A golf bag with a foldable crash zone on the outside.

Abstract

Described herein is a golf bag with a deployable stand assembly and tangle-reducing features that prevent clubs from tangling within the golf bag, particularly preventing golf club grips from crossing, making it difficult to remove a particular club. Tangled clubs can make it difficult to remove a single golf club without encountering resistance or removing another club. During a round of golf, the fabric of the bag, especially near the base, can wrinkle, limiting the available area for golf clubs. This limited area can lead to grip shifting and further exacerbating tangles. The golf bags described herein include features that reduce club tangles by ensuring grip and shaft positioning during use of the bag.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Related applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 198,379, filed on 14 October 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates, in general, to golf equipment, and more particularly to a method for manufacturing a golf bag. In particular, this disclosure relates to a golf bag formed of multiple components that reduce the amount of leg entanglement that may occur with the use of the bag. [Background technology]

[0003] A golf bag is a specially designed bag used for transporting golf clubs. There are two main types of golf bags: carry bags and cart bags. Carry bags are used by players to carry their desired number of clubs when walking around the course. Carry bags often have straps and a deployable leg assembly. The deployable leg assembly allows the bag to stand upright and self-supporting. This makes it easy to reach the golf clubs inside and ensures that the bag can stand freely when not being carried. Cart bags are typically heavier than carry bags and are designed to remain strapped to a golf cart during a round of golf.

[0004] Prior art has presented numerous potential solutions that allow a carry bag to extend its legs to a self-supporting position. When the legs of the bag are extended to support the carry bag, the bag tilts toward the legs, positioning the golf bag at a certain angle to the ground surface. Some existing golf bags have a rigid base that is partially elevated from the ground. Other existing golf bags have a base that consists of two halves, which move in a hinge manner, allowing a portion of the base to lift off the ground. A floating base design can be unstable and aesthetically undesirable. Therefore, some golf bags have a base that remains perfectly flush with the ground surface when the legs are extended (hereinafter referred to as the "ground-flush base design"). In these golf bags, the fabric flats of the bag can sometimes clump together near a portion of the base when the legs are extended. This clumping caused by leg extension can lead to club entanglement. Therefore, in this technology, there is a need for a golf bag equipped with means to prevent the club from getting tangled when the legs are repeatedly extended and retracted. Detailed description of the invention

[0005] This specification describes a golf bag having a deployable stand assembly and entanglement suppression features that prevent the clubs in the golf bag from becoming entangled, particularly preventing the golf club grips from crossing and making it difficult to withdraw a particular club. Since multiple golf clubs are often placed together in a single golf bag, the golf clubs may interfere with each other. A golf club may become entangled if its shaft or grip moves vertically or horizontally within the bag. Club entanglement typically occurs due to the movement of the club grips while the clubs are stored in the bag. When the clubs become entangled, it becomes difficult to withdraw a single golf club without encountering resistance or pulling out another club. Golf clubs are typically placed in the golf bag with their heads up, and as a result, the golf club grips are located at the base of the bag. During a round of golf, the fabric portion of the bag may develop wrinkles, particularly near the base, limiting the available area for the golf clubs. The area limitation may cause the grips to shift and further exacerbate the entanglement. The golf bag described in this specification has features that reduce club entanglement by securing the grip position and shaft position during use of the bag.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] An exemplary perspective view of a golf carry bag according to one embodiment is illustrated.

[0007] [Figure 2] An exemplary rear view of the golf bag in an upright position according to one embodiment is illustrated.

[0008] [Figure 3] An exemplary first side view of a section of the golf bag of FIG. 2 in an upright position is illustrated.

[0009] [Figure 4] Fig. 2 shows a front view of the golf bag in the upright position.

[0010] [Figure 5] Fig. 2 shows a second side view of a section of the golf bag in the upright position.

[0011] [Figure 6] Fig. 13 shows a side view of a golf bag containing golf clubs in the deployed position according to one embodiment.

[0012] [Figure 7] Fig. 19 shows a side view of a base ring according to one embodiment.

[0013] [Figure 8] Fig. 25 shows a perspective view of the base ring of Fig. 7.

[0014] [Figure 9A] Fig. 31 shows a perspective view of a section of a golf bag with a flat and a ring in the deployed position according to one embodiment.

[0015] [Figure 9B] Fig. 37 shows a perspective view of a section of a golf bag with a flat and a ring in the deployed position according to one embodiment.

[0016] [Figure 10] Fig. 43 shows a front view of a section of a golf bag in the upright position according to one embodiment.

[0017] [Figure 11] Fig. 49 shows a first side view of a section of a golf bag in the upright position according to the embodiment of Fig. 10.

[0018] [Figure 12] Fig. 55 shows a first side view of a section of a golf bag in the deployed position according to the embodiment of Fig. 10.

[0019] [Figure 13A] Figure 10 illustrates a 2D view of the first side panel pattern according to the embodiment shown.

[0020] [Figure 13B] Figure 10 illustrates a 2D view of the second side panel pattern according to the embodiment shown.

[0021] [Figure 13C] Figure 10 illustrates a 2D view of the main panel pattern according to the embodiment shown.

[0022] [Figure 14] This illustrates a cross-sectional view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position according to one embodiment.

[0023] [Figure 15] Figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a golf bag section in an upright position according to the embodiment shown.

[0024] [Figure 16] The image shows a front view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position according to the second embodiment.

[0025] [Figure 17] Figure 16 illustrates a first side view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position according to the embodiment shown.

[0026] [Figure 18A] Figure 16 illustrates a 2D view of the upper panel pattern according to the embodiment.

[0027] [Figure 18B] Figure 16 illustrates a 2D view of the lower panel pattern according to the embodiment.

[0028] [Figure 19]Figure 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a golf bag section in an upright position according to the embodiment shown.

[0029] [Figure 20] An example of an alternative embodiment is shown, illustrating a front view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position.

[0030] [Figure 21] Figure 20 illustrates a first side view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position according to the embodiment shown.

[0031] [Figure 22] Figure 20 illustrates a first side view of a section of a golf bag in the deployed position according to the embodiment shown.

[0032] [Figure 23] Figure 20 illustrates a front view of a section of a golf bag in the deployed position according to the embodiment shown.

[0033] [Figure 24] Figure 20 illustrates 2D diagrams of the upper and lower town patterns according to the embodiment shown.

[0034] [Figure 25] A front view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position according to the fourth embodiment is shown.

[0035] [Figure 26] Figure 25 illustrates a first side view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position according to the embodiment shown.

[0036] [Figure 27] An example of an alternative embodiment is shown, illustrating a front view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position.

[0037] [Figure 28]Figure 27 illustrates a first side view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position according to the embodiment shown.

[0038] [Figure 29] An example of an alternative embodiment is shown, illustrating a front view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position.

[0039] [Figure 30] Figure 29 illustrates a first side view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position according to the embodiment shown.

[0040] [Figure 31] Figure 29 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a golf bag section in an upright position according to the embodiment shown.

[0041] [Figure 32] Figure 27 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a golf bag section in an upright position according to the embodiment shown.

[0042] [Figure 33] A front view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position according to the fourth embodiment is shown.

[0043] [Figure 34] Figure 33 illustrates a first side view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position according to the embodiment shown.

[0044] [Figure 35] A front view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position according to the fifth embodiment is shown.

[0045] [Figure 36] Figure 35 illustrates a first side view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position according to the embodiment shown.

[0046] [Figure 37]An example of an alternative embodiment is shown, illustrating a first side view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position.

[0047] [Figure 38] An example of an alternative embodiment is shown, illustrating a first side view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position.

[0048] [Figure 39A] This shows a cross-sectional view of a golf bag section in an upright position according to the fifth embodiment.

[0049] [Figure 39B] This shows an example of a cross-sectional view of a golf bag section in the deployed position according to the fifth embodiment.

[0050] [Figure 40] An example of an alternative embodiment is shown, illustrating a perspective view of a section of a golf bag in an upright position.

[0051] [Figure 41] An example of a perspective view of a base with rib features according to one embodiment is shown.

[0052] [Figure 42] Figure 39 illustrates a top view of the base with rib features according to the embodiment shown.

[0053] [Figure 43] An example of one embodiment is shown: a side view of a base with an intermediate rib and a window.

[0054] [Figure 44] An example of a perspective view of a golf bag frame according to one embodiment is shown.

[0055] [Figure 45] An example of a disassembled and assembled golf bag with reinforcing panels, according to one embodiment, is shown.

[0056] [Figure 46] One embodiment illustrates a partition sleeve with a reinforcing panel.

[0057] [Figure 47] Figure 45 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partition sleeve equipped with a reinforcing panel, according to an embodiment.

[0058] [Figure 48] A perspective view of a partition sleeve reinforcement panel according to one embodiment is shown.

[0059] [Figure 49] An example of a perspective view of a partition sleeve reinforcement panel according to an alternative embodiment is shown.

[0060] [Figure 50A] An example is shown: a top view of the base without divider ribs, illustrating the starting positions of the 14 club grips.

[0061] [Figure 50B] Figure 50A shows an example of a top view of the base, illustrating the movement of the club grip from the left rear starting area and the right rear starting area of ​​the base.

[0062] [Figure 50C] Figure 50A illustrates the movement of the club grip from the left-center starting area, showing a top view of the base.

[0063] [Figure 50D] Figure 50A illustrates the movement of the club grip from the right-center starting area, showing a top view of the base.

[0064] [Figure 50E] Figure 50A illustrates the movement of the club grip from the left front starting area, showing a top view of the base.

[0065] [Figure 50F] Figure 50A illustrates the movement of the club grip from the right front starting area, showing a top view of the base.

[0066] [Figure 51A] An example is shown: a top view of the base with divider ribs, illustrating the starting positions of the 14 club grips.

[0067] [Figure 51B] Figure 51A shows an example of a top view of the base, illustrating the movement of the club grip from the left rear starting area and the right rear starting area of ​​the base.

[0068] [Figure 51C] Figure 51A illustrates the movement of the club grip from the left-center starting area, showing a top view of the base.

[0069] [Figure 51D] Figure 51A illustrates the movement of the club grip from the right central starting area, showing a top view of the base.

[0070] [Figure 51E] Figure 51A illustrates the movement of the club grip from the left front starting area, showing a top view of the base.

[0071] [Figure 51F] Figure 51A illustrates the movement of the club grip from the right front starting area, showing a top view of the base. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0072] Other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0073] For the sake of brevity and clarity of the illustrations, the drawings illustrate general aspects of the structure, and well-known features, technical descriptions, and details may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. In addition, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be emphasized relative to others to help improve the understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element.

[0074] The anti-tangle features described herein include, but are not limited to, a base with a flat, elongated ring and divider rib with a crush zone, a reinforced divider sleeve, a rain hood pocket panel, and / or a combination thereof. The golf bag described herein may have a crush zone to prevent the fabric from collapsing toward the center of the golf bag and increasing the risk of club entanglement. Similarly, the golf bag described herein may further have a base with an elongated ring that acts as a physical barrier to prevent the fabric on one or more sides of the bag from collapsing toward the center of the golf bag. The golf bag described herein may further have a base wall that keeps the golf club grip at the end of the golf club separate and prevents it from moving across the base of the golf bag.

[0075] The deployment and retraction of the stand assembly can be a major cause of club entanglement in golf bags that lack features to reduce club entanglement. Without such features, golf bags with a base design that lies flush with the ground may partially collapse inward when the legs are deployed. The club entanglement-reducing features described herein can prevent or limit the fabric flat from folding or collapsing toward the center of the bag in the manner described above. Therefore, the golf bags described herein exert less pressure on the golf club grips than conventional golf bags that lack club entanglement-reducing features. The crush zone and base divider ribs described below can preserve the usable area of ​​the base, which reduces grip entanglement by providing more space for storage.

[0076] The golf bag features described herein prevent club entanglement by maintaining the grips and shafts of golf clubs in approximately the same positions as when they were first placed in the bag. The golf bag may have a fabric flat with an outward-folding crush zone to prevent clubs from being pinned in the lower region of the golf bag. The base is adjacent to the crush zone and may have divider ribs. The bag may further have a base ring extending above the base, which helps prevent the crush zone from folding the fabric inward, and the divider ribs can reduce the shifting of golf clubs during play. The golf bag may further have a reinforced divider sleeve that helps keep clubs in their original positions within the bag, thereby reducing club entanglement. The reinforcing structure of the divider sleeve may be positioned between the top and base of the divider in the middle region of the golf bag.

[0077] [ definition ] As used herein, the term “golf bag” refers to a storage container for transporting golf clubs. A golf bag may comprise at least a flat section, a top section with dividers, and a base section.

[0078] As used herein, the term “carry bag” refers to a type of golf bag designed to be carried throughout a round of golf. A carry bag may include a strap and a stand assembly, as defined below. The stand assembly allows the carry bag to stand upright and self-supporting.

[0079] As used herein, the term “cart bag” refers to a type of golf bag designed to be placed on a golf cart during a round of golf. Cart bags are typically heavier than carry bags and are configured to remain strapped to the golf cart during a round of golf. Cart bags do not include a stand assembly.

[0080] As used herein, the term “upright configuration” refers to a position of the golf bag in which the majority of the golf bag is positioned vertically above the base, and the golf bag’s stand assembly is retracted. The upright configuration of the golf bag may also be called a retracted leg configuration or position, a non-extended configuration or position, or a non-supported configuration or position. In the upright configuration, the two legs of the stand assembly can be retracted and coplanar with the flat surface.

[0081] As used herein, the term “deployed configuration” refers to the position of the golf bag in which it is angled and supported by the stand assembly. In the deployed configuration, the majority of the golf bag is not positioned vertically above the base. The deployed configuration of the golf bag may also be called a stabilized configuration or position, an inclined configuration or position, a freestanding configuration or position, or a leg-extended configuration or position. In the deployed configuration, the two legs of the stand assembly can be extended away from the flat position.

[0082] As used herein, the term “tubular body” refers to a general assembly of a golf bag that includes at least a flat, a divider sleeve, a stay, a divider top, and a base, but does not include the stand assembly as defined below. The tubular body can be closed or sealed at the bottom end by the base.

[0083] As used herein, the term “main reference axis” refers to a reference axis centered within the cylindrical main body. The main reference axis can intersect the vertical reference axis defined below at the ground surface.

[0084] As used herein, the term “vertical reference axis” refers to a reference axis that is perpendicular to the Earth's surface and has a defined center.

[0085] The term "bag angle" as used herein refers to the angle measured from a side view between the main body reference axis and the vertical reference axis.

[0086] As used herein, the term “stay” refers to a rigid or semi-rigid structural rod that acts as the backbone of a golf bag. The stay is connected to the base and the top of the dividers via hinges. The stay may be an internal component hidden by a flat in the assembled bag.

[0087] As used herein, the term “flat” refers to a fabric covering, shell, or outer panel configured to form the body of a golf bag. The flat may include a crash zone.

[0088] As used herein, the term "crush zone" refers to a flat portion of a golf bag that is designed to collapse when it is deployed into its unfolded configuration.

[0089] The term “pocket” as used herein in relation to the flat may refer to garment pockets, side accessory pockets, ball pockets, magnetic pockets, glove pockets, shoe pockets, and / or other pockets for holding objects. Pockets in the flat may be formed from the same material as the flat and may optionally be provided with one or more panels to obtain structural rigidity.

[0090] As used herein, the term “partition top” refers to a rigid or semi-rigid structural component that forms the top and opening of a golf bag. The partition top may be configured to receive golf clubs. The partition top may also be configured to be retained or riveted to a flat top edge.

[0091] As used herein, the term “partition top outer ring” refers to the outermost or peripheral portion of the partition top surrounding the frame, as defined below.

[0092] In this specification, the term “frame” as used in relation to the top of the divider refers to the central structure of the top of the divider. The frame defines the club pocket as defined below.

[0093] As used herein, the term “club pocket” refers to a structural opening, window, or hole at the top of a partition, defined by the construction of the partition top frame. Club pockets facilitate the placement of clubs in a golf bag while separating or partially separating them from each other.

[0094] As used herein, the term “leg connection bracket” refers to a component that is integral with or attached to the top of a partition and is configured to hold a pair of legs, as defined below, in a rotatable manner. The bracket may receive a pair of leg end caps that hold the pair of legs. The term “leg connection bracket” may be abbreviated to “bracket.”

[0095] As used herein, the term "handle" refers to a component that can be grasped and used to lift a golf bag.

