GB2606985A

GB2606985A - Electric golf trolley and electric golf trolley battery pack

Info

Publication number: GB2606985A
Application number: GB2103071.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Straker Paul; Simpson Cris
Original assignee: Motocaddy Ltd
Current assignee: Motocaddy Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-04
Filing date: 2021-03-04
Publication date: 2022-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2041-03-04
Also published as: GB202118195D0; GB2604429A; GB202103071D0; GB2604429B; GB2606985B

Abstract

An electric golf trolley including a battery 10 for powering the trolley; the electric golf trolley having a discharging configuration in which the electric golf trolley may be powered by the battery, and a non-discharging configuration in which powering of the electric golf trolley by the battery is substantially prevented; the electric golf trolley being further configured to transition from a driving arrangement to a storage arrangement; wherein during a transition from the driving arrangement to the storage arrangement the electric golf trolley automatically transitions from the discharging configuration to a non-discharging configuration, and/or wherein during a transition from the storage arrangement to the driving arrangement the electric golf trolley automatically transitions from the non-discharging configuration to a discharging configuration. A battery pack 10 for a golf trolley including a charging connector and a displaceable portion is also disclosed.

Description

Electric Golf Trolley and Electric Golf Trolley Battery Pack

Field

s [001] The present invention relates to an electric golf trolley, in particular a foldable electric golf trolley, and to a battery pack for an electric golf trolley.

Background

[002] Electric golf trolleys generally have an on-board battery to power an electric motor which, in turn, drives rotation of the trolley's wheels.

[3] Many electric golf trolleys comprise a removable battery pack which must be removed, usually prior to folding the trolley, for charging before placing the battery pack back in the trolley before the next use. Battery packs must usually be removed because the same ports of the battery pack are typically used for both charging the battery and powering the trolley, i.e. discharging, and thus the battery cannot usually remain physically connected to the trolley whilst charging. This, amongst other things, avoids potential damage to the battery through attempted simultaneous charging and discharging.

[4] Providing a removable battery pack which must be removed for charging should avoids or minimises the risk of potential damage to the trolley or its surroundings, including fire-related damage, because the trolley cannot be 'live', i.e. in a powered state, if the battery pack is absent. If a trolley remains 'live' during storage, the trolley's control system may overheat, or the motor of the trolley may be unintentionally actuated potentially leading to damage to the trolley's surroundings, e.g. the boot of a car, or harm to the user.

[005] Other known electric golf trolley battery packs comprise disconnectable plugs or switches which also require manual intervention by the user to ensure that the battery pack is electrically disconnected from the electric golf trolley before storage. Users are instructed to flip the switch or disconnect the plug before storage.

[6] However, the applicant has found that despite these features the risks described above are still realised and reported. On investigation by the applicant, it was identified that user's do not reliably remove a battery pack or take the necessary manual steps to disconnect a battery pack from an electric golf trolley immediately following use and/or before storage. They may find it inconvenient, time consuming, or simply forget.

[7] Moreover, on further investigation the applicant identified that problems associated with existing battery packs are compounded by the typical configuration of foldable electric golf trolleys whereby part of the trolley's frame may block removal of the battery pack once the trolley is in a folded state. Therefore, even if a user remembers that a battery pack should be removed after initially forgetting this and folding the electric golf trolley, they may be less inclined to take the various manual actions necessary to remove the battery pack.

[8] There therefore exists the need to provide an electric golf trolley and battery pack for an electric golf trolley which addresses the described technical problems. In particular, there is a need to minimise or remove the existing potential for damage to the battery pack, the electric golf trolley to which it is attached, as well as the trolley's surrounds, which may include users themselves.

[9] The applicant identified and the present invention aims to address, at least to an extent, these, and other problems with the prior art.

Summary

[10] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides an electric golf trolley including a battery for powering the trolley. The electric golf trolley has a discharging configuration in which the electric golf trolley may be powered by the battery, and a non-discharging configuration in which powering of the electric golf trolley by the battery is substantially prevented. The electric golf trolley is also configured to be transitioned from a driving arrangement to a storage arrangement.

[11] The electric golf trolley is configured such that during a transition from the driving arrangement to the storage arrangement the electric golf trolley automatically transitions from the discharging configuration to a non-discharging configuration.

[12] Additionally, or alternatively, the electric golf trolley is configured such that during a transition from the storage arrangement to the driving arrangement the electric golf trolley automatically transitions from the non-discharging configuration a discharging configuration.

[013] Therefore, the electric golf trolley may automatically transition from a configuration in which powering of the electric golf trolley, in particular the motor and/or control unit, by the battery is permitted to a configuration in which powering of the electric golf trolley by the battery is substantially prevented, for instance by electrically and/or physically disconnecting the battery as a power source, when the electric golf trolley transitions from the driving arrangement to the storage arrangement.

[14] Similarly, the electric golf trolley may automatically transition from a configuration in which powering of the electric golf trolley by the battery is substantially prevented to a configuration in which powering of the electric golf trolley is permitted, for instance by electrically and/or physically connecting the battery as a power source, when the electric golf trolley transitions and/or is returned from the storage arrangement to the driving arrangement.

[15] It will be appreciated that the physical connection and/or physical disconnection of the battery may include the movement of a switch or switches, or otherwise separating electrical connectors, located between the battery cells and the powered and/or powerable features of the electric golf trolley, such as the control unit and/or electric motor. As used herein, the term "substantially prevented" in relation to powering of the electric golf trolley in the non-discharging configuration, refers to the battery being substantially electrically disconnected from the electric golf trolley. In embodiments, the battery may also be substantially mechanically disconnected from the electric golf trolley in the non-discharging configuration.

[16] The user therefore no longer needs to be directed to disconnect the battery pack for storage because the electric golf trolley transitions from the discharging to the non-discharging configuration and/or from the non-discharging to the discharging configuration during the performance of an alternative user-initiated action associated with the use of the trolley. Namely, the transition to and/or from a driving to a storage state.

[17] As used herein, the term 'battery' refers to one or more cells in which chemical energy is converted into electricity for use as a power source. As set out herein, generally, the battery is rechargeable.

[18] As used herein, the term 'driving arrangement' refers to the electric golf trolley being in an arrangement in which it is being driven by the user, typically holding and transporting a golf bag or the like during play.

