as Crocslite® (Crocs®, Boulder, Colorado) material. Alternatively, the walls 216 of the collar 210 may be formed from molded thermoplastic material such as silicone or another type of thermoplastic elastomer.

[0378] The walls 216 of the collar 210 may be enclosed within a mesh cover. The mesh cover integrally secures the walls 216. The mesh cover 216 comprises fabric or mesh panels to cover the inner and outer layers of each wall 216. The mesh cover further comprises fringe portions surrounding the top edge 211 and bottom edge 212 of the collar 210 of the bag flat 214. A zipper 225 of the collar 210 may form a connection between the two walls 216 of the collar 210 of the bag flat 214. In some embodiments, the zipper 225 may be located between the rear wall and the side wall of the collar 210. The zipper 225 may extend from the bottom edge 212 to the top edge 211 of the collar 210. The zipper 225 may comprise a first row 228a and a second row 228b of zipper teeth, a zipper car 226, and a zipper garage 228. The first row of zipper teeth 228a extends generally perpendicularly along the edge of the collar wall 216. The second row of zipper teeth 228b extends generally perpendicularly along the edge of the adjacent collar wall 216. The zipper car 226 can be attached to the row of zipper teeth 288, so that the zipper 225 is closed when the car 226 is adjacent to the top edge 211 of the collar 210, and the zipper 225 is open when the car 226 is adjacent to the bottom edge 212 of the collar 210 of the flat 214. The zipper 225 is not completely removed from the collar section, while the zipper 225 provides flexibility that allows the collar 210 to be stretched when the zipper 255 is open. The unfolding of the collar 210 when the zipper 225 is open allows the collar 210 of the bag flat to slide to the desired portion of the divider top 230 during assembly.

[0379] One section of the top mesh edging includes an elastic section 222 bridging between two collar walls 216, each having a first zipper teeth row 228a and a second zipper teeth row 228b. When the zipper 225 is open, the elastic section 222 can be stretched, thereby unfolding the collar 210. Conversely, when the zipper 225 is closed, the elastic section 222 cannot be stretched, increasing the rigidity of the collar 210 of the flat 214. When the zipper 225 is closed, the zipper car 226 is housed in the zipper garage 227 adjacent to the top edge 211 of the flat 214.

[0380] The bag flat 214 further comprises snap connectors 224 on the inner surface of the collar 210. The snap connectors 224 correspond to snap connectors 234 on the outer surface of the divider top 230. The position of the snap connectors 224 on the collar 210 determines the position of the bag flat 214 relative to the divider top 230 during assembly. The bag flat snap connectors 224 can be locked into the corresponding snap connectors 234 on the divider top 230. In some embodiments, the snap connectors 224 on the collar 210 of the bag flat 214 are located approximately halfway between the top edge 211 and the bottom edge 212 of the collar 210. In other embodiments, the snap connectors 224 are located at a fixed distance from the bottom edge 212 of the collar 210. In some embodiments, the snap connectors 224 are evenly spaced around the inner surface of the collar 210 of the flat 214. The snap connectors 224, 234 may be button snaps or any other suitable type of snap connector.

[0381] 3. Flat mounting mechanism to the top or base of the divider via an alternative snap-fit ​​connector. The flats 14, 1014 of the golf bags 10, 1010 can be attached via alternative means and designs. One such alternative snap-fit ​​connection between the flat 14 and the divider top 30 and / or base 34 is shown in Figures 32–34. The flat 14 of the embodiment has a plurality of die-cut holes 195 around its periphery, while the base 34 of the embodiment has a corresponding plurality of die-cut holes 196 around its periphery. The die-cut holes 195 of the flat 14 and the die-cut holes 196 of the base 34 are positioned and aligned, and a strip 197 of a flexible molded snap tree or snap tree member 198 engages with the aligned die-cut holes 195, 196, where each aligned hole 195, 196 of the flat 14 and base 34 accepts a single tree 198 (see Figure 34). Figures 32 to 34 show alternative snap-fit ​​connections between the flat 14 and the base 34, but these same alternative snap-fit ​​connections may also be used between the flat 14 and the divider top 30. In other embodiments, the flat 14 can form snap-fit ​​attachment means to the subassembly 42 by hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO®), hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, or any other suitable snap-fit ​​fasteners or fastening assemblies. In other embodiments, the flat 14 is sewn to the subassembly 42.

[0382] In an alternative embodiment of a golf bag or the like having a base made of two pieces, the base and the top of the divider are sewn directly to each other or connected by other means, and therefore have a flat 14 that does not have a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0383] Flat 14 further has a reinforcing ring (or collar) 200 at its top end 186 that provides additional reinforcement around the top 30 of the divider to provide rigidity (see Figure 31). In embodiments of a golf bag with a stand assembly, Flat 14 may further have a number of windows, such as the window 428 of Flat 414 in Figures 101-104, each of which allows an anchor 122 of the leg mounting bracket 30 to protrude and pass through, thereby exposing the anchor 122 and thereby facilitating a pivotable snap-fit ​​connection with the leg 40. This makes Flat 14 interchangeable between a cart bag subassembly and a carry bag (or stand bag) subassembly.

[0384] Flat 14 has a seam 202 (see Figure 52) defined by a first seam edge 203 opposite a second seam edge 204 (see Figure 31). The first seam edge 203 is sewn to the second seam edge 204, thereby creating the tubular outer shell of the golf bag. In other embodiments of subassembly 42, the seam edges 203, 204 of flat 14 are connected by a single zipper, two zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners (VELCRO®), mounting tracks with tongues that fit into associated rails, snap-fit ​​buttons, or any other suitable snap-fit ​​fasteners or fastening assemblies. In one structure, a single zipper is attached to the edges 203, 204 at the middle portion of flat 14, and the top and / or bottom of flat 14 are fastened using snap-fit ​​buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners (VELCRO®), etc. In another configuration, two zippers connect the two separate seams of the flat 14 to the subassembly 42. In yet another embodiment, the flat 14 may be divided into multiple parts that are attached to the subassembly 42 by snap-fit ​​attachment means. However, the advantages of a single seam are that the flat 14 is easy to waterproof and that the flat 14 is covered around the subassembly 42 by a single attachment line.

[0385] F. Flat's pocket In addition to attachment mechanisms, seams, and other structural components, flats 14, 1014 may further comprise one or more pockets 18, 1018 for storing clothing, golf equipment, golf accessories, and / or other belongings. The pockets 18, 1018 of flats 14, 1014 may vary in size and shape depending on the desired function of the pockets 18, 1018. The pockets 18, 1018 may have one or more pockets commonly referred to as “clothing pockets,” “ball pockets,” or “accessory pockets.” Some pockets 18, 1018 may be constructed or sewn into flats 14, 1014 to be integrated into them, thereby making them non-removable. Some pockets 18, 1018 may be removable, i.e., configured to connect to flats 14, 1014, thereby making them attachable and removable (hereinafter, removable). These removable pockets may be attached to golf bags 10, 1010 during a second stage of the manufacturing process. Flats 14, 1014 may have one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten pockets 18, 1018. In some embodiments, one or more of the pockets 18, 1018 may be located above, in front of, or within another pocket. One or more of the pockets 18, 1018 may have an opening without a closure mechanism. One or more of the pockets 18, 1018 may have an opening with a closure mechanism such as a zipper, snap-fit ​​connector, fastener, button, or magnet. One or more of the pockets 18, 1018 may be foldable to temporarily reduce the capacity of one or more of the pockets 18, 1018 for shipping. Specific pocket embodiments are described in detail below.

[0386] 1. Detachable pockets One possible embodiment of the golf bag flats 14 and 1014 incorporates one or more customizable and detachable (or removable) golf bag pockets. Figures 107–109 show a golf bag 10 with a removable golf bag pocket. This removable pocket may be attached to golf bag 10, golf bag 1010, or any other golf bag. Currently, customizing a golf bag is a time-consuming process. By having a removable golf bag pocket as an option in a golf bag, manufacturers can quickly customize the golf bag. In addition, the removable pocket allows the golf bag to be shipped in multiple parts, thereby reducing shipping volume and thus reducing shipping costs. The following description shows only a removable clothing pocket 1620, but it should be understood that other pockets may have a similar removable design. For example, the carry bag 10 may have a removable ball pocket (above the back side 12 of the golf bag), a removable accessory pocket (on the right side of the golf bag as shown in Figure 1B), or other pockets.

[0387] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 107 to 110, the pocket 18 may be manufactured separately from the bag flat 14, where the pocket 18 can be attached to and detached from the bag flat 14. In other embodiments, some of the pockets may be manufactured integrally with the bag flat 14, while the remaining pockets may be detachable. In some embodiments, the golf bag 1010 may have one detachable pocket, two detachable pockets, three detachable pockets, four detachable pockets, five detachable pockets, or any number of detachable pockets. The embodiment in Figure 107 shows a carry bag 10 with one detachable pocket 1620. In embodiments having the detachable pocket 1620, the bag flat 14 may further include a first receiving mechanism 1621 and a second receiving mechanism 1622, where the first and second receiving mechanisms are configured to receive and secure the detachable pocket. The first and second receiving mechanisms may be zipper teeth, VELCRO®, snap buttons, snap-fit ​​connectors, openings, recesses, ties, or other suitable mounting means receiving mechanisms.

[0388] When a removable pocket of a golf bag is positioned to be attached to the bag flat, the removable pocket will have a surface adjacent to the bag flat 1625 and a periphery 1626 of this surface adjacent to the bag flat. The removable pocket 1620 may further comprise a first mounting mechanism 1623 and a second mounting mechanism 1624. The first and second mounting mechanisms may be located on the periphery and / or on the surface adjacent to the bag flat 1625. The first mounting mechanism 1623 is configured to be received by a first receiving mechanism 1621 of the bag flat, and the second mounting mechanism 1624 is configured to be received by a second receiving mechanism 1622 of the bag flat.

[0389] In many embodiments, as shown in Figures 107 to 109, the first attachment mechanism 1623 may be a zipper, and the second attachment mechanism 1624 may be a VELCRO®, and therefore the first receiving mechanism 1621 may be a zipper tooth, and the second receiving mechanism 1622 may likewise be a VELCRO®. In other embodiments, the first and second attachment mechanisms may be a zipper, a VELCRO®, a snap button, a button, a fastener, a tie, a hook, a buckle, or any other suitable attachment mechanism that enables the detachability of the detachable pocket 1620. In the discussion of the above-mentioned components, any reference to the first attachment mechanism 1623 shall be considered as a zipper, any reference to the second attachment mechanism 1624 shall be considered as VELCRO®, any reference to the first receiving mechanism 1621 shall be considered as zipper teeth, and any reference to the second receiving mechanism 1622 shall be considered as VELCRO®.

[0390] As shown in Figures 108 and 109, the zipper 1623 of the removable pocket may extend along at least one side of the periphery 1626 along the seam. In other embodiments, the zipper 1623 of the removable pocket 1620 may extend along the entire periphery 1626 along the seam of the surface adjacent to the bag flat 14. The zipper 1623 of the removable pocket aligns and faces the zipper teeth 1621 of the bag flat. The zipper 1623 functions as an alignment structure for precisely orienting the removable pocket 1620 relative to the bag flat 14. The zipper 1623 further functions as the main attachment mechanism for securing the removable pocket 1620 to the bag flat 14. In some embodiments, the zipper 1623 may be a single continuous zipper extending along a portion of the periphery, whereas in other embodiments, the zipper 1623 may be a plurality of discontinuous zippers along a portion of the periphery.

[0391] As shown in Figure 110, in some embodiments, the zipper teeth 1621 for receiving can be hidden from view under the lip 1627 of the golf bag flat 14. The lip 1627 further hides the zipper 1623 of the removable pocket 1620 when the removable pocket 1620 is attached to the golf bag 10. In these embodiments, the pocket 1620 appears to be permanently attached to the bag when attached, but the pocket 1620 is functionally removable. The lip 1627 gives the golf bag a clean look without sacrificing adaptability and manufacturing efficiency.

[0392] As shown in Figures 108 and 109, the VELCRO® 1624 of the detachable pocket may be positioned on a surface adjacent to the bag flat 14 on the proximal side of a portion of the periphery that does not have a zipper. In other embodiments, the VELCRO® 1624 may be positioned at any location on the surface adjacent to the bag flat 14. The VELCRO® 1624 of the detachable pocket is aligned and faces the VELCRO® 1624 of the bag flat 14. The VELCRO® 1624 of the detachable pocket 1620 functions as a secondary fixing measure to keep the detachable pocket in contact with the bag flat and stationary, thereby preventing the detachable pocket from swinging during movement of the golf bag. In many embodiments, the VELCRO® 1624 may be a circular patch on the surface adjacent to the bag flat. In other embodiments, VELCRO® 1624 may be a triangular patch, a square patch, an octagonal patch, a patch of any polygonal shape, or a single continuous long strip. In some embodiments, there may be one patch / strip, two patches / strips, three patches / strips, four patches / strips, five patches / strips, or six patches / strips.

[0393] 2. Alternative attachment mechanism for detachable pockets In other embodiments not shown, the detachable pocket may have a first mounting mechanism similar to the first mounting mechanism 1623 of the detachable pocket 1620 described above. The detachable pocket may further have a second mounting mechanism located adjacent to the base end of the golf bag. In this embodiment, the second mounting mechanism comprises a receiving portion and a core portion. The core portion is attached to the flat of the golf bag. The receiving portion is attached to the detachable pocket. The channel of the receiving portion is configured to receive the core portion to secure the detachable pocket flat. In other embodiments not shown, the flat second receiving mechanism and the second mounting mechanism of the detachable pocket comprise a snap-fit ​​connector element or clip.

[0394] 3. Customization of detachable pockets The detachable pocket 1620 and bag flat 14 can be manufactured in multiple different colors. This allows manufacturers to stock bag flat 14 and detachable pocket 1620 in multiple colors to combine specific color schemes based on customized orders. The detachable pocket 1620 further simplifies the logo customization process due to its size variations. Integrating a customized logo (e.g., school mascot / school name) onto a golf bag is significantly easier with the detachable pocket 1620 compared to a pocket permanently attached to the golf bag. The process of screen printing or embroidering a logo on an item is faster and easier on smaller items such as pockets than on larger, bulkier items such as golf bags.

[0395] Combined with simplifying the logo customization process, the ability to combine any colored detachable pocket with any colored bag flat 14 reduces the turnaround time for custom bag orders from approximately 90-180 days to approximately 30-45 days. Reducing the turnaround time by more than half improves customer satisfaction. Furthermore, golf bags with detachable pockets can be packaged in separate, smaller capacity packages, thereby reducing the overall volume and size of the package containing the golf bag. Combining two separate, smaller capacity packages reduces shipping costs compared to a single, large capacity package containing a golf bag with permanently attached pockets. Reducing customer shipping costs further improves customer satisfaction. In addition, detachable pockets, depending on the type and / or color of the pocket, simplify inventory in the warehouse, thereby improving warehouse and assembly order.

[0396] 4. Foldable pocket assembly Referring to Figures 186 to 193, the golf bag 1400 may have a flat 14, similar to the flats 1014, with a foldable pocket assembly 1418. The foldable pocket assembly 1418 has three or more pockets that overlap the side wall and has a zipper configuration to allow the three or more pockets to be folded in or over each other. In some embodiments, one or more of the pockets may have a magnetic structure. Referring to Figures 186 and 187, the golf bag 1400 with the foldable pocket assembly 1418 has a first pocket 1420 (sometimes also known as an accessory pocket or magnetic pocket), a second pocket 1430 (sometimes known as a ball pocket), and a third pocket 1440 (sometimes also known as a clothing pocket). The three pockets 1420, 1430, and 1440 are integrated into the golf bag 1400 in a manner that allows the second pocket 1430 to be folded down to a fraction of its original capacity. The second pocket 1430 can be folded down to a capacity between 20% and 30% of its original unfolded capacity. The second pocket 1430 can be folded flat to 20%-21%, 21%-22%, 22%-23%, 23%-24%, 24%-25%, 25%-26%, 26%-27%, 27%-28%, 28%-29%, or 29%-30% of its original unfolded capacity.

