GB2483048A

GB2483048A - A collapsible motorised golf trolley

Info

Publication number: GB2483048A
Application number: GB1012549.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joseph Henry Sutton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-07-27
Filing date: 2010-07-27
Publication date: 2012-02-29
Anticipated expiration: 2030-07-27
Also published as: GB201012549D0; GB2483048B

Abstract

A motorised golf trolley comprising a chassis element 16 for supporting a golf bag, a length adjustable handle 14 extending from the chassis 16, a wheel support element 22 which can be folded to be coplanar with the chassis 16, a motorised wheel 32 supported on the wheel support element 22, a slim battery pack 24 receivable within the chassis 16 and a base wheel 44 attached to the chassis 16 at a distal end from the handle. There may be an activation mechanism to automatically link movement of the handle 14 and the wheel support element 22. The handle 14, chassis 16 and wheel support 22 may all be telescopically extendable. There may be means to attach a golf bag or a golf bag may be integrally attached to the chassis. The drivable wheels 32 may be detachable and a storage pouch may be provided for them on a golf bag.

Description

Motorised Golf Trolley This invention relates to a motorised golf trolley, and in particular to such a golf trolley which can be folded to assume a planar or substantially planar storage condition.

It is known to provide collapsible motorised golf trolleys. However, these units are commonly integral with a fixed or rigid golf container for clubs and other accessories, making the entire product difficult to manage, store and transport even when the chassis is collapsed. To add to this, even in the collapsed state, the trolley is large and cumbersome with protruding parts.

Additionally, a traditional golf bag with flexible container walls and a shoulder strap for canying around a golf course has to date required a separate trolley if a user has required or desired motorised assistance. This again proves troublesome if a user travels to a golf course, for example, as part of a tour or on a couch. Space is limited, and it is difficult if not impossible to take not only a golf bag but also a large trolley.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to the present invention, there is provided a motorised golf trolley comprising a collapsible chassis and a length adjustable handle attached to the chassis, the chassis including a planar or substantially planar elongate primary chassis element for supporting a golf bag, a planar or substantially planar elongate foldable wheel-support element which is receivable within or substantially within a depth of the primary chassis element so as to be coplanar or substantially coplanar therewith, at least one drivable wheel supported for rotation by the wheel-support element, a motor mounted on the wheel-support element for rotating the drivable wheel, a slim battery pack for energising the motor and receivable within or substantially within the depth of the primary chassis element, a controller for controlling the motor, and at least one base wheel which is longitudinally spaced from the drivable wheel and away from the handle for supporting one end of the chassis.

Preferable and/or optional features of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 20, inclusive.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a motorised golf trolley, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a top plan view of the motorised golf trolley shown in Figure 1 and in an erected condition; Figure 3 shows a top plan view of the motorised golf trolley in a collapsed condition and with the wheels and battery pack removed; Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the collapsed golf trolley shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a detachable wheel of the motorised golf trolley, shown removed from chassis of the motorised golf trolley and in an erected condition; Figure 6 is a view of the detachable wheel when collapsed; Figure 7 shows a side elevational view of a second embodiment of a motorised golf trolley, in accordance with the present invention and including an integral golf bag; and Figure 8 shows a top plan view of the motorised golf trolley shown in Figure 7 and in an erected condition.

Refening firstly to Figures 1 to 6, there is shown a first embodiment of a motorised golf trolley 10 having a collapsible chassis 12 and a handle 14 attached to the chassis 12.

The chassis 12 in this embodiment includes a primary chassis element 16 which functions as a main spine or support of the trolley 10 for supporting at least a standard or traditional flexible golf bag usually having a shoulder strap for caddying or transport.

The primary chassis element 16 is elongate and in this case formed from two spaced parallel tube elements 18 connected by cross-members 20 at either end and partway therebetween to form a ladder-frame. The tube elements 18 are rectilinear or substantially rectilinear so that the primary chassis element 16 is planar or substantially planar.

The tube elements 18, in this case, are length adjustable, preferably being telescopic although folding can be considered. Metal, such as aluminium, can be used to form the tube elements 18 and the cross-members 20, or plastics can be utilised. This helps to keep weight as low as possible. The sections of the tube elements 18 are preferably circular in lateral cross-section and have a uniform or substantially uniform lateral cross-sectional area along their longitudinal extents.