[19] As used herein, the term 'storage arrangement' refers to the electric golf trolley being in an arrangement in which it is not driveable. Typically, an arrangement in which the golf bag has been removed and/or the golf trolley has been folded or otherwise collapsed for storage, for instance in a car boot, or the user's home or premises.

[20] Typically, an electric golf trolley may pass or be passed through one or more transitional configurations as it transitions from a driving arrangement to the storage arrangement and vice-versa. The automatic transition from the discharging configuration to the non-discharging configuration, and vice versa, may be associated with being in or passing through one or more of these transitional configurations, and/or remaining in one or more of said transitional configurations.

[21] It is particularly preferred that the automatic transition from the discharging configuration to the non-discharging configuration, and vice versa, is associated with folding and/or unfolding the electric golf trolley. The folded configuration being a storage arrangement.

[22] In embodiments, folding the electric golf trolley may automatically transition the electric golf trolley from a discharging configuration to a non-discharging configuration, and the electric golf trolley may be arranged to remain in a non-discharging configuration during and following subsequent unfolding of the electric golf trolley. In embodiments, the electric golf trolley may be configured to require a user actuated manual reset of the electric golf trolley from the non-discharging configuration to a discharging configuration.

[23] However, the automatic transition from the discharging configuration to the non-discharging configuration, and vice versa, may be associated with other transitional configurations.

[24] For instance, the removal and/or replacement of a golf bag may effect the transition from the discharging configuration to the non-discharging configuration and vice versa. Removing and replacing the golf bag may effect said transition(s) by means of a switch and/or weighing scale and/or proximity sensor, or the like.

[25] Similarly, parking the golf trolley may effect said transition. For example, said transition may occur as a result of the user releasing a drive button and/or handle.

[26] Additionally, or alternatively, the electric golf trolley may be configured to 20 transition to a non-discharging configuration once a pre-determined amount of time after parking has elapsed without further input from a user.

[27] Preferably, the automatic transition from the discharging configuration to the non-discharging configuration, and vice versa, occurs between a driveable arrangement and the storage arrangement. Transitional configurations and/or action with which automatic transition from the discharging configuration to the non-discharging configuration, and vice versa, may be associated include parking and/or a parked configuration; removing and/or replacing a golf bag, folding and/or collapsing the golf trolley for storage.

[28] In embodiments, the electric golf trolley may additionally include a manual and/or automatic override feature which enables the golf trolley to be placed in a non-discharging configuration when not in a storage arrangement, in particular if the automatic transition hereinbefore described is associated with folding or unfolding the electric golf trolley from the storage arrangement. For instance, the manual and/or automatic override feature may enable the electric golf trolley to be placed in a non-discharging configuration when in an unfolded and/or driveable configuration. This may for instance enable the user to store their golf trolley in an unfolded configuration, with or without a golf bag in situ, which may be more convenient. However, the manual and/or automatic override may not allow the user to place the electric golf trolley in a discharging configuration when in a storage, i.e. undriveable (for example, folded), arrangement. A manual override may be a switch or other mechanical feature. The automatic override may be in form of a timer. This may improve user compliance and/or safety.

[029] Preferably, in the discharging configuration charging of the battery may be substantially prevented.

[030] Additionally, or alternatively, in the non-discharging configuration charging of the battery may preferably be permitted.

[31] In a second, related aspect, the present invention provides an electric golf trolley including a battery for powering the trolley; the electric golf trolley having a chargeable configuration in which charging of the battery is permitted, and an unchargeable configuration in which charging of the battery is substantially prevented.

[32] The electric golf trolley is configured such that it may be transitioned from a driving arrangement to a storage arrangement.

[33] The electric golf trolley is configured such that during a transition from the driving arrangement to the storage arrangement the electric golf trolley automatically transitions from an unchargeable configuration to a chargeable configuration.

[034] Additionally, or alternatively, during a transition from the storage arrangement to the driving arrangement the electric golf trolley automatically transitions from a chargeable configuration to an unchargeable configuration.

[035] Therefore, the electric golf trolley is automatically transitioned from a configuration in which charging of the battery is substantially prevented to a configuration in which charging of the battery is permitted when the electric golf trolley transitions from a driving arrangement to a storage arrangement and/or the electric golf trolley is automatically transitioned from a configuration in which charging of the battery is permitted to a configuration in which charging of the battery is substantially prevented when the electric golf trolley transitions from a storage arrangement to a driving arrangement.

[036] The user therefore no longer needs to be directed to place the battery pack in a chargeable configuration because the electric golf trolley transitions from the unchargeable to the chargeable configuration and/or from the chargeable to the unchargeable configuration during the performance of an alternative user-initiated action associated with the use of the trolley. Namely, the transition to and/or from a driving to a storage state.

[37] It is particularly preferred that the automatic transition from the unchargeable to the chargeable configuration, and vice versa, is associated with folding and/or unfolding the electric golf trolley. The folded configuration being a storage 20 arrangement.

[38] In embodiments, folding the electric golf trolley may automatically transition the electric golf trolley from an unchargeable configuration to a chargeable configuration, and the electric golf trolley may be arranged to remain in a chargeable configuration during and following subsequent unfolding of the electric golf trolley. In embodiments, the electric golf trolley may be configured to require a user actuated manual reset of the electric golf trolley to an unchargeable configuration.

[39] However, the automatic transition from the unchargeable configuration to the chargeable configuration, and vice versa, may be associated with other transitional configurations, in particular those set out in detail above in relation to the previous aspect.

[40] Preferably, the automatic transition from the unchargeable configuration to the chargeable configuration, and vice versa, occurs between a driveable arrangement and the storage arrangement. Transitional configurations and/or action with which automatic transition from the unchargeable configuration to the chargeable configuration, and vice versa, may be associated include parking and/or a parked configuration; removing and/or replacing a golf bag, folding and/or collapsing the golf trolley for storage.

[41] In embodiments, the electric golf trolley may additionally include a manual and/or automatic override feature which enables the golf trolley to be placed in a chargeable configuration when not in a storage arrangement, in particular if the automatic transition hereinbefore described is associated with folding or unfolding the electric golf trolley from the storage arrangement. For instance, the manual and/or automatic override feature may enable the electric golf trolley to be placed in a chargeable configuration when in an unfolded and/or driveable configuration. This may for instance enable the user to store their golf trolley in an unfolded configuration, with or without a golf bag in situ, which may be more convenient. However, preferably the manual and/or automatic override may not allow the user to place the electric golf trolley in a discharging configuration when in a storage (e.g. folded) arrangement.