[0096] As used herein, the term “base” refers to a rigid or semi-rigid structural component that forms the sealed bottom of a golf bag. The base may be configured to support the grips of the stored golf clubs when the golf bag is in an upright position. The base may also be configured to be fixed to or riveted to a flat bottom edge.

[0097] In this specification, the term “main panel” as used for the base refers to the portion of the base that is coplanar with the ground when the golf bag is in an upright configuration.

[0098] As used herein, the term “base ring” refers to a component relating to the base that extends perpendicularly from the base main panel.

[0099] In this specification, the term “ring wall” as used for the base refers to the outermost or peripheral portion of the base that surrounds or connects to the edge of the main panel.

[0100] As used herein, the term “inner base surface” refers to the base surface that faces the hollow interior of the bag.

[0101] As used herein, the term “base outer surface” refers to the base surface that faces the outside of the bag.

[0102] As used herein, the term “region” refers to an allocated area of ​​the base main panel. In some embodiments, the region may correspond to a division at the top of the partition.

[0103] In this specification, the term “partition rib” as used for the base refers to a component that protrudes from the base main panel and defines an area along the base main panel.

[0104] As used herein, the term “stand assembly” refers to a deployable device for supporting a golf bag. A stand assembly may comprise a pair of legs, a spring, a pair of leg end caps, and a pair of spring mounting fittings.

[0105] As used herein, the term “leg” refers to a rod, shaft, or tube that acts as a support element for a golf bag. A pair of legs can provide support to the carry bag when it is in its deployed configuration.

[0106] As used herein, the term “spring” refers to one or more slender rods that tend to maintain their original shape. In some embodiments, a spring may comprise two slender rods bonded or constrained together at one end. In other embodiments, a spring may be a single element that is a single unit at a first end and splits into two rods at a second end (i.e., forming a Y-shape).

[0107] As used herein, the term “leg end cap” refers to a component that can connect a leg to a bracket at the top of a partition. Each leg end cap can be fitted onto the top end of a leg.

[0108] As used herein, the term “spring mounting joint” refers to a component capable of connecting a spring to a pair of legs.

[0109] As used herein, the term “strap” refers to a fabric or mesh component that allows a golfer to lift a golf bag. The strap may be configured to sit above the golfer’s shoulder.

[0110] As used herein, the term “partition sleeve” refers to a fabric sheet or fabric tube extending from the top to the base of the partition within the flat. The partition sleeve can be configured to assist in the separation of golf clubs. In embodiments with a tubular partition sleeve, the partition sleeve can accommodate one or more club pockets at the top of the partition.

[0111] As used herein, the term "hollow interior" refers to an area enclosed by a cylindrical body.

[0112] In this specification, the term "front" as used in reference to a golf bag refers to the body side of the golf bag. The front of a golf bag is the side of the golf bag in the direction in which the golf bag tilts when positioned in an unfolded configuration.

[0113] In this specification, when used in reference to a golf bag, the term "rear" refers to the back side of the golf bag, opposite the front side. The rear of a golf bag is the side that supports the ball pockets. A handle is often attached to the rear of a golf bag.

[0114] In this specification, when used in reference to a golf bag, the term “first side” refers to the side of the golf bag between the front and rear sections.

[0115] In this specification, when used in reference to a golf bag, the term "second side" refers to the side of the golf bag opposite to the first side.

[0116] In this specification, the term "outward," as used in reference to a golf bag, refers to a direction away from the center of the golf bag's body. In other words, "outward" refers to a direction away from the hollow interior of the golf bag.

[0117] In this specification, the term "inward," as used in reference to a golf bag, refers to the opposite direction to "outward."

[0118] In this specification, the term "extension plane," as used in reference to the crash zone, refers to a plane that extends substantially parallel to the apex and occipital edges of the crash zone.

[0119] In this specification, the term "extension distance," as used in reference to the crash zone, refers to the distance the crash zone extends perpendicularly to the extension surface when the golf bag is in its unfolded configuration.

[0120] The term “bulge point,” as used herein in relation to the crash zone, refers to a point along the crash zone where the fabric is most likely to stretch outward when the golf bag is in its unfolded configuration. In many embodiments, bulge points occur at the confluence of adjacent panels.

[0121] In this specification, the term “horizontal uplift distance,” as used in reference to the crash zone, refers to the distance between the front of the base and the uplift point of the crash zone.

[0122] The term "base usable area" as used herein refers in most cases to an area measurement corresponding to the region of the base's internal surface that is free from fabric obstruction.

[0123] The term “intermediate usable area” as used herein refers to an area measurement corresponding to the intermediate region of the cylindrical body, which is approximately halfway between the base and the top of the partition. The intermediate usable area can be measured parallel to the ground surface when the golf bag is in an upright configuration. In most cases, the intermediate usable area is unobstructed by fabric. The intermediate usable area exemplifies the space available for storing golf club shafts.

[0124] Where terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc., exist in the description and claims, they are used to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a specific sequential or chronological order. It should be understood that these terms, as used in this manner, are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments described herein may operate in an order other than, for example, the order illustrated herein or otherwise described. Furthermore, terms such as “includes” and “has,” and all their variations, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion so that a process, method, system, item, device, or apparatus with a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements and may include other elements not explicitly enumerated in the list or that are specific to such process, method, system, item, device, or apparatus.

[0125] Where terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc., exist in the description and claims, they are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to describe permanent relative positions. It should be understood that these terms, as used in this manner, are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances so that embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and / or products described herein may operate in orientations other than those exemplified herein or otherwise described.

[0126] Before any embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the structural details and arrangement of components specified in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. Other embodiments of this disclosure are possible and can be implemented or performed in various ways.

[0127] [ Detailed explanation ] This specification provides a carry golf bag having a deployable assembly and an anti-tangle feature that ensures easy removal of golf clubs from the bag. The anti-tangle feature helps the user remove a single golf club without its grip getting tangled with another golf club in the bag, whether the bag is in a deployed or upright configuration. The anti-tangle feature described below includes a flat crush zone feature, a base having elongated rings and divider ribs, a reinforced divider sleeve, a rain hood pocket panel design, and any combination thereof. The golf bag 10 can be a carry bag having a stand assembly 90 with legs 92. The golf bag 10 can be positioned in an upright position or a deployed configuration. The base 60 remains coplanar with the ground in both the upright and deployed configurations. The stand assembly 90 includes a pair of legs 92, and when the legs 92 are deployed, the cylindrical golf bag body tilts toward the legs 92. Because the base remains in close contact with the ground while the main body is tilted, the fabric flat of the main body can partially wrinkle or fold in the area adjacent to the base 60. One of the anti-entanglement features is the crush zone 100 of the fabric flat 20, which is designed to intentionally collapse outward when the legs 92 are deployed, preventing the flat 20 from wrinkling inward and from constricting the stored clubs 4. The crush zone 100 can be compressed when the golf bag 10 is in an deployed configuration and uncompressed when the golf bag 10 is in an upright configuration.

[0128] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, the golf bag 10 may comprise a cylindrical body and a stand assembly 90. The cylindrical body may comprise a divider top 40, a flat 20, a divider sleeve 30, a stay 54, and a base 60. The cylindrical body can seal the hollow interior of the golf bag 10. The stand assembly 90 may comprise a pair of legs 92, a spring 96, a pair of leg end caps 94, and a pair of spring mounting joints 98. The spring 96 may be configured to assist in the deployment and retraction of the legs 92. The stand assembly 90 is attached to the divider top 40 and base 60 of the body. The golf bag 10 may have a front section 12 (or body), a first side section 16, a second side section 18, and a back section 14. The stand assembly 90 can be positioned on the front section 12 of the golf bag 10. The golf bag 10 can tilt toward the front section 12 when positioned in the deployed configuration.

[0129] The flat 20 may further include one or more pockets 22 for storing clothing, golf gloves, golf balls, tees, scorecards, and other accessories. One or more pockets 22 may include a clothing pocket 22a, a side accessory pocket 22c, a ball pocket 22b, a magnetic pocket 22e, a glove pocket 22d, a rain hood pocket 22f, and / or other pockets. For example, the clothing pocket 22a may extend along most of the height of the first side 16 of the golf bag 10, the side accessory pocket 22c may extend along approximately half the height of the second side 18 of the golf bag 10, and the ball pocket 22b may be positioned on the back 14 of the golf bag 10. One or more pockets 22 may be shaped to avoid areas of the bag that would be crushed or compressed during the deployment of the stand assembly 90. For example, each of the clothing pocket 22a and the side accessory pocket 22c may have an angled bottom edge. The angled bottom edge allows the pocket 22 to remain unaffected when the bag 10 is in its deployed configuration. In other words, one or more pockets 22 can be arranged so as not to overlap in the crash zone 100.

[0130] The base 60 comprises an inner surface 62, an outer surface 64, a bottom panel 68, and a receiving wall 70. The bottom panel 68 is coplanar with the ground surface 2 when the golf bag 10 is placed on the ground surface in either an upright or unfolded configuration. The receiving wall 70 extends upward from the outer edge of the bottom panel 68. The outer surface 64 of the base 60 is in contact with the ground surface. The inner surface 62 is on the opposite side of the outer surface 64. The inner surface 62 is in contact with the grip 8 of the golf club 4, which is located inside the hollow interior of the golf bag 10. In one of the anti-entanglement features, the inner surface 62 is provided with ribs or partition ribs 69 capable of reducing grip slippage, as described below.

[0131] Another entanglement-preventing feature, the base ring 74, extends along the outer edge of the bottom panel 68 of the base 60. In some embodiments, the base ring 74 can have a variable height, which is measured vertically when the base is coplanar with the ground. In some embodiments, the height of the base ring 74 at the back 14 of the bag 10 is greater than the height of the base ring 74 at the front 12 of the bag 10. This height difference between the front 12 and back 14 of the bag 10 can allow the crash zone 100 to fold further toward the ground surface 2 when the golf bag 10 is stationary in its deployed configuration. In other configurations, the height of the base ring 74 can be greater than or equal to that at the front 12 of the bag 10. The upper wall 76 of the base ring 74 can restrict the front of the flat 20 from folding inward into the hollow interior of the golf bag 10, as described below.

[0132] The main body may also include a stay 54 that connects the top of the divider 40 to the base 60 at the back 14 of the golf bag 10. The stay 54 acts like a spine, providing some rigidity to the golf bag 10. The stand assembly 90 provides rigidity to the front 12 of the golf bag 10, opposite the stay 54. The stay 54 comprises a stay top end 55, a stay bottom end 57, a top hinge 56, and a bottom hinge 58. The stay top end 55 is flexibly attached to the top of the divider 40 by the top hinge 56. The stay bottom end 57 is flexibly attached to the base ring 74 by the bottom hinge 58. The top hinge 56 and the bottom hinge 58 are configured to bend in the front-to-back direction. When the golf bag 10 is in an upright position, the stay 54 is positioned substantially perpendicular to both the top divider 40 and the base 60. However, when the golf bag 10 is in its unfolded configuration, the stay 54 is positioned at a first non-vertical angle from the top of the divider 40 and at a second non-vertical angle from the base 60. In this configuration, the top hinge 56 and the bottom hinge 58 allow the base 60 to remain in close contact with the ground, even as the parts of the bag other than the base 60 bend or tilt toward the legs 92.

[0133] The golf bag 10 further includes a divider sleeve 30, which connects the top 40 and base 60 of the divider. The divider sleeve 30 may comprise a fabric tube or one or more fabric sheets that separate the clubs within the body of the golf bag 10. The divider sleeve 30 may further comprise a top connecting member and a bottom connecting member extending from the top and bottom edges, respectively, of the fabric tube. The top connecting member may be configured to attach to a portion of the frame at the top of the divider. The bottom connecting member may be configured to attach to the base. In some embodiments, the bottom connecting member of the divider sleeve 30 is looped or clipped to one or more base ribs 69. In some embodiments, the fabric tube does not extend completely to the base 60. This can help prevent the fabric from clumping and the clubs from getting tangled. As explained below, the partition sleeve 30, which is one of the entanglement-suppressing features, can be reinforced with a reinforcing panel 32, thereby further reducing club entanglement by limiting the slack of the main body.

[0134] The stand assembly 90 may comprise two legs 92, two leg end caps 94 corresponding to the two legs 92, a spring 96, and two spring mounting joints 98. Each leg 92 may have an upper end and a lower end. Each leg end cap 94 may be configured to attach to, retain, and / or fix to the upper end of one of the two legs 92. Each leg end cap 94 may be rotatably received within the leg connection bracket of the partition top 48. The spring 96 can push the leg 92 outward when the leg 92 is extended, and the spring 96 can pull the leg 92 inward when the leg 92 is retracted. The spring 96 may comprise two arms, each arm configured to connect to one of the legs 92 via two spring mounting joints 98. The spring 96 is attached to the base 60 at the front 12 of the golf bag 10. When the golf bag 10 is placed down and the base 60 is pressed against the ground at the front 12 of the bag 10, the spring 96 moves upward and forces the legs 92 to extend outward. When the bag 10 is lifted and in an upright position, the spring 96 pulls the legs 92 inward until they contact the flat 20. In short, the stand assembly 90 retracts its legs 92 when the golf bag 10 is in an upright position. The stand assembly 90 extends its legs 92 when the golf bag 10 is in an unfolded position.

[0135] This configuration of the golf bag 10 can affect the interaction between the golf bag 10 and the golf clubs 4 being carried. When the golf bag 10 is in its upright configuration, the golf clubs 4 are typically oriented such that the golf club shafts 6 are approximately perpendicular to the ground surface 2. In the upright configuration, the golf clubs 4 are primarily supported by their grips 8 contacting the base 60. The clubs 4 are held almost upright, with their shafts or hosels 6 slightly tilted relative to the frame of the top of the divider 40. Naturally, the golfer places the golf clubs in the golf bag, so that the golf club grips rest within the area of ​​the base 60 that generally corresponds to the pockets 46 of the top of the divider frame 44 through which the clubs extend. Club entanglement occurs when the golf bag 10 is moved to a non-upright orientation, which tilts the grips 8 and shafts 6 within the bag body relative to their original orientation. For example, entanglement of clubs may be exacerbated by arranging the golf bag 10 in an unfolded configuration, or by placing it sideways in the trunk of a vehicle.

[0136] When the golf bag 10 is in its deployed configuration, the golf clubs 4 are typically oriented such that the golf club shafts 6 are angled relative to the ground surface 2. As the stand assembly 90 extends, the body folds toward the legs 92, creating wrinkles in the front lower region of the flat 20 adjacent to the base. The base 60 remains flush with the ground surface. In golf bags lacking anti-tangle features such as a crush zone, the fabric flat may narrow or collapse inward toward the hollow interior of the bag body when the stand assembly 90 is deployed. This may cause the shafts and grips of the golf clubs to be pushed toward the back of the golf bag. The limited space for movement may cause or worsen club entanglement.

[0137] The angle at which the bag unfolds affects how much the flat 20 collapses during the unfolding of the stand assembly 90. In the side view, the bag angle 28, measured between the vertical reference axis 28a and the main body reference axis 28b, can be approximately zero degrees in the upright configuration. However, in the unfolded configuration, the bag angle 28 can be in the range of 25 to 45 degrees, preferably 30 to 40 degrees, including both ends. In some embodiments, the bag angle 28 in the unfolded configuration can be in the range of 25 to 35 degrees, 30 to 34 degrees, 32 to 36 degrees, 34 to 38 degrees, 36 to 40 degrees, or 35 to 45 degrees, including both ends.

[0138] In golf bags that do not have the anti-tangle features described herein, repeated deployment of the stand assembly 90 may cause the grips 8 to move from their original positions within the base 60 to other areas of the base 60. This grip movement, partially caused by the narrowing of the base usable area 640 and / or the intermediate usable area 644, may result in more club tangles each time the stand assembly 90 is deployed. Including anti-tangle features such as a crush zone 100 in the flat 20 can help reduce or prevent the narrowing of the base usable area 640. Similarly, including the structure of the divider sleeve 30 can help reduce or prevent the narrowing of the intermediate usable area 644. The crush zone 100 described below helps maintain and / or maximize the base usable area by reducing the narrowing of the flat fabric adjacent to the base. It should be understood thereafter that narrowing / reduction of the base usable area also results in narrowing / reduction of the main body usable capacity.

