Golf bag divider accessory and method of making same

Abstract

Golf bag divider accessory and method of manufacturing same. One exemplary embodiment of the golf bag divider accessory comprises a shell mountable on an upper rim portion of a conventional golf bag. The shell defines a plurality of spaced-apart openings therethrough for receiving respective ones of a plurality of golf clubs. The golf clubs are maintained in a spaced-apart relationship while the golf clubs are received in the respective ones of the plurality of openings. This arrangement of the golf clubs provided by the shell prevents the golf clubs from impacting each other and becoming damaged. This arrangement of the golf clubs also minimizes the likelihood that the golf club shafts will become entangled while in the golf bag.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to golf bags and more particularly relates to a golf bag divider accessory for maintaining separation of golf clubs while the golf clubs are disposed in a golf bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is desirable to equip golf bags with a device for separating golf clubs in the golf bag, so that the golf clubs do not rub against each other and become damaged. Golf clubs damaged in this manner prematurely ages the golf clubs and may require replacement of the golf clubs sooner than expected. Replacement of the golf clubs sooner than expected increases the cost of playing golf because the golfer will purchase new golf clubs to replace the damaged golf clubs. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain separation of the golf clubs, so that the golf clubs do not experience such premature aging. In addition, golf clubs often become entangled while residing in the golf bag. Retrieval of an entangled golf club is inconvenient for the golfer and distracts the golfer's attention and concentration away from playing a successful round of golf. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain separation of the golf clubs, so that the golf clubs do not become entangled while in the golf bag. Also, many commercially available golf bags only provide for holding golf clubs in a random arrangement that allows shifting of the golf clubs as the golf bag is carried. Such a shifting, random arrangement of golf clubs makes it difficult for the golfer to identify a particular golf club when the golfer wants to retrieve the particular golf club from the golf bag. Having to identify a particular golf club from a random arrangement of golf clubs can be frustrating and inconvenient for the golfer. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain separation of the golf clubs, so that the golf clubs remain in a specific order or arrangement at all times. This allows the golfer to quickly identify and retrieve a particular golf club when needed.

[0003] Approaches to address the above-recited concerns are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,842,876 to Crestelli discloses an insert for a golf bag that partitions the golf bag into separate compartments. The apparatus separates the internal volume of the golf bag into at least two distinct volumetric areas. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal, cylindrical frame member having an open top end and a closed bottom. The frame member also has a cover member adapted to cover the outside surface of the frame member without covering the bottom or top ends of the frame member. When inserted into the golf bag, the frame member serves to divide the internal volume into at least two or three distinct volumetric portions or compartments. This patent also discloses a golf club wood inserted into one volumetric portion and golf club irons inserted into other volumetric portions.

[0004] However, the Cristelli patent does not appear to disclose individual compartments for retaining individual ones of the golf clubs. This patent discloses that the compartments serve to divide the internal volume into at least two or three distinct volumes. Apparently, each compartment may contain more than one golf club if the golf bag is to hold a complete compliment of golf clubs (e.g., 14 golf clubs) for playing a round of golf. Thus, this apparatus does not appear to prevent golf clubs from impacting each other during a normal round of golf, when the golfer uses a full compliment of golf clubs.

[0005] Another approach to address the above-recited concerns is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,299 to Clark, et al. The Clark, et al. patent discloses a rigid bag for golf clubs. The bag can be used for carrying the clubs from place to place in a secure manner. The bag can also be used on the golf course as a wheeled bag or cart.

[0006] According to the Clark, et al. patent, the golf bag comprises an outer, tubular shell having a closed bottom end and an open top end. A top panel closes the open upper end of the outer shell. The outer shell also has a plurality of shaft apertures therein. Also provided is releasable dome-shaped closure means for the upper end of the tubular shell. The closure means is dimensioned and shaped to cover the heads of clubs located in the tubular shell in order to protect the clubs from rain. In addition, a wheeled support is attached to the shell for wheeling the bag on a golf course and for supporting the shell in a generally upright position.

[0007] However, the Clark, et al. patent does not appear to disclose that the top panel is integrally formed with the outer shell. Also, this patent does not appear to expressly disclose that the top panel can merely rest on a rim of the tubular shell, so that the top panel can be easily mounted and dismounted from the shell. In addition, although the top panel is dome-shaped, the top panel only protects the golf clubs from rain and is not designed to support the golf clubs in a spaced-apart relationship.

[0008] Although the approaches recited hereinabove disclose golf bag dividers, the approaches recited hereinabove do not appear to disclose the invention described and claimed hereinbelow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention addresses the shortcomings of the prior art approaches mentioned hereinabove by providing a golf bag divider accessory for maintaining a plurality of golf clubs in a spaced-apart relationship and a method of manufacturing the golf bag divider accessory.

[0010] In this regard, a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a shell that is mountable on an upper rim portion of a conventional golf bag. The shell defines a plurality of spaced-apart openings therethrough for receiving respective ones of a plurality of golf clubs, such as "irons." The golf clubs are maintained in a spaced-apart relationship while the golf clubs are received in respective ones of the plurality of openings. This arrangement of the golf clubs provided by the shell prevents the golf clubs from impacting each other and becoming damaged because the golf clubs are maintained in their spaced-apart relationship at all times. Also, this arrangement of the golf clubs minimizes the likelihood that the golf clubs will become entangled after being inserted into the golf bag. In addition, this arrangement of the golf clubs maintains the golf clubs in a predetermined, organized, non-random order for allowing the golfer to quickly identify and retrieve a particular golf club to be used.

