Golf Bag with Collapsible Pocket Assembly

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/589,312 filed on Feb. 27, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/932,610 filed on Jul. 17, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,911,673, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/900,347, filed on Sep. 13, 2019, the content of all of the above are entirely incorporated by reference.

The present disclosure relates to a golf bag. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a golf bag formed of a plurality of components that interconnect by snap fit or otherwise to simplify bag assembly by eliminating rivets, and that reduces packaging volume resulting in more efficient and cost-effective shipping. The disclosure also relates to a kit for a golf bag that allows for self-assembly of the golf bag by the recipient.

A golf bag is a specially designed bag used to transport golf clubs. There are two main classes of golf bags: carry bags and cart bags. Golf bags have certain limitations with regards to manufacturing and shipping. For example, known golf bags are typically completely assembled prior to shipment to an end user or point of sale. To account for the size of the assembled bag, a shipping package generally has a volume exceeding 2.89 cubic feet. As shipping package fees shift from a package weight based fee to a package size based fee, golf bags will be subject to additional charges due to excessive package dimensions, substantially increasing shipping costs. In addition, the threat of tariffs on assembled goods from abroad, such as China or Vietnam or South Korea, provide added pressure for a solution to golf bag manufacturing. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for reducing the package volume for shipping a golf bag and for a golf bag system to allow an end user or point of sale recipient to easily assemble the golf bag after receipt.

In addition, assembly of both types of golf bags is often performed where particular parts of the bag (inside and out) are manufactured in different factories and then assembled in a different manufacturing site. This leads to necessary increases in package size and package volume to ship each component of the golf bag and the overall assembled golf bag itself. As shipping package fees shift from package weight to package size, golf bag components, accessories, and the overall finished product will be subject to additional charges due to excessive package dimensions, and substantially increasing shipping costs. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for reducing the package volume for shipping the whole golf bag or parts of the golf bag, and for a method to easily assemble golf bags in a reduced volume shipping supply chain.

Known cart bags and carry bags have certain common components. Both bags include a base, a top having one or more dividers, at least one stay, and a generally cylindrical flat (also known as the “outer shell” or “outer housing”) having one or more storage pockets. The at least one stay interconnects the base and the top to define a sub-assembly. The sub-assembly is then connected to the cylindrical flat to define the known golf bag. During assembly of the golf bag, the cylindrical flat and the top are positioned to circumferentially overlap. A plurality of rivets is then set around the top circumference to fasten the flat and the top. Similarly, the flat and the base are also positioned to circumferentially overlap, and a plurality of rivets are then set around the base circumference to fasten the cylindrical flat and the base. This process results in a durable attachment of the golf bag components. Previously, the assembly process is complex, time intensive, and labor intensive. Golf bag components must be properly aligned, which often requires adjustment and realignment. Once aligned, each rivet must be individually set around both the top and the bottom of the bag.

The sub-assembly and the flat of known golf bags are typically fabricated at a first location, and then shipped to a second location for assembly. The sub-assembly is fabricated to define a golf bag frame with the at least one stay connected to and separating the base and the top. Similarly, the flat is fabricated into a generally cylindrical or tubular shape. After shipping to the second location, the flat is secured to the sub-assembly. After assembly at the second location, the golf bags are shipped to the consumer in their fully assembled state.

There is a need in art for a golf bag that can be assembled easily through non-manufacturing means (i.e. riveting). There is need for a golf bag that can be shipped in a kit (such as in a collapsed configuration), and require minimal assembly steps and manufacturing tools upon delivery to a vendor or assembly site. Furthermore, in order to reduce the cost of shipping, there is a need in the art for a golf bag that can be shipped to a recipient in smaller packaging than is required for a finished golf bag.

Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

Presented below is a golf bag that can be a carry or cart bag that is manufactured so that the golf bag can be assembled through mechanical means such as snap fit connections that do not require complex tooling. This snap fit assembly provides economic savings in shipping costs, production time, and enables the end user to assemble a golf bag rather than previous golf bags that required full assembly at the molding or specialized manufacturing plant. The golf bag comprises a divider top, a divider sleeve, a base, and a flat. Some embodiments of the golf bag can further comprise a stand assembly with legs and a spring. The stand assembly can be deployed to support the golf bag or retracted to allow for convenient carrying or storing of the golf bag. As stated above, the components of the golf bag can use snap fit connections to engage other components of golf bag. The snap fit connections eliminate the need for riveting, which requires skilled labor and expensive equipment. The golf bag can comprise a sub-assembly from which the golf bag is assembled. The snap fit connections further enable the golf bag to be produced as a self-assembly kit which is completed by the end-user of the golf bag. In some embodiments, certain components, such as pockets, are removable from the golf bag. The removable nature of these components allows for quick and easy customization of the golf bag.

The golf bag incorporating a sub-assembly provides advantages over previously designed golf bags. These advantage include (1) improving the golfer's experience with the golf bag by reducing bunching or gathering of the divider sleeve near the base, (2) easing golf club insertion and removal from the golf bag when the golf bag is positioning in a tripod configuration with the stand assembly deployed. In addition, the connection members provide the manufacturer with the ability to adjust the tension of the divider sleeve (and sub-assembly) during manufacturing process. Further, efficiencies and cost savings are realized during manufacture and assembly of the golf bag described herein, including the reduction of installation materials, such as rivets, and the decrease of the amount of time to connect the sub-assembly to the divider top and base, through the use of snap fit connections and self-fasteners. This results in a reduction in total assembly time and cost for a golf bag. Shipping cost and tariff avoidance are also achievable because of the pre-assembled nature of the invention as well as reduced shipping volume.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control. Preferred methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practice or testing of the present invention. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The materials, methods, and examples disclosed herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms or words that do not preclude the possibility of additional acts or structures. The singular forms “a,” “and” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The present disclosure also contemplates other embodiments “comprising,” “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” the embodiments or elements presented herein, whether explicitly set forth or not.

The modifier “about,” “approximately,” or “roughly” used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (for example, it includes at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity). The modifier “about,” “approximately,” or “roughly” should also be considered as disclosing the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints. For example, the expression “from about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.” The term “about,” “approximately,” or “roughly” may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number. For example, “about 10%” may indicate a range of 9% to 11%, and “about 1” may mean from 0.9-1.1. Other meanings of “about,” “approximately,” or “roughly” may be apparent from the context.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms “front,” “back,” “first side,” “second side,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

“Golf bag” as used herein may mean a special type of storage bag for holding or storing golf clubs. A golf bag can be used to store golf clubs long term or move and hold golf clubs during play. Some golf bags also provide a means of storing other paraphernalia, such as tees, golf balls, a range finder, ball marker, divet repair tools, golf gloves, rain gear for club and golf bag, and miscellaneous articles that a golf player may want access to on the golf course. A golf bag comprises at least a flat, one or more stays, a base, and a divider top, as defined below.

“Flat” as used herein may mean a tubular portion, outer shell, outer housing, or cover that attaches to and extends between the divider top and the base of a golf bag. The flat can be formed from leather, synthetic leather, fabric or other suitable material. The flat may include, among other features, one or more pockets and at least one carrying handle. Some embodiment of the flat further comprise one or more shoulder straps.

“Base” as used herein may mean a component that is a foundation for the golf bag. The base can support the golf clubs to prevent them from falling out of a bottom end of the flat. The base can be in contact with the ground, providing a sturdy structure that provides shape to the flat.

“Divider top” as used herein may mean a component that gives the top of the golf bag a rigid shape and comprises apertures for receiving and dividing out (or sorting) the golf clubs that are inserted into the flat.

“Short-game component” as used herein may mean a section of the divider top. The short-game component can be positioned at a front end of the divider top. The short-game component can comprise one or more putter wells and/or one or more wedge wells.

“Stay(s)” as used herein may mean one or more stiff members that provide rigidity to the flat. The one or more stays connect the base and the divider top.

