US20140332296A1 - Wheel assembly for a golf trolley - Google Patents

Wheel assembly for a golf trolley Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20140332296A1
US20140332296A1 US14/276,141 US201414276141A US2014332296A1 US 20140332296 A1 US20140332296 A1 US 20140332296A1 US 201414276141 A US201414276141 A US 201414276141A US 2014332296 A1 US2014332296 A1 US 2014332296A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
wheel
motor
golf trolley
control unit
golf
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/276,141
Inventor
Mark Adam Stewart
David Michael Funnell
Duncan Ross Stewart
Jon Stewart-Miller
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Stewart Golf Ltd
Original Assignee
Stewart Golf Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Stewart Golf Ltd filed Critical Stewart Golf Ltd
Assigned to STEWART GOLF LIMITED reassignment STEWART GOLF LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FUNNELL, DAVID MICHAEL, STEWART-MILLER, JON, STEWART, DUNCAN ROSS, STEWART, MARK ADAM
Publication of US20140332296A1 publication Critical patent/US20140332296A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62BHAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B5/00Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
    • B62B5/0026Propulsion aids
    • B62B5/0033Electric motors
    • B62B5/0036Arrangements of motors
    • B62B5/0043One motor drives one wheel
    • A63B55/087
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B55/00Bags for golf clubs; Stands for golf clubs for use on the course; Wheeled carriers specially adapted for golf bags
    • A63B55/60Wheeled carriers specially adapted for golf bags
    • A63B55/61Wheeled carriers specially adapted for golf bags motorised
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K7/00Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel
    • B60K7/0007Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel the motor being electric
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60LPROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L15/00Methods, circuits, or devices for controlling the traction-motor speed of electrically-propelled vehicles
    • B60L15/20Methods, circuits, or devices for controlling the traction-motor speed of electrically-propelled vehicles for control of the vehicle or its driving motor to achieve a desired performance, e.g. speed, torque, programmed variation of speed
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62BHAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B3/00Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
    • B62B3/12Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by three-wheeled construction
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62BHAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B5/00Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
    • B62B5/0026Propulsion aids
    • B62B5/0033Electric motors
    • B62B5/0036Arrangements of motors
    • B62B5/004Arrangements of motors in wheels
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62BHAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B5/00Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
    • B62B5/0026Propulsion aids
    • B62B5/0033Electric motors
    • B62B5/0036Arrangements of motors
    • B62B5/005Detachably mounted motor units
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62BHAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B5/00Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
    • B62B5/0026Propulsion aids
    • B62B5/0069Control
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/803Motion sensors
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/20Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02TCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/72Electric energy management in electromobility

