CONVERTIBLE GOLF BAGS AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

Convertible golf bag and related methods are provided herein. A convertible golf bag can include a chassis configured to receive and hold golf clubs therein and a saddle bag configured to receive and store items therein. The golf bag can also include one or more first chassis fasteners disposed on the chassis and one or more saddle bag fasteners disposed on the saddle bag. The one or more first saddle bag fasteners are arranged for selective engagement with the one or more first chassis fasteners, thereby enabling coupling and decoupling of the saddle bag and the chassis.

Claims

1. A golf bag comprising: a chassis configured to receive and hold golf clubs therein, the chassis defined by a front, two sides, and a back; a saddle bag configured to receive and store items therein, the saddle bag defined by a C-shaped rear wall positioned directly in contact with the chassis front and two sides when attached to the chassis; one or more saddle bag fasteners positioned along a top edge of the C-shaped rear wall and along side edges of the rear wall, arranged for selective engagement with one or more chassis fasteners for aligning and enabling coupling and decoupling of the saddle bag and chassis fasteners; wherein the saddle bag is configured in a horseshoe shape that wraps around the chassis front and chassis sides only.

2. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein both the chassis and the saddle bag fasteners are zippers that zip in the same direction for selective engagement of the opposing saddle bag fasteners with each other.

3. The golf bag of claim 2, wherein: the saddle bag comprises an outer substrate, an inner substrate and a saddle bag reinforcement board positioned between the outer substrate and the inner substrate for conforming the saddle bag to the chassis when coupled; and the chassis comprises an exterior substrate, an interior substrate and a chassis reinforcement board positioned between the exterior substrate and the interior substrate for conforming the chassis to the saddle bag when coupled.

4. The golf bag of claim 3, wherein: the saddle bag reinforcement board comprises one or more fastener holding apertures for securing and positioning the one or more first saddle bag fasteners, the chassis reinforcement board includes one or more fastener holding apertures for securing and positioning the one or more first chassis fasteners.

5. The golf bag of claim 2, further comprising a handle secured to the saddle bag between the chassis fasteners and proximal the chassis magnets for carrying the saddle bag when the saddle bag is decoupled from the chassis.

6. The golf bag of claim 1, wherein: the saddle bag comprises a front wall facing outward from the chassis, a rear wall facing the chassis and on which the saddle bag magnets are positioned, and a linking wall extending between the front wall and rear wall; and the linking wall defines a trough for flow of liquid from the saddle bag, the trough extending from a top portion of the linking wall to a side portion of the linking wall.

7-9. (canceled)

10. A convertible golf bag comprising: a chassis having a top portion with one or more apertures therein for receiving and holding golf clubs, a base, and side walls extending between the top portion and the base, the side walls forming a front, a rear, a first side, and a second side of the chassis; a saddle bag securable to and removable from the front and sides of the chassis, wherein the saddle bag is configured in a horseshoe shape that wraps around the chassis front and chassis sides only, the saddle bag having a C-shaped front wall that faces outward from the chassis and a rear wall that faces inward toward the side walls of the chassis and directly contacting the chassis front and two sides when the saddle bag is attached to the chassis; chassis magnets disposed on at least the front of the chassis; and corresponding saddle bag magnets disposed on the top edge of the rear wall of the saddle bag such that when the saddle bag magnets are aligned and engaged with the chassis magnets, chassis fasteners positioned on the first and second sides of the chassis are aligned with opposing saddle bag fasteners positioned outside of the saddle bag magnets for engaging the saddle bag and the chassis.

11. (canceled)

12. The convertible golf bag according to claim 10, wherein the saddle bag fasteners comprise corresponding zipper portions that zip in the same direction for selective engagement with each other, and for selective engagement of the chassis and fasteners.

13. The convertible golf bag according to claim 12, further comprising a handle secured to the saddle bag between the chassis fasteners and proximal the chassis magnets for carrying the saddle bag when the saddle bag is decoupled from the chassis.

14. The convertible golf bag according to claim 13, wherein: the saddle bag comprises a front wall facing outward from the chassis, a rear wall facing the chassis and on which the saddle bag magnets are positioned, and a linking wall extending between the front wall and rear wall; and the linking wall defines a trough for removing liquid from the saddle bag extending from a top portion of the linking wall to a side portion of the linking wall.

15. The convertible golf bag according to claim 10, wherein the chassis magnets are positioned within the side walls of the chassis and the saddle bag magnets are positioned within the rear wall of the saddle bag.

16. (canceled)

17. The convertible golf bag according to claim 10, wherein: the rear wall of the saddle bag comprises a pliable outer substrate and a pliable inner substrate, and a saddle bag reinforcement board positioned between the outer substrate and the inner substrate to stiffen the rear wall to facilitate attachment of the saddle bag to the chassis of the golf bag; and the saddle bag reinforcement board comprises fastener holding apertures for secure placement of the saddle bag magnets therein to facilitate proper placement within the saddle bag and alignment with the chassis magnets of the chassis when attaching the saddle bag to the chassis; the side walls of the chassis comprise a pliable exterior substrate and a pliable interior substrate with a chassis reinforcement board positioned between the outer substrate and the inner substrate to stiffen a portion of the side walls to facilitate attachment of the saddle bag to the chassis of the golf bag; and the chassis reinforcement board comprises fastener holding apertures for secure placement of the chassis magnets therein to facilitate proper placement within the chassis and alignment with the saddle bag magnets of the saddle bag when attaching the saddle bag to the chassis.