[0397] Figure 186 depicts a golf bag 1400 formed by at least a divider top 1402, a flat 1414, and a base 1404. The golf bag 1400 has a front side 1411 and a rear side 1412. The flat 1414 has a third (clothing) pocket 1440 on the side of the flat 1414, and a second (ball) pocket 1430 and a first (accessory / magnetic) pocket 1420 on the rear side 1412 of the flat 1414. The third pocket 1440 has a first area and a second area. The first area of ​​the third pocket 1400 overlaps with the side of the second pocket 1430. The third pocket 1440 shares a side wall with the second pocket 1430 within the first area. The second area of ​​the third pocket 1440 extends along the side of the golf bag 1400 and is opened or closed via the third pocket zipper 1444. The second pocket 1430 extends outward from the bottom of the rear side 1412 of the golf bag 1400 and is opened or closed via one or more second pocket zippers 1438. The first pocket 1420 is located just above the second pocket 1430. The first pocket 1420 rotates around the top edge 1428 of its lid 1422. In combination with the location of the third pocket zipper 1444, this orientation of the lid 1422 of the first pocket 1420 allows the second pocket 1430 to be folded.

[0398] The second (ball) pocket 1430 is formed by an opening panel 1432 enclosed by a zipper 1438, a base panel 1434, a first region of the third (clothing) pocket 1440 along the side of the second pocket 1430, and a lateral panel 1436 on the opposite side of the third pocket 1440. The third pocket 1440 has a first region that extends outward to form the side of the second pocket 1430. The third pocket zipper 1444, as shown in Figure 186, curves upward along the second pocket 1430, extends parallel to a portion of the second pocket zipper 1438, and curves back toward the front side 1411 of the golf bag 1400. This improves the flexibility of the flat 1414 and makes the second pocket 1430 foldable when the third pocket zipper 1444 is open. The first area of ​​the third pocket 1440, located along the side of the second pocket 1430, can replace an optional folio pocket 1436c found in other golf bag designs.

[0399] The first (accessory / magnetic) pocket 1420 is located above the opening panel 1432 (or lid) of the second pocket 1430. The first pocket 1420 comprises a lid 1422 surrounded by a first pocket rim 1424 and a pull tab 1426 attached to the rim 1424. The first pocket lid 1422 is curved around the first pocket hinge at a top edge 1428 located at the adjacent seam of the second (ball) pocket zipper 1438. The first pocket rim 1424 extends upward from the first pocket hinge 1428. This orientation of the first pocket 1420 allows the second pocket 1430 to be folded to the position of the golf bag without compromising the alignment of the first pocket rim 1424. When the golf bag 1400 is folded, the pull tab 1426 remains centered.

[0400] A collapsed view of the golf bag flat 1414 is shown in Figure 187. In Figure 187, a line made of small squares indicates an open zipper. To fold the pocket, the second (ball) pocket zipper 1438 is at least partially open, thereby allowing the top flat 1414 of the second pocket 1430 to bend along the zipper line. The garment zipper 1444 is open, thereby allowing the sides of the second pocket 1430 to be easily folded. The opening panel 1432 of the second pocket 1430 is then pushed toward the front portion 1411 of the golf bag 1400. This pushes the first pocket 1420 upward but without deformation. This folding motion applies force to the hinge 1428 of the first pocket 1420 without affecting the rim 1424 of the first pocket 1420, causing the first pocket lid 1422 to fold back and become nearly flush with the back side 1412 of the bag flat 1414. The open opening panel 1432 of the second (ball) pocket 1430 can extend over a portion of the first (accessory / magnetic) pocket 110 when the pocket is folded. When folded flat, the first (accessory / magnetic) pocket 1420 cannot maintain its shape on its own unless the location of the hinge 1428 is moved downward (achieved by the open second pocket zipper 1438).

[0401] Next, the open outer panel 1442 of the third pocket 1440 may be folded over a portion of the opening panel 1432 of the second pocket 1430. If this step is not performed, the open third pocket 1440 will unnecessarily extend beyond the height of the folded second pocket 1430. The foldable pockets 1420, 1430, and 1440 are unique not only in their foldability but also in their interaction. If the third (clothing) pocket 1440 does not overlap with the second (ball) pocket 1430, the area on the side of the second pocket 1430 cannot be used as pocket space without impairing the foldability of the second pocket 1430. In other words, these steps for folding the golf bag 1400 are: (1) opening the second pocket zipper 1438; (2) opening the third pocket zipper 1444; (3) pushing the panels of the first pocket 1420 and the second pocket 1430 toward the front portion 1411 of the golf bag 1400 while pulling the panel of the second pocket 1430 so as to cover a portion of the first pocket 1420; and (4) pulling the first area of ​​the third pocket 1440 toward a portion of the second pocket 1430 while maintaining the pressure on the second pocket 1430.

[0402] Some golf bags feature a folio pocket 1436, similar to the folio pocket 1436c in Figure 185 (comparison 1400c), as part of a foldable pocket configuration, on one of the side panels of the ball pocket 1430, instead of an extension of the third (clothing) pocket 1440. This folio pocket 1436c, when the zipper is closed, would obstruct or prevent the ball pocket 1430c from folding, and if the ball pocket 1430c is forced into the folded position, it would suffer aesthetic damage due to the folding. For example, when forced into the folded position, the rigidity of the folio pocket 1436c with the zipper of one of the side panels closed would cause the ball pocket 1430c to fold to one side. By forcibly folding it to the side in this way, the magnetic rim 1424c of the lid 1422c of the accessory pocket 1420c is displaced from the magnetic rim 1424c of the lid 1422c of the accessory pocket 1420c. When unfolded, if the accessory pocket rim 1424c is negatively affected by the displacement, the side panels of the pocket (including the folio pocket 1436c as optional) will suffer damage such as undesirable creases and creases in the markings. However, when the zipper is opened, the folio pocket 1436c functions similarly to the first area of ​​the third pocket 1440, thereby providing flexibility to allow the second (ball) pocket 1430 to be folded.

[0403] Referring to Figures 188 and 189, the area of ​​the third (clothing) pocket 1440 extending over the side of the second (ball) pocket 1430 may have a first mesh pocket 1436 and a second mesh pocket 1446. The first mesh pocket 1436 may be located inside the third pocket 1440, over the side of the second pocket 1430. This first mesh pocket 1436 may be located similarly to the folio pocket 1436c in the comparable golf bag 1400c, except that the first mesh pocket 1436 is located inside. The second mesh pocket 1446 may be located inside the third pocket panel 1442. When the third pocket 1440 is closed with the zipper, the second mesh pocket 1446 will be positioned to abut against or in contact with the first mesh pocket 1436. However, as shown in Figure 188, when the third pocket 1440 is unzipped, the first mesh pocket 1436 and the second mesh pocket 1446 can be separated because they are independent of each other. The first mesh pocket 1436 and the second mesh pocket 1446 can hold beverages, yardage books (or playbooks), scoreboards, or other accessories. The foldable pocket assembly 1418 allows the second pocket 1430 to be folded for delivery (by mesh pockets 1436, 1446) to store beverages and accessories when in the unfolded (non-folded) configuration, without compromising the usability of the lateral panel space.

[0404] Referring to Figures 188 and 189, when the pocket is in a folded configuration, the height 1431 of the second (ball) pocket 1430 can be reduced to 20%-22%, 21%-23%, 22%-24%, 23%-25%, 24%-26%, 25%-27%, 26%-28%, 27%-29%, or 28%-30% of the height 1431 of the second pocket 1430 when it is in an unfolded configuration. The height 1431 of the second pocket can be measured in the direction between the front (belly) side 1411 and the back side 1412 of the bag. In other words, the height 1431 of the second pocket can be measured generally perpendicular to the opening panel 1432 of the second pocket 1421. In some embodiments, the second pocket height 1431 may be measured from the opening panel 1432 to the fiberglass stay reinforcing the golf bag flat 1414 at the innermost extending portion of the second pocket 1430.

[0405] As shown in Figure 188, the height 1431 of the second pocket in the deployed position may fall between 3.0 inches and 3.1 inches, 3.1 inches and 3.2 inches, 3.2 inches and 3.3 inches, 3.3 inches and 3.4 inches, 3.4 inches and 3.5 inches, 3.5 inches and 3.6 inches, 3.6 inches and 3.7 inches, 3.7 inches and 3.8 inches, 3.8 inches and 3.9 inches, and 3.9 inches and 4.0 inches. In some embodiments, the height 1431 of the second pocket in the deployed position is 3.5 inches. As shown in Figure 189, the height 1431 of the second pocket in the folded position may fall between 0.5 inches and 0.6 inches, between 0.6 inches and 0.7 inches, between 0.7 inches and 0.8 inches, between 0.8 inches and 0.9 inches, between 0.9 inches and 1.0 inches, between 1.0 inches and 1.1 inches, between 1.1 inches and 1.2 inches, between 1.2 inches and 1.3 inches, between 1.3 inches and 1.4 inches, or between 1.4 inches and 1.5 inches.

[0406] Each of the first pocket 1420, the second pocket 1430, and the third pocket 1440 comprises an inner lining of a first material and an outer panel of a second material. In many embodiments, the first material of the inner lining has higher flexibility than the second material of the outer panel. In some embodiments, the first and second materials may be the same. The second material is usually more durable than the second material, thereby extending its lifespan and thereby providing a more rigid outer pocket portion to avoid damage from use and to prevent objects fixed within the pocket from moving around more than desired. The first material is usually more flexible than the second material and is therefore easily foldable, thereby enabling the foldability of the pocket assembly 1418. In addition, the higher flexibility of the first material of the inner lining improves the moldability of the inner lining, thereby preventing it from retaining its shape in the folds formed by folding the pocket and enabling the foldable pocket assembly 1418 to be easily unfolded.

[0407] 5. Example of shipping a golf bag with a foldable pocket assembly versus a golf bag without pockets. The golf bag 1400, equipped with a foldable pocket assembly 1418, is as described above. To illustrate the portability of the foldable golf bag 1400, it can be compared to a comparative golf bag 1400c. Figure 185 shows the comparative golf bag 1400c, which does not have a foldable pocket assembly. In the comparative golf bag 1400c, the clothing pocket 1440c is equipped with a linear zipper 1444c for opening and closing the clothing pocket 1400c. The ball pocket 1430c is formed from an opening panel 1432c, a base panel 1434c, a side panel, and an accessory pocket 1420c located at the top. The folio pocket 1436c may optionally be included in one or more of the side panels. The accessory pocket 1420c has a lid 1422c that can be secured to the flat 1414c of the golf bag 1400c via a magnetic pocket rim 1424c. The accessory pocket lid 1422c rotates around a hinge 1428c located at the top of the accessory pocket 1420c. The pocket rim 1424c has some degree of rigidity. In this comparative golf bag design 1400c, if the ball pocket 1430c is forced into the folded position, the accessory pocket rim 1424c will obstruct or prevent the ball pocket 1430c from folding. Furthermore, if forced into the folded configuration, the accessory pocket rim 1424c will be bent, thereby impairing the alignment of the lid 1422c with respect to the flat 1414c when the comparative golf bag 1400c is unfolded to its original configuration. When the comparison golf bag 1400c is forcibly folded, the pull tab 1426c may be permanently deformed or shifted from its center position. Furthermore, one or more of the side panels of the bag flat 1414c will fold when the ball pocket 1430c is forcibly folded.This folding mechanism could negatively impact the functionality and aesthetics of the comparable 1400c golf bag when it is unfolded to its original configuration for use.

[0408] To avoid the formation of undesirable creases, folds, and other aesthetic and functional effects described above, the comparative golf bag 1400c is shipped with the second (ball) pocket 1430c and / or accessory pocket 1420c in a fully unfolded configuration. One or both of these pockets are maintained in the unfolded configuration by a device such as filler material or an air-filled pouch. This maintains the aesthetic and functional properties of these pockets, but also requires additional capacity. The additional capacity required to maintain these pockets in the unfolded position prevents the golf bag flat 1414c from being shipped in a folded position, so as to have sufficient space to accommodate the divider top 1420c. Therefore, to avoid a significant increase in shipping costs, the top 1402c and divider sleeve of the comparative golf bag 1400c are usually shipped in a separate box from the flat 1414c, thereby increasing labor and assembly time and cost.

[0409] However, as shown in Figures 190–193 for the golf bag 1400, the divider top 1402 and sleeve can be shipped inside the folded flat 1414. By housing more components in the same box, the shipping and final assembly processes are streamlined, in addition to reducing associated shipping costs. This reduces assembly time, assembly costs, and the risk of assembly errors. As shown in Figure 193, the shipping box 1450 may have a width 1452, a length 1454, and a height 1456. The shipping box 1450 may have a width of 1452, ranging from 16 to 17 inches, 17 to 18 inches, 18 to 19 inches, or 19 to 20 inches; a length of 1454, ranging from 30 to 31 inches, 31 to 32 inches, 32 to 33 inches, 33 to 34 inches, or 34 to 35 inches; and a height of 1456, ranging from 13 to 14 inches, 14 to 15 inches, 15 to 16 inches, or 16 to 17 inches. In one embodiment, the shipping box 1450 may have a width of approximately 1452, a length of approximately 33.5 inches, and a height of approximately 1456. In some embodiments, within this box size, three, four, five, or six golf bags, each equipped with a foldable pocket assembly 1418 and a top 1402, can be packaged inside the shipping box 1450. A comparative golf bag 1400c can only be placed in a box of the same size in smaller quantities. In some embodiments, one, two, or three comparative golf bags 1400c may be shipped in a box 1450 of the same size. The golf bags 1400 may be stacked in the same orientation (Figure 191) or in opposite orientations (Figures 190, 193) within the shipping box 1450. Because the golf bag 1400 can have a shape that is not symmetrical in any direction, even when folded, orienting the golf bag in a particular direction reduces the overall volume required to pack multiple bags with tops into a single box in some embodiments.

[0410] By integrating the golf bag flat 1414 and top 1042 for shipment in a single box rather than in two separate boxes, the total shipping costs for international suppliers and manufacturers can be reduced by approximately 1-2%, 2-3%, 3-4%, 4-5%, 5-10%, 10-20%, 15-25%, 20-30%, or 25-35%. In addition, the flat can be shipped from the supplier with the top and divider already partially attached, thus reducing associated labor and assembly time and costs. To ship one or more comparable golf bags 1400c, a larger box with greater capacity is required for the integrated shipment of the bag 1400c and top 1402c compared to the capacity required to ship the golf bag 1400 with the foldable pocket assembly 1418, and / or the components must be shipped in multiple boxes, thereby increasing labor and assembly time and costs.

[0411] A golf bag 1400 equipped with a foldable pocket assembly 1418 offers similar utility in being delivered to the consumer after final assembly. Similar to the delivery configuration described above, a single golf bag 1400 may be delivered in a folded configuration, whereas a comparative golf bag 1400c must be delivered in an unfolded configuration using fillers to accommodate the ball pockets and / or accessory pockets. As a result, in some embodiments, the golf bag 1400 may be delivered in a box having a smaller capacity than the comparative golf bag 1400c required to be delivered to the consumer. In some embodiments, the delivery box used to deliver a single golf ball 1400 to the consumer may have a width of approximately 7 inches, a length of approximately 41 inches, and a height of approximately 10.75 inches. Furthermore, the golf bag 1400 can reduce the amount of material required for delivery by including a smaller protective bag and other protective packaging, and even by not having the filler material or device required to prevent the pocket configuration of the comparative bag 1400c from being folded. These advantages reduce the cost of delivering the golf bag 1400 to consumers compared to the delivery costs of the comparable golf bag 1400c. Furthermore, the foldable pocket configuration 1418 of the golf bag 1400 can mitigate the potential for aesthetic and functional disadvantages seen in the pocket configuration of the comparable golf bag 1400c when folding and creasing occur.

[0412] The position and interaction of the foldable pocket assembly 1418 satisfy the requirements in the art for a foldable golf bag, and in particular the requirements for a golf bag having a foldable second (ball) pocket 1430, because this pocket often occupies a larger volume than other pockets in the golf bag and protrudes considerably.

[0413] 6. Flip-down pocket Referring to Figures 165 and 166, the flats 14, 1014 may further comprise one or more flip-down pockets 1218. Each flip-down pocket 1218 is detachably attached to the top edge 1200 of the pocket 1218 and permanently secured to the bottom edge 1222 of the pocket 1218. One or more flip-down pockets 1218 are typically located in the upper half of the golf bag. In some embodiments, one or more flip-down pockets 1218 are located on either side of the golf bag. One or more flip-down pockets 1218 may be used to store accessories such as golf gloves or tees.