There are two classes of golf bags: “carry bags” and “cart bags,” as described above. “Carry bag” as used herein may mean, as its name implies, a golf bag that is typically carried between holes by a golf player during a round of golf. The carry bag typically weighs less than the cart bag. To reduce weight, the carry bag typically is fabricated of lighter weight materials than the cart bag, and may have a smaller diameter, such as less than 9 inches. There are several types of carry bags, including a stand bag, which includes retractable legs that deploy to form a tripod and facilitate a free standing position, and a Sunday bag, which is effectively an ultra-lightweight, flexible “sleeve” that receives golf clubs, but has minimal storage capacity for golf accessories to further reduce weight.

“Cart bag” as used herein may mean a golf bag that is typically about 9 to 14 inches in diameter, includes a plurality of pockets for storing golf accessories (e.g. golf balls, rain gear, range finder, etc.), and is typically fabricated of a relatively stiff and heavy material including leather, synthetic leather, or fabric. Due to its substantial size, weight, and capacity for storing golf accessories, the cart bag is not typically carried by a golfer while playing golf. Instead, the cart bag is transported by a caddy, a motorized cart, a push cart, or a pull cart. Non-limiting examples of a cart bag include a staff bag or a tour bag.

“Snap fit connection” as used herein may mean any connection that is engaged via a pressing force and which cannot be released by an opposite pulling force of the same value. A snap fit connection can be a snap fastener, a snap fit attachment, an interference fit, a snap button, or other similar securing assembly that forms a connection or is otherwise connected by an assembler. A snap fit connection can be secured without the use of a tool.

Most snap fit connections comprise at least one flexible component. Typically, one component of the snap fit connection has a protrusion or ramp, and a second receiving component has an indentation, aperture, or housing that receives the protrusion or ramp of the first component. However, snap fit connections are not limited to this typical embodiment. Many elements of the golf bag are described with “snap fit” as an adjective, meaning that the element can be engaged with either itself or another element of the golf bag via a snap fit connection. For instance, a snap fit bracket could be a bracket that is engaged with the divider top via a snap fit connection.

“Collapse” as used herein may mean the action of folding, compacting, bending, compressing, or otherwise converting a unit to a state that takes up less volume than an original state or a deployed state of the unit. The collapsed state of the golf bag can also be called a “shipping configuration.”

“Deploy” as used herein may mean the action of unfolding, expanding, opening up, or otherwise converting a unit to a state that takes up more volume than the collapsed state of the unit. The deployed state of the golf bag can also be called the “operational configuration.”

“Recipient” as used herein may mean a user of the golf bag, a person (such as a customer) who receives the golf bag in the form it is shipped from a supplying company (as defined below), one or more persons associated with a point of sale (e.g., a golf shop, etc.), a distributor, or any other person who receives the golf bag.

“Assembler” as used herein may mean either a recipient who is required to self-assemble the golf bag or a worker at a manufacturing location who assists in the assembly process of the golf bag.

“Manufacturing site” as used herein may mean any factory, assembly plant, supplying company, manufacturing location, warehouse, workplace, or other location where assembly of the golf bag takes place before being sold, shipped, or otherwise given to the recipient.

“Supplying company” as used herein may mean the company which is selling, shipping out, or otherwise distributing the golf bag. It should be understood that the manufacturing sites, as defined above, are owned, contracted with, overseen, hired, or otherwise associated with the supplying company.

“Sub-assembly” as used herein may mean a grouping, assembly, unit, or structure of a number of components of the golf bag (for example, the base or the divider top). The sub-assembly is a partially assembled unit that can be used to complete the assembly of the golf bag. Different embodiments of the sub-assembly can comprise different components. In many embodiments, the sub-assembly is collapsible. The sub-assembly can be included in a golf bag kit, as defined below.