Preferably, when a manual override is provided the chargeable configuration is a non-discharging configuration. The unchargeable configuration may be a discharging configuration.

[42] Preferably the battery remains in the golf trolley when charging.

[43] A manual override may be in the form of a switch or other mechanical feature. The automatic override may be in form of the above-described timer. An override may improve user convenience and/or compliance.

[044] In relation to all aspects, a transition from the discharging configuration to the non-discharging configuration of the electric golf trolley, and/or from the unchargeable to the chargeable configuration of the electric golf trolley includes a mechanical displacement of part of the electric golf trolley.

[45] In embodiments, in the chargeable configuration powering of the electric golf trolley, in particular the drive elements, such as the control unit and/or electric motor, is substantially prevented.

[46] In embodiments, in the unchargeable configuration powering of the electric golf trolley, in particular the drive elements, such as the control unit and/or electric motor, is permitted.

[47] In embodiments, the electric golf trolley may include a frame which is at least partially collapsible to the storage arrangement; and collapsing the frame may automatically transition the electric golf trolley from the discharging configuration to the non-discharging configuration of the electric golf trolley and/or automatically transition the electric golf trolley from the unchargeable to the chargeable configuration.

[48] In embodiments, a transition from the discharging to the non-discharging configuration substantially simultaneously automatically actuates a transition from a unchargeable to a chargeable configuration of the electric golf trolley. Thus, when in the discharging configuration the electric golf trolley may also be in the unchargeable configuration such that charging of the battery may be substantially prevented when the electric golf trolley is powered by the battery.

[49] Conversely, when in a non-discharging configuration the electric golf trolley may also be in the chargeable configuration such that charging of the battery may be permitted when powering of the electric golf trolley by the battery is prevented. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it substantially prevents the simultaneous charging and discharging of the battery which may otherwise damage the battery. Because the transition from the discharging / unchargeable to the non-discharging / chargeable configuration is automatically actuated during transition from the driving arrangement to the storage arrangement, the user need not be instructed to ensure that the battery is not simultaneously discharged and charged.

[50] Preferably, a transition from the discharging to the non-discharging configuration and a transition from a unchargeable to a chargeable configuration of the electric golf trolley are effected by the same action, for instance the collapsing the golf trolley for storage. Preferably, a transition from the non-discharging to the discharging configuration and a transition from a chargeable to a unchargeable configuration of the electric golf trolley are effected by the same action, for instance the expanding (e.g. unfolding) the golf trolley.

[51] In embodiments, the electric golf trolley may further comprise a switch configured reversibly transition the electric golf trolley from a discharging configuration to a non-discharging configuration and/or from the chargeable configuration to an unchargeable configuration during a transition from the driving or driveable arrangement to the storage arrangement; preferably wherein the switch is automatically actuated during a transition of the electric golf trolley from a driving or driveable arrangement to the storage arrangement and/or during a transition from the storage arrangement to the driving or driveable arrangement. The switch may preferably be actuated by folding and/or unfolding the electric golf trolley.

[52] In embodiments, the battery may be provided in a battery pack and concealed within a battery pack housing, and the battery pack may comprise a charging connector arranged to permit charging of the battery; and a displaceable portion movable relative to the pack housing; the displaceable portion being reciprocally moveable from a discharging position in which charging via the charging connector is substantially obstructed, to a charging position in which the charging connector is substantially exposed for charging; the battery pack being arranged such that when the displaceable portion is in the charging position, the battery is substantially electrically disconnected from the electric golf trolley.

[53] In use, the displaceable portion may be reciprocally moveable by an element of the electric golf trolley during a transition from the driving arrangement to the storage arrangement.

[54] Therefore, the electric golf trolley may not be switched on and operated whilst the displaceable portion is in the charging position and the charging connector is thus exposed for charging. The battery may only be charged when it is isolated from the electronics of the electric golf trolley, in particular the control unit and/or electric motor.

The trolley may be powered and/or driven when the displaceable portion is in the discharging position and charging via the charging connector is substantially obstructed. Thus, importantly, movement of the displaceable portion may ensure that the battery pack may not be charged and discharged simultaneously. When the displaceable portion is in the charging position, and the charging connector is exposed for charging, the battery pack is substantially electrically disconnected from the electric golf trolley.

[55] Therefore, the invention may provide an electric golf trolley battery pack which 10 cannot be simultaneously charged and discharged and which may be charged whilst it is 'on board' an electric golf trolley. Reliability and safety of the electric golf trolley is therefore improved. Performance and life span of the battery is thus also improved.

[56] This configuration is also particularly advantageous because it allows charging of the battery 'in situ', i.e. without needing to be detached from the electric golf trolley, improving user convenience.

[57] As used herein, the term "charging connector" refers to means configured to electrically connect the battery pack to an external charging source and permit charging of the battery.

[58] The battery pack may be arranged to be reversibly or irreversibly mounted to the electric golf trolley, reversibly being preferred (i.e., the battery pack may preferably be removed). The battery may also be chargeable once removed.

[59] In embodiments, the electric golf trolley may include a cooperating portion configured to operatively engage the displaceable portion during a transition from the driving or driveable arrangement to the storage arrangement and/or from the storage arrangement to the driving or driveable arrangement.

[60] In embodiments, charging via the charging connector may be substantially obstructed by a battery pack housing in the discharging position. In embodiments, charging via the charging connector may be substantially obstructed by the displaceable portion in the discharging position.

[61] In embodiments, the charging connector may be substantially concealed within a cavity defined by the pack housing in the discharging position.

[62] In embodiments, the charging connector may be located on the displaceable portion. In embodiments, the charging connector is moveable with the displaceable portion relative to the pack housing. Thus, when the displaceable portion of the battery pack is displaced from the first to the second position, the charging connector may be revealed for more straightforward operation by a user.

[63] In embodiments, in the discharging position the charging connector may be concealed within an internal cavity of the pack housing. In embodiments, in the discharging position the charging connector may be concealed within a cavity defined by an external wall of the pack housing. In other words, the cavity may be defined by a part of the pack housing which, in the absence of the displaceable portion, is open to the external environment.

[64] In embodiments, the pack housing may include a plurality of cavities, including a first cavity for concealing the battery and a second cavity in which charging via the charging connector is obstructed when the displaceable portion is in the discharging position. In embodiments, the cavities may be substantially isolated from one another.