[0139] The following describes the features of a golf bag that prevent club entanglement, including a crash zone, a raised base ring 74, a base divider rib, a reinforced divider sleeve 30, and a rain hood pocket panel 23, which secure the grip and shaft positions to prevent club entanglement. In some embodiments, the golf bag 10 described above may further include any one or a combination of the entanglement prevention features described in detail below.

[0140] [I. Crash Zone ] Referring to Figures 9 to 38, the golf bag 10 described above may further include a portion of the flat 20 that collapses during leg deployment (i.e., a crush zone). The structure of the crush zone guides its collapse to avoid wrinkle formation or compression in a particular area of ​​the flat 20. The crush zone described below with reference to the crush zone 100 may describe any of embodiments 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500 of the crush zone. The crush zone 100 may also be called a wrinkle formation zone, a folding zone, or a compressible zone. In some embodiments, the crush zone 100 may bulge outward, stretch, or protrude, biasing the crush zone 100 to compress outward from the hollow interior. The crush zone 100 of the flat 20 will be described below with reference to the first embodiment 100 of the crush zone illustrated in Figures 9 to 12. However, other embodiments such as 200, 300, and 400 can be understood based on similar reference numbers using different hundreds schemes. For example, the turning point 202 in the second crash zone embodiment 200 can be the same as the turning point 102 in the first crash zone embodiment 100.

[0141] When the leg 92 is extended (i.e., in the deployed configuration), the crush zone 100 folds outward, preventing the flat 20 material of the crush zone 100 from significantly reducing the usable area of ​​the base. The crush zone 100 can fold away from the hollow interior of the golf bag 10. By ensuring a usable area 640 of the base inner surface 62, golf club grips are prevented from becoming entangled and trapped inside the golf bag 10. The crush zone 100 can extend over the front (or torso), first side 16, and second side 18 portions of the golf bag 10. The crush zone 100 does not extend over the back 14 of the golf bag 10.

[0142] The crash zone 100 may have one or more panels connected, fastened, or sewn together by one or more seams. These panels may also be called custom panels, folded panels, pleated panels, custom gussets, folded gussets, or pleated gussets. The shape and size of one or more panels, combined with the seam arrangement, may cause the fabric of the flat 20 to be biased to fold outward or to create an area that overlaps itself. The outward direction as used herein and defined above refers to the direction away from the hollow interior of the bag or the center of the bag. In some embodiments, from a side view, the fabric of the flat 20 may bulge or curve slightly outward on the front of the golf bag 10, creating bias. On the sides 16 and 18 of the golf bag 10, the crash zone 100 may cover a substantially triangular area, allowing the crash zone 100 to collapse forward when the stand assembly 90 is deployed. In some embodiments, one or more seams may be corded, piped, or overlocked from the outside. Because Flat 20 is made of fabric material, it can return to its original shape after being crushed or folded. Similarly, the crash zone 100 can return to its original shape after being crushed or folded, also due to the location and orientation of its seams. Various combinations and configurations of panels and seams can achieve the desired shape determination of the crash zone, as will be described in the embodiments below.

[0143] To define the location of the crash zone, the spatial context for the crash zone is defined in relation to the golf bag 10. Referring to Figures 9 to 12, the golf bag 10 can be placed on the ground surface 2, thereby the base 60 is coplanar with the ground surface 2. When the stand assembly 90 is deployed, the golf bag 10 bends at the stay bottom hinge 58 near the rear 14 of the golf bag 10. From the side view, the bottom hinge 58 of the stay 54 defines the pivot point 102. However, in some embodiments, the pivot point 102 can be slightly offset from the bottom hinge 58 due to how the flat 20 and the base 60 interact and bend. The crash zone 100 can extend to the back up to, or almost up to, the pivot point 102. Referring to Figure 11, the crash zone 100 can be described with respect to the pivot surface 104. The pivoting surface 104 is parallel to the ground surface 2 and coincides with the pivoting point 102. In embodiments 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 of the crash zone, the crash zone 100 can extend both above and below the pivoting surface 104. The crash zone 550 does not extend below the pivoting surface 104. Extending below the pivoting surface 104 provides the crash zone 100 with additional space to crush the golf bag 10 without preventing it from tilting and unfolding.

[0144] In some embodiments, in an upright configuration, more than half of the crash zone 100 can be positioned above the pivot surface 104, and in a deployed configuration, more than half of the crash zone 100 can be compressed below the pivot surface 104. The crash zone 100 of Flat 20 will be described below with reference to the first embodiment 100 of the crash zone illustrated in Figures 9 to 12. However, other embodiments such as 200, 300, 400, and 500 can be understood based on similar reference numbers using different hundreds digits. For example, the pivot surface 204 of the second embodiment 200 of the crash zone can be the same as the pivot surface 104 of the first embodiment 100 of the crash zone.

[0145] In some embodiments, in the upright configuration, more than two-thirds or three-quarters of the crash zone 100 can be positioned above the pivot surface 104. In some embodiments, in the deployed configuration, more than one-third, one-half, or two-thirds of the crash zone 100 can be compressed below the pivot surface 104. By positioning a portion of the crash zone 100 below the pivot surface 104 in the upright configuration, the crash zone 100 has additional room to fold relatively unrestrained as the stand assembly 90 deploys. Since the base ring 74 can be positioned below the pivot surface 104, extending the crash zone 100 below the pivot surface 104 further allows the base ring 74 to assist in holding the crash zone 100 outside the hollow interior of the cylindrical body. In further embodiments, the entire crash zone 100 is positioned above the pivot surface 104 and does not interact with the ring. As described above, the crash zone described below with reference to the crash zone 100 can be described in any of embodiments 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500. The crash zone 550 does not extend below the pivot surface 504.

[0146] The swivel surface 104 can be offset above the ground surface 2 by a swivel surface height 106 between 1 inch and 6 inches. In some embodiments, the swivel surface 104 can be offset above the ground surface 2 by only 1 inch to 2 inches, 2 inches to 3 inches, 3 inches to 4 inches, 4 inches to 5 inches, or 5 inches to 6 inches. The swivel surface height 106 can be designed to be larger than the diameter of the butt end of the golf club grip, so that when the golf club 4 is angled in the deployed configuration, the butt end of the grip 8 is not pressed between the base 60 and the flat 20 at the rear 14 of the bag 10.

[0147] Referring to Figures 10 to 11, the shape of the crash zone 100 can be understood from the side view with respect to the extension surface 112. The extension surface 112 can extend from the bottom edge 124 to the top edge 122 of the crash zone 100, almost parallel to the front of the golf bag 10. In the deployed configuration, the crash zone 100 can rise vertically outward from the extension surface 112 by an extension distance 114 that is greater than the extension distance 114 when the crash zone 100 is in an upright configuration.

[0148] In the upright configuration, the crush zone 100 can bulge vertically outward from the stretching surface 112 (i.e., away from the hollow interior of the bag) by a stretching distance 114 between 0 and 3 inches, including both ends. In some embodiments, the stretching distance 114 in the upright configuration is in the range of 0 to 0.5 inches, 0.5 to 1 inch, 1 to 1.5 inches, 1.5 to 2 inches, 2 to 2.5 inches, or 2.5 to 3 inches, including both ends. When the stand assembly 90 is deployed, slightly slackening or bulging the crush zone 100 in the upright configuration biases the fabric of the crush zone 100 to collapse outward from the hollow interior when the stand assembly 90 is deployed. In the deployed configuration, the referenced stretching surface 112 can be angled as it follows the corner formation of the front of the golf bag 10. In the unfolded configuration, the extension distance 114 can be in the range of 0 inches to 4 inches, including both ends. The unfolded configuration in the extension distance 114 can be in the range of 0 to 0.5 inches, 0.5 to 1 inch, 1 to 1.5 inches, 1.5 to 2 inches, 2 to 2.5 inches, 3 inches, 3 to 3.5 inches, or 3.5 to 4 inches, including both ends.

[0149] The extension distance 114 can be 30% to 80% greater in the unfolded configuration than in the upright configuration, including both ends. In some embodiments, the extension distance 114 can be 30% to 50%, 40% to 60%, 50% to 70%, 50% to 80%, or 60% to 80% greater in the unfolded configuration than in the upright configuration, including both ends. This larger extension distance 114 in the unfolded configuration indicates that when the crush zone 100 is crushed, the crush zone 100 folds outward from the hollow interior of the cylindrical body.

[0150] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, the shape of the crash zone 100 can be further understood from the side view by means of the horizontal uplift distance 116. The horizontal uplift distance 116 is measured in the side view parallel to the ground surface 2, from the base 60 to the uplift point 118 of the crash zone 100. In the side view, the crash zone 100 may have an arch-shaped convex leading edge relative to the hollow interior. The uplift point 118 may be the outermost extent of the convex leading edge of the crash zone 100 in the side view. In other words, the horizontal uplift distance 116 is a measurement of how far horizontally the crash zone 100 extends forward from the base 60. In the upright configuration, the horizontal uplift distance 116 may range from 0.25 inches to 2 inches, including both ends. In some embodiments, the horizontal rise distance 116 in the upright configuration can range from 0.25 inches to 1.0 inch, 1.0 inches to 1.5 inches, or 1.5 inches to 2.0 inches, including both ends. When the stand assembly 90 is deployed, the crash zone 100 folds or collapses outward from the hollow interior, increasing the horizontal rise distance 116. In the deployed configuration, the horizontal rise distance 116 can range from 0.5 inches to 4.25 inches, including both ends. In some embodiments, the horizontal rise distance 116 in the deployed configuration can range from 0.5 inches to 1.0 inch, 1.0 inches to 1.5 inches, 1.5 inches to 2.0 inches, 2.0 inches to 2.5 inches, 2.5 inches to 3.0 inches, 3.0 inches to 3.5 inches, 3.5 inches to 4.0 inches, or 4.0 inches to 4.25 inches, including both ends.

[0151] In the deployed configuration, the crash zone 100 can rise horizontally outward by a horizontal rise distance 116 that is greater than the horizontal rise distance 116 when the crash zone 100 is in the upright configuration. The horizontal rise distance 116 can be between 30% and 95% greater in the deployed configuration than in the upright configuration, including both ends. In some embodiments, the horizontal rise distance 116 can be between 30% and 50%, 40% and 60%, 50% and 70%, 50% and 95%, 60% and 95%, 70% and 95%, or 80% and 95% greater in the deployed configuration than in the upright configuration, including both ends. This larger horizontal rise distance 116 in the deployed configuration indicates that when the crash zone 100 is crushed, the crash zone 100 folds outward from the hollow interior of the cylindrical body. In the upright position, the horizontal elevation distance 116 can be in the range of 0 cm to 4 cm, including both ends. In some embodiments, the horizontal elevation distance 116 can be in the range of 0 cm to 0.5 cm, 0.5 cm to 1 cm, 1 cm to 2 cm, 2 cm to 3 cm, 3 cm to 4 cm, 1 cm to 3 cm, or 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm, including both ends.

[0152] The size of the crash zone 100 may depend on the bag angle 28 (i.e., the bag angle 28 in the deployed configuration) at which the golf bag 10 is stationary relative to the ground surface 2 when the leg 92 is deployed. For the leg 92 that extends a short distance from the base 60, the flat 20 and the crash zone 100 can be relatively small because the bag angle 28 is shallow. For the leg 92 that extends further away from the base 60, the crash zone 100 can be relatively large to accommodate a larger bag angle 28.

[0153] Referring to Figure 11, from the side view, the size of the crash zone 100 can be characterized in part by the upper angled surface 108. The upper angled surface 108 can extend from the pivot point 102 toward the front 12 of the golf bag 10, above the pivot reference surface 104. In some embodiments, the upper angled surface 108 can be defined to extend via the pivot point 102 and substantially parallel to the bottom edge of one or more of the garment pockets 22a and / or side accessory pockets 22c. From the side view, in some embodiments, the crash zone 100 does not extend above (or is located entirely below) the upper angled surface 108. In some embodiments, the crash zone 100 of the flat 20 can be localized or bounded below the upper angled surface 108.

[0154] The bag angle 28 in the deployed configuration correlates with the position of the upper angled surface 108 that sets the boundary of the crash zone 100. The clothing pocket 22a, side accessory pocket 22c, and / or any pockets 22 on the first side 16 and second side 18 of the golf bag must be positioned above the upper angled surface 108 so that the pockets 22 do not interfere with the bending of the fabric in the crash zone when the golf bag stand assembly 90 is deployed.

[0155] From the side view, the upper reference angle 110 can be measured between the pivot reference plane 104 and the upper angled plane 108, with the pivot point 102 as the center. In the upright configuration, the upper reference angle 110 can be between 20 and 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the upper reference angle 110 can be between 20 and 25 degrees, between 25 and 30 degrees, between 30 and 35 degrees, between 30 and 40 degrees, between 35 and 40 degrees, between 40 and 45 degrees, between 45 and 50 degrees, between 50 and 55 degrees, or between 55 and 60 degrees in the upright configuration. In some embodiments, the upper reference angle 110 can be greater than 20 degrees, greater than 30 degrees, greater than 40 degrees, greater than 45 degrees, greater than 50 degrees, less than 60 degrees, less than 50 degrees, less than 45 degrees, less than 40 degrees, or less than 30 degrees in the upright configuration. In the upright configuration, a smaller upper reference angle 110 corresponds to a smaller crash zone 100, and a larger upper reference angle 110 corresponds to a larger crash zone 100. In some examples, the upper reference angle 110 can be 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, or 60 degrees in the upright configuration.

[0156] As the stand assembly 90 unfolds, the upper angled surface 108 can approach the pivot surface 104, dynamically decreasing the upper reference angle 110. In other words, the upper reference angle 110 can decrease as the bag angle 28 increases. Therefore, in the unfolded configuration, the upper reference angle 110 can be between 0 and 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the upper reference angle 110 can be between 0 and 5 degrees, between 0 and 10 degrees, between 0 and 15 degrees, between 0 and 20 degrees, between 10 and 20 degrees, or between 15 and 30 degrees in the unfolded configuration. In some embodiments, the upper reference angle 110 can be less than 30 degrees, less than 25 degrees, less than 20 degrees, less than 15 degrees, or less than 10 degrees in the unfolded configuration.

[0157] In some embodiments, when the golf bag 10 is in an upright position, the entire crash zone 100 can be positioned 0.5 to 12 inches above the ground surface 2. In some embodiments, when the golf bag 10 is in an upright position, the entire crash zone 100 can be positioned 0.5 to 6 inches, 1 to 6 inches, 2 to 6 inches, 1 to 12 inches, 1 to 11 inches, 1 to 10 inches, 1 to 9 inches, 1 to 8 inches, 1 to 7 inches, 1 to 6 inches, 2 to 12 inches, 2 to 11 inches, 2 to 10 inches, 2 inches or It can be positioned within an area that extends upward by only 9 inches, between 2 and 8 inches, between 2 and 7 inches, between 2 and 6 inches, between 3 and 12 inches, between 3 and 11 inches, between 3 and 10 inches, between 3 and 9 inches, between 3 and 8 inches, between 4 and 12 inches, between 4 and 11 inches, between 4 and 10 inches, between 4 and 9 inches, between 5 and 12 inches, between 5 and 11 inches, or between 5 and 10 inches. The entire crash zone 100 can be positioned within the lower quarter of the golf bag 10 because, when the leg 92 is extended, only the lowermost quarter of the flat 20 can withstand bending, crushing, and / or folding.

[0158] The size and function of the crash zone can be further characterized by the crash zone height 180. The crash zone height 180, excluding the entire base height, can be measured orthogonally to the ground surface 2 at the front 12 of the golf bag 10, from the bottom edge 124 to the top edge 122 of the crash zone 100. In the upright configuration, the crash zone height 180 can range between 2 and 15 inches, including both ends. In some embodiments, the crash zone height 180 in the upright configuration can range between 2 and 5 inches, 5 and 7 inches, 7 and 9 inches, 9 and 11 inches, 11 and 13 inches, or 13 and 15 inches, including both ends. In the deployed configuration, the crash zone height 180 can be smaller than the crash zone height 180 in the upright configuration, and can range between 2 and 12 inches, including both ends. In some examples, the crash zone height 180 in the deployed configuration can range from 2 to 4 inches, 4 to 6 inches, 6 to 8 inches, 8 to 10 inches, or 10 to 12 inches, including both ends. The ratio of the crash zone height 180 in the upright configuration to the crash zone height 180 in the deployed configuration can be between 2:1 and 8:1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the crash zone height 180 in the upright configuration to the crash zone height 180 in the deployed configuration can be between 2:1 and 3:1, 3:1 and 4:1, 4:1 and 5:1, 5:1 and 6:1, 6:1 and 7:1, 7:1 and 8:1, 2:1 and 4:1, 3:1 and 5:1, 4:1 and 6:1, 5:1 and 7:1, or 6:1 and 8:1.

