WO2022216238A1

WO2022216238A1 - Golf trolley

Info

Publication number: WO2022216238A1
Application number: PCT/SK2022/000002
Authority: WO
Inventors: Semir Kerla
Original assignee: Semir Kerla
Priority date: 2021-04-09
Filing date: 2022-04-09
Publication date: 2022-10-13
Also published as: EP4320024A1

Abstract

The golf cart is formed by a rigid compact hollow body (1) combining the main storage compartment space (2) and a folding three-wheeled chassis (3), wherein the compact hollow body (1) has transport handles (4) and a folding handle (5). In one case, the main storage compartment space (2) is formed by a shaped pack with compartments, which is firmly embedded in the hollow body (1). In a variant case, the compartments of the main storage compartment space (2) are compact with the hollow body (1). The compartments of the main storage compartment space (2) are upholstered. The folding three-wheeled chassis (3) has a three-position tilting, with a front driven wheel and two rear wheels mounted on arms (6). Preferably the axles of the rear wheels are folding on the arms (6) from the transport position to the mobile position and vice versa. At least one additional front storage space (7) is mounted on the front side of the compact hollow body (1). Preferably at least one additional rear storage space (8) is mounted on the rear side of the compact hollow body (1). A multifunctional clamping slot can be mounted on the handle (5).

Description

GOLF TROLLEY

Field of technology

The invention relates to the construction of a golf cart hand-pushed or driven by an electric motor, which is used in playing golf to move golf clubs and equipment. The invention belongs to the field of sports equipment in particular according to claim 1.

Prior art

Most golf players today use a hand-pushed golf cart (chassis) when playing and moving around the golf course to move golf clubs and equipment to which a separate golf pack (bag) with clubs is mounted. Today's golf carts solved in this way have several disadvantages:

It is necessary to unfold and fold the golf cart (chassis for bag) before and after the game;

It is the time required for folding and unfolding and complex handling of most existing types of carts;

There is a risk of contamination of hands and clothing when folding / unfolding the golf cart;

When loading and unloading from the car, it is necessary to handle two separate components separately - the trolley chassis and the bag; Space requirements are required for their transport and storage;

Space requirements are required when transporting a golf bag and chassis by plane;

It is also necessary to protect the trolley chassis and bag separately during transport with additional protective transport cover.

The issue of a golf cart construction, which has not yet been fully explored, evoked to design such a golf cart construction that would guarantee easier handling it during play and transport. The result of this effort is the construction of a golf cart, which is described in the present invention.

The essence of the invention

The above-mentioned shortcomings in the state of the art in the field of sports equipment are eliminated by the proposed construction of a golf cart according to claim 1. The essence of the solution may lie in the fact that the golf cart is formed by a rigid compact hollow body preferably combining the main storage compartment space and a folding three-wheeled chassis, wherein the compact hollow body preferably has transport handles for better handling when loading / unloading a golf cart, e.g. from the car and also has a folding handle.

Preferred embodiments are outlined in the dependent claims.

The hollow body may be made by known technologies of casting, pressing, etc. made of carbon fibers or aluminum alloy, while the use of rigid plastic is not excluded. The hollow body may have a cube-like shape, preferably with inclined faces. At least one additional front storage space / pocket may be mounted on the front or upper side of the compact hollow body in particular by known suitable mounting methods. These additional storage compartments / pockets with storage function can be flexibly mounted on the main storage compartment space of the hollow body e.g. from the front and/or are used for storing things, equipment, etc. An optional upper preferably small compartment of the front storage space / pocket may be used to store the main needs, such as: golf balls, tees, divot tool, ball marker, glasses, or keys, mobile phone or wallet etc.

Preferably at least one additional rear storage space can be mounted on the rear or underside of the compact hollow body by known suitable mounting methods, which can have various functions, e.g. insulating cover or battery compartment for beverage cooling etc. All storage spaces / compartments may be mounted on the hollow body by a modular system and/or can be quickly and easily mounted on the hollow body or removed from it, allowing the golf cart user to configure the golf cart and its equipment for each game so that they do not have to carry and push unnecessary things. The main storage compartment space of the hollow body may be usually covered with a cover e.g. of plastic, hard leather, tarpaulin, etc., which can be hinged or removed and/or can be closed with a zipper or other suitable closing means. The golf cart for the purposes of air transport in particular is preferably supplemented by a solution where the hollow body is provided with a collapsible transport cover.

