Patent Publication Number: US-7213705-B2

Title: Ergonomic golf bag top and club separator

Description:
1. RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/272,224, filed Oct. 16, 2002 and entitled “Ergonomic Golf Bag Top and Club Separator.” 

   2. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to golf bags and golf bag top designs, and particularly to a more ergonomically designed golf bag top and club separator attachable to or integrated with the body of a golf bag that allows for more efficient club orientation, greater club protection, and an ergonomic design that provides more efficient access and retrieval of the golf clubs housed therein. 
   3. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART 
   Many golf bags include a top member or club separating device, which includes one or more partitions to both separate clubs and provide organization so that clubs can be more easily located when needed. A plurality of golf clubs is typically inserted into each partitioned area shaft first, with the heads of the golf clubs protruding from the top of the golf bag. The partitioned compartments holding these shafts are simple designs that allow the heads of the clubs in each compartment to shift about as the bag is carried, dropped, or lifted by a golfer or a caddie. The club heads thereby become disorganized, and contact between the heads and shafts can cause the heads to become scratched or the shafts to be dented. In addition, many of the club separating devices are not ergonomically friendly to the golfer or other user in that their design configuration and layout make the task of accessing and retrieving the golf clubs difficult. It is not uncommon for golf clubs to come in contact with and interfere with one another, making it difficult to remove the club from the golf bag. 
   Some efforts have been made to incorporate devices for retaining individual club heads in a fixed position so that the club heads remain organized and do not contact each other. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,207 describes a club retainer which is molded from resilient material and which includes wedge-shaped notches. The club heads are releasably clamped within the notches. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,200,131 describes a first embodiment that includes a flat top surface and a plurality of inclined surfaces that extend upwardly from the top surface for supporting the faces of the club heads. Each inclined surface extends at an angle corresponding to the loft angle of a particular number of clubs, so each club must be inserted into the proper place. A second embodiment is provided with indentations. The shape of each indentation is designed to accommodate a club having a particular loft angle. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,566 provides a golf bag top and club separator that includes two rows of staggered slots for retaining the heads of golf clubs. Each slot includes a flat bottom surface for supporting the top edge of a club head, an inclined side surface for guiding the club head to the bottom surface, and an upwardly extending side surface that provides a stop for retaining the club head on the bottom surface. Although each slot is advantageously associated with a particular club, the slots do not provide a wedging action, and each slot has substantially the same shape. It is therefore not necessary to insert a particular club head into a particular slot, and the club separator can be used with clubs from different manufacturers. The two rows of staggered slots distribute the weight of the clubs to provide good balance. This design suffers in that it is difficult for a golfer to reach between the several clubs and retrieve the desired club, thus decreasing the ergonomics of the golf bag. 
   SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   In light of the prior art deficiencies discussed above, the present invention seeks to provide a more efficient means for housing and positioning golf clubs within a golf bag, as well as providing a more efficient way to access and retrieve these golf clubs from an ergonomic standpoint, especially during a round of golf. Therefore, in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention features an ergonomically designed golf bag top and club separator. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the golf bag top and club separator comprises: (a) a perimeter support member having a contoured profile and periphery so as to provide optimal wood and iron separation as well as optimal ergonomic club access; (b) a wood complex for housing wood-type golf clubs, wherein the wood complex is oriented to one side of a vertical bisector, oriented parallel to the user when in use so as to allow wood-type golf club placement and positioning therein along a continuum, the wood complex parallel to the user comprising a plurality of wood dividers therein to define a plurality of wood compartments. An iron complex for housing iron-type golf clubs is located on the other side of the vertical bisector, wherein the iron complex is positioned opposite of the wood complex, the iron complex comprising a plurality of iron dividers therein to define a plurality of iron compartments. A wood/iron partition separating the wood complex from the iron complex is aligned along a generally parallel axis to the user, the partition reducing the opportunity for contact between any iron-type golf clubs housed within the iron complex and any wood-type golf clubs housed within the wood complex. The present invention further features a putter complex wherein the putter complex comprises a putter divider separating the putter complex from either the wood complex, the iron complex, or both. 
   Other embodiments are also contemplated and provided for herein. In another embodiment, the golf bag top and club separator comprises an elevated profile with the dividers and the perimeter support member being contoured and at different elevations. In yet another embodiment, the golf bag top and club separator comprises a wood and an iron complex defined by a series of dividers, each comprising a rise therein to provide an elevated portion (the wood complex) and a lower portion (the iron complex). 