[0159] The crash zone 100 can be folded along one or more fold lines, such as fold line 160. As shown in Figures 9 to 12, in some embodiments, the crash zone 100 folds along the seam 160. In some embodiments, in the upright configuration, the fold line 160 can bulge outward (i.e., away from the hollow interior of the bag body) to bias the crash zone 100 to fold outward when the stand assembly 90 is deployed. When the stand assembly 90 is deployed, the fold line 160 moves outward, away from the hollow interior of the golf bag 10, to secure the base usable area 640.

[0160] Various panel patterns and stitching patterns can be used to achieve the desired size and shape of the crush zone described above. In a first embodiment of the crush zone 100, a vertical panel 120 can be positioned in the center and sewn to one side of each of the triangular side panels 130 and 140. The vertical panel 120 can be sized to have a natural slack. The combination of the natural slack of the vertical panel 120 and the corner formation of the side seams 136 and 146 can cause the flat fabric within the crush zone 100 to be biased and folded outward.

[0161] In a second embodiment of the crash zone 200, as described below, the upper panel 220 and the lower panel 230 can extend from the first side 16 of the golf bag 10, across the front 12, to the second side 18 of the golf bag 10. The upper panel 220 and the lower panel 230 can be angled slightly relative to each other and can be connected by folds 224 and 234, along which the crash zone 200 bends outward when the stand assembly 90 is deployed.

[0162] In a third embodiment of the crash zone 300, as discussed below, four panels can be used to form a flex zone on either side 16 or 18 of the golf bag 10. The third embodiment can function similarly to the second embodiment, except that the panels of the third embodiment are separated at the front 12 of the golf bag 10 by a pointed panel 350.

[0163] In a fourth embodiment of the crush zone 400, as discussed below, darting can be used to shape the fabric within the crush zone 400 so that it bulges slightly outward. Darting is a technique used for shaping fabric, removing or pinching a triangular shape from the fabric and sewing together adjacent remaining seams. Darting can extend upward or downward from the edge of the crush zone 400 toward the center of the crush zone 400. In a fifth embodiment, the crush zone 500 may have a bellows-like design that allows the flat fabric to fold upward.

[0164] In a golf bag without a crush zone 100, the fabric flat 20 may collapse inward and overlap with a portion of the base bottom panel 68, reducing the amount of usable area available on the inner surface of the bottom panel 68 for supporting the golf clubs. As shown in Figure 1, this inward collapse of the flat fabric 20 causes the grips 8 of the golf clubs to be squeezed, localized, or contained within a smaller area. If the golf club grips 8 are squeezed too tightly, they may entangle and interfere with each other, making it difficult to remove the golf clubs 4 from the golf bag 10. The golf bag 10 with the outward-folding crush zone 100 described herein has a larger base usable area 640 than a golf bag without the outward-folding crush zone 100. When the golf bag 10 is in its unfolded configuration, the flat fabric 20 within the crush zone 100 does not significantly squeeze the grips 8 of the golf clubs 4 stored in the bag 10. The crash zone 100, by bending outward, creates space inside the hollow interior of the golf bag 10, preventing the golf club grip 8 from becoming entangled, restrained, or otherwise jammed inside the hollow interior adjacent to the base 60.

[0165] Referring to Figure 1, the comparative golf bag may have a base that remains flush with the ground when deployed. However, the comparative golf bag has a conventional flat without the crush zone described herein. When the comparative golf bag is moved from the upright position to the deployed position, the flat fabric within the crush area collapses inward or wrinkles. The collapsed fabric overlaps with a portion of the base main panel, reducing the amount of usable area available on the inner surface of the base main panel for supporting the golf clubs. As shown in Figure 1, this inward collapse of the flat fabric causes the golf club grips to be squeezed, localized, or contained within a smaller area. If the golf club grips are squeezed too tightly, they may entangle and interfere with each other, making it difficult to remove the golf clubs from the golf bag. The inner surface of the base of the comparative golf bag may have a total area which is the sum of the overlapping area and the usable area. The overlapping area can also be called the folded area, unusable area, or blocked area. The overlapping area can constitute between 15% and 25% of the total area. In some embodiments, the overlapping area of ​​a comparative golf bag can constitute between 15% and 20%, between 18% and 22%, or between 20% and 25% of the total area of ​​the inner surface of the base.

[0166] Referring to Figure 12, in the golf bag described herein, the majority of the fabric is oriented outward due to the structure of the crash zone 100 as described above. Only a small portion of the fabric folds in a manner that overlaps with a portion of the base bottom panel 68. This limited overlap ensures a base usable area 640 on the inner surface 62 of the base bottom panel 68. The base inner surface 62 has a total area which is the sum of the overlapping area and the usable area. The overlapping area of ​​a golf bag with an outward-folding crash zone can be between 0% and 8%. In some embodiments, the overlapping area can be 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, or 8% of the total area of ​​the base inner surface 62. Consequently, the base usable area 640 can be between 92% and 100%. In some embodiments, the base usable area 640 can be 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%. The outward fold of the crush zone 100 ensures that the base usable area 640 is secured, leaving sufficient space within the hollow interior for the golf club grip 8 to remain untangled. In this manner, the crush zone 100 prevents the golf club 4 from being caught in the golf bag 10.

[0167] [II. Base ring ] During use of a golf bag, the flat fabric portion may wrinkle, particularly near the base, limiting the usable area for golf clubs. Because the grips are located at the base of the golf bag, this limited area at the base may cause the grips to shift inward, leading to club entanglement. The golf bags described herein are equipped with a base ring 74 to prevent the golf bag flat from bursting inward and to limit the usable area for clubs within the bag.

[0168] Another anti-tangle feature, the base ring 74, can be configured to restrict the flat fabric from folding into the hollow interior of the golf bag. The base ring 74 may have a front, first side, second side, and back, corresponding to the front 12, first side 16, second side 18, and back 14 of the bag 10. The base ring 74 may further comprise an upper wall 76, a lower wall 82, and a lip 80 between the upper wall 76 and the lower wall 82. The lip 80 may distinguish and separate the upper wall 76 and the lower wall 82, or may protrude slightly from the base ring 74 to form the boundary between the upper wall 76 and the lower wall 82. The lip 80 may have a width ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm, measured outward from the base wall and including both ends. In some embodiments, the lip 80 can be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm wide. The base ring 74 interacts with the base 60 such that the lower wall 82 of the ring is received by the base receiving wall 70. The lip 80 of the base ring abuts against the upper edge 78 of the base receiving wall 70 and supports the base ring 74 at the top of the base 60. In many embodiments, the lower wall 82 of the base ring 74 can extend into the base receiving wall 70 until the lip 80 connects with the receiving wall edge 71. In some embodiments, the flat 20 can be sutured to the base ring 74 before the ring 74 is snapped or attached to the base 60.

[0169] In many embodiments, the flat 20 can be sewn or attached to the base ring 74 near the lip 80. This provides the fabric of the flat 20 with a range of motion between the upright position and the deployed position. The flat 20 moves forward to the bag angle 28 when the bag 10 is deployed. Therefore, the range of motion around the base ring 74 is essential for the deployment of the bag 10. In embodiments in which the golf bag 10 has a crash zone 100, the crash zone 100 can interact with the base ring 74 to prevent the fabric of the flat 20 from disturbing the hollow interior of the base 60 where the club grips 8 are located. The base ring 74 may act as a barrier between the flat 20 and the hollow interior of the base 60 when the golf bag 10 is in the deployed position, preventing the fabric from pressing against the grips 8 inside. As will be discussed below, and in embodiments 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 of the crash zone, the base ring 74 adjusts the bend of the flat 20 around the upper wall 76 of the base ring. For example, when the stand assembly 90 of the golf bag 10 is deployed, a portion of the hollow interior of the bag 10 below the pivot surface 104 can remain relatively undisturbed. This space is maintained because the base ring 74 can extend at least partially upward to the pivot surface 104, and the base 60 remains coplanar with the ground surface 2 even in the deployed configuration. The undisturbed storage space within the cylindrical body maintains space for the grips of the golf clubs. The undisturbed space allows the golfer to relatively easily remove and replace the golf clubs 4 while the golf bag 10 is in the deployed configuration.

[0170] The base ring 74 may further have an upper edge 78 of the upper wall 76. The base ring 74, combined with the base 60, defines a height 75 between the ground surface 2 and the upper edge 78 of the base ring 76. Because the lower wall 82 of the base ring 74 overlaps with the height of the base, the height 75 between the ground surface 2 and the upper edge of the base ring 78 can be determined by adding the height of the base 60 to the height of the upper wall 76 of the base ring 74. In some embodiments, the height 75 between the ground surface 2 and the upper edge 78 of the base ring 74 is not the same across the front 12 and back 14 of the golf bag 10. In other embodiments, the combined height 75 of the base 60 and the base ring 74 can define a plane parallel to the ground surface 2. This surface defines or coincides with the swivel surface 104, preventing the fabric of the crash zone 100 from disturbing the hollow interior of the golf bag 10 when the bag 10 is in the unfolded position. The height 75 between the upper edge 78 and the ground surface 2 can range from 2 cm to 10 cm, including both ends. The height 75 between the upper edge 78 and the ground surface 2 can be between 2 cm and 4 cm, between 4 cm and 6 cm, between 6 cm and 8 cm, or between 8 cm and 10 cm. In some embodiments, the lowest height between the ground surface 2 and the upper edge 78 is 2.5 cm, while the highest height between the ground surface 2 and the upper edge 78 is 6.5 cm.

[0171] The shape of the base ring 74 is configured to interact with the fabric of the crash zone 100 and guide the fabric of the crash zone 100 around the base ring 74, allowing the crash zone 100 to collapse completely. When the golf bag 10 moves to the deployed position, the crash zone ridge 118 moves downward toward the pivot surface 104, as described above. The upper side wall 76 on the front of the base ring 74 creates a barrier against the fabric gathered below the pivot surface 104 to prevent the crash zone 100 from entering the hollow interior of the base 60. The connection point, or seam 174, of the crash zone 100 to the bag flat 20 may, when this occurs, pull on the side of the crash zone 100 or create tension on that side. To prevent this tension from interfering with the deployment of the crash zone 100 or the golf bag 10, the base ring 74 may be provided with a first side cutout 88b and a second side cutout 88c. The first side cutout 88b may be appropriately positioned on the upper wall of the first side of the base ring. The second side cutout 88c may be appropriately positioned on the upper wall 76 of the second side of the base ring. The first side cutout 88b and the second side cutout 88c may allow the crash zone 100 to slightly extend into the hollow interior of the bag 10. When the bag 10 moves to the deployed position, the seam 174 connecting the crash zone 100 to the bag flat 20 on either side 16 or 18 of the bag 10 tightens and pulls the fabric of the crash zone 100. This would consequently create tension that could interfere with the proper folding of the crush zone 100 and interfere with the unfolding of the entire bag 10. The fabric inserted in these side cutouts 88b and 88c allows the crush zone 100 to slightly enter the hollow interior of the bag 10 on either side 16 or 18 of the bag 10, and prevents the aforementioned tension at the seam 174. When the golf bag 10 is unfolded, the side cutouts 88b and 88c are formed from the upper wall 76, which guides the crush zone 10 below the pivot surface 104 to the position where it will collapse.

[0172] As will be discussed below, and in embodiments 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 of the crash zone, the base ring 74 adjusts the fold of the flat 20 around the upper side wall 76 of the base ring. The amount of fabric that enters the first and second sides of the base ring via the side cutouts 88b and 88c typically does not interfere with the grip 8 of the golf club 4, because the club grip 8 is not positioned close enough to the upper side wall 76 of the base ring on the first and second sides for the fabric to reach the club 4 and push the club 4 inward. When the bag 10 is in the deployed position, the amount of fabric of the crash zone 100 that enters the hollow interior of the base 60 at the first cutouts 88b and 88c may be in the range of 2% to 10% of the usable area of ​​the base 60. For example, when the bag 10 is in the unfolded position, the amount of fabric that enters through the first side cutout 88b and the second side cutout 88c can, in total, cover between 2% and 4%, between 4% and 6%, between 6% and 8%, or between 8% and 10% of the usable area of ​​the base 60. As described above, this area does not affect the shift of the club grip 8 due to the location of the fabric and the small amount of area that enters the hollow interior of the bag 10.

[0173] As can be seen in Figures 9A and 9B, when the golf bag 10 is in the unfolded position, the fabric of the crush zone 100 at the front 12 of the golf bag 10 is crushed outward, and the fabric is consequently pulled inward at the first and second sides of the base ring 74, resulting in a pseudo-S shape (i.e., a bending of the fabric having a pseudo-S shape) being formed from above on either side of the base ring 74. This fabric configuration is a direct result of the geometric shape of the base ring 74 and allows the crush zone 100 to be completely crushed when the bag 10 is unfolded, while preventing the crushed fabric from penetrating into the hollow interior of the bag 10 where the club grip 8 will shift.

[0174] The base ring 74 may further be provided with a stay port 84 on its rear, configured to receive the lower hinge of the stay 58. The lower hinge of the stay 58 may be pivotably connected to the stay port 84 to allow the stay 54 to swing between the upright and deployed positions while the base 60 remains coplanar with the ground surface 2 between those positions. The base ring 74 may further be provided with a spring port 86 on its front, configured to receive a spring 96. Similarly, the spring 96 may be pivotably connected to the spring port 86 to allow the spring 96 to swing between the upright and deployed positions while the base 60 remains coplanar with the ground surface 2. When the bag 10 is in the deployed position, the spring 96 may also prevent the fabric of the crush zone 100 from retracting into the hollow interior of the bag 10 at the front of the base ring 74. The spring 96 achieves this by forming a physical block between the front of the base ring 74 and the hollow interior of the bag 10. In some embodiments, the upper wall of the base ring 76 may further include a cutout 88a at the front of the base ring. This front cutout 88a allows the spring 96 to move forward at a bag angle 28 when the golf bag 10 is unfolded. The front cutout 88a also reduces the material of the base ring 74, resulting in a lighter bag 10.

[0175] When the golf bag 10 is moved to the unfolded position, the crush zone 100 gathers around the base ring 74 as described above. The front of the base ring 74 acts as a barrier and prevents the material of the crush zone 100 from entering the internal space of the golf bag 10 and from limiting the usable area. If the material of the crush zone 100 were to clump together exclusively at the front of the base ring 74, the high concentration of the fabric could create resistance or hinder the complete transition of the golf bag 10 to the unfolded position. In order for the crush zone 100 to collapse completely, the fabric of the crush zone 100 is guided into an S-shape configuration around the base ring 74. When the front of the crush zone 100 clumps together around the front of the base ring 74, the corners of the crush zone 100 tilt and spread outward. This results in tension on the sides 130 and 140 of the crush zone. To ensure that the sides 130 and 140 of the crush zone are also completely flattened, the sides 130 and 140 of the crush zone partially fit into the side cutouts 88b and 88c of the base ring. Thus, the fabric of the crush zone 100 creates an S-shape around any side of the base ring 74 to obtain an optimal usable area while still allowing the proper deployment of the bag 10. The crushing pattern of the crush zone 100 of the golf bag 10 described herein allows the golf bag 10 to properly extend to the deployed position while also allowing the crush zone 100 to properly bend outward at the front 12 of the golf bag 10.

[0176] [III. Crash Zone Embodiment 1 ] In some embodiments, the golf bag 10 described above may include a crash zone 100 as described below, according to the first embodiment. Referring to Figures 10 to 15, the crash zone 100 may include a central panel 120 connected to two side panels 130 and 140. The crash zone 100 may also include an outer panel 154, which is positioned below the central panel 120 and the side panels 130 and 140. This design provides fabric slack, particularly within the central panel 120. This fabric slack biases the first crash zone 100 to fold outward when the stand assembly 90 is deployed.

[0177] In some embodiments, the central panel 120 can be more elongated than the first side panel 130 and the second side panel 140. The central panel 120 can be substantially rectangular. The first side panel 130 and the second side panel 140 can each be substantially triangular. In some embodiments, the first side panel 130 and the second side panel 140 can be achiral images or mirror images of each other. The central panel 120 can be positioned on the front 12 of the golf bag 10. The first side panel 130 and the second side panel 140 can be positioned at least partially on the first side 16 and the second side 18 of the golf bag 10. The circumscribing panel 154 can be sewn between the central panel 120 and the side panels 130 and 140 and the base 60.

[0178] Referring to Figure 13C, the central panel 120 may have a top edge 122, a bottom edge 124, a first side edge 126, and a second side edge 128. Each of the central panel 120 and the two side panels 130 and 140 may have a curved joint 164 along at least one edge. The first side edge 126 and the second side edge 128 may be curved. The radius of curvature of the first side edge 126 and the second side edge 128 may be between 70 cm and 75 cm, between 75 cm and 80 cm, between 80 cm and 85 cm, or between 85 cm and 90 cm. In some examples, the radii of curvature of the first side edge 126 and the second side edge 128 can be 70 cm, 72 cm, 74 cm, 76 cm, 78 cm, 80 cm, 82 cm, 84 cm, 86 cm, 88 cm, or 90 cm. Referring to Figures 13A and 13B, the first side panel 130 may have a top edge 132, a bottom edge 134, and a first side edge 136, which form a substantially triangular shape. Similarly, the second side panel 140 may have a top edge 142, a bottom edge 144, and a second side edge 146, which form a substantially triangular shape. The first side edge 136 of the first side panel 130 may be sutured to a portion of the first side edge 126 of the center panel 120, creating a first seam (not illustrated). Similarly, the second side edge 146 of the second side panel 140 may be sutured to a portion of the second side edge 128 of the center panel 120, creating a second seam 164. The top edge 132 of the first side panel and the top edge 142 of the second side panel may be angled at approximately the same angle as the upper angled surface 108. The first side edge 136 and the second side edge 146 can be curved, similar to the first side edge 126 and the second side edge 128 of the central panel. In some embodiments, each of these edges can have a matched radius of curvature to allow for a smoother fit and increased fabric slack.

[0179] The circumscribing panel 154 can be sutured or connected using linear or horizontal seams below the other panels 120, 130, and 140. The circumscribing panel 154 can be configured to overlap the ring 74 of the base 60. In some embodiments, the circumscribing panel 154 can be positioned completely below the pivot surface 104. The circumscribing panel 154 may have a top edge 156 and a bottom edge 158. The bottom edge 158 of the circumscribing panel 154 is sutured, riveted, or otherwise secured to the base 60. The top edge 156 of the circumscribing panel 154 is not secured to the base 60. In some embodiments, the top edge 156 of the circumscribing panel 154 can be substantially collinear with the pivot surface 104. Because the top edge 156 is not fixed to the base 60, the crash zone 100 can be freely folded around the base ring 74 when the stand assembly 90 is deployed.

[0180] The central panel 120 may have a height of 150. The central panel height 150 can range from 12 cm to 24 cm, including both ends. In some embodiments, the central panel height 150 can range from 12 cm to 15 cm, 15 cm to 18 cm, 18 cm to 21 cm, or 21 cm to 24 cm, including both ends. The central panel 120 may extend beyond the maximum height 152 of either the first side panel 130 or the second side panel 140. Due to its position on the front 12 of the golf bag 10, the central panel 120 may extend above the bottom edge of either or both of the clothing pocket 22a and the side accessory pocket 22c. The size of the central panel 120 is not limited by the pockets 22, unlike the side panels 130 and 140.

[0181] The center panel height 150 can allow or facilitate slack within the crash zone 100. The slack in the center panel 120, in combination with the curved seam structure 129, promotes the outward flexure of the crash zone 100 away from the hollow interior of the golf bag. As shown in the cross-section of FIG. 15, the crash zone 100 folds away from the hollow interior of the golf bag when the bag 10 is in the deployed position. The crushed fabric of the crash zone 100 converges at an upper reference angle 110 or less, and the center panel height 150 can further affect the horizontal bulge distance 116. The greater the center panel height 150, the more slack or excess fabric can result within the crash zone 100 in both the upright and deployed configurations, thus resulting in a greater horizontal bulge distance 116. This is especially true when the golf bag 10 is in the deployed position.

[0182] The crash zone 100 can provide a greater base useful area 640 for the golf bag, either alone or in combination with other entanglement suppression features. In some embodiments, the base useful area 640 of the golf bag 10 with the crash zone 100 as described above can increase the base useful area 640 by 4 in 2 to 10 in 2 only. In some examples, the base useful area 640 increases by 4 in 2 , 5 in 2 , 6 in 2 , 7 in 2 , 8 in 2 , 9 in 2 , or 10 in 2 only.

[0183] [IV. Crash Zone Embodiment 2 ​In some embodiments, the golf bag 10 described above may include a crash zone 200 according to a second embodiment, as described below. Referring to Figures 16 to 19, the crash zone 200 may comprise an upper panel 220 and a lower panel 230. A seam 260 may connect the upper panel 220 to the lower panel 230. The crash zone 200 may have dimensions and features similar to those comprehensively described above with reference to the figure of the crash zone 100 of the first embodiment. For example, the second crash zone 200 may have an extension distance 214 similar to the extension distance 114 of the first embodiment. As described above, the dimensions of the crash zone 100 described above allow the crash zone 200 to collapse outward away from the hollow interior of the golf bag.

[0184] The upper panel 220 and the lower panel 230 can be configured to fold outward and toward each other when the bag 10 transitions to an unfolded configuration. In the upright configuration, the upper panel 220 and the lower panel 230 may not be in contact with each other except along the seam 260. The seam 260 can form the outermost extent of the crush zone 200. The seam 260 can encourage the upper panel 220 and the lower panel 230 to fold outward rather than inward toward the hollow interior. The seam 260 extends continuously from the first side to the second side of the golf bag 10, helping the crush zone 200 to collapse uniformly. In some embodiments, the seam 260 may be provided with piping along the inside of the seam 260. The piping can bias the seam 260 to fold outward rather than inward. In this configuration, the piping can push the upper panel 220 and the lower panel 230 outward, away from the hollow interior of the golf bag 10.

[0185] Referring to Figure 18A, the upper panel 220 has a top edge 222, a fold edge 224, and a side edge 228. The fold edge 224 is on the opposite side of the top edge 222 and can be below the top edge 222, and the side edge 228 can be between the top edge 222 and the fold edge 224. The top edge 222 can be positioned at the top of the crush zone 200. The fold edge 224 can be sewn to form a seam 260. The side edge 228 of the upper panel 220 can be attached to a portion of the flat 20 on the sides 16 and 18 of the golf bag 10. In some embodiments, the side edge 228 can be sewn in such a manner that it forms a side corner rather than an edge on the finished flat 20.

[0186] As shown in the flat patterns of Figures 18A and 18B, the edges 222 and 224 of the upper panel, and the edges 232 and 234 of the lower panel, can be shaped to create the desired outward-folding characteristic of the crash zone 200. The apex edge 222 of the upper panel 220 can be arched with a variable radius of curvature. However, in some embodiments, a portion of the apex edge 222 can be straight. The folded edge 224 can have a variable radius of curvature. The curvature of the folded edge 224 can be steeper than the curvature of the apex edge 222. In other words, the folded edge 224 can have a mean radius of curvature that is less than the mean radius of curvature of the apex edge 222.

[0187] Referring still to the flat pattern in Figure 18B, the crash zone 200 may also include a lower panel 230, which may be configured to be attached to the upper panel 220. The lower panel 230 has a bottom edge 232, a folded edge 234, and a side edge 238 (or side corner). The folded edge 234 may be on the opposite side of the bottom edge 232 and above the bottom edge 232. The bottom edge 232 may be located at the bottom of the crash zone 200. The folded edge 234 may be sewn to form a seam 260. The side edge 238 of the lower panel 230 attaches to a portion of the flat 20 on the sides 16 and 18 of the golf bag 10. As shown in Figures 18A and 18B, the curvature and length of the lower panel edges 232 and 234 may substantially reflect the curvature and length of the upper panel edges 222 and 224.

[0188] The upper panel 220 can be sewn to the lower panel 230 via a seam 260. Both the upper panel 220 and the lower panel 230 can extend across the first side 16, the second side 18, and the front 12 of the golf bag 10. The lower panel 230 and a portion of the upper panel 220 can extend below the pivot surface 204. Consequently, the seam 260 can extend both above and below the pivot surface 204. In the side view, the seam 260 intersects with the back portion of the flat 20 below the pivot surface 204. This configuration helps the fabric of the crush zone 200 to fold below the pivot surface 204 when the golf bag 10 is placed in the unfolded configuration. The bottom edge 232 of the lower panel 230 can be sewn to the base ring 74 just above the lip 80 of the base ring 74.

[0189] As shown in the cross-section of Figure 19, the crash zone 200 is configured to fold away from the hollow interior of the golf bag 10 when the bag 10 is unfolded. In this embodiment, the upper panel 220 and lower panel 230 create a seam 260 with outward ridges 218 that can guide the fabric outward as the upper reference angle 210 decreases and the bag 10 moves to the unfolded position by approximately 30 degrees. As shown in Figure 19, the upper panel 220 and lower panel 230 in this embodiment can further influence the horizontal ridge distance 216 of the crash zone 200. Similar to the first embodiment, the greater the height of the upper panel 220 or the lower panel 230, the greater the horizontal ridge distance 216 of the crash zone 200.

[0190] The crash zone 200, either alone or in combination with other entanglement suppression features, can provide a larger base usable area for the golf bag. In some embodiments, the base usable area of ​​the golf bag 10 with the crash zone 200 as described above is increased to 4 in. 2 From 10in 2 It can be increased by that much. In some examples, the useful area of ​​the base is 4 in 2 , 5in 2 , 6in 2 , 7in 2 , 8in 2 , 9in 2 , or 10in 2 It increases by only that much.

[0191] [V. Crash Zone Embodiment 3 ] In some embodiments, the golf bag 10 described above may include a crash zone 300 according to a third embodiment, as described below. Referring to Figures 20 to 24, the crash zone 300 may comprise four panels 320a, 320b, 330a, and 330b, creating two folding zones 360 and 362 on either side of the golf bag 10. The two folding zones 360 and 362 can be separated at the front 12 of the golf bag 10 by a flat, pointed panel 350. The pointed panel 350 is capable of partially collapsing when the two folding zones 360 and 362 are crushed. The crash zone 300 may have dimensions similar to those comprehensively described above with reference to the figure of the crash zone 100 of the first embodiment. For example, the third crash zone 300 may have an extension distance 314 similar to the extension distance 114 of the first embodiment. As explained above, the dimensions of the crash zone mentioned above allow the crash zone 300 to collapse outward, away from the hollow interior of the golf bag 10.

[0192] Referring to Figures 20 to 24, the crash zone 300 may comprise a first upper panel 320a, a first lower panel 330a, a second upper panel 320b, and a second lower panel 330b. The first upper panel 320a and the first lower panel 330a can be attached to each other along a first fold seam 360 to form a first fold zone 360. The second upper panel 320b and the second lower panel 330b can be attached to each other along a second fold seam 362 to form a second fold zone 362. The first and second fold zones may be located on the first and second sides of the golf bag, respectively.

[0193] Referring to Figures 20 to 24, each of the first upper panel 320a and the second upper panel 320b may have a top edge 322, a folded edge 324, a front edge 326, and a side edge 328. The folded edge 324 may be on the opposite side of the top edge 322 and below the top edge 322, and the side edge 328 may be on the opposite side of the front edge 326. The top edge 322 may be positioned at the top of the crash zone 300. Each folded edge 324 may be sewn together to form the respective seams 360 and 362. The front edge 326 may be attached to a flat, pointed panel 350 on the front 12 of the golf bag 10. The side edges 328 of the upper panels may be attached to a portion of a flat 20 on the sides 16 and 18 of the golf bag 10. In some embodiments, the side edges 328 can be sutured in such a manner that they form a lateral corner rather than a margin in the finished flat 20.

[0194] As shown in the flat pattern of Figure 24, the edges 322, 324, 326, 328, 332, 334, 336, and 338 of the panel can be shaped to create the desired outward-folding characteristic of the crash zone 300. The apex edge 322 of the upper panel can be arched with a variable radius of curvature. However, in some embodiments, a portion of the apex edge 322 can be straight. The first fold edge 324a and the second fold edge 324b can have a variable radius of curvature. The curvature of the fold edge 324 can be steeper than the curvature of the apex edge 322. In other words, the fold edge 324 can have a mean radius of curvature that is less than the mean radius of curvature of the apex edge 322. As a result of this difference in curvature, the side edge 328 can be shorter than the front edge 326.

[0195] The first upper panel 320a and the first lower panel 330a (first folding zone) can extend over the first side 16 and front 12 of the golf bag 10. The second upper panel 320b and the second lower panel 330b (second folding zone) can extend over the second side 18 and front 12 of the golf bag 10.

[0196] The bottom edges 332a and 332b of the first and second lower panels can be sewn to the circumscribing panel 354. The circumscribing panel 354 can be sewn to the base ring 74 just above the lip 80 of the ring. At least a portion of the lower panel 330 can be extended below the pivot surface 304. From the side view, the first seam 360 and the second seam 362 are above the pivot surface 304 and can converge toward the pivot point 302. This configuration helps that when the golf bag 10 is placed in the unfolded configuration, at least the first lower panel 330a and the second lower panel 330b of the fabric in the crash zone 300 fold below the pivot surface 304.

[0197] The crash zone 300, either alone or in combination with other anti-tangle features, can provide a larger base usable area for the golf bag. In some embodiments, the base usable area of ​​the golf bag 10 with the crash zone 300 described above is increased to 4 in. 2 From 10in 2 It can be increased by that much. In some examples, the useful area of ​​the base is 4 in 2 , 5in 2 , 6in 2 , 7in 2 , 8in 2 , 9in 2 , or 10in 2 It increases by only that much.

[0198] [VI. Crash Zone Embodiment 4 ] In some embodiments, the golf bag 10 described above may include a crash zone 400 according to a fourth embodiment, as described below. Referring to Figures 25 to 32, the crash zone 400 may include a panel 420, which is shaped by darts crossing a portion of the panel 420. As described above, darting is a shaping technique in which a triangular portion of fabric is removed or pinched together and the adjacent remaining seams are sewn together to form a dart. The fourth crash zone 400 may be shaped by one or more lateral darts, upward darts, and / or downward darts. In the modified form shown in Figures 25 to 26, the fourth crash zone 400 includes a first lateral dart 430 and a second lateral dart 432 that cut through the crash zone 400 mainly along the first side 16 and the second side 18 of the golf bag 10. In the modified forms shown in Figures 27-28, the fourth crash zone 400 comprises a first upward-facing dart 434 and a second upward-facing dart 436, substantially positioned within the front corner 426 of the crash zone 400. In the modified forms shown in Figures 29-30, the fourth crash zone 400 comprises a first downward-facing dart 438 and a second downward-facing dart 440, substantially positioned within the front corner 426 of the crash zone 400. These darts shape a single panel 420 to achieve the desired shape determination of the crash zone 400. Across all dart modifications, the darts bias the crash zone 400 to fold outward along the fold line 460. The fold line 460 can be the outermost extent of the crash zone 400 in the upright position.

[0199] The crash zone 400 may have dimensions similar to those comprehensively described above with reference to the diagram of the crash zone 100 of the first embodiment. For example, the fourth crash zone 400 may have an extension distance 414 similar to the extension distance 114 of the first embodiment. As described above, the dimensions of the crash zone 100 described above allow the crash zone 400 to collapse outward away from the hollow interior of the golf bag 10.

[0200] Referring to Figures 25-26 in some embodiments, the first horizontal dart 430 and the second horizontal dart 432 can follow a similar direction to the fold seam 260 of the crash zone 200 in the second embodiment. However, the first horizontal dart 430 and the second horizontal dart 432 do not connect across the front 12 of the golf bag 10. The first horizontal dart 430 and the second horizontal dart 432 can follow a portion of the fold line 460 or coincide with a portion of the fold line 460. Referring to Figures 27-28 in some embodiments, the first upward dart 434 and the second upward dart 436 can be positioned to extend upward to the fold line 460. Referring to Figures 29-30 in some embodiments, the first downward dart 438 and the second downward dart 440 can be positioned to extend downward to the fold line 460. The upward and downward darts can be positioned within the rounded region of the crash zone 400 within the front corner 426 of the golf bag (i.e., both the corner formed at the transition from the front to the first side and the corner formed at the transition from the front to the second side). The endpoint of each dart, where the dart ends, creates a bulge within the crash zone 400. This bulge causes the crash zone 400 to fold at the ends of the darts. Thus, positioning the upward and downward darts within the front corner 426 of the golf bag 10 biases the crash zone 400 to collapse outward within the front corner 426.

[0201] As shown in the cross-sections of Figures 31 and 32, the golf bag of this embodiment may include darts that push the fabric of the crash zone 400 outward, particularly when the golf bag 10 is unfolded. As can be further seen in the cross-sections of Figures 31 and 32, the upper wall 78 of the base ring 74 extends above the attachment point of the fabric of the crash zone. This attachment point of the base ring 74 allows the wall of the base ring to prevent the fabric of the crash zone from entering the hollow interior of the bag, as described above.

[0202] The crash zone 400, either alone or in combination with other entanglement suppression features, can provide a larger base usable area for the golf bag. In some embodiments, the base usable area of ​​the golf bag 10 with the crash zone 400 as described above is increased to 4 in. 2 From 10in 2 It can be increased by that much. In some examples, the useful area of ​​the base is 4 in 2 , 5in 2 , 6in 2 , 7in 2 , 8in 2 , 9in 2 , or 10in 2 It increases by only that much.

[0203] [VII. Crash Zone Embodiment 5 ] In some embodiments, the golf bag 10 described above may include a crash zone 500 as described below, according to a fifth embodiment. Referring to Figures 33 to 38, the bellows-type crash zone 500 may comprise one or more panels 520, a top edge 522, and a bottom edge 524. Many of the features of the crash zone 500 described below can be applied to a secondary bellows-type crash zone 550, which will be described in detail below. However, the crash zone 550 does not extend below the pivot surface 504. In some embodiments, the crash zone 500 may be a single fabric panel that is folded, sewn, pressed, or otherwise overlapped on top of itself, allowing for a dynamic change in the size of the panel 520. The bellows-type panel 520 may also be called a bellows-type panel. In an alternative embodiment, the bellows-type panel 520 may be formed from multiple panels or strips of fabric sewn together.

[0204] The crash zone 500 may have dimensions similar to those of the crash zone 100, as comprehensively described above with reference to the diagram. While the crash zone 500 can be similar in many ways to the crash zones 100, 200, 300, and 400 described above, in some embodiments the crash zone 500 may have a relatively flat profile rather than a raised one, because the bellows design allows the fabric of the crash zone to fold naturally upward without collapsing inward toward the hollow interior. In some embodiments the crash zone 500 may be raised outward along multiple bellows fold lines 560 to bias the crash zone 500 to fold outward.

[0205] Referring to Figures 33 to 38, in some embodiments, the crash zone of the golf bag may have between one and fifteen bellows folds. In some embodiments, the crash zone 500 of the golf bag may have one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, or fifteen bellows folds 560. Referring to Figures 39A and 39B, when the golf bag 10 transitions from an upright configuration to an unfolded configuration, the bellows folds 560 can fold outward and above the panel 520. The bellows folds of the crash zone 500 can be aligned to converge or to extend parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the bellows folds converge downward at approximately the pivot point. The bellows folds do not fold into the hollow body of the golf bag 10.

[0206] Similarly, referring to Figures 33 to 38, in some embodiments, the bellows panel 520 may comprise between one and sixteen panels 520. In some embodiments, the crash zone 500 of the golf bag may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, or sixteen bellows panels 520. Each panel 520 is defined by at least one bellows fold line 560. The fabric of the bellows panel 520 can be bent at approximately the midline between adjacent bellows fold lines 560. In an upright configuration, each panel 520 may have a maximum height between 0.5 and three inches, measured perpendicular to the ground surface 2 and parallel to the flat 20. In some examples, the maximum height can be 0.5 inches to 1 inch, 1 inch to 1.5 inches, 1.5 inches to 2 inches, 2 inches to 2.5 inches, or 2.5 inches to 3 inches. Each panel 520 may have the same or similar maximum height.

[0207] In some embodiments, the bellows folds can be formed by one or more external seam ridges. Each external seam ridge can bias the adjacent fabric of the bellows panel to collapse, fold, or overlap outward. One or more external seam ridges extend slightly outward from a flat surface. As shown in the cross section of Figure 39, the external seam ridges may have short overlaps of flat material sewn into themselves. One or more external seam ridges can be sewn together to form a single fabric pattern piece (bellows panel) and can form multiple bellows folds across the crush zone.

[0208] Each bellows fold can be parallel to or approximately parallel to at least one adjacent bellows fold. The bellows folds can be oriented in any direction that facilitates proper folding of the crash zone 500. For example, the bellows folds can be oriented substantially linearly and substantially horizontally across the front 12 of the golf bag 10 when viewed from the front view. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 33 to 38, the bellows folds can be oriented at an angle across the sides 16 and 18 of the golf bag 10, as well as across the seam 260 between the upper panel 220 and the lower panel 230 in the second crash zone 200.

[0209] Referring to Figure 37, the crash zone 500 may further comprise one or more vertical seams 526. The vertical seams 526 may extend between the top edge 522 and the bottom edge 524, and in some embodiments may connect to both the top edge 522 and the bottom edge 524. In some embodiments, the vertical seams may be oriented perpendicular to the bellows fold lines 560. In some embodiments, the vertical seams are located only on the central panel 520 of the crash zone 500. In these and other embodiments, the vertical seams may be oriented perpendicular to the bellows fold lines only on the central panel. The vertical seams 526 provide rigidity and support to the crash zone and, in some embodiments, may guide or modify the manner in which the crash zone collapses.

[0210] Referring to the figures, in many embodiments, the bottom edge 524 of the bellows panel 520 extends below the pivot surface 504. Referring to Figures 34 to 38, in some embodiments, the bellows crash zone 550 can be similar to the extended bellows crash zone described above, but can be shortened so that its bottom end does not extend below the pivot surface 504. In many of these embodiments, the shortened bellows crash zone 550 can terminate along or near the pivot surface 504. In many of these embodiments, the shortened bellows crash zone 550 is located at the top edge 78 of the base ring 74.

[0211] The crash zones 500 and 550, either alone or in combination with other anti-tangle features, can provide a larger base usable area for the golf bag. In some embodiments, the base usable area of ​​the golf bag 10 with the crash zones 500 and 550 described above is increased to 4 in. 2 From 10in 2 It can be increased by that much. In some examples, the useful area of ​​the base is 4 in 2 , 5in2 , 6in 2 , 7in 2 , 8in 2 , 9in 2 , or 10in 2 It increases by only that much.

[0212] [VIII. Base partition rib ] Club entanglement may occur or may worsen even without a narrowing of the base 640 or the intermediate usable area 644. Placing the golf bag 10 in a horizontal position (with the cylindrical body nearly horizontal) may cause undesirable movement of the shaft 6 and grip 8 because gravity pulls the grip 8 downward. Golf bags are often carried in a horizontal position and are often loaded horizontally into the trunk of a vehicle. In a golf bag lacking the entanglement prevention features described herein, although the club head is constrained within the partition top frame pocket 46, the grip 8 can voluntarily fall into the localized area of ​​the base 60, causing club entanglement.

[0213] As stated, club entanglement may occur as a result of the movement of the grip 8 or shaft 6 during use of the bag. The club can remain optimally untangled when the shaft 6 and grip 8 remain parallel to their entry point 46 at the top of the divider 40. In this configuration, the club shaft 6 is also parallel to the side of the golf bag flat 20. The head, shaft, and grip of the golf club create surfaces that remain parallel to the golf bag flat in both the upright and unfolded positions. This not only optimizes the usable bag area 644 but also prevents the shaft and grip from crossing or entangled in a manner that would make it difficult to remove the club from the golf bag 10. This can be achieved by defining the area in which the grip of each golf club 4 or more clubs remains in its positioned state when the clubs are placed inside the golf bag 10 and the bag is in use for play.

[0214] Referring to Figures 41 to 43, in some embodiments, the base 60 may further comprise one or more divider ribs 69 disposed on the bottom panel 68. The one or more divider ribs 69 may be formed integrally with the base 60 or attached using connecting means such as adhesive, snaps, or other preferred means. These divider ribs 69 can act as walls separating or organizing the club grips 8 during use of the bag. As mentioned, club entanglement can be reduced by maintaining the position of each golf club 4 in a plane parallel to the golf bag flat 20. The divider ribs 69 define areas where the grips 8 remain during removal, reinsertion, and use of the bag. When the golf bag 10 moves from an upright position to an unfolded position, the grips 8 fall forward and have an opportunity to entangle near the front 12 of the bag 10. Furthermore, when carrying the golf bag 10, the club grips 8 may shift to one side and entangle as the user moves. However, the partition ribs 69 in this embodiment can create a barrier to prevent all of the grips 8 from falling in one direction while the bag is in use.

[0215] The partition ribs 69 along the base bottom panel 68 not only reduce the amount that club heads protrude from each other, but also prevent clubs from scattering, thereby reducing any subsequent damage to the clubs that may result from tangled clubs. Of the one or more partition ribs 69, one intermediate rib 610 and one or more secondary ribs 612 may be present. Specifically, one intermediate rib 610 may be present that spans the base bottom panel 68 in the front-to-back direction.

[0216] The base 60 may define one or more secondary ribs 612 extending between the inner wall 62 and the intermediate rib 610, creating a region for separating the club grips 8. The partition rib 69 may be formed together with the base 60 in such a manner that the region of the base 60 formed by the rib 69 corresponds to the region formed by the partition top club pocket 46. By establishing the same or similar regions within the partition top 40 and the base 60, each golf club 4 is made possible to be positioned in a plane parallel to the golf bag flat 20 within the golf bag 10, while keeping the grips 8 and shafts 6 of each golf club 4 at a distance from each other.

[0217] In this example, the intermediate rib 610 is more elongated than the secondary rib 612. The intermediate rib 610 can have a height in the range of 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the intermediate rib 610 can have a height between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches, or between 2.0 inches and 2.5 inches. In one example, the intermediate rib 610 can have a height of 1.97 inches. The secondary rib 612 can have a height in the range of 0.25 inches to 0.75 inches. In some embodiments, the secondary rib 612 can have a height between 0.25 inches and 0.50 inches, or between 0.50 inches and 0.75 inches. In one example, the secondary rib 612 can have a height of 0.5 inches.

[0218] In some cases, the divider ribs 69 may have uneven heights to facilitate manufacturing. In some embodiments, the height of the divider ribs 69 can be determined by the ratio between the diameter of the club grip and the angle at which the golf bag 10 is carried by the user. In one embodiment, the diameter of the club grip is 1 inch, the bag carrying angle 28 is 30 degrees, and the height of the secondary rib 612 is 0.55 inches. As shown in Figure 43, in some embodiments, the intermediate rib 610 may define one or more windows 618, such as horizontal slots. One or more windows 618 may be configured to receive divider sleeve straps to secure the divider sleeve 30 to the center of the base 60. This allows the divider sleeve 30 to maintain its position at the center of the bag body 10, acting as a barrier between club areas and further reducing the potential for clubs to become entangled.

[0219] In a golf bag lacking a base with divider ribs 69, the grip may move around during use of the bag. This can cause club entanglement because the grip shifts further from its starting area, which is parallel to the club entry point in the club pocket 46 at the top of the divider.

[0220] [IX. Reinforced partition sleeve ] Another entanglement-preventing feature, the reinforced partition sleeve, is described below. In some embodiments, the golf bag 10 includes a partition sleeve 30 with one or more reinforcing panels 32. The reinforcing panels 32 can prevent the partition sleeve 30 or flat 20 from sinking inward and reducing the amount of usable intermediate area 644 of the bag. Causes of the flat 20 sinking inward may include overstuffing of the pockets 22, force from the user loading and unloading the bag, pressure on the bag during carrying, and other forces. As mentioned above, when the partition sleeve 30 or flat 20 sinks inward, the usable intermediate area 644 inside the hollow of the bag 10 is reduced. This results in the shafts 6 of the clubs 4 inside the bag 10 being pressed together and becoming entangled.

[0221] In many embodiments, the reinforcing panel 32 can be attached to the partition sleeve 30 in a parallel configuration, or it can be wrapped horizontally around the partition sleeve 30. The reinforcing panel 32 can be attached at a point along the length of the partition sleeve 30. In some embodiments, this point occurs near the middle of the partition sleeve 30. In one example, one or more reinforcing panels 32 are attached about 45 cm from the bottom of the bag 10. This is near the middle of the partition sleeve 30 and is therefore a point that is likely to collapse or sink in. Reinforcing in this area is most likely to help prevent the partition sleeve 30 from collapsing inward.

[0222] The golf bag 10 may have between two and eight reinforcing panels 32. In some examples, the golf bag 10 may have two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight reinforcing panels 32. The reinforcing panels 32 may be attached to different sides of the partition sleeve 30 to partially or completely surround the partition sleeve 30. In other embodiments, one or more reinforcing panels 32 may be attached to the same side of the partition sleeve 30, while one or more reinforcing panels 32 may be attached to different sides of the partition sleeve 30. In some embodiments, all of the one or more reinforcing panels 32 are attached to the same side of the partition sleeve 30.

[0223] Each reinforcing panel 32 may have not only a first horizontal edge 39a and a second horizontal edge 39b, but also a first vertical edge 37a and a second vertical edge 37b. When a given reinforcing panel 32 is attached to the partition sleeve 30, the first horizontal edge 39a is located directly above the second horizontal edge 39b on a certain plane. The reinforcing panels 32 can be attached to the periphery of the partition sleeve 30 such that the first vertical edge 37a of one reinforcing panel 32 abuts against or is in the vicinity of the second vertical edge 37b of an adjacent reinforcing panel 32. The reinforcing panels 32 are attached to the material of the partition sleeve 30 independently of each other so that they are allowed a range of motion relative to their own mounting position. The reinforcing panels 32 can be sewn into place or attached using adhesive, clips, or other suitable means. By configuring the panels 32 so that they cannot be attached to the corners of the partition sleeves 30, these corners are given the freedom to move in a hinged manner. This makes it possible to immediately move or flatten the individual panels 32 when the framed partition 30 is crushed during loading. It is advantageous to individually attach the multiple reinforcing panels 32 to the interior 21 of the bag flat in order to enable the flattening of the bag 10 during transport, because this reduces the need for a larger box or transport method to accommodate the total volume of the multiple reinforcing panels 32, i.e., approximately the periphery of the flat 20, when assembling the bag.

[0224] The reinforcing panel 32 may have a vertically measured height 36 when the golf bag 10 is in an upright position. The height 36 of the reinforcing panel may be determined by the height of the first vertical edge 37a or the second vertical edge 37b. In some embodiments, the first vertical edge 37a and the second vertical edge 37b have the same height. In other embodiments, the first vertical edge 37a and the second vertical edge 37b have different heights. In any embodiment, the height 36 of the reinforcing panel 32 is determined by the longer of the two vertical edges. The reinforcing panel height 36 may have a vertical height that is 5% to 10% of the total partition sleeve height. The height 36 of the reinforcing panel 32 can be in the range of 5% to 6%, 6% to 7%, 7% to 8%, 8% to 9%, or 9% to 10% of the partition sleeve height 31, including both ends. In one embodiment, the reinforcing panel height 36 may be 6.5% of the partition sleeve height 31.

[0225] In the horizontal direction, one or more reinforcing panels 32 can extend all or partially around a given side surface of the partition sleeve 30. Each reinforcing panel 32 may have a total length 38 determined by the length of the first horizontal edge 39a or the second horizontal edge 39b. In some embodiments, the first horizontal edge 39a and the second horizontal edge 39b may have the same length. In other embodiments, the first horizontal edge 39a and the second horizontal edge 39b may have different lengths. In any embodiment, the total length of the reinforcing panel 32 is determined by the longer of the two horizontal edges. The reinforcing panel 32 may have a total length that is 50% to 100% of the length of the side surface of the partition sleeve to which it is attached. For example, the total length 38 of the reinforcing panel 32 can be in the range of 50% to 60%, 60% to 70%, 70% to 80%, 80% to 90%, or 90% to 100% of the length of the side of the partition sleeve to which it is attached, including both ends. The total length of the reinforcing panel can be in the range of 5cm to 25cm, including both ends. The total length of the reinforcing panel can be between 5cm and 10cm, between 10cm and 15cm, between 15cm and 20cm, or between 20cm and 25cm. For example, the total length of the reinforcing panel can be 5cm, 10cm, 15cm, 20cm, or 25cm.

[0226] Panel 32 can have a flat, wavy, arched, or other suitable configuration. As shown in FIG. 47, in some embodiments, the panel can be flat. In other embodiments, the panel can have a wave configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 48-49. In some embodiments, the panel can define a ribbed, corrugated, or non-flat structure. For example, a reinforced panel 32 with ribs or corrugations is advantageous because the ribs or corrugations provide greater rigidity to the reinforced panel 32 than a flat panel configuration. A reinforced panel configuration with greater rigidity is desirable because the configuration has resistance to crushing and, as a result, also prevents crushing of the partition sleeve 30 or the flat 20.

[0227] The material of the one or more reinforced panels 32 is preferably thin, relatively tough, and capable of being stitched in place. For example, the one or more reinforced panels 32 can include a polyethylene (PE) board, a glass fiber composite sheet, a carbon fiber composite sheet, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the one or more reinforced panels 32 consist of a PE board. The yield tensile strength of the material of the reinforced panel 32 is preferably within the range of 11 MPa to 43 MPa including both ends. The yield tensile strength of the material of the reinforced panel 32 can be between 11 MPa and 19 MPa, 19 MPa and 27 MPa, 27 MPa and 35 MPa, or 35 MPa and 43 MPa.

[0228] In one embodiment, the reinforcement panel 32 is attached to the outside 35 of the partition sleeve using a partition material, and the partition material is stitched above or below the entire length of the panel 38 and acts as an exterior for holding each panel 32 in place. The partition sleeve material can completely or partially surround the reinforcement panel 32 to hold the reinforcement panel 32 in place. For example, the golf bag 10 can include four reinforcement panels 32 stitched to the outside 35 of the partition sleeve material as described. The four reinforcement panels 32 are stitched onto each side of the partition sleeve 30 and can wrap around the partition sleeve 30 and form a pseudo-rectangular shape. Although the panel attachment configuration wraps horizontally around the partition sleeve, each panel 32 is present upright or vertically for the purpose of extending the length of the reinforcement provided on the partition sleeve 30 and for being smoothly present across the partition sleeve surface 35.

[0229] In an alternative embodiment, one or more reinforcing panels 32 can be attached to the interior 21 of the golf bag flat rather than to the divider sleeve 30. The reinforcing panels 32 can be attached to the interior 21 of the flat to prevent the flat 20 from sinking inward during use of the bag, causing the club shafts 6 to shift inward and become entangled. In one embodiment, the reinforcing panel 32 can be attached to the bag flat 20 near the middle of the bag, where sinking is most likely to occur. The panel 32 can be attached to the interior 21 of the flat in a manner similar to the means by which the panel 32 can be attached to the divider sleeve 30. These attachment means include clips 34, stitching, adhesive, or other suitable means. In one example, the reinforcing panel 32 is attached to the interior 21 of the golf bag flat near the middle of the flat 20 via clips 34 that connect the panel 32 to the fabric 21 of the flat. In this example, the first clip 34 attaches the first vertical edge 37a of the reinforcing panel in a flat manner, while the second clip 34 attaches the second vertical edge 37b of the reinforcing panel in a flat manner 20.

[0230] In some embodiments, the reinforcing panel 32 may further include clips 34 disposed on the first vertical edge 37a and the second vertical edge 37b of the panel 32. The clips 34 can connect the reinforcing panel 32 to the partition sleeve 30, either to each other or alternatively, to the interior 21 of the bag flat. As shown in the cross-section of the flat 20, the reinforcing panel 32 may further include complementary clips 34 at the same height as the reinforcing panel 32 within the bag. The clips 34 of the reinforcing panel 32 can connect to complementary clips of the flat 20 at each corner to secure their position within the bag 10 and to further reinforce the partition sleeve 20 from crushing. The clips 34 can function as attachment features and can be configured to maintain tension in the reinforcing panel 32.

[0231] Because the base usable area 640 indicates the area in which the grip 8 can be positioned, a larger base usable area corresponds to more available space for the grip 8. A smaller base usable area corresponds to less space for the grip 8. A smaller base usable area 640 results in more club entanglement because the grip 8 is forced to be packed more densely. The intermediate usable area 644 illustrates the space available for housing the golf club shaft 6.

[0232] The intermediate usable area 644 may be reduced by sagging of the flat fabric caused by overstuffing of pockets, lifting the bag and positioning it sideways, tightening the cart straps around the bag, or other movements that press the flat inward. The partition sleeve structure 30 described above can help reduce the narrowing of the intermediate usable area 644.

[0233] [X. Hip pads, rain hood pocket ] In some embodiments, the golf bag 10 may further include a rain hood pocket panel 23. Overstuffing of the rain hood pocket 22f, pressure from carrying, or other forces may cause the rain hood pocket 22f to partially collapse into the hollow interior of the bag 10. When the rain hood pocket 22f collapses into the hollow interior of the bag 10, it may not only press against clubs already inside the bag 10 but also interfere with the placement of the clubs 4 into the cylindrical body, causing the clubs 4 to become entangled. The rain hood pocket panel 23 may be located between the rain hood pocket 22f and the hollow interior of the golf bag 10 to prevent the rain hood pocket 22f from collapsing inward and reducing the usable bag area 644.

[0234] The rain hood pocket panel 23 may have a shape similar to that of the rain hood pocket 22f. Alternatively, the rain hood pocket panel 23 may have a smaller shape than that of the rain hood pocket 22f.

[0235] In many embodiments, the rain hood pocket panel 23 can be attached inside the rain hood pocket 22f or inside the flat 21 on the second side surface 18 of the bag 10. The rain hood pocket panel 23 can be attached by sewing, adhesive, Velcro®, or other preferred means. In another embodiment, the rain hood pocket 22f may further include a sleeve (not shown) configured to receive the rain hood pocket panel 23. For example, the interior of the rain hood pocket 22f may have a sleeve formed by an additional sheet of fabric between the bag flat 20 and the interior space of the rain hood pocket 22f. The rain hood pocket panel 23 can slide into this sleeve and be flat between the rain hood pocket 22f and the bag body 10.

[0236] The rain hood pocket panel 23 may include a material that has similar characteristics to the reinforcing panel 32, but is preferably stronger. The material of the rain hood pocket panel 23 is preferably thin and tough. For example, the rain hood pocket panel 23 may include polyethylene polypropylene, glass fiber composite sheet, carbon fiber composite sheet, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the rain hood pocket panel 23 is made of polypropylene. The yield tensile strength of the material of the rain hood pocket panel can be in the range of 30 MPa to 45 MPa, including both ends. For example, the yield tensile strength of the material of the rain hood pocket panel can be between 30 MPa and 35 MPa, between 35 MPa and 40 MPa, between 40 MPa and 45 MPa, or between 45 MPa and 50 MPa.

[0237] In a bag lacking the rain hood pocket panel 23, the rain hood pocket 22f, or any other various items within the rain hood pocket, may press against the flat 20 of the golf bag 10. This results in the flat 20 sinking into the hollow interior of the bag 10, reducing the intermediate usable area 644. This reduction in intermediate usable area 644 may cause club shafts within the bag to press against each other due to the reduced space, leading to club entanglement and making it difficult to position clubs or remove them from the bag 10. The rain hood pocket panel 23 prevents the rain hood pocket 22f, or any various items within its area, from pressing against the flat, thus maintaining a larger intermediate usable area 644 than any golf bag lacking such entanglement-preventing features.

[0238] [XI. method ] The flats of a golf bag contain durable fabric. During the manufacturing of a golf bag, various panels of the flats are cut from a sheet of fabric. Cutting large panels or pattern pieces from a sheet of fabric can result in unusable and wasted fabric. By designing flat patterns using smaller panels, such as upper and lower panels, these panels can be cut more efficiently from the sheet, resulting in less fabric waste. Therefore, the golf bag design described above not only has improved functionality that surpasses prior art, but also reduces waste and lowers manufacturing costs.

[0239] [XII. Examples ] [ Example 1 ] Cases in which a golf club exhibited resistance when removed from an exemplary golf bag after use were compared to cases in which a golf club exhibited resistance when removed from a standard golf bag after use. The exemplary golf bag in this embodiment had a crash zone design similar to the crash zone 100 and a base ring 74. The standard golf bag in this embodiment lacked any crash zones or anti-entanglement features as described herein. The remaining structure and dimensions of the standard and exemplary golf bags were the same throughout the two bags.

[0240] With the bags in their deployed position, each bag was filled with a full set of 14 clubs, ensuring all clubs were placed in the top compartment pockets. Next, the bags were moved to an upright position, and the bags were carried 20 feet by the straps. Then, the bags were placed back into their deployed positions, and each club was removed, with a record of whether or not the club resisted removal from each bag. In this case, the resistance can be identified as club entanglement, and it is recognized that the direct cause of the resistance to club removal was club entanglement.

[0241] A standard golf bag lacking any crash zone features exhibited greater club resistance when removed from the bag. Of the 14 clubs tested from a standard bag, 8 clubs resisted removal after use. An exemplary golf bag with a crash zone of 100 exhibited less club resistance when removed from the bag. Of the 14 clubs tested from an exemplary example bag, 5 clubs resisted removal after use. This illustrates that the standard bag resulted in 21.43% more club entanglement than the exemplary golf bag. This improvement in preventing golf club entanglement was attributed to an increased usable base area.

[0242] Specifically, computer analysis revealed that the usable base area of ​​a standard bag is 42 in when deployed. 2 It became clear that the base usable area of ​​the exemplary embodiment bag was 49 in in the unfolded position. 2 This additional base area indicates that the amount of club resistance during removal is reduced. Furthermore, the base ring contributed to an improvement of over 21% in preventing club entanglement. [Table 1]

[0243] As shown in Table 1, the use of a standard bag resulted in a greater amount of resistance when removing clubs. As discussed in detail above, club entanglement can result in difficulty or resistance when attempting to remove clubs. The standard bag reflects that club entanglement occurred more frequently because the clubs exhibited a higher level of resistance in the standard bag. Conversely, the exemplary embodiment bag reflects that club entanglement occurred less frequently because the clubs in the exemplary embodiment bag exhibited a lower level of resistance when removing them. This indicates that club entanglement can be reduced by introducing a crash zone 100 or similar entanglement suppression feature.

[0244] [ Example 2 ] In an exemplary golf bag, the area where the grip hit during handling of the bag was compared to the area where the grip hit for a standard golf bag. The exemplary bag in this example had a base with partition rib features as described above. The standard bag in this example lacked any such entanglement suppression features. Many of the structures and dimensions of the other features of these golf bags were the same throughout between these two bags. Six regions were identified by the rib arrangement of the base within the exemplary golf bag. In each bag, 14 golf clubs were arranged so that the grip was stationary in any region of the base. FIG. 50A illustrates the starting position of the grip in a standard bag, while FIG. 51A illustrates the starting position of the grip in an exemplary embodiment bag. Each grip end was coated with paint to track the shift or movement of the grip within the bag. Next, to simulate use during play, both golf bags were lifted and carried a short distance, deployed, and lifted again about 10 times. Next, the base was removed from the bag and the paint tracks were examined to determine the amount of grip shift that occurred during use of the bag.

[0245] As shown in FIGS. 50B - 50F and FIGS. 51B - 51F, the base of the standard golf bag showed a greater amount of grip progression along the base, as indicated by the remaining paint. The area of the paint outside the starting region was calculated for each of the regions. Specifically, the area of the paint that had moved beyond the starting points of the left rear region, right rear region, left central region, right central region, left front region, and right front region was calculated for each bag. FIGS. 50A - 50F depict the amount of grip progression that occurred outside the starting positions of each group of clubs in a standard bag. FIGS. 51A - 51F depict the amount of grip progression that occurred outside the starting positions of each group of clubs in an exemplary embodiment bag.

[0246] As described above, the starting area of ​​the club grips was identified by the arrangement of ribs within the base of an exemplary golf bag. Based on the starting position of the grips within the six base areas, six groups were defined. These groups were determined as follows: the first grip group 661 started in the left rear area 651, the second grip group 662 started in the right rear area 652, the third grip group 663 started in the left center area 653, the fourth grip group 664 started in the right center area 654, the fifth grip group 665 started in the left front area 655, and the sixth grip group 666 started in the right front area 656. The figure also shows the starting areas of the grip groups and the area coverage after the bag has moved.

[0247] The left rear region 651 and the right rear region 652 were analyzed as a single region in both bag analyses. It was assumed that the grip progressed laterally between both of these regions, but such progress is not included in the following figures or analyses. In a standard bag, the area of ​​the first grip reachable area 661 and the second grip reachable area 662, outside the left rear starting region 651 and the right rear starting region 652, is 1.86 in. 2 On the other hand, in the example bag, the area of ​​the first grip reachable area and the second grip reachable area outside the left rear starting area 651 and the right rear starting area 652 is 0.0 in. 2 That was the case.

[0248] In a standard bag, the area of ​​the third grip reachable area 663, outside the left central starting area 653, is 10.04 in. 2 On the other hand, in the exemplary embodiment bag, the area of ​​the third grip reachable area 663 outside the left central starting area 653 is 1.29 in. 2 In a standard bag, the area of ​​the fourth grip reachable area 664, outside the right central starting area 654, was 10.04 in. 2 On the other hand, in the exemplary embodiment bag, the area of ​​the fourth grip reachable area 664 outside the right central starting area 654 is 1.29 in.2 That was the case.

[0249] In a standard bag, the area of ​​the fifth grip reachable area 665 outside the left front starting area 655 is 8.69 in. 2 On the other hand, in the exemplary embodiment bag, the area of ​​the fifth grip reachable area 665 outside the left front starting area 655 is 3.65 in. 2 In a standard bag, the area of ​​the sixth grip reachable area 666, outside the right front starting area 656, was 5.96 in. 2 On the other hand, in the exemplary embodiment bag, the area of ​​the sixth grip reachable area 666 outside the right front starting area 656 is 0.0 in. 2 That was the case.

[0250] These values ​​were taken for the total base area, and Table 2 shows below the percentage of the total base area occupied by paint outside the starting area. As shown, the area of ​​the grips that came into contact with the exemplary golf bag during handling was compared to the area of ​​the grips that came into contact with a standard golf bag. The exemplary golf bag in this embodiment had a base with divider ribs. The standard bag in this embodiment had a base without any such divider ribs. Six areas were identified by the arrangement of the ribs in the base of the exemplary golf bag. Fourteen golf clubs were placed in each bag so that the grips remained stationary in each base area. Figure 50A illustrates the starting position of the grips in a standard bag, while Figure 51A illustrates the starting position of the grips in the exemplary embodiment bag. Each grip end was coated with paint to track the shift or movement of the grips within the bag. Next, to simulate use during play, both golf bags were lifted, carried a short distance, unfolded, and lifted again approximately 10 times. Next, the base was removed from the bag, and the paint trail was examined to determine the amount of grip shift that occurred during the bag's use. [Table 2]

[0251] As mentioned earlier, in the example golf bag, the area defined by the divider ribs can be aligned with the club pocket at the top of the divider. This allows the golf clubs to extend parallel to the flat surface through the bag body. By reducing the movement of the grips from their respective areas, their parallel configuration is better maintained, and club entanglement is reduced.

[0252] As the rules of golf may change over time (for example, new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be excluded or modified by the Golf Standardization Organization and / or governing body), the methods, apparatus, and / or golf equipment related to the products described herein may be compliant or non-compliant with the rules of golf at any particular point in time. Therefore, the methods, apparatus, and / or golf equipment related to the products described herein may be advertised, sold, and / or marketed as compliant or non-compliant golf equipment. The methods, apparatus, and / or products described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0253] Although a specific sequence of actions has been described above, these actions may be performed in other chronological orders. For example, two or more of the actions described above may be performed sequentially, in parallel, or simultaneously. Alternatively, two or more actions may be performed in reverse order. Furthermore, one or more of the actions described above may be omitted entirely. The apparatus, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0254] Having described this invention in various aspects, it will be understood that this invention is subject to further modification. This application generally adheres to the principles of this invention and is intended to cover all modifications, uses, or adaptations of this invention, including deviations from this disclosure that fall within the scope of known and customary practices within the art to which this invention belongs.

[0255] The replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reproduction, not repair. In addition, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described in particular embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems, as well as any one or more elements that may produce or make more prominent any benefits, advantages, or solutions, should not be construed as essential, required, or indispensable features or elements of any or all of the claims.

