Patent Publication Number: US-9421608-B2

Title: Golf bags, top dividers for golf bags and methods of making top dividers

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/525,511, filed Aug. 19, 2011, and claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/678,322, filed Aug. 1, 2012, the entire disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present application generally relates to golf bags, and more particularly, to golf bags, top dividers for golf bags and methods of making top dividers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Golf bags are used to carry golf clubs and accessories. Typical golf bags are generally tube-shaped to hold golf clubs and include one or more pockets for holding balls, tees, gloves, rain gear, and other golf related equipment and accessories. The open top of a golf bag is typically divided into a number of slots to allow an individual to organize and sort the clubs. Certain golf bags, such as staff bags are taller and have a larger circumference than a typical golf bag. The larger size of staff bags allows inclusion of more pockets and storage areas for carrying more equipment and accessories. For this reason, staff bags are used by tournament players so that that a large number of equipment, accessories and even food can be carried, for several hours. Additionally, the large external surface area of a staff bag can be used for displaying advertisements, logos, and other visual information. Staff bags also include an open top that is divided into a number of slots to allow an individual to organize and sort the clubs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a golf bag according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  shows a top perspective view of a top divider according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  shows a bottom perspective view of the top divider of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a top view of the top divider of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a bottom view of the top divider of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  shows a front view of the top divider of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  shows a rear view of the top divider of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 8  shows a side view alone side of the top divider of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 9  shows a side view of the top divider of  FIG. 2  viewed from the opposite side of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  shows a schematic diagram of a golf bag according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  shows a side view of a top divider according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  shows a method of making a top divider according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  shows a golf bag according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  shows a golf bag according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a golf bag  20  having a top divider  22  according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The golf bag  20  includes a body  24  and may include one or more pockets  26 , one or more handles  27 , and one or more adjustable straps  28 . The golf bag  20  includes a closed bottom end  30  and an open top end  32 . The top divider  22  is located at the open top end  32  and includes a plurality of slots  34 , which are described in more detail below, to allow sorting and/or organizing of golf clubs when being placed inside the golf bag. The golf bag  20  may be a carry bag, a cart bag, a staff bag, or any type of bag that may be used for carrying golf clubs. The body  24  of the golf bag  20  may be constructed from a soft shell, a hard shell, or a combination thereof. The top divider  22  may be constructed in one piece and include, one or more integrated handles for carrying the golf bag  20 . Alternatively, the top divider  22  may be constructed in two or more pieces. Further, one or more handles (e.g., one handle  27  is shown in  FIG. 1 ) may be attached or affixed to the golf bag  20 . An individual who is using the golf clubs stored in the golf bag  20  may also carry the golf bag. Alternatively, another individual such as a golf caddie may carry the golf bag. An individual who may lift, move, or shift the golf bag  20  may be generally referred to herein as a carrier. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-8 , the top divider  22  includes a perimeter section  40 , the shape of which may define the shape of the open top  32  of the golf bag  20 . The top divider  22  further includes a plurality of interconnected ribs (e.g., generally shown as ribs  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 ) located inside and connected to the perimeter section  40 . The interconnected ribs form a grid like structure to define the slots  34 . In the exemplary embodiments according to the disclosure, the top divider  22  includes two lateral ribs  42  and  44  and three longitudinal ribs  46 ,  48  and  50  that divide the space in the perimeter section  40  into six slots  34 . The number of ribs and the resulting number of slots and the arrangement of the ribs relative to each other is exemplary and does not in any way limit various rib and slot configurations for dividing the open top  32 . For example, the top divider  22  may include a plurality of ribs that are radially arranged and are interconnected at the center of the open top  32 . Accordingly, such ribs may define pie-shaped slots in the open top  32 . Therefore, having any number of ribs in any configuration to provide any number of openings with similar or varying shapes and sizes are within the scope of the disclosure. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The longitudinal rib  48  may also functions as a handle  49  to allow the carrier to shift, lift and/or move the golf bag  20 . To reduce or prevent any discomfort that may be experienced by the carrier when carrying the golf bag  20  with the handle  49 , the longitudinal rib  48  may be thicker and/or generally larger than the longitudinal ribs  46  and  50 . Accordingly, the handle  49  may provide a better grip for the carrier and provides a larger surface area by which the weight of the golf bag  20  can be distributed onto the palm and the fingers of the carrier&#39;s hand. Although not shown, the handle  49  may be contoured and/or have a plurality of depressions that generally correspond to the shape of a carrier&#39;s fingers when holding the handle  49 . Furthermore, any part a the handle  49  may include a textured surface or other types of surface characteristics for providing a better grip and comfort for the carrier. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the handle  49  may include a plurality of elongated projections  52  that form a ribbed surface to provide a better frictional grip for the carrier. The projections  52  may be formed from a soft material such as rubber to also provide a comfortable grip for the carrier. Portions or the entire handle  49  may be covered with a soft and/or elastic material to provide comfort to the carrier. For example, the handle  49  may be coated or covered by a foam material, rubber or the like. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described, herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The handle  49  may be sized to be larger than the width of a carrier&#39;s hand to allow the carrier to grab the handle  49  for shifting, moving and/or lifting the golf bag  20 . The handle  49  may be sized for an individual with very large hands so as to be usable by any individual with smaller sized hands. Alternatively, the handle  49  may be sized based on the size of the golf club bag  20 . For example, a small golf club bag that is designed for use by a child may have a smaller handle  49  than a golf bag that is designed for use by an adult. Alternatively yet, the handle  49  may be sized to fit a particular individual. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , at least a portion of the handle  49  may be located on an axis  51  of the golf bag  20  that defines a vector  53  extending from a center of gravity  55  of the golf bag  20  and representing the weight of the golf bag  20 . Therefore, when the golf bag  20  is lifted by a carrier with the handle  49 , the golf bag  20  may be in a balanced or nearly balanced position. As a result, the golf bag  20  may not rotate about the handle  49  and maintains its vertical position. The balanced handling of the golf bag  20  provided by the position of the handle  49  allows the carrier to shift, lift and move the golf bag, especially when the golf bag is heavily loaded, without any swinging or rotation of the golf bag  20 . In the disclosed examples, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the axis  51  may generally pass through the center of the open top  32  of the golf bag  20 . Accordingly, as shown in  FIGS. 2-9 , at least a portion of the handle  49  may be located at the center or approximately at the center of the open top  32  divider  22 . However, for a golf bag having an off-center center of gravity due to for example the shape of the bag, the handle  49  may be correspondingly off center relative to the divider  22  to provide the disclosed, balanced handling of the golf bag. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     While the above example may describe the handle  49  as an integrated portion of the top divider  20 , the handle  49  may be a separate portion that is removably attached or affixed to the top divider  22 . For example, the handle  49  may be customized or selected from a plurality of handles to custom fit an individual&#39;s hand size (e.g., small, medium, large, child, adult, etc.), which may provide a better grip. In another example shown in  FIG. 11 , the handle may be defined by a strap  90  that is attached to the rib  48  or any of the other ribs  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 . The strap  90  may be positioned at a location on the top divider  22  so that at least a portion of the strap passes through or nearly pass through the vector  53  that represent the weight of the golf bag  20  and passes through the center of gravity  55  of the golf bag  20 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described, herein are not limited in this regard. 