A wheel-support element 22 is pivotably connected via the central cross-member 20 to the tube elements 18 of the primary chassis element 16. The wheel-support element 22 is preferably rectilinear or substantially rectilinear and dimensioned to be receivable between the tube elements 18 when folded up or retracted. The wheel-support element 22 may also be a frame to reduce weight or a single, for example, box-section tube. The wheel-support element 22 is adapted to carry a slim, typically rechargeable, battery pack 24 and a motor 26 is provided in a motor hub 28 at one end of the wheel-support element 22. The battery pack 24 is elongate and slim so that it can be received within the depth of the primary chassis element 16, either in situ once the wheel-support element 22 is folded up, or once removed and, for example, clipped into a space between the tube elements 18. The wheel-support element 22 is, similarly to the primary chassis element 16, planar or substantially planar, and preferably rectilinear, with a depth matching or substantially matching that of the tube elements 18 so that it can be received therebetween.

A, preferably length-adjustable, axle 30 extends from the motor hub 28 of the wheel-support element 22. In this case, the axle 30 is telescopic, but it may be, for example, foldable. The sections of the telescopic axle 30 allow it to be compacted so that it can fit within an interior lateral extent of the primary chassis element 16 between the tube elements 18. To lock the axle 30 in its extended condition, for example, spring-biased pip retainers can be used.

A main outboard wheel 32 is provided at each end of the axle 30. The outboard wheels 32 are detachably fastened to the axle 30 via releasable detents. The outboard wheels 32 provide stabilisation for the trolley when in use.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, each wheel 32 preferably has a rim 34 with a plurality of hinges 36, with the hinges 36 being locked by diametrical intersecting spokes 38. By releasing a detent, for example, at the wheel hub 40, the spokes 38 can be angularly displaced or rotated relative to each other about the hub 40. By rotating the spokes 38 towards each other, as shown in Figure 6, the hinges 36 around the rim 34 are released and the rim 34 can be folded or collapsed. The tyre 42 of the wheel 32 is flexible, either being plastics or rubber, and may be attached at points around its circumference to the rim 34. With the rim 34 folded, the tyre 42 is also collapsed. Each wheel 32 can thus be compacted, preferably once removed from the axle 30, and stored either within the primary chassis element 16 similarly to the battery pack 24, or in a pocket or pockets of the user's golf bag.

In the event that the wheels 32 are not removed or are not removable, then preferably the wheels 32 are collapsible as described above to a height which is similar to a depth of the primary chassis element 16. With the wheel-support element 22 folded up and the axle 30 retracted, the wheels 32 remain outboard of the primary chassis element 16, but closely adjacent to the respective tube elements 18.

Refening again to Figures 1 and 2, the primary chassis element 16 includes an inboard wheel 44 at or adjacent to its lower cross-member 46. The inboard wheel 44 typically has a smaller diameter than the outboard wheels 32, but may also be removable and/or collapsible. Although the inboard wheel 44 may be rotatably mounted on the lower cross-member 46, thus being movable via telescopic extension of the primary chassis element 16, it is preferably mounted on a pivot arm 48 which is pivotably connected to the lower cross-member 46. Again, a detent is preferably utilised to releasably lock the pivot arm 48 in its extended and retracted positions, and the inboard wheel 44 is rotatably mounted at or adjacent to a distal end of the pivot arm 48. The inboard wheel 44 may also be mounted to the pivot arm 48 via a castor-type bearing to enable rotation around an in use vertical axis. This may be beneficial for manoeuvrability.

The primary chassis element 16 also includes upper and lower bag retainers 50, 52 which are pivotably attached to the upper and lower cross-members 46, 54, respectively.

Further detents may be utilised to hold the upper and lower bag retainers 50, 52 in their extended positions. The upper and lower bag retainers 50, 52 provide engagement points for fastening and holding a golf bag to the primary chassis element 16. Although the upper and lower bag retainers 50, 52 are preferably rigid pivotable arm elements, they may be straps or other kinds of connectors, dependent on necessity.

The handle 14 is length adjustable, and in this case the handle 14 is telescopically engaged with the primary chassis element 16 so as to be extendable from and retractable into the respective tube elements 18 at or adjacent to the upper cross-member 54.

Conveniently, each longitudinal strut 56 of the handle 14 has a lateral extent which is less than that of the smallest telescopic member of the primary chassis element 16, SO that on retraction of the primary chassis element 16 and the handle 14, at least a proximal end portion of each strut 56 is receivable within at least a portion of the smallest telescopic member.

The handle 14, in this case, is hooped and an electronic controller 58 for the motor 26 is provided on a grip portion 60 of the handle 14 at its distal end. A wiring loom connects the controller 58 to the motor 26 and battery pack 24 through the tube elements 18 of the primary chassis 12 and the wheel-support element 22.

An activation mechanism 62 is also provided which interconnects the handle 14 with the wheel-support element 22. The activation mechanism 62 in this case utilises wire or other flexible elongate element running within the tube elements 18 of the primary chassis element 16 around a small internal pulley or pulleys so that as the handle 14 is pushed home into the tube elements 18, the wire is drawn around the pulley or pulleys and retracts the wheel-support element 22. Additionally or alternatively, it is also feasible to utilise a miniature electric motor, for example PMDC, on the pivot axis of the wheel-support element 22 with electrical contacts provided on the internal proximal end of the handle 14. As the handle 14 is pushed home and the contacts are thus broken, the motor is energised to raise the wheel-support element 22. When the handle 14 is pulled out and the contacts are re-established, the motor is reenergised to deploy the wheel-support element 22. Power can be drawn from the battery pack 24 to energise this motor.

In the collapsed or storage condition as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the primary chassis element 16 together with the handle 14 and wheel-support element 22 form a planar or substantially planar unit, having a very slim and compact form factor. The inboard and outboard wheels 32, 44 may be removed and stored either on the primary chassis element 16 or the golf bag, further reducing the storage dimensions of the golf trolley 10.

Refening now to Figures 6 and 7, there is shown a second embodiment of a motorised golf trolley 10 having a collapsible chassis 12, a, preferably telescopic, length adjustable handle 14 attached to the primary chassis element 16 and an integral golf bag 64. The handle 14 is similar to that described above, although preferably may not be a hoop but a single arm being substantially rectilinear along a majority of its longitudinal extent.

The grip portion 60 is canted for comfort and includes the controller 58.

The primary chassis element 16 is a spine that may extend within and down a back of the golf bag 64. The primary chassis element 16 is preferably nanower than that of the first embodiment. The primary chassis element 16 may also include a padded or deformable outer layer for comfort when a user is carrying the golf bag 64 via a shoulder strap. The extendable and retractable wheel-support element 22 extends from the primary chassis element 16 and can fold into a recess in the back of the golf bag 64 which is preferably provided by the primary chassis element 16.

As with the first embodiment, the axle 30 and handle 14 are preferably length adjustable, and the outboard wheels 32 at least are preferably removable and collapsible.

Storage of the outboard wheels 32 can be provided either on the primary chassis element 16 or in a, for example, side pocket of the golf bag 64.

The primary chassis element 16 in this embodiment is preferably a single strut 56 in the form of a unitary hollow box-section tube. However, the ladder frame of the first embodiment can be considered.

The primary chassis element 16 in this embodiment may also not be length adjustable, due to the integrated golf bag 64.

The inboard wheel 44 is provided at a base 66 of the golf bag 64. Preferably, the inboard wheel 44 is again mounted for pivoting movement via a pivot arm 48, which allows the inboard wheel 44 to be folded up and recessed substantially into a back 68 of the golf bag 64. However, the pivot arm 48 may be dispensed with and the inboard wheel 44 may project from a bottom rear edge of the base 66 of the golf bag 64.

A slim battery pack 24 is again carried by the wheel-support element 22, and the combined depth of the wheel-support element 22 and the battery pack 24 is preferably substantially the same depth as the primary chassis element 16.

As with the first embodiment, the primary chassis element 16 and the wheel-support element 22 are thus planar or substantially planar, such that retraction of the wheel-support element 22 within a depth of the primary chassis element 16 provides a coplanar or substantially coplanar back 68 or spine of the golf bag 64. This provides for a discreet and almost hidden trolley 10 once folded and with the handle 14 retracted, allowing the golf bag 64 to be carried easily around or to and from a golf course by golfer or caddy. Deployment is quick by extension of the handle 14 whereby the activation mechanism 62 extends the wheel-support element 22. The axle 30 is extended and outboard wheels 32 attached, and the inboard wheel 44 is rotated out on its pivot ann 48. With the slim battery pack 24 engaged, the trolley 10 independently supports the integrated golf bag 64 and provides a walk-along unit for the user.

Other aspects of the second embodiment of the motorised golf trolley 10, such as the activation mechanism 62, battery pack 24, motor 26 and so on are as described with reference to the first embodiment, and therefore further detailed description is omitted.

The term length adjustable' used herein and throughout is intended to mean having a longitudinal extent which itself is adjustable or variable, and/or being movable relative to another component or element to impart a relative positional adjustment or variation.

Although a single arm in the second embodiment, the handle may be hooped as in the first embodiment. The handle may also be in multiple sections to provide length adjustment.

The integrated golf bag is flexible as with a traditional golf bag, typically having sides formed of reinforced fabric, leather and/or plastics. The golf bag is preferably not a fixed rigid container which would thereby make it difficult and cumbersome for a user to shoulder calTy, transport and store.

Although the battery pack is preferably provided on the wheel-support element, it may be mountable for use on the primary chassis element so as to be separate of the wheel-support element.

A single outboard wheel may be provided typically aligned with the longitudinal axis of the wheel-support element. In this case, two or more inboard wheels may be utilised to provide stability. The outboard wheel in this case is simply a drivable wheel, and the inboard wheels can be considered base wheels for supporting a base region of the chassis and/or golf bag.

The activation mechanism may also be preferable, since it could be manually folded and deployed.

One or more braces may also be provided. For example, the wheel-support element may be provided with a brace, such as a hinged or pivoted brace which articulates partway along its length. This brace may prevent or limit undesirable folding of the wheel-support element. Additionally or alternatively, a releasable locking mechanism such as a ratchet with releasable pawl in a pivot hub of the wheel-support element may be used to prevent or limit unintentional folding.

One or more further braces may also be provided which extend out form the primary chassis element to or adjacent to each outboard wheel to provide rigidity, especially over rough ground.

Although preferably telescopic, the length adjustable axle could be slidably telescopic or rotationally telescopic such that the inner telescopic sections screw in and out.

It is thus possible to provide a motorised golf trolley for a normal or traditional golf bag which is extremely compact, planar or substantially planar when collapsed, and with a small depth.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appendent claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A motorised golf trolley comprising a collapsible chassis and a length adjustable handle attached to the chassis, the chassis including a planar or substantially planar elongate primary chassis element for supporting a golf bag, a planar or substantially planar elongate foldable wheel-support element which is receivable within or substantially within a depth of the primary chassis element so as to be coplanar or substantially coplanar therewith, at least one drivable wheel supported for rotation by the wheel-support element, a motor mounted on the wheel-support element for rotating the drivable wheel, a slim battery pack for energising the motor and receivable within or substantially within the depth of the primary chassis element, a controller for controlling the motor, and at least one base wheel which is longitudinally spaced from the drivable wheel and away from the handle for supporting one end of the chassis.
2. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in claim 1, wherein an activation mechanism which interconnects the handle and the wheel-support element for automatically retracting and deploying the wheel-support element on length adjustment of the handle.
3. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in claim 2, wherein the activation mechanism extends within or substantially within the primary chassis element to a movable part of the telescopic handle.
4. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slim battery pack is supportable by the wheel-support element, so that the battery pack is receivable within the depth of the primary chassis element when the wheel-support element is folded.
5. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of said drivable wheels is provided for outboard stability.
6. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in claim 5, wherein the wheel-support element includes at least one length adjustable axle for supporting one or each drivable wheel.
7. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in claim 6, wherein the length adjustable axle is telescopic.
8. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a brace element for bracing the wheel-support element and/or the said drivable wheel when the wheel-support element is deployed.
9. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel-support element is receivable within or substantially within the primary chassis element.
10. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drivable wheel is collapsible.
11. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drivable wheel is detachable.
12. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in claim 11, wherein, when detached, the drivable wheel is storable on the primary chassis element.
13. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary chassis element is length adjustable.
14. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in claim 13, wherein the primary chassis element includes at least a telescopic portion for adjusting its length.
15. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle is telescopically extendable and retractable.
16. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a foldable support arm on which the base wheel is mounted for rotation, the support arm being foldably receivable within or substantially within a depth of the primary chassis element so as to be coplanar or substantially coplanar therewith.
17. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is on the handle.
18. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one connector for releasably attaching a golf bag to the primary chassis element.
19. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a golf bag element, the primary chassis element being integrally formed as part of the back of the golf bag element so that the handle extends from a top of the golf bag and the base wheel is at a base of the golf bag.
20. A motorised golf trolley as claimed in claim 19, wherein the golf bag includes at least one compartment adapted for storing the drivable wheel when detached.
21. A motorised golf trolley substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 6 or Figures 7 and 8 of the accompanying drawings.