[65] In embodiments, the battery pack may further comprise a discharging connector configured to connect the battery to the electric golf trolley; wherein, when the displaceable portion is in the charging position, the discharging connector is substantially electrically and mechanically disconnected from the electric golf trolley. The simultaneous charging and discharging of the battery pack is therefore further prevented because the discharging connector is substantially electrically and mechanically disconnected when the displaceable portion is in the charging position.

[66] In embodiments, the discharging connector may be a plug or socket arranged to cooperate with a corresponding plug or socket of the electric golf trolley. In embodiments the discharging connector may include wiring or similar between the battery and a plug or socket of the battery pack.

[67] In embodiments, the discharging connector may be located on the displaceable portion. In embodiments, both the charging connector and the discharging connector may be located on the displaceable portion. Thus, the charging connector is only exposed for charging when the discharging connector is disconnected from the electric golf trolley to which the battery pack is attached.

[68] In embodiments, the charging connector may be located on the displaceable portion and wherein in the discharging position the displaceable portion is located predominantly inside the pack housing and in the charging position part of the displaceable portion incorporating the charging connector protrudes from the pack housing. In other words, the pack housing may comprise an internal cavity which houses the displaceable portion such that it is predominantly inside the pack housing in the discharging position. In embodiments, the pack housing may comprise an external wall which defines a cavity, and the displaceable portion may be located predominantly within the cavity in the discharging position and may protrude from the cavity in the charging position. The charging connector may thus be presented to a user when the displaceable portion is displaced to the charging position, and hidden when in the discharging position. Thus, the charging connector is easily accessible when required, and concealed and free from potential contact when in the first position.

[69] In embodiments, the charging connector may be located on or inside the pack housing. In embodiments, the displaceable portion may be a shutter which in the discharging position substantially obstructs charging via the charging connector and in the charging position exposes the charging connector for charging.

[70] In embodiments, the displaceable portion may be slidably engaged with the pack housing. Typically, the displaceable portion may be slidable between the discharging position and charging position and vice versa. In embodiments, the battery pack may comprise one or more bearings, hinges or the like for engagement with the displaceable portion.

[71] In embodiments, the displaceable portion may comprise a stopper including an abutment surface which may be arranged to contact a cooperating abutment surface of the pack housing in the charging position. The stopper may be configured to prevent the displaceable portion from being entirely removed from the pack housing.

[072] In embodiments, the displaceable portion may be arranged such that manual displacement by a user from the discharging position to the charging position may be substantially resisted and/or prevented. However, in embodiments, manual displacement by a user from the charging position to the discharging position may be permitted.

[073] In embodiments, the battery pack may comprise a manually operable lock configured to temporarily resist and/or prevent movement of the displaceable portion between the first and second positions.

[74] In embodiments, the battery pack may comprise a lock configured to temporarily resist and/or prevent detachment of the battery pack from the electric golf trolley.

[75] In embodiments, the battery pack may be substantially free from any external connectors, cables or the like. In other words, the battery, charging connector and discharging connector may be substantially contained within the pack housing, or within a cavity defined by the housing, when the displaceable portion is in the discharging position.

[76] In embodiments, the electric golf trolley may include a frame; wherein the frame is configured to reversibly collapse from a substantially expanded (or upright) configuration in a driving or driveable arrangement to a substantially collapsed configuration in the storage arrangement; and wherein during a transition from the substantially expanded configuration to the substantially collapsed configuration the frame or a part thereof automatically actuates a transition from a discharging configuration to a non-discharging configuration and/or from an unchargeable configuration to a chargeable configuration and/or wherein during a transition from the substantially collapsed configuration to the substantially expanded configuration the frame automatically actuates a transition from a non-discharging configuration to a discharging configuration and/or from a chargeable configuration to an unchargeable configuration.

[77] In embodiments, the electric golf trolley may include a base having a number of wheels. In embodiments, the electric golf trolley may include a frame extending from the base and incorporating a steering handle or the like, the handle may include an actuation button or handle and/or a control unit and /or display unit.

[78] In embodiments, the frame may incorporate a support for a golf club bag. In embodiments, the electric golf trolley may include a golf club bag. In embodiments, the golf club bag may have a number of golf club compartments. In embodiments, the golf club bag may be fixed to the frame or may be detachable therefrom.

[79] In embodiments, the electric golf trolley may comprise an electric motor (including a plurality of motors), a transmission configured to be driven by the electric motor and a controller configured to control the movement of the electric golf trolley during use. In embodiments, the battery pack may be located at or within the base of the electric golf trolley.

[080] In embodiments, the electric golf trolley may comprise a foldable frame including one or more hinges configured to permit a first portion of the frame to move relative to a second portion of the frame. In embodiments, the frame, and/or first and second frame portions, are configured to move relative to the base, in order that the frame may reversibly collapse from a substantially expanded configuration towards a substantially collapsed configuration.

[081] In embodiments, the electric golf trolley may comprise a base which includes a foldable portion configured to allow the footprint of the base to reduce when the electric golf trolley is collapsed from its driving or driveable arrangement towards its storage arrangement. In embodiments, the electric golf trolley may comprise a set of wheels, wherein at least one wheel is located on a foldable portion of the base which is connected to the remainder of the base by a hinge.

[82] In embodiments, the frame may include a cam having a projection; the cam being arranged such that when the frame is collapsed from the substantially expanded configuration to the substantially collapsed configuration, the projection of the cam automatically actuates a transition from the discharging configuration to the non-s discharging configuration and/or from the unchargeable configuration to the chargeable configuration of the electric golf trolley.

[83] In embodiments, the frame includes a moulded projection configured to automatically actuate a transition from the discharging configuration to the non-discharging configuration and/or from the unchargeable configuration to the chargeable configuration. In embodiments, the electric golf trolley comprises a base from which the frame extends, the frame being attached to the base by a hinge; wherein the hinge includes a moulded projection configured to automatically actuate a transition from the discharging configuration to the non-discharging configuration and/or from the unchargeable configuration to the chargeable configuration.

[84] In a further aspect, the present invention provides an electric golf trolley battery pack comprising a battery concealed within a pack housing, the pack housing being arranged to attach to an electric golf trolley during use; the battery pack further comprising a displaceable portion moveable relative to the pack housing; the displaceable portion being reciprocally moveable from a discharging position in which powering of the electric golf trolley is permitted to a second non-discharging position in which powering of the electric golf trolley is substantially prevented; wherein the displaceable portion is configured to be displaced by a cooperating portion of the electric golf trolley.

[85] Thus, the battery is automatically transitioned from a configuration in which it is configured to power an electric golf trolley to which it may be attached, to a configuration in which it is substantially prevented from powering the electric golf trolley. Thus, instructing the user to disconnect the battery may no longer be required and user convenience is improved.

[86] In a further aspect, the present invention provides an electric golf trolley battery pack comprising a battery concealed within a pack housing, the pack housing being arranged to attach to an electric golf trolley during use; the battery pack further comprising a charging connector arranged to permit charging of the battery and a displaceable portion moveable relative to the pack housing; the displaceable portion being reciprocally moveable from a discharging position in which charging via the charging connector is substantially obstructed to a charging position in which the charging connector is substantially exposed for charging, the battery pack being arranged such that when the displaceable portion is in the charging position, the battery is substantially electrically disconnected from an electric golf trolley.

[087] Therefore, the trolley may not be switched on and operated whilst the displaceable portion is in the charging position and the charging connector is thus exposed for charging. The battery may only be charged when it is disconnected from the electronics of the trolley to which the pack is attached. An electric golf trolley to which the battery pack is attached, in use, may only be powered when the displaceable portion is in the discharging position and charging via the charging connector is substantially obstructed. Thus, importantly, movement of the displaceable portion may ensure that the battery pack may not be charged and discharged simultaneously. When the displaceable portion is in the charging position, and the charging connector is exposed for charging, the battery pack is substantially electrically disconnected from the trolley to which it is attached.

[88] Therefore, the invention may provide an electric golf trolley battery pack which cannot be simultaneously charged and discharged and which may be charged whilst it is 'on board' an electric golf trolley. Reliability and safety of the battery pack and hence an electric golf trolley to which it may be attached, may therefore be improved.

As may be user convenience.

[89] In embodiments, the displaceable portion may be arranged to be displaced by a cooperating portion of an electric golf trolley. Thus, displacement of the displaceable portion from the first to the second positions may be operated by part of an electric golf trolley to which the battery pack is attached. For example, the cooperating portion may be urged to interact with the displaceable portion when the electric golf trolley is folded or collapsed towards a storage arrangement and/or when the electric golf trolley is constructed towards a driving arrangement. Thus, the displaceable portion may be moved to the charging position when the electric golf trolley is collapsed towards a storage arrangement in order to disconnect the battery from the electric golf trolley and expose the charging connector ready for charging and/or moved to the discharging position when the electric golf trolley is constructed towards a driving arrangement in order to connect the battery to the electric golf trolley and substantially prevent charging of the battery via the charging connector.

[90] In embodiments, the battery pack may be arranged to be reversibly mounted to an electric golf trolley. In other words, the battery pack may be removable from an electric golf trolley.

[91] In embodiments, charging via the charging connector may be substantially obstructed by the pack housing in the discharging position. In embodiments, charging via the charging connector may be substantially obstructed by the displaceable portion in the discharging position.

[92] In embodiments, the charging connector may be substantially concealed within a cavity defined by the pack housing in the discharging position.

[093] In embodiments, the charging connector may be located on the displaceable portion, and preferably moveable therewith relative to the pack housing. Thus, when the displaceable portion of the battery pack is displaced from the first to the second position, the charging connector may be revealed for more straightforward operation by a user.

[94] In embodiments, in the discharging position the charging connector may be concealed within an internal cavity of the pack housing. In embodiments, in the discharging position the charging connector may be concealed within a cavity defined by an external wall of the pack housing. In other words, the cavity may be defined by a part of the pack housing which, in the absence of the displaceable portion, is open to the external environment.

[95] In embodiments, the pack housing may include a plurality of cavities, including a first cavity for concealing the battery and a second cavity in which charging via the charging connector is obstructed when the displaceable portion is in the discharging position. In embodiments, the cavities may be substantially isolated from one another.

[96] In embodiments, the battery pack may further comprise a discharging connector arranged to connect the battery to an electric golf trolley; wherein, when the displaceable portion is in the charging position, the discharging connector is substantially electrically and mechanically disconnected from an electric golf trolley. The simultaneous charging and discharging of the battery pack is therefore further prevented because the discharging connector is substantially electrically and mechanically disconnected when the displaceable portion is in the charging position.

[97] As used herein, the term "discharging" refers to the powering of an electric golf trolley, in particular the electric motor and/or control or display unit. As used herein, the term "discharging connector" refers to means configured to electrically connect the battery to the remainder of the electric golf trolley and provide power thereto. Typically, the discharging connector and charging connector are independent and/or separate. In embodiments, the discharging connector and charging connector are one and the same, i.e. a single connector configured to permit charging or discharging depending on the position of the displaceable portion.

[98] In embodiments, the discharging connector may be a plug or socket arranged to cooperate with a corresponding plug or socket of an electric golf trolley. In embodiments the discharging connector may include wiring or similar between the battery and a plug or socket of the battery pack.

[99] In embodiments, the discharging connector may be located on the displaceable portion. In embodiments, both the charging connector and the discharging connector may be located on the displaceable portion. Thus, the charging connector is only exposed for charging when the discharging connector is disconnected from the electric golf trolley to which the battery pack is attached.

[100] In embodiments, the charging connector may be located on the displaceable portion and wherein in the discharging position the displaceable portion is located predominantly inside the pack housing and in the charging position part of the displaceable portion incorporating the charging connector protrudes from the pack housing. In other words, the pack housing may comprise an internal cavity which houses the displaceable portion such that it is predominantly inside the pack housing in the discharging position. In embodiments, the pack housing may comprise an external wall which defines a cavity, and the displaceable portion may be located predominantly within the cavity in the discharging position and may protrude from the cavity in the charging position. The charging connector may thus be presented to a user when the displaceable portion is displaced to the charging position, and hidden when in the discharging position. Thus, the charging connector is easily accessible when required, and concealed and free from potential contact when in the first position.

[101] In embodiments, the charging connector may be located on or inside the pack housing. In embodiments, the displaceable portion may be a shutter which in the discharging position substantially obstructs charging via the charging connector and in the charging position exposes the charging connector for charging.

[102] In embodiments, the displaceable portion may be slidably engaged with the pack housing. Typically, the displaceable portion may be slidable between the discharging position and charging position and vice versa. In embodiments, the battery pack may comprise one or more bearings, hinges or the like for engagement with the displaceable portion.

[103] In embodiments, the displaceable portion may comprise a stopper including an abutment surface which may be arranged to contact a cooperating abutment surface of the pack housing in the charging position. The stopper may be configured to prevent the displaceable portion from being entirely removed from the pack housing.

[104] In embodiments, the battery pack may be arranged to be attached to an electric golf trolley which is reversibly collapsible from a driving or driveable arrangement to a storage (undriveable) arrangement; the displaceable portion being arranged to be displaced towards its charging configuration by a cooperating portion of the electric golf trolley as the electric golf trolley is collapsed from its driving or driveable arrangement towards its storage arrangement and/or returned to its discharging configuration by a cooperating portion of the electric golf trolley as the electric golf trolley is expanded from its storage arrangement towards its driving or driveable arrangement. Therefore, when an electric golf trolley is folded or collapsed ready for storage following use, the charging connector may be helpfully exposed for charging via that folding motion. Because the battery should only be charged when the trolley is not in use, providing a charging connector which is only exposed for charging when the trolley is folded is advantageous and provides a more reliable and a safer battery pack.

[105] In embodiments, the displaceable portion may be arranged such that manual displacement by a user from the first position to the second position is substantially resisted and/or prevented when the battery pack is attached to an electric golf trolley and in a driveable configuration. In other words, the displaceable portion may only be displaceable between the first and second positions by a cooperating portion of a golf trolley. Thus, a user may be substantially prevented from attempting to charge the battery pack whilst the golf trolley is driveable.

[106] In embodiments, the displaceable portion may be arranged such that manual displacement by a user from the second position to the first position is permitted. For example, the displaceable portion may be arranged such that a user may push the displaceable portion from the second position to the first position. However, in embodiments, the battery pack may be arranged such that it substantially prevents or resists the user placing the electric golf trolley in a discharging configuration when in a storage arrangement.

[107] In embodiments, the battery pack may be substantially free from any external connectors, cables or the like. In other words, the battery, charging connector and discharging connector may be substantially contained within the pack housing, or within a cavity defined by the housing, when the displaceable portion is in the discharging position.

[108] In embodiments, the battery pack may comprise a lock configured to temporarily resist and/or prevent movement of the displaceable portion between the first and second positions. In embodiments, the lock may include a manually operable switch which is moveable between a first locked position, wherein the displaceable 23.

portion is non-displaceable, i.e. prevented from being displaced between the discharging position and charging position, and a second unlocked position, wherein displacement of the displaceable portion between the discharging position and the charging position is permitted. In embodiments, the lock may be configured to be operable by the hand and/or foot of a user. In embodiments, the lock may be located on an outwardly facing surface of the pack housing. In embodiments, the lock may be located towards or adjacent to the displaceable portion.

[109] In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of storing an electric golf trolley, comprising the steps of: providing an electric golf trolley according to any preceding aspect; and placing the electric golf to a storage (undriveable) arrangement.

[110] In embodiments, the method may comprise the further step of charging the electric golf trolley when the electric golf trolley is in the storage arrangement.

[111] In a further aspect, the invention provides a kit comprising an electric golf trolley battery pack according to any preceding aspect and a charger arranged to connect the battery of the battery pack to an external power source, for instance a plug-in charger for mains connection.

[112] In a further aspect, the present invention provides an electric golf trolley comprising a battery pack in accordance with any of the preceding aspects.

[113] For the avoidance of doubt, features of aspects and embodiments described herein may be combined, and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Brief Description of Figures

[114] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described, by way of 30 example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [115] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a battery pack according to the present invention.

[116] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the battery pack of Figure 1 with a displaceable portion in a second position.

[117] Figure 3 shows a side view of a battery pack according to the present invention.

[118] Figure 4 shows a side view of the battery pack of Figure 3 with a displaceable portion in a second position.

[119] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a battery pack according to the present invention.

[120] Figure 6 shows a perspective exploded view of a battery pack according to the present invention.

[121] Figure 7 shows a front on view of a battery pack according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

[122] Figure 1 shows a battery pack 10 according to the present invention. The battery pack 10 is arranged to be reversibly attached, i.e. detachably mounted, to an electric golf trolley (not shown) in order to power the electric golf trolley in use. Also, the battery pack 10 is configured such that the battery may not be simultaneously charged and discharged.

[123] The illustrated battery pack 10 is configured such that movement of a displaceable portion 22 dictates whether the electric golf trolley to which it is attached is in a discharging configuration or a non-discharging configuration, and/or whether the electric golf trolley is in an unchargeable configuration or a chargeable configuration. The displaceable portion 22 of Figure 1 dictates whether the battery pack 10 is in a configuration in which it may be charged or a configuration in which it may be discharged, but not both.

[124] Furthermore, the battery pack 10 is suitable for attaching to an electric golf trolley which is reversibly collapsible between a driveable arrangement (e.g. an expanded state in which it is driveable by an electric motor) and a storage arrangement (e.g. a collapsed state in which is it substantially undriveable).

[125] The illustrated battery pack 10 comprises a battery (not shown) having a replenishable energy store. Typically, the battery is a lithium-based battery. However, other battery types and compositions are also envisaged and will be known to the skilled person.

[126] The battery is housed and concealed within a battery pack housing 12. The pack housing may be formed of a combination of portions of plastic and/or metal and/or composite materials. However, other suitable materials are envisaged and will be known to the skilled person. The battery pack housing 12 is arranged to attach to an electric golf trolley during use.

[127] An outwardly facing surface 14 of the pack housing 12 is configured to substantially match and/or blend into the shape of the electric golf trolley to which it is attachable. Advantageously, the pack 10 may have a complimentary shape and/or does not obstruct use of the trolley. Handles 16 and 18 are provided on the outwardly facing surface 14 to facilitate removal (and insertion) of the battery pack 10 from (into) an electric golf trolley.

[128] The battery pack 10 further comprises a charging connector 20 which is arranged to permit charging of the battery. Typically, the charging connector 20 is an Anderson TM or Torberry TM connector, but other connector types are envisages and will be known to the skilled person.

[129] The charging connector 20 is located on a displaceable portion 22 of the battery pack 10. The displaceable portion 22 is displaceable between a discharging position wherein charging via the charging connector 20 is substantially obstructed. In the illustrated battery pack, the charging connector 20 is concealed within the housing in the discharging position. The displaceable portion 22 is moveable between the discharging position and a charging position wherein the charging connector 20 is substantially exposed for charging. In Figure 1, the displaceable portion 22 is in the discharging position and the charging connector 20 is concealed within a cavity defined by the housing and inaccessible to a user. In use, the displaceable portion 22 is in the discharging position when the electric golf trolley to which the battery pack 10 is attached is powered and being used. Therefore, whilst the electric golf trolley is powered and in the driving arrangement, the charging connector 20 is inaccessible so that a user may not charge the battery whilst it is powering the trolley.

[130] As discussed, and referring now to Figure 2, the displaceable portion 22 is displaceable to a charging position in which the charging connector 20 is substantially exposed for charging. In the charging position, the electric golf trolley is in a non-discharging configuration and simultaneously in a charging configuration.

[131] When the displaceable portion 22 is in the charging position, the charging connector 20 may be utilised by a user to charge the battery. The charging connector 20 is located on the displaceable portion 22 and the part of the displaceable portion having the charging connector 20 protrudes from the pack housing 12 in the charging position. The charging connector 20 is located on a bottom surface 34 of the displaceable portion 22.

[132] The battery pack 10 is arranged such that, in the discharging position, as shown in Figure 1, the battery is electrically connected to an electric golf trolley (when the battery pack 10 is attached thereto) but is not able to be charged because the charging connector 20 is concealed within the housing. In the charging position, as shown in Figure 2, the charging connector 20 is exposed to permit charging of the battery but the battery is electrically disconnected from the trolley to which it is attached.

[133] The displaceable portion 22 comprises both the charging connector 20 and discharging connector for completing the discharging circuit between the battery and the electric golf trolley to which the battery pack 10 is attached. Therefore, when the displaceable portion 22 is in the discharging position, the discharging connector is connected and permits discharging of the battery, but charging of the battery is not permitted because the charging connector 20 is not accessible. In the charging position, the charging connector 20 is accessible and permits charging of the battery, but the discharging circuit between the battery and the electric golf trolley is disconnected and thus does not permit powering of the trolley. Importantly, therefore, simultaneous charging and discharging of the battery is not permitted. Because both the charging connector and part of the discharging circuitry are located on the displaceable portion 22, the discharging circuitry is electrically and physically disconnected when the charging connector 20 is exposed. Thus, the battery is electrically and mechanically disconnected from the electric golf trolley when the displaceable portion 22 is in the charging position.

[134] As discussed, and as shown clearly in Figures 3 and 4, the displaceable portion 22 is located inside a cavity defined by the pack housing 12 when in the first position and the part of the displaceable portion comprising the charging connector 20 is located outside the pack housing 12 when in the second position. A protrusion 24 is provided to allow manual movement of the displaceable portion 22 between the discharging and charging positions when the battery pack 10 is not attached to an electric golf trolley. The protrusion 24 is also configured to be operatively engaged by a cooperating portion of an electric golf trolley to displace the displaceable portion 22 from the discharging configuration to the charging configuration.

[135] Referring to Figure 5, it can be seen that the displaceable portion 22 resides in a cavity 26 formed by the pack housing 12 in the discharging position. The displaceable portion 22 is slidably engaged with the pack housing 12 and is slidable between the first and second positions [136] Figure 6 shows the battery pack 10 in an exploded view. The cavity 26 is formed by a wall of the pack housing and the displaceable portion 22 is located predominantly within this cavity in the discharging position.

[137] The displaceable portion 22 is arranged to be displaced by a cooperating portion (not shown) of an electric golf trolley to which it is attached, in use. For example, an electric golf trolley may comprise a cam having a protrusion (not shown) which actuates displacement of the displaceable portion 22 when the electric golf trolley transitions from a driving arrangement to a storage arrangement.

[138] Therefore, when the electric golf trolley transitions from a driving arrangement towards a storage arrangement, the electric golf trolley actuates displacement of the displaceable portion 22 to automatically transition the electric golf trolley from a discharging configuration to a non-discharging configuration and simultaneously from an unchargeable configuration to a chargeable configuration.

[139] An electric golf trolley to which the battery pack 10 is attached, in use, may be a reversibly collapsible golf trolley. The electric golf trolley may be collapsible from a driving arrangement, i.e. a state in which it is typically used and driveable as a golf trolley, and a storage arrangement, i.e. a state in which it is typically undriveable and typically collapsed and more compact to permit more straightforward storage between uses. The displaceable portion 22 is arranged to be displaced by a cooperating portion of a reversibly collapsible electric golf trolley when the trolley is substantially collapsed from its driving arrangement towards its storage arrangement. Therefore, when such an electric golf trolley is collapsed towards its storage arrangement, the displaceable portion 22 is moved from its discharging position towards its charging position, thereby allowing the battery to be charged only when the electric golf trolley is in a storage arrangement and is thus not being powered.

[140] Referring to Figure 7, a lock 28 is provided for temporarily preventing or resisting detachment of the battery pack 10 from the electric trolley. The lock 28 may be utilised when, for example, the electric golf trolley is being used over uneven ground and the displaceable portion 22 may otherwise inadvertently disconnect the battery from the electric golf trolley.

[141] The lock 28 is located at a recessed portion of the outwardly facing surface 14 of the battery pack 10 to minimise the risk of accidental actuation of the lock 28.

[142] As discussed, and shown in Figure 7, handles 16, 18 are provided for intuitive insertion and removal of the battery pack 10 from an electric golf trolley. The illustrated battery pack 10, comprises two the handles 16, 18 which are in the form of two cut out portions which are cut out from the outwardly facing surface 14 of the pack 10.

[143] It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the embodiments shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1 An electric golf trolley including a battery for powering the trolley; the electric golf trolley having a discharging configuration in which the electric golf trolley may be powered by the battery, and a non-discharging configuration in which powering of the electric golf trolley by the battery is substantially prevented; the electric golf trolley being further configured to transition from a driving arrangement to a storage arrangement; to wherein during a transition from the driving arrangement to the storage arrangement the electric golf trolley automatically transitions from the discharging configuration to a non-discharging configuration, and/or wherein during a transition from the storage arrangement to the driving arrangement the electric golf trolley automatically transitions from the non-discharging configuration to a discharging configuration.
2. An electric golf trolley according to claim 1, wherein in the discharging configuration charging of the battery is substantially prevented.
3. An electric golf trolley according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein in the non-discharging configuration charging of the battery is permitted.
4 An electric golf trolley comprising a battery pack including a battery for powering the trolley; the electric golf trolley having a chargeable configuration in which charging of the battery is permitted, and a unchargeable configuration in which charging of the battery is substantially prevented; the electric golf trolley being configured to transition from a driving arrangement to a storage arrangement; wherein during a transition from the driving arrangement to the storage arrangement the electric golf trolley automatically transitions from an unchargeable configuration to a chargeable configuration and/or wherein during a transition from the storage arrangement to the driving arrangement the electric golf trolley automatically transitions from a chargeable configuration to an unchargeable configuration.
5. An electric golf trolley according to claim 4, wherein in the chargeable configuration powering of the electric golf trolley is substantially prevented.
6. An electric golf trolley according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein in the unchargeable configuration powering of the electric golf trolley is permitted.
7 An electric golf trolley according to any preceding claim, wherein the electric golf trolley automatically transitions from an unchargeable configuration to a chargeable configuration and from a discharging configuration to a non-discharging configuration as the electric golf trolley is collapsed from a driveable arrangement to a storage arrangement, and/or the electric golf trolley automatically transitions from a non-discharging configuration to a discharging configuration and from a chargeable configuration to an unchargeable configuration as the electric golf trolley is expanded from a storage arrangement to a driveable arrangement.
8 An electric golf trolley according to any preceding claim, wherein the battery is provided in a battery pack and concealed within a battery pack housing, the battery pack comprising a charging connector arranged to permit charging of the battery; and a displaceable portion movable relative to the pack housing; the displaceable portion being reciprocally moveable from a discharging position in which charging via the charging connector is substantially obstructed, to a charging position in which the charging connector is substantially exposed for charging; the battery pack being arranged such that when the displaceable portion is in the charging position, the battery is substantially electrically disconnected from the electric golf trolley.
9 An electric golf trolley according to claim 8, wherein the electric golf trolley includes a cooperating portion configured to operatively engage the displaceable portion during a transition from a driving or a driveable arrangement to a storage arrangement and/or from the storage arrangement to a driveable or driving arrangement.
10.An electric golf trolley according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the charging connector is located on the displaceable portion.
11. An electric golf trolley according to any of claims 8 to 10, the battery pack further comprising a discharging connector configured to connect the battery to the electric golf trolley; wherein, when the displaceable portion is in the charging position, the discharging connector is substantially electrically and mechanically disconnected from powering circuitry of the electric golf trolley, preferably at least the electric motor and/or control unit and/or display unit.
12.An electric golf trolley according to any of claims 8 to 11, the charging connector being located on the displaceable portion and wherein in the discharging position the displaceable portion is located predominantly inside the pack housing and in the charging position part of the displaceable portion incorporating the charging connector protrudes from the pack housing.
13. An electric golf trolley according to any preceding claim, including a frame; wherein the frame is configured to reversibly collapse from a substantially expanded configuration in a driving arrangement to a substantially collapsed configuration in a storage arrangement; and wherein during a transition from the substantially expanded configuration to the substantially collapsed configuration the frame automatically actuates a transition from a discharging configuration to a non-discharging configuration and/or from an unchargeable configuration to a chargeable configuration, and/or wherein during a transition from the substantially collapsed configuration to the substantially expanded configuration the frame automatically actuates a transition from a non-discharging configuration to a discharging configuration and/or from a chargeable configuration to an unchargeable configuration
14. An electric golf trolley according to claim 13, the frame including a cam having a projection; the cam being arranged such that when the frame is collapsed from the substantially expanded configuration to the substantially collapsed configuration, the projection of the cam automatically actuates a transition from the discharging configuration to the non-discharging configuration and/or from the unchargeable configuration to the chargeable configuration of the electric golf trolley.
15.An electric golf trolley battery pack comprising a battery concealed within a pack housing, the pack housing being arranged to attach to an electric golf trolley during use; the battery pack further comprising a displaceable portion moveable relative to the pack housing; the displaceable portion being reciprocally moveable from a discharging position in which powering of the electric golf trolley is permitted to a second non-discharging position in which powering of the electric golf trolley is substantially prevented; wherein the displaceable portion is configured to be displaced by a cooperating portion of the electric golf trolley.
16. An electric golf trolley battery pack comprising a battery concealed within a pack housing, the pack housing being arranged to attach to an electric golf trolley during use; the battery pack further comprising a charging connector arranged to permit charging of the battery and a displaceable portion moveable relative to the pack housing; the displaceable portion being reciprocally moveable from a discharging position in which charging via the charging connector is substantially obstructed to a charging position in which the charging connector is substantially exposed for charging, the battery pack being arranged such that when the displaceable portion is in the charging position, the battery is substantially electrically disconnected from an electric golf trolley.
17. The electric golf trolley battery pack of claim 16, the displaceable portion being arranged to be displaced by a cooperating portion of an electric golf trolley.
18. The electric golf trolley battery pack of claim 15 to 17, the battery pack comprising a charging connector arranged to permit charging of the battery, the charging connector being located on the displaceable portion.
19. The electric golf trolley battery pack of claims 15 to 18, further comprising a discharging connector arranged to extend between the battery and an electric golf trolley; wherein, when the displaceable portion is in a charging position, the discharging connector is substantially electrically and mechanically disconnected from an electric golf trolley.
20. The electric golf trolley battery pack of claims 18 and claim 19 when dependent on claim 18, wherein in the discharging position the displaceable portion is located predominantly inside the pack housing and in a charging position part of the displaceable portion incorporating the charging connector protrudes from the pack housing.
21 The electric golf trolley battery pack of any of claims 15 to 20, the battery pack being arranged to be attached to an electric golf trolley which is reversibly collapsible from a driveable arrangement to a storage arrangement; the displaceable portion being arranged to be displaced towards a charging configuration by a cooperating portion of the electric golf trolley as the electric golf trolley is collapsed from a driveable arrangement towards its storage arrangement and/or returned to its discharging configuration by a cooperating portion of the electric golf trolley as the electric golf trolley is expanded from its storage arrangement towards its driveable arrangement.
22.An electric golf trolley comprising a battery pack in accordance with any of claims 15 to 21.
23.A method of storing an electric golf trolley, comprising the steps of: a. providing an electric golf trolley according to any of claims 1 to 14 or 22; b arranging the electric golf trolley in a storage arrangement; and c. optionally charging the electric golf trolley in the storage arrangement.