   Still in another embodiment, the golf bag top and club separator comprises a perimeter support member having an iron complex situated therein, and a wood complex positioned or situated without or outside the perimeter support member. The wood complex is still vertically segregated (along an axis parallel to the user) and allows the wood complex to be further separated from the iron complex. 
   In each of the embodiments discussed herein, it is emphasized that the wood and iron complexes are always separated so that all of the woods are either close to the user (proximal) or all away from the user (distal). Situating the wood complex in a distal position has several advantages including, easier access and retrieval of both iron and wood-type golf clubs placed within the golf bag and more ergonomically correct positioning for carrying. 
   As a result of the strategic design of the perimeter support member, the wood complex can situate the wood-type golf clubs away from the body of the user at all times. Stated another way, the wood complex of one embodiment of the present invention is positioned within the golf bag top and club separator so that the wood-type golf clubs are always inserted and stored within the golf bag at a location distal the body of the user. In addition, the wood complex provides for vertical segregation, or are vertically segregated, rather than horizontal segregation as found in most prior art designs. In addition, the relative placement of the wood complex with respect to the iron complex reduces interference between the woods and irons. Moreover, because there is less contact between these two types of clubs, there is less chance for the clubs to become scratched, dented, or otherwise damaged. 
   Finally, in another embodiment, the perimeter support member may comprise multiple-levels in both its longitudinal and lateral directions. In addition to these multiple levels, the perimeter support member comprises a perimeter rise allowing the perimeter support member to comprise a lower profile, and to accommodate the positioning of the wood complex and iron complex. This perimeter rise also exposes a greater portion of the golf clubs housed within the golf bag, thus making it easier for the golfer to access and retrieve the golf clubs. 
   The present invention golf bag top and club separator may be implemented into any style golf bag with little or no modification, including both carry-type golf bags as well as golf bags designed to be carried on carts. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the golf bag top and club separator according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an elevated front view of the golf bag top and club separator according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of the golf bag top and club separator according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a first side view of the golf bag top and club separator showing the wood complex according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a second side of the golf bag top and club separator view showing the iron complex and the wood/iron partition with its associated protective ridge according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a rear view of the golf bag top and club separator according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the golf bag top and club separator as attached to a golf bag and a plurality of golf clubs oriented or positioned and ergonomically accessible therein according to the concepts of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative embodiment, wherein the golf bag top and club separator of the present invention comprises a flat or substantially flat profile; 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an alternative embodiment, wherein the golf bag top and club separator of the present invention comprises plurality dividers having rises therein to define a wood complex and an iron complex; 
       FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  illustrate embodiments, wherein the golf bag top and club separator of the present invention comprise a wood complex vertically segregated and positioned outside or without the perimeter support member; 
       FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiment, wherein the golf bag top and club separator is comprised of a lightweight construction; and 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the golf bag top and club separator of the present invention in use as being securely coupled to a golf bag and carried by the user. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, and represented in  FIGS. 1 through 11 , is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. 
   The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. 
   The present invention comprises an apparatus for ergonomically orienting or positioning one or more, and preferably a plurality of, golf clubs within a golf bag so that they are arranged to enable optimal access and retrieval by the user. Specifically, the present invention comprises a golf bag top and club separator ergonomically designed so as to provide more efficient club storage or orientation within the golf bag, as well as to provide more attainable access to such clubs by the user during a round of golf. The golf bag top and club separator focuses on the vertical segregation of the wood-type golf clubs through the positioning of the complex designed to receive and house these types of clubs. As used herein, the term “vertical” means that the woods and irons are divided by a wall that partitions the clubs so that all of the woods are placed either next to the user when carrying the bag or away from the user. The clubs are positioned in compartments much like stadium seating, arranged along a line substantially parallel to the user. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 1–6  and  8 – 10 , an ergonomic golf bag top and club separator  10  (hereinafter referred to as “club separator  10 ”) is shown. Club separator  10  is designed to function similar to prior art club separator devices in that it is coupled to the top or upper portion of a golf bag and serves as the rigid structure that defines the upper opening of the golf bag. However, unlike prior art club separator devices, the present invention club separator  10  comprises a unique ergonomic design and layout that functions to provide optimal club placement as well as club protection within a golf bag. A number of strategically positioned and oriented dividers within perimeter support member  14  are provided. Golf bag top and club separator  10  may further comprise a golf bag insert  86  extending from perimeter support member  14  that may be inserted into a top opening of a golf bag allowing golf bag top and club separator  10  to be secured within the golf bag, and a stopper  90  protruding from insert member  86  for ensuring proper positioning of golf bag top and club separator  10  within the golf bag. In an exemplary embodiment, stopper  90  engages an upper lip portion of an upper opening of a golf bag to ensure correct positioning of golf bag top and club separator  10  within the golf bag. 
   Specifically, club separator  10  comprises a wood complex  18  and a complimentary iron complex  22  positioned adjacent wood complex  18  within perimeter support member  14 . Wood complex is vertically segregated and positioned along one of the sides of club separator  10 . In other words, wood complex  10  is vertically segregated so that it is either proximate or distal the user, depending upon the configuration desired. 
   Club separator  10  also comprises a putter complex  46 , which provides a separate and distinct area of space within perimeter support member  14  from each of wood complex  18  and iron complex  22 . Putter complex  46  typically is designed to be positioned at the front of club separator  10 , but may also be located or positioned at any location. 
   In one exemplary embodiment, shown in  FIG. 1 , wood complex  18  is an elevated wood complex, wherein it comprises a planar orientation that is above or higher than iron complex  22  when looking at a side view of club separator  10 , as shown in detail in  FIG. 4 . Wood complex  18  is bound on one side by perimeter support member  14  and on another side by a wood/iron partition  26  used to separate wood complex  18  from iron complex  22 . In this embodiment, wood/iron partition  26  extends above the upper most part of the perimeter support portion, such that wood complex  18  and iron complex  22  comprise opposing angular planes, respectively, which meet to form an apex at the wood/iron partition. Wood complex  18  is situated along the side of club separator  10  so that any wood-type clubs inserted and housed therein are proximate the body of the user. Stated another way, wood complex  18  situates any wood-type golf clubs placed therein at a position closer to the body of the user than its iron complex  22  counterpart. 
   Wood complex  18  is designed to be vertically segregated (from the perspective of a top view of club separator  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) on or within club separator  10 , and particularly perimeter support member  14 , meaning that wood complex  18  is situated or positioned on or within perimeter support member  14  along its sides, which allow any wood-type clubs placed and housed therein to also be vertically segregated. 
   Providing a wood complex proximate the body of the user, as well as providing vertical segregation of wood complex  18 , has several advantages. First, it is easier to locate, grasp, and retrieve any wood-type golf clubs housed therein because there is less interference with other clubs and the user is able to better reach the clubs. Second, when utilized in a carrying-type golf bag, this particular positioning of wood complex  18  within club separator  10  allows the user to more easily and efficiently access and retrieve a wood-type golf club because it facilitates a more natural extension of the arm and hand. Third, also when utilized in a carrying-type golf bag, the user is able to access wood-type golf clubs while receiving minimal or no interference from iron-type golf clubs. Vertical segregation of wood complex  18  remains in tact during the lifting, carrying, and positioning (if a stand bag) of the golf bag. These advantages are realized due to the natural suspended orientation of the golf bag and club separator  10  when it is being carried by the user (see  FIG. 7  showing golf bag and club separator). 
   Wood/iron partition  26  comprises a protective ridge  30 , having a drop face formed therein, allowing wood complex  18  to be positioned slightly higher than iron complex  22 . Protective ridge  30  functions to protect the wood-type golf clubs from coming into contact with the iron-type golf clubs if they are housed within the golf bag. Specifically, as will be shown in  FIG. 7 , wood/iron partition  26 , and particularly protective ridge  30 , prevents the club head portion of the iron-type golf clubs from breaching the area effectively defined by wood complex  18 . In this way, the club head portion of the iron-type golf clubs housed within iron complex  22  is prohibited from coming in contact with the shaft portion of the wood-type golf clubs housed in wood complex  18  (see  FIG. 7 ). Wood/iron partition  26  serves as a physical barrier between the wood-type golf clubs and the iron-type golf clubs as placed within their respective locations. 
