GB2275232A

GB2275232A - Hover golf cart.

Info

Publication number: GB2275232A
Application number: GB9303364A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Stephen Pickett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-02-19
Filing date: 1993-02-19
Publication date: 1994-08-24
Also published as: GB9303364D0

Abstract

A golf caddy comprising means arranged to receive a golf bag (5) thereon and mounted upon air cushion (hover) means (1). A pivotable handle (4) may be provided, which can be folded down on to a housing (2) for the air cushion (hover) means (1) and, optionally, secured thereto for carrying purposes. <IMAGE>

Description

GOLF CADDY DESCRIPTION This invention relates to a golf caddy.

Known golf caddies comprise a frame which is arranged to receive securely thereon a golf bag containing golf clubs and which is mounted upon wheels for ease of mobility and manoeuvrability during its use on a golf course. However, it has been found that, in some situations, the wheels of the caddy do not fulfil their proper function and, indeed, can hinder the mobility and manoeuvrability of the caddies. For example, in muddy or snowing conditions, the wheels of the caddy can become stuck in the mud or snow, thereby reducing substantially ease of movement and manoeuvrability. Also, in icy or frosty conditions, the wheels can skid on the hard ground, thereby causing golfers using the caddies to loose control of them, particularly on slopes or more hilly conditions of a golf course.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf caddy which overcomes, or at least substantially reduces, the disadvantages associated with known golf caddies discussed above.

Accordingly, the invention resides in a golf caddy comprising means, such as a frame, which is arranged to receive a golf bag thereon and which is mounted upon air cushion (hover) means.

The air cushion (hover) means may comprise the base hover unit of a so-called *hover mower" or a more sophisticated hover unit with a multi-bladed fan and flexible skirt depending downwardly from the periphery of an associated fan housing.

The caddy may also comprise a handle which is pivotally secured to an associated housing of the air cushion (hover) means. In an operative, generally upright position of the handle, the golf bag may be attached thereto by any suitable means, in which case, the handle can constitute at least part of the frame of the caddy. Also, and in this particular arrangement, the handle can be pivoted downwardly from its upright position to lie generally horizontally upon any associated housing of the air cushion (hover) means. In this generally horizontal position, the handle may be attachable to such housing, for carrying purposes.

Control means for the air cushion (hover) means may be attached to the handle.

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, a preferred embodiment of golf caddy in accordance therewith will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompany drawing in which: Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a golf caddy with a golf bag and clubs mounted upon it; Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the caddy shown in Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a general plan view of the caddy of Figures 1 and 2, with the golf bag and clubs removed.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a golf caddy comprises air cushion (hover) means indicated generally at 1 which consists of a housing 2 in which is mounted a fan (not shown) whose blades are rotatable in a generally horizontal plane about a generally vertical axis. The fan is driven by a high speed electrical motor (also not shown) which is accommodated in an upper housing portion 3, along with a rechargeable battery (also not shown) as a source of power therefor. The lower downwardly extending peripheral portions of the housing 2 provide a rigid skirt for the air cushion (hover) means 1.

Attached pivotally to the rear end of the fan housing 2 is a handle 4.

In the operative, generally upright position of the handle 4, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a golf bag 5 containing golf clubs 6 is detachably secured thereto.

The handle 4 constitutes a part of a frame for the caddy, whilst the upper surfaces of the housing 2 and upper housing portion 3 upon which the bottom of the golf bag 5 rests, also form another part of that frame.

The handle 4, being pivotally secured to the rear end of the housing 2, can be moved up and down during use, as indicated by the double-headed arrow X. This enables a user to adjust the position of the handle for manoeuvring purposes.

The handle 4 may have attached to it any controls for the air cushion (hover) means.

When the golf bag 5 is removed from the caddy, the handle 4 can be pivoted into a generally horizontal position, as shown in Figure 3, and attached to the fan housing 2 and/or the upper housing portion 3, so that the air cushion (hover) means 1 can be carried by the user separately from the golf bag 5 and associated clubs 6.

The air cushion (hover) means 1 may comprise a suitably-adapted hover means of a so-called *hover mower", with a rigid skirt, as described above.

However, and as indicated above, such means 1 may comprise a more sophisticated arrangement including a multi-bladed fan or rotor, with a flexible skirt depending downwardly from the periphery of the housing 2.

Thus, it is to be appreciated that the inventive golf caddy facilitates movement and manoeuvrability thereof across rugged terrain, as well as muddy and snowy conditions and ice and frost. Indeed, it can even travel across water, such as, puddles and small ponds.

Claims

1. A golf caddy comprising means arranged to receive a golf bag thereon and mounted upon air cushion (hover) means.

2. A golf caddy according to claim 1, wherein said golf bag receiving means comprises a frame mounted upon said air cushion (hover) means.

3. A golf caddy according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said air cushion (hover) means comprises a base hover unit of a so-called "hover mower".

4. A golf caddy according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said air cushion (hover) means comprises a rigid or flexible skirt depending downwardly from the periphery of an associated housing.

5. A golf caddy according to any preceding claim, including a handle which is pivotally secured to an associated housing of said air cushion (hover) means.

6. A golf caddy according to claim 5, wherein, in an operative generally upright position of the handle, a golf bag is attachable thereto, with the handle constituting at least part of a or the frame of the caddy.

7. A golf caddy according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the handle is pivotable downwardly from its generally upright position, to lie generally horizontally upon any associated housing of said air cushion (hover) means.

8. A golf caddy according to claim 7, wherein, in its generally horizontal position, the handle is attachable to the associated housing,f or carrying purposes.

9. A golf caddy substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.