There are at least two equivalent solutions in the embodiment of the main storage compartment space. One solution is that the main storage compartment space is designed as a shaped pack made e.g. of leather or of high-quality fabric which may be firmly embedded in the hollow body or otherwise suitably applied to the hollow body. The shaped pack or otherwise also a bag may have compartments for each club and umbrella. The compartments of the main storage compartment space are preferably upholstered to eliminate noise, rattling and to mechanically protect the clubs from knocking. The second solution is such that the hollow body is compact with the compartments of the main storage compartment space, which maya be already achieved in the production e.g. by the die casting technology of the hollow body. In this case, the compartments of the main storage compartment space can be upholstered.

A folding preferably three-wheeled chassis may be provided for the golf cart, which may have a three-position tilting, is solved in an original way. The folding preferably three-wheeled chassis preferably has a driven wheel e.g. the front wheel and two freely rotating (rear) wheels mounted on arms. The front/driven wheel is preferably mounted on the front of the hollow body and is preferably equipped with a manually operated mechanical brake, allowing the integration of an electric drive preferably controlled from the handle of the golf cart. The golf cart also has rear or freely rotating wheels, preferably each mounted separately e.g. on a carbon fiber or aluminum alloy arm. The arms are preferably mounted on the hollow body by swivel joints with easy manual operation. The joints preferably allow the arms to be lowered into at least or up to three basic positions: to a position mobile for a game where the golf cart is in an unfolded state and/or to a position for transporting or storing the golf cart while lying in the trunk of the car, where the arms are preferably folded by the rear wheels towards the space for inserting the clubs; and/or to a position for storing the cart in a space-saving upright position while standing, where the arms with wheels may be tilted towards the front wheel. In the position for transporting or storing the golf cart while lying in the trunk of the car, preferably the axles of the rear wheels are folding on the arms from the transport position to the mobile position and vice versa, when the rear wheels may occupy positions pressed against the side walls of the hollow body.

The folding handle may be mounted on the hollow body of the golf cart by a hinge, which allows the handle to be locked at different height positions, so that the cart can adapt to different heights of the players. The handle may be fully folded to the back of the hollow body for transport or storage. The golf cart preferably has a multifunctional clamping slot 10 mounted e.g on the handle preferably for attaching an umbrella and other attachment to e.g. the handle or hollow body.

The advantages of the golf cart solution according to the invention are apparent from its external effects. The effects and originality lie in the unique compact construction. We believe that the integration of the main storage compartment space and the folding three-wheeled chassis into a rigid compact hollow body will significantly simplify the handling of the golf cart. This saves time by eliminating the complicated folding / unfolding of the cart and attaching the bag to it. The risk of contamination of hands and clothing when folding / unfolding the folding three-wheeled chassis is eliminated. There is a time saving when preparing for the game, because the arms of the rear wheels preferably simply fold out and/or the handle folds out. The solution is space-saving during transport and storage. Only one transport cover is needed for transport in an aircraft, while the equipment and the clubs are sufficiently protected in the bag thanks to the preferably hard hollow body of the main storage compartment space. The modularity of the optional additional storage spaces and the ease of their connection to the hollow body allows for high flexibility in the choice of accessories and configuration tailored to the client when ordering the cart as well as in its further use.

Overview of figures in the drawings

The golf cart according to the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows an axonometric view of an unfolded golf cart in motion. Fig. 2 shows a side view of an unfolded golf cart in motion. Fig. 3 shows a top view of an unfolded golf cart in motion. Fig. 4 shows an axonometric view of an unfolded golf cart ready for play. Fig. 5 shows an axonometric view of a folded golf cart ready for transport. Fig. 6 shows a side view of a folded golf cart ready for transport. Fig. 7 shows a top view of a folded golf cart ready for transport. Fig. 8 shows the extended rear storage space. Fig. 9 shows the retracted rear storage space.

Examples of embodiments of the invention

It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the invention are presented by way of illustration and not as limitations of technical solutions. Those skilled in the art will find, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to specific embodiments of the invention. Such equivalents will also fall within the scope of the claims.