   Wood complex  18  further comprises a series of wood dividers  38 , shown as  38 -A,  38 -B, and  38 -C, used to separate a plurality of wood-type golf clubs that are positioned within wood complex  18 . As is apparent from each of  FIGS. 1–3 , wood dividers  38  form alternating angles from one another, as well as perimeter support member  14  and wood/iron partition  26 . These angles may be any appropriate angle between 0 and 45 degrees, and are preferably situated at 30 degree angles. As shown, wood divider  38 A extends on an angle from a point on perimeter support member  14  located within wood complex  18  to a point on wood/iron partition  26  also within wood complex  18 , such that wood divider  38 A forms a “high” wood (e.g. 4–5 woods) compartment  66 . Similarly, wood divider  38 B extends on an opposing angle from a point on perimeter support member  14  located within wood complex  18  to a point on wood/iron partition  26  also located within elevated complex  18 , such that wood divider  38 B forms a “high to mid” wood (e.g., 3–4 woods) compartment  70 . Still similarly, wood divider  38 C extends on an opposing angle from wood divider  38 B from a point on perimeter support member  14  located within wood complex  18  to a point on wood/iron partition  26  also located within wood complex  18 , such that wood divider  38 C forms a “mid to low” wood (e.g., 2–3 woods) compartment  74  and a driver compartment  78 . This pattern of alternating angled wood dividers allows the wood-type golf clubs housed within the wood complex  18  to equalize at resting positions as far from each other as possible. For example, as a “higher” wood-type golf club (e.g., a five wood) is placed within “high” wood compartment  66 , and a “high to mid” wood-type golf club (e.g., a three wood) is placed within “high to mid” wood compartment  70 , and a “mid to low” wood-type golf club (e.g., a two wood) is placed within “mid to low” wood compartment  74 , and a driver is placed within driver compartment  78 , each of these clubs is naturally guided to a resting position within wood complex  18  as far apart from their neighboring club as physically possible. This is accomplished as each of wood dividers  38 A,  38 B, and  38 C come in contact with the shaft portion of the respective clubs placed therein. As each of the wood-type golf clubs are inserted into the golf bag through club separator  10 , they are guided to a specific and identified resting position within each of their respective wood compartments  66 ,  70 ,  74 , and  78 , due to the alternating angled nature of wood dividers  38 . To further assist the wood-type golf clubs into their proper resting position, wood/iron partition  26  comprises an identified slight or substantial curvature, or curved spline section, in its longitudinal orientation or length as it extends from a first end to a second end of perimeter support member  14 , or from a first end of perimeter support member  14 , to an intersection with a putter divider  42 , as shown. Of course, wood/iron partition  26  may also be comprised of a straight or a substantially straight piece. In the preferred embodiment, however, wood/iron partition  26  comprises a curvature that is convex with respect to wood complex  18  and concave with respect to iron complex  22 . In this position, wood/iron partition  26  facilitates the repositioning of the wood/type golf clubs housed within each of their respective wood compartments  66 ,  70 ,  74 , and  78 , by defining and providing for various slopes within these compartments and wood complex  18 . Thus, if a wood-type golf club is placed within its respective wood compartment, it is guided into a predefined and specific resting position as a result of its contact, and specifically with the shaft portion of the golf club, with wood divider  38  as well as wood/iron partition  26 . 
   While the alternating angled design of wood dividers  38 , in conjunction with the curved design of wood/iron partition  26 , function to guide each of the wood-type golf clubs into their specific resting position, these features or elements also function to optimize the path of movement of the wood-type golf clubs that is inevitably experienced while housed or positioned within the golf bag. Thus, as a golfer carries and utilizes the golf bag during a round of golf, club separator  10  is designed to allow optimal movement by the wood-type clubs placed therein as a result of the alternating angled orientation of wood dividers  38  in conjunction with the curved nature of wood/iron partition  26 . This is advantageous in that the wood-type clubs placed within their respective wood compartments are only allowed to travel a path specifically defined by each of dividers  38  and wood/iron partition  26  and are bounded on an opposing side by perimeter support member  14 . For example, if a high wood, such a five wood, is placed within high wood compartment  66 , the shaft of that wood-type golf club will come in contact with one of the boundaries defining high wood compartment  66 , in this case perimeter support member  14 , putter divider  42 , wood divider  38 A, and a portion of wood/iron partition  26 , as shown in the drawings. If contact is made with wood divider  38 A, the wood-type golf club is forced either toward perimeter support member  14  or toward wood/iron partition  26 . If forced or guided towards wood/iron partition  26 , the wood-type club will further be forced or guided away from “high to mid” wood compartment  70  as a result of the sloped nature of wood/iron partition  26  as existing in “high” wood compartment  66 . As a result, no matter the particular movement of the golf bag, the “high” wood-type golf club placed within high wood compartment  66  is only allowed to follow a specific path of movement controlled by the unique design and orientation of the elements comprising the boundaries of high wood compartment  66 . Likewise, “high to mid” wood compartment  70 , “mid to low” wood compartment  74 , and driver compartment  78  each comprise similar structural boundaries designed to control or optimize the path of movement as well as the resting positions of each of the respective wood-type golf clubs placed therein. 