[0011] In the first embodiment of the invention, the openings are arranged in parallel rows for enhancing organization of the golf clubs. Each opening forms a vertical hole for receiving a golf club shaft through the hole. The golf club shaft extends through the hole and into the interior of the golf bag. Each opening also forms a horizontal channel in the top surface of the shell and in communication with the hole for supporting a golf club head in the channel while the golf club shaft extends through the hole and into the interior of the golf bag. These openings are configured to most appropriately accommodate golf club "irons." A plurality of apertures is also formed through the shell to receive a plurality of golf club "woods", putters and wedges. These apertures are provided to specifically accommodate golf club "woods", putters and wedges because golf club "woods", putters and wedges have a shape and length substantially different from the shape and length of golf club irons. A plurality of fasteners couple the shell to the golf bag. The fasteners may be releasable fasteners for removably coupling the shell to the golf bag. Alternatively, the fasteners may be permanent fasteners for permanently coupling the shell to the golf bag. Thus, according to the first embodiment, the shell is a separate component mountable on the top of the golf bag.

[0012] In a second embodiment, disposed in each hole formed through the shell and surrounding the golf club head is an annular cushion. The annular cushion, which may be made from a soft polymer (i.e., soft rubber), centers the golf club head in the hole for ensuring that the golf club head remains fixed and does not rattle-around and otherwise move while disposed in the hole. The snug fit of the cushion about the golf club head firmly retains the golf club head in the opening and lessens the probability that the golf club will become inadvertently dislodged from the opening where the golf club resides.

[0013] In a third embodiment, the shell is coupled to the upper rim portion of the golf bag by means of a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners may be hook-and-loop fasteners; snap fasteners; adhesive fasteners or other suitable fasteners. The hook-and-loop fasteners may be of a type commonly known as "VELCRO®" brand fasteners available from Velcro Industries B.V. located in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

[0014] In a fourth embodiment, the shell is integrally formed with a rigid, tubular golf bag as a single unit, rather than being a separate component mountable on the golf bag. This embodiment of the invention may be manufactured using an injection mold manufacturing process, if the unit is formed from a polymer. Alternatively, the unit may be manufactured from a metal blank formed into the shape of a combination golf bag and divider by a suitable stamping and welding process.

[0015] In a fifth embodiment, the shell is dome-shaped such that openings and apertures therethrough allow the golf clubs to be inclined at a predetermined angle "O" with respect to a vertical axis defined by the golfer as the golfer stands adjacent to the golf bag. The plurality of openings and apertures are shaped and sized to allow the golf clubs to be inclined at the predetermined angle after the golf clubs are inserted into their respective openings and apertures. The predetermined angle allows the golfer to more easily access a desired golf club. This is so because, when the golfer is standing adjacent to the golf bag, the golf club heads directly face the golfer and can be more easily seen and pulled from the golf bag.

[0016] A sixth embodiment of the present invention is substantially similar to the fifth embodiment of the invention, except the dome-shaped shell is integrally formed with a rigid, tubular golf bag as a single unit. This embodiment of the invention may be manufactured using an injection mold manufacturing process, if the unit is formed from a polymer. Alternatively, the unit may be manufactured from a metal blank formed into the shape of a combination golf bag and dome-shaped divider by a suitable stamping and welding process.

[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf bag divider accessory, comprising a shell mountable on a rim portion of a golf bag, the shell defining a plurality of spaced-apart openings arranged in parallel rows for receiving respective ones of a plurality of golf clubs, whereby the plurality of golf clubs are maintained in a spaced-apart relationship while the plurality of golf clubs are received in respective ones of the plurality of openings.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf bag divider accessory, comprising a shell mountable on an upper rim portion of a golf bag, the shell having a plurality of spaced-apart openings arranged in a plurality of rows for receiving respective ones of a plurality of golf clubs, each of the plurality of openings forming a hole for receiving an elongate golf club shaft therethrough and forming a channel in communication with the hole for supporting a golf club head in the channel, the golf club head being connected to a golf club shaft, whereby the plurality of golf clubs are maintained in a spaced-apart relationship while each shaft is received in the shaft's respective hole and while each golf club head is supported by the golf club head's respective channel.

[0019] According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a golf bag divider accessory comprising the steps of providing a blank suitable for use as a golf club divider material; forming the blank into a shell; punching a plurality of holes in the shell, the plurality of holes being arranged in a plurality of parallel rows; forming a plurality of channels in the shell, the plurality of channels being in communication with respective ones of the plurality of holes; and punching a plurality of apertures through the shell, each of the plurality of the apertures being sized to receive at least one predetermined golf club unable to be suitably received in any one of the plurality of holes.

[0020] A feature of the present invention is the provision of a shell mountable on an upper rim portion of a golf club bag and having openings in the shell arranged for maintaining a plurality of golf clubs in a spaced-apart relationship.