[0256] As the rules of golf may change over time (for example, new regulations may be adopted, or old rules may be eliminated or modified, by golf standardization bodies and / or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A)), the equipment, methods, and products described herein may be compliant or non-compliant with the rules of golf at any given time. Therefore, the equipment, methods, and products described herein may be advertised, sold, and / or marketed as compliant or non-compliant golf equipment. The equipment, methods, and products described herein are not limited to this.

[0257] Although the above example may be described in relation to an iron-type golf club, the apparatus, methods, and products described herein may be applicable to other types of golf clubs, such as fairway wood-type golf clubs, hybrid-type golf clubs, iron-type golf clubs, wedge-type golf clubs, or putter-type golf clubs. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and products described herein may be applicable to other types of sporting goods, such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing rods, ski poles, etc.

[0258] Furthermore, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not transferable to the public under the doctrine of dedication if (1) such embodiments and / or limitations are not expressly claimed in the claims, and (2) such embodiments and / or limitations are equivalent or potential equivalents of express elements and / or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0259] The various features and advantages of this disclosure are set forth in the following claims. [Clause] Clause 1: A golf bag comprising a front, back, first side, and second side, a partition top with leg connecting brackets, a base with a bottom panel and receiving wall, a flat with a crash zone extending over the front, first side, and second side of the golf bag adjacent to the base, a stay with a stay top end, a stay bottom end, a top hinge, and a bottom hinge, and a stand assembly, wherein the stand assembly comprises a first leg and a second leg, and the first The leg has a first upper end and a first lower end, the second leg has a second upper end and a second lower end, the stand assembly further comprises a first leg end cap and a second leg end cap, the first leg end cap is configured to attach to the first upper end, the second leg end cap is configured to attach to the second upper end, the stand assembly further comprises a spring and two spring brackets, the spring brackets are located on the two legs The spring is configured to connect to the two legs at a point between the upper end and the lower end, the top and base of the partition are attached to both ends of the flat to form a hollow interior for receiving a golf club, the top end of the stay is flexibly attached to the top of the partition by the top hinge, the bottom end of the stay is flexibly attached to the base by the bottom hinge, and the leg end caps of the stand assembly are swivelably attached to the leg connecting brackets of the top of the partition. The spring of the stand assembly is attached to the base, and the golf bag can be positioned in an upright position or an unfolded position, in the upright position the legs of the stand assembly are retracted and coplane with the flat, in the unfolded position the stand assembly is unfolded with the legs extended away from the flat, the crush zone of the flat comprises an upper gusset and a lower gusset connected by a fold joint, and the upper gusset and the lower gusset areA golf bag configured to fold so that the seam moves outward when the crash zone is compressed, and the crash zone is compressed when the golf bag is in the unfolded position. Clause 2: The golf bag of Clause 1, further comprising a base ring, the base ring being configured to act as a barrier between the crash zone of the bag and the hollow interior. Clause 3: The golf bag according to Clause 2, wherein the base ring has a certain height, and the height varies along the outer circumference of the base ring. Clause 4: The golf bag of Clause 2, wherein the base further comprises partition ribs. Clause 5: The golf bag according to Clause 4, wherein the golf bag further comprises a divider sleeve. Clause 6: The golf bag according to Clause 5, wherein the partition sleeve further comprises one or more reinforcing panels. Clause 7: The golf bag of Clause 6, wherein the golf bag further comprises a rain hood pocket panel. Clause 8: The golf bag of Clause 1, further comprising a ground surface, a pivot point defined by the bottom hinge of the stay, and a pivot reference plane parallel to the ground surface and coinciding with the pivot point, wherein, in a side view, the golf bag bends about the pivot point when transitioning between the upright position and the unfolded position. Clause 9: The golf bag of Clause 1, wherein when the bag is in the upright position, the stay is oriented perpendicular to the top of the divider and the base, and when the base is in the deployed position, the stay is oriented at a first non-perpendicular angle with respect to the top of the divider and at a second non-perpendicular angle with respect to the base. Clause 10: The golf bag of Clause 1, wherein the stand assembly can be positioned in the leg-extended position or the leg-retracted position, and when the golf bag is in the upright position, the stand assembly is in the leg-retracted position, and when the golf bag is in the unfolded position, the stand assembly is in the leg-extended position. Clause 11: The golf bag of Clause 1, wherein the entire crash zone is positioned between 0.5 inches and 12 inches above the ground surface. Clause 12: The golf bag according to Clause 1, wherein, when the crash zone is viewed from a side view, the crash zone defines a convex leading edge. Clause 13: The golf bag of Clause 9, wherein the leading edge of the convex shape has an outermost point, the crash zone has a raised point defined by the outermost point of the leading edge of the convex shape, the raised point defines a horizontal raised distance parallel to the ground surface and defined by the distance between the front of the base and the raised point, and the horizontal raised distance increases when the golf bag is in the deployed position. Clause 14: The golf bag of Clause 10, further having an elongated surface, the elongated surface elongating between the top and bottom edges of the crash zone, and being parallel to the crash zone when the golf bag is in an upright configuration, the elongation distance being measured perpendicular to the elongated surface between the ridge and the elongated surface, and the elongation distance in the unfolded configuration being greater than the elongation distance in the upright configuration. Clause 15: The golf bag according to Clause 1, wherein the partition sleeve further comprises one or more reinforcing panels, the reinforcing panels comprising a material stronger than the material of the rest of the partition sleeve. Clause 16: A golf bag comprising a front, back, first side, and second side, a partition top with leg connecting brackets, a base with a bottom panel and receiving wall, a flat with a crash zone extending over the front, first side, and second side of the golf bag adjacent to the base, a stay with a stay top end, a stay bottom end, a top hinge, and a bottom hinge, and a stand assembly, wherein the stand assembly comprises a first leg and a second leg, and the first leg is The stand assembly further comprises a first leg end cap and a second leg end cap, the first leg end cap being configured to attach to the first leg end, the second leg end cap being configured to attach to the second leg end, and the stand assembly further comprises a spring and a connection between the two legs at a point between the upper and lower ends of the two legs. The stand assembly comprises two spring brackets configured such that the top and base of the partition are attached to both ends of the flat to form a hollow interior for receiving a golf club, the top end of the stay is flexibly attached to the top of the partition by the top hinge, the bottom end of the stay is flexibly attached to the base by the bottom hinge, the leg end cap of the stand assembly is swivelably attached to the leg connecting bracket of the top of the partition, and the spring of the stand assembly is attached to the base A golf bag having a stand that allows the golf bag to be positioned in an upright position or an unfolded position, wherein in the upright position the legs of the stand assembly are retracted and coplane with the flat, and in the unfolded position the stand assembly is unfolded with the legs extended away from the flat, and the crash zone of the flat comprises a central panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, and the crash zone is compressed when the golf bag is in the unfolded position. Clause 17: The golf bag according to Clause 16, wherein each of the first side panel and the second side panel has a curved joint, and the curved joint of the first side panel and the curved joint of the second side panel have similar radii of curvature. Clause 18: The golf bag according to Clause 16, wherein both the first side panel and the second side panel have a triangular shape, and the center panel has a rectangular shape. Clause 19: The golf bag of Clause 16, wherein the center panel has a first edge and a second edge, the first side panel has a first side edge, the second side panel has a second side edge, the first edge of the center panel is attached to the first side edge of the first side panel, and the second edge of the center panel is attached to the second side edge of the second side panel. Clause 20: The golf bag of Clause 19, wherein the first edge, the second edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge have the same radius of curvature. Clause 21: A golf bag according to Clause 16, wherein, when viewed from a side view, the crash zone has a convex leading edge. Clause 22: The golf bag of Clause 16, further comprising a base ring, the base ring configured to act as a barrier between the crash zone of the bag and the hollow interior of the bag. Clause 23: The golf bag according to Clause 22, wherein the base ring has a certain height, and the height varies along the outer circumference of the base ring. Clause 24: The golf bag of Clause 16, wherein the base further comprises a partition rib. Clause 25: The golf bag in Clause 16, wherein the golf bag further includes a divider sleeve. Clause 26: The golf bag of Clause 16, wherein the partition sleeve further comprises one or more reinforcing panels. Clause 27: The golf bag in Clause 16, which further includes a rain hood pocket panel. Clause 28: The golf bag of Clause 16, further comprising a ground surface, a pivot point defined by the bottom hinge of the stay, and a pivot reference plane parallel to the ground surface and coinciding with the pivot point, wherein, in a side view, the golf bag bends about the pivot point when transitioning between the upright position and the unfolded position. Clause 29: The golf bag of Clause 16, wherein when the bag is in the upright position, the stay is oriented perpendicular to the top and base of the divider, and when the base is in the deployed position, the stay is oriented at a first non-perpendicular angle to the top of the divider and at a second non-perpendicular angle to the base. Clause 30: The golf bag of Clause 16, wherein the stand assembly can be positioned in the leg-extended position or the leg-retracted position, and when the golf bag is in the upright position, the stand assembly is in the leg-retracted position, and when the golf bag is in the unfolded position, the stand assembly is in the leg-extended position. Clause 31: A golf bag as specified in Clause 16, wherein the entire crash zone is positioned between 0.5 and 12 inches above the ground surface. Clause 32: A golf bag according to Clause 16, wherein, when viewed from a side view, the crash zone has a convex leading edge. Clause 33: The golf bag of Clause 32, wherein the leading edge of the convex shape has an outermost point, the crash zone has a raised point defined by the outermost point of the leading edge of the convex shape, the raised point defines a horizontal raised distance parallel to the ground surface and defined by the distance between the front of the base and the raised point, and the horizontal raised distance increases when the golf bag is in the deployed position. Clause 34: The golf bag of Clause 13, further having an elongated surface, the elongated surface extending between the top and bottom edges of the crash zone, parallel to the crash zone when the golf bag is in an upright configuration, the elongation distance measured perpendicular to the elongated surface between the ridge and the elongated surface, and the elongation distance in the unfolded configuration being greater than the elongation distance in the upright configuration. Clause 35: The golf bag of Clause 16, wherein the partition sleeve further comprises one or more reinforcing panels, the reinforcing panels containing a material stronger than the material of the rest of the partition sleeve.

Claims

1. It is a golf bag, Front, back, first side, and second side, The top of the partition section is equipped with a leg connection bracket, A base comprising a bottom panel and a receiving wall, The golf bag has a flat with a crash zone that extends over the front, first side, and second side portions adjacent to the base, A stay comprising a top end, a bottom end, a top hinge, and a bottom hinge, Base ring and It includes a stand assembly, The aforementioned stand assembly It comprises a first leg and a second leg, The first leg has a first upper end and a first lower end, The second leg has a second upper end and a second lower end, The aforementioned stand assembly further, It comprises a first leg end cap and a second leg end cap, The first leg end cap is configured to be attached to the first upper end, and the second leg end cap is configured to be attached to the second upper end. The aforementioned stand assembly further, spring and, Two spring brackets, It is equipped with, The spring bracket is configured to connect the spring to the two legs at a point between the upper and lower ends of the two legs. The top and base of the partition are attached to both ends of the flat, forming a hollow interior for receiving a golf club. The top end of the stay is flexibly attached to the top of the partition by the top hinge, The bottom end of the stay is flexibly attached to the base by the bottom hinge. The leg end cap of the stand assembly is rotatably attached to the leg connecting bracket at the top of the partition portion. The spring of the stand assembly is attached to the base, The golf bag can be positioned in an upright position or an unfolded position. In the upright position, the legs of the stand assembly are retracted and on the same plane as the flat. In the aforementioned deployment position, the stand assembly is deployed with the legs extended away from the flat surface. The aforementioned flat crush zone comprises an upper gusset and a lower gusset connected by a folding joint, The upper and lower gussets are configured to fold so that the seam moves outward when the crush zone is compressed. The base ring is configured to act as a barrier between the crush zone of the bag and the hollow interior. When the golf bag is in the deployed position, the crash zone is compressed. Golf bag.

2. The golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the base ring has a certain height, and the height varies along the outer circumference of the base ring.

3. The golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the base further comprises partition ribs.

4. The golf bag according to claim 3, wherein the golf bag further comprises a partition sleeve.

5. The golf bag according to claim 4, wherein the partition sleeve further comprises one or more reinforcing panels.

6. The golf bag according to claim 5, wherein the golf bag further comprises a rain hood pocket panel.

7. The ground surface and, The pivot point defined by the bottom hinge of the stay, A pivot reference plane that is parallel to the ground surface and coincides with the pivot point, It also has the following features: From the side view, the golf bag bends around the pivot point when transitioning between the upright position and the unfolded position. The golf bag according to claim 1.

8. When the bag is in the upright position, the stay is oriented perpendicular to the top and base of the partition. When the base is in the deployed position, the stay is oriented at a first non-perpendicular angle with respect to the top of the partition and at a second non-perpendicular angle with respect to the base. The golf bag according to claim 1.

9. The stand assembly can be positioned in the leg-extended position or the leg-retracted position. When the golf bag is in the upright position, the stand assembly is in the leg-retracted position. When the golf bag is in the unfolded position, the stand assembly is in the leg-extended position. The golf bag according to claim 1.

10. The golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the entire crash zone is positioned between 0.5 inches and 12 inches above the ground surface.

11. The golf bag according to claim 1, wherein, when the crash zone is viewed from a side view, the crash zone defines a convex leading edge.

12. The aforementioned convex leading edge has its outermost point, The crash zone has a raised point defined by the outermost point of the convex leading edge, The aforementioned uplift point defines a horizontal uplift distance that is parallel to the ground surface and is defined by the distance between the front part of the base and the aforementioned uplift point. When the golf bag is in the deployed position, the horizontal elevation distance increases. A golf bag according to claim 11.

13. The golf bag according to claim 12, further having an elongated surface, the elongated surface elongates between the top edge and bottom edge of the crash zone, is parallel to the crash zone when the golf bag is in the upright position, the elongation distance is measured perpendicular to the elongated surface between the ridge and the elongated surface, and the elongation distance in the unfolded position is greater than the elongation distance in the upright position.

14. The golf bag according to claim 1, wherein the partition sleeve further comprises one or more reinforcing panels, and the reinforcing panels contain a material stronger than the material of the rest of the partition sleeve.

15. It is a golf bag, Front, back, first side, and second side, The top of the partition section is equipped with a leg connection bracket, A base comprising a bottom panel and a receiving wall, The golf bag has a flat with a crash zone that extends over the front, first side, and second side portions adjacent to the base, A stay comprising a top end, a bottom end, a top hinge, and a bottom hinge, It includes a stand assembly, The aforementioned stand assembly It comprises a first leg and a second leg, The first leg has a first upper end and a first lower end, The second leg has a second upper end and a second lower end, The aforementioned stand assembly further, It comprises a first leg end cap and a second leg end cap, The first leg end cap is configured to be attached to the first upper end, and the second leg end cap is configured to be attached to the second upper end. The aforementioned stand assembly further, spring and, Two spring brackets are configured to connect the spring to the two legs at a point between the upper and lower ends of the two legs, It is equipped with, The top and base of the partition are attached to both ends of the flat, forming a hollow interior for receiving a golf club. The top end of the stay is flexibly attached to the top of the partition by the top hinge, The bottom end of the stay is flexibly attached to the base by the bottom hinge. The leg end cap of the stand assembly is rotatably attached to the leg connecting bracket at the top of the partition portion. The spring of the stand assembly is attached to the base, The golf bag can be positioned in an upright position or an unfolded position. In the upright position, the legs of the stand assembly are retracted and on the same plane as the flat. In the aforementioned deployment position, the stand assembly is deployed with the legs extended away from the flat surface. The flat crash zone comprises a central panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. When the golf bag is in the deployed position, the crash zone is compressed. Golf bag.

16. The golf bag according to claim 15, wherein each of the first side panel and the second side panel is provided with a curved joint, and the curved joint of the first side panel and the curved joint of the second side panel have the same radius of curvature.

17. The golf bag according to claim 15, wherein both the first side panel and the second side panel have a triangular shape, and the central panel has a rectangular shape.

18. The central panel has a first edge and a second edge, The first side panel has a first side edge, The second side panel has a second side edge, The first edge of the central panel is attached to the first side edge of the first side panel, and the second edge of the central panel is attached to the second side edge of the second side panel. A golf bag according to claim 15.

19. The golf bag according to claim 15, further comprising a base ring configured to act as a barrier between the crash zone of the bag and the hollow interior, wherein the base ring has a certain height, and the height varies along the outer circumference of the base ring.

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