18. A method of using a convertible golf bag, the method comprising: providing a chassis having a top portion with one or more apertures therein for receiving and holding golf clubs, a base, and side walls extending between the top portion and the base, the side walls forming a front, a rear, a first side, and a second side of the chassis and the chassis comprising chassis magnets disposed on at least the front of the chassis; providing a saddle bag configured in a horseshoe shape that wraps around the chassis front and chassis sides only, the saddle bag having a first end and a second end and having a front wall that faces outward and a C-shaped rear wall that faces inward when the saddle bag is attached to the chassis, such that the rear wall is positioned directly in contact with the chassis front and two sides when attached to the chassis, the saddle bag comprising saddle bag magnets disposed on a top edge of the rear wall of the saddle bag; positioning the rear wall of the saddle bag proximal the font of the chassis for engaging the saddle bag magnets with the chassis magnets of the chassis, thereby aligning saddle bag fasteners with chassis fasteners positioned on the chassis, wherein the saddle bag fasteners are positioned on opposing perimeters of the rear wall of the saddle bag; and engaging the saddle bag fasteners with the chassis fasteners for engaging the saddle bag securely to the chassis.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of disengaging the saddle bag fasteners from the chassis fasteners and disengaging the saddle bag magnets from the chassis magnets so that the saddle bag is decoupled from the chassis.

20. The method according to claim 19, engaging one of the saddle bag fasteners to another one of the saddle bag fasteners for compacting the saddle bag.

21. (canceled)

22. The golf bag of claim 1, further comprising: one or more chassis magnets positioned between chassis fasteners, each disposed on the chassis; and one or more saddle bag magnets positioned between saddle bag fasteners, each disposed on opposing perimeters of a chassis-facing surface of the saddle bag, the one or more saddle bag magnets arranged for selective engagement with the one or more chassis magnets for aligning and enabling coupling and decoupling of the saddle bag and chassis fasteners.

23. the golf bag of claim 1, wherein the saddle bag maintains the horseshoe shape and C-shaped interior when unattached from the chassis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter including the best mode thereof to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a top right side perspective view of a golf bag with an embodiment of saddle bag attached to an embodiment of a chassis of the golf bag according to the present subject matter;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a front side plan view of the embodiment of the golf bag according to FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear side plan view of the embodiment of the golf bag according to FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a left side plan view of the embodiment of the golf bag according to FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a right side plan view of the embodiment of the golf bag according to FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a top left perspective view of the embodiment of the golf bag according to FIG. 1 with a shoulder strap attached to the golf bag shown in dashed lines;

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear side plan view of the embodiment of the golf with the removable and attachable saddle bag being unzipped for removal from the chassis of the golf bag according to the present subject matter;

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a front side perspective view of the embodiment of the golf with the removable and attachable saddle bag being removed from the chassis of the golf bag according to the present subject matter;

[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a top right perspective view of an embodiment of a golf bag showing without an embodiment of a saddle bag attached to the chassis of the golf bag according to present subject matter;

[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a front side plan view of the embodiment of the golf bag according to FIG. 9 showing the golf bag without the saddle bag attached to the chassis;

[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates a rear side plan view of the embodiment of the golf bag according to FIG. 9 without the saddle bag attached to the chassis of the golf bag;

[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a left side plan view of the embodiment of the golf bag according to FIG. 9 without the saddle bag attached to the chassis of the golf bag;

[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates a right side plan view of the embodiment of the golf bag according to FIG. 9 without the saddle bag attached to the chassis of the golf bag;

[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates a top right perspective view of an embodiment of a saddle bag that can be attached to and detached from the embodiment of the chassis of a golf bag according to FIG. 9;

[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates a front side plan view of the embodiment of the saddle bag according to FIG. 14;

[0026] FIG. 16 illustrates a rear side plan view of the embodiment of the saddle bag according to FIG. 14;

[0027] FIG. 17 illustrates a front side perspective view of an embodiment of a golf bag with the removable and attachable saddle bag being attached from the chassis of the golf bag according to the present subject matter;

[0028] FIG. 18 illustrates a rear side plan view of an embodiment of a golf bag with the removable and attachable saddle bag being zipped for securement of the saddle bag to the chassis of the golf bag according to the present subject matter;

[0029] FIG. 19 illustrates a rear side plan view of an embodiment of a golf with the removable and attachable saddle bag full attached to the chassis of the golf bag according to the present subject matter;

[0030] FIG. 20 illustrates a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the golf bag taken along the lines 20-20 in FIG. 11 without the saddle bag attached to the chassis of the golf bag;

[0031] FIG. 21 illustrates a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a saddle bag that can be attached to and detached from the embodiment of a chassis of a golf bag according to according to present subject matter;

[0032] FIG. 22 illustrates a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the golf bag taken along the lines 22-22 in FIG. 21 according to the present subject matter;

[0033] FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a reinforcement board used within an embodiment of a saddle bag to add a flexible rigidity to the rear portion that engages a chassis of a golf bag according to the present subject matter;

[0034] FIG. 24 illustrates a rear side perspective view of the embodiment of the saddle bag according to FIG. 21 have first and second ends secured together according to the present subject matter; and

[0035] FIG. 25 illustrates a rear side perspective view of the embodiment of the saddle bag according to FIG. 21 have the first and second ends secured together according to FIG. 24.