[0021] Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a centering cushion disposed in each opening formed in the shell for centering and retaining each golf club in its respective opening.

[0022] Yet another feature of the present invention is the provision of a plurality of fasteners for coupling the shell to the upper rim portion of the golf bag.

[0023] Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a shell integrally formed with the golf club bag as a single unit and having spaced-apart openings through the shell arranged for maintaining a plurality of golf clubs in a spaced-apart relationship.

[0024] Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a dome-shaped shell mountable on an upper rim portion of a golf club bag and having openings inclined at an angle through the shell for maintaining a plurality of golf clubs in a spaced-apart relationship while providing more convenient identification of and access to the golf clubs by the user.

[0025] Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of a method of manufacturing a golf bag divider accessory wherein a blank is formed into a shell, punching a plurality of openings in the shell, the openings being arranged in parallel rows, forming a plurality of channels in the shell, the plurality of channels being in communication with respective ones of the plurality of holes, and punching a plurality of apertures through the shell, the openings and apertures being sized to receive golf clubs having various shapes and sizes.

[0026] In addition to the foregoing, various other method and/or device aspects and features are set forth and described in the teachings, such as text (e.g., claims and/or detailed description) and/or drawings of the present invention.

[0027] The foregoing is a summary and thus may contain simplifications, generalizations, inclusions, and/or omissions of detail. Consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described hereinabove, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the following figures, wherein:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a first embodiment golf bag divider accessory mounted atop a conventional golf bag;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a view in elevation of the rear side of the first embodiment golf bag divider accessory mounted atop the conventional golf bag;

[0031] FIG. 2A is a view in perspective of the first embodiment golf bag divider accessory mounted atop the conventional golf bag, wherein a generally circular side wall of the golf bag divider accessory is slanted at a predetermined angle theta "O" for coupling the golf bag divider accessory to the golf bag by means of a press fit;

[0032] FIG. 2B is a view in elevation of the first embodiment golf bag divider accessory mounted atop the conventional golf bag, wherein the generally circular side wall of the golf bag divider accessory is slanted at the predetermined angle theta "O";

[0033] FIG. 3 is a view in perspective of the first embodiment golf bag divider accessory;

[0034] FIG. 4 is a view in elevation of the front side of the first embodiment golf bag divider accessory;

[0035] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the top side of the first embodiment golf bag divider accessory;

[0036] FIG. 6 is a view in elevation of the rear side of the first embodiment golf bag divider accessory;

[0037] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view in partial elevation of the first embodiment golf bag divider accessory mounted atop the conventional golf bag, this view also showing a golf club iron disposed in an opening defined by the golf bag divider accessory, the golf club iron having a golf club shaft (shown partially in phantom) extending into the interior of the golf bag;

[0038] FIG. 8 is a view in partial elevation of a second embodiment golf bag divider accessory mounted atop the conventional golf bag, this view also showing the golf club iron disposed in an opening formed in the golf bag divider accessory, the golf club iron having a golf club shaft (shown partially in phantom) extending into the interior of the golf bag, the golf club iron having a golf club head centered in the opening by means of an annular cushion;

[0039] FIG. 9 is a view in perspective of a third embodiment golf bag divider accessory mounted atop the conventional golf bag, this view also showing a plurality of first configuration fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners (shown in phantom), coupling the golf bag divider accessory to the golf club bag;

[0040] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view in partial elevation showing one of the plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners coupling the third embodiment golf bag divider accessory to the golf bag;

[0041] FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section of a portion of the third embodiment golf bag divider accessory, this view also showing one of the hook-and-loop fasteners coupling the golf bag divider accessory to the golf bag;

[0042] FIG. 12 is a view in perspective of the third embodiment golf bag divider accessory mounted on the conventional golf bag, this view also showing a plurality of second configuration fasteners, such as snap fasteners (shown in phantom), coupling the golf bag divider accessory to the golf bag;

[0043] FIG. 13 is a fragmentary view in partial elevation showing one of the plurality of snap fasteners coupling the third embodiment golf bag divider accessory to the golf bag;

[0044] FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section of a portion of the third embodiment golf bag divider accessory, this view also showing one of the plurality of snap fasteners coupling the golf bag divider accessory to the golf bag;

[0045] FIG. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section of a portion of the third embodiment golf bag divider accessory, this view also showing one of a plurality of third configuration fasteners, such as adhesive fasteners, coupling the golf bag divider accessory to the golf bag;

[0046] FIG. 16 is a view in elevation of a fourth embodiment golf bag divider accessory integrally formed with a rigid, tubular golf bag as a single unit;

[0047] FIG. 17 is a view in vertical section of the fourth embodiment golf bag divider accessory integrally formed with the rigid, tubular golf bag as a single unit;

[0048] FIG. 18 is a fragmentary view in elevation of a fifth embodiment dome-shaped golf bag divider accessory mounted atop the conventional golf bag, the dome-shaped golf bag divider accessory defining holes and apertures formed therein (size of holes and apertures exaggerated for clarity);

[0049] FIG. 19 is a view in elevation of a sixth embodiment dome-shaped golf bag divider accessory integrally formed with a rigid, tubular golf bag as a single unit; and

[0050] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an illustrative method of manufacturing the golf bag divider accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from either the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0052] In addition, the present patent specification uses formal outline headings for clarity of presentation. However, it is to be understood that the outline headings are for presentation purposes, and that different types of subject matter may be discussed throughout the application (e.g., device(s)/structure(s) may be described under process(es)/operations heading(s) and/or process(es)/operations may be discussed under structure(s)/process(es) headings; and/or descriptions of single topics may span two or more topic headings). Hence, the use of the formal outline headings is not intended to be in any way limiting.