[0414] Each flip-down pocket 1218 may be configured in an attached or detachable configuration. The flip-down pocket 1218 may have a top edge 1220, a bottom edge 1222, and lateral edges 1224. In the attached configuration shown in Figure 166, the pocket top edge 1220 may be fixed to the main body 1214 of the bag (i.e., the flat 1214). A single quick-release fastener 1226, shown in Figure 167, may be used to removably secure the pocket top edge 1220 to the main bag body 1214.

[0415] In the detachable configuration, the lateral edges 1224 and top edge 1220 of the flip-down pocket 1218 can be detached from the rest of the flats 14, 1014. Figure 165 shows two flip-down pockets 1218 in the detachable configuration. In some embodiments, the flip-down pocket 1218 may fold lower than shown in Figure 165. The bottom edge 1222 of the pocket connects the pocket 1218 to the rest of the flats 1214 (the main part of the flats). In some embodiments, the bottom edge 1222 may also be the garment pocket seam, as the garment pocket is located below the flip-down pocket 1218. The bottom edge 1222 can function as a hinge, causing the pocket 1218 to rotate around this hinge when the pocket is moved between the attached and detachable configurations.

[0416] The pocket 1218 may further include a pull tab 1232 to assist in easily attaching or detaching the quick-release fastener 1226. In some embodiments, other snap-fit ​​fasteners, such as buckles, may be used instead of the quick-release fastener 1226. The quick-release fastener 1226 may comprise a button projection 1228 and a receiver 1230. In the locked position, the button projection 1228 slides laterally into the receiver 1230. The receiver 1230 prevents the button projection 1228 from being pulled out in any direction other than laterally through the channel. The button projection 1228 may be fixed to the flip-down pocket 1218. The receiver 1230 may be fixed to the main portion of the flat 1214 (or the body of the golf bag). In some embodiments, the components of the quick-release fastener 1226 are arranged in reverse (receiver 1230 in the pocket 1218 and button projection 1228 in the main portion of the flat 1214).

[0417] When a golf bag is placed on a golf cart, cart straps are often secured around the upper half of the bag, thereby holding the golf bag in place. One or more flip-down pockets 1218 allow the cart straps to pass beneath the pockets 1218. The cart straps can directly cover the main body 1214 (the flat main portion) of the golf bag without being obstructed by the pockets 1218. In the mounting configuration, the cart straps can be fed through one or more channels defined by one or more flip-down pockets 1218. To allow the golfer to easily attach the cart straps, one or more pockets 1218 can be detached at the top edge 1220, and after securing the cart straps which can be folded back, one or more pockets 1218 can be reattached to return the golf bag to its normal pocket mounting configuration. When removing the golf bag from the cart, the above steps can simply be reversed. The simple ergonomic design of one or more flip-down pockets 1218 speeds up the process of securing the golf bag to the golf cart.

[0418] 7. Quick access pocket (in-play pocket) Flats 14 and 1014 may further feature a quick-access pocket for storing small accessories such as golf tees or golf balls that a player might want to access during a round of golf. Figures 105A–106 show a golf bag with a quick-access pocket 1600 (the quick-access pocket may also be referred to as an “in-play pocket,” “quick-access zippered pocket,” or “magnetic zippered pocket”). This quick-access pocket 1600 may be attached to golf bag 10, golf bag 1010, and / or any other suitable golf bag. The quick-access pocket 1600 may be similar to one or more pockets 18 of golf bag flats 14 and 1014. The golf bag quick-access pocket 1600 has a zipper 1601 and a magnetic structure 1602. This pocket will function as a quick-access pocket during play, but can be securely closed by the zipper 1601 for use during transport or on longer trips. The magnetic structure 1602 can be used to hold the pocket lid 1605 closed during golf play, but allows the lid to be opened quickly when necessary. The golf pocket 1600 further includes a stiff flip 1603 around the inside of the pocket opening to ensure that items do not fall out during play and to improve the structural integrity of the pocket.

[0419] The Quick Access Pocket 1600 serves two distinct functions. One function is to hold items in the golf bag during transport or storage, and the other is to hold items during play. Zipper 1601 performs the first (transport / storage) function. Magnetic structure 1602 and stiff flip 1603 perform the second (quick access) function.

[0420] The quick-access pocket 1600 can be used to secure items inside the golf bag 10. The pocket 1600 can have a variety of body shapes and sizes. The pocket lid 1605 covers the opening of the pocket 1600. In the embodiments shown in Figures 105A to 106, the pocket opening has a hinged side 1064 to which the lid 1605 is connected to the body, and three sides that allow access to the pocket 1600 when the lid 1605 is open. The lid 1605 may contain polyethylene to improve rigidity. The lid 1605 may contain other suitable materials.

[0421] The internal structure for securing items within pocket 1600 includes a zipper 1601, a magnet 1602, and a stiff flip 1603 around the inside of the opening. The zipper 1601 circumsects the outer portion of the opening along three sides that allow access to the pocket. The zipper 1601 connects the lid 1605 to the body of the pocket, thereby sealing all items to be stored, as well as the magnetic structure 1602 and the stiff flip 1603 structure. The magnetic structure 1602 has an upper magnet and a lower magnet. The upper magnet is embedded in the lid 1605 of pocket 1600 to correspond to the lower magnet embedded in the stiff flip 1603. When the lid 1605 is closed, the upper magnet connects to the lower magnet. The stiff flip 1603 extends along the inside of the three sides that allow access to the pocket. The stiff flip 1603 extends from these three sides of the opening toward the center of the pocket opening. The stiff flip 1603 can extend from the sides by various lengths, such as between 0.5 inches and 2 inches. The stiff flip structure 1603 contributes to the structural integrity of the golf pocket and accommodates the lower magnet. The lip 1603 further provides a platform for contacting and resting the lid 1605 when the lid is closed. The stiff flip 1603 may be made of polyurethane or another suitable material.

[0422] By combining the zipper 1601 with the magnetic structure 1602 and stiff flip 1603, it is possible to reduce costs compared to existing quick-access pockets that use multiple magnets for secure storage. Incorporating the zipper 1601 and limiting the number of magnets reduces the cost of the final product and provides a more reliable way to secure the closed pocket 1600.

[0423] 8. Customizable ball pocket with water-resistant functionality. Referring to Figures 168-170, in some embodiments, flats 14, 1014 may further comprise a customizable golf bag pocket 1240 for a water-resistant bag. The external material of the golf bag may be treated to prevent water damage to the contents of the golf bag. The water resistance of the golf bag will be explained further later. The external material of a water-resistant bag cannot be embroidered with a logo without compromising the water resistance of the golf bag. Furthermore, if a separate panel that can be embroidered is included in the golf bag, this separate panel cannot be sewn to the same surface as the external part of the golf bag because the embroidery machine cannot access the panel. The reason is that the customizable golf bag pocket 1240 with water-resistant functionality allows the bag to maintain its water-resistant properties while allowing the embroidery machine to access the customizable panel.

[0424] The customizable pocket 1240 itself is not water-resistant. However, by customizing this external pocket 1240, the water resistance of the remaining pockets and the water-resistant surfaces on the golf bag is maintained. The customizable pocket 1240 allows water to drain from the bottom edge of the pocket 1240. The mesh panel 1246 holds the contents of the pocket 1240 while allowing water to drain. The outer panel 1242 of the customizable pocket 1240 can be embroidered because the pocket 1240 is separated from the rest of the bag and therefore does not need to retain water resistance.

[0425] The water-resistant, customizable golf bag pocket 1240 can be positioned as a ball pocket or at any other suitable location on the golf bag. The ball pocket may be positioned on the rear side (e.g., 12) of the golf bag (e.g., 10). The ball pocket extends outward from the lower portion of the golf bag (as seen in the side views of Figures 1B and 1D). In addition to the ball pocket sidewalls that allow the ball pocket to extend outward from the flat main body, the ball pocket features a front panel. The front panel is a prominent feature on the golf bag and thus can be an ideal surface for a logo, custom symbol, or name.

[0426] In some golf bags, the front panel of the ball pocket is detached from the bag by a zipper. The front panel may be removed to apply a logo. In some embodiments, the panel can be easily fitted onto an embroidery machine for embroidering a logo. However, during logo embroidery, the embroidery needle creates small holes that allow water to enter the ball pocket. Therefore, it is desirable to have a customizable panel in a bag that does not form a water-resistant side of the bag.

[0427] As shown in Figures 168–170, the customizable golf bag pocket 1240 comprises a body panel 1248, a front panel or outer panel 1242, a first side wall 1260, a second side wall 1262, and a mesh panel 1254. The body panel 1248 forms the rear portion of the pocket 1240, which is the same surface as or integral to the main surface of the flat 1214 or the surface of the ball pocket. The front panel 1242 forms the front surface or outer surface of the customizable pocket 1240. The front panel 1242 may have a custom logo that can be embroidered, screen printed, or vinyl printed on it. The front panel 1242 may be unfolded away from the body panel 1248, thereby allowing an embroidery machine to access the front panel 1242 and sew the custom logo onto it. Both the top edge 1244 and the bottom edge 1246 of the front panel 1242 can be detached from the body panel 1248. By detaching the bottom edge 1246 of the front panel, it is possible to drain water from the bottom edge of the pocket 1240.

[0428] As shown in Figure 169, the mesh panel 1245 is located between the front panel 1242 and the body panel 1248. The mesh panel 1254 extends diagonally from the top section 1250 of the body panel 1248 to the bottom edge 1246 of the front panel 1242. The mesh panel 1254 and the front panel 1242 create a pocket 1240 that is in contact with and rests on the body panel 1248. More specifically, the mesh panel 1254 may have a top edge 1256 and a bottom edge 1258. The top edge 1256 of the mesh panel 1254 is connected to the body panel 1248, thereby defining the top end of the pocket 1240. The bottom edge 1258 of the mesh panel 1254 is connected to the front panel 1242, thereby defining the bottom end of the pocket 1240. The bottom edge 1258 of the mesh panel 1254 is detached from the body panel 1248. The design, which includes the mesh panel 1254 detached from the body panel 1248, allows water to drain out of the pocket 1240 through the mesh panel 1254.

[0429] The first and second side walls 1260 and 1262 connect the front panel 1242 to the body panel 1248. The first and second side walls 1260 and 1262 can be in an unfolded configuration (open configuration) (Figure 170) or a folded configuration (fixed configuration) (Figure 169). The first and second side walls 1260 and 1262 may each be equipped with a hook-and-loop fastening system (VELCRO®) that allows the first and second side walls 1260 and 1262 to be fastened together in a folded configuration (folded and / or concealed configuration) or an unfolded configuration. In some embodiments, the side walls 1260 and 1262 are equipped with mesh material or fabric panels. The first and second side walls 1260 and 1262 each are equipped with a hook fastening section 1264 and a loop fastening section 1266. The hook fastening section 1264 and the loop fastening section 1266 each extend within the strip in a direction from the top to the bottom of the first side wall 1260 and the second side wall 1262, respectively. In the deployed configuration, the front panel 1242 can be deployed from the body panel 1248 at a distance of up to 4 cm to 6 cm 1268. In some embodiments, the front panel 1242 can be deployed from the body panel 1244 at deployment distances 1268 of up to 4 cm, up to 4.5 cm, up to 5 cm, up to 5.5 cm, or up to 6 cm.

[0430] The unfolded configuration allows pocket 1240 to store larger items. The unfolded configuration also allows for embroidery of the front panel 1242. This is because the additional distance 1268 by which the front panel 1424 unfolds away from the body panel 1248 provides space for the embroidery machine arm. The folded configuration allows pocket 1240 to be held close to the body panel 1248 (or the body / flat of the golf bag), thereby giving the golf bag a compact appearance. The folded configuration also allows pocket 1240 to be tightened or resized to hold smaller items.

[0431] 9. Shoe pocket Some embodiments of the golf bag flats 14, 1014 may have a deployable shoe pocket assembly for storing a pair of shoes. When not in use, the shoe pocket may be stored in a hidden compartment of the golf bag. Figures 35–46 show a deployable shoe pocket assembly 300 attached to the golf bag 10. The shoe pocket assembly 300 is deployable between a deployment configuration (or a first configuration) (shown in Figures 34–36) and a storage configuration (or a second configuration) (shown in Figure 37). Referring specifically to Figure 35, the shoe pocket assembly 300 has a shoe pocket 304 defining a compartment 308 configured to receive a shoe (or a pair of shoes). One end of the shoe pocket 304 defines an opening 312 to enable access to the compartment 308. The periphery of the opening 312 may be formed of an elastic material 316 that is biased inward, thereby causing the opening 312 to contract in its relaxed position. This helps to hold the shoe accepted by the shoe pocket 304, while simultaneously reducing the size of the shoe pocket 304 when not in use.

[0432] Figure 36 shows a shoe pocket 304 in a deployment configuration. The pocket 18 can be attached to the flat 14 along a seam (or other suitable fastener). A portion of the seam can define an access port 317 to a storage channel 319, which is partially defined by the flat 14 and further partially defined by the pocket 18 (see Figures 36 and 37). The shoe pocket 304 is attached to the pocket 18 by a fastener 138 (e.g., a clip, seam, etc.) at the gusset 320. The gusset 320 can be located at the edge of the pocket 18 or at any other suitable location on the pocket 18. In other embodiments, the shoe pocket 304 can be attached to a portion of the flat 14 (e.g., at a gusset on the flat 14).

[0433] Figure 37 shows the shoe pocket 304 in a storage configuration. In this configuration, the shoe pocket 304 is positioned within the storage channel 319, as indicated by the arrow 324 (the shoe pocket 304 is shown by a dashed line in the deployment configuration). This allows the user to selectively deploy the shoe pocket 304 for storing shoes, and furthermore, allows the shoe pocket 304 to be retracted into a storage configuration when not in use.

[0434] In the illustrated embodiment, the shoe pocket assembly 300 is positioned on the side of the golf bag 10 opposite the handle 22 and / or strap 24 (e.g., the "belly" side of the golf bag 10). In other embodiments, the shoe pocket assembly 300 may be placed in any suitable location on the golf bag 10. Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment shows a single shoe to be received in the shoe pocket 304. Thus, the shoe pocket assembly 300 may have two shoe pockets 304 for receiving a pair of shoes, as shown in Figure 38. In the embodiment shown in Figure 38, the shoe pockets 304 are attached to separate pockets 18. However, in other embodiments, both shoe pockets 304 may be attached to a single pocket 18. As shown in Figure 39, each shoe pocket 304 is formed of an elastic mesh material or a stretch mesh material 328. In other embodiments, the shoe pockets 304 may be formed of any suitable material (e.g., nylon, polyester, etc.). Furthermore, each shoe pocket 304 is sized to receive and carry a shoe. The shoe pocket 304 may have a height H of approximately 30 centimeters and a length L of approximately 17.5 centimeters, thereby defining the perimeter of the opening 312 of approximately 35 centimeters. In other embodiments, the shoe pocket 304 may be of any suitable size for carrying one shoe, or may be sized to carry a pair of shoes. Shoes accepted within the shoe assembly 300 may include any suitable shoes (e.g., golf shoes when transporting the golf bag 10 from the golf course, street shoes when transporting the golf bag 10 on or around the golf course, etc.).

[0435] 10. Cooler bag pocket In some embodiments of golf bags 10 and 1010, the flats include pockets for storing a removable cooler bag. Figure 109a shows an embodiment of a golf bag that includes a pocket for receiving a removable cooler bag 1500. This removable cooler bag 1500 can be attached to golf bag 10 and / or golf bag 1010. The removable cooler bag 1500 may be included in the sub-assembly golf bag package, or the cooler bag may be supplied separately to the user. The removable cooler bag 1500 is designed to fit into a compartment of the golf cart bag / golf carry bag 10. The removable cooler bag 1500 may be isolated and fully sealed, or it may be not isolated and fully sealed. An internal pocket for a standard refreezable gel ice pack may be incorporated inside the bag.

[0436] The cooler bag may be uniquely shaped to fit inside an existing cart bag or carry bag. Figure 109b includes an example diagram of a second embodiment 1510 of the cooler bag 1500. In the second embodiment, the removable cooler bag may comprise a single bag entity with a latch handle 1513. In the first embodiment 1500, the cooler bag may have a plurality of connected components, such as a lid 1501, a main bag body 1502, a handle 1503, and a rigid base 1504. Insulation material may be included inside the main bag body 1502.

[0437] A rigid or flexible handle 1503 is included with the cooler bag to facilitate removal of the cooler bag from the pocket of the cart bag / carry bag. The cooler bag may incorporate a rigid or flexible lid flap 1501. Other methods of sealing the bag may include rolling up the bag material and clamping the rolled material in a single unit, as can be seen in many water-resistant camping bags. The clamping mechanism 1513 may be equipped with a clasp, plastic buckle, or any other suitable mechanism. The base 1504 of the cooler bag may have a rigid plastic component to improve durability. This reinforcing component for the base may be attached externally to the bottom of the cooler bag or fixed internally to the bottom of the cooler bag. The removable cooler bag may be made from a water-resistant flexible plastic material. The handle, clamp, lid, and base may be made from plastic or other suitable material.

[0438] The purpose of the Cooler Bag 1500 is to improve convenience when transporting beverages and food within a golf bag during a round of golf. The added insulation and full seal within the cooler bag walls keep beverages colder for longer. The removable cooler bag allows for easy packaging and cooling of beverages at home before reaching the golf course. Furthermore, the cooler bag helps to isolate beverages and food from the rest of the golf bag, thereby preventing the golf bag from getting dirty.

[0439] G. Water-resistant function Golf bags 10, 1010 can be water-resistant. Figures 40-46 show embodiments of golf bags 10 having a water-resistant function to reduce water ingress into one or more compartments of the golf bag 10. For example, pockets 18 can be manufactured from a coated polyester material, and more specifically from a double-coated polyester material. In examples, the coating for polyester may be a polyester-polyurethane resin coating and / or a polyurethane resin coating. Coated polyester is advantageous in that it does not shrink under high-temperature weather conditions (e.g., above 90 degrees Fahrenheit). Pockets 18 can be manufactured, coated, and then attached to the flat 14 (e.g., sewn). Pockets 18 may have binding edges 338 that give shape to the pocket 18. In addition, referring to Figures 44-45, when pockets 18 are attached to the flat 14, fixing points 330 (e.g., seams, etc.) are coated with a water-resistant function. The pocket 18 can be selectively attached to the flat 14 at the edge opposite the fastening point 330 by a plurality of complementary fasteners 334a, 334b ​​(e.g., hook-loop fasteners). The fasteners 334a, 334b ​​(shown in Figures 44-45), and / or the edges of the pocket 18, the seams 336 connecting each pocket 18 to the flat 14 (shown in Figure 46), or the zippers 340 or other access openings to each pocket 18 (shown in Figures 40-45) may be coated with a water-resistant feature. This water-resistant feature reduces the ingress of water or other liquids into the treated pocket 18 or portion of the flat 14, thereby helping to keep items stored in the pocket 18 dry in adverse weather conditions or when accidentally exposed to water (e.g., when the golf bag 10 is placed near a watering head). Referring to Table I, as described herein, the water-resistant golf bag 10 reduces overall moisture retention by approximately 26-73% and the detection of water in the pockets 18 by approximately 6-44% compared to various commercially available water-resistant golf bags. [Table 1] Table 1: Moisture retention and moisture detection of various waterproof golf bags

[0440] H. Spacer Referring to Figures 171 to 174, golf bags 10, 1010 may further comprise one or more base spacers 1270. The spacers 1270 are placed within the base of the golf bag and reduce the overall depth to which clubs can extend within the bag. The spacers 1270 support shorter golf clubs and prevent them from falling further back into the bag. The spacers 1270 are particularly useful in junior golf bags or women's golf bags, which are, on average, used by golfers who play with clubs shorter than standard length. In addition, because the shaft lengths of junior clubs can vary considerably from set to set, it is necessary to adapt junior golf bags to accommodate golf clubs of various shaft lengths. Furthermore, as golfers grow, the shaft lengths of their club sets increase, which necessitates making the main compartment in the golf bag deeper. By using the removable base spacer 1270, golfers can own the same golf club in various club lengths, and the spacer 1270 can be removed as needed to accommodate longer club lengths. This removable nature of the spacer 1270 can also be used by manufacturers to supply customized golf bags to golfers of any age.

[0441] Referring to Figures 171 to 173, the base spacer 1270 comprises a top surface 1272, a bottom surface 1274, and a side surface 1276. In plan view, the top surface 1272 and the bottom surface 1274 may share a roughly rectangular shape, where this rectangular shape has rounded corners between the long and short sides of the rectangle. In other embodiments, the top surface 1272 and the bottom surface 1274 may have any suitable plan view shape, insofar as the spacer 1270 is configured to fit into a golf bag. As described above, the base of the golf bag may include a stay port and a leg spring port. The spacer 1270 may be shaped so as not to interfere with the stay port and the leg spring port. Specifically, the spacer 1270 may have a stay port notch 1280 for receiving the stay port and a leg spring port notch 1282 for receiving the leg spring port.

[0442] Referring to Figure 174, the base spacer 1270 further has a thickness 1278 measured from the top surface 1272 to the bottom surface 1274 of the spacer. The thickness 1278 of the spacer 1270 may range between 0.5 inches and 2.0 inches. For example, the thickness 1278 of the spacer may be 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, 1.0 inches, 1.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.7 inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, or 2.0 inches. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness 1278 of the spacer is 1.0 inch. The thickness 1278 of the spacer may be selected based on the original depth 1284 of the golf bag and the length of the golfer's clubs. The original depth 1284 of the golf bag is measured from the top to the base of the divider. One or more spacers 1270 with a thickness 1278 fill the space inside the golf bag, thereby obtaining a functional depth 1286 that is smaller than the original depth 1284. The functional depth 1286 is equal to the original depth 1284 minus the sum of the thicknesses 1278 of the one or more spacers 1270. The functional depth 1286 can be configured to appropriately accommodate a particular golf club length.

[0443] In some embodiments, the spacer 1270 is solid, with lateral surfaces 1276 connecting the top surface 1272 to the bottom surface 1274. In other embodiments, the spacer 1270 has a lattice structure that supports the top surface 1272 and the bottom surface 1274 while reducing material cost and weight. The base spacer 1270 may be made from expanded polyethylene foam, cross-linked polyethylene foam (XLPE), vinyl ethylene acetate foam (EVA), or any other suitable foaming material.

[0444] Referring to Figure 174, in some embodiments, the golf bag is designed to have a zippered access to the base of the main golf bag compartment. The zippered opening 1288 allows the base spacer 1270 to be attached to or removed from the main golf bag compartment as needed. The zippered opening 1228 is accessible from a clothing pocket on the side of the golf bag. Inside the clothing pocket, the zippered opening 1288 extends generally vertically from a point adjacent to the base toward the top of the bag (between the base and top of the golf bag).

[0445] In many embodiments, the zippered opening 1288 has a length 1290 greater than the longest side of the base spacer 1270 to allow for easy insertion and removal of the base spacer 1270. In other embodiments, the zippered opening 1288 is simply long enough to insert a hand into the base area of ​​the main compartment of the bag. In these embodiments, the spacer 1270 can be pushed upward and removed from the top of the golf bag instead of being removed through the zippered opening 1288. In some embodiments, the spacer 1270 has a hole 1277 extending through the spacer 1270 to allow for gripping in order to insert or remove the spacer 1270 from the golf bag.

[0446] Any appropriate number of base spacers 1270 can be stacked inside the golf bag. For example, one, two, three, four, or five base spacers 1270 can be stacked inside the golf bag. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 174, two base spacers 1270 are stacked inside the golf bag. If the base spacers 1270 have a thickness of about 1.0 inch, the golf bag can accommodate one, two, or three base spacers 1270 as needed. A golf bag configured to use more spacers 1270 will accommodate shorter golf clubs, while a bag configured to use fewer spacers or no spacers will accommodate longer golf clubs. A golfer may be provided with a golf bag that has two or three spacers 1270 pre-assembled inside the base of the golf bag. If needed, the golfer can remove the spacers over time to accommodate longer clubs.

[0447] I. Subassembly Subassemblies 42, 1042 may comprise one or more of the bases 34, 1034, divider tops 30, 1030, divider sleeves 46, 1046, one or more stays 39, 1039, and flats 14, 1014. Table II below illustrates the configuration of various exemplary subassembly embodiments. It should be understood that each of the bases 34, 1034, divider tops 30, 1030, one or more stays 39, 1039, and flats 14, 1014 may comprise more than one part, as will be described in more detail later. Therefore, in Table I, the inclusion of a component within a subassembly may represent the inclusion of one or more parts of the above component. For example, embodiment VI of the subassembly may comprise only the ring portion of the base, which is snap-fastened together with two parts, along with the divider tops, divider sleeves, and flats.

[0448] Subassemblies 42, 1042 may comprise any combination of bases 34, 1034, divider tops 30, 1030, divider sleeves 46, 1046, one or more stays 39, 1039, and flats 14, 1014. Subassemblies 42, 1042 are not limited to the embodiments disclosed in Table II. Subassemblies 42, 1042 formed by swapping various components may provide useful features in specific embodiments of the golf bags 10, 1010. For example, a subassembly 42, 1042 having bases, stays, and divider tops (such as subassembly VII in Table II) can eliminate the step of inserting stays during a second manufacturing step. However, a subassembly 42, 1042 having divider tops, bases, and flats (such as subassembly V) requires the insertion of one or more stays, but eliminates the need to rivet or otherwise fasten the flats to the divider tops or bases during a second manufacturing step. Therefore, the components of the subassembly may be replaced or modified to complement a particular golf bag design or to conform to the limitations of the manufacturing location (i.e., available equipment). [Table 2] Table 2: Embodiment of a subassembly

[0449] II. Carry Golf Bag and Carry Bag Subassemblies The golf bag may be a carry bag 10. Figures 1 to 90, 94A to 104, and 107 to 110 show features and embodiments of a golf bag that may be attached to a carry-type golf bag. The carry bag 10 may incorporate the components discussed above. In addition, the carry bag 10 may further have a stand assembly and one or more straps. The stand assembly allows the carry bag to be used in a stowed configuration or an extended configuration. The term "stowed configuration" means the state in which the stand assembly is in contact with and held (stored) against the flats of the carry bag (the stowed configuration is also referred to as the "first configuration"). The term "extended configuration" means the state in which the stand assembly is deployed and supports the carry bag in a stable position (the extended configuration is also referred to as the "freestanding configuration," "tripod configuration," or "second configuration").

[0450] As described above, the carry bag 10 may comprise the following components: (1) base 34, (2) divider top 30, (3) divider sleeve 46, (4) stay 39, and (5) flat 14. The carry bag 10 may further comprise a stand assembly 26 and one or more straps 24. As stated above, the carry bag 10 may be formed from a subassembly 42 comprising one or more of the base 34, divider top 30, divider sleeve 46, stay 39, and flat 14. The stand assembly 26 is configured to connect to the subassembly 42. In some embodiments, the stand assembly 26 is configured to connect to the divider top 30 and the base 34. One or more straps 24 engage with a portion of the flat 14 and connect to the divider top 30.

[0451] Figure 1A shows the carry bag 10 in an extended configuration. Figures 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E show the carry bag 10 in a storage configuration without straps. The golf bag 10 has a flat 14, i.e., a flat with multiple pockets 18 for storing golf accessories (e.g., golf balls, golf tees, golf gloves, rain gear, and other clothing). The golf bag 10 further has multiple handles 22 and a shoulder carry strap 24 to assist in gripping and / or carrying the bag 10. The stand assembly 26 is pivotally connected to the golf bag 10 at the top of the divider 30 by leg mounting brackets 32 (shown in Figures 2 and 3). The top of the divider 30 has an additional handle 33 to assist in carrying the golf bag 10. A base 34 is located on the opposite side of the top of the divider 30. In the illustrated extended configuration, a stand assembly 26 is provided, and the flat 14 is inclined toward the stand assembly 26 with the base 34 as its center. This makes it possible to maintain contact between the bottom surface 38 of the base 34 and the surface on which the bag 10 is placed, thereby improving the stability of the bag 10 in the tripod configuration.

[0452] Figures 2 and 3 depict the golf bag 10 with the flat 14 removed. Referring to Figure 2, the stay 39 extends from the top 39 of the divider to the base 34. The stand assembly 26 is located on the side of the bag 10 opposite to the stay 39. The stand assembly 26 has a pair of legs 40a, 40b pivotally connected to a leg mounting bracket 32. A spring 41 is connected to the base 34 and has spring members 41a, 41b. The spring members 41a, 41b extend from the base 34 and are connected to the respective legs 40a, 40b. In some embodiments, the spring members 41a, 41b are connected to the respective legs 40a, 40b via rackets such as brackets 600, which will be described later with reference to Figures 74, 75, 178, and 179.

[0453] Figures 2 and 3 further illustrate an internal subassembly 42 according to the first embodiment. The subassembly 42 has a divider top 30 and a base 34. In addition, a divider sleeve 46 is connected to the divider top 30 and extends away from the divider top 30 toward the base 34. The divider sleeve 46 has a generally box shape, but in other embodiments it may have any suitable or desired shape. Referring to Figure 4, when the bag 10 is in a storage configuration (i.e., with the stand assembly 26 stored, as shown in Figure 3), the divider sleeve 46 does not extend all the way to the base 34. The end or bottom edge 47 of the divider sleeve 46 is spaced apart from the top lip or top edge 48 of the base 34. Multiple connecting members 50 are connected to the divider sleeve 46, more specifically adjacent to the end 47 of the divider sleeve 46 closest to the base 34. The connecting member 50 connects the divider sleeve 46 to the base 34. When the divider sleeve 46 is connected to the base 34, there exists a gap, opening, or space 54 having a first distance D that varies around the periphery of the divider sleeve 46, defined by the end 47, as shown in Figure 4. The gap 54 is generally defined by the divider sleeve 46 (or its edge 47), the two adjacent connecting members 50, and the base 34 (or its top lip 48), respectively.

[0454] A. Storage configuration and extension configuration of the stand assembly When in use, the carry bag 10 is typically started in a stored configuration with the stand assembly 26 stored inside. As shown in Figure 11, in the stored configuration, the stay 39 extends between the divider top 30 and the base 34 for a first length or distance L1. The divider sleeve 46 extends away from the divider top 30 for a second length or distance L2, where the second length L2 of the divider sleeve 46 is generally less than the first length L1 of the stay 39. The connecting member 50 is further generally taut or has a slight slack between the divider sleeve 46 and the base 34. In this stored configuration, the gap 54 between the divider sleeve 46 and the base 34 provides ample space or room between the divider sleeve 46 and the base 34, thereby allowing the golfer to insert or remove one or more golf clubs from the golf bag 10.

[0455] When a golfer puts down their golf bag 10, they typically move the golf bag 10 from the storage configuration (first configuration) to the extended configuration (second configuration) and deploy the stand assembly 26. The golfer places the base 34 on the support surface by placing the bottom surface 38 on the support surface. The golfer then applies a downward force to the top of the divider 30. By applying a downward force, the spring 41 pivots around the base 34, pushing the legs 40a and 40b away from the bag 10. At the same time, the stay 39 tilts toward the stand assembly 26 around the subassembly of the base 34. This further tilts the subassembly 42 toward the stand assembly 26, as shown in Figure 2. While the stay 39 tilts around the base 34, the stay 39 maintains a constant distance L1 between the divider top 30 and the base 34 in both the retracted and extended configurations, whereas in the extended configuration, rather than the retracted configuration, the divider sleeve 46 moves closer to the base 34.

[0456] In the deployed configuration with the stand assembly 26 in place, the subassembly 42 favorably enhances the golfer's experience with the golf bag 10 by improving the insertion and removal of golf clubs from the golf bag 10, thereby reducing the accumulation or crowding of the divider sleeves 46 near the base 34. Referring to Figure 12, the gap 54 between the divider sleeves 46 and the base 34 is reduced to a second non-zero distance D2 which is smaller than the respective first distance D1. The gap 54 provides sufficient space for the divider sleeves 46 to pivot around the base 34 between the storage configuration (Figures 3 and 11) and the extended configuration (Figures 2 and 12), while limiting excess material that could cause the divider sleeves 46 to undesirably gather or crowd near the base 34.