[0036] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the seam or analogous features or elements of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters. Although the term “step” may be expressly used or implied relating to features of processes or methods, no implication is made of any particular order or sequence among such expressed or implied steps unless an order or sequence is explicitly stated.

[0038] Although the terms first, second, right, left, front, back, top, bottom, etc. may be used herein to describe various features, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these features, elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature, element, component, region, layer, or section from another feature, element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first feature, element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second feature, element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the disclosure herein.

[0039] Similarly, when a feature or element is being described in the present disclosure as “on” or “over” another feature or element, it is to be understood that the features or elements can either be directly contacting each other or have another feature or element between them, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Thus, these terms are simply describing the relative position of the features or elements to each other and do not necessarily mean “on top of” since the relative position above or below depends upon the orientation of the device to the viewer.

[0040] Embodiments of the subject matter of the disclosure are described herein with reference to schematic illustrations of embodiments that may be idealized. The drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. As such, variations from the shapes and/or positions of features, elements, or components within the illustrations as a result of, for example but not limited to, user preferences, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Shapes, sizes and/or positions of features, elements or components illustrated in the figures may also be magnified, minimized, exaggerated, shifted, or simplified to facilitate explanation of the subject matter disclosed herein. Thus, the features, elements or components illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes and/or positions are not intended to illustrate the precise configuration of the subject matter and are not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein unless it specifically stated otherwise herein.

[0041] Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. It is to be understood that the ranges and limits mentioned herein include all ranges located within the prescribed limits (i.e., subranges). For instance, a range from about 100 to about 200 also includes ranges from 110 to 150, 170 to 190, 153 to 162, and 145.3 to 149.6. Further, a limit of up to about 7 also includes a limit of up to about 5, up to 3, and up to about 4.5, as well as ranges within the limit, such as from about 1 to about 5, and from about 3.2 to about 6.5.

[0042] The present disclosure provides for golf bags that can be modified to display different colors and styles, as well as include different functional compartments. For example, the subject matter relates to golf bag that can include a chassis configured to receive and hold golf clubs therein and a saddle bag configured to receive and store items therein. The golf bag can also include one or more first chassis fasteners disposed on the chassis and one or more saddle bag fasteners disposed on the saddle bag. The one or more first saddle bag fasteners are arranged for selective engagement with the one or more first chassis fasteners, thereby enabling coupling and decoupling of the saddle bag and the chassis.

[0043] In particular, in some embodiments, the present subject matter relates to convertible golf bags that include one or more removable and attachable saddle bags to provide a golfer with options with respect to how the golf bag appears and is used. For example, a golf bag can include a chassis having a top portion with one or more apertures therein for receiving and holding golf clubs, a base, and side walls extending between the top portion and the base. The side walls forming a front, a rear, a first side, and a second side of the chassis. The convertible golf bag can also comprise an attachable and removable saddle bag that can be secured to and removed from the front and sides of the chassis. The saddle bag can have a front wall that faces outward from the chassis and a rear wall that faces inward and is secured against the side walls of the chassis when the saddle bag is attached to the chassis. The convertible golf bag can also include a plurality of first chassis attachment members, or fasteners, disposed on at least the front of the chassis and a corresponding plurality of first saddle bag attachment members, or fasteners, disposed on the rear wall of the saddle bag. When the first saddle bag fasteners are aligned and engaged with the first chassis fasteners, the saddle bag is securely held to the chassis. Conversely, when the first saddle bag fasteners are disengaged from the first chassis fasteners, the saddle bag is removable from the chassis.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1-20, a convertible golf bag, generally designated 10, is provided that can be converted from a larger golf bag 10A as shown in FIGS. 1-6 that provides more storage opportunities and is more conducive for use with a cart or a trolley to a smaller golf bag 10B as shown in FIGS. 9-13 that contains less storage than the larger golf bag 10A. For example, the convertible golf bag 10 can comprise a chassis 12 can comprise a top portion 14 with one or more apertures 14A therein for receiving and holding golf clubs and a base 16 that forms a closed bottom of the golf bag 10. The chassis 12 can also comprise side walls 18 extending between the top portion 14 and the base 16. The side walls 18 forming a front 18A, a rear 18B, a first side 18C, and a second side 18D of the chassis 12. The convertible golf bag 10 can also comprise a saddle bag 20 securable to and removable from the chassis 12. For example, the saddle bag 20 can be coupled to and decoupled from the front 18A and sides 18C, 18D of the chassis 12. The saddle bag 20 can comprise a front wall 22 that faces outward from the chassis 12 and a rear wall 24 that faces inward toward the side walls 18 of the chassis 12 when the saddle bag 20 is attached to the chassis 12. The saddle bag 20 can have a linking wall 26 that extends between the front wall 22 and the rear wall 24. The front wall 22, rea wall 24 and linking wall 26 can comprise one or more substrate layers. For example, in some embodiments, the substrate layers can comprise pliable materials, such fabrics, coated fabrics, leather, films, foam materials, or the like.