“Golf bag kit” as used herein may mean a collection of components or parts that can be assembled into a golf bag. The kit includes all the components necessary for completing the golf bag, with the possible exception of tools needed for assembly. The kit can comprise a golf bag that is partially assembled. In most embodiments, the kit comprises components, parts, a sub-assembly, and/or partially assembled portions of a golf bag that are collapsed into a box for shipping. In other words, the kit can comprise a golf bag in a collapsed configuration along with the necessary components to expand, deploy, and/or complete the golf bag. The volume of the box needed to hold the kit is generally less than the volume of a box that would be needed to hold the fully assembled golf bag. In some embodiments, the kit components are shipped in separate boxes, but the overall shipping volume of the components remains less than the shipping volume of the fully assembled golf bag. Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details or construction and the arrangement of components as set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It should be understood that the description of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure from covering all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Described herein is an easy to manufacture golf bag that further saves on shipping costs, without sacrificing ergonomics, durability, and a multitude of options for storing and carrying golf clubs and golf related items needed by a golfer during a round of golf. The golf bag can comprise snap fit components. The golf bag can be a carry bag or a cart bag. The carry bag comprises at least a flat including one or more straps, one stay, a base, a divider top, and a stand assembly including legs. The cart bag comprises at least a flat, two or more stays, a base, and a divider top. For ease of discussion and understanding, and for the purposes of description only, the following detailed description illustrates a golf bag as a carry bag or as a cart bag. It should be appreciated that the referenced figures are provided for purposes of illustration and aspects of the carry bagor cart bagare disclosed herein may be incorporated into a golf bag of any suitable class, type, or size. Generally, the golf bag,is of a size suitable to carry a plurality of full length golf clubs, for example, a set of golf clubs that includes a combination of one or more of a driver, a wood, a hybrid, an iron, a wedge, and/or a putter. A full length golf club is not collapsible, and has a length of approximately 32 inches to approximately 49 inches, depending on the club. Clubs designed for junior golfers can have lengths as short as approximately 27 inches.

illustrate embodiments a golf baghaving features and embodiments that resemble a carry type golf bag., and-illustrate embodiments of a golf baghaving features typically associated with a cart bag. The features disclosed for golf bagand golf bagcan be selectively implemented into either a carry bag or a cart bag as appropriate. For the purposes of the following description, golf bagsandare referenced both as generic golf bags and specifically as a carry bagand a cart bag.

illustrate a right side view, a back view, a left side view, and a front view, respectively, of an embodiment of a golf bag. Referencing, general components of a golf bag,include a base,, a divider top,, a divider sleeve,, one or more stays,, and a flat,. The golf bag,can be formed from a sub-assembly,comprising one or more of: the base,, divider top,, divider sleeve,, one or more stays,, and flat,. The divider top,attaches to the one or more stays,, the flat,, and the divider sleeve,. The base,attaches the one or more stays,, the flat,, and the divider sleeve,. The one or more stays,provide rigidity to the golf bag,, holding the base,and divider top,in a fixed position relative to each other. The roughly cylindrical flat,defines a compartment for storing the golf clubs and stretches between the divider top,and the base,. The divider sleeve,attaches to the divider top,and stretches towards the base,. The divider sleeve,is either attached to the base,or a bottom end of the flat,via connection members. The divider top,and divider sleeve,provide a means of separating the golf clubs within the golf bag,so that the golf clubs do not bunch together or catch on each other. The components of the golf bag,are described in more detail in the sections below.

a. Divider Top & Divider Sleeve

The golf bag,comprises a divider top,and divider sleeve,.illustrate a divider top,.illustrates the divider topwith the divider sleeveattached. As shown in, the divider aperturesdefine an entry to a plurality of divider sectionsof the divider sleevethat extend from the divider toptowards the base. The divider sections,respectively receive one or more golf clubs, allowing a golfer to sort or isolate certain golf clubs while the clubs are received in the golf bag,. For example, the golfer may isolate woods and/or hybrids from irons. As another example, the golfer may sort irons between a plurality of divider sections,such as lower lofted irons (e.g. 4-iron through 7-iron) being in a separate divider section,than higher lofted irons (e.g. 8-iron through wedge(s)).