[0457] B. Carry bag: Snap-fit ​​structure Referring next to Figures 13 to 29, embodiments of the snap-fit ​​subassemblies are disclosed in further detail. Figures 13 to 20 show the components of the snap-fit ​​stand assembly 26 (shown in Figures 2 to 3). It should be understood that the following snap-fit ​​components may be partially, fully, or not included in various embodiments of the carry bag. Snap-fit ​​connections incorporated into the carry bag 10 may include press-fit connections, male or female snap-fit ​​buttons, or other snap-fit ​​connections as defined above. Some components of the carry bag have snap-fit ​​connections with angled protruding surfaces that engage with the opening by sliding and snap-fitting into the opening. Other components have snap-fit ​​connections with slots or grooves that engage with one or more protrusions. Some components having snap-fit ​​connections further include interlocking surfaces and / or contact surfaces for supporting and aligning the connections.

[0458] 1. Carry bag: Bracket for attaching to snap-fit ​​legs The carry bag 10 may be equipped with a leg mounting bracket. The leg mounting bracket may be a snap-fit ​​leg mounting bracket. As shown in Figure 13, in one embodiment, the top divider 30 of the carry bag 10 may be formed to have a plurality of openings 106 through an outer ring 74 to receive a snap-fit ​​leg mounting bracket 32. The outer ring 74 may further have a plurality of alignment slots 110 provided on a first edge 112, and a rim 114 provided on the edge opposite the first edge 112, preferably extending around the periphery of the ring 74.

[0459] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the leg mounting bracket 32 ​​has a plurality of leg anchors 122 and an mounting portion or channel 126 (shown in Figure 14). The mounting channel 126 is defined by the front portion 130 and the back portion 134 of the bracket 32. A plurality of snaps or snap members or retaining members 138 protrude from the front portion 130 and the back portion 134 into the channel 126. The channel 126 further has a plurality of alignment ribs (not shown) that assist in aligning the leg mounting bracket 32 ​​with respect to the outer ring 74 of the divider top 30. In the illustrated embodiment, a total of five snaps 138 are shown, with two snaps protruding from the front portion 130 and three snaps protruding from the back portion 134. In other embodiments, any suitable number of snaps 138 may be used, and the snaps 138 may protrude into the channel 126 from only the front portion 130, only the back portion 134, or any combination of the front portion 130 and the back portion 134.

[0460] The leg mounting bracket 32 ​​generally has a curved portion (shown in Figure 14) of a certain angle, which is a curved or arched shape complementary to the outer ring 74 of the divider top 30, in order to facilitate the snap-fit ​​connection of the leg mounting bracket 32 ​​to the divider top 30. The leg mounting bracket 32 ​​may have a linear shape complementary to the outer ring of the divider top 30. To form the snap-fit ​​connection, the leg mounting bracket 32 ​​is positioned to receive the first edge 112 of the outer ring 74 in the mounting channel 126. The leg mounting bracket 32 ​​is adjusted around the outer ring 74 until it receives the alignment ribs (not shown) of the leg mounting bracket 32 ​​by their respective alignment slots 110. Once received, the leg mounting bracket 32 ​​receives the outer ring 74, where each snap 138 engages (or receives) into the respective openings 106 of the outer ring 74, thereby forming the snap-fit ​​connection. The rim 114 prevents the outer ring 74 from being excessively inserted into the leg mounting bracket 32 ​​while providing additional structural support for the leg mounting bracket 32 ​​during the operation of the golf bag 10.

[0461] In other embodiments, it should be recognized that the orientation of the leg mounting bracket 32 ​​relative to the divider top 30 is not limited to engagement from below the divider top 30, but engagement from any other direction may also be suitable. Furthermore, although the snap-fit ​​connection is shown as the engagement of the snap 138 to the opening 106, any other suitable mechanical connection may be implemented that reacts to and supports the force from the stand assembly 26, locking the leg mounting bracket 32 ​​to the divider top 30 and thereby forming a robust structural connection.

[0462] Figures 16-17 show an alternative embodiment of the divider top 1030 with a leg mounting bracket 32a. In this embodiment, the leg mounting bracket 32a engages with the divider top 1030 via a snap-fit ​​(or press-fit) connection. In this embodiment, a trough or channel 142 is provided in the back portion 134. The trough 142 is provided to fit around a cross member 78 (or intermediate member 80 shown in Figure 8) that defines the divider section on the divider top 1030. The trough 142 also functions as an additional alignment aid for properly aligning the leg mounting bracket 32a with respect to the divider top 1030 for the snap-fit ​​connection. Figure 18 shows an additional alternative embodiment of the divider top 30b having four openings 106 for engaging with embodiments of the leg mounting brackets 32, 32a.

[0463] 2. Carry bag: Leg mounting bracket with trough Several embodiments of the carry bag 10 include alternative embodiments of the snap-fit ​​mounting bracket 432. Figures 101A–104 show a leg mounting bracket 432 having troughs or channels 436a, 436b along each leg anchor 422a, 422b for receiving a bag flat 414 similar to the bag flat 14. The troughs 436a, 436b on each leg anchor 422a, 422b help to align the bag flat 414 and secure the bag flat 414 to the divider top 430. As shown in Figures 101A and 101B, the leg mounting bracket 432 comprises a mounting portion 434 and a plurality of leg anchors 422a, 422b. However, this embodiment of the leg mounting bracket 432 does not have channels such as the channel 126 in Figure 14 for engaging with the divider top or snap connector. On the other hand, the leg mounting bracket 432 can be fixed to the divider top 430 via rivets 476, adhesive, or other fastening mechanisms. The leg mounting bracket 432 is attached to the outer surface of the outer ring 474 of the divider top 430. The mounting portion 434 of the leg mounting bracket 432 generally has a curved portion at a certain angle, which is a bow or curve that is complementary to the outer ring 474 of the divider top 430. The curve of the mounting portion 434 allows the leg mounting bracket 432 to engage with the divider top 430. As shown in Figure 102, in some embodiments, the leg mounting bracket 432 is formed integrally with the divider top 430.

[0464] In some embodiments, a leg mounting bracket 432 is mounted on the flat 414, as shown in Figures 103-104. Figure 103 shows how the divider top 430 can be inserted into the flat 414. Figure 104 shows the divider top 430 engaged with the bag flat 414. The divider top 430 can be riveted to the flat 414 under the handle on the rear side 12 of the carry bag 10. In the front portion 11 of the carry bag 10, the flat 414 can be supported by engaging with the leg anchors 422a, 422b of the divider top 430. The outer ring 474 of the divider top 430 may have a geometry complementary to the leg mounting bracket. In some embodiments, the leg mounting bracket may be mounted on the flat and fitted into the complementary geometry of the outer ring of the divider top.

[0465] The bag flat 414, which engages with the leg mounting bracket 432, has two windows 428a, 428b that allow the leg anchors 422a, 422b to extend through the bag flat 414. Each of the windows 428a, 428b is surrounded by connecting edges 429a, 429b, respectively. The connecting edges 429a, 429b drop into the troughs 436a, 436b of the leg mounting bracket 432, holding the flat 414 in the desired position relative to the divider top 430. Because the leg anchors 422a, 422b hold the flat 414 relative to the divider top 430 on the front (ventral) side 11 of the bag, no other fastening mechanism such as rivets or self-fixing connectors such as VELCRO® is required to secure the flat 414 on the front side 11 of the bag. By eliminating the need to rivet or otherwise secure the flat 414 to the divider top 430, the assembly steps and required manufacturing equipment are reduced. Thus, both the assembly time and overhead of the manufacturing process can be reduced. Furthermore, compared to embodiments that previously employed VELCRO®, the leg mounting bracket 432 with troughs 436a, 436b achieves a significantly cleaner finish.

[0466] In some embodiments, the top of the divider may include one or more hoods for the leg mounting brackets. The top of the divider hood can provide an aesthetic finish and protect the mounting brackets from wear. In many embodiments, the top of the divider hood can cover a trough or channel that accommodates the leg end caps. The top of the divider hood can protect the mounting brackets and leg end caps from wear or damage caused by abrasion that may occur during player use or when the cart is secured with ropes. In this way, the top of the divider hood can act as a protective layer against external forces that may be applied to or damage the leg caps. As shown in Figures 201A–201E, the top of the divider hood can completely or partially cover the mounting bracket trough or channel.

[0467] The divider top hood can cover 0-100% of the mounting bracket trough or channel. The divider top hood can cover 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% of the mounting bracket trough or channel. The divider top hood can cover 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the mounting bracket trough or channel.

[0468] The leg mounting bracket 432 can further improve the quality of the final product by preventing the bag flat 414 from falling off the divider top 430. In some golf bags, the flat is secured to the divider top via a hook-loop connector (VELCRO®). While these embodiments have the advantage of eliminating riveting, the flat in these golf bags may, in some cases, be recessed below the height of the divider top where the flat is designed to engage. This misaligned flat can cause problems such as straps extending through both the flat and the divider top becoming tight or obstructed. By providing windows 428a, 428b in the flat 414 (where windows 428a, 428b engage with troughs 463a, 436b of the leg mounting bracket 432), the potential misalignment problem faced by certain bag flats is eliminated. In some embodiments, the flat 414 is riveted onto the top of the divider 430 on the opposite side of the leg mounting bracket 432. Rivets may be used to support the flat 414 on the side not supported by the windows 428a, 428b and the leg mounting bracket 432. In other embodiments, snap-fit ​​connectors may be used to support the flat 414 on the side not supported by the windows 428a, 428b and the leg mounting bracket 432.

[0469] After the bag flat 414 and the leg mounting bracket 432 are assembled, the leg anchors 422a and 422b are exposed, but the mounting portion 434 is hidden beneath the flat 414. In addition to securing the bag flat 414 to the golf bag 10 in the correct position, hiding the mounting portion 434 of the bracket 432 beneath the flat 414 improves the aesthetic appearance of the golf bag 10 by enhancing its visual uniformity and seamlessness.

[0470] 3. Carry bag: Bracket tension panel for leg installation Referring to Figure 203, in some embodiments, the carry bag 10 may further include a tension panel 2250 to reduce the tension on the flat 2218 of the mounting bracket 2224. The flat may often be manufactured to have a limiting error in length. Although this error in length is small, it is usually necessary to pull the flat more than usual to connect it to the base and the top of the divider. If the flat 2218 is pulled too tightly during assembly, tension is applied to the leg deployment mechanism. This tension puts pressure on the spring, preventing the leg 2236 from retracting completely into the golf bag. Conversely, if the flat 2218 is assembled too loosely, a dent may occur later, and insufficient pressure in the leg deployment mechanism may cause the leg 2236 to swing freely. The tension panel 2250 allows for a certain range of adjustment so that the bag flat 2218 can be attached to the top of the divider 2200 at a position with optimal tension, thereby achieving proper leg placement and storage.

[0471] As described above, the divider top mounting portion 2206 and the mounting bracket 2224 have a curved shape complementary to the outer ring 2202 of the divider top 2200. Referring to Figure 204, the tension panel 2250 is flexible and can have this equal curvature so as to fit the tension panel 2250 flush with the outer ring 2202 of the divider top 2200. The mounting bracket 2224 is placed on the tension panel 2250 so as to position the tension panel 2250 between the mounting bracket 2224 and the outer ring 2202 of the divider top 2200. Referring to Figure 205, the bag flat 2218 is located between the tension panel 2250 and the outer ring 2202 of the divider top 2200. Multiple rivets 2032 hold the mounting bracket 2224, tension panel 2250, and back flat 2218 to the top of the divider 2200 through the top opening 2254 of the divider.

[0472] The divider top 2200 may comprise one or more boss structures 2252, as shown in Figure 206. These boss structures 2252 may be located near or on the divider top mounting portion 2206. Referring to Figure 204, the tension panel 2250 defines one or more openings 2254. The openings 2254 of the tension panel 2250 may have an elongated circle, ellipse, rectangle, or similar shape. The bag flat 2218 may further define an opening within the fabric (not depicted) so that when the divider top 2200, flat 2218, and tension panel 2250 are assembled, the fabric opening will align snugly with the corresponding boss structures 2252 and tension panel openings 2254. The boss structures 2252 may have a thickness equivalent to the thickness of the tension panel 2250 and bag flat 2218. Due to the equivalent thickness of the boss structure 2252 and the tension panel 2250, the boss structure 2252 moves within the tension panel opening 2254 to allow adjustment of the tension panel 2250 and the flat 2218.

[0473] Referring to Figure 204, the opening 2254 described herein has an elongated shape to allow slight movement of the bag flat 2218 and tension panel 2250 for better positional adjustment, as described. A circular opening fixes the flat 2218 in place, while the elongated opening 2254 provides a degree of freedom for adjustment in the length of this shape. The tension panel 2250 has a height greater than the height of the divider top 2200, and as a result, the height of the tension panel 2250 extends further below the height of the divider top 2200. In many embodiments, one section of the tension panel 2250 extending below the divider top 2200 may comprise a connecting structure 2258A, such as a hook loop (VELCRO®), a snap, or another connecting means. The flat 2218 may comprise one or more flats 2239 that fold over the divider top 2200. The flap 2239 can constitute a portion of the flat 2218. In some embodiments, the flap 2239 is a separate piece connected to the flat 2218 via a seam or another fastening method. Referring to Figure 205, the flat flap 2239 connects to or constitutes the bag flat 2218 above the divider top 2200 and folds over the divider top 2200. The flat flap 2239 may further comprise a connection feature 2258A complementary to the connection feature 2258B of the tension panel 2250. By pulling the flat flap 2239, the flat 2218 can move within the range of degrees of freedom for adjustment provided by the elongated opening 2254 of the flat and the tension panel 2250. Next, the flat flap 2239 can be folded over the top of the divider 2200, and the position of the flat 2218 can be fixed through the interaction of the flat flap connection structure 2258A and the tension panel connection structure 2258B.

[0474] Once the optimal tension for proper leg placement is determined, the flat flap 2239 can be fixed to the back of the tension panel 2250 to properly position the leg assembly 2222 as described and assemble the bag using the most favorably adjusted tension. The connecting structure 2258A of the flat flap 2239 can interact with the connecting structure of the tension panel 2258B to secure the flat flap 2239 inside the bag. Next, referring to Figure 205, the mounting bracket 2224 can be attached to the flat 2218 and tension panel 2250 using rivets 2032 passing through the boss structure 2252. This ensures that the boss structure 2252 fits snugly with the tension panel opening 2254 and the bag flat opening 2254, thereby holding the material in the desired position with each flat fabricated. As mentioned, the boss structure 2252 is configured to be the same thickness as the bag flat 414 and tension panel 2250 to further reduce pressure. This minimizes the gap between the divider top 2200 and the mounting bracket 2224 when the mounting bracket 2224 is fixed on the flat 2218 and the tension panel 2250, thereby preventing the flat 2218 from loosening or slipping over time.

[0475] The tension panel 2250 may have the full or partial width of the rear portion 2205 of the divider top 2200. The width of the divider top 2200 may be in the range of 15mm to 25mm. The width of the divider top 2200 may be in the range of 15mm to 17mm, 17mm to 19mm, 19mm to 21mm, 21mm to 23mm, or 23mm to 25mm. When in the upright position, the tension panel 2250 may have a length perpendicular to the rear portion 2205 of the divider top. As described, the length of the tension panel 2250 extends below the rear portion 2205 of the divider top 2200. The length of the tension panel 2250 may include a length of 6 to 76% of the length of the golf bag body. The length of the tension panel 2250 can include lengths that are 6-16%, 16-26%, 26-36%, 36-46%, 46-56%, 56-66%, or 66-76% of the length of the golf bag body.

[0476] The material of the tension panel 2250 is preferably flexible but has high strength. Suitable materials include polyethylene (PE) boards, glass fiber composite sheets, carbon fiber composite sheets, or any other material having these qualities. In one embodiment, the tension panel 2250 is made of a PE board.