[0045] The design of the convertible bag 10 with the removable saddle bag not only provides a golfer with the ability to easily convert the golf bag 10 between a larger golfer 10A and a smaller golf bag 10B, but also provides a golfer options to have multiple saddle bags that can display different fashion choices and/or be packed with different items useful for different locations or weather conditions to permit easily conversion of the golf bag 10 to provide easy and optimal preparation for any conditions expected on the golf course. The golf bag 10 can be useful for avid golfers who play at more than one golf course or club. A saddle bag can be stored at each course which the golf regularly plays so that that only the chassis 12, i.e., the smaller golf bag 10B, needs to be carried between and stored between uses at the different course taking up less room both at home and in the vehicle(s) in which the clubs are transported. Similarly, at clubs where members are allowed store their clubs, the removable saddle bag 20 provides the option to bring just the saddle bag 20 home. This option allows for easily changing or replenishment of items used on the golf course. Additionally, the option to remove and carry just the saddle bag 20 provides the golfer with the ability to leave the club house without having to riffle through the compartments of the saddle bag to removable items such as a wallet and keys or worry at replenishing items used or discard while playing a round of golf. These action can be taken that the golfer's leisure before their next round of the golf.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1-6 and 14-16, in some embodiments, the saddle bag 20 can be horseshoe-shaped and the linking wall 26, the front wall 22 and the rear wall 24 can provide the saddle bag 20 with an interior cavity 78 (see FIG. 22) to provide space for one or more pockets, or compartments, 28A-28D for providing storage space for items a golf may find useful during a round. For example, the saddle bag 20 can comprise a plurality of compartments 28A-28D in the front wall 22 of the saddle bag 20 that are openable and closable to provide extra storage for the golf bag 10. As shown, the saddle bag 20 can comprise a first a vertical compartment 28A and a second vertical compartment 28B that can provide storage space for larger or bulkier items. The vertical compartments 28A, 28B may be openable and closable using a fastener such as a zippers 21. Additional, smaller pockets, or compartments, 28C and 28D, can be positioned on an upper portion or side portions of the linking wall 26. These compartments 28C, 28D may be openable and closable using a fastener such as a zippers 23. These compartments 28C, 28D can be used for tees, balls, divot tools, brushes, ball markers, or the like. The golf bag 10 can have a personalized marker plate on it which can be on the chassis 12 or the saddle bag 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the saddle bag 20 can have a marker plate 31 on the front wall 22 in a visible position. The marker plate 31 can be detachable and can be interchangeable with other marker plates to personalize the golf bag 10 based on the golfer's preferences.

[0047] To allow the saddle bag 20 to be coupled to and decoupled from the chassis 12, the chassis 12 and the saddle bag 20 can both comprise attachment members. These attachment members can comprise a wide and varied range of fasteners, including snap fasteners, button fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, FID lock fasteners, channel lock fasteners, or the like. In some embodiments, some of the fasteners can comprise magnets that have a magnetic field strength, i.e., a magnetic pull, which is strong enough to securely hold the saddle bag 20 to the chassis 12 of the golf bag 10. In some embodiments, for example, the magnets that are used for the first fasteners can be N35, N42, N50, or N52 neodymium magnets. In some embodiments, the magnets can be an N50 neodymium magnets.

[0048] For example, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 12, and 13, the golf bag 10 can comprise one or more first chassis attachment members, or fasteners, 30 disposed on the chassis 12. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 16, the golf bag 10 can also comprise a corresponding one or more first saddle bag attachment members, or fasteners, 32 disposed on the saddle bag 20. In some embodiments, the golf bag 10 can comprise a plurality of first chassis fasteners 30 disposed on at least the front 18A of the chassis 12 and a plurality of first saddle bag fasteners 32 disposed on the rear wall 24 of the saddle bag 20. The placement of the first saddle bag fasteners 32 can vary as long as the first saddle bag fasteners 32 align with the first chassis fasteners 30 and provide a strong and secure connection between the chassis 12 and the saddle bag 20. In the embodiment shown, the plurality of first saddle bag fasteners 32 can be disposed along an upper portion of the rear wall 24 of the saddle bag 20 to reduce the possible effects of gravity on the distribution of weight within the compartments of saddle bag 20. When the first saddle bag fasteners 32 are aligned and engaged with the first chassis fasteners 30, the saddle bag 20 can be securely coupled to the chassis 12. Conversely, when the first saddle bag fasteners 32 are disengaged from the first chassis fasteners 30, the saddle bag 20 can be removed, or decoupled, from the chassis 12. In some embodiments, one or more lower first chassis fasteners and one or more lower first saddle bag fasteners can be employed with the upper first chassis and saddle bag fasteners. As Shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, for example, a lower first saddle bag fastener 34 can be included at a lower portion of the rear wall and a corresponding lower first chassis fastener 37 can be included below the upper first chassis fasteners 32. The lower first saddle bag fastener 34 and the lower first chassis fastener 37 can work together to steady alignment of the saddle bag and increase the security of the coupling of the saddle bag to the chassis, while still permitting easy removal of the saddle bag from the chassis.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 12, 13, and 16, in some embodiments, the first chassis fasteners 32 and first saddle bag fasteners 30 can comprises magnets. In some embodiments as shown, the magnets on the chassis 12 that comprise the first chassis fasteners 32 can positioned within the side walls 18 of the chassis 12. Similarly, the magnets on the saddle bag 20 that comprise the first saddle bag fasteners 30 can be positioned within the rear wall 24 of the saddle bag 20. In some embodiments, the magnets on the chassis 12 that comprise the first chassis fasteners 32 can be positioned along the front 18A and the first and second sides 18C, 18D of the side walls 18 of the chassis 12. In some embodiments, the magnets 32 can be equally spaced apart from any neighboring magnet 32. In some such embodiments of the golf bag, the magnets on the saddle bag 20 that comprise the first saddle bag fasteners 30 can positioned within the rear wall 24 from a position proximal a first end 25 of the saddle bag 20 to a position proximal a second end 27 of the saddle bag 20. In some embodiments, the magnets 30 on the rear wall 24 of the saddle bag 20 can be equally spaced apart from any neighboring magnet 30. In this manner, a very secure connection can be made between the saddle bag 20 and the chassis 12 that, at the same time, can permit easy removal and reattachment of the saddle bag 20. Further, in some embodiments, the saddle bag 10 can comprise a lower magnet 34 within the rear wall 24 and the chassis 12 can comprise a lower magnet 37. The strength of the lower magnets 34, 37 can be such that the lower magnets 34, 37 can steady alignment of the saddle bag 20 and increase the security of the coupling of the saddle bag 20 to the chassis 12, while still permitting easy removal of the saddle bag 20 from the chassis 12. The saddle bag 20 can also comprise a finger loop, or handle, 35 on the rear wall 24 that can be used to help attach and remove the saddle bag 20A to and from the chassis 12.

[0050] As an additional level of security for the attachment of the saddle bag 20 to the chassis 12 of the golf bag 10, one or more additional attachment members, or fasteners, such a zippers, can be used to further secure the saddle bag 20 to the chassis 12. The additionally attachment members can comprise various other fasteners, though, such as, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, channel lock fasteners, or the like.

[0051] For example, in some embodiments, second chassis attachment members, or fasteners, 36 can be disposed on the first and second sides 18C, 18D of the chassis 12 and second saddle bag attachment members, or fasteners, 38 can be disposed on the saddle bag such as at or adjacent to the first and second ends 25, 27 of the saddle bag 20. The easy coupling of the first chassis and first saddle bag fasteners 30, 32 can facilitate the alignment of the second chassis and second saddle bag fasteners 36, 38. A second chassis fastener 36 on the first side 18C of the chassis 12 can be aligned with and engaged with a corresponding second saddle bag fastener 38 adjacent the first end 25 of the saddle bag 20. Similarly, a second chassis fastener 36 on the second side 18D of the chassis 12 can be aligned with and engaged with a corresponding second saddle bag fastener 38 adjacent a second end 27 of the second saddle bag 20 to further secure the saddle bag 20 to the chassis 12. As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 11-13, 18, and 19, the second chassis fasteners 36 and second saddle bag fasteners 38 can comprise matching and corresponding zipper portions that permit the saddle bag 20 to zippingly attach to both the first side and the second side of the chassis. For example, the second chassis fasteners 38 can be positioned on the first and second sides 18C, 18D of the chassis 12 adjacent the rear 18B of the chassis 12. Similarly, the second chassis fasteners 38 can be positioned at a first end 25 and a second end 27 of the saddle bag 20 adjacent the rear wall 24. Either the second chassis fasteners 36 or second saddle bag fasteners 38 can have protection sleeves 39 that covers and limits exposure of the fasteners, such as zippers. While other fasteners can be used, the combination of the short zippers 36, 38 and the magnets 30, 32 provide a desired cooperation of ease of attachment and removal combined with solid and secure attachment that zippers and magnets alone or in combination with other types of fasteners do not necessarily provide.

[0052] As seen in FIGS. 1-13, in some embodiments, the chassis 12 of the golf bag 10 can have many features useful in a golf bag, such that the chassis 12 can serve as the smaller bag 10B. For example, the chassis 12 can further comprise a handle 40 for lifting and carrying the golf bag 10 for short distances and may include a base strap 42. The chassis 12 can also include buckles 44, rings 46, and/or clips (not shown) for attaching a shoulder strap 48 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 6) for carry the golf bag 10 over longer distances. A wide variety of different shoulder straps 48 can be used. Additionally, fasteners, such as snaps 50, can also be provided on the chassis 12 to attach rain covers to protect the clubs within the golf bag 10 during inclement weather. Other rings 52, 54 can be provided for attaching or holding other items such as a cleaning brush, towel, umbrella, or the like. In some embodiments, the top portion 14 of the chassis 12 can comprise a divider with multiple apertures therein to separate different subsets of clubs within the golf bag. In some embodiments, the top portion 14 can have a large single aperture for inserting clubs.

[0053] As stated above, the golf bag 10 can be a stand bag that can sit in a position that presents the clubs within the bag for use and can keep the bag in a standing position once the bag is properly placed on the ground. The chassis 12 of the golf bag 10 can comprise extendable and retractable legs 56 that are secured to the rear 18B of the chassis 12. The legs 56 can extend outward from the rear 18B of the chassis 12 to form a tripoint stance with the base 16 of the chassis 12 using a retraction and extension mechanism 58 that cause the legs to move outward when pressure is placed on a triggering mechanism (not shown) located at or near the base 16 that operates under gravity and the weight of the golf bag 10. Additionally, a compartment passage 59 can be included on the chassis 12 to allow access to the interior of the golf bag 10B where the club shafts reside. Enabling access to the interior of the golf bag 10B permits a golfer to retrieve any items, such as balls or tees, that may have been accidentally dropped through the one or more apertures 14A. The compartment passage 59 can include fasteners, such as a zipper, to permit opening and closing. The compartment passage 59 can be on a side such as the second side 18D in an area of the side walls 18 that is covered by the saddle bag 20 when it is secured to the chassis 12.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 17-19, in some embodiments, the saddle bag 20 can be easily removed from the chassis 12 by simply unzipping the zippers 36, 38 allow separation of the zipper portions 38 on the saddle bag 20 from the zipper portions 36 on the chassis 12 as shown in FIG. 7. The orientation of the zipper portions 36, 38 can be such that zipping upwardly decouples the zipper portions 36, 38, while zipping downwardly can couple the zipper portions 36, 38 together. This configuration can be more conducive for keeping the zipper portions 36, 38 securely zipped and may place less strain on the car or slider of the zippers. Once the zipper portions of the zippers 36, 38 are decoupled, the saddle bag 20 can be pulled away separating the magnets 32 of the saddle bag 20 from magnets 30 of the chassis 12 causing them to disengage. At this point, the chassis 12 can serve as a smaller golf bag as shown in FIG. 9. When the golfer would like to reattach the saddle bag 20 to the chassis 12, the golfer can place the saddle bag 20 around the front 18A of the chassis 12 as shown in FIG. 17. The magnets 32 of the saddle bag 20 will align with and engage the magnets 30 in the front 18A of the chassis 12. This engagement of the magnets 30, 32 will align the saddle bag 20 on the chassis 12 such that the zipper portions 36, 38 are aligned. A shown in FIG. 18, the zipper portions 36, 38 on the chassis 12 and saddle bag 20, respectively, can then be zipped downwardly to couple the zipper portions 36, 38 and further secure the saddle bag 20 to the chassis 12 as shown in FIG. 19. In this manner, the saddle bag 20 can be securely coupled to the chassis 12.

[0055] In some embodiments, the side walls 18 of the chassis 12 of the golf bag can have one or more layers at different portions of the chassis 12. Referring to FIG. 20, some embodiments of a chassis 12 of a golf bag 10 can have a chassis reinforcement board 68 that can be secured in a portion of the chassis 12 on which the saddle bag 20 can reside. FIG. 20 provides a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the chassis 12 of the golf bag 10 shown in FIG. 11. The side walls 18 of the chassis 12 of the golf bag 10 can comprise an exterior substrate 60 and an interior substrate 62. The exterior substrate 60 can extend from the base 16 of the chassis 12 to the top portion 14 of the chassis 12 of the golf bag 10 and can form an outer surface of the side walls 18. The interior substrate 62 can extend along at least a portion of an inward facing surface of the exterior substrate 60. In some embodiments, it can extend between the top portion 14 of the chassis 12 and the base 16 of the chassis 12 of the golf bag 10. In some embodiments, one or more other layers, such as padding, can be included between the exterior substrate 60 and the interior substrate 62. In some embodiments, one or more layers can be strategically placed between the exterior substrate 60 and the interior substrate 62. The exterior and/or the interior substrates 60, 62 can comprise the front, rear, first and second sides 18A-180. The exterior and interior substrates 60, 62 can comprise a variety of materials, including leather, fabrics, such as woven, knit, or nonwoven fabrics, vinyl coated fabrics, or the like. In some embodiments, the interior substrate 62 can be located only at certain locations along the side walls 18. Thus, the exterior substrate 60 and the interior substrate 62 can be pliable substrates that are not rigid in form. Internal structures, such as rods, (not shown) can also extend between the top portion 14 and the base 16 of the chassis 12 to provide added form and structure to the golf bag 10.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 20, a chassis reinforcement board 68 can be positioned between the exterior substrate 60 and the interior substrate 62 to stiffen a portion of the side walls 18 to facilitate attachment of the saddle bag 20 to the chassis 12 of the golf bag 10. The reinforcement board 68 can be a flexible material that adds stiffness to the portion of the side walls 18 where the saddle bag 20 attaches to chassis 12 to add a flexible rigidity to that portion of the side walls 18. The chassis reinforcement board 68 can be a variety of different materials. For example, the chassis reinforcement board 68 can be a thin flexible metal material or a plastic material. For instance, in some embodiments, the chassis reinforcement board 68 can be a thin polypropylene sheet that is flexible but has more rigidity than the exterior substrate 60 and the interior substrate 62. This flexible rigidity helps to ensure that the first fasteners of the chassis 12 and the saddle bag 20 are aligned. For example, in some embodiments, the chassis reinforcement board 68 can comprise fastener holding apertures 65 for secure placement of the first chassis fasteners 32, 37 therein to facilitate proper placement within the chassis and alignment with the first saddle bag fasteners of the saddle bag 20 when attaching the saddle bag 20 to the chassis 12. As shown in FIG. 20, a lower first fastener 37, such as an additional magnet, can be added at the lower end of the chassis 12 to alignment with a lower saddle bag first fastener to add further stabilization to the golf bag 10 when the saddle bag 20 is attached to the chassis 12. The chassis reinforcement board 68 can extend around the front, rear, first and second sides 18A-180 of the side walls 18. The chassis reinforcement board 68 at the rear 18B-18D of the side walls 18 of the chassis 12 where the saddlebag does not attach can be narrower in width. The chassis reinforcement board 68 can be held in place in the chassis 12 by stitching 64. Further, stitching 64 can aid in holding the first chassis fasteners 32, 37 in place within the fastener holding apertures 65 of the chassis reinforcement board 68.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 21-25, another embodiment of a saddle bag 20A is shown. For example, in some embodiments, the saddle bag 20A can be a cooler for keeping items, such as canned beverages, cold. As above, the saddle bag 20A can comprise a front wall 22 that faces outward from the chassis 12 and a rear wall 24 that faces inward toward the side walls 18 of the chassis 12 when the saddle bag 20 is attached to the chassis 12. The saddle bag 20A can be horseshoe shaped with a flexibility to bend and can have a linking wall 26 that extends between the front wall 22 and the rear wall 24 so that the saddle bag 20A has an interior cavity 78 to provide space for the cooler and/or one or more pockets, or compartments, for providing storage space for items a golfer may find useful during a round. The piping 29A, 29B and the pliability of the linking wall substrate of the linking wall 26 can create a trough, or water channel, 33 that can function as a gutter to remove rain or moisture from the saddle bag 20A from the top portion of the link wall 26 off the side of the linking wall 26. The saddle bag 20A can comprise closable access opening 28C, 28D in the linking wall 26 of the saddle bag 20A that are openable and closable to provide access to an interior cavity 78 of the saddle bag 20A. The saddle bag 20A can comprise a finger loop, or handle, 35 that can be used to help attach and remove the saddle bag 20A to and from the chassis 12.

[0058] The front, rear, and linking walls 22, 24, 26 of the saddle bag 20A can have one or more layers at different portions of the saddle bag 20A. In some embodiments, the front, rear, and linking walls 22, 24, 26 of the saddle bag 20A can be insulative walls when the saddle bag 20A is a cooler. For example, the front, rear, and linking walls 22, 24, 26 of the saddle bag 20A can each comprise multiple layers with one or more water impermeable layers. In some embodiments, some space may be created between two or more layers to provide an increased insulative effect. In some embodiments, the different layers of front, rear, and linking walls 22, 24, 26 of the saddle bag 20A can comprise pliable material that can drape. The different layers of front, rear, and linking walls 22, 24, 26 of the saddle bag 20A can comprise a variety of materials, including leather, fabrics, such as woven, knit, or nonwoven fabrics, vinyl coated or other coated fabrics, films, foam material, or the like.

[0059] In some embodiments, the rear wall 24 of the saddle bag 20A can comprise an outer substrate 75 and an inner substrate 76. The inner and outer substrates 75, 76 can comprise a variety of materials, including leather, fabrics, such as woven, knit, or nonwoven fabrics, coated fabrics, films, foam material, or the like. Thus, the inner substrate 75 and the outer substrate 76 can be pliable substrates that are not rigid in form. In some embodiments, one or more layers can be strategically placed between the inner substrate 75 and the outer substrate 76.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the rear wall 24 of the saddle bag 20A comprises a pliable outer substrate 75 and a pliable inner substrate 76 with a saddle bag reinforcement board 70 positioned between the outer substrate 75 and the inner substrate 76 to stiffen the rear wall 24 to facilitate attachment of the saddle bag 20A to the chassis 12 of the golf bag 20. The saddle bag reinforcement board 70 can be a flexible material that adds stiffness to the rear wall 24 which can otherwise comprise more pliable substrates, such as fabric or leather, to add a flexible rigidity to rear wall 24. The saddle bag reinforcement board 70 can be a variety of different materials. For example, the saddle bag reinforcement board 70 can be a thin flexible metal material or a plastic material. For instance, in some embodiments, the saddle bag reinforcement board 70 can be a thin polypropylene sheet that is flexible but has more rigidity than the inner substrate 75 and the outer substrate 76. This flexible rigidity helps to ensure that the first fasteners 30, 34 of the saddle bag 20A can aid align with the first fasteners 32, 37 of the chassis 12. For example, in some embodiments as shown in FIG. 23, the saddle bag reinforcement board 70 can comprise fastener holding apertures 72, 74 for secure placement of the first saddle bag fasteners 30 and 34 therein to facilitate proper placement within the saddle bag 20A and alignment with the first chassis fasteners 32, 37 of the chassis 12 when attaching the saddle bag 20A to the chassis 12. The saddle bag reinforcement board 70 can be held in place in the rear wall 24 of the saddle bag by stitching 64. Further, the stitching 64 can aid in holding the first saddle bag fasteners 30, 34 in place within the fastener holding apertures 72 of the saddle bag reinforcement board 70.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the second fasteners 38 of the saddle bag can be attached to make the saddle bag 20A into a cylindrical carrying case that is more compact and easier to carry. For example, the second fasteners 38 of the saddle bag 20A can comprise a zipper with a pin element zipper portion 38A and a box and slider element zipper portion 38B. When attaching the saddle bag 20A to a chassis 12, the zipper portion side 38A can engage a box and slider element zipper portion of the second attachment member 36 and the zipper portion 38B can engage the pin element zipper portion of the second fastener 36 to aid in holding the saddle bag 20A to the chassis 12 of the golf bag 10. Additionally, when the saddle bag 20A is being carried alone, the pin element zipper portion 38A and the box and slider element zipper portion 38B of the second fasteners 38 can be secured together to make the saddle bag 20A more compact and structurally balanced and secure, and, thereby, easier and less cumbersome to carry. For example, the zipper portion 38A and the zipper portion 38B of the second fasteners 38 can be secured together such that the saddle bag 20A is in an annular cylindrical shape. The user can carry the compact saddle bag 20A with the handle 35 or, if desired, can place his or her arm through an open middle to carry the saddle bag 20A. When it is time to attach the saddle bag 20A to the chassis 12 of the golf bag 10, the zipper portions 38A, 38B of the second fasteners 38 can be unzipped to open up the rear wall 24 of the saddle bag 20A to align it with the chassis 12 of the golf bag 10.

[0062] Thus, as explained above, a convertible golf bag is provided herein. The convertible golf bag can comprise a chassis having a top portion with one or more apertures therein for receiving and holding golf clubs, a base, and side walls extending between the top portion and the base. The side walls can form a front, a rear, a first side, and a second side of the chassis. The golf bag can also comprise a saddle bag that can be coupled to and decoupled from the front and sides of the chassis. The saddle bag can have a first end and a second end. Additionally, the saddle bag can have a front wall that faces outward from the chassis and a rear wall that faces inward and is secured against the side walls of the chassis when the saddle bag is attached to the chassis. The golf bag can further comprise one or more first chassis attachment members, or fasteners, disposed on at least the front of the chassis and a corresponding one or more of first saddle bag attachment members, or fasteners, disposed on the rear wall of the saddle bag. When the first saddle bag fasteners are aligned and engaged with the first chassis fasteners, the saddle bag can be securely held to the chassis. When the first saddle bag fasteners are disengaged from the first chassis fasteners, the saddle bag can be removed from the chassis. Additionally, the golf bag can comprise second chassis attachment members, or fasteners, disposed on the first and second sides of the chassis and second saddle bag attachment members, or fasteners, disposed adjacent the first end and the second end of the saddle bag. The second chassis fastener on the first side of the chassis can be aligned with and engage the corresponding second saddle bag fastener adjacent the first end. Further, the second chassis fastener on the second side of the chassis can be aligned with and engage the corresponding second saddle bag fastener adjacent the second end of the saddle bag to further secure the saddle bag to the chassis.

[0063] Further, methods of using a convertible golf bag are also provided as described above. Some embodiments of such method can include providing a chassis comprising a plurality of first chassis attachment members, or fasteners, disposed on at least a front of the chassis and an attachable and removable saddle bag comprising plurality of first saddle bag attachment members, or fasteners, disposed on a rear wall of the saddle bag as described above. The method can include aligning the plurality of first saddle bag fasteners with the plurality of first chassis fasteners of the chassis and engaging the plurality of first saddle bag fasteners with the plurality of first chassis fasteners of the chassis so that the saddle bag is securely held to the chassis. Additionally, the method can include disengaging the plurality of first saddle bag fasteners from the plurality of first chassis fasteners of the chassis so that the saddle bag can be removed from the chassis.

[0064] In some embodiments, first and second sides of the chassis can each comprise a second chassis fastener. Additionally, a first end and a second end of saddle bag can each comprise a second saddle bag fastener. In such embodiments, the method can include engaging the second chassis fastener on the first side of the chassis with the corresponding second saddle bag fastener adjacent the first end of the saddle bag. The method can also include engaging the second chassis fastener on the second side of the chassis with the corresponding second saddle bag fastener adjacent the second end of the saddle bag to further secure the saddle bag to the chassis.

[0065] Particular embodiments and features have been described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and features may arise, or modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the spirit of the appended claims.