Golf bag with interchangeable pockets and methods

Abstract

A golf bag system comprises a bag body having a closed bottom end and an open top end that is adapted to receive golf clubs. At least one coupling mechanism is disposed on the bag body. A plurality of storage devices are removably attachable to the bag body by the coupling mechanism. In this way, the storage devices are interchangeable to permit one of the storage devices to be removed from the bag body and replaced with another one of the storage devices using the coupling mechanism.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A golf bag system comprising: 
 a bag body having a closed bottom end and an open top end that is adapted to receive golf clubs;    at least one coupling mechanism on the bag body;    a plurality of storage devices that are removably attachable to the bag body by the coupling mechanism, wherein the storage devices are interchangeable to permit one of the storage devices to be removed from the bag body and replaced with another one of the storage devices using the coupling mechanism.    
     
     
         2 . A golf bag system as in  claim 1 , wherein the coupling mechanism comprising a track longitudinally disposed on the bag body, and wherein each storage device includes a mating track that is engagable with and slidable relative to the track on the bag body, whereby one of the storage devices may be coupled to the bag body by engaging the storage device track with the bag body track and sliding the storage device along the bag body.  
     
     
         3 . A golf bag system as in  claim 2 , wherein the bag body rack includes a groove and the storage device tracks each comprise a tongue that is slidable within the groove.  
     
     
         4 . A golf bag system as in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one connector that is coupled to the bag body to connect with a corresponding connector of the storage device to connect the storage device to the bag body after the storage device has been coupled to the bag body with the coupling mechanism.  
     
     
         5 . A golf bag system as in  claim 4 , wherein the bag body connector and the storage device connector are capable of snap fitting together.  
     
     
         6 . A golf bag system as in  claim 1 , wherein one of the storage devices comprises a beverage holder.  
     
     
         7 . A golf bag system as in  claim 1 , wherein one of the storage devices comprises a first half and a second half that are joined at a central axis, wherein the two halves are foldable at the central axis to form an enclosure, and further comprising a zipper to secure the two halves together.  
     
     
         8 . A golf bag system as in  claim 7 , wherein the first half includes at least one pocket.  
     
     
         9 . A golf bag system as in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of coupling mechanisms disposed on the bag body to permit multiple storage devices to be coupled to the bag body.  
     
     
         10 . A golf bag as in  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the storage devices are constructed of a nylon fabric.  
     
     
         11 . A storage device for a golf bag, the storage device comprising: 
 a holder having an interior and an access way into the interior;    a coupling mechanism on the holder that is adapted to be slidably connected to a golf bag; and    a connector on the holder that is adapted to secure the holder to the golf bag after the holder has been connected to the golf bag by the coupling mechanism.    
     
     
         12 . A storage device as in  claim 11 , wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a track that is adapted to mate with a corresponding track on the golf bag.  
     
     
         13 . A storage device as in  claim 11 , wherein the connector comprise a strap and a clip.  
     
     
         14 . A storage device in  claim 11 , wherein the holder comprises a first half and a second half that are joined by a central axis, wherein the two halves are foldable about the central axis to define the interior, and wherein the two halves are joined by a zipper.  
     
     
         15 . A storage device as in  claim 11 , further comprising at least one pocket disposed in the interior.  
     
     
         16 . A storage device as in  claim 11 , wherein the holder includes an insulating material.  
     
     
         17 . A method for storing items on a golf bag, the method comprising: 
 providing a golf bag comprising a bag body having a closed bottom end and an open top end that is adapted to receive golf clubs, and at least one coupling mechanism on the bag body;    attaching a first storage device containing at least a first item to the bag body using the coupling mechanism;    removing the first storage device from the bag body and attaching a second storage device containing at least a second item to the bag body using the coupling mechanism.    
     
     
         18 . A method as in  claim 17 , further comprising attaching the first storage device to a second golf bag.  
     
     
         19 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a track and wherein the attaching step comprises engaging and sliding a track on the first storage device along the track on the bag body.  
     
     
         20 . A method as in  claim 17 , further comprising securing the first storage device to the bag body after being attached by connecting a strap on the first storage device to a strap on the bag body using a connector.  
     
     
         21 . A method as in  claim 17 , further comprising attaching a third storage device to the bag body using the coupling mechanism.  
     
     
         22 . A method as in  claim 17 , further comprising attaching a third storage device to the bag body using a second coupling mechanism on the bag body.  
     
     
         23 . A method as in  claim 17 , wherein the second storage device includes a zipper that opens to form an access way into the second storage device, and further comprising operating the zipper and removing the second item.  
     
     
         24 . A golf bag comprising: 
 a bag body defining a club storage compartment and having a closed bottom end and a generally open top end, wherein the bag body further includes an access way to the club storage compartment through the bag body; and    a pocket disposed near the bottom end, with the pocket covering the access way.    
     
     
         25 . A golf bag as in  claim 24 , further comprising a fastening mechanism that is operable to open and close the access way.  
     
     
         26 . A golf bag as in  claim 25 , wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a zipper.  
     
     
         27 . A golf bag as in  claim 24 , wherein the pocket includes an opening and a fastener to close the opening.  
     
     
         28 . A golf bag as in  claim 27 , wherein the fastener comprises a zipper.  
     
     
         29 . A method for accessing the interior of a golf bag, the method comprising: 
 providing a golf bag comprising a bag body defining a club storage compartment and having a closed bottom end and a generally open top end, wherein the bag body further includes an access way to the club storage compartment through the bag body, and a pocket disposed near the bottom end, with the pocket covering the access way;    opening the pocket and reaching through the access way to gain access into the club storage compartment.    
     
     
         30 . A method as in  claim 29 , further comprising operating a fastening mechanism to open the access way prior to reaching through the access way.  
     
     
         31 . A method as in  claim 29 , wherein the pocket includes an opening, and further comprising reaching through the opening to gain access to the fastening mechanism.