[0477] 4. Carry bag: Material for brackets for leg installation Since the leg mounting brackets 32 and 432 function as hinge points between the leg portion 40 and the bag portion, the leg mounting brackets 32 and 432 are preferably made of glass-filled nylon for strength. As described above, the divider tops 30 and 430 typically include a flexible, lightweight material. In one embodiment, a snap-fit ​​connector maintains the respective material properties of the divider top 34 and the leg mounting brackets 32 while allowing the components to function as a unified part. By providing the divider tops 30 and 430 and the leg mounting brackets 32 and 432 separately formed from different materials, it is possible to individually adapt each component to have the specific desired material properties. For example, the divider tops 30 and 430 may include a material that is lighter than the bracket material, thereby resulting in weight savings in the carry bag 10 as a whole. Furthermore, for example, the leg mounting brackets 32 and 432 may be made of a material having higher strength than the material of the divider tops 30 and 430, thereby achieving a highly durable connection for the legs 40. In another embodiment, the material of the leg mounting bracket may be a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the divider tops. This can prevent the mounting bracket from stretching while improving rigidity. In one embodiment, the divider tops may be made of polypropylene (PP), while the leg mounting brackets may be made of glass-filled nylon.

[0478] Having the divider top 430 and the leg mounting bracket 432 as separate components allows for the selection of different materials for each component according to desired material properties. However, forming the divider tops 30, 430 and the leg mounting brackets 32, 432 integrally simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces the required assembly steps, and improves quality. The integrally formed divider tops 30, 430 and brackets 32, 432 include lightweight and high-strength materials such as glass-filled polymers or fiber-reinforced polymers. Both the integrally formed and separate component embodiments of the divider tops 30, 430 and leg mounting brackets 32, 432 have utility that can be utilized based on the design parameters and cost constraints of the carry bag. For example, since the bag is intended to be lightweight and simple, the weight of the material can be very important in the case of a Sunday carry bag. For this type of carry bag, a single-piece divider top made from a high-quality, low-density material may be preferable to a separate divider top and mounting bracket, although this would incur additional costs for a high-strength material.

[0479] 5. Carry bag: Leg connection part The stand assembly 26 of the carry bag 10 may have legs 40 connected to a leg mounting bracket 32. As described above, the leg mounting bracket 32 ​​may engage with or be integrated with the divider top 30. The legs 40 may be connected to the leg mounting bracket 32 ​​via a leg connection mechanism such as a leg end cap that receives the legs 40 and rotates relative to the leg mounting bracket. Various snap-fit ​​leg connection mechanisms may have components having sliding protruding surfaces or protruding elements to be pressed into and locked (snapped) into corresponding slots, openings, or grooves within corresponding structural components. In some embodiments, the leg connection mechanism may be designed to have a structural component that allows self-assembly by the recipient, as described below.

[0480] Figures 19 and 20 show the snap-fit ​​connections between each leg 40 and the leg mounting bracket 32. Referring to Figure 19, the end cap 146 has a leg connection end 150 that is attached to the leg 40 by permanent attachment, such as adhesive or a mechanical connection. The end cap 146 further has a projection 154 on the opposite side. As shown in Figure 20, each projection 154 is received in the respective slot 158 ​​of the leg anchor 122, thereby forming a snap-fit ​​connection between the end cap 146 (and each accompanying leg 40) and the leg mounting bracket 32. In addition, the engagement of the projection 154 with respect to the slot 158 ​​allows each accompanying leg 40 to pivot relative to the respective leg anchor 122 about a pivot axis extending through the projection 154 on the opposite side. Specifically, this allows the leg 40 to pivot between a retracted configuration and an extended tripod configuration. In other embodiments, the slot 158 ​​may be replaced with an opening or any other suitable connection that provides both snap-fit ​​retention and a pivotable connection between each leg 40 and the leg mounting bracket 32 / divider top 30.

[0481] 6. Carry bag: Alternative embodiment of the leg connection part (self-assembly) In the carry bag, the leg connection between the leg mounting bracket and a pair of legs may be formed to snap or lock into the assembled configuration without the use of tools. Figures 61–67 show a leg self-assembly system 502 which is part of a stand assembly. Referring to Figure 61, the system 502 has end caps 528a, 528b connected to each of the respective legs 40a, 40b. Each end cap 528h has an opening or pin opening 532 configured to receive a pin 516. As shown in Figure 62, in one embodiment of the pin 516, the end or portion has a surface texture or rough portion 536 to assist in gripping the pin 516 during removal and / or installation. In this particular embodiment, the portion with the surface texture 536 may further have a larger cross-sectional diameter than the rest of the pin 516 to prevent over-insertion during installation. Each pin 516 may further comprise a circumferential groove 538. The groove 538 may optionally receive or engage with a projection or member (not shown) located within the end cap 528 or mounting bracket 32 ​​(shown in Figure 66), which provides a mark for proper insertion and / or helps to retain the pin 516 after self-assembly.

[0482] In the embodiments shown, each pin 516 is positioned within the end caps 528a, 528b during shipping or when removing the leg self-assembly system 502 from the box 404. In other embodiments, the pins 516 may be stored or housed in the box by any suitable method (for example, they may be packaged and housed in a box such as a sealed plastic bag). Figures 57-58 show the self-assembly kit 400 together with the box 404 and the leg self-assembly system 502. The leg self-assembly system 502 is configured to be placed inside the box 404 together with the assembly kit 400.

[0483] Figure 63 shows an alignment aid 512 connected to the legs 40a, 40b. The alignment aid 512 has a length L1 that, when attached to the legs 40a, 40b, positions the legs 40a, 40b by a predetermined distance, thereby assisting in engagement with the mounting bracket 32 ​​(shown in Figure 66). After the legs 40a, 40b are mounted using the mounting bracket 32, the alignment aid 512 is removed from the legs 40a, b. To notify the recipient of the intended removal after mounting, the alignment aid 512 may have a second mark or instruction 540 that instructs the recipient to remove the alignment aid 512 after self-assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment aid 512 is constructed of paper or corrugated cardboard and is removably attached to the legs 40a, 40b by adhesive tape. In other embodiments, the alignment aid 512 may be any suitable structure or may be formed of any suitable material that assists in the alignment of the legs 40a, 40b relative to the mounting bracket 32. For example, Figures 64-65 show an alternative embodiment of the alignment aid 512a. The alignment aid 512a has a pair of arched leg support channels 544, each carrying each leg 40 (e.g., legs 40a, 40b) by interference fit or friction fit. The alignment aid 512a may further have one or more pin support channels or supports 548, each holding each pin 516. The alignment aid 512a forms a snap-fit ​​connection with the legs 40 and pins 516, thereby assisting in the organized storage of the legs 40 and pins 516 during shipping and further assisting in the easy removal of the legs 40 and pins 516 during (and after) assembly. The illustrated alignment aid 512a is formed of plastic, but in other embodiments it may be constructed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the leg self-assembly system 502 is provided without the alignment aid.

[0484] Next, referring to Figure 66, an alignment aid 512 is shown during the assembly of the legs 40a, 40b to the mounting bracket 32 ​​of the divider top 30. The mounting bracket 32 ​​defines mounting channels 552a, 552b configured to receive the corresponding legs 40a, 40b by end caps 528a, 528b. The length L1 of the alignment aid 512 (shown in Figure 63) is such that the distance between the end caps 528a and 528b is matched to the distance between the mounting channels 552a and 552b. This allows the recipient to easily and simply align and insert the end caps 528a, 528b into the mounting channels 552a, 552b.

[0485] Each channel 552a, 552b further has an opposite opening (not shown) on the side of the channel 552a, 552b. When the end caps 528a, 528b are received by their respective channels 552a, 552b, the opposite openings are aligned through each end cap 528a, 528b to the pin opening 532 (shown in Figure 61). Once aligned, the pin 516 can be inserted by the recipient, thereby connecting and holding the legs 40a, 40b to the mounting bracket 32. An alignment aid 512h assists the recipient in aligning the opposite opening (not shown) to the pin opening 532 (shown in Figure 61) to assist in the insertion of the pin 516.

[0486] In some embodiments, pin 2516 is similar in many respects to pin 516 and comprises a front end 2535, a cylindrical shaft 2533, a circumferential groove 2538, an end knob 2535, and a projection 2537 near the end knob. In some embodiments, including those shown in Figures 207–208C, the front end 2535 may be angled to form a flat tip that is narrower than the cylindrical shaft 2533. As mentioned, pin 2516 may comprise a circumferential groove 2538 or notch located near the middle portion of the shaft 2533. The circumferential groove 2538 near the middle portion of pin 2516 may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the pin shaft 2533. As shown in Figure 207, the end cap 2528 may further comprise a downward-facing spike 2548 protruding from the internal ceiling of the end cap 2528. The circumferential groove 2438 may be used to fix the position of the pin within the leg assembly 2222 between the spikes 2548 located on the end cap 2528. The spikes 2548 can be positioned at a distance smaller than the diameter of the pin 2516 but greater than the diameter of the inclined front end 2535 of the pin. The spikes 2548 can be extended from their resting position when the pin 2516 is initially inserted between the spikes 2548. As shown in Figure 207, once the pin 2516 is inserted far enough to place the spikes on both sides of the circumferential groove 2538 located near the middle portion of the shaft 2533, the spikes 2548 can return to their resting position. These spikes 2548 can prevent the pin 2516 from moving laterally, thereby fixing the leg assembly 2222 as a whole.

[0487] As shown in Figures 207-208C, the pin 2516 may further include a friction locking structure 2539 to prevent the pin 2516 from being unintentionally removed. When installed, the pin 2516 is longitudinally parallel to the linear path formed by the end cap 2532 and the mounting channel opening 2542. A spring component similar to the spring component 1316 of the leg assembly 2222 generates an inward tensile force on the golf bag leg 2236, thereby causing the leg cap 2428 to angle from its position within the bracket 2224. This breaks the linear path in which the pin 2516 is placed. This displacement may cause the pin 2516 to be removed or taken out of the leg assembly 2222. If this occurs, the golf bag leg cap 2528 and the subsequent leg 2236 may fall apart as a whole. The positional changes of the leg cap 2528 can be restricted by engaging the pin's friction locking mechanism 2539 in the installation channel opening 2542.

[0488] The friction locking structure 2539 may comprise means such as surface threads, grooves, or other frictional attributes. The friction locking structure 2539 may be located along one or more locations on the shaft 2533, so that when the pin 2516 is secured in the end cap 2528, one or more locations will interact with the mounting channel opening 2542 and / or the end cap opening 2532. This causes the friction locking structure 2539 on the pin shaft 2533 to interact with the opening when the leg cap 2538 and the pin 2516 are angled. While the leg 2236, and consequently the pin 2516, is at a certain angle via the spring, the shaft 2533 of the pin 2516 is pushed against the openings of the end cap 2532 and the mounting channel 2542, thereby interacting with both openings along both sides of the shaft 2533. The friction locking structure 2533 is positioned entirely or partially at the interaction point along the shaft 2533 to grip the wall around the pin 2516 and create additional traction force, specifically by capturing the mounting channel opening 2542 and the end cap opening 2532 to hold the pin 2516 in place.

[0489] The inward force generated by the spring component during leg deployment occurs in the opposite direction to the direction of the friction locking structure 2539 with its threaded or grooved portion, increasing the friction between the pin 2516 and the installation channel opening 2542 and / or end cap opening 2532. This gripping interaction suppresses the potential movement of the pin 2516 out of its path. The addition of the friction locking structure 2539 to the pin shaft 2533 prevents the pin 2516 from being dislodged or falling out of the leg assembly 2222, despite any lateral forces on the pin 2516. Thus, the leg assembly 2222 remains stable, and the golf bag leg 2236 remains fixed for use.

[0490] In the first embodiment, the friction lock structure 2539 includes a threaded portion that spans the entire length of the shaft 2533, with reference to Figure 208A. This threaded portion on the surface ensures that increased friction exists at the point of interaction between the pin 2516 and the edge of the component opening, and furthermore, along the entire length of the pin path. The inward force generated by the spring component during leg deployment is opposite to the direction of the threaded portion, thereby further increasing the friction between the pin and the installation channel opening. This threaded portion may be present at a leftward or rightward angle, which may be in the range of 30 to 40 degrees, 40 to 50 degrees, 50 to 60 degrees, 60 to 70 degrees, 70 to 80 degrees, or 80 to 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the threaded portion may also be present at these angles in a cross-hatching pattern, where the threaded portion is present at both rightward and leftward angles. The threaded portion may have multiple micro-grooves intended to increase the level of friction between the pin and the path.

[0491] In a second embodiment, the friction lock structure includes additional grooves at the first and second locations on the shaft, as shown in Figure 208B. In this embodiment, the pin has a first groove located between the inclined front end and the circumferential groove. The pin further has a second groove located between the circumferential groove and the projection. As described above, to best prevent detachment, there exists a position in which the friction lock structure will interact with the edge of the installation channel opening. The width of the grooves may be smaller than the width of the downward-facing spike of the end cap, and as a result, the spike of the end cap cannot enter the described first groove, and thus it is not possible to prevent the pin from moving completely into the linear path. The width of the friction lock structure with the first and second grooves may be in the range of 0.02 inches to 0.08 inches. In one embodiment, the friction lock structure has first and second grooves having a width of 0.031 inches.

[0492] In a third embodiment, the friction lock structure comprises first and second sets of grooves at first and second positions on the shaft, similar to the first and second positions in the second embodiment described above. Each of the first and second sets of grooves may comprise one or more grooves. In some embodiments, each of the first and second sets of grooves may comprise a number of grooves selected from the group consisting of one groove, two grooves, three grooves, four grooves, five grooves, six grooves, seven grooves, eight grooves, and nine or more grooves. In the embodiment of Figure 208C, the pin comprises first and second sets of grooves, each comprising three grooves.

[0493] In addition to connecting the legs 40a and 40b to the mounting bracket 32, each pin 516 defines a pivot axis, and the legs 40a and 40b pivot relative to the mounting bracket 32 ​​about this pivot axis (for example, to assist in pivoting the legs 40a and 40b between a first configuration when the stand assembly 26 is housed and a second configuration when the stand assembly 26 is extended). After the legs 40a and 40b are assembled to the mounting bracket 32, the recipient can attach the strap 556 around a portion of the spring 41. In some embodiments, the legs 40a and 40b slide through existing fabric or elastic loops / straps on the flat 14. As shown in Figure 67, the strap or gravity strap 556 is attached to the flat 14 of the golf bag 10 and has a latch assembly or buckle 560 to assist in the self-attachment of the strap 556. The length of the strap 556 can be adjusted according to the user's preference. By extending the strap 556 around the spring 41, the strap 556 helps the spring 41 restrain the legs 40a, 40b when the golf bag 10 is carried by the user (for example, when the user carries the golf bag 10 by the shoulder strap 24). This restraint helps limit the legs 40a, 40b from hanging or extending from the golf bag 10 (i.e., this restraint helps maintain the legs 40a, 40b in the first storage configuration when the golf bag 10 is carried).

[0494] In other embodiments of the stand assembly, the stand assembly may comprise components similar to the pins 516 of the leg self-assembly system 502, including legs 40a, 40b, springs 41, mounting channels 552a, 552b and end caps 528a, 528b, and mounting brackets 32. The stand assembly eliminates self-assembly components such as alignment aids 512, thereby saving material while retaining sufficient components for the leg assembly which will be used by an assembler to construct the carry bag.

[0495] 7. Carry bag: Second alternative embodiment of the leg connection Another embodiment of the leg connection may include a pair of leg end caps having projections (ears) that align with a corresponding leg mounting bracket. Figures 88 to 90 show embodiments of the end cap 646 and the mounting bracket 632. Referring to Figure 88, the end cap 646 is similar to the end cap 146. The end cap 646 has a leg connection end 650 that connects to the leg 40 by permanent mounting. The end cap 646 further has a projection 654 on the opposite side, similar to the end cap 146, except that the projection 654 has an opening 655 that extends through the center of the projection 654. The projection slides into a groove 656 in the leg mounting bracket 632, thereby assisting in aligning the end cap 646 with the leg mounting bracket 632. By aligning the end cap 646 with the leg mounting bracket 632, it is ensured that the opening 655 of the end cap 646 aligns with the slot 658 of the leg mounting bracket 632, allowing for the insertion of a pin or axle for rotation. In some embodiments, the projection 654 extends outward from the end cap 646 for a maximum of 0.05 inches. In other embodiments, the projection 654 can extend outward from the surface of the end cap 646 for 0.01 inches, 0.02 inches, 0.03 inches, 0.04 inches, 0.05 inches, 0.06 inches, 0.07 inches, 0.08 inches, 0.09 inches, or 0.10 inches. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the projection 654 may be ring-shaped and may have a diameter between 0.24 inches and 0.28 inches. In other embodiments, the projection 654 may have a diameter of 0.24 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.26 inches, 0.27 inches, or 0.28 inches.