The divider top,includes an outer ring,that defines a perimeter of the divider top,. The divider top,comprises one or more handles,,, which are formed with or otherwise connected to the divider top,, and extend beyond the perimeter defined by the outer ring,. Referring now to, the divider sleeve,is detached to further illustrate the divider top,. In one embodiment, at least one cross member,, extends across a portion defined by the outer ring,to define a plurality of divider apertures,. As illustrated in, a plurality of cross members,extend across portions defined by the ring, and at least one intermediate memberextends between the cross members,to define divider apertures. The cross members,and/or intermediate members,can define any suitable number of divider apertures,, including, but not limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 20 apertures.

The divider apertures,can comprise various shapes including, but not limited to, squares, rectangles, triangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, circles, and ovals. Multiple shapes of divider apertures,can be implemented into the same divider top,to create a pattern. In some embodiments, one or more divider apertures,are shaped to accommodate a specific type of club. For example, in the embodiment of, putter well apertureis designed to accommodate a putter-type club. In some embodiments, one or more apertures,can open at different heights above a bottom edge of the divider top,. Differing heights of the apertures can allow for shorter clubs to be placed in the apertures that open at a lower height and longer clubs to be placed in the apertures that open at a higher height.

The divider top,further comprises a top stay receiving channel,, which is configure to receive a top stay hinge,, and connects the stay,to the divider top,. Typically, the top stay receiving channel,is located on an interior surface of the outer ring,and positioned adjacent to a back side of the golf bag,. Some embodiments of the divider top,can also comprise one or more stay hubs for directly receiving secondary stays. These stay hubs can be located on an external surface of the outer ring,.

Some embodiments of the divider top,further comprise a flat attachment mechanism for engaging the flat,. The flat attachment mechanism for engaging the flat,can comprise attachment apertures, snap buttons, surfaces to engage self-fastening connection members of the flat, or other suitable connection means. In most embodiments, the flat attachment mechanism is integral or located on the outer ring,. In some embodiments, the flat is directly sewn or adhered to the divider top,rather than being connected via an attachment mechanism.

In some embodiments, the divider top,further comprises a divider attachment mechanism. The divider attachment mechanism can comprise attachment apertures, snap buttons, other snap fit connections, surfaces to engage self-fastening connection members of the divider sleeve,, or other suitable connection means. The connection of the divider sleeve,to the divider top,is described in further detail below.

The divider top,can be formed as one integral piece or multiple pieces joined together. In some embodiments, the divider top,comprises multiple pieces to allow for easy customization of the divider top,. The divider top,can be a modular divider top assembly, such as modular divider top assemblydescribed below. The divider top,can comprise a cover, such as coverdescribed below. Multi-piece embodiments of the divider top,can allow for color customization and/or divider aperture customization. For example, the number and/or shape of apertures,can be customized based on the recipient's desired aperture pattern. Some golfers prefer a large number of apertures,to allow sorting of each golf club into an individual aperture,. Other golfers prefer a small number of apertures,to allow easy insertion of multiple clubs into each of the larger apertures.

Referring to, a modular divider top assemblycomprising a top ringand a cross member portionis illustrated. Although the illustrated embodiment of the modular divider assemblyresembles the divider topof a carry bag, the modular divider assemblyconcept can be applied in any class, type, or design of golf bag. The divider top portions are molded such that the cross member portionfits within the top ring portion. In some embodiments, the cross member portionattaches to the divider sleeve. The modular coupling of the top ringand the cross member portionallows various embodiments of the cross member portionto be interchangeably attached to the top ring. This allows for cost-effective customization of the divider layout in a golf bag,.