[0053] Therefore, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a first embodiment golf bag divider accessory, generally referred to as 10, for maintaining a plurality of golf clubs 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and 20e in a spaced-apart relationship. By way of example only, golf clubs 20a and 20b are irons, golf club 20c is a putter, golf club 20d is a "wedge" and golf club 20e is a "wood" or driver. Each of golf clubs 20a/20b/20c/20d/20e includes an elongate golf club shaft 23 and a golf club head 25 attached to golf club shaft 23. Although only four golf clubs are shown, it should be appreciated that golf bag divider accessory 10 (hereinafter "divider accessory 10") is configured to hold a full complement of golf clubs (i.e., 14 golf clubs) for use by adults and teenagers. Alternatively, divider accessory 10 may be configured to hold a fewer number of golf clubs, such as in the case of a toy or junior golf club set and golf club bag properly sized for children. Golf clubs 20a/20b/20c/20d/20e form no part of the present invention.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 2A and 2B, divider accessory 10 is shown mounted atop a generally circular upper rim portion 30 of a conventional golf bag 40. In this regard, an uppermost interior surface 45 of divider accessory 10 rests on upper rim portion 30 and has a generally circular side wall 47 encircling upper rim portion 30. Alternatively, side wall 47 of divider accessory 10 may be slanted at a predetermined angle theta "O" with respect to a vertical axis 49 for coupling divider accessory 10 to golf bag 40 by means of a press fit (see FIG. 2A). This configuration of divider accessory 10 allows divider accessory 10 to adjust to the diameter of rim portion 30 of golf bag 40. By way of example only and not by way of limitation, angle theta "O" may be approximately 5° or other suitable angle. It will be appreciated that maintaining golf clubs 20a/20b/20c/20d/20e in the spaced-apart relationship prevents golf clubs 20a/20b/20c/20d/20e from impacting each other and becoming damaged; minimizes the likelihood that golf clubs 20a/20b/20c/20d/20e will become entangled after being inserted into golf bag 40; and maintains golf clubs 20a/20b/20c/20d/20e in an organized, predetermined, and non-random order for quickly identifying and retrieving a specific golf club.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, golf bag 40 is a commercially available golf bag and comprises a central body 50. Attached to an exterior of central body 50 is an open pocket or open first compartment 60 for stowing golfing incidentals, such as golf balls, golf tees, coins to use as ball markers, score cards and pens or pencils. Other compartments, such as a second compartment 70, a third compartment 80 and a fourth compartment 90 are also attached to the exterior of central body 50 for stowing other items, such as medications, a hat, sweater, rain gear, golf gloves, sunscreen, water bottle and other personal items. Compartments 70/80/90 may be openable and closeable by means of a first zipper 100, a second zipper 110 and a third zipper 120, respectively. Also attached to central body 50 is a flexible carrying strap 130, which may be removably secured to central body 50 by means of a plurality of suitable anchors or clamps 135a and 135b (see FIG. 2). Length of strap 130 is adjustable by means of a conventional, adjustable buckle 132 engaging strap 130. A lowermost bottom mold or support 140 is attached to a closed bottom end 145 of central body 50 for supporting central body 50 in an upright position. Central body 50 is desirably manufactured from a synthetic fabric material, such as polyester, nylon or other synthetic polymer for weight reduction and increased strength. Carrying strap 130 may be manufactured from a woven cloth fabric, leather or other naturally occurring material. Alternatively, carrying strap 130 may be made of flexible nylon or other synthetic material. Support 140 may be made from a high-impact polymer (e.g., polypropylene plastic) to resist damage thereto, if central body 50 is repeatedly dropped to a surface 147, such as a golf green, during a typical round of golf.

[0056] With reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, divider accessory 10 is generally shaped in the form of a cylindrical, hollow shell 150 having a top surface 160 and previously mentioned circular side wall 47, as shown. Alternatively, divider accessory 10 may be in the shape of an oval (in transverse cross-section), hollow shell for snugly fitting circular rim portion 30 of golf bag 40, if desired. Formed in top surface 160 are a plurality of openings 170 configured for maintaining the plurality of golf club irons 20a and 20b in the previously mentioned spaced-apart relationship. Also formed in top surface 160 is a plurality of oppositely disposed apertures, such as a first aperture 180a and a second aperture 180b, for reasons provided momentarily. Shell 50 may be manufactured from a light-weight, high-strength thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting essentially of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylic and combinations thereof. Alternatively, shell 50 may be manufactured from a thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composite material, such as a polymer (e.g., epoxy, vinylester, polyester thermosetting plastic, phenol formaldehyde resin) reinforced with carbon fibers or glass fibers for weight reduction and increased strength. As yet another alternative, shell 50 may be manufactured from a metal (e.g., aluminum), or optionally, a metal alloy (aluminum alloyed with copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon, and/or zinc) for weight reduction, increased strength and corrosion resistance.