[0496] Referring to Figure 89, the mounting bracket 632 is similar to the mounting bracket 32, except that the slot 658 of the mounting bracket 632 does not extend over the entire bottom of the mounting bracket 632. Instead, the slot 658 of the mounting bracket 632 is configured to be the same size as the opening 655 of the end cap 646. In some embodiments, the opening 655 of the end cap 646 and the slot 658 of the mounting bracket 632 may have diameters between 0.15 inches and 0.25 inches. In other embodiments, the opening 655 and the slot 658 may have diameters of 0.15 inches, 0.16 inches, 0.17 inches, 0.18 inches, 0.19 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.21 inches, 0.22 inches, 0.23 inches, 0.24 inches, or 0.25 inches. In many embodiments, the slot 658 may have a diameter 0.01 inches larger than the diameter of the opening 655. The mounting bracket 632 further has a groove 656 configured to receive the projection 654 of the end cap 646 and to guide the end cap 646 to a position where the opening 655 of the end cap 646 is aligned with the slot 658 of the mounting bracket 632. Referring to Figure 90, the end cap 646 and the mounting bracket 632 are shown in the assembled position. A pin (not shown) may be threaded or positioned on one side of the assembly to pass through the opening 655 and the slot 658, and extend through the opening 655 and the slot 658 on the other side of the assembly, thereby locking the leg 40 and the end cap 646 to the mounting bracket 632. In addition, the engagement of the pin with the slot 158 ​​and the opening 655 allows each accompanying leg 40 to pivot with respect to each mounting bracket 632 about a pivot axis extending through the center of the pin. Specifically, this allows the leg 40 to pivot between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration.

[0497] 8. Carry bag: A third alternative embodiment of the leg connection. In another embodiment of the leg connection, a multi-component end cap may be provided. This embodiment of the leg connection allows one component (or piece) of the leg end cap to be rotatably connected to the leg mounting bracket in the initial state. A second component (or piece) is fixed to the leg of the stand assembly in the initial state. This leg can be quickly engaged (snap-fitted) to the leg mounting bracket by pushing the second component into the first component. This assembly step is quick, requires no tools, and does not require skilled workers.

[0498] Next, referring to Figures 68 to 72, another alternative embodiment of the end cap 528 for use with the leg self-assembly system 502 is shown. In this embodiment, the end cap 528 is a multi-component end cap 564 interconnected by snap-fits. By using the end cap 564, the leg self-assembly system 502 eliminates the need for pins 516.

[0499] Figures 68 to 72 show embodiments of a multi-component end cap 564. The end cap 564 has a first piece or first portion 568 and a second piece or second portion 572. When used in a leg self-assembly system 502, the first piece 568 is pre-attached to the mounting bracket 32 ​​by openings 576a, 576b on opposite sides that define a pivot axis for, for example, allowing the leg 40 to extend between the first and second components. The second piece 572 is pre-attached to each leg 40 so that, for example, each leg 40 can receive a projection 580 extending from the second piece 572. Furthermore, each leg 40 may be partially received by a recess 584 defined by the second piece 572. Although the projection 580 is shown having a cross-shaped or plus-shaped cross-section, in other embodiments the projection 580 may have any suitable shape to assist in engagement with the leg portion 40. In addition, although the shown embodiment of the second piece 572 achieves a friction fit or interlock fit with the leg portion 40, any suitable connection or engagement sufficient to hold each leg portion 40 using each second piece 572 may be used.

[0500] To attach each leg 40 to the mounting bracket 32 ​​during self-assembly, the recipient connects the second piece 572 to the first piece 568. To assist this connection, the multi-component end cap 564 has a snap-fit ​​assembly 584 (shown in Figure 69). In the shown embodiment, the second piece 572 has at least one flexible catch 588 (shown in Figures 69-72) sized to engage with and be held by an accompanying retaining arm 592 positioned within the first piece 568 (shown in Figures 70-71). Once the first piece 568 and the second piece 572 are attached by the snap-fit ​​assembly 584, the leg 40 is attached to the mounting bracket 32 ​​(see Figure 72).

[0501] 9. Carry bag: Divider top with leg bracket Golf bags may be designed to be placed on the rear ledge of a golf cart or carried by a golfer walking the course. Carry bags may be designed to have a leg stand assembly that deploys when the bag is in contact with the ground, so that the golf bag can be supported when the golfer is hitting a shot. Cart bags and carry bags may have a divider top into which clubs can be inserted.

[0502] Most divider tops have a cross member framework or a mesh framework and an outer ring. The mesh framework may have multiple cross members that interact to form an opening for the golf clubs. The multiple cross members may be covered with mesh. The mesh framework gives the divider top a soft surface, which prevents the golf clubs from being cut or scratched when they slide around in the golf bag. The fabric mesh may include woven warp and weft fibers or may be a knitted material. In some embodiments, both the cross member framework and the outer ring are covered with mesh and fitted before the assembly of the legs. This method may result in an expensive and time-consuming manufacturing process.

[0503] Most carry golf bags have a leg assembly that is fixed to the upper part of the golf bag using leg brackets. The concept described herein is a leg bracket that adds rigidity to the leg assembly by trapping the bracket top surface within an outer ring of the divider top. The divider top comprises a mesh framework and an outer ring with a mating surface for the leg bracket. The upper part of the golf bag can be fixed between the upper ring and the leg bracket. The leg bracket and leg assembly need to be strong and rigid to properly position the legs, but the leg bracket has a tendency to bend. By combining the leg bracket with the outer ring, the leg assembly is reinforced. By assembling the mesh framework separately from the leg bracket and outer ring, assembly time and cost are reduced.

[0504] The golf bags 34, 1034 described herein comprise a divider top 2200, a base 2216, a flat 2218, and a leg assembly 2222. The golf bags 34, 1034 described herein are carry bags. The flat 2218 may comprise an upper portion 2220 and a lower portion 2221. The divider top 2200 may comprise a front portion 2204, a first lateral portion 2203A and a second lateral portion 2203B, and a rear portion 2205. The divider top 2220 is attached to the upper portion 2200 of the flat 2218, and the base 2216 is attached to the lower portion 2221. The leg assembly 2222 comprises a leg bracket 2224, a hinge 2234, and a pair of legs 2236. The leg bracket 2224 comprises a top surface 2226, a front surface 2228, a rear surface 2230, and a projection 2232 located within the front surface 2228 for attachment to the hinge 2234. The front surface 2228 faces the outer side of the bag 34, 1034. The rear surface 2230 faces the inner side of the bag 34, 1034. The projection 2232 can allow the hinge 2234 to move further away from the bag flat 2218. The leg bracket 2224 can be riveted to the divider top 2200 or permanently fixed by other means. The hinge 2234 can be inserted between the projections 2232 located on the leg bracket 2224. The hinge 2234 can allow the pair of legs 2236 to be deployed when the bag 34, 1034 is in contact with the ground.

[0505] In some embodiments, the golf bag may comprise the above-described divider top 2200, further comprising one or more divider top strap channels 2240 along the rear portion 2164. The divider top strap channels 2240 may be configured to receive the bag's straps. The divider top 2200 may further comprise one or more ribs 2242 adjacent to the divider top strap channels 2240, as shown in Figures 209 and 210. The ribs 2242 can prevent the straps from changing position laterally and can facilitate the straps from fitting snugly against the rear portion 2164 of the divider top. In many embodiments, the one or more ribs 2242 may comprise three ribs 2242 adjacent to the divider top strap channels 2240 near the stay port 2180. One or more ribs 2242 may further comprise three ribs 2242 adjacent to the divider top strap channel 2240 near the first side 2203A and second side 2203B of the divider top 2200. The ribs 2242 on both sides of the divider top strap channel 2240 can secure the straps and prevent them from changing position laterally, thereby reducing strap entanglement and making the orientation arrangement smoother.

[0506] A top divider 2200 can be formed. The top divider 2200 may comprise a mesh framework 2212 and an outer ring 2202 positioned around the periphery of the mesh framework 2212. The outer ring 2202 defines the mouth of the top divider 2200 for receiving golf clubs. The mesh framework 2212 may comprise a plurality of cross members 2214. The cross members 2214 extend across the mouth of the top divider 2200, thereby creating a plurality of openings for receiving and separating golf clubs. In some embodiments, the cross members 2214 can intersect to form openings. The cross members 2214 may have height and thickness. The height of the cross members 2214 may be greater than the thickness of the cross members 2214, thereby helping golfers point their golf clubs downwards and reducing the likelihood of golf club shafts getting tangled in the golf bag. To form the mesh framework 2212, the cross members 2214 may be formed from a polymer material, a polymer composite material, or any other suitable material and may be covered with a mesh. In some embodiments, the mesh framework 2212 is formed integrally with the outer ring 2202. In some embodiments, the mesh framework 2212 is formed separately from the leg brackets 2224 and the outer ring 2202, and the mesh framework 2212 may be connected to the outer ring 2202.

[0507] The outer ring 2022 can interact with the leg bracket 2224 to create a locking effect. Furthermore, the golf bag flat 2218 can be fixed between the outer ring 2022 and the leg bracket 2224. The outer ring 2202 may comprise a front portion 2204 and a rear portion 2205. The front portion 2204 of the outer ring 2202 may be positioned toward the front portion of the bag 34, 1034. The leg bracket 2224 may be positioned near the front portion 2204 of the outer ring 2202. The rear portion 2205 of the outer ring 2202 may be positioned toward the rear portion of the bag 34, 1034. Furthermore, the outer ring 2202 may comprise a first recess or mating surface 2206 located within the front portion. The mating surface 2206 may be configured to receive the top surface 2226 of the leg bracket 2224. In one embodiment, the mating surface 2206 may comprise a flat surface that receives the leg bracket top surface 2226. In other embodiments, the mating surface 2206 may comprise a recessed portion, rib, or projection 2208 that assists in holding the leg bracket 2224 in place and resisting bending over the span of the bracket 2224. The flat 2218 may be positioned in place and the divider top may be fixed in place above. The bracket may then be snapped into place and further secured by using rivets or any other suitable mechanism. In some embodiments, the first recess has geometry complementary to the geometry of the upper portion of the bracket. The flat 2218 may be fixed between the front portion 2204 of the outer ring 2202 and the rear surface 2230 of the bracket 2224. The outer ring 2202 may further comprise a second recess 2210 that creates negative space around the entire periphery of the outer ring 2202. The second recess 2210 may be located near the front surface 2228 of the leg bracket 2224. The second recess 2210 may be configured to receive various snap-fit ​​connectors. In one embodiment, the second recess 2210 may be configured to connect to a rain hood.The outer ring 2202 may be formed from a polymer material, a polymer composite material, or any other suitable material.

[0508] As shown in Figures 200A to 200E, the mating surface 2206 can capture a variety of sizes of the upper surface 2226 of the leg bracket 2224. The upper surface 2226 of the leg bracket is placed within the mating surface 2206 and extends partially beyond the mating surface 2206. By covering at various levels, the leg bracket 2224 can be provided with a variety of aesthetic utility. For example, the upper surface 2226 of the leg bracket can be completely covered by the outer ring 2202, covered by two-thirds of the outer ring 2202, covered by one-third of the outer ring 2202 and connected to the outside of the top, covered to the outer edge of the outer ring 2202, covered by half of the outer ring 2202, or covered to any other suitable extent.

[0509] The advantages of the leg bracket 2224 include improved stability and functionality, as well as other advantages over the conventional divider top. Attaching the leg bracket 2224 to the outer ring 2202 reinforces the bracket 2224, thereby preventing bending and improving rigidity. The leg bracket projection 2232 allows for wider deployment of the leg 2236 by positioning the hinge 2234 further away from the bag flat 2218. The absence of adjustment between the leg bracket 2224 and the mesh framework 2212 makes assembling the leg assembly 2222 easier. In addition, a robust connection is formed when the bag flat 2218 is sandwiched between the outer ring 2202 and the leg bracket 2224.

[0510] To optimize the properties of the leg bracket 2224 and the top divider 2200, two different materials may be used for the leg bracket 2224 and the top divider 2200. The top divider 2200 may be formed from a polymer material. In one embodiment, the top divider 2200 may be formed from polypropylene, which is a strong and break-resistant material. Polypropylene is easier to color than the material of the leg bracket 2224 (glass-filled nylon), and therefore customers can have more color options in the product. In another embodiment, the top divider 2200 may be formed from polycarbonate. The leg bracket 2224 may be glass-filled nylon, which is rigid and resistant to elongation within the hinge 2234 area.

[0511] 10. Carry bag: Bracket for leg springs In addition to the leg mounting bracket, leg connecting mechanism, and legs, the stand assembly 26 of the carry bag 10 may further include a spring 41 engaged with the base 34 and the legs 40. The bracket connects the spring 41 to the legs 40. The spring 41 assists in extending or retracting the legs when the carry bag 10 is transitioned between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration.

[0512] Figures 73 to 75 show an embodiment of a bracket 600 (also referred to as a “spring-to-leg bracket” or “spring mounting bracket”) for attaching a spring 41 to each leg portion 40a, 40b. The bracket 600 has a leg receiving channel 604 configured to receive a leg portion 40a or leg portion 40b, thereby assisting in the installation of the bracket 600 on each of the respective legs 40a, 40b. The bracket 600 further has a spring receiving channel 608 configured to receive a portion of the spring 41 for attaching the spring 41 to each leg portion 40a, 40b. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring receiving channel 608 is offset from the leg receiving channel 604 and is generally perpendicular to the leg receiving channel 604. The bracket 600 has a curved projection or buffer portion 612 on the outer surface of the bracket 600. As shown in Figure 36, the buffer portion 612 separates the legs 40a and 40b from the spring 41, and more specifically, allows the legs 40a and 40b to be offset from the spring 41 and the flat 14 (not shown in Figure 73, but shown in Figure 1). By offsetting the legs 40a and 40b from the spring 41 with the buffer portion 612 on each bracket 600, the legs 40a and 40b do not become entangled with the spring 41 during deployment of the legs 40a and 40b from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

[0513] 11. Carry bag: Alternative embodiment of bracket for leg spring Alternative embodiments of brackets for attaching golf bag leg springs to the legs of a golf bag are shown in Figures 175 and 176. In the illustrated embodiments, a spring 1320 is attached to each leg via a leg spring mounting bracket 1300. The legs of the golf bag may be curved (1318) or straight (1316). In embodiments with curved legs 1318, the spring mounting bracket 1300 faces the flat of the bag. In embodiments with straight legs 1318, the spring mounting bracket 1300 faces away from the flat. This orientation of the leg spring mounting bracket 1300 determines the angle of the spring 1320. The curved legs 1318 or straight legs 1316 may be arranged in a storage configuration such as the configuration shown in Figures 175 and 176, or in an extended configuration, the enlarged view of which is shown in Figures 177 and 178. As will be explained further later, the spring 1320 must be positioned at a sufficient angle in the storage configuration to direct a force that is partially outward relative to the leg during the extension of the leg.

[0514] Referring to Figures 177 and 178, the bracket 1300 comprises a tubular body 1302 and a spring mounting portion 1306. The tubular body 1302 includes a leg receiving channel 1304 configured to receive the legs 1316, 1318 of the stand assembly, thereby assisting in the installation of the bracket 1300 on each of the legs. The mounting portion 1306 includes a spring receiving channel 1308 configured to receive the end of a spring 1320, thereby attaching the spring 1320 to each leg 1316 or leg 1318. To extend the legs 1316, 1318 of the stand assembly, a force is applied upward to the front portion of the base. This force can be applied by pressing the golf bag against the ground. This, as a result, pushes up the spring 1320, extending the legs 1316, 1318.

[0515] The force acting on spring 1320 by the base of the golf bag is generally perpendicular to the ground plane 1326. To extend the leg 1316 or leg 1318 of the stand assembly away from the body of the golf bag, a lateral force is required that acts generally parallel to the ground plane 1326 and perpendicular to the side of the golf bag body. To provide this lateral force, spring 1320 must be partially angled outward from the golf bag body. By angling spring 1320 slightly forward, rather than perfectly vertically, the applied force is directed by spring 1320 both upward and lateral / outward. More specifically, a component of the applied force acts parallel to the ground plane 1326. This lateral component pushes leg 1316 or leg 1318 in the direction away from the body of the golf bag, extending it to its extended position.