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a wheel assembly for a golf trolley.
  • Golf trolleys which can be pushed manually around a golf course are typically of a three-wheeled design, with a pair of rear wheels and a single front wheel.
  • a base support frame is provided between the front and rear wheels, and an upright support frame extends upwardly from a point near the rear of the base support frame.
  • a golf bag is typically rested on the front of the frame and leans rearwardly, over the rear wheels, the top of the golf bag being supported on the upright support frame.
  • a handle extends upwardly and rearwardly from the upright support frame and the golf trolley is pushed from the rear by the handle.
  • Three-wheeled manual golf trolleys as described above may be foldable and may be stored compactly. However, many golf players find it difficult to push a golf bag on a trolley around a long and/or hilly course manually, and prefer a powered device.
  • Powered golf trolleys are known, and are typically driven by an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery.
  • the batteries must be large, heavy and expensive in order to provide enough stored energy to power a golf trolley around a golf course. This results in a golf trolley which is large and unwieldy, and will not fold up as compactly as a manual trolley.
  • the large battery also takes some time to charge.
  • powered golf trolleys Since the useful lifespan of a battery is limited to a number of charging cycles, powered golf trolleys have a significant ongoing cost of ownership as well as being expensive to purchase in the first place.
  • a powered golf trolley typically has driven rear wheels. This requires either an axle between the two rear wheels, or a motor on each of the two rear wheels. An axle between the two rear wheels makes for a trolley which will not fold compactly, and a requirement for two motors increases the purchase cost of the trolley. Driving only one of the rear wheels makes the trolley difficult to steer.
  • a driven front wheel is an alternative, solving the problems with rear wheel drive mentioned above.
  • the centre of mass of the loaded golf trolley is typically some way rearward of the front wheels, and a driven front wheel will therefore tend to spin due to insufficient traction with the ground.
  • a wheel assembly for a golf trolley comprising a wheel, a motor for driving the wheel, and a battery for powering the motor;
  • the wheel assembly when attached to a golf trolley provides for a ‘power assisted’ vehicle. Because the motor can be activated only when the wheel is already rotating, the power required by the motor will be small compared with the power which would be required to move the golf trolley from a standing start. This in turn means that the battery can be small, lightweight and inexpensive when compared with the batteries which are required for fully powered golf trolleys.
  • a golf trolley with the wheel assembly attached is lightweight and easy to handle.
  • the golf trolley is power-assisted which improves the ease with which it can be pushed around a golf course.
  • the battery can be charged quickly and the trolley may be folded for storage.
  • control unit may have further modes of operation.
  • a second mode of operation may be provided in which the motor is activated whenever a button is pressed by a user.
  • this second mode of operation will swiftly result in depletion of the battery due to the high power required by the motor to accelerate the vehicle from a standstill. It is therefore preferred to provide a control unit which operates only in accordance with the first mode of operation described above. Nevertheless, even with a flat battery, because of the lightweight nature of the wheel assembly, the golf trolley can be pushed with relative ease, unlike existing powered golf trolleys with a flat battery.
  • the control unit in the first mode of operation may automatically activate the motor when the detection means detects that the wheel is rotating.
  • Automatic activation provides for an effortless user experience. Pushing the trolley is easy because power assistance is automatically provided once the trolley is being pushed.
  • the control unit in the first mode of operation may automatically activate the motor when the detection means detects that the wheel is rotating faster than a predetermined speed. This further serves to preserve battery life, by ensuring that the motor is not activated in order to accelerate the golf trolley. Rather, the motor helps to maintain the trolley at a constant speed, assisted by the manual effort of the user.
  • the predetermined speed may be 2 mph (0.89 m/s).
  • the control unit in the first mode of operation may activate the motor only when the detection means detects that the wheel is rotating and the user input means is activated.
  • the user input means may be a pushbutton.
  • Providing a pushbutton or other input means allows the user to decide when he wishes to activate the power assistance on his golf trolley.
  • the trolley may be pushed manually on flat parts of the golf course, or for the first part of a round of golf.
  • power assistance may be desired and may be activated.
  • the control unit will only activate the motor when requested to do so by the user input means and when the wheel is already rotating. The battery life is thus conserved, because the motor is not powered when the golf trolley is accelerating from a standstill, and the motor is also not powered when the user is content to push the trolley himself.
  • Wireless communication of the pushbutton with the control unit for the motor is advantageous, since it allows the wheel assembly to be easily retro-fitted to a golf trolley, the wireless user input means being simply attached to a handle of the trolley, without any wiring being required. Even where the wheel assembly is sold together with the trolley as one product, it is advantageous to be able to remove the wheel assembly from the trolley so that the battery can be charged, perhaps indoors, whilst the bulk of the golf trolley is stored, possibly in a shed where an electricity supply may not be available.
  • Providing wireless user input means as well as releasable attachment means facilitates removal of the wheel assembly from the golf trolley, since there are no wires to disconnect. This also allows the pushbutton to be attached anywhere the user desires on the handle of the golf trolley for comfortable operation.
  • Wireless user input means provide the further advantage that there are no wires running along the frame of the golf trolley which might become caught in trees, hedges and the like, or become fatigued due to repetitive folding of the golf trolley.
  • the battery may be disposed within the wheel. Providing the battery within the wheel puts the mass of the battery in the same vertical line as the driven wheel, when the golf trolley is in use. This increases the traction between the wheel and the ground, reducing the possibility that the driven wheel will spin.
  • the battery may be provided in a housing next to the wheel, substantially directly behind the wheel. Again, this puts the wheel substantially in line with the driven wheel and the weight passes substantially through the wheel.
  • the battery may be housed in the forks mounting the front wheel.
  • the battery is balanced across the wheel, and the centre of gravity of the battery may still pass through the wheel.
  • the releasable connection means may include a connecting member for introduction into a socket on the golf trolley.
  • the connecting member may include a recess for engaging with a locking device on the socket of the golf trolley.