Example 1

In this example of a particular embodiment of the present invention, one construction of the golf cart shown in Fig. 1 to 3 is described. The golf cart may be formed by a rigid compact hollow body 1 preferably combining the main storage compartment space 2 and a folding three-wheeled chassis 3. The hollow body 1 is preferably made by the technology of casting, alternatively pressing from carbon fibers or aluminum alloy, while the alternative use of rigid plastic is not excluded. The hollow body 1 may have a cube-like shape preferably with inclined faces. The main storage compartment space 2 is preferably designed as a shaped pack e.g. made of leather or of high-quality fabric which may be firmly embedded in the hollow body 1 , or alternatively is otherwise suitably applied to the hollow body 1.

The shaped pack preferably has compartments for each golf club and possibly also umbrella. The compartments of the main storage compartment space 2 are preferably upholstered. The main storage compartment space 2 of the hollow body 1 preferably designed as a shaped pack may be covered by a cover not shown. The compact hollow body 1 has transport handles 4 for better handling when loading / unloading a golf cart, e.g. from the car and/or also may have a folding handle 5, which is mounted on the hollow body 1 of the golf cart by a hinge, which can be clearly seen in Fig. 1 and 2. The golf cart preferably has a multifunctional clamping slot mounted on the handle 5 for attaching an umbrella and other attachment to the handle 5 of the golf cart or to the hollow body 1. On the front or upper side of the compact hollow body 1 , two additional front storage spaces / pockets 7 may be mounted, which can be clearly seen in Fig. 1 to 3. On the rear or underside of the compact hollow body 1, an additional rear storage space 8 may be mounted, which can be clearly seen in Fig. 8 a 9.

The folding preferably three-wheeled chassis 3 of a golf cart may have a three-position tilting. The folding three-wheeled chassis 3 mas have a driven wheel e.g. as a front wheel and at least two freely rotating rear wheels preferably mounted on arms 6, which can be clearly seen in Fig. 1 a 2. The front wheel may be mounted on the front of the hollow body 1 and may be equipped with a manually operated mechanical brake, allowing the integration of an electric drive controlled from the handle 5 of the golf cart. The rear wheels may be mounted separately each on an arm 6 preferably made of carbon fiber or aluminum alloy. Preferably the arms 6 are mounted on the hollow body 1 e.g. by swivel joints with easy manual operation. Preferably the joints allow the arms 6 to be lowered at least or up to into three basic positions: to a position mobile for a game where the golf cart is in an unfolded state, which can be clearly seen in Fig. 1 to 3. The second position is a position for game in a space-saving upright position while standing, where the arms 6 with wheels may be tilted towards the front wheel which can be clearly seen in Fig. 4. The third position a position for transporting or storing the golf cart while lying in the trunk of the car, where the arms 6 may be folded by the rear wheels towards the space for inserting the clubs. In the position for transporting or storing the golf cart while lying in the trunk of the car, the axles of the rear wheels on the arms 6 are preferably folding and/or the rear wheels occupy positions pressed against the side walls of the hollow body 1 , which can be clearly seen in Fig. 5 to 7.

Example 2

In this example of a particular embodiment of the present invention, a construction of the golf cart is described, which is essentially described in the previous example. An important difference in construction is that the hollow body 1 may be compact with the compartments of the main storage compartment space 2, which is already achieved in the production e.g. by the die casting technology of the hollow body 1. Also, in this case, the compartments of the main storage compartment space may be upholstered. Preferably the chassis may comprise/provide a support for the hollow body 1 , thus the actual storage space/bag. Preferably, the chassis comprises a scaffold/frame and/or supportive surface area for the actual bag or hollow body to be supported on. On this support, the hinged rear wheels 3 may be arranged via the hinged arms 6. Preferably the hinge for the arms is arranged at about halfe the distance between the front wheel and the opposite end of the scaffold or in a middlepart of the scaffold. On the same chassis the handle 5 may be arranged, preferably in a pivotable manner and may be arranged on the opposite side of the chassis with respect to the front wheel. Preferably, the front wheel is connected, associated or attached to the chassis/scaffold or arrange next to a front end of the chassis.

The scaffold of the chassis may comprise at least 2 rigid compartments/bars which define a left and right hand side flank of the supporting surface area/scaffold for the actual hollow body or bag. The compartments/bars may extend longitudinally between the front wheel and the handle 5. Between the rigid compartments/bars a free area may be arranged, which is provided to accommodate the handle 5 in its retracted/folded-in transport position. The free area lies preferably within the supporting scaffold and/or supportive surface area of the chassis and/ or between/in alignment the compartments/bars.