[0057] Referring again to FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, each opening 170 is defined by a vertically-oriented hole 190 formed vertically through shell 50 for receiving previously mentioned golf club shaft 23. In this manner, golf club shaft 23 extends into the interior of central body 50 of golf bag 40 (see FIG. 7) as golf club shaft 23 is received through hole 190. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, each opening 170 is also defined by a horizontally-oriented groove or channel 200 formed in top surface 160 of shell 150. Channel 200 is in communication with hole 190 for receiving previously mentioned golf club head 25, which golf club head 25 is thereby supported in channel 200. In this manner, golf club head 25 is always visible by and accessible to the golfer, so that the golfer can easily identify and quickly retrieve the desired golf club from divider accessory 10. Moreover, openings 170 are arranged in substantially parallel rows, such as two parallel rows, for providing enhanced organization of golf clubs irons 20a/20b, while golf clubs irons 20a reside in their respective openings 170. As disclosed more fully hereinbelow, golf club "woods", putters and wedges reside in apertures 180a/180b that are specially configured to receive the golf club "woods", putters and wedges 20c/20d/20e. The golf club "woods", putters and wedges reside in apertures 180a/180b, rather than in openings 170, because golf club "woods", putters and wedges 20c/20d/20e have a club head shape and shaft length different from golf club irons 20a/20b. In other words, golf club irons 20a/20b are most appropriately received only in openings 170, while golf club "woods", putters and wedges 20c/20d/20e are most appropriately received in apertures 180a and 180b. This configuration of shell 150 prevents golf club "woods", putters and wedges 20c/20d/20e from rubbing against golf club irons 20a/20b and thereby damaging each other.

[0058] By way of example only and not by way of limitation, FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 in combination with the TABLE provided hereinbelow, present exemplary dimensions of various aspects of shell 150. These exemplary dimensions allow shell 150 of divider accessory 10 to snugly fit around rim portion 30 of the typical commercial golf bag 40, so that divider accessory 10 will not be inadvertently dislodged and separated from rim portion 30 of golf bag 40. The TABLE hereinbelow identifies the dimension, describes the dimension and presents an exemplary value for each dimension.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE Exemplary Dimensions of Divider Accessory Shell Value Identifier Description Inches Centimeters W1 Width of shell 150 10.88 27.6 W2 Length of first aperture 180a 4.50 11.4 W3 Length of second aperture 180b 4.00 10.2 L1 Length of shell 150 11.95 30.4 L2 Width of first aperture 180a 1.5 3.8 L3 Width of second aperture 180b 2.0 5.1 H Height of shell 150 5.0 12.7

[0059] As best seen in FIG. 7, golf club iron 20a is there shown disposed in opening 170 that defines hole 190 and channel 200. In this regard, when golf club iron 20a is received in opening 170, golf club head 25 will be nestled and supported in channel 170 while golf club shaft 23 extends downwardly through hole 190 and into the interior volume of central body 50.

[0060] Turning now to FIG. 8, there is shown a second embodiment golf bag divider accessory, generally referred to as 210, for maintaining the plurality of golf clubs 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and 20e in a spaced-apart relationship. This second embodiment golf bag divider accessory 210 (hereinafter "divider accessory 210") is substantially similar to first embodiment divider accessory 10, except an annular cushion 220 lines the circular wall defining hole 190 and is affixed to the circular wall by means of a suitable adhesive, such as an ethyl cyanoacrylate acrylic polymer adhesive. Thus, cushion 220 surrounds golf club head 25. In this manner, cushion 220 centers golf club head 25 in hole 190 for ensuring that the position of golf club head 25 remains fixed and does not excessively vibrate, rattle-around and otherwise move while disposed in hole 190. The snug fit of cushion 220 about golf club head 25 lessens the probability that golf club 20a will become inadvertently ejected from opening 170 where the golf club resides. For example, golf club 20a might become inadvertently ejected from opening 170 as golf bag 40 is carried or otherwise handled during a typical round of golf, Annular cushion 220 may be made from a relatively soft polymer (e.g., soft synthetic rubber).

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, there is shown a third embodiment golf bag divider accessory, generally referred to as 230, for maintaining plurality of golf clubs 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and 20e in a spaced-apart relationship. This third embodiment golf bag divider accessory 230 (hereinafter "divider accessory 230") is substantially similar to first embodiment divider accessory 10, except a plurality of first configuration fasteners comprises a plurality of hook-and-loop fastener strips 240, such as VELCRO® brand fastener strips. Hook-and-loop fastener strips 240 are provided for releasably coupling divider accessory 230 to upper rim portion 30 of golf bag 40. Hook-and-loop fastener strips 240 are distributed around the exterior perimeter of upper rim portion 30 of central body 50 and also around an inner perimeter of shell 150. Each hook-and-loop fastener strip 240 includes a female loop portion 250a and an opposing male hook portion 250b. Male hook portion 250b is capable of intimately engaging female loop portion 250a. Moreover, female loop portion 250a includes an adhesive backing layer 260a for coupling female loop portion 250a to the exterior of upper rim portion 30 and male hook portion 250b includes an adhesive backing layer 260b for coupling male hook portion 250b to the inner perimeter of shell 150. The user of divider accessory 230 brings each male hook portion 250b into alignment with its respective female loop portion 250a and presses male hook portion 250b into engagement with its respective female loop portion 250a for releasably securing shell 150 to golf bag 40.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, there is shown previously mentioned divider accessory 230. However, a plurality of second configuration snap fasteners 270 are provided as an alternative to first configuration hook-and loop fasteners 240. Each second configuration fastener comprises a recessed female component 280a and a protruding male component 280b adapted to intimately engage female component 280a. Snap fasteners 270 are provided for releasably coupling divider accessory 230 to upper rim portion 30 of golf bag 40. Snap fasteners 270 are distributed around the exterior perimeter of upper rim portion 30 of central body 50 and also around the inner perimeter of shell 150. Moreover, female component 280a includes an adhesive backing layer 290a for coupling female component 280a to the exterior of upper rim portion 30. Similarly, male component 280b includes an adhesive backing layer 290b for coupling male component 280b to the inner perimeter of shell 150. The user of divider accessory 230 brings each male component 280b into alignment with its respective female component 280a and presses male component 280b into engagement with its respective female component 280a for releasably securing shell 150 to golf bag 40.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown previously mentioned divider accessory 230. However, a plurality of third configuration adhesive film or adhesive layer fasteners 300 are provided as an alternative to first configuration hook-and loop fasteners 240 and second configuration snap fasteners 270. Each third configuration fastener 300 comprises an adhesive layer 310 interposed between the inner perimeter of shell 150 and upper rim portion 30 of golf bag 40. Adhesive layer 310 is provided for releasably or permanently adhering divider accessory 230 to upper rim portion 30 of golf bag 40. Adhesive layers 310 are distributed around the exterior of upper rim portion of 30 and around the inner perimeter of shell 150. When it is desired to temporarily adhere shell 150 to upper rim portion 30, then adhesive layer 310 comprises a pressure-sensitive, releasable adhesive, such as a releasable acrylic polymer adhesive. Conversely, when it is desired to permanently affix shell 150 to upper rim portion 30, then adhesive layer 310 comprises a permanent adhesive, such as an epoxy adhesive.

[0064] With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, a fourth embodiment golf bag divider accessory, generally referred to as 320, is there shown for maintaining a plurality of golf clubs 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and 20e in a spaced-apart relationship. In this embodiment of golf bag divider accessory 320 (hereinafter "divider accessory 320"), a shell portion 330 is integrally formed atop a rigid, tubular golf bag 340 as a single unit, rather than being a separate component mountable on the golf bag. This embodiment of the invention may be manufactured using an injection mold manufacturing process, if the unit is formed from a polymer. Alternatively, the unit may be manufactured from a metal blank formed into the shape of a combination golf bag and divider accessory by means of a suitable stamping and welding process.

[0065] As best seen in FIG. 17, shell portion 330 of this fourth embodiment divider accessory 330 defines the previously mentioned apertures 180a/180b, holes 190 and channels 200. In this regard, shell portion 330 generally has the same contour and shape as shell 150 of first embodiment divider accessory 10. However, divider accessory 330 is integrally formed with tubular golf bag 340, whereas divider accessory 10 is a separate component mountable atop golf bag 40.

[0066] In FIG. 18, a fifth embodiment golf bag divider accessory, generally referred to as 350, is there shown for maintaining the plurality of previously mentioned golf clubs 20a/20b/20c/20d/20e in a spaced-apart relationship (only some of which are shown). In this embodiment of golf bag divider accessory 350 (hereinafter "divider accessory 350"), a dome-shaped shell 360 is mounted atop rim portion 30 of golf bag 40 and defines a plurality of spaced-apart slanted openings 362 therethrough. In this regard, dome-shaped shell 360 has a convex outer surface 363 and defines a plurality of slanted holes 365 through surface 363, slanted channels 367 formed in surface 363, and slanted apertures 369 through surface 363 for receiving respective ones of the plurality of golf clubs 20a/20b/20c/20d/20e. Openings 365 and apertures 368 allow golf clubs 20a/20b/20c/20d/20e to be inclined at a predetermined angle phi "O" with respect to a vertical axis 369. The value of angle phi "O" will depend on the positioning of openings 362 and apertures 368 in the curved surface of the dome-shaped shell 360. The plurality of openings 362 and apertures 368 are shaped and sized to allow golf clubs 20a/20b/20c/20d/20e to be inclined at the predetermined angle after the golf clubs are inserted into their respective openings 362 and apertures 368. The predetermined angle phi "O" allows the golfer to more easily access a desired golf club. This is so because, when the golfer is standing adjacent to the golf bag, at least some of the golf club heads directly face the golfer and can be more easily seen and pulled from golf bag 40. In addition, golf club shafts 23 avoid entanglement when inserted through holes 365 and apertures 368 due to a proper placement of slanted holes 365 and slanted apertures 368.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 19, there is shown a sixth embodiment golf bag divider accessory, generally referred to as 370, for maintaining the plurality of previously mentioned golf clubs 20a/20b/20c/20d/20e in a spaced-apart relationship. This embodiment of golf bag divider accessory 370 (hereinafter "divider accessory 370"), is substantially similar to fifth embodiment divider accessory 350, except dome-shaped shell 360 is integrally formed with a rigid, tubular golf bag 372 as a single unit. In addition, a refuse exit hole 373 is provided at the apex of dome-shaped shell 360 for emptying debris and refuse that may have accumulated in golf bag 372 from a golf course while playing a round of golf. The refuse might be leaves, dust, dirt particles and other extraneous matter. If desired, external pockets (not shown) may be attached, such as by a suitable adhesive, to the exterior of golf bag 373 during manufacture for stowing golf balls, golf tees, water bottles and other items. Thus, dome-shaped shell 360 is integrally formed with tubular golf bag 372 as a single unit rather than being a separate component mounted atop rim portion 30 of golf bag 40. Dome-shaped divider accessory 370 may be manufactured from a molded polymer plastic or from a metal blank that is suitably stamped and welded to form divider accessory 370.

Illustrative methods:

[0068] An illustrative method associated with an exemplary embodiment for manufacturing the golf bag divider accessory will now be described.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 20, an illustrative method, generally referred to as 375, is provided for manufacturing a golf bag divider accessory. The method starts at a step 380. At a step 390, a blank suitable for use as a golf club divider material is provided. At a step 400, the blank is formed into a shell. At a step 410, a plurality of openings are punched in the shell, the plurality of openings being arranged in a plurality of parallel rows. At a step 420, a plurality of apertures are punched through the shell, each of the plurality of the apertures being sized to receive at least one predetermined golf club unable to be suitably received in any one of the plurality of openings. The method stops at a step 430.

[0070] Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, golf bag 40 may include an elongate vertical sheath extending from the bottom of each hole 190 to near the bottom of central body 50. In this case, each elongate golf club shaft 23 will be surrounded by its respective sheath nearly the entire length of the shaft. Presence of each sheath decreases the likelihood that a shaft 23 will become entangled with a nearby shaft while the plurality of shafts 23 is disposed within the interior volume of golf bag 40.

[0071] The claims will be interpreted according to law. However, and notwithstanding the alleged or perceived ease or difficulty of interpreting any claim or portion thereof, under no circumstances may any adjustment or amendment of a claim or any portion thereof during prosecution of the application or applications leading to this patent be interpreted as having forfeited any right to any and all equivalents thereof that do not form a part of the prior art.

[0072] All of the features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0073] It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Thus, from the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for the purpose of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims and the present invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

[0074] The specific methods and compositions described herein are representative of preferred embodiments and are exemplary and not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Other objects, aspects, and embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this specification, and are encompassed within the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the claims. The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, or limitation or limitations, which is not specifically disclosed herein as essential. Thus, for example, in each instance herein, in embodiments or examples of the present invention, the terms "comprising", "including", "containing", etc. are to be read expansively and without limitation. The methods and processes illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in differing orders of steps, and that they are not necessarily restricted to the orders of steps indicated herein or in the claims.

[0075] The terms and expressions that have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intent in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude any equivalent of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, it will be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by various embodiments and/or preferred embodiments and optional features, any and all modifications and variations of the concepts herein disclosed that may be resorted to by those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0076] The invention has been described broadly and generically herein. Each of the narrower species and subgeneric groupings falling within the generic disclosure also form part of the invention. This includes the generic description of the invention with a proviso or negative limitation removing any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether or not the excised material is specifically recited herein.

[0077] It is also to be understood that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the term "X and/or Y" means "X" or "Y" or both "X" and "Y", and the letter "s" following a noun designates both the plural and singular forms of that noun. In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, it is intended and those skilled in the art will recognize, that the invention embraces and is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[0078] Other embodiments are within the following claims. The issued patent may not be interpreted to be limited to the specific examples or embodiments or methods specifically and/or expressly disclosed herein. Under no circumstances may the issued patent be interpreted to be limited by any statement made by any Examiner or any other official or employee of the Patent and Trademark Office unless such statement is specifically and without qualification or reservation expressly adopted in a responsive writing by Applicant(s).

[0079] Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.

[0080] Therefore, provided herein are a golf bag divider accessory and method of manufacturing same.

Claims

1. A golf bag system for receiving and carrying a plurality of golf clubs, the golf bag comprising: a elongated outer shell; an elongated insert for receiving and holding a plurality of golf clubs, said insert being positioned within said outer shell; and connector means for interconnecting said insert with said outer shell in a manner which permits said insert to rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to said outer shell, whereby the user of the golf bag can selectively rotate the insert so that he can easily withdraw a club from or place a club into said insert, said connector means including an annular support member included on said outer shell and an annular mounting flange included on said insert, said mounting flange cooperating with and being rotatably supported on said support member.