  • a releasable connection means as described is quick and easy to connect and remove, but provides for secure attachment of the wheel assembly to the golf trolley.
  • the locking device may include a large handle for locking and unlocking. A large handle is advantageous, since it can easily be operated by a user whose fingers have become cold after a long period outdoors.
  • the wheel may be substantially in front of the connecting member and socket, so that the golf trolley is pushed in a direction substantially in-line with the connecting member and socket.
  • a golf trolley comprising a frame mounting two rear wheels, a front wheel, and a handle;
  • the front wheel is the driven wheel.
  • the rear wheels may be unpowered. This means that an axle is not required between the rear wheels, resulting in a golf trolley which is easily foldable into a compact unit for storage or carriage.
  • the control unit prevents power from being supplied to the motor until manual effort has been applied to the golf trolley to initially accelerate it from a standstill. As well as ensuring a useful battery life from a small battery, this overcomes the problem that a driven front wheel will tend to spin due to an inadequate downward force provided by the mass of the golf trolley.
  • the control unit in the first mode of operation may automatically activate the motor when the detection means detects that the front wheel is rotating.
  • the control unit in the first mode of operation may automatically activate the motor when the detection means detects that the front wheel is rotating faster than a predetermined speed.
  • the predetermined speed may be 2 mph (0.89 m/s).
  • the control unit in the first mode of operation may activate the motor only when the detection means detects that the front wheel is rotating and the user input means is activated.
  • the user input means may be a pushbutton.
  • the pushbutton may be mounted in any convenient location on the handle of the golf trolley.
  • the battery may be disposed substantially in-line vertically with the front wheel.
  • the battery may be disposed within the front wheel.
  • the battery may be disposed in forks on either side of the wheel. The forks may mount the wheel.
  • the front wheel may be part of a front wheel assembly which includes at least the front wheel, the motor, and the battery, the front wheel assembly being detachable from the golf trolley.
  • the frame may include a base support frame provided between the front and rear wheels and an upright support frame extending from the rear of the base support frame.
  • the base support frame and the upright support frame may be provided with means for supporting a bag of golf clubs.
  • the frame may be foldable.
  • the mass of the battery serves to push the front wheel downwardly towards the ground. This further reduces the possibility that the front wheel will spin when it is powered.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a wheel assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a golf trolley in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.
  • a wheel assembly for a golf trolley is indicated generally at 10 .
  • the wheel assembly includes a wheel 12 and a wheel mounting 14 .
  • the wheel mounting 14 includes a pair of planar side members 16 , extending from a housing 18 .
  • the wheel 12 is mounted on a bearing between the two side members 16 , and the housing passes over and around the wheel 12 .
  • a battery 20 and a control unit 22 are disposed within the housing 18 , and a motor is provided to drive the wheel 12 .
  • the battery 12 may be a Lithium-Ion battery, which provides an excellent power to weight ratio. It is found that a Lithium-Ion battery weighing around 300 g is suitable to provide enough power for power assistance around a typical 18-hole golf course.
  • a connecting member 24 extends from the rear of the wheel mounting 14 , and is in the form of a box section.
  • the connecting member 24 includes a recess 26 in one surface, for receiving a bolt of a locking device.
  • the control unit 22 includes wireless receiving means for receiving a signal from a wireless pushbutton control 28 , with wireless communication indicated at 29 . In use, the control unit will activate the motor to drive the wheel 12 only when a signal is received from the wireless pushbutton control 28 and when the control unit 22 detects that the wheel is already rotating at a speed of at least 2 mph (0.89 m/s).
  • the speed of rotation of the wheel may be detected by Hall-effect sensors in the motor. Alternatively, any other suitable detection means may be used.
  • a golf trolley is indicated generally at 30 .
  • the golf trolley incorporates the wheel assembly 10 as a front wheel.
  • the golf trolley 30 further includes a pair of rear wheels 32 , a base support frame 34 connecting the front and rear wheels, and an upright support frame 36 having a handle 38 .
  • a lower jaw 40 is provided on the front of the base support frame 34
  • an upper jaw 42 is provided on the upright support frame 36 .
  • the base of a golf bag 100 may be introduced into and grasped within the lower jaw 40 .
  • the golf bag may then be rested against the upright support frame 36 and held within the upper jaw 42 .
  • a socket is provided at the front of the base support frame 34 , for accepting the connecting member 24 of the wheel assembly 10 .
  • the socket includes a locking mechanism having a handle and a cam.
  • the handle is movable in-line with the socket, in the direction in which the connecting member is introduced and removed. Moving the handle operates the cam which acts against a pin, which locates in the recess 26 , moving it between a locked position and an unlocked position.
  • the cam when in the locked position, holds the pin in the recess and the connecting member in the socket. In the unlocked position, the pin comes out of the recess, allowing unobstructed movement of the connecting member 24 within the socket.
  • the above-described locking arrangement is easy to operate, especially where a large handle is provided. A simple push or pull is enough to release or engage the locking mechanism. This is advantageous, since users attempting to operate the locking mechanism will often have cold hands following a long round of golf.
  • the wheel assembly 10 is connected to the base support frame 34 , creating a three-wheeled golf trolley 30 .
  • the golf trolley is intended to be pushed forwards from the handle 38 , as indicated by arrow A.
  • the force is transmitted through the frame of the trolley, pivoting the trolley clockwise as shown in FIG. 2 about the rear wheels 32 . This results in the front wheel being pushed downwardly, into the ground, as indicated by arrow B, improving the traction of the trolley.
  • the wireless pushbutton remote control 44 is mounted to the handle 38 of the trolley. When the user requires power-assistance, the button 44 is pushed. The control unit 22 will power the motor to drive the wheel 12 only when the button 44 is being pushed and when the wheel 12 is already rotating at a speed of greater than 2 mph (0.89 m/s) in a forward direction, i.e. in the direction of arrow A.
  • the power assisted golf trolley is easy for a golfer to push around a golf course without becoming tired. It is lightweight and easy to store, similar to existing manual golf trolleys.
  • the battery is small, lightweight, and charges quickly.
  • the wheel assembly can be removed from the golf trolley for charging.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)
  • Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