In a folded position, the handle 5 may be arranged in alignment with the chassi's main body/scaffold and/or a backside of hollow body 1 in its contact area with the chassis. The folded position and the working position of the handle are preferably at least 90°, preferably almost 180° apart from each other around a handle hinge, that may be provided on the scaffold, in particular on the compartments/ars. In the folded position, the handle 5 may be integrated into the plane of the chassis which may be the supporting surface for the hollow body 1 or a scaffold plane of the chassis.

In their folded position, the arms 6 may be arranged in alignment with at least a part of the chassis main body/scaffold/compartments/bars, preferably to the left and right hand side of the chassis and/or the rigid compartments/bars and/or the scaffold. Preferably, in the folded position the arms 6 may be integrated into the plane of the chassis which may be the supporting surface of the hollow body 1. Preferably the arms are attached to the main chassis in a middle portion of the same between a lower end which is preferably located near the front wheel and an upper end which is preferably located close to the hinge of the handle 5. Most preferably, the arms 6 are orientated about perpendicularto the handle 5 in its retracted and/or unfolded state in their (folded out) working position as it is depicted e.g. in figure 8.

In their working position, the arms 6 may be arranged in an angle with respect to the chassis, in particular to the hollow bodies supporting scaffold surface area. This angle is preferably between 30 and 90° with respect to a plane that goes through the supporting scaffold surface area of the chassis. in a folded position, the arms are preferably pointing/directed towards the handle 5, in particular such that the wheels on the arms are orientated towards the hinge of the handle 5.

In the folded state of the arms 6 thus, in a transport position of the arms 6, the front wheel the chassis, in particular the rigid compartments of its scaffold and the rear wheels 3 are orientated about in-line to each other as depicted e.g. in figure 6. In this state the front wheel the chassis/scaffold and the back wheel may describe and/or lay within a common triangle geometry.

The chassis may comprise the arms 6 and/or the handle 5 and/or the wheels and/or the compartments/bars/scaffold.

The golf cart, in particular the hollow body 1 may comprise transport handles that faccilitate lifting of the golfbag. The handles 4 may be arranges on opposites side one of which may be located in vicinity to the front wheel.

The present invention may be described by a golf cart which comprises a hollow body (1 ), for housing golf clubs and the like with a main storage compartment space (2) and a folding at least three-wheeled chassis supporting the hollow body, wherein the hollow body (1) comprises a folding handle (5) and rear wheels (3) arranged on folding arms (6), wherein the arms (6) are retractable between an extended working position and a folded-in transport position in which the handle (5) is preferably folded towards a front wheel and/or the arms (6) of the wheels are preferably foldable towards the handle (5).

Preferably, the hollow body is compact and/or rigid wherein the main storage compartment space (2) comprises compartments Preferably, the main storage compartment space (2) is formed by a shaped pack with compartments, which is firmly embedded in the hollow body (1).

Preferably, at least one additional front storage space (7) is mounted on the front side of the (compact) hollow body (1 ).

Preferably, at least one additional rear storage space (8) is mounted on the rear side of the compact hollow body (1 ).

Preferably, a multifunctional clamping slot is mounted on the handle (5).

Preferably, the main storage compartment space (2) of the hollow body (1) is covered by a cover.

Preferably, the hollow body (1) is provided with a collapsible transport cover.

Industrial applicability

The golf cart according to the invention is usable in the field of sports.

Claims

1. Golf cart, characterized in that it is formed by a hollow body (1 ) with the main storage compartment space (2) and a folding three-wheeled chassis (3), wherein the hollow body (1) a folding handle (5).

2. Golf cart according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the compartments of the main storage compartment space (2) are upholstered.

3. Golf cart according to claim 1, characterized in that the folding threewheeled chassis (3) has a three-position tilting.

4. Golf cart according to claim 1 and 5, characterized in that the folding three-wheeled chassis (3) has a front driven wheel.

5. Golf cart according to claim 1 and 5, characterized in that the folding three-wheeled chassis (3) has two rear wheels mounted on arms (6).

6. Golf cart according to claim 7, characterized in that the axles of the rear wheels are folding on the arms (6) from the transport position to the mobile position and vice versa.