   One embodiment of the present invention club separator  10  further features and comprises iron complex  22 . In one exemplary and preferred embodiment, iron complex  22  comprises a planar configuration that is offset from wood complex  18 , such that iron complex  22  is positioned a substantial distance below (or is offset from) wood complex  18 , as taken from a side perspective as shown in  FIG. 5 . Iron complex  22  is contained within perimeters member  14  and has a bounded area substantially defined by perimeter support member  14 , wood/iron partition  26 , and optional putter divider  42 . Iron complex  22  comprises a series of iron dividers  34 , namely iron divider  34 A,  34 B, and  34 C. Iron divider  34 A functions to physically divide or separate, thus defining respective areas thereof, “high” iron compartment  50  (e.g., nine through wedges) from “high to mid” iron compartment  54  (e.g., six through eight irons). Iron divider  34 B functions to divide or separate, as well as helping to define respective areas thereof, “high to mid” iron compartment  54  from “mid to low” iron compartment  58  (e.g., four through six irons). Likewise, iron divider  34 C functions to divide or separate “mid to low” iron compartment  58  from “low” iron compartment  62  (e.g., one through three irons), and also helps to define each of these compartments respective areas. Specifically, “high” iron compartment  50  has an area defined by perimeter support member  14 , iron divider  34 A, and optionally putter divider  42 . If putter divider  42  is not present, “high” iron compartment  50  is defined simply by perimeter support member  14  and iron divider  34 A. “High to mid” iron compartment  54  has an area defined by a portion of perimeter support member  14 , wood/iron partition  26 , iron divider  34 A, iron divider  34 B, and optionally putter divider  42 . Again, if putter divider  42  is not present, “high to mid” iron compartment  54  is simply defined by perimeter support member  14 , wood/iron partition  26 , and iron dividers  34 A and  34 B. “Mid to low” iron compartment  58  has an area defined by a portion of perimeter support member  14 , wood/iron partition  26 , and iron dividers  34 B and  34 C. “Low” iron compartment  62  has an area defined by a portion of perimeter support member  14 , wood/iron partition  26 , and iron divider  34 C. 
   Each of iron dividers  34 A through  34 C extend from a point one perimeter support member  14  to a point on wood/iron partition  26  and function to separate any iron-type golf clubs inserted and housed within the golf bag. However, one unique feature of club separator  10  of the present invention is the point of attachment and positioning of iron dividers  34  on to wood/iron partition  26 . As mentioned earlier, wood/iron partition  26  functions to prevent or prohibit the club heads of the iron-type golf clubs housed within the golf bag from coming in contact with any portion, and particularly the shaft, of the wood-type golf clubs housed within the golf bag. To accomplish this, wood/iron partition  26  comprises a protective ridge  30  defined by the depth distance of wood/iron partition  26  and the lower placement or positioning of iron dividers  34  intersecting with wood/iron partition  26 . Stated differently, each of iron dividers  34 A through  34 C extend from perimeter support member  14  and join or intersect with wood/iron partition  26  at an identified position, such that protective ridge  30  is formed therein. As the uppermost portion of iron dividers  34 A through  34 C are offset and positioned on a lower plane than the uppermost portion of wood/iron partition  26 , a step-like feature is introduced at the intersection of iron dividers  34  and wood/iron partition  26  that is integrally formed with and helps to define protective ridge  30 , as well as the drop face contained thereon. Thus, as any iron-type golf clubs are inserted into the golf bag through club separator  10 , they are allowed to rotate within their respective iron compartments. However, the existence of wood/iron partition  26 , and particularly protective ridge  30 , function to prevent any portion of the golf club heads of the iron-type golf clubs from rotating, swiveling, or entering into any portion of the area defined by wood complex  18 . Although the club head portion of any iron-type golf club may be allowed to enter into an adjacent iron compartment by rotating over the uppermost portion of any iron divider, these club heads are physically prohibited from entering any portion of wood complex  18  due to the physical contact of the club head portion of the iron-type golf clubs with protective ridge  30 . If iron dividers  34  were not offset or positioned at a lower point down the depth distance of wood/iron partition  26 , such a feature and function would not be possible. In essence, it is intended that the uppermost portion of wood/iron partition  26  extend above the uppermost portion of any iron divider  34 , such that protective ridge  30  may be formed and exist within club separator  10 . Such a design allows club separator  10  to comprise a multi-planar design or configuration that functions not only to optimize the placement and path of movement of the golf clubs placed therein, but to increase the physical protection of the golf clubs by substantially eliminating interclub contact. 
   One embodiment of the present invention golf bag top and club separator further features a unique ergonomic design and configuration not found in prior art golf bag tops and club separators. As stated before, club separator  10  comprises a wood complex  18  and an iron complex  22 , defined substantially by perimeter support member  14  and the strategic placement of wood/iron partition  26 . With reference to  FIG. 4 , shown is the side of club separator  10  comprising wood complex  18 . As shown, club separator  10 , and particularly perimeter support member  14  and wood/iron partition  26 , comprises a longitudinal curve, such that the rear or back of club separator  10  is situated higher than the front of club separator  10 . This difference in height corresponds directly to the particular placement of each of the iron compartments  50 ,  54 ,  58 , and  60 , as well as the wood compartments  66 ,  70 ,  74 , and  78 . Indeed, “mid to low” iron compartment  58 , “low” iron compartment  62 , “mid to low” wood compartment  74 , and driver compartment  78  are situated in the elevated back or rear section of club separator  10 , as the respective wood-like and iron-like clubs designed to be housed within each of these compartments comprise a longer length than their lower numbered club counterparts. Accordingly, “high” iron compartment  50 , “high to mid” iron compartment  54 , “high wood” compartment  66 , and “high to mid” wood compartment  70  are situated in the lower front section of club separator  10 .  FIG. 4  also illustrates how the top or uppermost portion of wood/iron partition  26  extends above or is elevated above the uppermost portion of perimeter support member  14 , thus enabling the function of wood/iron partition  26  as discussed earlier. 
   In addition to these previously discussed benefits and advantages, the placement or positioning of the top or uppermost portion of wood/iron partition  26  above the top or uppermost portion of perimeter support member  14  allows the user of the golf bag and corresponding club separator to have greater access to the wood-type clubs inserted and housed within wood complex  18 . For example, by providing a lower wall member or perimeter support member  14  a greater portion of the shafts of each of the wood-type clubs is exposed, thus making them more readily accessible to the user. Thus, as the user reaches around to grasp a wood-type club, his or her hand freely passes over the uppermost portion of perimeter support member  14  in order to more efficiently grasp and retrieve the desired wood-type club. This specific relative positioning of the divider and corresponding perimeter support member is not found in prior art club separating devices and is more ergonomically friendly or conforming to the user. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates the side of club separator  10  highlighting iron complex  22 . Specifically,  FIG. 5  illustrates the pronounced elevation of wood/iron partition  26  with respect to the portion of perimeter support member  14  utilized to help define the area of iron complex  22 . As can be seen, not only do iron dividers  34  extend outward from a point on perimeter support member  14  to respective points on wood/iron partition  26 , but iron dividers  34  also extend in an upward manner as shown. Similar to the reasoning behind the difference in elevation between wood/iron partition  26  and the portion of perimeter support member  14  located at wood complex  18 , the lowering of perimeter support member  14  (or raising of wood/iron partition  26 ) at the iron complex  22  allows a user of the golf club to more easily and effectively access and retrieve the iron-type clubs housed within one of the iron compartments of iron complex  22 . For example, to access and retrieve and iron-type club, a user reaches his or her hand into the are defined by iron complex  22 . Due to the offset design configuration between the uppermost portion of perimeter support member  14  and wood/iron partition  26 , a greater portion of the iron-type clubs is exposed allowing the user to more efficiently and effectively grasp the desired club of choice. 
     FIG. 5  also illustrates putter complex  46  as defined by putter divider  42  intersecting with perimeter support member  14  at two locations. While putter complexes are not new in the art, the present invention club separator provides a putter complex having putter divider  42  that also has an uppermost portion that is elevated above each of iron dividers  34 , thus functioning to similarly protect and shield a putter that is placed or situated within putter complex  46  from any of the iron-type clubs placed within iron complex  22 , as well as the wood-type clubs placed within wood complex  18 . Putter complex  46  comprises a similar ridge or face as wood/iron partition  26  in that any of the wood dividers  38  or iron dividers  34  intersecting with the putter divider  42  do so at a lower or offset position so as to create a step or a face that contacts or engages any of the wood or iron-type clubs inserted and housed within the golf bag. Putter complex  46  may be positioned at any location within or without perimeter support member  14 , but is preferably positioned within perimeter support member  14  near its front. 
   The present invention club separator  10  further comprises a perimeter rise  82  formed at the rear or back end of club separator  10 . Specifically, perimeter support member  14  defines the perimeter or outermost edge of club separator  10  and comprises an uppermost portion having a perimeter rise  82  located therein at the juncture between wood complex  18  and iron complex  22  at the rear or back end of club separator  10  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Stated differently, the uppermost portion of perimeter support member  14  located along the side of wood complex  18  is offset at a heightened level from the uppermost portion of perimeter support member  14  running along the side of iron complex  22 , wherein at the junction of wood complex  18  and iron complex  22 , along perimeter support member  14 , a step or a perimeter rise  82  is created, such that the uppermost portion of perimeter support member  14  at wood complex  18  is offset from the uppermost portion of perimeter support member  14  at iron complex  22 . The function of perimeter rise  82  is to allow a greater amount of the golf clubs existing within “low” iron compartment  62  to be exposed, thus making them more accessible to the user. As is apparent from each of  FIGS. 4–6 , the present invention club separator  10  comprises a strategically designed perimeter support member  14  such that access to the clubs contained within club separator  10  are more readily accessible to the user. 
   Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the present invention further features strategic placement of wood complex  18  relative to iron complex  22 , as well as relative to putter complex  46  if implemented. Specifically,  FIG. 2  shows wood complex  18  positioned at a location within perimeter support member  14  proximate to the body of the user of the golf bag. Conversely, lower end complex  22  is positioned within perimeter support member  14  at a distance from the body of the user further than wood complex  18 . The relative positioning of wood complex  18  and iron complex  22  in this manner, in conjunction with the accessibility enabling features of perimeter support member  14  as discussed above, provides significant advantages over prior art club separator devices. For example, club separator  10  caters to the ergonomic limitations of a golfer while undertaking a round of golf. As the golf bag employing club separator  10  is utilized by a golfer during a round of golf, access to the desired club is greatly increased as a result of the design features discussed herein. To access an iron-type club, the user simply reaches around and into the area defined by iron complex  22  and retrieves a club therefrom. Little interference from any of the wood-type clubs within wood complex  18  is experienced. Likewise, to access and retrieve a wood-type club, the user simply reaches his hand across the iron-type clubs located in the iron complex  22  to grasp and retrieve one of the clubs located in wood complex  18 . Moreover, club separator  10  of the present invention facilitates an increased ability to remove clubs from both wood complex  18  and iron complex  22  as the clubs in iron complex  22  are incapable of contacting and intertwining with any of the clubs in wood complex  18 . In prior art designs, it is not uncommon for the club heads of the iron-type clubs to contact the shaft portion of the wood-type golf clubs, thereby making retrieval of either more difficult. Another advantage of the design of the present invention club separator  10 , and particularly protective ridge  30  as found within wood/iron partition  26 , is that there is a reduction in the likelihood that either the iron-type clubs or the wood-type clubs would become marred, scratched, or otherwise damaged as a result of their contact with one another. Prohibiting contact between the clubs therefore serves to preserve the life and aesthetic appeal of each of the golf clubs contained within the golf bag. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the ergonomic golf bag top and club separator of the present invention further comprises means for engaging and securing the perimeter support member to a golf bag  100 , and particularly the top or upper  108  of the main body  104  of golf bag  100 . Means for attachment may be any means commonly known in the art such as via screws, rivets, an interference fit, being sewn into main body  104 , or other similar means. In another embodiment, means for engaging comprises a golf bag insert extending from the perimeter support member. The golf bag insert functions to insert into the upper opening of a golf bag to be secured therein. Upon inserting, a stopper is provided that engages an upper lip portion of the upper opening of the golf bag to ensure correct positioning of club separator  10  within golf bag  100 . 
     FIG. 7  also shows the relative placement of club separator  10  within golf bag  100 . Particularly, club separator  10  is positioned so that wood complex  18  is vertically segregated, yet directly adjacent or proximate the body of a user, as golf bag  100  is suspended on the shoulder of the user via means for carrying golf bag  100 , such as a strap  116 .  FIG. 7  further illustrates how iron-type golf clubs  124 , and particularly the heads of iron-type golf clubs  124 , are less likely to contact the shaft portion of wood-type golf clubs  120  due to the protective barrier provided by woodliron partition  26 , and particularly protective ridge  30 . 
   As is apparent from the disclosure corresponding to the figures described above,  FIGS. 1–7 , the golf bag top and club separator of the present invention comprises a wood complex proximate the body of a user. It should be noted however, that the wood complex described and explained herein may also be situated distal the body of the user, with its own advantages and benefits for doing so. What remains constant throughout these differing embodiments is the fact that the wood complex, and the golf clubs received and housed therein, are vertically segregated along the sides of the club separator, rather than at an end section as commonly found in prior art designs. 
   As stated, the present invention golf bag top and club separator also comprises other design configurations or embodiments in which the wood complex is vertically segregated. In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the present invention golf bag top and club separator  210  comprises a perimeter support member  214  having a relatively flat profile. In this embodiment, wood complex  218  is shown situated at a position distal the body of a user (see  FIG. 11  also) and is opposite iron complex  222 , each of which are adjacent putter complex  246 . However, unlike the embodiment described above, club separator  210  comprises a relatively flat profile perimeter support member  214 . Moreover, wood/iron partition  226  is congruent in elevation with each of wood dividers  238  and iron dividers  234  so that the upper most sections of each of these are flush. Dividers  238  and dividers  234  each extend substantially horizontally from one side of perimeter support member  214  to woodliron complex  226 . Wood complex  218  is also vertically segregated within perimeter support member  214  in order to allow for the benefits and advantages previously described herein. 
     FIG. 9  illustrates still another exemplary embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 9  illustrates golf bag top and club separator  310  having a perimeter support member  314 . Perimeter support member  314  may further comprise a perimeter rise, but this is optional. In this particular embodiment, club separator  310  also comprises wood complex  318  vertically segregated or disposed within perimeter support member  314  and opposite or substantially opposite iron complex  322 , as well as being positioned distal to the body of the user. Club separator  310  further comprises putter complex  346  situated therein. However, club separator  310  is shown having no wood/iron partition therein. Rather, club separator  310  comprises a series or a plurality of club dividers  338  extending horizontally from one side to another of perimeter support member  314 , each comprising or possessing a divider rise  340  therein. These divider rises  340  may be formed to correspond to a perimeter rise (similar to perimeter rise  82  shown in  FIG. 7 ), if made available in perimeter support member  314 . 
     FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  illustrate yet another alternative embodiment. Specifically,  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b  illustrate club separator  410  comprising a perimeter support member  414  having an iron complex  422 , a wood complex  418 , and a putter complex  446  each situated or positioned therein as shown. Iron complex  422  further comprises a plurality of dividers  434  extending horizontally from one side to another side of perimeter support member  414 . 
   Club separator  410  further comprises a wood complex  418  vertically segregated and situated or disposed without the wall of perimeter support member  414 . However, wood complex  418  is situated along the vertical of side of perimeter support member  414  so as to allow for similar vertical segregation of any wood-type golf clubs placed therein as described previously above. 
   Wood complex  418  further comprises means  494  for receiving and retaining or securing a golf club. Means for receiving and securing a golf club comprises any known means in the art, particularly a plurality of tubes or tube-like structures that are securely coupled to perimeter support member  414  and that are capable of receiving a golf club therein and providing support for the golf club. In another embodiment, means  494  for receiving and securing may comprise a plurality of clips that can securely engage either a shaft or head portion of a golf club. Still further, means  494  may comprise a series of dividers extending outward from perimeter support member  414 , which are further enclosed by an extended support member defining an area of wood complex  418 . These structures or devices are commonly known in the art and are merely exemplary of three of several possible means  494  that may be employed to receive and vertically segregate and secure a golf club within wood complex  418  situated without or outside perimeter support member  414  as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
   It should be noted that club separator  10  may comprise still other configurational embodiments not specifically mentioned, recited, described, shown, or claimed herein. Specifically, the particular placement and positioning of wood complex  18  relative to iron complex  22 , the angling and incline of wood dividers  38  and iron dividers  34 , the degree of offset between wood complex  18  and iron complex  22 , and the height and location of wood/iron partition  26  and perimeter rise  82  will be obviously to one ordinarily skilled in the art. As such, the description presented in the corresponding Figures discussed herein should not be considered limiting in any way. Moreover, it should also be noted that the golf bag top and club separator described herein, along with its elements and features, may be positioned in reverse to accommodate left hand users. 
     FIG. 11  illustrates golf bag top and club separator  10  comprised of a light weight construction. In this embodiment, wood complex  18  is vertically segregated and substantially opposite iron complex  22 . Also, there are less wood dividers  38  and iron dividers  34  separating or dividing the area of perimeter support member  14 , indicating that the club separator shown in this embodiment may be manufactured for utilization on a golf bag designed for children. 
     FIG. 12  illustrates golf bag top and club separator  10  as it is attached or used with a golf bag  100 . Club separator  10  is shown comprising a wood complex  18  that is vertically segregated and opposite iron complex  22 , as well as being positioned distal to the body of the user. Of course, as explained earlier, wood complex may be positioned proximate the user. As the user straps on the golf bag, the ergonomically designed club separator  10  allows the user to more efficiently and conveniently access and retrieve both the iron-type and wood-type golf clubs housed within golf bag  100 , as previously described herein. 
   The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit of essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.