A wheel assembly 10 for a golf trolley (30) comprises a wheel 12, a motor for driving the wheel, a battery 20 for powering the motor, detection means for detecting whether or not the wheel 12 is rotating, a control unit 22 for controlling the motor and releasable connection means 24 for releasably connecting the wheel assembly 10 to a golf trolley (30), the control unit 22 having at least a first mode of operation in which the motor can be activated only when the wheel 12 is already rotating.

Description

    BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to a wheel assembly for a golf trolley.
  • Golf trolleys which can be pushed manually around a golf course are typically of a three-wheeled design, with a pair of rear wheels and a single front wheel. A base support frame is provided between the front and rear wheels, and an upright support frame extends upwardly from a point near the rear of the base support frame. A golf bag is typically rested on the front of the frame and leans rearwardly, over the rear wheels, the top of the golf bag being supported on the upright support frame. A handle extends upwardly and rearwardly from the upright support frame and the golf trolley is pushed from the rear by the handle.
  • Three-wheeled manual golf trolleys as described above may be foldable and may be stored compactly. However, many golf players find it difficult to push a golf bag on a trolley around a long and/or hilly course manually, and prefer a powered device.
  • Powered golf trolleys are known, and are typically driven by an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. However, the batteries must be large, heavy and expensive in order to provide enough stored energy to power a golf trolley around a golf course. This results in a golf trolley which is large and unwieldy, and will not fold up as compactly as a manual trolley. The large battery also takes some time to charge.
  • Since the useful lifespan of a battery is limited to a number of charging cycles, powered golf trolleys have a significant ongoing cost of ownership as well as being expensive to purchase in the first place.
  • A powered golf trolley typically has driven rear wheels. This requires either an axle between the two rear wheels, or a motor on each of the two rear wheels. An axle between the two rear wheels makes for a trolley which will not fold compactly, and a requirement for two motors increases the purchase cost of the trolley. Driving only one of the rear wheels makes the trolley difficult to steer.
  • A driven front wheel is an alternative, solving the problems with rear wheel drive mentioned above. However, the centre of mass of the loaded golf trolley is typically some way rearward of the front wheels, and a driven front wheel will therefore tend to spin due to insufficient traction with the ground.
  • It is an object of the invention to reduce or substantially obviate the above mentioned problems.
  • STATEMENT OF INVENTION
  • According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wheel assembly for a golf trolley comprising a wheel, a motor for driving the wheel, and a battery for powering the motor;
      • detection means for detecting whether or not the wheel is rotating, and a control unit for controlling the motor, the control unit having at least a first mode of operation in which the motor can be activated only when the wheel is already rotating;
      • a user input means for positioning on a handle of the golf trolley, the user input means being wirelessly connected to the control unit;
      • and releasable connection means for releasably connecting the wheel assembly to a golf trolley.
  • The wheel assembly when attached to a golf trolley provides for a ‘power assisted’ vehicle. Because the motor can be activated only when the wheel is already rotating, the power required by the motor will be small compared with the power which would be required to move the golf trolley from a standing start. This in turn means that the battery can be small, lightweight and inexpensive when compared with the batteries which are required for fully powered golf trolleys.
  • A golf trolley with the wheel assembly attached is lightweight and easy to handle. The golf trolley is power-assisted which improves the ease with which it can be pushed around a golf course. The battery can be charged quickly and the trolley may be folded for storage.
  • It will be understood that the control unit may have further modes of operation. For example, a second mode of operation may be provided in which the motor is activated whenever a button is pressed by a user. However, this second mode of operation will swiftly result in depletion of the battery due to the high power required by the motor to accelerate the vehicle from a standstill. It is therefore preferred to provide a control unit which operates only in accordance with the first mode of operation described above. Nevertheless, even with a flat battery, because of the lightweight nature of the wheel assembly, the golf trolley can be pushed with relative ease, unlike existing powered golf trolleys with a flat battery.
  • The control unit in the first mode of operation may automatically activate the motor when the detection means detects that the wheel is rotating.
  • Automatic activation provides for an effortless user experience. Pushing the trolley is easy because power assistance is automatically provided once the trolley is being pushed.
  • The control unit in the first mode of operation may automatically activate the motor when the detection means detects that the wheel is rotating faster than a predetermined speed. This further serves to preserve battery life, by ensuring that the motor is not activated in order to accelerate the golf trolley. Rather, the motor helps to maintain the trolley at a constant speed, assisted by the manual effort of the user. The predetermined speed may be 2 mph (0.89 m/s).
  • The control unit in the first mode of operation may activate the motor only when the detection means detects that the wheel is rotating and the user input means is activated. The user input means may be a pushbutton.
  • Providing a pushbutton or other input means allows the user to decide when he wishes to activate the power assistance on his golf trolley. For example, the trolley may be pushed manually on flat parts of the golf course, or for the first part of a round of golf. When the user becomes tired towards the end of the game, or when he is pushing the trolley up hills, power assistance may be desired and may be activated. Nevertheless, the control unit will only activate the motor when requested to do so by the user input means and when the wheel is already rotating. The battery life is thus conserved, because the motor is not powered when the golf trolley is accelerating from a standstill, and the motor is also not powered when the user is content to push the trolley himself.
  • Wireless communication of the pushbutton with the control unit for the motor is advantageous, since it allows the wheel assembly to be easily retro-fitted to a golf trolley, the wireless user input means being simply attached to a handle of the trolley, without any wiring being required. Even where the wheel assembly is sold together with the trolley as one product, it is advantageous to be able to remove the wheel assembly from the trolley so that the battery can be charged, perhaps indoors, whilst the bulk of the golf trolley is stored, possibly in a shed where an electricity supply may not be available. Providing wireless user input means as well as releasable attachment means facilitates removal of the wheel assembly from the golf trolley, since there are no wires to disconnect. This also allows the pushbutton to be attached anywhere the user desires on the handle of the golf trolley for comfortable operation.