As illustrated in, the top ringof the modular divider topcomprises an wall, a ledge, an interior shelf, interior supports, and a handle. Some embodiments comprise more than one handle. The wallforms a bottom portion of the top ringand extends vertically downward from the ledge. The wallcan have a height between 0.5 and 2.5 inches. The height of the wallis measured from a bottom edge of the wallto the wall's intersection with the ledge. For instance, the wall height can be 0.5, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, or 2.5 inches. The ledgeof the top ringextends outward from the walland corresponds to a ledge on the golf bagbody. The ledgehelps retain the top ringat the top of the golf bag, preventing it from slipping down into the body of the golf bag. The handleis located at a rear end of the top ring, such that when the top ringis installed on the golf bag, the handleis located at the back side of the golf bag. The interior shelfof the top ringcorresponds to a ledge of the cross member portion. The interior shelfcan circumscribe the entire interior of the top ring, or the interior shelfcan circumscribe only a portion of the top ringinterior.

In some embodiments, interior supportsextend inward from a plurality of sides of the top ring. The interior supportscan comprise side-to-side supports and/or front-to-back supports (not illustrated). The top ringcan comprise no supports or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 supports. In some embodiments, the interior supportsare ribs that extend inward and upward at an angle of between 15 and 45 degrees. The interior supportscan be 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 degrees. These ribs can comprise a length between 0 and 2 inches. The length of the ribs can be 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, or 2.0 inches. These ribs can connect to the top ring at one end of each rib, as depicted in. In other embodiments, the interior supports are beams (not illustrated) that extend either fully from one side of the top ringto an opposite side of the top ring(side-to-side supports) or fully from a front to a back of the top ring(front-to-back supports). In some embodiments, the front-to-back supports may intersect two or more of the side-to-side supports. Similarly, the side-to-side supports may intersect two or more of the front-to-back supports. The beams may take on a straight or an arcuate shape. Some embodiments, such as the one illustrated in, do not include interior supports. In some embodiments, the top ringfurther includes an internal protrusionnear the rear end of the top ring. The internal protrusioncan comprise a hub for the stayto connect to the modular divider assembly. The hub has a cavity that extends up into the internal protrusionfor receiving the stay.

As illustrated in, the cross member portionof the modular divider topcomprises a main body wall, an external ledge, a plurality of side-to-side cross members, and a plurality of front-to-back cross members. The main body wallis sized to fit within the top ring. The external ledgecircumscribes the main body walland corresponds to the interior shelfof the top ring. The interior shelfof the top ringand the external ledgeof the cross member portionprevents the cross member portionfrom sliding below the top ringand helps secure the cross member portionin place. The plurality of side-to-side cross memberscan comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, or more cross members that extend from one side of the main body wallto an opposite side of the main body wall. In some embodiments, one or more of the side-to-side cross membersintersect two or more of the front-to-back cross members. In some embodiments, one or more of the side-to-side cross membersdo not contact the main body wall. The plurality of front-to-back cross memberscan comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more cross members. In some embodiments, one or more of the front-to-back cross membersintersect two or more of the side-to-side cross members. In some embodiments, one or more of the front-to-back cross membersdo not contact the main body wallof the cross member portion.

The structural combination of the side-to-side cross membersand the front-to-back cross memberscreates 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or more openings for receiving golf clubs. In some embodiments, interchangeable cross member portionsare provided with either 4, 5, 7, or 14 openings for receiving golf clubs. As shown in, the cross members comprise a hollowed-out groove or channelthat engages the interior supportsof the top ring. In some embodiments, the cross member portionfurther includes a notchthat corresponds to the internal protrusionon the top ring. The internal protrusionand the notchalign the cross member portionwith the top ringduring assembly of the modular divider top.

The divider sleevecomprises one or more compartments that extend from the top towards the baseof the golf bag.illustrates the divider sleeveattached to the cross member portionof the modular divider top. As described with reference to, the divider sleevecan further comprise a plurality of connection members (or fasteners) at a bottom endof the divider sleeve. The plurality of connection members can comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more connection members. The connection members can comprise elastic pieces and clips, snaps, or any other suitable mechanical fastening mechanism. The connection members at the base of the divider sleeve can be secured to the base of the golf bag,or to a bottom end of the flat.