2. A golf bag system for receiving and carrying a plurality of golf clubs, the golf bag comprising: an elongated outer shell with a golf club access opening and a base positioned opposite said access opening: an elongated insert for receiving and holding a plurality of golf clubs, said insert having a bottom and being positioned within said outer shell; and connector means for interconnecting said insert with said outer shell in a manner which permits said insert to rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to said outer shell, whereby the user of the golf bag can selectively rotate the insert so that he can easily withdraw a club from or place a club into said insert, said connector means including means for rotatably fixing the bottom of said insert to said base and means for restraining said insert from moving laterally relative to said outer shell and from moving in a longitudinal direction into or out of said outer shell.

3. The golf club bag of claim 1 wherein said connector means includes means for restraining said insert from moving laterally relative to said outer shell.

4. The golf club bag of claim 1 wherein said connector means includes means for restraining said insert from moving in a longitudinal direction into or out of said outer shell.

5. The golf club bag of claim 1 wherein said connector means includes means for restraining said insert from moving laterally relative to said outer shell and means for restraining said insert from moving in a longitudinal direction into or out of said outer shell.

6. The golf club bag of claim 1 or 2 wherein said insert and said outer shell are both substantially cylindrical in shape and wherein the longitudinal axis of said insert and said outer shell substantially coincide.

7. The golf club bag of claim 1 or 2 wherein said insert further includes divider means forming a plurality of golf club compartments within said insert.

8. The golf bag of claim 1 wherein said connector means further includes a retaining collar for retaining said mounting flange of said insert on said support member of said outer shell and for cooperating with said mounting flange and said support member to restrain said insert from moving in a longitudinal direction into or out of said outer shell.

9. The golf bag of claim 8 wherein said annular support member further includes an annular shoulder for restraining said insert from moving laterally relative to said outer shell.

10. The golf bag of claim 1 wherein said outer shell includes a base for supporting said golf bag on a ground surface, said base having locating means for positioning the bottom of said insert and for restraining the bottom of said insert from moving laterally relative to said base.

11. The golf bag of claim 10 wherein said base locating means is a well which receives the bottom of said insert.

12. The golf bag of claim 10 wherein said base locating means includes a pin formed in one of said base and insert and a cooperating socket formed in the other of said base and insert.

13. The golf bag of claim 10 wherein said insert includes a downwardly projecting flange and wherein said base locating means includes an upright annular flange which cooperates with said downwardly projecting flange.

14. The golf bag of claim 8 where said support member and said retaining collar cooperate to form a slot which receives said mounting flange on said insert.

15. The golf bag of claim 1 or 2 wherein said insert includes a plurality of divider means extending longitudinally from the upper portion of said insert to the lower portion of said insert.

16. An insert system for converting an elongated golf club bag with a golf club access opening into a bag which can rotatably carry a plurality of golf clubs, the insert system comprising: an elongated insert for receiving and holding a plurality of golf clubs, said insert being sized to fit within the access opening of the golf club bag; and connector means for attachment to the golf bag and for interconnecting said insert with the golf bag in a manner which permits said insert to rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the golf bag, whereby the user of the converted golf bag can selectively rotate the insert so that he can easily withdraw a club from or place a club into said insert, said connector means including an annular support member for attachment to the golf bag and an annular mounting flange included on said insert, said mounting flange cooperating with and being rotatably supported on said support member.

17. An insert system for converting an elongated golf club bag with a golf club access opening, an outer shell and a base positioned opposite said access opening into a bag which can rotatably carry a plurality of golf clubs, the insert system comprising: an elongated inset for receiving and holding a plurality of golf clubs, said insert having a bottom and being sized to fit within the access opening of the golf club bag; and connector means for attachment to the golf bag and for interconnecting said insert with the golf bag in a manner which permits said insert to rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the golf bag, whereby the user of the converted golf bag can selectively rotate the insert so that he can easily withdraw a club from or place a club into said insert, said connector means including means for rotatably fixing the bottom of said insert to said base and means for restraining said insert from moving laterally relative to said outer shell and from moving in a longitudinal direction into or out of said outer shell.

18. The system of claim 16 or 17 wherein said insert and said outer shell are both substantially cylindrical in shape and wherein the longitudinal axes of said insert and said outer shell substantially coincide.

19. The system of claim 16 or 17 further comprising divider means dividing said insert into a series of compartments to accommodate the plurality of golf clubs.

20. The system of claim 1, 2, 16 or 17 further comprising means for restraining said insert from unwanted rotation relative to said outer shell.

21. The system of claim 1, 2, 16 or 17 further comprising means for selectively varying the force necessary to rotate said insert relative to said outer shell.

22. The system of claim 2 or 17 further comprising an annular support means attached to said outer shell proximate the golf club access opening for cooperating with said insert and restraining said insert from moving laterally relative to said outer shell.

23. The system of claim 2 or 17 wherein said connector means includes a mounting plate rotatably fixed to the bottom of said insert and means for fixing said mounting plate to said base.

24. The system of claim 23 wherein a bolt extends through the center of said mounting plate and the bottom of said insert and rotatably fixes said plate and said bottom together.

25. The system of claim 23 further comprising bearing means positioned between said mounting plate and the bottom of said insert.

26. The system of claim 16 wherein said connector means includes means for restraining said insert from moving laterally relative to said outer shell.

27. The system of claim 16 wherein said connector means includes means for restraining said insert from moving in a longitudinal direction into or out of said outer shell.

28. A golf bag system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

29. An insert system for a golf bag substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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