  • Wireless user input means provide the further advantage that there are no wires running along the frame of the golf trolley which might become caught in trees, hedges and the like, or become fatigued due to repetitive folding of the golf trolley.
  • The battery may be disposed within the wheel. Providing the battery within the wheel puts the mass of the battery in the same vertical line as the driven wheel, when the golf trolley is in use. This increases the traction between the wheel and the ground, reducing the possibility that the driven wheel will spin.
  • Alternatively, the battery may be provided in a housing next to the wheel, substantially directly behind the wheel. Again, this puts the wheel substantially in line with the driven wheel and the weight passes substantially through the wheel. In a further alternative, the battery may be housed in the forks mounting the front wheel.
  • In this way, the battery is balanced across the wheel, and the centre of gravity of the battery may still pass through the wheel.
  • The releasable connection means may include a connecting member for introduction into a socket on the golf trolley. The connecting member may include a recess for engaging with a locking device on the socket of the golf trolley. A releasable connection means as described is quick and easy to connect and remove, but provides for secure attachment of the wheel assembly to the golf trolley. The locking device may include a large handle for locking and unlocking. A large handle is advantageous, since it can easily be operated by a user whose fingers have become cold after a long period outdoors.
  • In use, the wheel may be substantially in front of the connecting member and socket, so that the golf trolley is pushed in a direction substantially in-line with the connecting member and socket.
  • According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a golf trolley comprising a frame mounting two rear wheels, a front wheel, and a handle;
      • a motor for driving the front wheel, a battery for powering the motor, detection means for detecting whether or not the front wheel is rotating, and a control unit for controlling the motor;
      • the control unit having at least a first mode of operation in which the motor can be activated only when the front wheel is already rotating,
      • a user input means positioned on a handle of the golf trolley, and the user input means being wirelessly connected to the control unit.
  • Advantageously, the front wheel is the driven wheel. The rear wheels may be unpowered. This means that an axle is not required between the rear wheels, resulting in a golf trolley which is easily foldable into a compact unit for storage or carriage. As with the wheel assembly described above, the control unit prevents power from being supplied to the motor until manual effort has been applied to the golf trolley to initially accelerate it from a standstill. As well as ensuring a useful battery life from a small battery, this overcomes the problem that a driven front wheel will tend to spin due to an inadequate downward force provided by the mass of the golf trolley.
  • Because the wheel is only powered when it is already moving, power will only be applied when the trolley is being pushed from behind. The forward force applied by the user pushing the trolley forwards will transmit through the frame of the golf trolley, tending to pivot the golf trolley forward on the rear wheels, and this pushing the front wheel into the ground, ensuring that the front wheel finds traction. In this way, a power assisted golf trolley is made to work effectively with a powered front wheel.
  • The control unit in the first mode of operation may automatically activate the motor when the detection means detects that the front wheel is rotating. The control unit in the first mode of operation may automatically activate the motor when the detection means detects that the front wheel is rotating faster than a predetermined speed. The predetermined speed may be 2 mph (0.89 m/s).
  • The control unit in the first mode of operation may activate the motor only when the detection means detects that the front wheel is rotating and the user input means is activated. The user input means may be a pushbutton. The pushbutton may be mounted in any convenient location on the handle of the golf trolley.
  • The battery may be disposed substantially in-line vertically with the front wheel. The battery may be disposed within the front wheel. The battery may be disposed in forks on either side of the wheel. The forks may mount the wheel.
  • The front wheel may be part of a front wheel assembly which includes at least the front wheel, the motor, and the battery, the front wheel assembly being detachable from the golf trolley.
  • The frame may include a base support frame provided between the front and rear wheels and an upright support frame extending from the rear of the base support frame. The base support frame and the upright support frame may be provided with means for supporting a bag of golf clubs. The frame may be foldable.
  • Where the battery is disposed substantially in-line vertically with the front wheel, the mass of the battery serves to push the front wheel downwardly towards the ground. This further reduces the possibility that the front wheel will spin when it is powered.
  • DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a wheel assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and
  • FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a golf trolley in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.
  • DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • Referring firstly to FIG. 1, a wheel assembly for a golf trolley is indicated generally at 10. The wheel assembly includes a wheel 12 and a wheel mounting 14.
  • The wheel mounting 14 includes a pair of planar side members 16, extending from a housing 18. The wheel 12 is mounted on a bearing between the two side members 16, and the housing passes over and around the wheel 12. A battery 20 and a control unit 22 are disposed within the housing 18, and a motor is provided to drive the wheel 12. The battery 12 may be a Lithium-Ion battery, which provides an excellent power to weight ratio. It is found that a Lithium-Ion battery weighing around 300 g is suitable to provide enough power for power assistance around a typical 18-hole golf course.
  • A connecting member 24 extends from the rear of the wheel mounting 14, and is in the form of a box section. The connecting member 24 includes a recess 26 in one surface, for receiving a bolt of a locking device.
  • The control unit 22 includes wireless receiving means for receiving a signal from a wireless pushbutton control 28, with wireless communication indicated at 29. In use, the control unit will activate the motor to drive the wheel 12 only when a signal is received from the wireless pushbutton control 28 and when the control unit 22 detects that the wheel is already rotating at a speed of at least 2 mph (0.89 m/s).