     According to one example, the top divider  22  may include one or more handles  56  positioned on the perimeter section  40 . Each handle  56  may be in any configuration. For example, a handle  56  may be a projecting loop, a strap or the like. According to one example as shown in  FIGS. 2-9 , the top divider  22  includes two apertures  54 , which define two handles  56  in cooperation with the upper rim  58  of the perimeter section  40 . Each of the apertures  54  may be sized to allow a carrier of the golf bag to insert at least some of his or her fingers through the aperture. In one example, the apertures  54  may be sized to allow a carrier to insert his or her fingers from the index finger to the little finger through the aperture (e.g., four fingers). The apertures  54  may be sized for an individual with very large hands so as to be usable by an individual with smaller hands. Alternatively, the apertures  54  may be sized based on the size of the golf club bag  20 . For example, a small golf club bag that is designed for use by a child may have smaller apertures  54  than a golf bag that is designed for use by an adult. Alternatively yet, the apertures  54  may be sized for a particular individual. In other embodiments, the apertures  54  may have different sizes and shapes. Although the above example may describe two handles  56 , the golf bags and top dividers described herein may include more or less handles at or proximate to the perimeter section  40 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     To use one of the handles  56 , the carrier of the golf bag can insert his fingers from his index finger to his little finger through the corresponding aperture  54  from outside the perimeter section  40 . The carrier can then wrap his fingers around the handle  56  to grip the handle  56  and shift, lift and/or move the golf bag  20 . Although not shown, the handles  56  may be contoured and/or have a plurality of depressions corresponding to a carrier&#39;s fingers. Furthermore, any part of the handles  56  may include a textured surface or have other types of surface characteristics for providing a better grip and comfort for the carrier. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9 , the outer surface of the handles  56  may include a plurality of elongated projections  60  that form a ribbed surface to provide a better frictional grip for the carrier. The projections  60  may be constructed from a soft material such as rubber to provide comfortable grip for the carrier. Alternatively, portions or the entire handle  56  may be covered and/or coated with soft material such as rubber. 
     Each of the handles  48  and  56  can be used alone or in combination. Because the handles  56  are on the perimeter section  40 , the handles  56  may be easier to use in tight or constricted spaces as compared to the handle  49 . Such constricted spaces may include a locker room, a tee box, or the edge of a green. For example, when the carrier of the golf bag  20  wants to place the golf bag  20  in a locker, the golf bag  20  can be lifted with either the handle  49  and/or the handles  56  and placed at the edge of the locker with the handles  56  facing outward. The handles  56  can then be used to lift and push the golf bag  20  or just push the golf bag  20  completely inside the locker. To remove the golf bag  20  from the locker, the handles  56  can be used to pull the golf bag  20  out of the locker. The carrier can then lift the golf bag  20  with the handle  49  and/or the handles  56 . Additionally, a carrier can use one or both of the handles  56  to lay the golf bag  20  down on its side. Similarly, when lifting the golf bag to an upright position, the carrier can grab one or both of the handles  56  to accomplish such lifting task. Thus, each of the handles  49  and  56  when used alone or in combination can provide the carrier with a variety of options for shifting, lifting and/or moving the golf bag  20  depending on the position of the bag, certain space restrictions, the weight of the golf bag  20  and/or other factors. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show side views of the top divider  22 . The curvature of the perimeter section  40  as viewed from the side of the top divider  22  may correspond to the side curvature of the open top  32  of the golf bag  20 . A front end  62  of the perimeter section  20  may be positioned higher than the back end  64  of the perimeter section  20 , thereby defining a downwardly sloping curvature of the perimeter section  40  from the front end  62  to the back end  64 . 
     The upper rim  58  may have a larger diameter than the lower rim  66  to provide an open top end  32  for the golf bag that is larger than the internal diameter of the body  24  of the golf bag  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the perimeter section  40  transitions from the lower rim  66  to the upper rim  58  with an outwardly sloping curvature. The larger diameter of the upper tint  58  relative to the diameter of the lower rim  66  provides an open top end  32  that is larger in diameter than the internal diameter of the golf bag  20 . Accordingly, the larger open top  32  provides larger slots  34  and may facilitate easier insertion of golf clubs into the golf bag  20 . 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show front and back views of the top divider  22 . The perimeter section  40  may be wider at the front end  62  than at the back end  64 . Accordingly, sufficient space may be provided on the perimeter section  40  for placing the handles  56 . 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  show top and bottom views of the top divider  22 . The lateral ribs  42  and  44  are shown to be generally straight. Furthermore, the handle  49  is shown to be longer than the ribs  46  and  50  to provide sufficient space for the carrier&#39;s hand when the carrier is grabbing the handle  49 . Accordingly the ribs  42  and  44  and the handle  49  define two slots  34  (i.e., the middle slots) that are larger than the remaining slots  34  of the top divider  22 . However, the ribs  42  and  44  can be formed to have curved shapes to provide different sizes for the slots  34 . For example, if the ribs  42  and  44  are formed concave relative to the handle  49 , the slots  34  on the sides of the handle  49  become smaller than the same slots shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Conversely, if the ribs  42  and  44  are formed convex relative to the handle  49 , the slots  34  on the sides of the handle  49  become larger than the same slots shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Thus, the curvature of the ribs  42  and  44  may affect the size of the slots  34 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the handle  49  is positioned such that at least all or portions thereof are located above the upper rim  58  of the perimeter section  40 . Accordingly, the handle  49  may be easily identifiable and accessible by the carrier of the golf bag  20 . Furthermore, the higher position of the handle  49  may reduce interference with the carrier&#39;s hand, wrist and/or forearm from the remaining sections of the top divider  22  when the carrier reaches for the handle  49 , grabs the handle  49 , and uses the handle  49 . To elevate the handle  49  relative to the remaining parts of the top divider  22 , the ribs  42 - 50 , which include the handle  49  may be upwardly sloped from the perimeter section  40  toward approximately the center of the perimeter section  40 , which in the disclosed example is the location of the handle  49 . Thus, the grid-like formation of the ribs  42 - 50  is at least slightly dome-shaped to place the handle  49  at the top of the dome-shaped grid and above the upper rim  58 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , the ends of the ribs  42  and  44 , and one end of the ribs  46  and  50  are connected to the perimeter section  40  with connection sections  68 . The connection sections  68  may be sections that provide a transition from the ends of the ribs to the inner wall of the perimeter section  40  to increase structural rigidity and reduce stress concentration areas at the noted connections. Accordingly, the connection sections  68  may provide a curved or chamfered transition  70  from the lower edge of the corresponding rib to the inner wall of the perimeter section  40 . Additionally, the connection section  68  may provide a curved or chamfered transition  72  from the side edges of the corresponding rib to the surface of the inner wall of the perimeter section  40 . Thus, as shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , each of the connection sections  68  may appear to be a continuous part of the corresponding rib and/or the inner wall of the perimeter section  40 . The lateral ribs  42  and  44  and the longitudinal ribs  46  and  50  may be connected together with curved or chamfered transitions  74  to increase structural rigidity and reduce stress concentration areas at the noted connections. 
     The lateral ribs  42  and  44  and the longitudinal ribs  46  and  50  may have the same or different thicknesses and widths. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the thicknesses and widths of these ribs are shown to be similar. However, the thicknesses and the widths of the lateral ribs  42  and  44  may be greater than the thicknesses and/or widths of the ribs  46  and  50 . For example, the thicknesses and widths of the lateral ribs  42  and  44  may be increased while reducing the thicknesses and/or widths of the ribs  46  and  50  without affecting the structural strength characteristics, of the top divider  22 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2, 3 and 6-9 , the perimeter section  40  may include an upper section  80  and a lower section  82 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , the upper section  80  may extend above the body  24  of the golf bag  20  while the lower section  82  is inside the body  24 . The lower section  82  may be thinner than the upper section to allow insertion thereof inside the body  24  and attachment thereof at the open top end  32  of the golf bag  20 . Furthermore, the upper section  80  may be thicker than the lower section  82  so that after the top divider  22  is attached to the golf bag  20 , the outer surface of the upper section  80  is substantially flush with the outer surface of the body  24  at the open top  32 . 
     Although the figures may depict a particular example configuration for a top divider (e.g., symmetrical along the longitudinal ribs  46 ,  48 , and  50 ), the golf bags and top dividers described herein may include other configurations. The top divider  22  may be asymmetrical along the longitudinal rib  48  and/or other ribs. While the figures may also depict a particular number of ribs, slots, and handles, the golf bags and top dividers described herein may include more or less number of ribs, slots, and/or handles. Further, the ribs  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 , slots  34 , and handles  49  and  56  may be located in other locations of the top divider  22 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The top divider  22  may be constructed in one piece by being constructed from plastic, metal, composite materials, wood or a combination thereof. The top divider  22  may be formed by injection molding or similar methods. Referring to  FIG. 12 , a method  100  of forming the top divider with injection molding is shown. With injection molding, a one-piece or a multi-piece mold can be constructed which has interconnected cavities corresponding to the above-described interconnected parts of the top divider  22 . The method  100  includes providing a mold for making at least one part of the top divider (block  102 ). Molten material, such as molten plastic or metal is injected into the mold (block  104 ), which is then cooled. The top divider  22  is then removed from the mold (block  106 ) and may be machined, to smooth out irregularities on the surfaces thereof or to remove residual parts. 
     As described, above, the perimeter section  40  expands upwardly from the lower rim  66  to the upper rim  58 . This expansion provides a draft angle so that that top divider  22  can be removed from the mold. Furthermore, various curved surfaces of the top divider  22  as described in detail above may provide easier injection and cooling of the plastic material that forms the top divider  22 , reduce material irregularities in the molded top divider  22  at the areas where the ribs are connected to the perimeter section and to each other, and easier removal of the top divider  22  from the mold. 
     The divider  22  may be manufactured in separate pieces or in one piece by stamping (i.e., punching using a machine press or a stamping press, blanking, embossing, bending, flanging, or coining, casting), injection molding, forging, machining or a combination thereof, or other processes used for manufacturing metal, composite, plastic or wood parts. If the divider  22  is manufactured in separate pieces, the divider  22  may be constructed by attaching the separate pieces by fasteners, adhesives, bonding, welding or any other attachment method that may be suitable for the material from which the pieces are manufactured. 
     After forming the top divider  22 , various parts thereof may be coated with other materials to provide texture, color, or other physical and aesthetic characteristics. For example, the handle  49  and the handles  56  may be coated, with a rubber material after injection molding the top divider  22 . The rubber material may provide a softer yet a better frictional grip for the carrier when using the handles. Upon forming the top divider  22  as described above, the top divider  22  can be attached to the golf bag  20  at the open top end  32 . The top divider  22  can be attached to the inner wall of the golf bag with adhesive, rivets, fasteners or other attachments devices and methods. Various sections of the top divider  22 , such as the ribs  42 - 50  can be covered with the same fabric that covers the interior of the bag so as to give the top divider  22  a uniform appearance with the interior of the golf bag  20 . The fabric may also provide padding for the ribs  46 - 50  and the perimeter section  40 . 
     The material from which the top divider  22  is constructed and/or the continuous one-piece construction of the top divider  22  may provide sufficient rigidity to not only maintain the shape of the golf bag when in an upright position, but also to provide support for the carrier when the golf bag  20  is laid down on the ground and the carrier sits on the golf bag  20 . The above-described oval-shaped perimeter section  40 , the curved shapes of the various parts of the top divider  22  such as the ribs  46 - 50 , the connection sections  68 , the interconnectedness of the above-described parts, and the material from which the top is constructed collectively provide sufficient rigidity and structural strength for the top divider  22  such that the top can be subjected to the static and dynamic loads encountered daring typical use. Accordingly, the top divider  22  may function as a primary structural support for the top portion of the golf bag  20  such that other typical structural supports, for the top portion of the golf bag  20  may not be required. Therefore, the top divider  22  may replace any structural support members at the top portion of the golf bag  20 . Alternatively, the top divider  22  may provide structural support for the top portion of the golf bag  20  in addition to any other structural support near or at the top portion. 
     The top divider  22  may be constructed by forming the perimeter section  40  and the ribs  42 - 50  separately and then attaching these parts together. For example, the perimeter section  40  may be formed by injection molding as described above. The ribs  42 - 50  including the connection sections  68  may be also formed by injection molding. The connection sections  68  can then be attached to the perimeter section  40  with an adhesive, rivets, fasteners, or other methods that can provide the same or better structural characteristics as the one-piece injection molding of the top divider  22  as described above. In other embodiments, the top divider  22  may be constructed by machining. The materials of the top divider  22  are not limited to plastics and may include wood, metal or composite materials, such as fiberglass or graphite. Depending on the material(s) used for the entire or parts of the top divider  22 , a variety of methods can be used to manufacture and/or assemble the top divider  22 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , a golf bag  1000  according to another example is shown. The golf bag  1000  includes a top divider  1002  that is attached to the open top  1003  of the body  1004  of the golf bag  1000 . The top divider  1002  may be any type of top divider or top divider structure including a top divider according to the disclosure. The body  1004  includes at least one handle  1006  that may be defined by an aperture on the body. The handle  1006  may be sized to receive all or portions of an individual&#39;s hand. Additionally, the handle  1006  may have any shape such as a rectangular, triangular, oval, teardrop, circular or any combination thereof. However, the handle  1006  may be ergonomically shaped to generally evenly distribute the weight of the golf bag  1000  on an individuals hand. For example, the handle  1006  may include a rim  1008  that is curved or has a certain, contour that generally corresponds to the shape of an individual&#39;s hand when gripping the handle  1006 . The handle  1006  may also include a rim having finger indentations for receiving an individual&#39;s fingers. Furthermore, the handle  1006  may be include a rim that is padded to provide a comfortable hold for an individual&#39;s hand and/or fingers. 
     The golf bag  1000  may include any number of handles  1006 . For example, the golf bag  1000  may include two handles  1006 , where each handle  1006  is positioned on the golf bag  1000  opposite to the other handle (shown in  FIG. 13 ). Accordingly, an individual can reach and grab any of the handles  1006  regardless of the position of the individual relative to the bag. The handle  1006  or a plurality of handles  1006  may be located anywhere on the body  1004 . In the example of  FIG. 13 , a pair of handles  1006  (only one handle  1006  is shown) is positioned near the top divider  1002 , hence near the open top  1003  of the golf bag  1000 . Accordingly, the handles  1006  may be easily accessible by a person standing adjacent the golf bag  1000 . 
     The handle  1006  may be defined by an aperture located anywhere on the body  1004 . For example, one or more handles  1006  may be located near the middle section of the body. In the examples of  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the handle  1006  is near the open top  1003  such that the handle  1006  is defined by an aperture  1010  and a top rim  1012  of the body  1004 . The top rim  1012  is positioned between the aperture  1010  and the open top  1003 . To use the handle  1006 , an individual can insert his or her hand inside the aperture  1010  and wrap his or her hand around the top rim  1012  to grip the top rim  1012  for shifting, moving and/or lifting the golf bag  1000 . The top rim  1012  may be padded and/or contoured to provide an comfortable grip for an individual. Furthermore, the top rim  1012  may have a certain type of surface texture (not shown) to frictionally enhance an individual&#39;s grip. Because the handle  1006  are on the body  1004 , rather than projecting out of the body  1004 , the handle  1006  may be easier to use in tight or constricted spaces as compared to a handle that is attached to the body  1004  and/or projects out of the body  1004 . Such constricted spaces may include a locker room, a tee box, or the edge of a green. 
     The handle  1006  may be formed on the body  1004  by forming an aperture on the body corresponding to the size, the shape and other configuration of the handle. For example, if the body is constructed from leather, the shape of the handle  1006  may be cut out of the leather used to construct the body before or after the body  1004  is formed. The handle  1006  may also be cut out of any internal layers of the body, such as any framing layer, backing sheets or layers and/or any bag support structure. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Although a particular order of actions is disclosed, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. For example, two or more actions may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. Alternatively, two or more actions depicted may be performed in reversed order. Further, one or more actions may not be performed at all. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     While the invention has been described in connection with various aspects, it will be understood that the invention is capable of further modifications. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptation of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within the known and customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains.