US20080251653A1

US20080251653A1 - Ground Rollable Support For a Golf Bag, and a Wheel Structure For a Mobile Appliance

Info

Publication number: US20080251653A1
Application number: US12/067,588
Authority: US
Inventors: George Manus
Original assignee: Nordict AS
Current assignee: Nordict AS
Priority date: 2005-09-21
Filing date: 2006-09-20
Publication date: 2008-10-16
Also published as: WO2007033674A1; EP1933951A1

Abstract

A kit of elements for erecting a golf bag and a ground rollable support assembly therefor, comprising: a golf bag having a rigid support structure, a wheel structure, and a manoeuvring structure, wherein the wheel structure and the manoeuvring structure is releasably attachable to the support structure. An assembly of a golf bag and a ground rollable support structure comprising: a golf bag having a rigid support structure, a wheel structure, and a manoeuvring structure, wherein the wheel structure and the manoeuvring structure are releasably attached to the support structure. A collapsible wheel structure adapted to be attached to a mobile appliance, and comprising two supporting arms each of which has a folded and an unfolded configuration and each of the two supporting arms are individually attachable to the mobile appliance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a golf bag and a ground rollable support therefore, especially a ground rollable support which is releasably attachable to a rigid support structure. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a wheel structure for a mobile appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Throughout the past decades, golf has become an increasingly more popular sport. Today, thousands of players all over the world play golf on a regular basis. As it is well known, a player's golf clubs and other equipment is normally stored and carried in a golf bag. To facilitate handling and conveyance of golf bags, there has been developed golf trolleys having a frame for supporting the golf bag, two wheels for supporting the frame, and a handle allowing a player to draw the golf trolley with a bag supported thereby. Many golf players who own their own golf clubs, bags and trolleys, have experienced that such equipment takes up a considerable amount of space. This poses not only a domestic storage problem, but also a problem related to transportation of the equipment from, e.g., a player's home to a golf course, for example when the equipment is to be fitted into the trunk of a car. With the growing popularity of compact, low-fuel consumption cars, this problem becomes still more significant.
Therefore, there exists a need for a collapsible golf trolley which occupies less space when collapsed than in its unfolded working configuration. Various collapsible golf trolleys have been proposed in the prior art. One such example may be seen in WO 99/39961 A, which discloses a trolley for a golf bag. The trolley comprises an intermediate frame which is detechabley mounted on a frame, by sliding the intermediate frame comprising projections over a thicker portion, which forms part of a second frame portion.
Further golf trolleys may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,264 B1, DE 94 16 766 U, U.S. Pat. No. 3 719 247 A, WO 92/18206 A, WO 99/36304 A, DE 102 17 764 A, GB 2 096 546 A, and GB 662 882 A.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a kit of elements for erecting a golf bag and a ground rollable support assembly therefor, comprising:

- a golf bag having a rigid support structure;
- a wheel structure; and
- a manoeuvring structure;
  characterised in that the wheel structure and the manoeuvring structure is releasably attachable to the support structure.

It will be appreciated that the provision of a golf bag comprising a rigid support structure to which a wheel structure and a manoeuvring structure may be releasably attached, provides a solution wherein a separate frame structure is dispensable. In the collapsed configuration this is less space consuming than traditional solutions and thus easy to fit into the trunk of even small cars.
Furthermore, the present invention provides fewer parts which must be erected/collapsed and is thus easier and less time consuming to erect/collapse. Yet another advantage of the present invention is the reduced number of parts and, thus, a reduced number of possible failing parts.
The ground rollable support assembly may be adapted to be rolled on any surface in golfing areas, such as on the greens/grass, sand, gravel, forest floor, asphalt, etc. Thus, the diameter of the wheels must be sufficiently large to enable the ground rollable support to pass over uneven surfaces, and the wheels must be sufficiently wide to prevent the wheel from sinking into the surface it is contacting.
The rigid support structure may comprise snap-on means for attaching the wheel structure to the support structure.
The rigid support structure is preferably integrated in the golf bag, i.e. non-releasably attached thereto or integrated therein. At least a part of the rigid support structure may form an outer surface of the golf bag to make it accessible for attachment of the wheel structure and the manoeuvring structure.
Preferably, the rigid support structure is integrated into the bag, such that it is able the support the weight of the bag and prevent the bag from collapsing or bending. Alternatively, the support structure is releasable attachable to any golf bag in such a way that the user need only attach the structure once e.g. right after purchase. In one embodiment the support structure is permanently attached to or permanently forms part of the golf bag. An advantage of integrating the support structure into the bag is that it may be more discrete. Furthermore, the support structure enhances the stiffness of the bag and reduces undesired elements and edges on the outer surface of the bag, as the normally used frame is eliminated.
The wheel structure may comprise one or more wheels. In one embodiment the wheel structure comprises a sufficient number of wheels to allow the golf bag to be rolled on the ground with out being tilted. In the latter embodiment the wheel structure may comprise at least three wheels (or three sets of wheels) which when in contact with the ground, may balance the golf bag, when the bag is rolled by means of the wheels. In another embodiment the golf bag must be tilted in order to be rolled. In the latter embodiment the golf bag may comprise two wheels (or two sets of wheels) which are used to roll the golf bag over the ground. A further part of the golf bag e.g. a bottom part, may be used as a third leg in order to allow parking of the bag.
The manoeuvring structure may be used to handle and manoeuvre the golf bag. It will appreciated that in order to allow the user to manoeuvre the golf bag, the manoeuvring structures must be sufficiently rigid to allow transfer forces and torques form the user to the golf bag. The manoeuvring structure may comprise a handle which may be pivotally connected to the rest of the manoeuvring structure, such that the handle may be changed between different operative positions, depending on the preference of the user.
Furthermore, the handle may be pivotally connected to the rest of the manoeuvring structure, so that the handle, in one configuration, extends in a longitudinal direction, and in another configuration extends in a transverse direction and defines an end surface, such as an uppermost end surface, of the golf bag assembly, when the manoeuvring structure is unfolded and attached to the golf bag.
In one embodiment the wheel structure and/or the manoeuvring structure may have a folded state/configuration and an unfolded state/configuration between which the wheel structure and/or the manoeuvring structure may be shifted. In the folded configuration/state the spatial extend to the device is smaller than in the unfolded configuration/state. By spatial extend is meant the sum of the length, width and height. Accordingly, one dimension e.g. the width, may be larger in the folded state, but as the sum of length, width and height is smaller, the structure may be easier to fit into a compartment, such as a trunk. In one embodiment at least one of the manoeuvring structure and the wheel structure, is adapted to be fitted into a pocket of the golf bag.
In the context of the present invention, the terms “folding” and “unfolding” do not necessarily imply a pivoting action. Folding and unfolding may within the scope of the present invention, also be performed by simple mutual dismantling and re-assembling of parts.
The rigid support structure and/or the manoeuvring structure and/or the wheel structure may be solid and made form plated of plastic or metal materials. However, in order to save weight, the frame members may alternatively be defined by parallel, longitudinal extending frame member portions which are joint together.
In order to allow attachment of the manoeuvring structure and/or the wheel structure to the golf bag, the support structure may comprise a first attachment element adapted to engage a corresponding second attachment element of the wheel structure and/or the manoeuvring structure. It will be appreciated, that the engaging first and second attachment elements must be sufficiently strong to allow transfer of forces and torque between the support structure and the manoeuvring structure and/or wheel structure.
The first and second attachment elements may comprise simple mechanical means, such as a sliding pin arranged on the manoeuvring structure and/or the wheel structure and arranged to slide into a groove of the rigid support structure, spring-biasing means, hooks for engagement with eyelets, etc.
In one embodiment a part of the first attachment element defines an outer surface of the golf bag.
The manoeuvring structure may be releasably attachable to the rigid support structure at a top part of the golf bag, e.g. at one or more points of the upper third of the bag. The manoeuvring structure may be adapted to be attached to and released from the rigid support structure in both the folded and the unfolded state.
In one embodiment the wheel structure comprises: a first wheel structure releasably attachable to the rigid support structure at a bottom part of the golf bag, e.g. at one or more points of the lower third of the bag, and a second wheel structure releasably attachable to the support structure between the bottom part and the top part of the golf bag, e.g. at one or more points of a middle third of the bag. The second wheel structure may comprise any feature or element of the collapsible wheel structure of the third or fourth aspect of the invention.
When the first and/or second support structure is attached to the rigid support structure is may be secured to the golf bag such that it does not disengage the bag by accident and thus allows the assembly to be moved in any direction. Accordingly, each of the wheel structures may comprise a locking mechanism for locking the structure to the bag.
In order to allow the golf bag to be handable/manoeuvrable in rough terrain, the second wheel structure may comprise a suspension element adapted to dampen the relative movement between a wheel of the first and/or second wheel structure and the golf bag/rigid support structure. The suspension element may be one or more translationally and/or rotationally compressible springs. Alternatively or as a supplement, a part of the first and/or second wheel structure such a one or both of the supporting arms described in connection with the third and fourth aspect of the invention, may be adapted to be bend so as to dampen the movement vertical movement of the golf bag, when rolled over an uneven surface.
The golf bag and at the wheel structure may be dimensioned such that the wheel structure and/or the manoeuvring structure may be accommodated in the golf bag, when the wheel structure or the manoeuvring structure, respectively, is in its folded state. Hence, the golf bag may conveniently be used as a transport case for the wheel structure and or the manoeuvring structure. In one embodiment, one or more pockets are attached to an outer surface of the golf bag for accommodating the wheels structure and/or the manoeuvring structure.
The invention according to the first aspect of the invention may comprise any feature(s) or elements(s) of the invention according to the third and fourth aspects of the invention.
In a second aspect the present invention relates to an assembly of a golf bag and a ground rollable support structure comprising:

- a golf bag having a rigid support structure,
- a wheel structure, and
- a manoeuvring structure,
  characterised in that the wheel structure and the manoeuvring structure is releasably attached to the support structure.

The gold bag and ground rollable support structure may comprise any feature(s) and/or element(s) of the first, third and fourth aspect of the invention.
In a third aspect the present invention relates to a collapsible wheel structure adapted to be attached to a mobile appliance such as a golf bag or a trolley for a bicycle, said wheel structure comprising:

- at least two wheels; and
- a wheel supporting structure comprising:
- two supporting arms each of which has a folded and an unfolded configuration, the two supporting arms being symmetrical around a centre plane in the unfolded configuration,
- each arm comprising a first arm section which, in the unfolded configuration, is proximal with respect to the centre plane, and a second arm section which, in the unfolded configuration, is distal with respect to said centre plane,
- the first and second arms sections of each arm being pivotally interconnected, so that the two sections of each arm extend away from the centre plane in the unfolded configuration, the second section of each arm defining a hinged end at which a hinged end of the first arm section is hinged, and an opposite wheel supporting end comprising a supporting element for supporting at least one wheel,
- wherein, in the folded configuration, the wheel supporting end of said second arm section is closer to the hinged end of the first arm section than the hinged end of the second arm section,
  characterised in that each of the two supporting arms are individually attachable to the mobile appliance by means of a first attachment structure adapted to releasably attach each of the supporting arms to a corresponding second attachment structure of the mobile appliance.

The first and second arm sections may be pivotally interconnected by means of at least one hinging member. In one embodiment at least two hinging members interconnect the first and second arm sections, such that the two arm sections may only move in a predetermined path between a first and a second configuration. In the first configuration the first and second arm sections may be essentially parallel to each other, while in the second configuration the second arm section may form a linear extension of one of the hinging members. Thus in the second configuration, the second arm section and one of the hinging members defines a locked knee joint and is thus suitable for transferring translational forces. It will be appreciated that if the two hinging members are locked to each other in the unfolded configuration, the hinging members together with the second arm section, are suitable for transferring a torque between the first and second arm section.
In one embodiment the two supporting arms are releasably attachable to each other. Furthermore, the two supporting arms may be adapted to be releasably locked to the mobile appliance, when they are inserted into a holding member of the mobile appliance and releasably attached to each other.
The supporting element may comprise at least one hub for releasably attachment of one of said wheels. The hub may form part of a supporting element attached to the supporting arm. The supporting element may be pivotable between a storage position wherein most of it is received in a recess of the supporting arm, and a supporting position, wherein the wheels may be attached so as to allow said wheels to support the weight of the mobile appliance
Furthermore, the supporting arms may be adapted to accommodate the hub of the other supporting arm so as to provide a compact storage configuration of the two supporting arms. In one embodiment each of the hubs may be accommodated in the opposite arm, when the supporting element is in the storage position.
To minimize the spatial extent, of the wheel structure is preferably collapsible. More specifically, the collapsible wheel structure may have a first, collapsed configuration, and a second, unfolded configuration, in which the wheel structure constitutes a support for the golf bag. The wheel structure may be detachably secured to a rigid support structure at a position, which in the second, unfolded configuration of the frame members, provides a balanced support for the golf bag, so that the trolley does not tilt over under the weight of the golf bag and its contents.
The wheel structure may have two supporting arms extending from and being interconnected at a centre element, such as a centre hinge. Thus, the wheel structure is preferably symmetrical around a central plane in the unfolded configuration, the central plane thereby defining a symmetry plane of the wheel structure and of the frame. In order to provide for a densely foldable structure, each arm may comprise a first section which, in the unfolded configuration, is proximal with respect to the central plane, and a second section which, in the unfolded configuration, is distal with respect to said central plane. In other words, the two sections of each arm may essentially extend in an end-to-end fashion in the unfolded configuration, and they may extend in parallel and/or in an overlapping manner in the folded configuration.
While the centre element serves to interconnect the first arm sections of the two arms, it may also contribute to the attachment of the wheel structure to the frame. For example, each of the first arm sections may define a groove for engaging a portion of the frame, such as a protrusion provided on the frame, or, more preferably, for engaging one of the rods of the frame in case the frame members comprise a plurality of parallel rods, as discussed above. For example, each of the arm sections may define a groove having essentially the shape of a half-circle, so that one end of the first arm sections defines a pair of nippers for clamping the wheel structure to the frame. It will be appreciated that first arm sections may alternatively be provided with a protrusion for engaging a corresponding groove of the frame. That portion of each first arm section, which engages the frame, is preferably arranged on a side of the element which is opposite to that side of the arm section to which the second arm section is attached. Thus, it may conveniently be achieved that one end of the first arm sections engage the frame, when the first arm sections are unfolded away from the central plane.
There may be provided locking means for locking the unfolded wheel structure to the frame. For example, there may be provided a spring member at the centre element for spring-biasing the first arm sections toward the central plane.
The first and second sections of each arm may be pivotally interconnected, so that the two sections of each arm extend away from the central plane in the unfolded configuration. The second section of each arm may thereby define a hinged end, at which the second arm section is hinged to the first arm section. At an opposite end of the second arm section there may be provided means for supporting one of the wheels.
Each of the first and second arm sections may be arc-shaped to define respective convex and concave side surfaces. Thus, in the folded configuration of each arm, the convex side surface of the second arm section essentially co-extends with the convex side surface of the first arm section, so that the two arm sections of each the two arms define a single curved shape, for example a U-shape. In this, folded configuration the arm sections of the two respective arms may be moved towards each other by mutually pivoting or sliding the first arm sections around/in the centre element, to further limit the spatial extent of the wheel structure. In the unfolded configuration, however, the convex side surface of the second arm section extends in continuation of the concave side surface of the first arm section to form an S-shape, whereby the wheel structure has the spatial extent necessary to provide a stable support for the golf trolley.
The arc-shaped arm sections preferably have a maximum outer diameter in the folded configuration which is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the wheels and/or approximately equal to the inner diameter of the casing, so that the wheel suspension structure, including the arms may be accommodated in the casing.
In order to minimize weight and spatial extent of the wheel structure in the folded configuration, one of the arm sections of each arm may be defined by two mutually spaced arm members, between which at least a portion of the other arm section is received in the folded configuration. For example, the first arm sections may be constituted by two such mutually spaced arm members.
The means for supporting the wheels preferably comprises a rod which is pivotally mounted to the second arm section at that end thereof, which is a free end in the unfolded configuration, i.e. at the end opposite to the hinge which interconnects the first and second arm portions. There may be provided bearings in the wheels for providing improved rolling capabilities of the wheels. In order to secure the wheels in relation to their respective rods, the may be provided a locking mechanism, such as a clamping mechanism, for locking the parts together. For example, each of the rods may comprise an enlarged or reduced diameter portion for engaging or abutting a corresponding groove, flange or protrusion of the wheel hub, the enlarged diameter portion or the wheel hub material being sufficiently elastic to provide the clamping function for releasably attaching the wheel to the rod.
In one embodiment, the rod is pivotally mounted in such a manner that that one of the wheels, which is supported by the rod, is pivotal between a non-operating position, in which an axis of rotation of the wheel is transverse to the second arm section, and an operating position, in which the axis of rotation of the wheel forms an extension of the second arm section. Thus, the wheel need not be dismounted from the rod when the wheel supporting structure is to be collapsed. Preferably, both of the wheels are pivotable such with respect to the respective second arm sections that, in the non-operating position, the wheels and the wheel supporting structure form a sandwich configuration in which wheel supporting structure is sandwiched between the two wheels. This may conveniently be achieved when both wheels are pivotable in the same direction, i.e. clockwise or counter clockwise. In the non-operating position, the wheels may be spring-biased or otherwise forced to be kept in place. Also in the operating position, means may be provided for spring-biasing or otherwise forcing the wheels to stay in place.
According to a fourth aspect the present invention relates to a collapsible wheel structure for a mobile appliance, comprising:

- at least two wheels connectable to a supporting structure, each wheel defining at least one cavity encircled by a rim portion of the wheel;
- a wheel supporting structure movable between a folded and an unfolded configuration, and comprising two supporting arms which in the unfolded configuration form rotational axes for the wheels and which are symmetrical around a central plane,
  characterised in that the supporting structure is adapted to be accommodated in a space formed at least partly by the cavities of the wheels.

The wheel structure may by any of the wheel structures described and disclosed in this application. The invention according to the fourth aspect may comprise any feature(s) and/or element(s) of any of the other aspects of the invention.
In one embodiment the entire supporting structure is adapted to be accommodated in the space formed by the cavities of the wheels. For example, one wheel may be placed with a cavity facing upwards, subsequently the supporting structure may be placed in the cavity, and subsequently another wheel may be placed with a cavity facing downwards over the supporting structure, whereby the supporting structure is accommodated in the space defined by the upward facing cavity of the lower wheel and the downward facing cavity of the upper wheel. The result is that the outer dimensions of this compact configuration is defined by the outer diameter of the wheels and the width of the two wheels.
In one embodiment the supporting structure is adapted to be folded while attached to the wheels, such that the structure folding action moves the structure into the two cavities, whereby the structure is accommodated in the space defined by the two cavities.
The cavity encircled by the rim portion of each wheel may comprise or constitute a space between an axle of the wheel and the rim portion, i.e. an annular space encircled by the rim portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a golf bag comprising a rollable and erectable support,

FIGS. 2-9 show a first embodiment of the wheel structure according to the invention,

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate a manoeuvring structure according to the invention,

FIGS. 12-16 show a second embodiment of the wheel structure according to the invention, and

FIGS. 17-20 illustrate a third embodiment of the wheel structure according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a golf bag 100, a wheel structure 102, and a manoeuvring structure 104. The golf bag comprises a rigid support structure 106, which in the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 1 defines a back part of the bag. The support structure is strong enough to support the weight of the golf bag and rigid enough to prevent the golf bag from collapsing and bending. In FIG. 1 the wheel structure 102 and the manoeuvring structure 104 are in an unfolded configuration. Shifting between the folded and unfolded configuration of the wheel structure and the manoeuvring structure is described in further detail below in connection with FIGS. 2-9 and FIGS. 10-11, respectively.
The wheel structure 104 comprises a first wheel structure 108 and a second wheel structure 110. The first wheel structure 108 is releasably attached to a bottom part 112 of the golf bag and the manoeuvring structure is releasably attached to a top part 114 of the gold bag, i.e. in the end adapted for receiving the golf clubs. The second wheel structure 110 is releasably attached to the rigid support structure 106 between the bottom part 112 and the top part 114.
When the manoeuvring structure and the wheel structure are in the folded configuration, their outer dimensions are small enough to allow accommodation of said structures in pockets 116 of the bag, this is further described in relation to FIGS. 3, 6, 9 and 11. In the use situation the wheel structure 102 allows the golf bag to be moved on the ground by means of the wheels 118. This may be done by means of three wheels, i.e. two wheels of the second wheel structure 110 and one wheel of the first wheel structure 108. Alternatively, the bag may be tilted such that it is only supported by the wheels of the second support structure 110 and the hand of the user. In the latter situation, the golf bag 100 may be balanced by means of the manoeuvring structure 104, which thus must be rigid enough to allow manoeuvring of the bag, i.e. rigid enough to allow transfer of forces and torques form a handle 120 to the top part 114 of the golf bag.
In FIG. 2 the second wheel structure 110 is viewed in the direction indicated by arrow 122 in FIG. 1. For reasons of simplicity the golf bag itself is not shown in FIG. 2. However, a first support element 124 of the rigid support structure 106 is shown in FIG. 2. The first support element 124 defines an outer surface of the golf bag. The second wheel structure 110 is releasably attached to the rigid support structure by engagement between the first attachment element 124 and second attachment elements 126 (which may be seen in FIGS. 3-5). The second attachment elements 126 are adapted to be slidably received in the first attachment element 124. This is further described in connection with FIG. 7.
The second wheel structure 110 comprises two supporting arms 128 each of which has a folded configuration (shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6) and an unfolded configuration (shown in FIGS. 2 and 7). The two supporting arms 128 are symmetrical around a centre plane 130 in the unfolded configuration (c.f. FIG. 2), i.e. one of the arms is the other arms symmetrical image. Each arm comprises a first arm section 132 which in the unfolded configuration is proximal with respect to the centre plane 130, as shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, each supporting arm 128 comprises a second arm section 134 which in the unfolded configuration is distal with respect to said centre plane 130. The first and second arm sections 132,134 are pivotally interconnected by means of first and second hinging elements 136,138 and pivots 140.
The first and second arm sections 132,134 are pivotally interconnected such that the two sections 132,134 of each arm extend away from the centre plane 130 in the unfolded configuration as shown in FIG. 2. The second arm section 134 of each arm defines a hinged end 142, at which a hinged end 144 of the first arm section 132 is hinged by means of the first and second hinging elements 136,138. The second arm section 134 further comprises a wheel supporting end 146, which is pivotally connected to a supporting element 148 comprising a hub 150 for supporting at least one wheel 118. The supporting element 148 may be shifted between a storage position as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, and a non-storage position, wherein a wheel 118 may be releasably and rotatably secured to the hub, as shown in FIG. 2. In the storage position most of the supporting element 148 except form the hub 150, is received in a recess of the second arm section.
In order to facilitate a compact configuration of the two supporting arms, the second arm sections 134 may comprise cavities 152 (see FIG. 5) adapted to receive the hub of the other second arm section 134 as shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, by inserting the hubs 150 into the cavities 152 and pushing the two supporting arms towards each other as indicated by arrows 154, it is possible to provide a compact configuration which may be inserted into a pocket 116 of the golf bag.
It may be seen from FIG. 3 that when the supporting arms 128 are in the folded configuration, the wheel supporting end 146 of the second arm section 134 is closer to the hinged end 144 of the first arm section 132 than to the hinged end 142 of the second arm section 134.
Each of the supporting arms 128 comprises a locking mechanism with a slidable member 156 as shown in FIG. 5. The mechanism comprises two first locking surfaces 158, which when engaging each other locks the supporting arm in the folded configuration (as shown in FIG. 4), and two second locking surfaces 160 which when engaging each other locks the supporting arms in the unfolded configuration.
FIG. 5 illustrates one of the supporting arms in the process of being shifted from the folded to the unfolded configuration, as indicated by arrow 162. Following this process, each arm may be releasably attached to the rigid support structure 106 by sliding the protrusions 164 of second attachment elements 126 of each supporting arm into the recesses 166 of the first attachment element 124, see FIGS. 6 and 7. A result of this process is that a lateral locking mechanism 168 locks the two supporting arms to each other. Furthermore, lateral movement of the two supporting arms is prevented by a locking pin 170, which the two supporting arms abut in the locked position. The locking pin may be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7.
FIG. 6 illustrates the wheel structure in a dismantled state wherein the wheels are not attached to the hub and the suppoting arms are in the folded configuration. The first attachment element 124 is also disclosed, however normally this element is permanently attached to the golf bag.
In FIG. 7 the supporting arms 128 are in the unfolded state and the wheels 118 are rotatably and releasably attached to the hubs. The next step in assembling the wheel structure is to slide the protrusions 164 (not shown) into the recesses 166 as described above.
FIGS. 8 and 9 discloses the first wheel structure 108 which comprises a wheel arrangement 171 and a trailing arm 172 which is adapted to be attached to the rigid support structure 106 by allowing engagement elements 174 of a third attachment element 176 to be inserted into cavities 178 of the trailing arm 172. By sliding the trailing arm 172 relative to the third attachment element the trailing arm is locked to said element. Normally the third attachment element forms part of the rigid support structure and defines an outer surface of the golf bag. In an opposite end of the trailing arm, there is provided a cylindrical element 180 defining a hole 182 into which a hub 184 of a wheel 118 of the first wheel structure, may be introduced. The cylindrical element 180 may comprise a collar 186 defining a recess (not shown) through which a locking pin 188 may be moved. By rotating the wheel arrangement 171 half a revolution around the axis defined by the hub 184, the wheel arrangement is translationally locked in relation to the trailing arm while allowing relative rotation.
FIGS. 10 and 11 shows the manoeuvring structure 104 in the unfolded state and the folded state, respectively. The manoeuvring structure comprises a proximal part 190 and a distal part 192, which are pivotally interconnected by means of interconnecting hinging members 194. The manoeuvring structure 104 may be releasably attached to the rigid support structure 106 by means of cavities 178 and corresponding attachment elements, as described in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9. The cavities are provided in a proximal end 196 of the proximal part 190. The opposite distal end 198 is pivotally connected to a proximal end 200 of the distal part 192, by means of the interconnecting hinging members 194. In the folded configuration the proximal end 200 of the distal part 192, is closer to the proximal end 196 than to the distal end 198 of the proximal part 190.
A handle 202 is connected to the distal part 192 via an extension 204. The extension 204 is pivotally connected to the distal part 192. The handle 202 may be shifted between a manoeuvring position shown in FIG. 10 and a storage position shown in FIG. 11. In the storage position the handle may be rotated relative to the distal part 192, such that the longest dimension of the handle extends in a direction parallel with the longitudinal direction of the distal and/or proximal part 192,190. The latter arrangement enables a compact configuration, such that the manoeuvring element may be stored in a pocket 116 of the golf bag.
In order to lock the manoeuvring structure 104 in the unfolded configuration, there may be provided a first locking mechanism 206 for locking the interconnecting hinging members 194 relative to each other, and a second locking mechanism 208 for locking the extension 204 and the distal part 192 to each other.
A second embodiment of the wheel structure will now be described with reference to FIGS. 12-16. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, each second arm sections 258,260 comprises a hinged end 280,282, at which the second arm sections 258,260 are hinged to first arm sections 254,256. At opposite ends 284,286 of the second arm sections 258,260 there is provided means for supporting the wheels 218,220, such means comprising pivotally mounted rods 288,290 hinged at hinges 292,294. When the wheel structure is to be unfolded, the first arm sections 254,256 are first pivoted outwardly around centre hinge 262, and then the second arm sections 258,260 are moved away from the centre hinge 262 by pivoting thereof around the arm hinges 264,266. Next, the rods 288,290 are pivoted outwardly to the position shown in FIG. 14, and the wheels 218,220 are mounted to the rods 288,290 as shown in FIG. 15. In the final position illustrated in FIG. 16, the grooves 268,270 define an essentially circle shaped enclosure for attaching the wheel structure to a mobile appliance, such as to a rigid support structure described above.
In an alternative embodiment of the wheel structure (not shown), the rods 288,290 are pivotally mounted in such a manner that the wheels are pivotal between a non-operating position, in which the wheels' axes of rotation are transverse to the second arm sections 258,260, and an operating position, in which the axes of rotation of the wheels form an extension of the second arm sections. Thus, the wheels need not be dismounted from the rods in order to collapse the wheel supporting structure and the associated wheels.
As it is apparent from FIGS. 12 and 15, that end of the second arm sections 258,260 which is opposite to the hinged end 280,282 is closer to the centre hinge in the folded configuration (FIG. 12) than in the unfolded configuration (FIG. 15). It is thereby achieved that the wheel structure is as compact in the folded configuration as shown in FIG. 12.
Each of the first and second arm sections are arc-shaped. Thereby, the first arm sections 254,256 define convex side surfaces 296,298 and concave side surfaces 297,299, cf. FIG. 13. Likewise, the second arm sections 258,260 define convex side surfaces 296′,298′ and concave side surfaces 297′,299′. In the unfolded configuration shown in FIG. 8, the convex side surfaces 296′,298′ of the second arm sections 258,260 extend in continuation of the concave side surfaces 297,299 of the first arm sections 254,258, so that the arms 250,252 essentially define the form of an S in the unfolded configuration.
As shown in FIG. 13, the first arm sections 254,256 are defined by two mutually spaced arm members 254′,254″ and 256′,256″, between which a portion of each of the second arm sections 258,260 is received in the folded configuration shown in FIG. 12.
A third embodiment of the wheel structure is now described with reference to FIGS. 17-20, in which the wheel structure 322 comprises two arms 350,352, which define first arm sections 354,356 and second arm sections 358,360. Each of the first arm sections 354,356 is pivotally connected to a respective second arm section 358,360 around arm hinges 364,366.
The process of unfolding the wheel structure 322 is illustrated in FIGS. 17-20, i.e. from an folded state in FIG. 16 to an unfolded state in FIG. 20. The wheel structure is unfolded by disengaging locking means 323 (see FIG. 20), whereby the arms 350,352 may be slid away from each other as shown in FIGS. 17-20. The arms 350,352 are pivotally received in grooves of the centre element 362, such that the arms may both be slid away from each other and rotated in relation to each other. When the arms 350,352 are slid away from each other the first arm sections 354,356 may be rotated in relation to the second arm sections 358,360, about hinges 364,366. Furthermore the wheels 318,320 may be rotated from a position wherein they extend in a plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by the wheel structure 322 (as depicted in FIG. 19), to a position wherein they extend in a plane transverse to the plane defined by the wheel structure 322 (as depicted in FIG. 20). The axis of rotation of the wheels 318,320 are illustrated by axis 319,321.
In order to ensure a compact configuration when the trolley is folded into its cylindrical, folded configuration, the wheel 118 of the trailing wheel arrangement (cf. FIG. 8-9) may have a width which does not exceed the distance between opposing surfaces of the wheels 318, 320, so that the wheel 118 fits between the wheels in the cylindrical configuration.
The wheel structure of the third embodiment will now be described in further detail with reference to FIG. 20. Each of the second arm sections 358,360 comprises a hinged end 380,382, at which the second arm sections 358,360 are hinged to the first arm sections 354,356. At opposite ends 384,386 of the second arm sections 358,360 there is provided means for supporting the wheels 318,320, such means comprising pivotally mounted rods 388,390 hinged at hinges 392,394 allowing rotation in the plane defined by the wheel structure and hinged at hinges 393,395 allowing rotation about axis 319,321. When the wheel structure is to be unfolded, the first arm sections 354,356 are first slid away from each other and thereafter pivoted outwards. Then the second arm sections 358,360 are moved away from the first arm sections 354,356 by pivoting thereof around the arm hinges 364,366. Next, the rods 388,390 are rotated about axes 319,321 to the position shown in FIG. 20. In some embodiments the wheels are permanently coupled to the rods 388,390, while in other embodiments the wheels 218,220 are detachably mounted to the rods 288,290.
Each of the first and second arm sections are arc-shaped. Thereby, the first arm sections 354,356 define convex side surfaces 396,398 and concave side surfaces 397,399, cf. FIG. 20. Likewise, the second arm sections 358,360 define convex side surfaces 396′,398′ and concave side surfaces 397′,399′. In the unfolded configuration shown in FIG. 20, the convex side surfaces 396′,398′ of the second arm sections 358,360 extend in continuation of the concave side surfaces 397,399 of the first arm sections 354,358, so that the arms 350,352 essentially define the form of an S in the unfolded configuration.
As shown in FIG. 20, the first arm sections 354,356 are defined by two mutually spaced arm members 354′,354″ and 356′,356″, between which a portion of each of the second arm sections 358,360 is received in the folded configuration. The spaced arm members 354′,354″ and 356′,356″ are interconnected by bars 400.

Claims

1. A kit of elements for erecting a golf bag and a ground rollable support assembly therefor, comprising:

a golf bag having a rigid support structure;

a wheel structure; and

a manoeuvring structure;

characterised in that the wheel structure and the manoeuvring structure is releasably attachable to the support structure.

2. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the rigid support structure is integrated in the golf bag, with at least a part of the rigid support structure forming an outer surface of the golf bag.

3. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the wheel structure and/or the manoeuvring structure has a folded state and an unfolded state between which the wheel structure and/or the manoeuvring structure may be shifted.

4. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a first attachment element adapted to engage a corresponding second attachment element of the wheel structure and/or the manoeuvring structure so as to attach said wheel structure and/or manoeuvring structure to the golf bag.

5. A kit according to claim 4, wherein a part of the first attachment element defines an outer surface of the golf bag.

6. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the manoeuvring structure is releasably attachable to the rigid support structure at a top part of the golf bag.

7. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the wheel structure comprises:

a first wheel structure releasably attachable to the rigid support structure at a bottom part of the golf bag; and

a second wheel structure releasably attachable to the support structure between the bottom part and the top part of the golf bag.

8. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the second wheel structure comprises a suspension element adapted to dampen the relative movement between a wheel of the second wheel structure and the golf bag.

9. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the rigid support structure is permanently attached to or forms part of the golf bag.

10. A kit according to claim 3, wherein the golf bag and at the wheel structure and/or the manoeuvring structure are dimensioned such that the wheel structure or the manoeuvring structure, respectively, may be accommodated in the golf bag, when the wheel structure is in its folded state.

11. An assembly of a golf bag and a ground rollable support structure comprising:

a golf bag having a rigid support structure;

a wheel structure; and

a manoeuvring structure;

characterised in that the wheel structure and the manoeuvring structure is releasably attached to the support structure.

12. A collapsible wheel structure adapted to be releasably attached to a mobile appliance, said wheel structure comprising:

at least two wheels; and

a wheel supporting structure comprising:

two supporting arms each of which has a folded and an unfolded configuration, the two supporting arms being symmetrical around a centre plane in the unfolded configuration,

each arm comprising a first arm section which, in the unfolded configuration, is proximal with respect to the centre plane, and a second arm section which, in the unfolded configuration, is distal with respect to said centre plane,

the first and second arms sections of each arm being pivotally interconnected, so that the two sections of each arm extend away from the centre plane in the unfolded configuration, the second section of each arm defining a hinged end at which a hinged end of the first arm section is hinged, and an opposite wheel supporting end comprising a supporting element for supporting at least one wheel, wherein, in the folded configuration, the wheel supporting end of said second arm section is closer to the hinged end of the first arm section than the hinged end of the second arm section,

characterised in that each of the two supporting arms are individually attachable to the mobile appliance by means of a first attachment structure adapted to releasably attach each of the supporting arms to a corresponding second attachment structure of the mobile appliance.

13. A wheel structure according to claim 12, wherein the two supporting arms are releasably attachable to each other.

14. A wheel structure according to claim 12, wherein each of the supporting element comprises at least one hub for releasably attachment of one of said wheels.

15. A wheel structure according to claim 14, wherein each of the supporting arms is adapted to accommodate the hub of the other supporting arm so as to provide a compact storage configuration of the two supporting arms.

16. A collapsible wheel structure for a mobile appliance, comprising:

at least two wheels connectable to a supporting structure, each wheel defining at least one cavity encircled by a rim portion of the wheel;

a wheel supporting structure movable between a folded and an unfolded configuration, and comprising two supporting arms which in the unfolded configuration form rotational axes for the wheels and which are symmetrical around a central plane,

characterised in that the supporting structure is adapted to be accommodated in a space formed at least partly by the cavities of the wheels.

17. A structure according to claim 16, wherein the entire supporting structure is adapted to be accommodated in the space formed by the cavities of the wheels.

18. A structure according to claim 16, wherein said cavity encircled by the rim portion of each wheel comprises a space between an axle of the wheel and the rim portion.