  • The speed of rotation of the wheel may be detected by Hall-effect sensors in the motor. Alternatively, any other suitable detection means may be used.
  • Referring now to FIG. 2, a golf trolley is indicated generally at 30. The golf trolley incorporates the wheel assembly 10 as a front wheel. The golf trolley 30 further includes a pair of rear wheels 32, a base support frame 34 connecting the front and rear wheels, and an upright support frame 36 having a handle 38.
  • A lower jaw 40 is provided on the front of the base support frame 34, and an upper jaw 42 is provided on the upright support frame 36. In use, the base of a golf bag 100 may be introduced into and grasped within the lower jaw 40. The golf bag may then be rested against the upright support frame 36 and held within the upper jaw 42.
  • A socket is provided at the front of the base support frame 34, for accepting the connecting member 24 of the wheel assembly 10. The socket includes a locking mechanism having a handle and a cam. The handle is movable in-line with the socket, in the direction in which the connecting member is introduced and removed. Moving the handle operates the cam which acts against a pin, which locates in the recess 26, moving it between a locked position and an unlocked position. The cam, when in the locked position, holds the pin in the recess and the connecting member in the socket. In the unlocked position, the pin comes out of the recess, allowing unobstructed movement of the connecting member 24 within the socket.
  • The above-described locking arrangement is easy to operate, especially where a large handle is provided. A simple push or pull is enough to release or engage the locking mechanism. This is advantageous, since users attempting to operate the locking mechanism will often have cold hands following a long round of golf.
  • In use, the wheel assembly 10 is connected to the base support frame 34, creating a three-wheeled golf trolley 30. The golf trolley is intended to be pushed forwards from the handle 38, as indicated by arrow A. As well as propelling the golf trolley forwards, the force is transmitted through the frame of the trolley, pivoting the trolley clockwise as shown in FIG. 2 about the rear wheels 32. This results in the front wheel being pushed downwardly, into the ground, as indicated by arrow B, improving the traction of the trolley.
  • The wireless pushbutton remote control 44 is mounted to the handle 38 of the trolley. When the user requires power-assistance, the button 44 is pushed. The control unit 22 will power the motor to drive the wheel 12 only when the button 44 is being pushed and when the wheel 12 is already rotating at a speed of greater than 2 mph (0.89 m/s) in a forward direction, i.e. in the direction of arrow A.
  • The power assisted golf trolley is easy for a golfer to push around a golf course without becoming tired. It is lightweight and easy to store, similar to existing manual golf trolleys. The battery is small, lightweight, and charges quickly. The wheel assembly can be removed from the golf trolley for charging.
  • It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.
  • Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, changes and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. In some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A wheel assembly for a golf trolley comprising:
a wheel;
a motor for driving the wheel;
a battery for powering the motor;
detection means for detecting whether or not the wheel is rotating;
a control unit for controlling the motor, the control unit having at least a first mode of operation in which the motor can be activated only when the wheel is already rotating;
a user input means for positioning on a handle of the golf trolley, the user input means being wirelessly connected to the control unit; and
releasable connection means for releasably connecting the wheel assembly to a golf trolley.
2. The wheel assembly of claim 1, in which the control unit in the first mode of operation activates the motor only when the detection means detects that the wheel is rotating and the user input means is activated.
3. The wheel assembly of claim 1, in which the user input means is a pushbutton.
4. The wheel assembly of claim 1, in which the control unit in the first mode of operation activates the motor only when the detection means detects that the wheel is rotating faster than a predetermined speed.
5. The wheel assembly of claim 4, in which the predetermined speed is 2 mph (0.89 m/s).
6. The wheel assembly of claim 1, in which the battery is disposed within the wheel.
7. The wheel assembly of claim 1, in which the releasable connection means includes a connecting member for introduction into a socket on the golf trolley.
8. The wheel assembly of claim 7, in which the connecting member includes a recess for engaging with a locking device on the socket of the golf trolley.
9. A golf trolley comprising:
a frame mounting two rear wheels;
a front wheel;
a handle;
a motor for driving the front wheel;
a battery for powering the motor;
detection means for detecting whether or not the front wheel is rotating;
a control unit for controlling the motor, the control unit having at least a first mode of operation in which the motor can be activated only when the front wheel is already rotating; and
a user input means positioned on a handle of the golf trolley, and the user input means being wirelessly connected to the control unit.
10. The golf trolley of claim 9, in which the control unit in the first mode of operation automatically activates the motor when the detection means detects that the front wheel is rotating.
11. The golf trolley of claim 10, in which the control unit in the first mode of operation automatically activates the motor when the detection means detects that the front wheel is rotating faster than a predetermined speed.
12. The golf trolley of claim 11, in which the predetermined speed is 2 mph (0.89 m/s).
13. The golf trolley of claim 9, in which the control unit in the first mode of operation activates the motor only when the detection means detects that the front wheel is rotating and the user input means is activated.
14. The golf trolley of claim 9, in which the user input means is a pushbutton.
15. The golf trolley of claim 9, in which the battery is disposed substantially in-line vertically with the front wheel.
16. The golf trolley of claim 9, in which the battery is disposed within the front wheel.
17. The golf trolley of claim 9, in which the front wheel is part of a front wheel assembly which includes at least the front wheel, the motor, and the battery, the front wheel assembly being detachable from the golf trolley.
18. The golf trolley of claim 9, in which the frame includes a base support frame is provided between the front and rear wheels and an upright support frame extending from the rear of the base support frame.
19. The golf trolley of 18, in which the base support frame and the upright support frame are provided with means for supporting a bag of golf clubs.
20. The golf trolley of claim 9, in which the frame is foldable.
US14/276,141 2013-05-13 2014-05-13 Wheel assembly for a golf trolley Abandoned US20140332296A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1308501.4A GB2514106A (en) 2013-05-13 2013-05-13 Wheel assembly for a golf trolley
GB1308501.4 2013-05-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20140332296A1 true US20140332296A1 (en) 2014-11-13

Family

ID=48672177

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/276,141 Abandoned US20140332296A1 (en) 2013-05-13 2014-05-13 Wheel assembly for a golf trolley

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20140332296A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2803394A3 (en)
GB (1) GB2514106A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20190329809A1 (en) * 2016-11-15 2019-10-31 Concourse Golf Pty Ltd Electrically motorised wheel, transmission and control module, kit, vehicle and system

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITUA20163152A1 (en) * 2016-05-05 2017-11-05 Hifive S R L GOLF TROLLEY WITH HYBRID PROPULSION

Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4081047A (en) * 1976-03-09 1978-03-28 Lovell W C Motorized cart
US4541051A (en) * 1980-07-18 1985-09-10 Jean Jarret Electronically controlled land vehicle
US5161635A (en) * 1990-03-21 1992-11-10 Kiffe Horst Gregor Motorized golf caddie
US5180023A (en) * 1990-10-22 1993-01-19 Reimers Eric W Self propelled golf bag cart
US5375673A (en) * 1993-04-02 1994-12-27 Mccall; Amiel J. Golf bag card accessory drive unit
US5657828A (en) * 1994-07-29 1997-08-19 Shinko Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Motor-driven cart
US5749424A (en) * 1995-01-26 1998-05-12 Reimers; Eric W. Powered cart for golf bag
US5839528A (en) * 1996-09-30 1998-11-24 Lee; John E. Detachable motorized wheel assembly for a golf cart
US6092615A (en) * 1997-02-28 2000-07-25 Otto Bock Orthopaedische Industrie Besitz-und Verwaltungs-Kommandit-Gesel lschaft Power assisted manually propelled vehicle and wheel assembly thereof
US6175203B1 (en) * 1999-04-28 2001-01-16 Gordon Liao Electric carrier with a motor controlled by correlative positions
US7237632B2 (en) * 2005-10-11 2007-07-03 Unique Product + Design Co., Ltd Powered mechanism for universal golf cart
US20070246271A1 (en) * 2006-04-24 2007-10-25 Lucas Christopher F Children's ride-on vehicles having improved shifter assemblies
US7392872B2 (en) * 2006-08-31 2008-07-01 Po-Lin Chiu Power assisted vehicle

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE9311075U1 (en) * 1993-07-24 1994-11-24 Strothmann, Rolf, Dr., 66123 Saarbrücken Electric drive of a hand-drawn or pushed, mobile object
US20050252700A1 (en) * 2002-06-04 2005-11-17 Chin Kitauchi Powered manual propelling vehicle
DE10229270A1 (en) * 2002-06-28 2004-01-15 Sram Deutschland Gmbh Golf cart has folding frame and electric motor drive with remote control, differential rate steering and motor disconnection in off position
DE602006004343D1 (en) * 2006-09-12 2009-01-29 Ching-Piao Chang Motor driven car
US8538615B2 (en) * 2009-02-06 2013-09-17 Belon Engineering Inc. Smart electrical wheel for electrical bikes
DE202011004585U1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-07-04 Theo Tippkötter car trailers

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4081047A (en) * 1976-03-09 1978-03-28 Lovell W C Motorized cart
US4541051A (en) * 1980-07-18 1985-09-10 Jean Jarret Electronically controlled land vehicle
US5161635A (en) * 1990-03-21 1992-11-10 Kiffe Horst Gregor Motorized golf caddie
US5180023A (en) * 1990-10-22 1993-01-19 Reimers Eric W Self propelled golf bag cart
US5375673A (en) * 1993-04-02 1994-12-27 Mccall; Amiel J. Golf bag card accessory drive unit
US5657828A (en) * 1994-07-29 1997-08-19 Shinko Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Motor-driven cart
US5749424A (en) * 1995-01-26 1998-05-12 Reimers; Eric W. Powered cart for golf bag
US5839528A (en) * 1996-09-30 1998-11-24 Lee; John E. Detachable motorized wheel assembly for a golf cart
US6092615A (en) * 1997-02-28 2000-07-25 Otto Bock Orthopaedische Industrie Besitz-und Verwaltungs-Kommandit-Gesel lschaft Power assisted manually propelled vehicle and wheel assembly thereof
US6175203B1 (en) * 1999-04-28 2001-01-16 Gordon Liao Electric carrier with a motor controlled by correlative positions
US7237632B2 (en) * 2005-10-11 2007-07-03 Unique Product + Design Co., Ltd Powered mechanism for universal golf cart
US20070246271A1 (en) * 2006-04-24 2007-10-25 Lucas Christopher F Children's ride-on vehicles having improved shifter assemblies
US7392872B2 (en) * 2006-08-31 2008-07-01 Po-Lin Chiu Power assisted vehicle

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20190329809A1 (en) * 2016-11-15 2019-10-31 Concourse Golf Pty Ltd Electrically motorised wheel, transmission and control module, kit, vehicle and system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201308501D0 (en) 2013-06-19
EP2803394A2 (en) 2014-11-19
EP2803394A3 (en) 2014-12-17
GB2514106A (en) 2014-11-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4848504A (en) Convertible walking/riding golf cart
US5265695A (en) Portable collapsible motorized golf cart
US11478396B2 (en) Electrically driven wheeled walker
KR101992457B1 (en) Electric cart
US10953905B2 (en) Golf cart drive unit, golf bag cart
US6907949B1 (en) Battery powered motor vehicle and method of use
EP2643063B1 (en) Self-propelled golf vehicle
US20120118657A1 (en) Motorized Golf Bag Cart
CA2447019A1 (en) Motorized towing apparatus
US20040238241A1 (en) Front wheel motor driven-golf trolley
US8662218B1 (en) Motorized platform
EP2049209A1 (en) Combined golf caddie and golf cart
US20190151185A1 (en) Electrically driven wheeled walker
US20140332296A1 (en) Wheel assembly for a golf trolley
US20120205170A1 (en) Golf cart, and golf club holder unit
US6659210B2 (en) Golf attachment, and device provided therewith
GB2478940A (en) Trolley/buggy with handle bar locking system
WO2017068316A1 (en) A ride-on or walk-behind golf trolley
US20210284222A1 (en) Motorized wheelbarrow
US20120103715A1 (en) Cart-A-Kart
GB2531504A (en) Golf buggy
US20100263949A1 (en) Motorized Platform
JP3197342U (en) Electric two-wheel cart
AU2014101096A4 (en) Golf buggy
WO2022133321A1 (en) Gravity centering cart

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: STEWART GOLF LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:STEWART, MARK ADAM;FUNNELL, DAVID MICHAEL;STEWART, DUNCAN ROSS;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20141017 TO 20141023;REEL/FRAME:034035/0681

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION