U.S. patent application number 12/067588 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for ground rollable support for a golf bag, and a wheel structure for a mobile appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to NORDICT A/S. Invention is credited to George Manus.
Application Number | 20080251653 12/067588 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35708572 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080251653 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Manus; George |
October 16, 2008 |
Ground Rollable Support For a Golf Bag, and a Wheel Structure For a
Mobile Appliance
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.
Inventors: |
Manus; George; (Turre,
ES) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Muncy, Geissler, Olds & Lowe, PLLC
P.O. BOX 1364
FAIRFAX
VA
22038-1364
US
|
Assignee: |
NORDICT A/S
Soborg
DK
|
Family ID: |
35708572 |
Appl. No.: |
12/067588 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
September 20, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DK2006/000519 |
371 Date: |
April 16, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/96 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 2205/006 20130101;
B62B 2202/404 20130101; B62B 2205/104 20130101; B62B 5/067
20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; B62B 5/06 20130101; B62B 1/04
20130101; B62B 3/10 20130101; B62B 2205/12 20130101; B62B 1/042
20130101; B62B 2205/121 20130101; B62B 3/106 20130101; B62B 2205/04
20130101; B62B 2205/10 20130101; A63B 55/60 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/96 |
International
Class: |
A63B 55/08 20060101
A63B055/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 21, 2005 |
EP |
EP 05077159.1 |
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.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] 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
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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
[0005] 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: [0006] a golf bag having a rigid
support structure; [0007] a wheel structure; and [0008] a
manoeuvring structure; characterised in that the wheel structure
and the manoeuvring structure is releasably attachable to the
support structure.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] The rigid support structure may comprise snap-on means for
attaching the wheel structure to the support structure.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] In one embodiment a part of the first attachment element
defines an outer surface of the golf bag.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] In a second aspect the present invention relates to an
assembly of a golf bag and a ground rollable support structure
comprising: [0031] a golf bag having a rigid support structure,
[0032] a wheel structure, and [0033] a manoeuvring structure,
characterised in that the wheel structure and the manoeuvring
structure is releasably attached to the support structure.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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: [0036] at least two wheels; and [0037] a
wheel supporting structure comprising: [0038] 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, [0039] 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, [0040] 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, [0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] According to a fourth aspect the present invention relates
to a collapsible wheel structure for a mobile appliance,
comprising: [0057] at least two wheels connectable to a supporting
structure, each wheel defining at least one cavity encircled by a
rim portion of the wheel; [0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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
[0063] Embodiments of the present invention will now be further
described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0064] FIG. 1 shows a golf bag comprising a rollable and erectable
support,
[0065] FIGS. 2-9 show a first embodiment of the wheel structure
according to the invention,
[0066] FIGS. 10-11 illustrate a manoeuvring structure according to
the invention,
[0067] FIGS. 12-16 show a second embodiment of the wheel structure
according to the invention, and
[0068] FIGS. 17-20 illustrate a third embodiment of the wheel
structure according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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.
[0086] 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.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] 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.
[0095] 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.
* * * * *