[0516] Referring to Figures 175 and 177, in embodiments having a curved leg 1318, the spring mounting portion 1306 of the bracket 1300 can be positioned between the leg 1318 and the body of the golf bag. The curved portion is located on the upper half of the leg 1318. In some embodiments, the curved portion is located approximately one-quarter of the length from the top end of each leg 1318 to the bottom. The curved portion is positioned so as to bring the bottom end of each leg 1318 into contact with the bag body, preventing the leg 1318 from sticking tightly to the bag body. The leg 1318 extends slightly further away from the golf bag at the curved portion compared to other points along the leg 1318. In the storage configuration, the curved portion provides sufficient clearance between the flat and the leg for the spring mounting bracket 1300 to face inward. The spring mounting portion 1306 of the bracket 1300 is located between each leg 1316 and the bag (on the inside of each leg). Because the bracket 1300 is already positioned so that the curved portion is away from the bag, the inward orientation of the spring mounting portion 1306 does not impair the required angular orientation of the spring 1320.

[0517] Referring to Figures 176 and 178, in embodiments having straight legs 1316, the spring mounting portion 1306 of the bracket 1300 must be positioned at a point away from the bag body to give the spring 1320 a sufficient angle (outside each leg). In the storage configuration, the straight legs 1316 lie flat against the flat. In addition to the fact that there is virtually no space for the spring mounting portion 1306 between the legs 1316 and the flat, the inwardly facing bracket 1300 also fails to provide a sufficient spring angle 1320. Therefore, the bracket is oriented outward to move the spring mounting portion further away from the flat. Such outward orientation of the bracket gives the spring a larger angle when attached to the bracket.

[0518] As shown in Figures 175 and 176, when the golf bag is in its storage configuration (when the legs are folded relative to the bag or flat), the angle θ1 is defined by the spring mounting axis 1324 and the body axis 1322. The spring mounting axis 1324 is a reference line defined in the side view by the spring receiving channel 1308 of the bracket 1300 and a hinge or point adjacent to or within the top of the divider, which is the center of rotation of the legs. The hinge within or adjacent to the top of the divider is often formed by a pair of pins, which secure the stand assembly to the anchor at the top of the divider. The body axis 1322 is a reference line defined in the side view extending generally parallel to the flat or body of the golf bag. Alternatively, the body axis 1322 may be defined from the front edge of the top of the divider to the front edge of the base. The angle θ1 must be greater than 0 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle θ1 may be greater than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 degrees.

[0519] The angle θ1 is defined between the spring attachment axis 1324 and the body axis 1322. In FIG. 175, the angle θ1 is labeled as θ in order to represent θ1 within the embodiment having the bent leg 1318. 1B In FIG. 176, the angle θ1 is labeled as θ in order to represent θ1 within the embodiment having the straight leg 1316. 1S Depending on the embodiment, the angle θ 1B may be smaller than, equal to, or larger than θ 1S .

[0520] The position (inward or outward) of the spring attachment portion and the shape of the leg (bent or straight) determine the angles θ 1B and θ 1S . The golf bag has angles θ 1B and angle θ 1S greater than the minimum angle necessary for the user to extend the legs in a comfortable manner, depending on the combination of the orientation arrangement of the brackets and the type of legs.

[0521] As shown in FIGS. 177 and 178, when the golf bag is in the extended configuration (legs are deployed to support the bag), the angle θ2 is defined by the spring attachment axis 1324 and the body axis 1322. In FIG. 177, the angle θ2 is labeled as θ in order to represent θ2 within the embodiment having the bent leg 1318. 2B In FIG. 178, the angle θ2 is labeled as θ in order to represent θ2 within the embodiment having the straight leg 1316. 2S Depending on the embodiment, the angle θ 2B may be smaller than, equal to, or larger than the angle θ 2S . The angles θ 2B and the angle θ 2S correspond to the distance of the leg extending from the bag body or flat. In some embodiments, the extension distance of the leg is limited by the interaction of the leg end cap with respect to the divider top, the length of the spring, and / or a loop that suppresses the movement of the spring.

[0522] 12. Carry bag: Protector integrated with leg end caps. Figures 149 to 154 show embodiments of a protector 660 integrated with the leg end caps. This integrated protector 660 functions to protect the legs of the carry bag, and more specifically, the paint layer on the legs. Golfers can strap carry bags onto pushcarts or golf carts. When the carry bag is secured to a pushcart or golf cart, the legs of the carry bag may come into contact with the brackets of the pushcart or golf cart. During use, the brackets come into contact with and rub against the upper portion of the carry bag legs. This rubbing or scratching action may remove or damage the paint layer on the outside of each leg of the carry bag, resulting in a worn and unsightly appearance. The integrated protector 660 can cover the affected area of ​​the carry bag legs and can protect against widespread wear.

[0523] The leg end cap integrated protector 660 (also referred to as leg end cap protector 660) can replace conventional leg end caps. Each leg end cap integrated protector 660 is configured to be hinged to the top of the divider. A pair of leg end cap integrated protectors 660 is configured to be firmly attached to a pair of legs. Similar to the leg end caps described above, a pair of leg end cap protectors 660 allows the legs of the stand assembly to be rotatably attached to the subassembly, specifically to the top of the divider. The leg end cap protector 660 reduces wear on the upper portion of the leg to which the leg end cap protector 660 is fixed.

[0524] As shown in Figures 149 to 155, the leg end cap integrated protector 660 may comprise an end cap 662, a central section 664, and a fastening ring 677. Both the central section 664 and the fastening ring 677 help protect the leg from wear. In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 150 to 152, the leg end cap integrated protector 660 further comprises a leg spring bracket 680. The end cap 662 of the integrated protector 660 may be similar to the end caps 146, 528a, 528b, or cap 646 described above. The end cap 662 is configured to engage with a leg mounting bracket, such as the leg mounting brackets 32, 32a, or leg mounting bracket 32b described above. The end cap of the integrated protector 660 may be fixed to the leg mounting bracket via a pin that is the pivot point of the integrated protector 660. The central section 664 of the integrated protector 660 may extend downward from the leg-connecting end 663 of the end cap 662. The central section 664 may be configured to extend along (tightly against) the legs of the carry bag and at least partially surround the legs of the carry bag. The central section 664 comprises a top end 665, one or more intermediate branches 666, and a bottom end 667. The top end 665 or the bottom end 667 may be cylindrical or partially cylindrical.

[0525] The top end 665 and bottom end 667 of the central section 664 may be defined by an inner diameter 670 equal to or greater than the diameter of the carry bag legs. The inner diameter 670 of the central section 664 may be between 8 mm and 18 mm. In some embodiments, the inner diameter 670 of the central section 664 may be between 8 mm and 10 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm, 12 mm and 14 mm, 14 mm and 16 mm, or 16 mm and 18 mm. The top end 665 and bottom end 667 of the central section 664 may be further defined by an outer diameter 671. The outer diameter 671 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the leg connection end 663 of the end cap 662. The outer diameter 671 of the central section 664 may be between 12 mm and 24 mm. In some embodiments, the outer diameter 671 of the central section 664 may be between 12 mm and 14 mm, 14 mm and 16 mm, 16 mm and 18 mm, 18 mm and 20 mm, 20 mm and 22 mm, or 22 mm and 24 mm.

[0526] One or more intermediate branches 666 are positioned to at least partially cover the outside of the carry bag when the integrated protector 660 is mounted on the carry bag. Each of the one or more intermediate branches 666 may have a width 674 from the first side to the second side of each branch 666. In embodiments having two intermediate branches 666, the branches 666 may be spaced apart by a distance 673 greater than the width 674 of either branch 666. In other embodiments having two intermediate branches 666, the branches 666 may be spaced apart by a distance or gap 673 less than or equal to the width 674 of either branch 666. Providing a gap 672 between two or more intermediate branches 666 reduces the amount of material required to construct the integrated protector 660. Figures 149, 153, and 154 show embodiments of an integrated protector 660 with gaps 672 between the central section branches 666. Furthermore, the gap 672 reduces the weight of the integrated protector 660, which is desirable in the case of a carry bag. The gap 672 can also allow the color of the legs to be visible through the integrated protector 660, thereby improving the overall aesthetics of the carry bag. The visible color of the legs shown through the gap 672 helps to create a color contrast between the integrated protector 660 and the accompanying legs. The gap 672 can have a width 673 in the range of 0 mm to 13 mm. In some embodiments, the gap width 673 may be between 0 mm to 2 mm, 2 mm to 4 mm, 4 mm to 6 mm, 6 mm to 8 mm, 8 mm to 10 mm, or 10 mm to 13 mm. In some embodiments, the gap width is 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, or 13 mm.

[0527] As shown in Figure 151B, in some embodiments, the central section 664 may have a curved portion. In some embodiments of the golf bag described herein, the legs may have curved portions. The curved portion within the central section 664 allows a single protector 660 to be fitted onto the legs having curved portions.

[0528] One or more intermediate branches 666 of the central section 664 can cover a certain percentage of the surface area of ​​the leg as measured in the circumferential direction. Figure 155 is a cross-sectional view along the line CLV-CLV in Figure 153. Figure 155 shows the inner diameter 670 and outer diameter 671 defined by one or more branches 666 of the central section 664. Although Figure 155 depicts only a single protector, the inner diameter 670 of the central section 664 will generally fit the outer diameter of the leg of the golf bag. Thus, the inner surfaces 668 of one or more branches 666 of the central section 664 will engage with the outer surfaces of the leg.

[0529] The central section 664 of each integrated protector 660 can engage with or cover between 30% and 100% of the area of ​​the outer surface of the longitudinal portion of the leg corresponding to the central section 664. In some embodiments, the central section 664 engages with between 30% to 40%, 40% to 50%, 50% to 60%, 60% to 70%, 70% to 80%, 80% to 90%, or 90% to 100% of the area of ​​the outer surface of the longitudinal portion of the leg corresponding to the central section 664. In embodiments where the central section 664 engages with 100% of the area of ​​the outer surface of the corresponding portion of the leg, the integrated protector 660 completely encloses this portion of the leg. In some embodiments, the central section 664 covers more than 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the area of ​​the outer surface of the leg in the longitudinal portion of the leg corresponding to the central section 664.

[0530] The bottom end 667 of the central section 664 engages with a fastening ring 677. The fastening ring 677 is configured to completely enclose the carry bag legs, as shown in Figures 149 to 152. The fastening ring 677 may have an inner diameter and an outer diameter (not shown). The inner diameter may be equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the carry bag legs. The inner diameter of the fastening ring 677 may fit the inner diameter 670 of the central section 664. The outer diameter of the fastening ring 677 may be greater than the outer diameter 671 of the top end 665 and / or bottom end 667 of the central section 664. The outer diameter of the fastening ring 677 may be in the range of 12 mm to 26 mm. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the fastening ring 677 may be between 12mm and 14mm, 14mm and 16mm, 16mm and 18mm, 18mm and 20mm, 20mm and 22mm, 22mm and 24mm, or 24mm and 26mm. A thicker fastening ring 677 allows for improved support and durability of the integrated protector 660.

[0531] In some embodiments, the integrated protector 660 is used with a leg spring bracket 680, as shown in Figure 149. When mounted on the leg of a golf bag, the distance 685 between the leg spring bracket 680 and the fastening ring 677 of the integrated protector 660 may be between 0 mm and 125 mm. In some embodiments, the distance 685 between the leg spring bracket and the fastening ring may be between 0 mm and 25 mm, 25 mm and 50 mm, 50 mm and 75 mm, 75 mm and 100 mm and 125 mm.

[0532] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 150 to 152, an integrated protector 660 integrally includes a leg spring bracket 680 connected to the end of a fastening ring 677. The leg spring bracket 680 includes a leg receiving channel 682 configured to receive a leg, as shown in Figures 150 to 152, thereby assisting in the installation of the leg spring bracket 680 on the leg. The leg spring bracket 680 further includes a spring receiving extension 683 which includes a spring receiving channel 684 similar to the spring receiving channel 684 configured to receive a portion of a spring, such as a spring 41. The spring receiving channel 684 extends through the spring receiving extension 683 of the bracket 680. The spring receiving channel 684 of the spring receiving extension 683 assists in attaching the spring to the leg. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring support channel 684 is offset from the leg support channel 682 and is generally perpendicular to the spring support channel 682.

[0533] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 149 to 152, when the leg spring bracket 680 is attached to the carry bag, the spring receiving extension portion 683 is configured to face inward toward the flat side of the carry bag. In other embodiments, the spring receiving extension portion 683 may be configured to face outward toward the direction away from the flat side of the carry bag when attached. The orientation of the spring receiving extension portion 683 and its spring receiving channel 684 typically depends on the shape of the leg on which the leg spring bracket 680 is attached. The spring receiving extension portion 683 must be positioned on the leg such that the attached leg spring can exert sufficient leverage on the leg in order to position the leg assembly when the leg is extended. The angle formed by the spring 1320, the spring receiving channel 684, and the leg determines the orientation of the spring receiving extension portion 683. In the case of straight legs, the spring-receiving extension 683 generally faces outward, away from the bag (as shown in Figure 1...

Claims

1. A divider top having an outer ring, wherein the outer ring defines the periphery of the divider top, Flat and Tension panel and A base portion, wherein the flat is attached and extends between the top of the divider and the base portion, A leg assembly comprising one or more legs and an installation bracket, The aforementioned mounting bracket further comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, The outer ring defines a recess configured to receive the top surface of the mounting bracket, The recess has a geometry complementary to the top surface of the mounting bracket, The top surface of the mounting bracket is received by the recess of the complementary geometry, and the flat is positioned between the outer ring and the mounting bracket. The top of the aforementioned divider is, One or more divider top strap channels, The divider further comprises one or more ribs adjacent to the top strap channel of the divider, The tension panel is located between the outer ring and the flat in the golf bag.

2. The outer ring further comprises a front portion and a rear portion, The recess is located in the front portion, The golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket is received by the top of the divider at the front portion.

3. The golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the top of the divider and the mounting bracket are made of different materials.

4. The golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket further comprises one or more leg end cap channels.

5. The golf bag according to claim 4, wherein the top of the divider further comprises one or more hoods on the leg end cap channels.

6. The golf bag according to claim 5, wherein the hood can completely or partially cover the leg end cap channel.

7. The leg assembly further comprises one or more leg end caps, The one or more legs are fixed within the one or more leg end caps. The one or more leg end caps are fixed within the mounting bracket. The golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the one or more legs, the one or more leg end caps, and the mounting bracket are fixed by pins.

8. The golf bag according to claim 7, wherein the pin is equipped with a friction locking structure.

9. The golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the flat defines one or more pockets.

10. A divider top having an outer ring, wherein the outer ring defines the periphery of the divider top, A flat having a top and a bottom, Tension panel and A base portion, wherein the flat is attached and extends between the top of the divider and the base portion, A leg assembly comprising one or more legs and an installation bracket, The aforementioned mounting bracket further comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, The outer ring defines the recess, The recess is configured to receive the top of the flat and the top surface of the mounting bracket, and the top of the flat is located between the outer ring and the mounting bracket. The top of the aforementioned divider is, One or more divider top strap channels, The divider further comprises one or more ribs adjacent to the top strap channel of the divider, The tension panel is located between the outer ring and the flat in the golf bag.

11. The outer ring further comprises a front portion and a rear portion, The recess is located in the front portion, The mounting bracket is received by the top of the divider at the front portion. The golf bag according to claim 10.

12. The golf bag according to claim 10, wherein the top of the divider and the mounting bracket are made of different materials.

13. The golf bag according to claim 10, wherein the mounting bracket further comprises one or more leg end cap channels.

14. The golf bag according to claim 13, wherein the top of the divider further comprises one or more hoods on the leg end cap channels.

15. The golf bag according to claim 14, wherein the hood can completely or partially cover the leg end cap channel.

16. The leg assembly further comprises one or more leg end caps, The one or more legs are fixed within the one or more leg end caps. The one or more leg end caps are fixed within the mounting bracket. The golf bag according to claim 10, wherein the one or more legs, the one or more leg end caps, and the mounting bracket are fixed by pins.

17. The golf bag according to claim 16, wherein the pin is equipped with a friction locking structure.

18. The golf bag according to claim 10, wherein the golf bag comprises one or more pockets.

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